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.

5 Tips to Prove to Minnesota Employers They Should Hire You

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When you start your job search in the Minneapolis – St Paul metro area, your primary goal is to show a prospective employer that you are the right person for their job. When you get that first interview more often than not, you will be asked with one of the hardest questions to answer: “Why should we hire you?”

Most job seekers hate this question, but there exists an excellent opportunity to show why you’re the best fit for the job and why they should hire you. Here are 5 of our industry secrets that will help you accurately answer this question:

Focus on the Benefits-

One common way of standing out when answer this question is to focus on how your skills and experience will benefit the company. This should be done by clearly establishing your enthusiasm for the type of work you would be doing in this job. Also, take some time to speak to this job would accomplish for your career while talking about how your skills are a benefit for the business. Be sure to talk about the advantages of hiring for both the company and you to ensure that you have the most significant impact.

Standout-

We often see that many Minnesota job seekers answer this question continually stating their skills and experiences over and over again. By doing this, you aren’t showing and telling the hiring manager anything new. Instead, use your knowledge of the company to show how you would be a great addition to their company. To do this effectively, it requires an extensive amount of research – it shows that you’re excited about the job and that you took extra time to learn more about the prospective company.

Be a Problem Solver-

Traditionally, Minnesota companies want to hire a new person because they have an issue that requires a solution. If you can show how you can provide a solution to some of their current problems, you give the hiring manager a preview of what the future of hiring you would look like.

Give Extra Details-

Sometimes an interview happens quickly, leaving you without a chance to discuss everything you have to offer. Maybe all the questions that a hiring manager asks are specifically targeted to specific skills; they are looking for a basic, concise response. Regardless, this question gives you an opportunity to go over details that you might not typically have the chance to go over, which will help you prove that you have everything it takes to be successful.

Be Passionate-

There are very few things impact on hiring managers decision to hire a candidate is if they are genuinely passionate about their work. If you are driven and sincerely enjoy the work the work that you, embrace those feelings. Be sure to communicate what about the job appeals to you and why that leaves you driven to succeed. This may be as simple as particular skills or responsibilities as well as a connection to the company’s culture.

By following the above industry secrets, you will be able to prove that you are the right person to hire for the job. If you are searching for a new job opportunity, the hiring team at Award Staffing can connect you with leading companies in the area. Contact us to see how our services can help you get ahead and get employers to hire you.

How to Get a Job In Minnesota Through a Staffing Agency

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If you are currently unemployed or just looking for a new job, a great way to go about doing this is to apply through a staffing agency. Staffing agencies can help match you up with a job that is perfect for your skill and experience level. Here’s how to get a job through a staffing agency: 

Get Your References Ready-

When you are applying for a job, you will need to provide references to your potential employer, proving that you are reliable and trustworthy. You can get your references organized by calling previous employers and asking if you can list them as a reference. If they say yes, you can write down their name, position, phone number, and relationship to you. Let them know when they might be expecting a phone call from a future employer, so they aren’t surprised when they are contacted.

Get Your Resumé Ready-

You will need to provide your potential employers with a list of your past and current experiences so they can determine whether or not you’re qualified. As a general rule of thumb, you should not list experiences that are more than four years old so you can assure your potential employer that you have recent experience. If you don’t know what a resume should look like, there is help online that will teach you how to format it correctly.

Look Online For Opportunities-

There are plenty of job opportunities online.  You can look at staffing agency websites to see what opportunities are currently available to you. Usually, you can filter the search results by different factors such as location, interest, and skill level. You will be able to browse through these results until you find jobs that are applicable and appropriate for you.

Apply Using Your Information-

Once you see a job that looks interesting to you, you can apply for it using the information mentioned above. The application will probably ask for a resume, references, and your contact information. Customize your resume to fit the position requirements.  If you have taken all of the above steps, you are ready to get a job through a staffing agency. Staffing agencies are a great way to find employment because they provide readily available work that is geared towards a variety of niche skills and experiences.

Contact Award Staffing, and we will help you find a job in Minnesota that is perfectly matched for your skills and lifestyle. Ready to apply for your next job opportunity? Apply with Award Staffing! 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.

4 Tricks for Building Your Career to Ensure Success

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The older you become, the more you will realize the difference between having a job and having a career. It’s essential to have a career so you can keep your options open, learn as much as possible, and learn how to grow in a specific field. Here are some tips about how you can build a career:

Pick a Specialty –

In order to have a successful career, you will need to find your niche early on in the game. It’s okay if you want to broaden your reach eventually, but you will need to focus on one particular segment initially. This will help you shape the jobs you take, networking events you attend, and education you receive.

Educate Yourself –

Your career will often start with education of some sort. While many people opt for a formal education, this isn’t a path you necessarily have to follow. As long as you are learning about the field of your choice, you can rest assured that you are doing everything in your power to advance yourself in that career.

Network –

If you’re trying to build a career, you will learn to love and appreciate networking events. Networking events are a great way to make connections with people who can help you and give you advice. You will also meet people in networking events that you might not have had the chance to meet or work with otherwise. Don’t forget to bring a full stack of business cards with you so you can follow up on the new relationships.

Develop Work Experience –

Since your career can be summed up as the total of your collective work experiences, you will need to have those work experiences. The best way to develop work experience is to say yes to as many opportunities as you can within your working capacity. This will ensure that you are always exposing yourself to new people and experiences that will help you with your career pursuit.

Figuring out what you want in a boss is tricky – let us help you find the perfect. Contact Award Staffing, and we will find the best boss that fits your personality. 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.

4 Tactics for Finding Temporary Jobs in Minnesota

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You may find yourself in need of a temporary job; maybe you’re on a break from school, or maybe you just need to make a little extra cash in a short amount of time. Even though it may seem tough to find a temp job on your own, you do have a few options.

1. Look on Job Boards-

Job boards are a great way to find temp work because they’re often very clear with the term length, skills required, and any other pertinent information you need to know. Check out the Award Staffing job board to see some of the latest opportunities available.

2. Use Social Media-

You can use social media in one of two ways to search for temp jobs. First, you can post on your personal social media profiles that you’re looking for a temp job and see if you receive any responses. Second, you can search for temp jobs on the social media profiles of companies for whom you want to work. We recommend you follow Award Staffing’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn profiles to see what may be of interest to you. We post new opportunities daily to our followers.

3. Ask via Word of Mouth-

Your friends and family may know of great temporary/freelance opportunities, but they need to know you’re looking! If you throw out that you are in need of temp work, you may be surprised at the opportunities your friends and family present to you.

4. Use a Staffing Agency-

One of the easiest ways in which to find temp work is to use a staffing agency. When you work with a staffing agency, you can tell them the amount of time you want to work and give them your unique skill sets. They have a much wider pool of jobs from which they can look, so your chances of being gainfully employed are much greater if you work with a staffing agency.

If you’re looking for a temporary job opportunity or looking to get your foot in the door at a new company, contact Award Staffing. We will be able to match you up with a company that will put your skills, educational background, and talents to good use for the set amount of time you want to work. Want to learn more career tips and tricks – check our When Work Works blog.

How Learning from Failure is Your Gateway to Success

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Let’s face it – failure isn’t fun. But, it doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. In fact, you can usually find a couple of lessons within most “failure.” The key is to know what to look for and how to do it so you can avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Let Your Emotions Cool Down-

First of all, it’s important not to make any big decisions or alter any courses of action when your emotions are still hot. This means that if you’re sad, upset, or angry, you need to take a step back until you are in control of your emotions. Some good ways for you to be able to do this can be as simple as taking a walk, talking to a friend, getting some rest, or spending time with family.

Reflect on What You Would Do Differently-

Once you’ve sufficiently cooled down, take some time to reflect on what you would do different, if you were placed in that particular situation for the second time. Would you take a different approach? Would you do things slower or faster? Would you rely more or less on other people? Once you answer these questions, you will start to gain some clarity on how you can prevent your failure from happening again.

Make Amends-

One of the best ways to learn from failure is to make amends. When you make amends, you can let the people in your life know that you have done significant reflection on your failure and are committed to making sure it doesn’t happen again. This can also help you repair relationships, which means that other people in your life can help point out when you’re on the road to failure again.

If you know how to learn from failure and are looking for a new job, contact Award Staffing. We will be able to help you find a job opportunity that lets you build upon your experiences and life lessons you’ve learned along the way. 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.

Here are 5 Steps to Move Up in Your Job

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Are you stuck in an entry-level position? Have you been working hard, but still not getting that promotion and accompanying raise? Learn how to move your career forward. Here are 5 steps to get you started.

1. Take a Self-evaluation-

As you complete your daily tasks, make a note of which ones you enjoy the most. What is it about a specific function that you enjoy? What skills does it use? What type of position do you want to have? Will it use these same skills? Is your attitude an asset or a problem? What can you change? Finding ways to make the most of where you are at will help you move on to something better. Excel at what you do now and opportunities will present themselves.

2. Build Your Skills-

Consider ways to build on current skills or learn new ones. Consider participating in classes offered in your community or online to beef up your resume. Volunteer somewhere where you not only use your current skills but also have an opportunity to learn new skills. Read books and articles about your industry.

3. Make a Difference-

Assess the processes in your workplace and specifically your department. Is there something you can do to help it run smoother? Is there a suggestion that you can offer to encourage productivity, safety, higher quality, etc.? Making a difference where you’re at is a big step to earning opportunities to move forward.

4. Get a Mentor-

Find a mentor who works in a field that interests you. Ask their advice on how to move up? Their advice can be invaluable and give you a fresh perspective. Be willing to listen to their input, of course, and at least try their suggestions.

5. Build Relationships-

Build relationships with coworkers, the management team, and other people in your industry. Networking can make a significant difference, but remember – it’s not about you, it’s about the relationship. Take time to get to know them and find ways to help them. What goes around, comes around.

If you’re looking for a new job, contact Award Staffing. We will be able to help you find a job opportunity that is a good fit for you both professionally and personally that is a good match for your current career skill set and future career goals. Want to learn more career tips and tricks – check our When Work Works blog.

Are You an Introvert? And Looking for a Job? Read This!

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If you are an introvert, then the thought event searching for a new job is enough to get you to hide and stay indoors.  Don’t worry; there are three easy tactics that can help you make the job-searching process easier. Ultimately this means that you can enjoy your time while still being productive.  Listed below are our suggestions for job searching while being an introvert:

1. Talk About Your Strengths-

If you aren’t extroverted and outgoing, make sure to over-communicate your strengths throughout the application process. If you’re asked by an interviewer if you’re a people person, follow up with this – “I have learned a lot from working with my colleagues in the past. However, I feel as though I do my best work on my own.” This is a professional and honest way to tell your interviewer your preferred working style.

2. Don’t Feel Forced to Become an Extrovert-

A lot of interviewers emphasize that candidates should be extroverted in order to be team players. If this isn’t you, don’t fabricate some story for the interviewer. The truth is, as an introvert that you have different strengths. By pretending that you are someone who you’re not, it will sooner than later come out during work. There are many different ways for an introverted person to be a team player, it is your bosses job to uncover those opportunities.

3. You Are, Who You Are-

If you don’t get the job that you want, don’t take it personally. As an introverted person, you tend to be very reflective while spending time continually thinking about what you could have done differently. When you do this, take a moment and spend time reflecting on other jobs you could apply for. It’s also crucial to realize that sometimes job rejection is a possible blessing in disguise so eventually, you can find a job that is a better fit.

If you need help in your job search, contact Award Staffing. 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 help you find job opportunities and interview situations that play up your introvert personality as a strength instead of weakness. We can do a lot of the communication for you, so you can focus on doing what you do best. Want to learn more career tips and tricks – check our When Work Works blog.

3 Ways to Know When It’s Time to Leave Your Job

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Leaving a job is no easy feat, especially if you’ve been working there for a long time. There are a few central signs you should follow to determine whether or not it’s finally time to leave your job:

You’re Bored-

This is probably the most tell-tale sign that you need to leave your job. If you’re bored, you are no longer getting the multitude of benefits associated with having a job besides just collecting a paycheck. A job should be stimulating, engaging, and inspiring. If you don’t have those feelings for your job anymore (but once used to), it may be time to say goodbye and to look for a new opportunity.

The Company No Longer Needs You-

Sometimes, it’s possible that a person works at a company for so long that they outgrow that specific job. For example, if you were one of the sole employees and used to wear multiple hats, but now only do a fourth of the tasks you once did, you might feel as though the company no longer needs you. This is not a good feeling to have, even though there’s a good chance that it could be true. Perhaps it’s time to look for more challenging work.

You Want to Use Different Skills-

If you want to use different skills and your employer isn’t giving you the opportunity to use them, you might need to look for a different job. You’re supposed to be able to grow and learn throughout your career, so it’s perfectly reasonable to want to find a new job or change careers if you’re not receiving that stimulation at work.

Looking for a new job but don’t know where to start?  Contact Award Staffing. We will be able to help you find a new job opportunity that will be a seamless transition from your old one, leaving you feeling more fulfilled, happy, and productive. 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.

3 Ways How to Turn You Temp Job into a Permanent Job

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Did you know – according to Forbes magazine, “70% of people in temporary jobs get a full-time, permanent position at that company.” If you would like to try to turn your temp job into a permanent opportunity – here are three simple steps:

1. Learn About The Company-

Remember that that being a temp-worker like an audition for a company. They want to make sure that you are the right fit.

By taking the time to learn all that you can about a company not only helps you fit in, but it enables you to stand out. Ask questions, search online, know the chain of command, and show interest in the different jobs that are internal.

By learning and understanding all the various the company dynamics and internal personalities you’ll be able to identify the key players. From here it is crucial to establish and build relationships with these key individuals. Don’t be afraid to strike up a positive and upbeat conversation.

2. Act like You Are a Fulltime Employee-

First impressions can’t be undone. The first few days and weeks of a new job setting the tone for how others see you. You may not feel like you are being observed, but believe it or not, you are.

The key is always to remember that you aren’t just a temp; you’re a qualified candidate who is auditioning for a permanent job. So don’t be a clock watcher, get to work early, and don’t rush to leave. In these types of job opportunities, abilities such as “self-motivated, detail oriented and strong work ethic” need to be continuously showcased.

Your goal needs to make yourself indispensable so you’re the first choice if any permanent jobs they may have. And be sure to communicate in casual conversation that you’re interested in a full-time job.

3. Network with Your Coworkers-

A substantial aspect of being a team player is interacting with your coworkers. Be friendly and enthusiastic, try not to isolate yourself or overshare. Above anything else, show that you are sincerely interested in your job and the company.

The key is to show your coworkers that you are there to help make their workday easier, not to make it more stressful. Always be looking to help – when you’ve completed your assigned task, ask if is there any other ways you can help. Be willing to work outside your job description and learn new things to help the team.

The common misconception is that temporary jobs don’t lead permanent ones, this is far from the truth. If you take to heart these steps and go the extra mile, the chances are that you will find a permanent job. Our goal at Award Staffing is to match your skills with the right company. Contact our hiring team today to talk about how we can help you in your job search. 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.