Category: News

Many underestimate the importance of a good night’s rest. Getting enough sleep is vital to maintaining optimal health and well-being. It’s as essential as regular exercise and eating a balanced diet.

Conversely, being sleep deprived negatively affects brain function. Cognition, concentration, productivity, and performance are all affected by the amount of sleep that you get.

• 35% of Americans don’t get the recommended seven hours of sleep each night.
• On average, Americans currently get only 6.8 hours of sleep each night.
• In 1910 the average person slept 9 hours a night.
• Roughly 20% of Americans have a sleep disorder.
• Since 1985 the percentage of adults getting less than six hours of sleep each night has increased by 31%.
• 97% of teenagers get less than the recommended amount of sleep.
• 7 out of 10 college students don’t get adequate sleep.
• Sleep deprivation costs the US $411 billion annually.
• 37.9% of people reported unintentionally falling asleep during the day or at work in the last 30 days.

Unfortunately, with today’s busy workplace, getting the right amount of sleep is difficult – even though it’s crucial to get enough sleep regularly!

Better concentration and productivity

Those that are sleep-deprived have more trouble refocusing on a task after an interruption compared to someone who’s well-rested.We all deal with those small disruptions at work – the phone rings, a coworker asks for help, or your boss needs you to handle something – it happens all the time.

How quickly you’re able to jump right back into your original task depends directly on how much sleep you got the night before. Getting a good night’s sleep will also increase your accuracy. According to an article in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, one of the largest sleep deprivation studies ever, it concluded that people are about twice as likely to make mistakes when they’re sleep-deprived.

Lower weight gain risk

A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who aren’t getting enough sleep were more prone to late-night snacking, and were more likely to choose high-carb snacks.

Backing up this research was another study at the University of Chicago, where sleep-deprived participants chose snacks with twice as much fat content as those who slept at least 8 hours.

Another way insufficient sleep affects your weight is by triggering a cortisol spike. Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone, and it also controls your mood, motivation, and fear. According to Healthline, over time, high levels of cortisol may cause weight gain and high blood pressure.

Get sick less often

Studies have shown that employees who sleep for 5 hours a night miss 1 ½ times more work days due to illness than employees who sleep 8 hours a night.

According to the Mayo Clinic, lack of sleep can affect your immune system. People that don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus. It can also affect how quickly you recover once you do get sick.

Improves mood

A study at the University of Pennsylvania found that participants who were only allowed 4.5 hours of sleep a night for one week were more stressed, temperamental, and mentally fatigued.

Once they were allowed sufficient sleep, they reported a dramatic improvement in mood. We’ve all been there; a bad night’s sleep makes us grumpy and irritable the next day. We tend to overreact when things aren’t going exactly how we would like them to go.

Conversely, when we wake up refreshed from a good night’s sleep, we’re able to handle things better.

Helps with cardiovascular health

Quality sleep is critical to good health, especially for your heart. During sleep, your blood pressure goes down. When you have sleep problems, your blood pressure stays at a higher rate for a longer period of time. This sustained and elevated blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke.

Dr. Susan Redline, a Professor of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School states that “Sleep-deprived people have higher blood levels of stress hormones and substances that indicate inflammation, a key player in cardiovascular disease. Even a single night of insufficient sleep can perturb your system.”

Now that you know how important sleep is for your overall health, here are some tips to help you sleep faster and have better quality sleep:

1. Changes to your daily activities that can improve sleep

• Incorporate physical activity into your day, but not right before you go to bed.
• Limit your caffeine intake, especially late in the day.
• Drink alcohol in moderation.
• Don’t eat a large meal close to bedtime.
• Quit smoking. Nicotine is a stimulant and will make it harder to sleep.
• Limit your daytime naps to short power naps of 30 minutes or less.

2. Changes to your nighttime habits that can improve sleep

• Create a good sleep environment. Make sure the room is dark and quiet.
• Set up a routine of going to bed at the same time every night. A consistent nighttime routine will help set your body’s internal clock and help you get to sleep each night.
• Avoid using technology like computers, phones, or TVs right before bed.
• Relax and clear your mind before bed. Consider listening to relaxing music, reading a book, meditating, or taking a hot bath.
• Instead of stressing about the events of the day or what you have planned for the next day, relax your mind and think about positive things.

Figure out what works best for you to allow yourself to get a quality night’s sleep every night. It will improve your health, brain function, and mood.

The ideal morning and evening routines

Waking up marks the beginning of a new day. And what you do first thing in the morning can make or break your day.

That’s why you need a new approach towards mornings. Even if you’ve never considered yourself a morning person, there are ways to ensure you start the morning on a high note.

One way to do that is to get enough sleep and prepare the night before. More on that later.

But build the habit of waking up with the first alarm. Otherwise, you’re basically telling the Universe that you aren’t looking forward to your day and want to put that off for later.

If, instead, you wake up passionate to do some meaningful work, excited about the opportunities that might come your way, and determined to do your best job,  you’ll crush it.

What happens once you leave bed, though?

Try some or all of the following:

• Make your bed;
• Drink a glass of water;
• Stretch;
• Meditate for a few minutes;
• Visualize a successful and productive day;
• Write a few things you’re grateful for;
• Go through (or write down now) your to-do list for the day;
• Include a quick workout.

Just imagine the difference in your health, relationships, mood, focus and career if your daily routine begins this way.

The ideal evening routine

When the day is over, don’t take your work home. Your mind won’t be able to relax if you insist on bringing the office home with you.

If you can’t let go of stress and responsibilities once it’s time to get ready for bed, you’re undoing all the great work you completed during the day.

That’s when having an evening routine will help. Dedicate your last hour of being awake to a few of the following activities:

• Declutter the room;
• Take a soothing bath;
• Unplug from electronic devices;
• Have a nice chat with your loved one;
• Don’t drink or eat right before bed;
• Review how you spent your day;
• Prepare your breakfast, clothes, and to-do list for tomorrow morning;
• Read a book in bed to get yourself to sleep naturally.

We’re all susceptible to the occasional afternoon lull—that 3pm slump where it’s hard to concentrate or focus on your tasks. Here are 5 ways you can give yourself an energy boost and stay productive through your afternoon:

HAVE A HEALTHY SNACK

Choose snacks that incorporate complex carbohydrates, fiber and protein like whole grain crackers, assorted nuts or raw fruits and vegetables. Unlike a chocolate bar, these snacks will elevate your blood sugar steadily and keep it consistent, rather than experiencing drastic highs and lows.

GO FOR A WALK

Take ten minutes to stretch your legs. Working in an office setting can mean hours of sitting behind a desk. Taking some time to move around and get your blood flowing is important and can give you more energy to get through your afternoon.

LISTEN TO UPLIFTING MUSIC

Plug in your headphones and opt for music that is upbeat and high spirited. Music streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music have pre-selected playlists that you can choose from via the search bar which are created for light, uplifting songs. Alternatively, you can search YouTube for similar playlists.

STAY HYDRATED

Drinking enough water each day has many health benefits. For beating the afternoon slump, staying hydrated means consistently replenishing your body with the right type of liquids to keep going. Although coffee can help you wake up, it is dehydrating to your system. Ensure you drink enough water to combat the dehydrating effects of coffee and other dehydrants throughout your day.

CHEW GUM

Studies have shown that chewing gum can enhance memory performance, reduce stress and help you stay awake. The chewing stimulates the muscles in your face and increase blood flow in your head. By choosing peppermint flavoured gum, you can give yourself an added boost as the scent has been known to increase alertness.  Ensure you practice good manners while chewing gum in the office; chewing with your mouth closed and not blowing bubbles.

Summer is a notoriously tough job hunting season, but don’t despair, we like to think of it as a great opportunity for job seekers to get ahead of the game. And here’s why:

Less competition

While it’s true a lot of decision-makers take holidays over the summer, it’s similarly true that job seekers do as well. So while your fellow job seekers are taking a break, continuing to commit just 1-2 hours a day to your job search will make sure you’re top of mind and being seen amongst a smaller pool of applicants.

Opportunities to temp

With many staff taking summer breaks, businesses still need to keep the ship afloat and turn to temporary workers to fill positions over the summer. There are always a number of temporary positions available that are a great way to get your foot in the door with some top-tier companies, as well as fill your resume with relevant experience.

It’s high season

For some industries. Not all businesses slow down over summer, in fact, it’s the exact opposite for industries like tourism, agriculture and construction. Doing a little bit of research into what industries are hiring during this peak season can go a long way in your job search.

Summer is great for networking

Job hunting in the summer doesn’t have to be a lonesome, lock-yourself-indoors activity. Get outdoors and amongst all the summer activities and events.. and network! Look at your summer plans as an opportunity to meet new people and make important connections. It doesn’t have to be an aggressive elevator pitch to everyone you know (you don’t want to be ‘that guy’); take the opportunity to find out about different workplaces and jobs people have, maybe even inquire about setting up an informational interview.

The hiring environment has become more uncertain in recent months, to say the least. However, the positive news is that many businesses are still staffing both on-site and remote positions, including in their accounting and finance departments. If you have a well-developed set of accounting skills, that could increase your chances of being a strong contender for jobs you are targeting.

Essential accounting skills encompass more than the ability to crunch numbers, complete expense sheets and depreciate fixed assets. In addition to traditional accounting knowledge, there are a number of hard and soft skills that every accounting professional needs, whether they are working in an office or remotely.

Following is an overview of seven sets of accounting skills — some technical, some not — that can help you to advance your accounting job search, as well as your accounting career.

General business knowledge

The scope of accounting and finance positions has been expanding over time, and especially so in recent years. In particular, these professionals must collaborate and coordinate more often with colleagues in other departments.

So, it’s important to know what other functions do and how the work of the accounting and finance organization helps to support their initiatives. The better you understand the overall workings of the business, and how you and your team fit into the “big picture,” the more productive your relationships outside your department will be.

Up-to-date technology expertise

Finance leaders are often challenged in finding professionals who have up-to-date technology expertise listed among their accounting skills. But you can be sure that working with finance-specific software programs will be a given in your role, as accounting firms and other organizations continue to expand their use of accounting automation.

Other examples of technology-related accounting skills that are in demand by many employers include:

• Advanced Excel ability
• Enterprise resource planning (ERP) experience (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Expertise in big data analysis, advanced modeling techniques and SQL
• Knowledge of business intelligence software (e.g., IBM Cognos)
• Microsoft Visual Basic capability
• Aptitude with Hyperion (for analyst and financial reporting roles)
• Microsoft Visual Basic skills
• Knowledge of QuickBooks (for positions with small and midsize firms)

If you want to advance in your current position, consider asking your manager about online accounting skills training options that the company may be able to arrange. Or, if you’re currently searching for a job, you could enroll yourself in an online course in one of the skills areas listed above. Being proactive about your professional development could impress a potential employer.

Communication skills

Stay-at-home orders have put communication abilities front and center among must-have skills as many workers have transitioned to remote jobs. The good news is that accounting and finance professionals have had to hone one of these abilities for years: presenting information in an easy-to-digest manner, especially for audiences that are not as numbers-savvy. Now, it’s time to refine other communication skills.

The ability to relay information clearly and concisely by enhancing your verbal and writing skills is essential. More good news is that you and your colleagues working from home may already have a leg up on this skill, as you’ve had to turn to email (writing skills) and video platforms (verbal skills) for each and every daily interaction, from business requests to simple morning greetings.

Adaptability and flexibility

Adaptability and flexibility were also top among the skills accounting and finance professionals needed even before the pandemic. Technological change, like the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) as a critical business tool, was a key driver for that trend, and you can expect that it will remain so. But now, as businesses try to define and operationalize their next “new normal,” the ability to pivot and roll with change is an absolute must.

Creativity and a willingness to help others

The best accounting professionals are ambitious self-starters who can develop new insights. You may need to serve as a source of aid when colleagues require help navigating a particular program or managing their first busy-season audit.

Your managers may also look to you for fresh ideas as to how the organization can ensure continuity of service to clients (especially during this time of disruption), improve compliance procedures or address a host of other issues.

Customer service orientation

Whether you work in public or private accounting, solid customer service skills are critical, too. If you work in a public accounting firm, you need to be able to retain current customers and bring in new clients. And if you work in corporate accounting, you must meet the needs of the organization’s other departments and managers.

Accounting professionals can demonstrate good customer service by earnestly listening to the needs and concerns of clients, whether they’re internal or external.

Specialized experience

Specialized experience, such as a focus on regulatory compliance, can be a strong complement to your set of accounting skills. Many employers also look for candidates with backgrounds in anti-money laundering (AML), know your customer (KYC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR) and the Dodd-Frank Act, particularly rules related to capital adequacy and consumer protection.

Companies also seek accountants with experience in revenue recognition. Organizations like the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) offer courses on revenue recognition to help you better understand and implement the current and new revenue recognition principles — and make appropriate revenue recognition decisions.

Look for ways to boost your accounting skills

As you work to grow your career, consider earning in-demand accounting certifications. And always look for opportunities to get training that will make you more marketable as a job candidate, and more valuable as a team member.

That said, for many of the above skills, on-the-job experience is the best method for learning. One way to gain that experience is by working in temporary accounting and finance positions while you build up your resume and search for a full-time role.

In this uncertain time, many businesses are looking to staff accounting and finance positions with temporary and part-time professionals who they can count on to get the job done — and perhaps, work remotely. And the experience could put you on the path to finding more permanent employment sooner.

If COVID-19 has impacted your regular work schedule or routine, you’ve likely been working from home for several months now. While working from home has its perks, it also can be challenging to focus, limiting your productivity levels. Everyone procrastinates, but it’s essential to push past the distractions to get your work done and actively contribute to your team and organization. So how can you conquer procrastination while working from home for good? Check out our tips below! 

Make a projects list the night before

A way to ensure productivity is curating to-do lists for the next day’s workday after you’ve completed your projects for the day. To-do lists are a great way to make sure you’re being productive and accomplishing what needs to be done in your role. Also, crossing tasks and projects off a to-do list can be gratifying – especially if you are questioning your progress. 

Do the hardest projects/tasks in the morning

Assess your project list for the day and then knock out the most challenging and most tedious tasks in the morning, so you won’t have to dread handling them throughout the day. We all want to avoid that one project or email, but it’s best to get it done sooner than later. 

Block off your calendar and turn off notifications

To maximize your time and productivity levels, block off your calendar to pencil in time to get your projects done. Blocking off your calendar will limit incoming calendar invitations for meetings, which will allow you to get projects done promptly. Turning off Slack and social media notifications can also help you focus on the task at hand. 

Take several breaks throughout the day, including lunch

Be sure to schedule in downtime as part of your workday, too. Although high productivity is often rewarded, being sustainable with your work output is just as important. Taking multiple breaks throughout the workday can help you regain your focus and build up your momentum to attack your projects again. 

Create rewards for yourself

Reward yourself for finishing your projects and tasks by waiting to binge watch that TV series, or answer that email, or check your social media profiles. You can also reward yourself with a walk, a cupcake, or whatever else motivates you.

We are looking for:

Field Service Engineer – New York and New Jersey area

Our Client is a comprehensive pharmaceutical equipment supplier that provide process support, core equipments, integrated system and Pharm. engineering for the Pharm. and biotech industry in the world. Since its foundation, our Client has supplied more than 8000 equipments and systems for 2000 pharmaceutical companies across over 40 countries and regions in the world which have been widely applied in the fields of liquid and Lyo injectables, chemical API, bioengineering and Pharm. packaging, etc.

Job duties:

• Provide technical support to customers via field visit, phone calls, emails,
• Provide remote support about Lyophilizer machines to customers via phone calls, message, emails, as a contact for NY and NJ clients service
• Work directly with customers at their site to perform new Installation / commissioning/after sales service,
• Diagnose machine problems and determine proper solutions to customer,
• Ability to work flexible shifts and adapt to changing work schedules and ability to work under pressure
• Calibration/qualification of our Clients products as per accepted customer order requirement
• Support and train customers on the product solutions that have been purchased
• Build positive relationships with customers
• Produce timely and detailed service reports, which summaries/get the key point of customer’s new requirement/comments/suggestions on design/manufacturing/service of our Clients products so as to support Shanghai Head Office continuous improvement.

Qualification: 

• A bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical engineering, Chemical engineering, Process equipment, Mechanical engineering or similar, connected to the position posted.
• Experience: a minimum of 3 years’ experience in renowned Pharmaceutical equipment manufacturing Company, or in renowned Pharmaceutical companies’ engineering department, consultant companies. 
• Experience in working with freezing machines, dry freezing machines is a plus
• Detail design experience/Manufacturing management experience is a plus,
• Knowledge: Good knowledge about pharmaceutical equipments. The pharmaceutical equipments mainly include lyophilizer, ampoule filling line, vital filling line, PFS (pre fill syringe), auto loading system, orabs / isolator, Auto visual Inspection and Leakage detection machine, etc.
• Software: Good Micro Office skills, Good Auto-CAD abilities.

Mindset and intrapersonal skills

• Communications: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and manage effective working relationships at all levels.
• Enthusiastic, innovative and able to change.
• Work under pressure, and execute quickly.
• Up to 70% travel may be required.

Reporting to: Area Service manager, and get support from Area Service manager and directly from Client headquarters 

Position based in (geographically): New York and New Jersey area

Salary: Highly competitive 

All interested candidates should apply by sending CV and Cover Letter to: 

e.ilirjani@theheadhunter.com

Although you might be working remotely, you can still grow and strengthen your career. Even though you may not be in front of your team members and manager, if you’re dedicated to developing your leadership skills, you can openly communicate about the projects that you’re working on, how you’re fostering collaboration among your various teams, and how you’re demonstrating leadership to your teams and management. Here are several ways you can grow in your position, leverage new career opportunities, and make your mark at your organization regardless of working from home.  

Proactively ask for feedback

Don’t wait on a structured review to start enlisting feedback from your manager and surrounding teams. 62% of employees feel like their company’s performance review is surface level and incomplete, so get ahead of a structured review process by asking for feedback proactively. Although inquiring about your performance and asking for feedback helps you grow in your position regarding what’s working well and what needs improvement, it also allows you to show your manager that you’re being diligent about evolving in your role. When asking for feedback, be clear about what you would like to know about your work performance, professional development, and projects that you are currently working on. Be sure to provide your manager with time to discuss the feedback presented candidly. 

Work collaboratively among teams

Although you’re working virtually, now is the time to work even more collaboratively with team members. Strive to work cross-functionally with team members to gain different perspectives, skills, and contributions to projects and initiatives. By working collaboratively, this will show your teammates that you value what they bring to the table and honor teamwork to achieve a collective goal for the organization. 

Seek ways to provide value actively

Aim to add value in different departments and teams by contributing your expertise, skills, and opinions, when you weren’t asked or expected to do so. When working on a team project, take one step further by researching or sending talking points before a team meeting or brainstorm beforehand. By accepting these proactive steps, you are showing your team and manager that you’re willing to give more to the organization and your role than what’s expected of you. A little extra work goes a long way, especially when you are trying to position yourself as a leader within an organization and team. Showing your boss and team members that you are willing to go the extra mile, even when working from home, can positively impact your growth in your role and as a leader. 

 Improve your written communication

When working remotely and virtually, practicing effectively, clear, and concise digital communication is vital. Getting in the habit of consistently writing excellent emails and messages will improve your communication with your team members and help projects go along smoothly. To improve your written communication, make sure your ask is clear and stay away from jargon to limit misunderstandings. 

Expand your contribution holistically.

When a new project isn’t available on your team or practice group, look for roles outside your select team to help you learn and practice new skills and raise your professional capital within your organization. For example, you can partner with a team member to assist them with one of their projects or join your company’s ERG (employee resource group) to strengthen your leadership skills. 

 Prioritize, being a strategic thought leader

Take a more strategic approach to the work that you’re producing. Becoming more strategic will help you work smarter and not harder. Developing an impactful strategy is about asking “what” should we be doing differently and figuring out solutions for your work. To hone your strategic skills, spend less time-solving problems and more time defining which problems the group should be solving.

The Headhunter  is an innovative recruiting group that can source the most potential candidates for your company. We always go the extra mile when it comes to helping people find their dream jobs and provide companies with the best HR services.

 Except headhunting and recruiting, we offer services such as staff leasing, training, total outsourcing, salary mapping, market research, HR consulting, mystery shopping and a lot more.

The Headhunter’s offices are located all around the world. Our headquarters are located in New York, but our story of success doesn’t end here. Our offices and services are provided all over America and they even go way further than the US.

The Headhunter Group has offices located in Washington DC, Texas, California, Puerto Rico, Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Greece, Cyprus and Serbia.

With over 800 clients and a highly trained and professional staff, The Headhunter Group is determined to provide efficient services and solutions suitable for any company.