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Upskilling, Reskilling, or Replacing: What’s the best option in HR management?

WAI Staff

Replacing, upskilling, and reskilling are all hiring trends in response to job vacancies within an organization. Additionally, upskilling employees can offer high-performers a path to company advancement.

What is upskilling?

Upskilling refers to training and development programs offered to an employee to improve their current skill sets. Reskilling is similar– instead of providing training on skills relevant to their current role, reskilling is training on an entirely new skill set. This type of training is best for hard-working employees who may be suitable for a position in the company that is different from their current one. Upskilling and reskilling are intelligent tactics to improve an employee’s standing in the company, but they only work if the employee is willing to put in the effort. Additionally, upskilling employees show them the company is willing to invest in them, demonstrating their value.

If an employee isn’t meeting job expectations due to a lack of effort, it’s time to consider replacing them. It’s only worthwhile investing in training and development programs for employees who will take advantage of the opportunity to better their skill set. However, sometimes, employees come across as lacking effort when they feel defeated because they lack the skills they need. Upskilling and reskilling in these scenarios do work– it will involve a few serious conversations with the employee and their supervisors to make this decision.

Sometimes, upskilling employees is relevant when considering rehiring or promoting current employees. Rehiring may be a good fit if:

  • The former employee left the company voluntarily because of a temporary life condition (moving, marriage, pregnancy) that will no longer be a barrier to their work at the company;
  • The former employee expresses pleasure and hope at the idea of being able to return;
  • The former employee has gained valuable experience in other related vocational areas before applying to return;
  • The current team will welcome the former employee back with open arms.

Upskilling and reskilling a rehired employee is especially helpful when the employee wants to return to a new or slightly different role.

Determining whether to fill a role internally or externally

When determining whether to upskill a current employee, rehire a previous employee, or hire from the outside, evaluating the organization’s current goals is essential. Is your company undergoing an evolution or revolution? In other words, is your company trying to change progressively or make a more radical or comprehensive

change? Unless the open position requires particular experience or skills, offering upskilling and reskilling to current employees is more effective than hiring new employees.

Why is upskilling employees more effective?

The answer is simple: it displays loyalty to the organization’s employees. Investing in your good employees makes them more likely to invest in the company. Plus, rehiring or upskilling fills an open position with someone who already understands the mechanisms and culture of the company, allowing for quicker integration into the new role. This creates a positive feedback loop that cultivates a healthy and positive company culture. Often, people can get bored in their roles, leading them to seek new responsibilities, professional development, and more ownership of tasks. Upskilling and reskilling promote a positive working environment.

Factors to Consider

When deciding between upskilling employees, rehiring, or hiring someone brand new, there are a few factors to consider. For example, your current staff must be willing or able to commit to upskilling. If they are not excited about it or not technically able to grow into new roles, it would be necessary to hire externally. 

Sometimes, this is where rehiring is especially beneficial: they may be more willing or able to return to a new role, but they also already understand the company culture. They are also likely to view upskilling and reskilling opportunities as a show of loyalty. Just be sure that the official job offer is clear on whether the previous time at the company will be honored, whether this will count as a new term, and what that decision means for employee benefit waiting periods and tenured employee perks. Like new hires, rehires should receive clear offer letters and job descriptions.

You should also determine the ability of the organization itself to provide adequate training for upskilling employees. Can the training be conducted entirely in-house? If not, do you want to send employees elsewhere for upskilling and reskilling, or

bring in a consultant in the field of expertise?. Finding innovative people excited about creating something new is vital to a successful evolution.

Assessing the right approach

Again, it’s essential to determine whether this is an evolution or revolution for the organization. For example, if your company is preparing to pivot into a non-adjacent market or radically changing the company culture, bringing in outside talent is the better choice. When making a revolution, you want to act quickly and efficiently, and hiring externally fits that bill. However, if your organization is evolving and growing into an adjacent space, rehiring, upskilling, and reskilling will be more effective.

Logistically, there are benefits to rehiring and offering internal promotions or role changes. Rehires and current employees won’t require as much training before starting handling their new role. Onboarding is often much more straightforward with rehires than with new hires. Rehires are already familiar with the company’s culture and policies, meaning training can focus on upskilling employees. Rehires and current employees may also have strong relationships with many coworkers and be ready to get to work. Upskilling or reskilling also delivers a positive message: the employer is generous, people-oriented, and focused more on the future than the past.

Upskilling and reskilling also make for innovative retention strategies, especially regarding rehires. Ceridian’s survey of 850,000 employee records found that “boomerang” employees,” or rehires, had a turnover rate of 35% as compared to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which found a 57% average overall; in their findings, rehires were almost twice as likely to stay through their first three years back.

It’s critical to take a holistic approach to rehiring and upskilling. Employees retaining negative feelings toward the company or any current employees who left on bad terms should be replaced entirely. Regardless of the quality of a company’s upskilling and reskilling programs, a positive attitude toward the company and its job is vital to employees’ success. Upskilling employees only benefit the company if the employee is eager to learn.

How to replace an employee

Suppose your company determines no employees are willing or technically able to grow into a new role or that the ultimate goal is a revolution that requires utterly new talent. In that case, it’s better to hire externally. However, recruiting a hard worker suited for the position can be difficult. You must ensure the new hire is a good fit for the company culture, which can influence the speed of adapting to the change. Yet, if upskilling and reskilling genuinely aren’t a good option, one of the best ways to replace an employee is to hire a temporary worker via a staffing agency like Whitman Associates. 

In a temp-to-perm position, you can see how potential employees perform before committing to them. This includes reviews of their performance, culture fit, and excitement for the company’s mission. By partnering with a staffing agency, you can find the best replacement for your business while cutting down time and effort in finding qualified candidates for the role. 

The benefits of temporary staffing don’t end there; you could also invest in upskilling and reskilling another current employee for the role while a temporary worker fills in for a few months. Complete a staffing request form to get started hiring with Whitman Associates.

Temp of the Month for April 2024: Emmett Cochetti

WAI Staff

WAI April 2024 Temp of the Month

A native of Washington D.C., Emmett brings a unique blend of interpersonal skills and a robust foundation in computer science, enriching the impact of his contributions wherever he is. With a strong background in customer service, he is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree from The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) in computer science with a focus on the ever-growing field of AI and machine learning. Currently holding a 3.92 GPA, Emmett is on the way to graduate summa cum laude in May of this year. He also dedicates his time as a part-time teaching assistant at UMBC, embodying an ongoing commitment to both personal growth and communal enrichment.

Outside of his academic pursuits, Emmett can often be found engrossed in coding projects or escaping into the imaginative worlds of science fiction literature. On weekends, he takes pleasure in the art of cooking, particularly Italian cuisine, as a means of staying connected to his cultural roots and heritage.

Temp of the Month for March 2024: Christelle Bananas

WAI Staff

Christelle is a “citizen of the world” as she calls herself.  Born and raised in France, she moved to the US almost a decade ago. Her degree in international business led her to work in different fields, but mostly in events coordination.

Apart from her work experience, she enjoys spending time her husband and 2 children. Christelle also enjoys traveling, music and dramatical movies.

Christelle’s motto is “Age ain’t nothing, but a number!”

Temp of the Month for February 2024: Sofia Timina

WAI Staff

Sofia is a highly motivated and enthusiastic young professional passionate about social justice, community bridge building, and Russian literature. She graduated from Gordon College with a BA in Political Science and International Relations in May 2022.

Sofia moved to the Washington DC area after graduation to participate in a 9-month Fellows program. Shortly after, she started working with Whitman Associates and has greatly enjoyed the multitude of experiences and diversity of new skills temping for Whitman brings. Sofia is beyond thankful for the support, commitment, and professionalism of Whitman’s team.

Aside from work, Sofia enjoys reading, traveling, riding horses, and spending time with friends.

Upcoming Hiring Trends of 2024

WAI Staff

Take your career to the next level with these recruitment trends we’re expecting in 2024. Competition these days isn’t easy, with growing numbers of qualified candidates seeking the same job openings every day. Recruiters are looking to hire someone who fits the job criteria and goes above and beyond. Moreover, modern day recruiters must review so many candidates and resumes that they are constantly finding new ways to discover the best candidate for the job. Keeping up with the latest recruiting trends means you’re putting yourself on these recruiters’ radar and highlighting the traits their organizations want to attract. Let’s explore the most important recruitment trends for 2024.

Business professional sitting at a desk with a laptop

Candidate Flexibility

First and foremost, candidates need to remain flexible. In recent years, employers have become more flexible with hybrid work environments. Even with fully onsite roles on the rise, hybrid work will remain a noteworthy hiring trend of 2024. In 2024, it is now the candidates’ turn to show increased flexibility, particularly for onsite roles.

The workforce is changing, and forthcoming recruitment trends for 2024 indicate that carefully defined job roles may be on their way out. Organizations are seeking candidates who are willing to take on additional duties that may not necessarily be in the job description. For example, someone hired to the internal communications team may be asked to assist on projects alongside the marketing team if needed.

The latest recruiting trends expect employees to have a more diverse range of skills. Following 2024 recruitment trends, you should be cross-training to ensure you know how to fill more than one role. Becoming a well-rounded professional is key to getting hired in 2024. If you’re currently employed but preparing for a career change, consider talking to a coworker from another team if they’d be interested in collaborating with you on an upcoming project. This will allow you to put more diverse responsibilities on your resume, which will help you stand out in 2024.

Additionally, if you’re unemployed or struggling to build a 5-star resume that presents you as a well-rounded professional, keep up with 2024 recruitment trends by considering temporary work. By taking on short-term roles at various organizations, you’ll learn a variety of skills and how to be flexible – which is exactly what recruiters will be looking for. Partner with an experienced staffing agency to get personalized guidance and support navigating temporary or temp-to-hire work.

LinkedIn Networking

The latest recruiting trends indicate that LinkedIn networking is key. While LinkedIn has always been a great resource, with an overwhelming pile of qualified candidates, employers only notice the profiles that really stand out. As one of the first places a recruiter will evaluate a candidate, your LinkedIn profile must be up-to-date. Judging by the recent recruitment trends for 2024, if you don’t have a current and accurate LinkedIn presence, you risk being passed over.

Even if you’re not actively seeking a new role just yet, following hiring trends for 2024 will set you up for success if you do decide to make a career change in the future. For example, many professionals go above and beyond merely keeping their LinkedIn profile up-to-date. Some professionals are also building their own personal brand by reposting articles, commenting and showing their unique qualities and personality.

Additionally, LinkedIn recruitment trends for 2024 indicate the importance of doing your research. Many recruiters can only be putting a select few words into LinkedIn’s search function to find candidates, and you want your profile to top the list. Figure out which keywords are most important to the job descriptions of positions you’ve been applying to, and include those keywords throughout your profile. You can update your headline, bio and posts to reflect the most common recruitment searches.

To keep up with the recruitment trends of 2024, professional staffing experts can assist with coaching and development to candidates based on their expressed desires and career hopes. Whitman Associates follows the latest recruiting trends and provides employment services across various industries in both nonprofit and for-profit the sectors, allowing us unique insight into what employers are looking for in 2024.

Skill Set Certifications

It’s expected that hiring individuals with professional certifications will be a trend  for 2024. These certifications are credentials earned after meeting certain criteria and passing an exam. Although you may already possess these skills from responsibilities in previous roles, with so many qualified candidates out there, employers want to hire someone with proven expertise. These certifications are treated as industry standards, and recruitment trends for 2024 show they’re becoming necessary to be hired for specific roles.

For example, earning a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification before working as a project manager is becoming an industry standard. This certification assesses the candidate’s ability to fulfill the role, such as establishing business priorities and managing other people. The best part? Often, employees with these certifications will get paid more in their roles.

Working with a staffing agency like Whitman Associates can boost you above your competition. It can be a challenge to keep ahead of the various recruitment trends for 2024 on your own. Our staffing experts can recommend improvements and give you informed job-search advice, including how you can take advantage of the latest recruiting trends like gaining relevant certifications. Email your resume to resumes@whitmanjobs.com.

Are cover letters necessary? Why or why not?

WAI Staff
An overhead view of a woman typing a cover letter on a laptop.

People often ask us “are cover letters necessary?” In the intricate process of job applications, this  depends on whether the employer deems that cover letters are necessary. When working with a staffing agency like Whitman Associates, where professionalism and precision define our approach, our goal is to help coach you through when you should submit a cover letter with your job application and how to go about writing an effective cover letter. We understand the significance and timing of the submission of cover letters. One way to ensure that your cover letter and job application stand out in the competitive landscape of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan job market is by understanding what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for when accepting applications.

The power of being proactive

Cover letters are necessary when applying for almost any position. While crafting your cover letter, you should tailor it to the particular role you are applying to and highlight your experience and transferable skills that match the job description. You want to ensure that your cover letter’s format aligns with your resume and work history to make your application feel cohesive and well-thought-out.

Tailoring your cover letter to align with the employer’s expectations can enhance your application. Cover letters are necessary in most applications, therefore it is important to pay attention to any instructions in the job posting so your cover letter is meticulous, timely and well-received.

When should you include a cover letter?

A cover letter is a marketing tool to sell yourself to a potential employer. Don’t hold back when asking yourself, “Should I include a cover letter,” when considering if and when cover letters are necessary. Your cover letter is integral to your job application as it highlights your accomplishments, special skills and overall experience. 

A well-written cover letter will also provide the prospective employer insight into your written communication skills, so typos and grammatical errors will hurt your chances of landing an interview.

If you apply to a company where cover letters are not considered necessary, it’s a good practice to include an email with a brief introduction along with your resume. This does not need to be comprehensive; a concise paragraph in an email  introducing yourself and why you are interested in applying will convey professionalism and appear to be more polished in your submission process. The bottom line is that it’s always helpful to ask yourself, “Should I include a cover letter,” with every job application. Make sure to know how and when you should submit a cover letter based on the employer’s expectations before you submit your final application.

A job applicant handing a cover letter to a hiring manager

Cover letters as screening tools

When cover letters are necessary, they are often used as a part of the screening process to see how closely you pay attention to detail. With that said, proofread your cover letter repeatedly and have someone else look it over before sending it out. You could be the best candidate for the position, but if your cover letter has errors, does not flow well or fails to showcase your valuable and transferable skills, you may not be selected to move to the next round of interviews. 

In some instances, employers may specify a response timeframe, and aligning your cover letter with their timeline showcases your attentiveness and respect for the employer’s process. 

Different industries may have different norms regarding if and when to contact the recruiter or hiring manager or how and when to follow up. Whitman Associates provides candidates with insights into industry norms, ensuring that your communication aligns with the company’s expectations, especially when cover letters are necessary in order for your application to be considered.

What to include in your cover letter

A cover letter is your first opportunity to make a powerful impression on potential employers. A well-crafted cover letter can be the key to landing an interview and standing out among other applicants when cover letters are deemed necessary. 

A typical format for a cover letter includes:

  1. Date
  2. Salutation or Greeting
  3. Opening Paragraph
  4. Middle Paragraph
  5. Ending Paragraph
  6. Closing
  7. Signature
  8. Your Contact Information

As noted above, date your document whether you submit it on paper, through email or via an online portal. Use the contact information for the hiring manager when you can find it, and address your letter directly to them with a salutation or greeting such as “Dear Mr./Ms. [Hiring Manager’s Name]” when writing your cover letter. 

In the opening paragraph, use this space to introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in applying for the opportunity at this company and how it aligns with your career goals. 

In the middle paragraph, discuss your transferable skills and give concrete examples of how your experience aligns with the job description. This paragraph will help showcase how and why you fit the role well. 

Use the final paragraph to thank the company for taking the time to read your application and to express your interest in the next steps of the application process. You may also use this space to clarify anything not included in the sections noted above, such as an employment gap or skills that you want to highlight on your resume.

When closing your letter, use a polite salutation such as “warm regards,” “sincerely,” or “thank you for your time,” and then sign or type your name.

A desk with a laptop and coffee mug beside a notepad with a drafted cover letter
A blank notebook surrounded by a pencil, glasses, a cell phone, and a laptop.

Cover letter checklist

As you submit job applications, the timing of your submission can be a factor that sets you apart from other candidates. We recognize that strategic timing aligned with industry norms and employer expectations can contribute significantly to your application’s lasting impression on the hiring team.

When telling yourself, “I know I should include a cover letter,” it’s best to understand the purpose of the information you’ve included and why you are including it. 

A quick checklist to help you get through your cover letter’s format is:

  • Did you personalize your opening?
  • Do you have a strong opening statement?
  • Is it tailored to the job description?
  • Does it showcase your achievements?
  • Does it demonstrate a cultural fit?
  • Did you keep it concise and professional?
  • Is it connected to your resume?
  • Does it end with a strong call to action?

Utilizing a follow-up letter

After submitting your resume and cover letter, consider working with Whitman Associates to write and submit a follow-up letter reinforcing your interest in and availability for the position you applied to. This additional touch point can reiterate your value as a candidate

Whether you choose a proactive approach, a tailored timeline, or a strategic follow-up, remember that the timing of when you should submit a cover letter is crucial in your journey toward professional success. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss our open roles so that Whitman Associates can help you land your dream career.

Top Rated Staffing Agency from Three Best Rated 2024

WAI Staff

We are thrilled and honored to announce that Whitman Associates, Inc. was named one of the Top 3 Staffing Agencies in Washington, D.C. by Three Best Rated® for the 6th year in a row! Three Best Rated® uses an extensive 50-Point Inspection to evaluate and select Top 3 Staffing Agencies, which includes customer reviews, history, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence.

We are grateful to our incredible clients, stellar candidates and dedicated employees who have made this possible. Whitman Associates has served the DMV since 1972, and we continue to uphold that tradition of excellence in staffing services.

Temp of the Month for January 2023: Bradley Wanstall

WAI Staff

Bradley recently transitioned from managing Starbucks stores in California to immersing themselves in the diverse realm of temporary work at Whitman Associate’s in DC. Their experience with Whitman Associate’s has played a pivotal role in broadening their horizons and providing exposure to various industries.

Armed with a Bachelor’s in Business Management Economics from the University of California and currently pursuing an MBA at Texas A&M, Bradley is committed to continuous learning. They have earned certification from the Society of Human Resource Management as a Certified Professional. Their unwavering dedication lies in contributing to workplaces by propelling their missions forward and enriching the lives of their employees.

Beyond the professional sphere, Bradley finds joy in exploring a range of hobbies. Painting has evolved into a profound passion, and they’ve recently delved into cultivating bonsai trees—an inspiration drawn from the exquisite National Bonsai tree at DC’s Arboretum. The transition from mountains to monuments marked a significant change. However, navigating the rich history of the United States while adapting to city life has proven to be an exhilarating journey for them.

Temp of the Month for December 2023: Bernadine Francis

WAI Staff

Bernadine was born and raised by her grandmother on St. Kitts, a small beautiful British island in the Caribbean. Upon graduation from high school, she moved to St. Croix, United States Virgin Island to live with her parents. It was in 1979 when that young girl of nineteen decided to leave home to pursue her college degree in Washington, DC.

Bernadine received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems and Technology with a minor in Economics. She made a career working for the District of Columbia Public Schools for over thirty years as Business Manager, Administrative Officer and other duties as assigned before retiring this year.

Bernadine soon realized that she needed something to do, and she applied to Whitman which has exceeded her expectations. She is sent on different assignments that she has enjoyed tremendously. Learning new things and meeting new people is so exciting.

Bernadine loves reading, crossword puzzles, traveling and dancing, but it is her five grandsons that keep her busy in her spare time.

Temp of the Month for November 2023: Jordan Yankee

WAI Staff

Jordan is a recent graduate of Colgate University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Studies.  She moved to DC to pursue a career in marketing and communications and is excited to see where it takes her. 

Jordan enjoys all things artistic, especially videography and photography. She also enjoys exploring DC and all the fun restaurants and activities it has to offer.