Job Searching While at Work? Here is Why You Shouldn’t

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Most employers are not oblivious to the fact that some of their employees are to seeking out other job opportunities. Still, that doesn’t mean searching for a new job while at work is a smart decision.

When you’re at your current job, you’re being paid to perform tasks that are associated with your position, and searching for a new job usually isn’t one of them. Here are three reasons you shouldn’t look for a new job while at work.

Company’s Monitor Your Digital Activity-

Do you have a business computer or even just a company email? If so they are guaranteed to be monitored by a technology security team. This means what you are doing with company items isn’t a secret. All your activity can even be seen as mistreating company tools by conducting your job search. If your actions are revealed, you could face severe punishment or also fired – hurting your chances of getting a new job.

Getting Paid to do a Job-

When at work are being paid to perform specific duties that require you to be available at particular times during a day. A job search is a personal pursuit, so it should never be done on company time. Just as using company computers or email to seek out a new job can come with repercussions, so can performing personal business while at work.

It is recommended that you avoid checking your email unless you are on some sort of break while at work. Make that if you have any upcoming job interviews that they are scheduled before or after your work hours. If you must schedule an interview for a different time during regular work hours, it is best practice to use vacation time.

Your Boss May Find Out-

When searching for a new job most employees don’t inform their bosses. Employees often do this because they are fearful of being treated differently if their boss knows that you are planning on leaving. This can be particularly true if don’t know how long your job search will take.

If you a performing your job search while you are at work, but using personal devices and only handle activities when you aren’t on the clock, there’s still a high likeliness that your boss could discover your actions. This can make your job difficult because it could lead to them firing you because you don’t appear to be dedicated to your job.

A good rule of thumb is to handle your job search outside of work. If you are looking for a new job opportunity, the hiring team at Award Staffing can help you with your search while still have a job. Contact our team today to see how we can help you find a new job without affecting your current one.

Being Minnesota Nice when Use Your Cell Phone at Work

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Cell phones are incredibly convenient because they simultaneously allow for more communication and greater mobility. However, cell phones don’t always have their place in a work environment and can often be seen as an annoying distraction. Here’s how to use your cell phone appropriately at work:

Turn it to Vibrate-

Cell phones should not make noise while you’re at work. Not only is this disruptive; it could also be dangerous depending on the circumstance. The easiest way to prevent noise coming from your cell phone while you’re at work is to turn it on vibrate for the duration of your shift.

Text or Talk Only on Breaks-

Don’t accept phone calls or send texts when you’re at work. This could be dangerous and could quickly get you fired if your boss sees that you’re not putting one hundred percent of your time and energy into your job. You are given a lunch break and several other fifteen minute breaks; use this time to catch up on any texts or calls you may have missed throughout the day.

Don’t Talk Loudly on the Phone-

If you unconditionally must accept a call when you’re at work, don’t talk loudly on the phone. This is obnoxious and could distract your co-workers from doing the job they need to do. Plus, you wouldn’t want everyone to hear your business, would you?

Don’t Check Your Phone with Customers-

As an employee, you are a representative of your company. If you check your phone in front of customers, they will not only think you are rude, but it’s likely that they will have a negative perception of your company. This could result in bad reviews, complaints to your boss/manager, or even legal action depending on the severity of the distraction and the ensuing consequences. One of the hallmark signals of being a good employee is whether or not you’re respectful.

If you can adhere to these phone guidelines, you’re probably in an excellent position to be hired. Contact Award Staffing if you need any help finding a new job opportunity that makes the most of your talents and skills.

How to be Safe When Using Lift Equipment

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When associates are required to use mobile aerial work platforms, forklifts, or pallet jacks, it is essential to ensure they are operating them as safely as possible. This article will address the primary forms of lift equipment used by our associates and serves to remind us all of the importance of being aware of our surroundings to ensure that everyone remains safe and accident-free.

Lifts-

Lifts are designed to elevate personnel on a platform supported by scissors, masts or booms. Work platforms are essential when technicians must perform work for extended periods at elevations where a guarded, fixed work surface is not available. They offer flexible, versatile access to elevated locations and tend to be safer than ladders and other access equipment when working at higher elevations. But for these essential pieces of equipment to be as safe and efficient as possible, users must operate and maintain them according to regulations and manufacturer requirements.

Common safety violations leading to citations or accidents include:
• lack of fall protection
• tip-overs
• working near live power
• crushing and pinch-points
• objects falling from platforms
• unstable surfaces.

The leading causes of these problems include a lack of training, misuse of equipment, and not following manufacturer guidelines. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor’s fatality statistics, 75 percent of scissor lifts that tipped over resulted in fall deaths. In the remaining accidents, workers died from being struck by the falling scissor lift. About 40 percent of the tip-overs occurred when an operator extended the scissor lift higher than 15 feet, mostly while driving the unit. In 20 percent of the falls, the worker was ejected from the scissor lift, generally when the lift hit another object. Other fall deaths occurred after operators removed chains or guardrails or while users stood on or leaned over railings. (U.S. Bureau of Labor, 2015)

Forklift Safety-

Approximately 100 workers are killed each year as a result of forklift accidents. About 1/4 of these fatalities are caused by forklifts overturning. Other common causes are workers being struck by materials, workers being struck by the forklift, and workers falling from the forklift.

12 Forklift Safety Rules-
1. Only allow certified employees to operate forklifts
2. Maintain a safe following distance from other forklifts – about three vehicle lengths.
3. Follow speed limit and other regulations
4. Drive with load low – six or eight inches off the ground – and tilted slightly back
5. Exercise extra caution when driving over duckboards and bridge plates and make sure the load is within the forklift’s capacity as well
6. Raise and lower the load only when stopped
7. Stop and sound the horn at intersections
8. Avoid sharp turns.
9. Keep arms and legs inside the vehicle
10. Be sure to wear a hard hat and other protective equipment when necessary
11. Be sure the load is stable and secure
12. When leaving the forklift, lower the forks, neutralize the controls, shut it off and set the brakes (NCSU, 2015)

Pallet Jack Safety-

Often employers do not require certification for non-motorized pallet jacks because initially this equipment is not seen as a hazard, but they still can cause damage to employees and bystanders. Pallet jacks are used to make easy work out of what would usually be multiple person jobs lifting a load from point A to B eliminating the strain and energy while also saving time.

When operating a pallet jack (even for a short time span) workers should wear the correct safety equipment including steel capped boots, gloves, and safety eyewear (when transporting dangerous chemicals). There are also some safety precautions workers need to keep in mind when operating a pallet jack which includes:

• Never place feet under a machine
• Never exceed the advised capacity
• Use proper lifting techniques when loading/unloading and operating the pallet jack
• Move the load slowly to ensure safety in case surroundings change
• Always push the load (never pull the load)
• When going down on an incline, go in reverse
• Be wary of pinch points to avoid hand injuries
• Ensure the pallet jack is in excellent condition before use
• Use it correctly to ensure employee’s safety and the safety of the people in the surrounding area.
(U.S. Bureau of Labor, 2015)

Secure Work Areas-

Lift operators must be aware of activities taking place near their lift work areas. It is essential to keep the public, employees, and other building occupants away from these areas. They also should be careful when using lifts in public-traffic areas, especially where doorways might swing into the equipment, or nearby elevators might open. Isolating the immediate work area is essential to prevent anything from bumping into the lift, and to minimize worries about objects falling from the lift and hitting someone.

As the lift is elevating, the operator and employees on the ground should make sure appropriate clearance exists, so overhangs or other protrusions do not cross the path of the moving platform. This precaution will prevent injuries to workers and damage to building components. (OSHA, 2015)

In Conclusion-

Being mindful of the above information, ensuring that all associates receive the proper lift equipment training and re-training, and constantly reminding everyone to work safely, will help to reduce workplace incidents, control Workers’ Compensation costs, and ensure that our associates are as safe as possible.

Need some help? Contact Award Staffing. We will be able to match you up with interviews in your area so you can get the job opportunity you want. We have offices located in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota to help you with your job search today!

Your Job Interview Checklist for St. Paul Job Seekers

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After you apply for a new job and you are invited in for an interview, proper planning is the key to your success. But figuring out how you should prepare isn’t always easy, especially going beyond merely practicing your answer to traditional interview questions.

Being a great interviewee takes time and practice, but it doesn’t have to be challenging. If you are looking to impress a hiring manager during your next interview, here are ten tips that will help you.

1. Research your Interviewer-

You should take time to discover and learn the names of those who will be interviewing you. See if they have a profile on the company website or their LinkedIn page to find out what sorts of answers or questions will grab their attention.

2. Learn About the Company-

It is critical to have a solid understanding of what the business has to offer you as a possible employee will play to your advantage. You can add relevant pieces of information based on the company’s priorities and goals. This ensures that your responses speak to their needs while making you stand out.

3. Learn How They Interview-

There is a wide variety of interview types, and many St Paul companies use various approaches depending on their goals. Take time in advance to find out if you will be participating in a traditional, technical or behavioral interview. This gives you an opportunity to prepare your responses based on that information.

4. Be Conscious of Your Movements-

When in an interview it isn’t just your responses that matter your mannerisms also tell a story, so make sure your body language is appropriate and inviting to the interviewer.

Helpful Hint: Practice your answers in front of a mirror so you can witness your own actions – allowing you to make proper adjustments to ensure you present yourself accurately.

5. Put Numbers to Your Answers-

If you are practicing your interview responses, it is always a wise idea to put data on the information you are sharing about yourself. Numbers and hard metrics are a powerful tool to help you get a new job, make sure to use them whenever you can.

6. Choose Your Clothes Wisely-

On the morning of your interview, the last thing you want to do is scramble to pick your outfit. Try not to leave this to the last minute, plan your attire out in advance by laying out your clothes, shoes, and accessories the evening before. This ensures that you are fully prepared, giving you peace of mind, focusing solely on the interview.

7. Assembler Your Interviewing Materials-

It is always a good idea to bring copies of your resume and references with you for an interview. Like step six, planning your outfit, doing this the evening before your interview ensures everything is ready and nothing is forgotten.

8. Prepare Questions-

Almost every interview ends with an opportunity for you to ask questions, and it is wise to have a few ready. You can most likely adjust your questions to what you have learned during the interview, but questions like, “Is there anything that would keep me from being hired for this job?” can be used in nearly any interview.

9. Reflect on Your Past Experiences-

While preparing for your interview, it is a good idea to reflect on your past job experiences. Take some time to consider how you’ve grown in each job that you have held in your career. This helps you visualize your career path, making it easier to keep things straight during your interview.

10. Get a Good Night’s Sleep-

Make sure go to bed early, allowing you to get a good night’s sleep so you can arrive at your interview refreshed and alert – increasing your odds of being at your best.

By following the tips above, you put yourself in position to stand out. If you are interested in finding a new job opportunity, the hiring team at Award Staffing can help. Contact our team today to see how our services can help you find a new job.

How Minnesota Job Seekers Reduce Pre-Interview Jitters

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Nervous before your job interview? Don’t worry; it’s normal. Reducing the appearance of your pre-interview jitters, however, will increase the possibility that the company will hire you. Try these tips.

Don’t Drink Coffee Before the Interview-

Most people are coffee drinkers, who tend to have one to two cups of coffee in the morning to jumpstart their day. We’re telling you: don’t do it. Caffeine exacerbates anxiety, and it’s one of the worst things you can consume if you’re trying to get yourself to calm down and not be nervous. If you do need something to wake you up on the morning of the interview, try going for a jog or sipping on an herbal beverage (like tea) that is low in caffeine. It might take a little getting used to, but you will find that your nerves will provide you with more than enough energy. Skip the caffeine!

Listen to Calming Music-

Studies reveal that music plays a significant role in our mood and emotions. In fact, upbeat music will get your heart beating a lot faster than your resting heart rate, which will be harder to deal with when you’re trying to calm down. If you want to walk into your interview with a calm demeanor, try listening to acoustic or classical music fifteen or twenty minutes before your interview. You will feel your heart rate slow down, which your chances of walking into the interview calm, collected, and ready to go.

Review Your Resume-

Interviews can be stressful because of the pressure associated with sitting across from another person who is grilling you about your accomplishments and skills. Even though you know what you’ve done and what skills you possess, you may find yourself tripping over your words if you’re nervous. One way to combat this is to review your resume right before going in the interview. If nothing else, it will give you a series of talking points to hit while answering questions so you can steer the conversation more toward where you want it to go.

Searching for a way to experience real-life interviews? Contact Award Staffing. We will not only help you secure job interviews but also help you adequately prepare for each one – no need for nerves! We will be able to help you find a job that is the perfect fit for you and your unique skill sets. Our team of hiring professional located in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota are here to help you find you your next new job opportunity!

3 Steps to You Need to Always do After an Interview

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Having a job interview for a company you are interested in can be a life-changing event. You are being given a chance to prove yourself as an employee and discuss what skills you can bring to the company. After you have completed your job interview, there are three steps you should take to increase your chances of being hired.

Send a Thank You Card-

The most important step to take after an interview is to send a thank you card. This will let the interviewer know you appreciated their time and were interested in learning about the position. The interviewer will be impressed by your manners as well as your thoughtfulness and respect.

Follow Up in One Week-

If you are interested in the job, but haven’t heard back from your interviewer within a week, it’s time for you to follow up. This can be done via e-mail or over the phone and can be phrased in the following way: “Hi, I’m still very interested in the position I interviewed for with you last Friday. I was wondering when I could expect to hear from you.” This will remind the interviewer that you are still very interested in the job and let him or her know that you’re persistent and motivated. Plus, you will stand out compared to other interviewees who don’t take the time to follow up and just let the job slip away.

Mentally Prepare Yourself-

After your interview, it’s essential to mentally prepare yourself for all the factors that surround this particular job. Are you ready for this kind of commitment? What steps will you need to take to get prepared if you are hired quickly? Will you need to speak to your family about the job? Whatever factors you’re dealing with, make sure to sort through them after the interview, so you are prepared to give a definite “yes” or “no” answer when your interviewer contacts you.

If you want to be interviewed by great companies for various jobs opportunities, contact Award Staffing. We will set you up with interviews for companies that are well suited to your needs. When you are finished interviewing, keep these tips in mind to increase your chances for success.

Star Tribune’s 2019 Top Workplace in Minnesota

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Star Tribune Names Award Staffing as a 2019 Top 150 Workplace in Minnesota

Bloomington, MN June 13th, 2019—Award Staffing has been named one of the Top 150 places to work in Minnesota by the Star Tribune for the fourth year in a row. A complete list of those selected is available at StarTribune.com/topworkplaces2019 and was also published in the Star Tribune Top Workplaces special section on Sunday, June 16.

Produced by the same team that compiles the 28-year-old Star Tribune 100 report of the best-performing public companies in Minnesota, Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational health, and satisfaction. The analysis included responses from over 140,000 employees at Minnesota public, private and nonprofit organizations.

The rankings in the Star Tribune Top 150 Workplaces are based on survey information collected by Energage, an independent company specializing in employee engagement and retention.

Award Staffing was ranked 59 of 70 on the small company list.

Star Tribune Publisher Michael J. Klingensmith said, “The companies in the Star Tribune Top 150 Workplaces deserve high praise for creating the very best work environments in the state of Minnesota. My congratulations to each of these exceptional companies.”

Why Award Staffing as a Top Workplace in Minnesota?

“Of all the national and local awards we receive, this one is the most important because the judges are our employees. We are honored to be included in the list of Top Workplaces.” – Tom Thissen, Owner, and CEO

We continue to hold firm to our signature approach to service – reinforce connections between the people and the places we serve. Our role is to fulfill gainful employment by serving both job seekers and businesses alike. These awards would not be possible without the efforts of our recruiters, our associates, our clients, and every candidate who has walked through our doors.

To qualify for the Star Tribune Top Workplaces, a company must have more than 50 employees in Minnesota. Over 2,000 companies were invited to participate. Rankings were composite scores calculated purely on the basis of employee responses.

Why Ghosting Minnesota Companies is a Bad Idea

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We have seen this more and more in the Minneapolis and surrounding areas – job applicants are ghosting businesses. Even if, at one point in time you apply to a job and you decide you don’t wish to work with a company, it’s horrible to stop communication without giving the employer any idea about what is happening. As a consequence, Twin Cities companies coincidentally are paying more and more to win great talent.

What’s Actually Happening When you are Ghosting Employers –

Have you ever ghosted an employer? If so, do not expect to ever work at the organization later on. Many Minneapolis and St. Paul businesses appear to have adopted the foolish custom of ghosting as normal.

Employees are nowadays ghosting employers at an alarming speed. As stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the sum of workers who have voluntarily left their jobs is virtually DOUBLE that of the range of workers who were fired. If it is not apparent to you, ghosting an employer is a terrible etiquette. Ghosting an employer isn’t a great career program. Employers are connected, and you don’t know when you’re rerun within that recruiter.

So ghosting is as soon as an employee doesn’t appear for their very first day. It can occur in some different forms. It seems like you are becoming prepared to ghost a new employer if another work offer is better. Ghosting an employer can impact your job search now or later on. Without regard to the trend, you should always be professional if you prefer to stick out during your job search.

How to use Ghosting your Advantage –

In the interview, you’ll have the chance to talk about your abilities and what it is that you’re searching for in your next position. You don’t know when you could end up searching for work again, or whenever you could wind up at a business event or networking dinner with that same hiring person. The same thing happens when you are searching for a job.

When you are aware that there will probably be another better job, you might care less about burning a bridge. Don’t go this route – always take the high road. Believe it or not – not ghosting is more uncommon then ghosting.

Want to stick out and find your perfect job in Minneapolis? Don’t be scared to communicate, no matter how tight you feel the conversation might be because ghosting is only going to reflect poorly on your professionalism. By now, most individuals are knowledgeable about the term ghosting when it has to do with social interactions.

One thing that any job seeker should realize is that you may not know when or how you may reencounter a hiring manager that you once ghosted.

Need some help with your job search,  contact Award Staffing. We will be able to help you find a job that is the perfect fit for you and your unique skill sets. Our team of hiring professional located in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota are here to help you find you your next new job opportunity!

5 Reasons Why You Don’t Hear Back After an Interview

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It’s a typical scenario in the job searching process; once the interview is over, it feels like complete silence on the part of the hiring manager, and silence is the last thing you ever want to hear. Sometimes a lack of feedback doesn’t necessarily mean that you didn’t get the job. Here are five typical reasons you don’t hear back after an interview:

1. Other Candidates are Being Interviewed –

Depending on the scheduling, the interviewing process might not be done in a single day, or even in a week. If that job you are interviewing for requires multiple interviews, it can take even longer. In most scenarios, individuals aren’t informed of the results of an interview until all of the interviews are complete, no matter of how well it went.

2. Multiple People Are Involved In Make The Decision-

If you have ever interviewed with a group or had numerous one-on-one interviews, then the hiring decision is most likely made by a group of people, not a single hiring manager. That means that every person interviewing has to provide feedback on each candidate to come to a group consensus. Depending on the number of interviews, and the schedules of every interviewer, this process might take weeks before a final candidate is selected.

3. Work Delays Their Decision –

Most hiring managers also have regular job responsibilities and duties that they must complete in their day-to-day roles. If something urgent happens after your interview is complete, they most likely will turn their attention to that issue – delaying the hiring process.

4. More than One Qualified Candidate –

Sometimes a hiring manager’s decision comes down to more than one qualified candidate, and selecting between more than one great candidate isn’t always easy. If either person could perform the job, fit into the company culture, and provide long-term value – this makes the decision much more challenging.

The hiring and onboarding process is costly to businesses; this puts hiring managers under pressure to make the right decision. When two job candidates seem to be an ideal fit, getting to a point where a confident hiring decision can be made can take longer than most people realize.

5. You Are Not a Final Candidate –

Not every company notifies job candidates that were not selected for a job. While this is often frustrating, it is common practice. Don’t let this keep you down, take some time to reflect on what went well with your interview and then continue your job search.

If you are looking for a new job opportunity in Minnesota, and want the Twin Cities top staffing professionals to help you with your job search, Award Staffing is here to help. Contact us today and see what current job openings we have open today!

The Minnesota Way of Requesting Time Off

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At some point in your career, everyone needs time off beyond vacation and holiday. Whether you need to ask for an hour off for a doctor’s appointment, or a more extended time period to deal with an unexpected chain of events, the underlying principles stay the same. Here’s how to ask for time off to increase your chances of receiving the request:

Detail Your Recent Accomplishments-

When you need to ask something of a supervisor, it’s best to precede your request with something that lets your supervisor view you in a positive light. Even if you have a good relationship with your supervisor, it doesn’t hurt to remind him or her that you’ve been doing well recently. This will make them more likely to grant your request.

Have a Detailed Plan of the Dates-

It’s best not to approach your supervisor until you have the exact dates and times you need off from work. Once you have this information and convey it, you will appear to be very organized and responsible. This will increase your chances of having your supervisor approve your time off.

Describe Replacement Assistance-

If you aren’t going to be at work, the responsible thing to do is to find someone who will step in your workplace’s productivity doesn’t suffer. Before you talk to your supervisor, secure replacement assistance with one or more of your coworkers who are willing to help you. Describe the details of your replacement assistance to your supervisor when you ask for time off. This will allow your supervisor to make the decision based on whether or not you should be able to go, not whether or not the company will be short-staffed on that day.

Ask Permission-

Once you’ve presented all of the above information, you need to ask permission. Asking permission shows your supervisor that you still respect him or her and will adhere to their ultimate decision. Your supervisor isn’t likely to say no unless there are some considerable scheduling conflicts that would interfere with the company’s work output.

If you’re looking for a job that lets you take time off occasionally, contact Award Staffing. We can help you find a job opportunity that takes your obligations into account. We will work with you to make sure your new job is an excellent fit for both you and the company