Why a Job in the Skilled Trades May Be Right for You

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One thing we hear a lot from the companies we work with is that they need skilled laborers to fill their open jobs. We love helping skilled laborers find their future at these companies, but we also love encouraging our job seekers to develop their own skills to meet demand.

Perhaps no one ever asked you whether you’d be interested in going to school to learn a trade. Maybe no one in your family worked in a trade. Or maybe you feel you don’t fit the image of a typical tradesman – or tradeswoman.

Whatever the case, it’s always a good time to learn a skilled trade. Whether you’re deciding what to do once school is over or you’re looking to make a career change, these reasons might convince you to consider a job in the skilled trades.

Skilled labor is in demand

Minnesota is currently experiencing a skilled labor shortage. Companies are eager to pay for the specialized knowledge that comes with learning a trade. If you complete an apprenticeship and/or a trade program, you’ll be in a good spot to receive one of these great jobs. Being in high demand will put you in control of working where you want.

Skilled laborers receive good benefits

Because skilled workers are in such high demand, you are more likely to receive a competitive salary and benefits. The longer you work, the more valuable you’ll be to your company. In the Twin Cities, an entry-level construction worker can earn at least $16 an hour, while an experienced electrician could earn $38 an hour.

You can get paid to learn

Unlike a four-year college program, you can actually get paid while you learn a trade. If you’re in an apprenticeship, your employer will pay you for the time you spend working. Most of your education will be on-the-job training, with some time spent in the classroom. Because your employer is investing in your education, they’ll likely have a job waiting for you once you complete the program.

Technology is creating exciting new opportunities

Technology and automation sound scary, but they aren’t threats to your job. Instead, technology is changing the way that skilled workers perform their jobs. Skilled workers apply their knowledge to help operate and manage equipment and systems. Technology and robotics are also making the workplace safer. While strength was once a requirement for performing most labor tasks, many workers can apply for skilled trade jobs and not have to worry about heavy lifting.

Skilled laborers love their jobs

Skilled laborers often report high job satisfaction. Two out of every three workers report loving their jobs. In addition to great benefits and job stability, skilled laborers regularly experience new opportunities. While the work can be challenging physically and mentally, tradespeople report that they enjoy the challenge. They also appreciate working as a team to solve a problem.

Are you looking for skilled industrial jobs in Minneapolis? Award Staffing is here to help you find your future. Browse our current job opportunities.

5 Books to Prepare You for Your Job Search

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At Award Staffing, we’re always reading up on the latest information to help our job seekers perform their best. We’re thrilled when job seekers ask us for resources that they can use to help them in their job search.

Below is a list of some of our favorite books that we’re currently reading – plus some a few books we’ve been recommending for years.

1. “What Color is Your Parachute? 2019: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers” by Richard N. Bolles

Every career center and list of books for job seekers includes this classic work. Author Richard N. Bolles helps you determine what color your parachute is – or rather what type of person you are – and which types of careers and work environments would be best for you. Whether you’re a new graduate or are making a mid-career change, this book contains practical tips to help you determine and then get your dream job.

2. “Knock ‘em Dead: The Ultimate Job Search Guide” by Martin Yate, CPC

Martin Yate’s Knock ‘em Dead series has helped millions of people find new jobs. For more than 30 years the advice in this book has helped readers develop their resumes, network and crush it at job interviews. The latest edition, updated in 2017, includes new ways to help with your job search, such as using social media.

3. “Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges” by Amy Cuddy

If you’ve wanted to know how to improve your body language during an interview, you may have seen Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk about “power poses.” Cuddy talks about how sitting or standing a certain way can help you to both have more confidence and to appear more confident. In her book “Presence,” she talks more about how you can approach challenges like a job interview with excitement instead of anxiety.

4. “Be Our Guest: Perfecting the Art of Customer Service” by The Disney Institute

The Disney brand is known for going above and beyond to give their customers a magical experience. The Disney Institute has put the knowledge from their business training programs into this book to help others learn more about providing excellent service. If you’re looking for a career in hospitality or customer service, Disney is an excellent model for how to treat every interaction.

5. “Never Eat Alone and Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time” by Keith Ferrazzi and Tahl Raz

One of the best ways to grow your career is through your network. The most successful people know how to build relationships that they can use to get ahead in business and in life. The book includes tips on how to connect with people both in-person and online to help you grow your network.

If you’re looking to boost your knowledge about your industry, the job search process or even yourself, consider buying or checking out one of these books from the local library.

Want more reading suggestions? We’re happy to share! Give us a call or visit us at one of our Award Staffing locations in the Twin Cities.

How to Answer Questions About Your Salary History

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When interviewing for jobs, employers want to know a lot about you. We’ve heard employers ask all kinds of questions, ranging from standard things related to the job to more creative questions like, “If you had a theme song, what would it be?” But there’s one question that always throws candidates for a loop: “What was your previous salary?”

In some cities and states, this question is illegal. Many places are adopting laws to ban employers from asking about salary on applications and during interviews. The argument is that this helps employees earn fairer wages; if they were underpaid in their last job, they may be underpaid in this job.

Minnesota has a history of progressive laws that tend to benefit workers; however, it is still legal for employers to ask about your salary history. The next time you hear this question, here are a few responses you can have lined up.

“I’m glad you mentioned salary. I’d love to talk about the expectations for this role.”

Redirect the conversation away from your salary history towards your expectations for this job. Be prepared to mention your education, experience, training and any certifications. Do some research ahead of time to see what others in similar roles earn.

“This is my first role, but I’m eager to share what I bring to this position.”

If you’re fresh out of school or don’t have much salary history to provide, be honest. Use your (lack of) experience to redirect the conversation to what you can offer and how you’ll use the skills you have in this position.

“My salary range is between $40,000 and $50,000.”

If you don’t feel comfortable saying a number but want to answer the question, provide a range of what you’d expect for this position. This is particularly helpful when the question is on a job application in a required field. Providing a range helps the interviewer better understand your expectations without limiting your options.

“My salary history is personal and confidential. I’m happy to discuss how I’m qualified for this job.”

If the interviewer insists that you provide a direct response, you can say no. However, you may want to reconsider if you truly want to work somewhere so pushy. Ultimately, you want to make it clear that what’s more important is your value to the company, and not what your prior employer once paid you. Your previous salary may have been based on an entirely different role, a different cost of living or a different industry and should not impact your new salary.

Job applications and interviews are stressful enough without worrying about how you might be limiting your own opportunities with this question. Employers are learning that this question is not best practices and may soon be illegal. Still, it’s best to be prepared for any question so that you can nail your interview.

Ready to take this advice to the real world? Award Staffing has you covered. Check out our latest job opportunities.

Bad Advice Job Seekers Should Stop Taking

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When you’re looking for employment, everyone close to you will weigh in on the best way to do it. Our job seekers have told us all kinds of advice they’ve heard from well-meaning people about networking, resumes, interviews and more. Your friends, family, and colleagues are all trying to help, but there are certainly some recommendations that you are better off avoiding.

Here are some of the advice we wish our job seekers would stop taking – and what we’ve found works instead.

“Networking is ineffective and fake – avoid it.”

Networking is a difficult and uncomfortable process for many people. It can be awkward talking about yourself, especially when you are trying to market your skills and your experience. Some people dismiss this as being “fake.” However, this could not be further from the truth. You are presenting yourself as a potential asset to a company or a future colleague. When you sit down at a networking meeting, flexible icebreakers such as, “I’d love to hear about your professional journey, would you mind taking me through it?” can ease the pressure and open the conversation.

“Add buzzwords/more skills/more info on your resume.”

Your resume will catch a recruiter’s eye and give them a broad picture of your background, skills and experience. However, it’s just a small bit of the process. Endlessly tinkering with your resume can leave you feeling disconnected from the process. Your job search should encompass more than staring at your resume and looking for holes. Strategizing, reading job postings, networking, keeping up on trade news and keeping tabs on LinkedIn are just a few of the other tasks to which you should be devoting time.

“End your cover letter with follow-up time.”

A lack of feedback on applications can be frustrating. However, ending a cover letter with, “I will call you next week,” is not the way to break out of this rut. Rather than showing initiative and spark, it can make hiring managers think that you are entitled and inconsiderate of their process. Recruiters are professionals, and they know who is and is not a good fit for roles. Badgering them with unwarranted follow-ups is not the right way to get on their radar.

“Stick to your training/education.”

This is one of the most destructive pieces of advice that acquaintances can give. Just because you studied HVAC doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go for that customer support position. Your career is just that: yours. What you were originally interested in is not a blueprint for the rest of your career. Your skills and interests will evolve, and you should always feel empowered to pursue a route that is right for you at that time.

Avoiding bad advice is a key part of any job search. When you trust yourself, you will be far more likely to wind up in a career path that is agreeable and fulfilling.

Looking for some helpful career advice? We can help you at Award Staffing! Visit one of our upcoming hiring events so that you can find your future.

5 Benefits to Look for in a Job (Besides Salary)

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Every job has its benefits and its problems. Some are long on pay and hours, while others are short on both. When looking for a job, money shouldn’t be the only thing you consider. We have many clients who can offer solid pay, but where they really shine is in their benefits. Striking a balance between salary and benefits can make all the difference in finding the right job for you.

Scheduling flexibility

Nowadays, many jobs can be performed remotely. Workers in some industries like customer service are finding that working from home for a few days a week or full-time increases their job satisfaction. This benefits employers, who have happier and more productive workers. Be sure to ask at the interview about how adaptable your hours and schedule can be.

Tuition reimbursement

Many employers are finding that if they want to keep an experienced workforce in the long-term, this can mean helping them further their education. Tuition reimbursement for professional development, higher education or trade schools is one way that they are recruiting top talent. This benefits everyone: workers are improving their skills and their long-term prospects while companies are keeping employees happy and more likely to stay.

Commuting and/or housing support

In areas where housing is spread out and inconvenient for workers, some companies are able to offer assistance with commuting or housing. This might come in the form of additional compensation to account for a higher cost of living, or it might be as easy as giving you the option to buy your public transit pass with pre-tax pay. If a prospective job would inconvenience you from a commuting standpoint, it’s worth asking if similar assistance is available.

Additional vacation time

If you’re finding that the proposed pay for a job is not quite what you were hoping for, there is a hidden benefit that many people don’t consider: more vacation days. By proposing additional days off, you are creating a better work-life balance for yourself without costing the company more on the balance sheet. With many organizations putting a premium on employee satisfaction, this can be a great way to negotiate for a job that fulfills all of your needs.

Daycare reimbursement

Childcare is a massive cost for families, and it can instantly take a large bite out of any budget. Some of the largest organizations have created their own daycare centers to respond to this, but smaller companies might have arrangements with local providers for reduced costs. If you have children or are planning to start a family, it is worth asking about assistance with this large expense.

Many people get caught up in the dollars and cents of a job offer, but there are other ways to make a job rewarding for you. Remember to ask about all possible benefits when negotiating any job offer.

Are you looking for a new opportunity with better benefits? Browse our job opportunities at Award Staffing to find your future.

Getting Back into Job Hunting When It’s Been A While

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Job and career changes can happen for any number of reasons. Whether it be a geographic move, a change in interests or turnover in leadership at your current position, people change roles and career paths all the time. However, if you leave a job that you’ve been in for a number of years it can be overwhelming to find yourself back on the job market.

We’ve helped plenty of workers make job and career changes successfully. Here are some of the ways we advise our job seekers to find their next dream job.

Start strategizing

Job hunting needs to be an organized task that gives you a clear path to success. One way to start is by forming a list of your ideal employers. This helps you prioritize your interests and your search. Speaking to anyone you know at these places is more effective than sending applications online. You will be more likely to get your resume in front of the right person via a networking connection than an online application, so be strategic about where you look and who you know.

Mine your network and use technology

Now is not the time to be embarrassed about getting back in touch with old colleagues, friends, and family. You need to reestablish connections and reactivate your network. Job seekers are often pleasantly surprised at the willingness of others, even people they haven’t spoken to in a while, to help someone meet the right person or apply to the right position.

You especially want to make contacts at your desired employers to learn more about organizational culture, job responsibilities and other folks you should be meeting. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, you should start one immediately. Networking in this era is done in large part on social media and it can be a powerful tool when used properly.

Informational interviews benefit all

Informational interviews seem daunting but are well worth your while. A lot of these can be done via cold calls, which many people find intimidating. If you can overcome this reluctance to connect with someone at a desirable company, you will almost certainly be pleased with the results.

Use the opportunity to ask questions about the company’s culture, challenges, expectations, and other traits. Most importantly, you must resist the temptation to sell yourself at these meetings. You are there to learn about the company and if you oversell yourself it can be off-putting to your contact. Your contact is also there to learn, and they will quickly think of any roles that could be a fit for you if your skills are applicable. There is no need to be too upfront about describing your value.

People who have been off the market for some time can have a hard time getting back into “job hunting mode,” but this doesn’t need to be the case. If you are strategic and willing to put yourself out there, you can quickly land your next dream job.

Let Award Staffing help you with this transition time in your life. Browse our job opportunities today so that you can find your future.

Surviving the Holidays When You’re Between Jobs

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The holiday season is upon us and for many, it’s the busiest time of year. Unfortunately, you might be struggling to focus on enjoying the holidays if you’re out of work. Whether you’re in the process of transitioning to a new career or you lost your job unexpectedly, it can be challenging to handle the holiday season and all of the traditions that come with it when you’re in between jobs. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to make the holidays easier for you. Everyone deserves to enjoy the holiday season.

Rethink gift-giving

Gift-giving seems like an important part of the holiday season but buying presents for your loved ones adds up. If you want to show your friends and family how much you appreciate them, but don’t want to blow your budget on shopping, get creative. Homemade gifts, sentimental cards and quality time all demonstrate to your loved ones just how much you care about them, and those things won’t cost you a fortune.

Give back

Nothing gets people in the holiday spirit quite like giving back. Being in between jobs gives you more free time to spend volunteering in support of the organizations and causes that you love. There are many great opportunities for volunteering during the holiday season. From toy drives to tree plantings, you can find activities to fill your free time when you’re out of work over the holidays. Bonus? You’ll still be developing job skills. Employers love seeing volunteers on your resume.

Shift your mindset

Being out of work is stressful, but it’s important to stay as positive as possible. Giving in to the negativity will make it difficult for you to enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones. It can even prevent you from getting the motivation you need to find a new source of employment. Think about all of the things that you have to be thankful for, like friends and family. Don’t be too hard on yourself about the things you wish would change. Focusing on the positive can make it easier for you to address areas in your life that you want to improve, like your career.

Take care of yourself

Self-care is vital whether you’re working a full-time job, or you are out of work. Take time to care for yourself by eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, spending quality time with people you love and relaxing with your favorite hobby. When you’re out of work, you have the opportunity to get into a more productive routine and begin making time for the things you want to do, like reading, practicing an instrument or working on a hobby.

The holidays can provoke anxiety for anyone, especially if you have the added stress of being unemployed. Keep your mind focused on the things you’re thankful for and take advantage of the time you have to volunteer, care for yourself and spend quality time with the people in your life.

While you’re enjoying the holidays, Award Staffing is hard at work helping you find your future. Explore our job opportunities today to find your future in the Twin Cities.

Tips for Making Your Seasonal Job Permanent

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Seasonal jobs offer employees the flexibility to work for a short time, making quick cash while in between jobs or while on break from school. But seasonal work isn’t ideal for everyone. If you’re working in a seasonal position and you want the security and peace of mind that comes with full-time work, there are a few actions you can take to improve your chances of being hired permanently.

Stay positive

Many seasonal workers struggle to keep an upbeat attitude while they’re working in a crazy workplace. It’s difficult to hide this kind of negativity from employers. To maximize your chances of securing a permanent job after your seasonal job is over, maintain a positive attitude that your employers will notice. The better your attitude is, the easier it will be for an employer to see your potential as a permanent employee.

Carry yourself like a permanent employee

Show an employer that you’re ready for a permanent position by carrying yourself the way you would if you were working full time. Offer to pick up extra shifts, be the first to help your coworkers and be as flexible as possible. When you interact with customers, be engaging and helpful. Quality customer service is hard to find, so show your employer that you have the skills it takes to become a valuable member of the team.

Communicate with your boss

Your actions speak volumes to your employer about your intentions, but you need to clearly communicate what you want. Make sure your boss knows that you are looking for a permanent position, whether part-time or full-time. Communicating about what you’re hoping to get out of a job will help your employer keep you in mind for future openings. If your seasonal employment ends and there are no openings, ask your seasonal employer to contact you if anything opens in the future.

Make genuine connections

It’s easy to keep your head down when you’re working a seasonal job. You may want to avoid interacting with coworkers and managers, but this isn’t the best way to secure a permanent position.  Make it a point to introduce yourself to your coworkers. Try to form strong connections with other people at your place of work, especially permanent employees and people in management. The more you integrate into the company culture and forge strong bonds with others in the workplace, the easier it is for employers to see you as a permanent addition to the team.

If you feel stuck in temporary, seasonal positions, there’s hope. Not every job will turn into full-time employment, but you can maximize your chances of landing the job you want by making the most of the job you have. With the right attitude and a strategic mindset, you can impress your employer and land a permanent position.

At Award Staffing, we connect great candidates with temporary, seasonal and permanent positions in the Twin Cities. Browse our job opportunities today and find your future.

How to Stay Safe Working Outdoors This Winter

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If your job requires you to spend time outside during the winter months, it’s important to make workplace safety your top priority. You’ll need to protect yourself from common winter hazards, including hypothermia, frostbite and dangerous slips. To keep yourself as safe, focused and comfortable as possible this winter, follow these simple tips.

Wear the right clothes

Layer up with warm shirts, pants, sweaters, and coats to protect yourself from cold temperatures. By wearing several layers you’ll not only stay warm but also be able to shed layers as needed to adjust to warmer temperatures throughout the day. Wear wool socks and thick gloves to keep your hands and feet warm and to promote circulation while you work.

 It’s much harder to stay warm if your clothing gets wet, so it’s important to avoid getting damp when you’re working. Wear waterproof outer layers, including rain jackets and snow boots, to keep yourself dry. If your clothes get wet, change them as soon as possible. Working in wet clothing when temperatures are below freezing greatly increases the risk of hypothermia.

Take breaks

Breaks are required for workers of all kinds, but they’re especially important for workers who spend a lot of time outside exposed to adverse weather conditions. Take plenty of breaks throughout the day, especially if you begin to feel cold, shaky or weak. Take your breaks in a comfortable, dry place and sip on a hot beverage to warm yourself up.

Rest is also essential when you’re working outdoors during the winter. Being tired while working outside increases the risk of falls and other accidents. Get plenty of sleep before your shift to ensure that you’re well-rested and alert while you’re working.

Don’t forget to eat

When you’re working hard, it’s easy to forget about taking food and water breaks. Make sure you stop working periodically to eat nutritious meals and drink water to keep yourself hydrated. Warm meals, like soups and hot sandwiches, can keep you feeling full and give you the energy you need to continue working in winter weather conditions.

Prepare for the worst

If you work remotely, on a site or spend a lot of time on the road, keep emergency supplies handy. Include flares, candles, matches, nonperishable food, bottled water and emergency blankets in your kit. These supplies can keep you safe until you are able to get help in the event of an emergency, like a vehicle breakdown or unexpected road closure. Even if you never actually have to use your emergency kit, it’s always better to overprepare than to be caught without the necessary supplies in case of an emergency.

You might not be able to avoid exposure to winter weather conditions, but you can certainly do a lot to keep yourself safe on the job. Whether you only spend a few minutes outside while you’re on the clock or you’re constantly working outdoors for your job, these tips can keep you safe and comfortable no matter what the forecast has in store.

Whether you’re looking to move indoors or are ready for a different outdoor job, Award Staffing can help. Browse our job opportunities to find your future.

How Job Seekers Can Overcome the Generational Divide

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These days, it seems like everyone is talking about the generational divide. Differences between millennials, baby boomers, Gen X and Gen Z are hotly discussed in the news and in our personal lives. How do these perceived differences manifest themselves in the workplace? Despite what you might read online, employees are happy to work collaboratively with people from different generations. Fortunately, there is much less of a divide than some media outlets would lead us to believe.

What is the generational divide?

The generational divide is a term used to describe the perceived differences between generations. These differences are mainly in political, social and personal values, ideas and beliefs. The years when people grow up has a big influence on their personal development, leading to some differences in the way people perceive and interact with the world around them. While there is certainly evidence to support some measurable distinctions between the values and opinions of people based on their age, the generational divide doesn’t show up in the workplace as much as people would assume.

The truth about generational differences in the workplace

Surveys of workers in the U.S. reveal that generational differences are not causing issues in most workplaces. In fact, despite supposed differences, most workers across generations report that they are aligned with the core values and beliefs of their employer. Additionally, most workers feel positive about working with people from different generations. They feel that there are many benefits of having a diverse team of employees from different generations in the workplace.

Older workers benefit from the new ideas and innovative strategies younger workers often demonstrate. Younger workers learn from the experience and first-hand knowledge that older workers have to offer. A balance of workers from different generations improves work environments and leads to improved conditions and better productivity for everyone.

Finding a generationally diverse workplace

Working somewhere with generational diversity can make you feel more comfortable and help you perform better at your job. To find an employer with age diversity, follow a few basic tips:

  • Do your homework: Pay attention to the environment when you visit a workplace and ask key questions during the interview to gauge whether a company values generational diversity. Ask your prospective employer whether they employ people from many different generations to get a better idea of what to expect from a workplace.
  • Get to know your coworkers: People naturally gravitate towards people in their generation, so you have to be intentional if you want to get the most out of an intergenerational workplace. Make a point to get to know all of your coworkers – not just the ones who are your age – and ask a lot of questions. You’ll be amazed at how much value your experienced coworkers have to offer as you work on projects and solve problems.
  • Be inclusive: Even companies with a diverse workforce often have work environments that aren’t inclusive for people of different generations. Seek collaboration and avoid only talking to people your own age.

The generational divide is complicated, but it doesn’t have to negatively impact workplaces. With the right mindset, you can benefit greatly from working with people from different generations.

No matter your generation, we can help you find your future. Check out the job opportunities available through Award Staffing today!

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