Tag Archive for: Communication

How To Be a Confident Communicator

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One of the key factors that can make or break a job seeker’s chances of success is their ability to effectively communicate. Good communication skills are highly valued by employers and are often considered essential for any role. It helps build relationships, establish trust, and convey information accurately and efficiently. As a job seeker, your communication skills play a significant role in how you are perceived by potential employers.

The way you communicate can impact the success of your job search in various ways. For example, it can affect how well you are able to express yourself during job interviews or how effectively you can collaborate with colleagues if hired. Therefore, it is essential to continuously work on improving your communication skills.

In this blog, we will discuss 6 tips on how to be a good communicator:

1. Be Direct

When it comes to being an effective communicator, it is crucial to be clear about your specific needs and desires. Whether you are seeking a rewarding job opportunity in a specific industry, a flexible schedule that accommodates your lifestyle, or a reasonable commuting distance, articulating your requirements in a concise and precise manner is paramount. This level of clarity not only helps you in finding the best-suited opportunity but also enables recruiters to match you with the most fitting options based on your preferences and aspirations. So, remember, the more detail you provide, the better your chances of finding the perfect fit!

2. Be Honest

When it comes to being a good communicator, honesty is key. Interviewers are adept at catching candidates in a lie or mistruth, so it’s important to represent yourself honestly to build trust. Being authentic is also important; don’t try to be someone you’re not. It’s important to be honest about your skills and experiences and to be open and transparent in your communication. This will help you build strong relationships with colleagues and employers and will ensure that you are seen as a reliable and trustworthy communicator.

3. Be Respectful

In the competitive world of job searching, it’s essential to stand out from the crowd. One way to do this is by always maintaining a respectful and courteous demeanor in your communications with talent specialists. Whether you’re emailing them for the first time or following up on a previous conversation, professionalism is key. This means using proper language, being polite, and avoiding any negative or disrespectful language. When you show recruiters that you value their time and expertise, they will be more willing to work with you and help you find the right career path. A little respect can go a long way towards building a successful relationship with a recruiter.

4. Be Positive and Friendly

When it comes to your job search, effective communication could be the key factor in landing your dream job. Being positive and friendly might seem like small qualities, but they can make a big difference in how you come across to potential employers. Employers are looking for candidates who radiate warmth and approachability, and who can establish rapport with ease. Being positive and friendly not only helps you connect with prospective employers, but also showcases your excellent communication skills and indicates your ability to work well with others. So if you’re on the hunt for a new job, remember to put your best foot forward and let your positive and friendly energy shine through!

5. Be Reliable

When it comes to finding a job, communication is key. You want to make sure you are presenting yourself in the best possible light to potential employers. This means being reliable and responsive when it comes to messages and inquiries. Employers want to know that they can count on you to get back to them in a timely manner. By responding promptly, you show that you are organized, responsible, and take your job search seriously. Plus, it’s just good manners. So don’t leave potential employers hanging – make sure to respond to messages and inquiries quickly and professionally. Your reliability may just be what sets you apart from other job candidates.

6. Be Mindful of Nonverbal Communication

Communication is not just about the words you speak or write; it also includes nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These can often convey more than words alone. In job interviews, it is important to maintain good eye contact and a confident posture. Avoid fidgeting or slouching, as this can make you appear disinterested or nervous. Speak clearly and use a friendly tone to build rapport with the interviewer.

In conclusion, it is of paramount importance that job seekers cultivate and demonstrate good communication skills. Being honest, respectful, direct, reliable, and mindful in your professional communication can significantly enhance your job search and increase your attractiveness to potential employers. Each interaction, whether it’s an email, text, phone call, or job interview offers an opportunity to showcase these skills. By fostering these qualities, you ensure that you not only stand out as an exceptional candidate but also lay the foundation for success in your chosen career. So why wait? Check out our current job opportunities and let your communication skills shine!

The Real 6 Reasons Employees Quit (And How You Can Prevent It)

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If you’re like most business owners, you’ve probably experienced some turnover in your employee base recently. Unfortunately, it’s a trend that only seems to be rising in today’s workforce.

In fact, it’s estimated that about one-third of all employees will leave their job within the first year, and nearly 50% of employees quit within the first week. Thankfully, by understanding the reasons behind this you can prevent it from happening in your business.

Here are 6 reasons employees are quitting and what you can do to prevent it:

1. Burnout

Employee burnout is one of the main factors of high turnover. When employees feel overwhelmed by their work load, work long hours, or have a lack of control over their job, they may experience burnout. This can lead to decreased motivation and productivity, as well as feelings of exhaustion and detachment from the job. Which ultimately leads to decreased job satisfaction and causes them to find work elsewhere.

To help alleviate these issues, communication is key. Make sure to engage in regular check-ins with employees to get a feel for what their workload is like and how they are coping with it. If it seems like an employee is struggling, try to lighten their load where possible. In addition, open communication can help ensure that employees feel like they have a voice and that their concerns are being heard.

Flexibility is also important. Where possible, try to be flexible with work hours and allow employees to take breaks when they need them. Employees who feel like they have some control over their work schedule are usually more productive and less stressed.

Finally, remember that not all employees are the same. Some people thrive under pressure while others find it overwhelming. It’s important to treat each employee as an individual and tailor your approach accordingly to reduce turnover.

2. Undervalued

One of the top reasons employees quit is because they feel undervalued and not appreciated in their role. This could manifest in a lack of recognition for their hard work or feeling like their contributions are not valued by management.

Showing that you value their input and efforts can go a long way in preventing them from wanting to leave the company. Furthermore, a culture of appreciation benefits businesses by empowering their employees. This could involve recognizing employees for a job well done, providing feedback, or simply thanking employees for their contributions.

Another way to provide value is by giving employees autonomy over their work. This could mean allowing them to make their own decisions, or helping them see how their work contributes to the overall goal of the company. Employees feel more driven and valued when their work is given importance.

3. Lack of Advancement

For others, a lack of career development and opportunities is the main driver of leaving their current role. This could be due to feeling stuck or stagnant in their position.

One of the most important things businesses can do to prevent employees from quitting is to invest in their career development. One way is to develop regular performance evaluations and check-ins with employees to identify any potential roadblocks in their career development. This provides a clear career path and presents opportunities for growth.

Other effective ways to promote career development include offering mentorship opportunities, providing access to training and development resources, and encouraging employees to take on new challenges. By taking steps to invest in employee career development, businesses can send a strong message that they are committed to helping their employees grow and succeed. In turn, this can lead to increased job satisfaction and loyalty, and ultimately help to reduce turnover rates.

4. Unclear Expectations

When expectations are unclear, employees may feel like they are working in the dark. This can lead to frustration and a lack of motivation. Additionally, it can be difficult to meet goals or deadlines when you’re not sure what they are- causing employees to feel like they are not able to do their best work.

In order to prevent this and maintain retention, it is important for management to clearly communicate job responsibilities and expectations. This includes setting measurable goals and providing necessary resources or support for employees to complete tasks effectively. Regular check-ins with employees can also assist in ensuring they understand their role and are able to meet expectations. Employees are much more likely to stay when clear expectations are outlined and reported.

5. Poor Work/Life Balance

Overworking employees and depriving them of a work-life balance will often result in them quitting their job altogether. This is because when workers feel overburdened, they tend to also be unhappy at their place of employment. Consequently, they begin seeking alternative positions that offer a more agreeable work-life balance. Additionally, when employees are overworked, they may not be able to focus as well on their work tasks and may make more mistakes.

Companies can promote a better work-life balance for their employees by offering flexible schedules, remote opportunities, and the ability to work from home. When employees have more flexibility in their hours, it allows them to better manage their time outside of work. Additionally, when employees are able to work remotely, it can help reduce traffic congestion and allow them to get more done during the day. And finally, working from home can help employees save money on transportation costs and childcare expenses.

6. Not The Right Fit

When employees feel they are not the right fit for the job or company culture, it can lead to problems with productivity and decreased morale. They may struggle to perform their tasks effectively and may not mesh well with their coworkers. This can result in failed projects and a decrease in overall team performance.

To prevent this issue and retain employees, take time to get to know them. This will help to address if they will mesh with company culture. Begin by accessing their values and what drives them in their work. For some, this includes feeling like they are contributing to a larger goal and job satisfaction. When employees feel like they are a part of something larger or that their work is important, it can give them a sense of purpose and motivation. A positive work environment that employees feel comfortable in is more likely to make staff want to stay at the company.

Now that you know the top reasons why your employees are quitting, you can ensure higher retention and effectively reduce turnover. To recap: beat burnout with frequent and clear communication to address workload and find solutions. Provide value by empowering employees and creating a culture of appreciation. Utilize training and development to improve employee skills. Set measurable goals to define expectations. Allow for a flexible schedule to provide work/life balance. Lastly, find what motivates employees to determine a good culture fit.

 

At Award Staffing we are experts on workplace management. One of the ways we do this is by providing meaning and satisfaction to our employees. Reach out to our sales team or check out our services to learn more.

Top 6 Things Employees Look for in a Job

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In the current workforce, there is so much more that an employee looks for in a job outside of a livable wage. While many companies believe that the best thing you can do to attract employees is offer competitive pay, getting people to apply and onboarding them is only half the battle. Pay is important of course, but in order to maintain employee morale and a healthy work culture, as well as retain high-quality employees, there are other factors that need to be taken into consideration.

Here are the top six things employees look for in a workplace:

1. Mission

Contrary to popular belief, growth or the vision of your company are not missions. These days, people want to feel like they are a part of something bigger. A company that gives back and has a deep sense of social responsibility is something employees will wear with pride. There are many ways you can implement this into your company model, some examples include:

  • • Having employee volunteer outings and/or opportunities
  • • Giving a percentage of your profits to a good cause
  • • Host office donation drives (such as collecting clothing, pet food, or canned goods for underprivileged families)

2. Flexibility

Nowadays, it is more crucial than ever to address employee flexibility needs. If a workplace isn’t flexible, people are unlikely to stay. This can look like, ability to work remotely, flexible hours or arrival and departure times, having more than average paid time off, etc.

Remember, you do not have to accommodate every option, but having a wide range of options that appeal to employees across the board will benefit not only them, but also you as company by keeping your top talent and saving money on turnover.

3. Inclusivity

In the past, employers have placed  major emphasis on being a diverse workplace. And while diversity is still something organizations should include in their recruiting and hiring processes, inclusivity has become just as, if not more important. While diversity tends to focus on lifestyle as well as the physical, and social attributes of a person, inclusivity is the behaviors, procedures, and social norms a company puts into place to ensure that all employees feel comfortable, welcomed, and included.

Some ways to be inclusive are:

  • • Encouraging employees to include their preferred pronouns on email signatures
  • • Providing a place for people whose native language is not English to take calls in privacy
  • • Offering options that accommodate a variety of dietary needs during staff breakfasts or lunches

Things like this will help employees stay motivated, continue to be engaged, and want to stay with the company for longer.

4. Wellbeing

No matter what industry they’re in, employees spend the majority of their time at work.

For this reason, it is essential that employees know their well-being is being is looked after by the company they work for. Studies show that companies that have implemented employee wellbeing into their model has resulted in both increased productivity and boosted employee morale. Some ways companies have done this are, gifting their employees company branded wellness gifts, renovating the office to bring in more natural light, and giving them the permission to disengage from work once they leave the site or office.

5. Fulfillment

More than ever before, especially with millennials making up such a huge percentage of the job market, people are craving purpose and progress in the workplace.

Helping your employees feel like they have a reason to come to work every day beyond a paycheck and a fancy work title is a sure-fire way to ensure quality work and employee retention. A few ways you can do this are by sitting down individually with each of your employees to discuss a goal and a path to achieving it and inviting them to give suggestions on how to increase revenue, improve company culture, and make the workday more pleasurable or productive.

6. Communication

This goes for both communication between employees and senior leaders as well as between employees and their direct supervisors.

Communication comes in many forms: schedule, training, weekly feedback, recognition, etc. We have found that 69 % of employees say they would work harder if they felt recognized yet of the current workforce, only 30% state that they have received valuable feedback from their organization.

There are many ways to improve communication in your company, some of them to consider are:

  • • Expressing an “open-door” policy with office hours
  • • Facilitating regular check-ins where you and your employees can exchange feedback
  • • Putting out the schedule two weeks in advance
  • • Ensuring that employees feel properly trained and equipped to do their jobs

Overall, employees want to feel like they are seen and heard for the contributing individuals that they are, not just a number or a cog in the machine. If your company regularly demonstrates that you actively care about your employees, in return, they will respond with a strong work ethic and company loyalty.

Want to be a Superior Worker? Start Your Days Like This

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While work takes up a sizable part of the majority of people’s lives – no matter the work environment we all want to be successful and strive to be a good worker. Regardless of pay, job title, pay, gender, or age, all good employees share some common traits. Here are 7 ways to turn yourself into a great worker:

1. Creating and Accomplish Goals –

Companies want to see job seekers show their ability to work hard. Individuals who are looking for a job that set high goals for themselves indicate to highering managers a willingness to do more than just showing up and be a warm body.

2. Be Dependable –

What does being dependable tell a possible employer? Candidates who demonstrate a commitment to completing tasks on time, as assigned, will likely continue to do so as employees.

3. Be Positive –

A positive attitude goes a long way for individual employees and their coworkers. It is simple – a positivity attitude leads to a more productive workday, ultimately creating a better work environment.

Helpful Hint – Good workers always stand out for their upbeat outlook and earn positive reputations.

4. Motivate Yourself –

Believe it or not, hiring managers look for job seekers who take the initiative and get work done with little to no help. By being self-motivated, you are telling a prospective employer that you are confident and that you perform any task that is handed to you.

5. Work Well With Others –

Think about great coworkers that you have worked with in the past. Do they work well with others? Did they work well in a team setting? Hiring managers look for team-oriented job seekers because companies accomplish more when people work as teams, not just individuals.

6. Be an Excellent Communicator –

Good employees understand how things can go wrong when a message is miscommunicated or not entirely understood. A good worker will know what their preferred methods of communication.

7. Be Flexible –

A good employee will not fight change, but instead, embrace it and adapt to it. Try to pick up new skills and learn new tasks. In the long run, this shows that you are willing to do what is best for any business.

Need some help?  Contact Award Staffing. We will be able to match you up with interviews in your area so you can get the job opportunity you want. We have offices located in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota to help you with your job search today! Want to learn more career tips and tricks – check our When Work Works blog.

Can’t Find the Jobs in Minneapolis that You Want?

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Plain and simple – being rejected while you look for work in Minnesota hurts. In many situations, job seekers spend time feeling angry and offended about not receiving a specific job. All too often in the job hunt, neglecting to reflect why you were not chosen for a new job ultimately means you’re missing out on an opportunity for personal growth.

Taking a moment to reflect can allow you to be more effective the next time when applying for a job. If you have been rejected for jobs that you’re clearly capable of holding, below are a few tips and trick for improving your chances the next time you apply for a job in Minnesota.

Showcasing Your “Essential Skills” –

Traditionally, when submitting your resume companies in the Twin Cities wouldn’t even look at your resume unless they have the required abilities to perform the job. If you do have the desire skills needed for the job the key is to clearly, list them out on your job application to have the best chance of grabbing the hiring manager’s interest.

But a more significant miss by job seekers in the Twin Cities is failing to prove that they have the ideal Essential Skills for the job. This intern can lead companies to skip your resume. A recent study revealed that a job seeker Essential Skills account for 85 percent of an individual’s success at their job. The results are that Minnesota based companies are currently spending more time measuring these skills.

Do you feel that your resume never makes it to the intended person? It is best that you take some time and review its content to find out if you’re currently discussing your past work experience in addition to your Essential Skills. If not, then it is time to get a resume overhaul.

Which “Essential Skills” to Show on Your Resume –

While every job is different, even if the position titles are similar, the specific skills are universal. If you are not currently finding explicit references the employer is looking for, consider including details. In most circumstances, Minnesota companies are going to have two priorities: communication and teamwork.

Communication:

Pretty much any job that you will have in your life will require you to be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and written, with other team members, company leaders, or most importantly with customers. In your job search, it is crucial that you know how to manage these interactions if you want your application to stand out.

Teamwork:

Collaboration with your co-workers is vital to your success, your co-workers, and most important the businesses. Hiring Managers want to see if you can prove that you can support your co-workers in achieving group goals. Showing that you can work well and active collaborator in groups in a work environment is critical.

Flexibility and Positivity:

If you are born and raised in Minnesota, you know what “Minnesota Nice” is. What most people don’t tell you about Minnesota Nice is about being flexible –  an ability to adapt in changing and fast-paced work environments. Minnesota based companies always want to embrace the notion of Minnesota Nice – having a positive attitude goes a long way because companies don’t want to hire someone who is consistently negative or general pessimistic.

We get it, a number of these Essential Skills are subjective, offering examples and during your interview which reveals how you use these traits in your job search can help you stick out to any company around the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas.

If you are seeking a new job opportunity, the professionals at Award Staffing can connect you with top employers in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas. Contact us to see how our current Light Industrial job openings can help you land a new job in Minnesota fast. Looking for other ways to learn When Work Works – visit our blog