How to Start Your Job Search in Minneapolis

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Have you ever has a job but felt that you desperately wanted a new one? Coincidently the time wasn’t right to make the job switch because your schedule needs wouldn’t allow for you to interview with another company easily. In the end, you decided to stay put until something changes on in your life.

Regardless of your rationale, there are still plenty of things that you can do immediately to prepare you for job searching in the future. Here are some tips for helping you with your future job search:

Take Time to Update Your Resume-

Have you reviewed your resume since you started your current job? If so then it is time to update it and get everything in order. By taking the time to update your resume now, you won’t have to do it later when it comes time to apply for jobs. When updating, have a basic resume format that is ready to go but allows you to tailor your resume based on individual postings, speeding up the application process.

Make Sure Your Online Presence is Positive-

Professional social media profiles are common amongst job seekers, so it is best to make sure your profiles are as polished as your resume. Make sure all of the information is correct and up to date. If your profiles contain items that you would want your grandmother to see, odds are a prospective employer won’t appreciate them as well.

Start Reaching Out to Your Network-

Since you are not readily searching for a new job, you have time to start reconnecting with other professionals you may have lost touch with. The best and easiest way to rekindle these relationships is by sending a message asking them how the holidays treated them. The key is to keep the conversation light and not to overwhelm them. From here let the conversation progress naturally and wait to ask about job opportunities until you have rebuilt the relationship.

The critical thing to consider is not to force a job conversation too soon. Take time to catch up before diving into the job-related questions since you have time before your job search really begins.

Try Working with Recruiters-

If you haven’t ever worked with a staffing company or recruiter, this is a great place to start before you are ready to begin job searching. Recruiters can help you refine your resume while getting other job searching items in order.

Interested in working with a recruiter to find a new job opportunity in Minneapolis? Award Staffing has the experience you need to help you with your job search. Contact us today, so we can connect with some of the best companies to work for in Minnesota. Want to learn more career tips and tricks – check our When Work Works blog.

3 Simple Reasons Why You Should Get to Work Early

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A lot of people are more focused on how many times they can get away with hitting the snooze button than how they can show up to work a little earlier to start the new day. There are real benefits from hitting the ground early that can make your day better and improve your overall performance. Consider these benefits of arriving early.

1. Showing Up Early Saves Time-

This may sound counterintuitive but getting a head start can save you time. You miss the worst of the morning rush hour traffic for one thing. You are first in line for everything; no waiting for coffee, or to put your lunch in the break room refrigerator, or to get needed supplies from storage.

2. First In – First Served –

Bosses usually show up a little early and making it in before the crowd means you have a chance for a bit of face time with them. This is a chance to build a relationship with a person who has a tremendous impact on your chances for a promotion, and it also gives you a chance to get a jump on new projects.

Impressing the boss isn’t the only chance you’ll have to get ahead by being early. New client calls are all yours, and you can get early e-mails to people before their inbox gets clogged with the day’s usual stampede. Peter G McDermott says, “when you get an early start on follow-ups and general inquiry e-mails, you are putting yourself ahead of messages that will come later throughout the day.”

3. Improve Your Workflow–

The morning can be the most productive time of the day. You have a chance to get in and get set while others are still trying to make their first cup of coffee. You can create a plan that gives you a roadmap for being productive all day. And you can work without distractions. As Hilary White of Popsugar points out, “coming to work when the office is empty is a great way to buckle down, focus, and get a good chunk of work completed without anything to distract you.”

If you’re in a position that doesn’t currently reward your drive to get started early, contact Award Staffing. We will be able to help you find a new job opportunity that lets you benefit from your work ethic and productivity.

Looking to Moving Forward at Work? Here’s How

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Life is unpredictable but possible to take control of most things in your life. It’s hard to keep perspective, but most people will face a few setbacks during their career journey.

Sometimes you may lose career momentum after a difficult stretch at your job, but you want to avoid this at all costs because you may miss out on exciting opportunities. If you want to make sure that you don’t miss out on further developing your career, here are some tips that can help you keep your career moving in the right direction.

Letting Go-

During your life, you are guaranteed to have challenges that cause you to become distracted or worried. These types of setbacks can be momentum killers. The key is to learn that they are entirely normal and working through them can help you to move forward.

If you experience a setback at your job or facing personal hardship, it’s crucial to acknowledge what is affecting you – then strive to turn it into something positive. For example, think about the lessons that you can learn from the experience, and it is beneficial to your personal. Doing so will allow you to brainstorm a different approach that could create a more desirable outcome is a familiar situation arises.

The ultimate goal of this is to let yourself feel how you feel and then actively shifting your mindset; you can ensure your career doesn’t stall.

Creating a Support System-

When you want to continue your career momentum, it’s critical to have a reliable support system. The members your group can not solely help you maintain focus and accountable, but also should encourage you during challenging your times. A massive plus is having a support system it that they can provide you with insight to help you change your perspective. This is crucial if you are often your own worst critic – keeping you from blowing small items out of proportion.

When creating your support system, make sure the relationships don’t favor just you. If you want these individuals to be there for you, you need to be there for them too. Be a cheerleader for them and help examine their situations when required. This keeps your relationship reciprocal, ensuring everyone provides value.

Self Advocate-

Do you continually engage in negative self-talk? If you do, this can be incredibly damaging to your mindset. By continuously allowing self-doubts to manifest, that internal dialogue could lead to a stall in your career.

Whenever you engage in negative self-talk, decide to be your own advocate and counter these instances with something positive. Focus on your recent achievements, remind yourself of a compliment, or just confront chalk up your thought as being inaccurate. It can take some practice to fight off negative self-talk adequately. But, spending more time being your own advocate and less your own bully, it does become easier.

Ultimately, if you want your career to keep moving forward, you have to be conscientious. If you’re going to maintain career momentum, it’s worth putting in the effort by creating a resilient support system, learn from your mistakes, and be your own advocate. Remember, challenges are part of life but, by using the tips above, you put yourself in a position to achieve higher levels of success.

If you would like to start searching for a new job to keep your career on the right track, the hiring team at Award Staffing can help. We have offices located in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota to help you with your job search today! Contact us to discuss your goals today and see how our current job opportunities in Minnesota can make keeping your momentum easier than ever.

3 Steps to Take to Be Promoted at a MN Company

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If you have a job you love and have been working at for a while, it makes sense that you may want to see a promotion in your near future. While the decision ultimately rests in the hands of your employer, there are five crucial steps you can take to speed up the process.

Be Early Every Day-

This cannot be stressed enough if you are hoping for a promotion in the near future. Being early every day not only allows you to jump into a situation if needed, but it also shows your level of commitment and dedication to your job. Your employers will start to notice that you are dependable, responsible, and motivated. These are all great traits to have as someone who is about to be promoted.

Go Above and Beyond Your Responsibilities-

In a similar manner to showing up early every day, you should go above and beyond your responsibilities. People who don’t care about work show up, do the bare minimum and clock out at the end of the day. People who value their jobs and colleagues show up at work, finish their tasks, and ask what else they can do to help their colleagues and the business overall. Not only will you be helping with your company’s productivity, but you will be visibly displayed to your employer that you have a vested interested in doing your job well beyond merely collecting a paycheck and helping the company succeed.

Express the Desire to Be Promoted-

Sometimes, even if you take the above two steps, your manager may not give you a promotion because s/he assumes you don’t want it. If you genuinely want to be promoted, you need to express the desire to them so they can take it into account. Whether you decide to write a formal letter, an informal e-mail, or have a conversation – that’s up to you. But, it is essential that you make your desire and goals heard so they can consider them.

If you have been working at a job that doesn’t allow for promotional opportunities, contact Award Staffing. We can place you in a job that values how hard you work and will give you opportunities based on the desires you express and the commitment you show to that particular company.

5 Items that You Need to Bring to Any Job Interview

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When you’re going on job interviews, there are several things you need to bring with you to help ensure a successful interviewing experience.

Resume-

Your interviewer will often ask you for a copy of your resume (even if you sent one earlier) Bring several copies with you in case there is more than one person sitting in the room with your interviewer. Make sure to print out your resume on quality neutral-toned paper so it can stand out from the crowd. 

References-

Have copies of your references on hand, so you can easily hand it over to your interviewer. The less work, your interviewer, has to do on your behalf, the better chances you have of getting the job.

Notepad and Pen-

You may not need it, but it’s important to be prepared. Appearing over prepared as opposed to being underprepared is always a plus

Folder-

Don’t have your papers and pen floating around loose in your hands, bag, or pocket. Make sure you bring a nicely-organized folder and keep your belongings inside of it. Your interviewer will likely take note of your organization and will be impressed. 

Water-

You never know when you’re going to need to cough, clear your throat, or sneeze. It’s important to bring water so you can remain hydrated and have a solution in case any of these uncomfortable situations arise during your interview.

If you need help finding jobs, contact Award Staffing. We will be able to help you line up interviews for job opportunities that are a good fit for your personality, work experience, and future career goals. Want to learn more career tips and tricks – check our When Work Works blog.

5 Quick Ways to Get Motivated For Your Job

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I don’t know about you, but quite frankly I’m sick of hearing about the tough economy. So today, we’re going to focus on 5 ways to turn negative, unmotivating thoughts into positive action.

1. You have a lot of potential – start recognizing it!

You may not be built like a bodybuilder or be mistaken for a supermodel. But with positive thinking, focusing on your strengths, and self-determination you can achieve some fantastic things.

2. Decide what you want – and set goals along the way.

Remember the old saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day”? Well, it wasn’t! When setting goals, it’s essential to keep your long-term goal in mind, but set smaller goals along the way. This will help keep you motivated and patient.

3. Get focused and discipline yourself.

Nothing in life is free. If you want to meet your goals, you’re going to have to work for it. Focus your attention on your goals and don’t stray. Make sure each day you do at least one activity that centers around your goals.

4. Stop doubting your abilities and develop self-confidence.

Strike the phrase “I can’t” from your vocabulary-because “you can”! Don’t complain or get frustrated with little roadblocks. Instead, visualize your success.

5. Avoid negative people.

Negativity is contagious. One of the easiest ways to become successful is to surround yourself with positive, successful people.

If you need help finding a new job opportunity, contact Award Staffing. We will place you with a job that is well suited for your needs, and that will enable you to perform it well on a daily basis. We have offices located in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota to help you with your job search today! Want to learn more career tips and tricks – check our When Work Works blog.

5 Ways to Ensure You’re Doing Your Job Well

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If you are currently employed, the key to not only retaining your job but also gaining opportunities to move up, is to do your job well. Follow these five tips to ensure you are performing your job well.

1. Be on Time-

In order to perform your job well, you need to be on time. When you are on time for work, you can start your workday with a relatively low amount of stress and confusion. This will allow you to perform your tasks with a clear mind. A large amount of your job performance is linked to your mood, so make sure to get a good start to your day.  

2. Take the initiative-

Regardless of what your job title or position is, you need to understand you can always take the initiative. Instead of asking your employers for instruction all the time, apply what you know and move forward. Your employer will be impressed that you had the logical reasoning skills to assess a situation and act appropriately.

3. Be Thorough-

Don’t rush through tasks at work. Even if you are assigned a task that isn’t particularly exciting or fun, you should still take time to do the job well. Give 100% effort and avoid the mistakes that result from being careless or lazy.  

4. Ask for Feedback-

Ask for feedback from your employers. Your employers will know that you’re looking out for your job and will be happy to tell you what can be improved. Once you know this information, you will know which personal weaknesses you can strive to better.  

5. Enjoy It-

The best way to ensure you’re performing your job well is to enjoy it. When you appreciate your job, your work ethic will show it. Your colleagues and employer will recognize that you’re performing your job well because you will have pride in your work every day.  If you feel like you can embody these principles, you are ready for employment.

If you need help finding a job, contact Award Staffing. We will place you with a job that is well suited for your needs, and that will enable you to perform it well on a daily basis. 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! Want to learn more career tips and tricks – check our When Work Works blog.

How Successful People Navigate a Job Change

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You’ve decided to change jobs. Good for you, but don’t forget these essential steps to help you on the way.  Now don’t get stressed – it’s not as complicated as it may initially seem if you do the planning and know the necessary measures you need to take to successfully navigate a career change.

Do the Research-

Take some time to research and discover everything you need to accomplish – from education to deadlines and dates which are relevant to your career change. Though this step may seem tedious, it never hurts to be too prepared.

Sign Up for Applicable Education-

Depending on what you’re going to be changing your career to, you may or may not need to go back to school or receive a professional certificate or license. In your research process, you should have been able to find more information about those requirements, so you’ll know if this applies to you or not.

Start Looking for New Jobs-

Even if you’re still in the beginning phases of switching careers, you should start looking for new jobs as soon as possible. The reason for this is because you want to know what the job market is like when you are ready for a new job. Plus, it’ll give you an end goal to accomplish as you start on your new and exciting path.

Finally, contact Award Staffing. We help people make career changes every week. We have offices located in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota to help you with your job search today! We will be able to recommend current jobs opportunities for you that would fit in well with your new line of work but also take into account your past career and experiences. Want to learn more career tips and tricks – check our When Work Works blog.

How to be a Team Leader at Work in 305 Words

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One of the most frustrating things in the world is to hear that your co-workers are not getting along or working well together. It’s to your benefit to have total team cohesion so you can avoid costly mistakes or missteps. Here’s how you can foster teamwork in your workplace:

Hold Team Meetings-

One of the best ways to encourage collaboration is to start holding regular team meetings in which you and your team members check in with one another and provide feedback and suggestions. Doing this will allow you to physically connect with your team as opposed to leaving notes for each other on the message board or sending each other e-mails.

Encourage Co-workers to Help Each Other-

As a manager, it’s your job to oversee the day-to-day operations and make sure that your co-workers are getting along. One easy way to do this is to encourage co-workers to help each other instead of you or another manager helping them. Once they start helping each other, they will become that much more accustomed to each other’s needs and be able to anticipate them on the fly.

Do Team-Building Activities-

Team-building activities are a fun way to foster teamwork in the workplace because they let you break out of the regular team environment to get to know one another. You’ll soon find that when you’re not huddled in the same office or halls every day, you will get to see different aspects of your colleagues’ personalities shine, which will help you like them and get along with them that much more.

If you want a job where everyone contributes to your workplace’s overall teamwork cohesion, contact Award Staffing. We have work with Minnesota based companies that focus on cultivating a positive company culture. Start the job search today by perusing our current job opportunities! Want to learn more career tips and tricks – check our When Work Works blog.

Is Work Stressful? Here Are Some Ways to Relax

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Without a doubt work can be stressful – for some, they internalize stress, while others put their stress out in the open. No matter what the cause of your stress, it is crucial to know to know; it’s just a job.

Your Job Isn’t Your Identity-

It’s sometimes hard to believe, but your job isn’t the most critical aspect of your life. Yes, it’s true that you spend a vast majority of your day-to-day at work, but your job should serve as a way for you to learn about what you are genuinely passionate about.

In no way, shape, or form should your job create unhappiness throughout your life. Your job shouldn’t hold you back from the things that honestly matter. If the stress of your job does, then you have a higher chance of experiencing burnout.

Does this sound like you? If so, then it is time to reevaluate both your job and identity together.

Taking a Break-

If you see your job taking more of your day, you should consider scheduling some time away from work. Dedicating a majority of your time and energy to work can’t be maintained. Taking time away can help you reset and recharge and support better mental health.

Here are some things to realize – First, you are just one person. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but if you’re not the owner of the company you work for, the business will continue without you if you are gone for a few days. It is alright to take a step back and allow yourself to participate in hobbies that leave you feeling rejuvenated. Give yourself a chance to recharge can help you to be more productive over the long-term.

Being Stressed Doesn’t Mean Success-

There is a misconception out there that being stressed means, you are successful. Sometimes successful people may be stressed, being stressed doesn’t mean that you are successful. It doesn’t make you any more important in any way that is meaningful to your career.

While some stress at work is healthy, it shouldn’t take over your life. If you can’t seem to escape it, it could be time to find a new job opportunity. If you are looking for a job that lets you work and still have time for things that are important in your life, the recruiters at Award Staffing can help you explore new jobs. Contact us to see what is available in your area today. Want to learn more career tips and tricks – check our When Work Works blog.