Tag Archive for: career success

The Job Seeker’s Wish List: 6 Ways To Be Mindful When Planning Your Next Career Move

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Are you feeling stuck in a career and looking for more out of your profession? Planning your next job move can feel like an arduous task. You have to keep up with industry trends and current salary expectations, all while maintaining focus on what is best for you. With this in mind it is important to be mindful of the needs that motivate and empower you.

Our Senior Recruiter, Pat adds,” I always try to get my candidates to really think about what their job “wish list” is. Are you money driven? Are you environment driven? Are you specifically looking for a certain job title? OR are you purely just looking to get to work ASAP?”

His advice: “Don’t take any job. Do some critical thinking on what you are looking for! Nobody likes working a job they aren’t happy at!”

Read on for 6 helpful steps about how to be mindful when planning your next career move.

1. Think Critically About Your Career Search

Thinking critically about your next career move is essential for ensuring that you make the most of your future opportunities. The first step in this process is to identify what you want from your next job. Do you want to stay within the same industry, or are you open to exploring different sectors? What type of company do you want to work for? Would you prefer a small business with fewer employees, or a larger one with more resources and potential for advancement? Once you have identified the type of job that would suit your interests and skillset, it is time to look into the specific roles within those organizations. What experience do they expect, and what qualifications do they require? It is important to remember that this isn’t just about applying as soon as possible; instead, take time to consider if a role is actually a good fit for you before submitting an application.

2. Find What Motivates and Empowers You

Motivation and empowerment are two key components to a successful job search. Motivation is the drive to do something, while empowerment means taking control of your own destiny. When you are motivated and empowered as a job seeker, it gives you the chance to be proactive in your search, learning new techniques and skills that will aid in the process and help you land the job of your dreams.

When seeking employment, motivation is key because it will help keep you focused on reaching your ultimate goal. Having a strong sense of purpose and passion for what you want will keep you looking until you find the right opportunity. This can be done by looking inward and asking yourself meaningful questions. What’s important to you? What do you enjoy doing? What brings out your best self?

Empowerment is also vital to your job search. When you are in control of the process, you can take charge and create meaningful opportunities for yourself. This means being realistic about what kind of job would be best suited to your interests and skillset, but also having faith that you can find meaningful work and career advancement. Taking initiative to research potential organizations, reach out to contacts, and applying for jobs can open up avenues of opportunity that you may have not previously considered.

Overall, motivation and empowerment are essential tools for any job seeker looking for success in their search. They both provide focus and direction towards achieving one’s desired outcome while also giving them access to resources they may not have had otherwise. With these two pieces firmly in place, there’s no telling how far any individual can go!

3. Create a Wish List of Career Objectives

Creating a wish list of career objectives is an important step in planning your future. A career objective is a statement that outlines what you want to achieve in your professional life, and it should be tailored to fit the unique goals and aspirations you have for yourself. When writing your list, consider what kind of environment you would like to work in and what kind of duties or roles you are most interested in filling. If there are certain skills that you feel passionate about or have already acquired, make sure to include them on your list as well. Additionally, think about the type of company culture and industry that appeals to you the most.

This might look like:

1. Discover meaningful work in an industry or sector that offers products and services I am excited to be part of and passionate about.

2. Work environment promotes open collaboration and team unity, where everyone is encouraged to share ideas and contribute equally.

3. Preferably look for a job in the light industrial sector.

4. Offering top 40% of market wage.

5. Aim for a job that offers duties such as picking and packing, sorting product, stocking shelves/inventory, and staying active throughout the day.

6. Consider additional benefits or perks such as flexible work hours or casual dress code.

Once you have identified key characteristics about your ideal job and career goals, review your list and prioritize each item according to importance. This will serve as a useful guide in your career search, and keep the most important things on top-of-mind.

4. Focus on Positions That Fit Your Criteria

Once you have formulated your career wish list, look for job postings that fit these criteria. This will require consideration and analysis of the current job market. You can use job sites such as Indeed or LinkedIn to search for jobs according to specific keywords related to your desired job type. Additionally, consider reaching out directly to the job poster and expressing interest in their company. This is a great way to make connections and potentially get your foot in the door.

Additionally, staffing agencies can be a great resource for job seekers looking to find meaningful work and advance their career goals. They will work with you to understand your specific criteria and match you with positions that best suit your needs. One of the key advantages of using a staffing agency is that they have access to a wide range of potential opportunities, as well as experience in the industry. They can provide helpful advice and guidance, and connect you to companies that offer the positions you’re looking for.

Once you have identified potential positions, research each one thoroughly before applying and make sure it is a good match for you. Pay attention to key details such as required qualifications, salary range, and company culture. By taking these steps and carefully selecting the positions that match what you’re looking for, you’ll be setting yourself up for success on the job hunt!

5. Self Access Your Qualifications

Self accessing your qualifications is a great way to improve yourself and your career. This allows you to evaluate what qualifications you have or would need in order to pursue your desired job or career path. By self-accessing, you can also determine what certifications or additional training may be needed to obtain a higher salary or status in the job market. It can also help identify any gaps in knowledge that may need to be filled through additional study or training. Additionally, self-accessing your qualifications can help you target the exact job role that would best suit your current skillset and interests.

This is a key step in pursuing meaningful work and advancing your career. It involves critically assessing the skills, experience and expertise you have to offer. Examples of this could include: excellent organizational skills, basic math knowledge, expertise in computer software applications, and/or degree in relevant field. Additionally, make a list of any new skills or training that you would need to pursue your ideal job or career path. By creating this comprehensive list of qualifications, you will be better equipped to identify potential positions that match up with what you’re looking for.

Overall, self accessing your qualifications is an excellent way to gain clarity on what steps should be taken next in order maximize opportunities within any chosen field and develop professionally.

6. The Benefit of Being Mindful When Making a Career Move

When considering your next career move, it is important to be mindful of the potential consequences and rewards of taking such an action. Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can help you think through all the different aspects of a decision and make sure it is one that best suits your individual needs. Being mindful when planning your next career move means taking a step back and assessing the situation from all angles. It involves looking at not just the immediate benefits or drawbacks of a given option, but also its long-term implications on your life.

Mindful planning helps you to avoid making hasty decisions based solely on short-term gains, as these may later prove to be unsustainable or detrimental in some way. Instead, you can use mindfulness to think more deeply about what kind of work environment and lifestyle will best suit you in the long run. This can include assessing factors such as job security, growth opportunities, salary potential, cultural fit, and any other factors which are important to you personally.

In summary, by being mindful when planning your next career move, you can gain greater insight into its possible outcomes and make sure it is one that benefits you in the long run.

 

Therefore, when plotting your next career move, it’s important to remember that there are a number of considerations you’ll want to make. Take the time to determine what motivates and empowers you as a job seeker. Create a wish list of career objectives you’d like to achieve and focus on positions that fit your criteria. Be mindful of the type of work environment which would best suite you and take an honest self-assessment of your qualifications compared to what is required for the role. Ultimately, seek out opportunities that will make your career ambitions leap forward and equip you with the skills and experience necessary for continued success. Planning your next career move does not have to be overwhelming; a well thought out plan can help you gain clarity of objectives, targets and goals – reaping rewards further down the line! Check out our current job opportunities today, and begin crafting the future of your career aspirations.

Self-Study for Job Seekers

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Something that most people don’t do while in pursuit of a new career is ask themselves questions and really make it a study to learn what they want in a job. The majority of the time; people look at pay, how well a company is known, and the title/prestige of a position to determine whether or not they’re going to apply somewhere. While all of those things do need to be taken into consideration, it’s not often that people do a self-assessment to establish what’s best for them outside of those parameters.

Every person is going to need different conditions to be met in order for them to be both happy and successful. It’s often the small things that we experience every day that determine whether or not we can be truly fulfilled in a job over the long term. Whether or not we enjoy what we walk into every day affects our ability to thrive and the amount of time we stay in a position.

Here are some factors to consider to help you assess whether or not a job or company could be a good fit for you.

1. What in your last job did you like and not like?

We all need an income, that’s a given. That’s why in many cases it can be difficult not to just take the first offer that comes your way. However, if you want to sustain your happiness and continue to produce quality work after the thrill of a new position goes away; you must be sure that you’re ok with most things that come along with it. For example, if you know that you couldn’t cope with the strict dress code at your last company, working for another company with a similar policy is probably not the best option.

2. What are you interested in?

What industries and/or what type(s) of projects? While it’s not realistic for every single aspect of a job to be your favorite, there has to be some level of interest. Whether it’s the work you’ll be doing on a daily basis or the line of work you’re involved in, you’ll want to choose something that you’re either interested in learning more about or something you have already been involved in and know you enjoy.

3.What natural proficiencies do you have?

The ability to lead, write, sell, plan…Are you excellent with technology or graphic design? Even if it is something that you have never done before, don’t be intimidated to inquire and apply if you have a knack for something. This is how many people begin working their dream careers. If you write in your spare time and know you enjoy it, why not look into a copywriting or columnist position?

4. What are the key things you can bring to your workplace?

No matter what, it is crucial that you have the opportunity to showcase your abilities and use your talents in your place of work. If you list out all of the things you have brought to past work places, you will likely open yourself up to even more options by having a wider net to cast.

5. What are your top values?

Service, financial stability, free time? Knowing these things about yourself ahead of time and asking about them in the interview process will be of great benefit. If free time is important to you, having a position that requires you take calls at night after you’ve left the office or on weekends is not an option. If your top value is service, you can likely go onto the company’s website and research if there is a cause they contribute to. You could also search specifically for positions in non-profit or sustainability. Values run deep within all of us; if something is important to you, your career choice should be in line with it.

6. Is there a certain environment you know you can’t work well in?

We all thrive in different environments. If you are an extravert and prosper in an environment with a lot of people, an office position with a team of three will not be your best option. If you are an introvert and you know you need your surroundings to be quiet in order to focus, a factory with loud machines is likely not your best bet; even if you do have your own office. Don’t try to convince yourself that you’ll be able to just deal with it. There are plenty of options out there for everyone, no need to get caught up in a scarcity mindset.

7. Does your lifestyle require a certain type of flexibility?

If you have regular doctor appointments or would strongly prefer to be able to be home with your kids more often than not, a job that is partially or entirely remote is a good choice. If you have a very busy schedule and want to be able to go straight from one place to another, (such as from work to the gym to your piano lessons) you likely want one with a lenient dress code so you don’t have to change in between. If you travel a lot, freelance or brand ambassador work may be your answer.

8. Are there any tasks you specifically want or don’t want to perform?

Even if you like your job for the most part, if there are certain things you dread, you likely won’t appreciate it over the long haul. List out all of the things you can’t envision yourself doing and be sure to choose positions where those things are not a requirement. If there are things that you really want to do because maybe you have never had the chance in the past, search specifically for those types of roles.

 

If you are in search of a new job, we at Award Staffing are here to help you find your future! Check out our newest available positions here.

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.

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.