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!

The Job Seeker’s Guide to Shift Work

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Job postings usually have a section listing the shift the employee would work. If you’re unfamiliar with shift work, you might not know what that shift is. If you’ve done shift work before, this could be your signal that this job is (or isn’t) for you.

Shift work is a style of scheduling groups of employees so that different workers are performing the same tasks throughout the day. Workplaces using shift work often have employees working 24 hours a day and for the entire week.

Workplaces that use shift work often provide essential services. Police departments, fire departments, and hospitals all require staff 24/7 to keep their communities safe and healthy. Sometimes employers use shift work to increase productivity. Factories may have workers on duty most if not all hours of the day for increased output.

Common shift schedules

While every workplace is different, there are three common shift schedules:

• First shift: Traditional business hours make up the first shift. First shift workers typically start work between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. They end the day between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

• Second shift: Second shift employees relieve first shift workers. They start their day around 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and leave at midnight or 1 a.m. Second shift is also called the swing shift.

• Third shift: The overnight shift requires employees to clock in around 10 p.m. to midnight and clock out between 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. This is called the graveyard shift because it’s when things are (usually) much quieter.

There are variations on this three-shift schedule. With a fixed shift, one crew is always working the same shift. One crew works the first eight-hour shift, another crew works second shift and a third works graveyards.

On rotating shifts, employees change shifts often, usually weekly. A crew might work the day shift for one week, second shift for another week and then go back to days.

Benefits of shift work

Nontraditional work hours offer flexibility. They can do things they may not be able to with a 9-5 job, like picking kids up from school or running errands when it’s less crowded.

Unconventional hours also mean that commutes are much smoother. You get more time back in your day if you aren’t battling rush hour, which may allow you to take a job a bit further from your home.

Drawbacks of shift work

The drawbacks of shift work are mostly related to the night shift. Shift work can have a negative effect on your physical and mental health. Long-term night-shift work can lead to increased risk of heart disease, obesity, and certain cancers. Having an unpredictable sleep schedule can lead to mental health issues. Night shift workers are also at greater risk for accidents.

Shift work can also interfere with your social life if your friends and family aren’t on the same schedule. You may have to miss out on activities because you’ll be at work or sleeping.

Employers sometimes offer incentives for employees to take second and third shifts, such as higher wages. You may also be more likely to get a job if you’re flexible about which shift you’re willing to work.

No matter which shifts you want to work, Award Staffing can help. Explore our job opportunities to find your future.

4 Reasons You Can Be Thankful During Your Job Search

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It can be hard to stay grateful when you’re on the job hunt, especially if you’ve been searching for a while. You’re not feeling very thankful, and that’s understandable. With some reflection, you may find you actually have many reasons to be thankful. Taking time each day to focus on the things you’re grateful for will help you tackle your job search with energy and positivity.

You’re gaining experience

Even if it doesn’t feel like it, every cover letter and resume you write is helping you develop your professional skills. You’re learning how to interpret a job posting, how to talk about your experience and how to be a better communicator.

If you make it to the interview but aren’t hired, don’t take it personally. Use it as a chance to consider how you can improve next time. Before you even hear back, write a few notes about how you think the interview went and how you can better prepare for certain questions.

You may not have gotten the job, or even a rejection email, but you definitely got a great experience. Viewing each opportunity as a learning experience will keep you positive during your search.

You have perspective

When you’re faced with the stress of finding a job, you’re forced to focus on what’s important. As you search through job postings and send applications, you’re learning more about what you want to do, what you’re capable of doing and what you’re willing to do.

Perhaps you just fell into your old or current job and it isn’t really what you want to do. Maybe you were unhappy in your workplace and wanted to find a company with a healthier work culture. As you research potential new employers, you’re wiser about what makes for a good job and a good workplace.

You have time

A sudden job loss can be devastating and puts a lot of financial stress on you and your family. While you’re likely anxious to return to the workforce, it’s ok to take a moment to appreciate your time. While you’re in-between jobs, return to that hobby you were always too tired to do. Take you kids for a fun day at the park or the lake. Volunteer for a cause you care about. Taking time to do things you enjoy will help you stay positive and learn more about yourself.

Even if you have a job, knowing that you’re taking control of your future may be the boost you need to get through the workday. You have time to be pickier about which jobs you’ll apply to and interview for while still collecting a paycheck.

You have support

If you’re currently employed but looking for something new, there are resources to help you transition to a new employer or a new career field. A staffing agency can guide you through the process, from creating resumes to finding jobs. No matter your situation, you don’t have to search for a new job on your own.

Award Staffing is here to help you with a successful job search so you can find your future. Follow us to find your next job opportunity today.

Signs You Need to Call in Sick to Work

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Cold and flu season is officially here. With the first signs of sniffles and sneezes, employees will have to decide whether or not to call in sick to work.

Unfortunately, your health isn’t the only thing impacting your decision. You may not have enough sick leave – or any sick leave – and you can’t afford to miss work. Sometimes our Midwestern work ethic makes it hard for us to ask for a day of rest. Maybe we faked sick so many times as kids we don’t even believe ourselves any more.

Whatever the case, too many employees come to work sick, putting their coworkers and customers at risk. Cold and flu season is the wrong time to be a hero. If you have these four symptoms, consider whether it’s time to email your manager.

You have a headache

No, not the kind of headache your obnoxious coworker gives you. If you have a real stress headache, you’ll feel it on the sides of your head and behind your eyes. If you have a migraine, you’ll usually feel it on one side of the head. If you wake up with your head pounding, try to determine the cause. If you think some water and medicine will take it away, you’re probably fine to go to work. If it’s more serious and you don’t think you can be productive, a day of rest can make all the difference. Listen to your body and call your doctor if you’re concerned.

Your nose is running

A runny nose is the first symptom of any number of conditions. You could be in the early stages of a cold or even the flu. It could also be allergies or a sinus infection, which while not contagious could make you into a miserable employee. If you wake up with a runny nose, evaluate how you feel. If you have other symptoms like a headache or cough, you may not be useful in the workplace.

You have a fever

While you could still be productive with a runny nose, you should absolutely stay home if you have a fever. A fever is the most common symptom of the flu and you risk infecting the rest of your coworkers. A fever is usually accompanied by chills and body aches and pains. You definitely won’t perform your work well, and you risk making yourself even sicker and having to be out longer. Do everyone a favor and stay in bed if you’re running a fever.

You have the chills

Just as you should stay home when you have a fever, chills are also a sign that it’s time to call it a day. Chills are similar to a fever in that they are a change in your body’s temperature and a sign that something is wrong. As with a fever, chills are often accompanied by body aches. You won’t get anything done if you’re shivering in pain.

Being sick is no fun, but being able to take a paid sick day is a luxury many people don’t have. If you’re looking for a new job that offers great benefits, Award Staffing can help. Check out our latest job opportunities.

How to Find a Job as a Veteran in Minnesota

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Your military experience makes you an excellent candidate for a wide variety of civilian jobs. It’s frustrating when you know you have a lot of training and skills but can’t find the right job. Qualified veterans sometimes struggle to find employment, but there are many programs working to correct this and encouraging employers to hire vets. Making a few changes to your search can help you find the right job.

Whether you’re looking to land your first civilian job or are a veteran of civilian and military employment, here are a few tips to help you in your search.

Find your passion

In the military, you completed whatever was asked of you with efficiency and accuracy. Now, you get to choose from a wide variety of jobs where you think you’d fit best. Consider the jobs that you enjoyed during military service. Maybe you felt comfortable conducting trainings, or you liked making repairs. Think about the kinds of activities you like doing both professionally and personally to find a career path that’s right for you.

Translate your military work

Civilians won’t understand the titles and acronyms for the different jobs you performed. You’ll need to translate the work you did and the responsibilities you had. Instead of using military jargon, list your accomplishments with strong verbs like “managed,” “coordinated,” and “communicated.” If you’ve had other civilian jobs, describe how your military experience helped you in those roles. Ask a civilian to look over your resume to ensure it makes sense (in fact, you should always have someone look over your resume just in case).

Find positions using military skills

Instead of translating your military skills into civilian jobs, look for jobs where you can use those skills. Security firms are eager to hire employees with military expertise. Government contractors would rather hire veterans than train civilians to understand how military life works. If you have a security clearance, that can give you the edge over other candidates for certain positions.

Use your network

There are thousands of fellow servicemen and women who share your experience. Use your military network to let others know you’re on the job hunt. Participating in social groups will keep you connected during your search and help you find opportunities. You may not always want to talk about it, but letting people know you’re a veteran can open doors for your future.

Research government and nonprofit programs

There are many resources available for veterans seeking employment. Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development has a page where Minnesota veterans can find resources and services to help them find employment.

Connect with a staffing agency

Staffing agencies are excellent resources for connecting you with the best employers in the area. Even if the positions are only temporary, you’ll earn a steady paycheck and sharpen your skills while you make the career transition. Instead of finding a job on your own, the staffing agency will be your partner in connecting you with the right fit.

Award Staffing thanks you for your service to our country. We’re here to help you find fulfilling and meaningful work. Check out our job opportunities today to get started.

3 Soft Skills to Mention During Your Next Interview

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Most job openings list certain criteria the employer is looking for in an applicant, such as years of experience, level of education and board certification. But many applications also include other features they’re looking for in a candidate like strong work ethic, good communication skills, and excellent teamwork. You know how to prove the first set of criteria, but how do you demonstrate good work ethic on a resume?

Soft skills are the personality traits, habits and attitudes that make for a great employee. Just as you need to be able to talk about how your prior job experience directly relates to the job you’re applying for (your hard skills), you also need to be able to talk about your soft skills and why they would make you good at your job.

During your next interview, help the employer understand why you’re a great candidate by preparing examples demonstrating these three soft skills.

1. Communication

No matter your job, you’ll need good communication skills to do it effectively. If you’re a highly-skilled carpenter but aren’t very good at communicating updates to a client or your manager, your skill may cause more problems for an employer than you’re worth. Whether you need to communicate with your boss, your coworkers or customers, communication is critical.

How to demonstrate: Communication comes in a variety of forms, mainly written, verbal and by phone. Think about previous job experience and when communication played a key role. Maybe you worked in a restaurant and had to accurately communicate with diners and chefs about meals, or perhaps you did some public speaking about your job at local events. Think about experiences you can point to and how your success demonstrates your communication skills.

2. Work ethic

Every employer wants to hire someone with a strong work ethic, even if it isn’t directly mentioned in the job posting. Having a strong work ethic means you come to work on time, focus on your tasks, stay organized and complete your work. This seems like the bare minimum for doing a job well, but employers will want to know they can trust you to do your job.

How to demonstrate: Come prepared with examples of your commitment to your past jobs. Maybe you had a client who needed something done fast and you were able to stay organized and get the project done. Perhaps you’ve earned an award like “Employee of the Month” demonstrating how you go above and beyond in your job. Think of times when your boss was able to depend on you and you delivered.

3. Teamwork

As with communication, even jobs where you’re working solo will likely require some level of teamwork. Managers want to know that you’ll get along well with other employees and that you can work together to achieve a common goal. They don’t want to hire someone who will prevent work from getting done because of personality conflicts.

How to demonstrate: Employers may ask you directly in an interview for examples related to teamwork with prompts like, “Tell me about a time when you and a coworker didn’t see eye to eye but got the job done.” Virtually everyone has a story about not getting along with a coworker, so it shouldn’t be hard to come up with an example and, most importantly, to list what you did to finish the job and what you learned from the experience.

At Award Staffing, we’re here to help you find your future by connecting you with awesome employers. Visit our website today to learn more about how we can help.

Tips for Finding Seasonal Work During Minnesota Winters

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It feels like summer just ended, but companies are already hiring seasonal employees to help out during the busy winter months. While we all want to bundle up during the cold Minnesota winters, there are plenty of opportunities to earn extra cash through seasonal jobs that will help get you through the holidays and beyond.

Whether you’re looking for a part-time side hustle or something to get you in-between jobs, there are plenty of benefits of getting a seasonal job for the winter. Below are a few tips to help you find seasonal work in Minnesota.

Think outside of retail

Most people think of hectic mall lines and crying children waiting for Santa when they think of winter seasonal employment. Seasonal employment during winter months can include a wide variety of jobs beyond retail, such as:

  • • Postal and delivery services
  • • Hotels, restaurants, and resorts
  • • Special events
  • • Outdoor recreation
  • • Recreational vehicle repair and maintenance
  • • Snow removal and winter-proofing

Consider your favorite seasonal activities

What are some of the places that are busier during the winter months? Minnesota has plenty of opportunities for winter recreation and hospitality jobs. Think of all the skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding and other fun we have to take advantage of the winter months. Lodges need hospitality employees to ensure guests have a warm welcome after enjoying the snow. Our favorite teams, the Timberwolves, and the Wild need someone to pour the beers while they work towards playoff season. Think about where you like to go during winter, and whether you’d enjoy helping out there.

Start applying early

Many other job seekers enjoy the idea of seasonal work, especially if there’s a great employee discount. Don’t wait until the snow is falling to start your search. Keep an eye on job boards to see who’s hiring for seasonal jobs a couple of months before the season arrives.

Make a good first impression

Companies hiring seasonal employees will receive stacks of applications from candidates with a wide variety of experience. Help yourself stand out by finding opportunities to meet your manager. Dress to impress and hand in your application in person, making sure to introduce yourself politely. Even better, attend a hiring event where the hiring staff is eager to meet employees like yourself (psst – have you seen our Walk-In Wednesdays?).

Have a flexible schedule

Employers are eager for seasonal employees, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always get the hours you want. If you’re flexible about your availability on nights, weekends and holidays, you’ll have a better chance of getting hired and earning more hours. Remember that seasonal work is just that – seasonal – and you’ll be able to enjoy your free time later with a little more dough in your pocket.

Treat your seasonal job like any other opportunity

Your job may have an end date, but that doesn’t mean you should act like you just gave your two weeks’ notice. Some companies may hire temporary workers to become full-time or long-term staff, so you want to do your best. If you want to be hired again next season, leave your manager with a good impression so you’ll be at the top of the callback list.

If you’re looking for a seasonal job for the upcoming winter, Award Staffing is here to match you with the best employers. Explore our job postings for the latest seasonal job opportunities in the Twin Cities.

Why Now is the Perfect Time for an Apprenticeship in Minnesota

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Apprenticeships are an excellent way to advance your career and get paid to learn. They help employers create a strong talent pool for finding new employees and help workers gain experience in highly skilled work. It’s no surprise that apprenticeships are on the rise, especially in Minnesota.

According to the Minnesota Institute of Economic Policy, apprenticeships are up 27 percent in the state from 2014 to 2017. In 2017, more than 11,500 people were enrolled in an apprenticeship. The rise in apprenticeships is a big boost for the Minnesota economy.

Apprenticeships are available in a wide variety of career fields, including:

  • • Construction
  • • Skilled manufacturing
  • • Automotive repair
  • • Healthcare
  • • Hospitality

In Minnesota, construction is by far the most popular field for apprenticeships, with construction accounting for 96 percent of state enrollment. The construction industry has embraced the idea and eagerly encourages apprenticeships. The state is currently experiencing a labor shortage for skilled craft workers and wants to attract more people to the industry.

What makes apprenticeships so attractive to employers and workers? There are many benefits you can gain from enrolling in an apprenticeship.

Hands-on training

The best way to learn how to do something isn’t necessarily from reading a book and taking a test – it’s from doing the thing yourself. With apprenticeships, you’re placed in a real, working business. You perform many hours of work doing the kind of work you’d perform when your program is complete, all under the supervision of an expert.

Learn from the best

While you can certainly pick up new skills at any job, the great thing about an apprenticeship is it’s designed to connect you with an expert or experts who will share their wisdom. You can be sure you’re learning what you’ll need in order to do the job on your own. You’ll have access to people who have been through the process you’re currently in and can offer career advice on advancing in the field.

Earn while you learn

Unlike paying for a class or getting an internship with the reward of “course credit,” you get paid for the work you do during your apprenticeship. Apprenticeships require about the same amount of hours as a bachelor’s degree, without all the student loan debt. Employers recognize the skill level of their apprentices and appreciate the work they’re completing. While finishing your apprenticeship will open up your earning potential, you will still be rewarded for your work while you’re learning.

Increase your job potential

Apprenticeships are for highly skilled jobs, meaning once you’ve mastered the techniques you’ll be in high demand because not many people can do what you do. You’ll have a higher salary and better job security thanks to your newfound expertise. The company where you complete your apprenticeship may offer you a full-time position, or you can see where else your new skills will take you.

If you’re considering an apprenticeship, are currently completing one or have recently finished, Award Staffing is here to help you find your future. Learn more about the exciting opportunities we share daily for highly skilled jobs in the Twin Cities.

How to Survive at Work When Your Coworkers Talk Politics

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We’re still more than a year away from another presidential election, but plenty of candidates, pundits, and even your coworkers are making their political opinions known. As Midwesterners we’re taught it’s polite to avoid certain topics like politics and religion; however, it may seem unavoidable nowadays when everyone is constantly plugged into the news and sharing their political opinions on social media.

If you’re unsure what to do the next time your coworker asks you about 2020 or the latest trending topic, there are a few tactics you can use to navigate the workplace.

Change the subject

If you’re not comfortable speaking about politics with a coworker or your boss, politely change the subject to another topic. Allow the speaker to finish his or her thought and nod politely. If the coworker presses you on your opinion, say you need to get back to work. If necessary, politely but firmly say you aren’t comfortable discussing politics at work.

This may be especially difficult if you don’t agree with what the other person is saying. You may worry that by not pushing back, you are agreeing with your coworker’s opinions. You can respond thoughtfully if you are comfortable (more on that below), but your priority should be successfully completing your work and not educating your coworker. If you don’t usually respond during discussions, your coworker will likely take the hint.

If you’re comfortable, share your thoughts

Some people enjoy discussing politics and current events, and your coworker may be looking to have a thought-provoking conversation. You may not change minds, but you will likely learn interesting insights along the way. If that sounds like something that appeals to you, feel free to join. Remain respectful and stick to the topic at hand without criticizing your coworker as a person.

Don’t ever let a thoughtful discussion become a heated argument. Even if you and your coworker like the back-and-forth, you may be making other coworkers uncomfortable and creating an environment that’s unsafe for employees to share their opinions openly for fear of angry exchanges. Save the big debate for after-work happy hour.

Talk to HR or your manager

If someone is saying something that you feel is harassment or a threat, you should be able to report it to your human resources manager or supervisor. Harassment is when a coworker creates an environment that is hostile or intimidates another coworker based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability sexual orientation or genetic information. It’s no longer just talking politics when the work environment is unsafe.

Find a better fit

If you feel like your politics don’t fit with your coworkers, or if you’re not aligned with your employer’s mission, it might be time for another job. Seek an employer who does work you can get excited about. Research organizations ahead of time to see what you can learn about their workplace culture.

Award Staffing is able to connect you with the top workplaces in the Twin Cities to help you find a supportive and rewarding environment. Contact us today and together we can find your future.

3 Easy Ways to Make a Great Impression in a Interview

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When you are trying to get a new job, making strong first impressions during a job interview is vital to your success. The first introduction you have with a hiring manager is going to impact every interaction you have after. You want to make sure that it goes well.

The challenge is trying to figure out how to make great first impressions. Most often, job seekers fall back on trial and error, adjusting their approach after each interview. But, there are three easy things you can do that will help you make a better first impression during a job interview. Here is what you need to do.

1. Assess Your Previous Interactions With Others-

If you want to improve how a hiring manager perceives you during the first critical moments of an interview, you need to reflect on how you have come off in past interviews.

The easiest way to do this is to ask yourself a series of questions – be sure to answer them honestly. For example, do you actively listen when a hiring manager speaks or do you just wait for your turn to talk? Are you respectful of the hiring manager’s personal space or do you tend to intrude? Did your introduction come off as confident or arrogant?

Yes, asking these questions can be difficult, but it’s necessary to improve. By doing this, you start to identify any potential shortcomings, allowing you a chance to fix them.

2. Know Your Strengths-

By knowing what you do well, you can adjust your interviewing style to play the areas where you are strong. Knowing your strengths can give you a nice confidence boost.

Actively knowing what your strengths allow you to recognize skills that don’t require improvement, which lessens the amount of work you have to put forth to make a better first impression.

3. Work on Your Weaknesses-

Almost everyone struggles in some manner when introducing themselves to a hiring manager. The key is to understand what your’s are so you can improve on them. For example, if you tend to stumble over the interview question, “Tell me about yourself,” you can focus on preparing a robust and straightforward response that touches on all the right points – doing this until it becomes second nature. Let’s say that you don’t have a firm handshake; you can ask for the help of a trusted friend to help you get more comfortable.

When you practice self-awareness, you begin to spot potential problems quickly and take steps to fix any issues that can harm your chances of getting a new job. As you continually work through your weakness, the quality of your first impressions will drastically improve, ultimately helping you manage interviews easier.

If you are interested in finding out how to make better first impressions or are searching for a new job opportunity, the hiring team at Award Staffing can help. Contact us today to speak with one of our team members to see how we can help you take the next level in your career.