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Ken Hicks
Thomas Ramatowski

Employee Spotlight – Ken Hicks

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Ken Hicks

In this installment of our “Employee Spotlight”, we spoke with Ken Hicks, a contract employee who is currently working as a Maintenance Procedure Writer, supporting one of our clients on-site in South Carolina.

At PSM, we value people. As staffing consultants, we interact with people all day, every day.  And whether it’s with a client, candidate, or contract employee, we value each interaction.  So much of our website is dedicated to promoting our services, that we thought it only fitting to showcase our most important resource, our people!

In this installment of our “Employee Spotlight”, we spoke with Ken Hicks, a contract employee who is currently working as a Maintenance Procedure Writer, supporting one of our major clients on-site in South Carolina.  Our contract employees are especially important to us and we are honored to have the opportunity to work with such talented individuals.  Ken has been working for PSM since 2010, so it was great to have the opportunity to connect with him regarding his experience…

First up – can you tell us a little bit about your professional background? 

Currently I’m a maintenance procedure writer supporting a nuclear power station.  When I finished Tech school in 1999, I moved to Maryland from Pennsylvania for a job as an industrial electrician.  I performed duties in manufacturing, water treatment, construction, and power generation.  I did a lot of side work and I quickly realized that was not for me.  I started contract work in 2007 supporting numerous Instrumentation and Control shops across the USA and it’s been great.  From reading books, listening to podcasts, or attending a Dale Carnegie course I never stop trying to learn.

 What drew you to PSM originally?

 PSM felt like the old mom and pop companies that have more flexibility than a larger company.

Before working at PSM, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

 You experience so much in an industrial environment nothing surprises me.  I got a call for a month long assignment in Sweden.  When I arrived I was told it was 3+ months.

What are 3 words to describe PSM?

 Family, Fun, Effective

What is the favorite part about working for PSM?

 Being a smaller company I can get answers quickly.  I can ask about time off, 401k or medical insurance and I get answers.

What can you tell us about your life outside of the work?

 I’m a Christian and an outdoors guy.  I’m all about hunting, fishing, backpacking, mountain biking, Harley, working-out and landscape photography.  I stay very busy.

What do you enjoy about working on a contract-basis? 

 Money is definitely better and I have more flexibility with my life.

What advice would you give to someone just getting started in a new career?

 Find a way to like everything and everyone and have fun.  Take time to know what’s going on.  Read condition reports or something related to your industry or position every day.  Also, find a mentor, someone that will push you but you have to be willing to learn.  This might take a while but once someone sees that you are courteous, willing to learn, and want to be productive, they are more likely to help you.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you find yourself?     

 Fishing in Potter County PA.  

In the past five years, what’s the most important thing you have learned?  

 Don’t put emotions into a hypothetical situation

Last, but not least here are some FAST FUN FACTS about Ken:

  • Favorite Vacation Spot:   Anywhere in the great outdoors
  • Favorite Movie(s):   I’m not much of a movie or TV guy.  Anything dealing with history I’ll watch.
  • Favorite Food:   Steak
  • Favorite Sport(s):   Motocross

For more information on the benefits of contract employment, subscribe to our blog using the link to the right of this post. Or, visit Employment Opportunities page for a list of our current job openings.

Grady Rowe
Missy Millhouse

Employee Spotlight – Grady Rowe

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Grady Rowe

In this installment of our “Employee Spotlight”, we spoke with Grady Rowe, a contract employee who is currently working as a Nuclear Procedure Writer, supporting one of our major clients on-site in Tennessee.

At PSM, we value people. As staffing consultants, we interact with people all day, every day.  And whether it’s with a client, candidate, or contract employee, we value each interaction.  So much of our website is dedicated to promoting our services, that we thought it only fitting to showcase our most important resource, our people!

In this installment of our “Employee Spotlight”, we spoke with Grady Rowe, a contract employee who is currently working as a Nuclear Procedure Writer, supporting one of our major clients on-site in Tennessee.  Our contract employees are especially important to us and we are honored to have the opportunity to work with such talented individuals.  Although Grady is extremely busy, we were able to touch base with him to ask a few questions…

Can you tell us a little bit about your professional background?  

U.S. Marines 1969-1973, 1978-1999 – Infantry, Recon Marine, Nuclear Biological Chemical Defense Officer – Retired.    Upon retiring from the Marines, I worked various contractor assignments with DOE: Tactics Accessor / Advisor / Evaluator @ KAFB, Albuquerque, NM; Special Response Team (SRT) @ Y-12, Oak Ridge, TN; Superintendent w/demolition & contaminated waste removal @ Y-12; Security Operation Manager @ Fermi Labs, Batavia, ILL.  Operations Engineer/Work Planner/Procedure Writer @ Waste Isolation Processing Plant (WIPP), Carlsbad, NM; currently Nuclear Procedure Writer for PSM.

What drew you to PSM originally?

A position back east and getting closer to family. But I must add that after initial contact was made with PSM, the recruiting approach was superior to other companies. Genuinely felt they were reaching out to me.  Kind, no non-sense, professionals that know their business and are “people oriented.” – Thanks Missy, Thanks Catherine.

Before working at PSM, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

Marine Recon – U.S. Marines. Multiple skill sets; tough guy business.

What are 3 words to describe PSM?

PROFESSIONAL, THOROUGH, and QUALITY.

What is the favorite part about working for PSM?

Working with good quality people. Hands down haven’t dealt with anyone that is not a high quality, first-class professional.

What can you tell us about your life outside of the work?

I like to work-out, run, hike, participate in competitive sports, and listen to quality music, whether it be classical, gospel or bluegrass.  I am also usually in church on Sundays.

What do you enjoy about working as a contract employee?  

There is mobility and it offers new opportunities in different geographic locations. Contract work usually pays more than stationary on-site, in-house work. Additionally, the mobility has similarities to the military lifestyle.

What advice would you give to someone just getting started in a new career?

At all costs to yourself, demonstrate diligence. BE TOTALLY HONEST WITH YOURSELF AND WITH YOUR EMPLOYER. The dividends are priceless.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you find yourself?      

R&R in HAWAII.

In the past five years, what’s the most important thing you have learned?

Your life is as a tale that is being told.  You are writing your own history.  Showing kindness and treating all people with dignity (even those that are belligerent) has continuously proven to be profitable.

Last, but not least, here are some FAST FUN FACTS about Grady:

  • Favorite Vacation Spot: Hawaii
  • Favorite Movie(s): Black Hawk Down, Top Gun, Courageous, & Fireproof
  • Favorite Food: Japanese or Italian
  • Favorite Sport(s): Football, Baseball, & Triathlons

For more information on the benefits of contract employment, subscribe to our blog using the link to the right of this post. Or, visit Employment Opportunities page for a list of our current job openings.

Phone Interview?
Catherine Bogese

Top Tips For Your Next Job Interview

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Phone Interview?

If you are scheduled for a phone interview, find a quiet space. And if you’re going to use your mobile phone, check your charge and make sure you have reception.

Today’s job market has become more competitive than ever. A large focus is often placed on creating a strong, engaging resume, but what should you do when you land that job interview of your dreams? The PSM Recruiting Team has extensive experience assisting individuals preparing for an upcoming interview.  Based on our experience, here are a few helpful tips:

Before the Interview:

  • Conduct an internet search and review common questions.

Quick Tip: Glassdoor.com is a great resource to find interview questions a specific company typically asks. The website allows individuals to posts reviews and information about interviews they have undergone with a specific company. 

  • Print or make a list of approximately 5 to 10 general interview questions including:
    • Why does working for this company interest you?
    • What do you know about the company?
  • Practice answering these questions.
  • Personalize your answers by sharing experiences that demonstrate your mastery of the types of skills required by the job.
  • Thoroughly review the posted job description for each requirement listed and write down your qualifications.
    • If you are not as strong in a particular requirement, this process will help you to prepare a response for addressing it in the interview if needed.
  • For a contract role:
    • Make sure you fully understand the specific skills required for the position. If the company is looking for candidates with planning experience and knowledge of Maximo software, make sure you highlight your experience and abilities with that software during the interview. Be ready to explain where and how you have performed the required job skills. Remember, they are looking for someone who can hit the ground running.
  • For a permanent role:
    • Your experience and skill sets are still very important, but the company also wants to make sure you are going to be a good long-term fit for their organization.  You should highlight your background, but also express your desire to learn and develop with the company.
  • Review the company’s website, social media pages, etc. and make a list of questions you would like to ask during the interview. Ask questions that show your interest in the company and the job position for which you are interviewing.

The day of the interview: 

  • Be prepared!
  • If the interview is going to take place over the phone, ensure that you have access to a quiet space.
    • Remember to have the following items in front of you:
      • Notebook and a pen
      • Copy of your resume and a list of references
      • Copy of transcripts
      • Relevant work samples if provided previously
    • If you plan on using a mobile phone, make sure the phone is charged it has reception.
  • If you are meeting in person, plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
  • Speak slowly and professionally during your interview.
  • Listen carefully and welcome all questions.
  • Be honest about your experience and give direct answers. Allow yourself a moment or two to develop your answers in your head before you respond.
  • As applicable, ask the questions you previously prepared. Also, remember to ask when the hiring manager expects to make a decision.
  • Lastly, but most importantly, thank the interviewer for their time and follow-up with a thank-you email within (2) days.

For more Employment, Resume, and Interviewing Tips, subscribe to our blog using the link to the right of this post. Or, visit Employment Opportunities page for a list of our current job openings.