Tag Archive for: Don’t Take Any Job

What Job Seekers Should Know in 2022

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As you likely already know, the job market is currently full of opportunity. Nearly every company is hiring and offering better pay and benefits than they ever have before, in efforts to bring in more employees. This means that right now, job seekers have the opportunity to request more out of the companies they receive offers from, than they have in the past.

Additionally, hiring managers are currently being more flexible with requirements and allowing candidates with lesser experience to come onboard. However, lately there has been a frequent discrepancy between what companies are looking for and what candidates are communicating that they can offer. Regardless of the position or industry, individuals seeking new work opportunities must tailor their résumés to match the needs of the companies they are applying to.

Here are the most important things for job seekers to know as they apply for work in 2022:

1. Reliability is Key

While it used to be that applicants needed to have a certain number of years of experience or a certain technical skill to be considered qualified; current employers are willing to train people who demonstrate a strong work ethic. Due to the lack of workers, employees can’t risk people not showing up or showing up late on a regular basis. This is the most valued quality an employee can have these days. If you can truly say that you’re dependable, be sure to list that as a skill on your résumé.

2. You Can Ask For More

It used to be that people felt like they were never offered the compensation that they were worth or that they had to choose a job based on which one could offer the best benefit package. With the shortage, organizations are finally seeing the essentialism of giving people competitive wages and benefits. If you get an offer from a company you deem a good fit, don’t be afraid to negotiate pay and workplace perks. There is a good chance they will make you a better offer than they initially had.

3. Problem Solving

In any job that you take, there are going to be issues that arise. The ability to take initiative in handling them is something that employers want to see in the people they hire. Prior to showing up for an interview, be sure to think of a past situation when you needed to think on your feet. Those who have the ability to do this are the ones who will be offered promotions when a higher-paying position becomes available. Showing that you can problem solve also demonstrates that you value your position and are not just there to punch in and out.

4. Consider Company Culture and Environment

Right now, employees are putting more emphasis than ever on the importance of a positive company culture and work environment. Truthfully, the only way for a job to be a good fit over the long term is to enjoy your surroundings and feel comfortable in the space you spend your working hours. Be sure to ask what the company culture is like and if you can, get a tour of the area you will be working before accepting an offer. Don’t feel like you have to settle for the first opportunity that comes your way, there is plenty of opportunity in the 2022 job market.

If you or someone you know is looking for work, we at Award are here to help. Check out our latest opportunities here.

The Three P’s of a Job Search

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If there’s anything positive about the current state of the workforce, which economists are calling The Great Resignation, it is that current job seekers have the ability to be particular about what they are looking for in their next job and/or company. This is an opportunity for candidates to find a place that they will be with for the long haul because of the fact that there are millions more openings than there are people willing to take them at the moment.

But the question is: do you know what you want? To make certain your next position meets your needs and non-negotiables; you must get explicitly clear on what your own expectations are. This begins by listing out your priorities and asking yourself the right questions. These three “P’s” will be helpful in determining the critical components of what you want in a job.

1. Practicality

This involves taking a good look at what your lifestyle involves outside of work and deciding whether you want to work around it or are willing to make changes to meet the needs of the position. Do you need evenings and weekends off? Do you thrive in a certain type of environment? Do you prefer a structured environment with clear deadlines or do better moving at your own pace? Do you do well in an office environment or would you rather be working out in the field? Right now, it does not have to be all about the company and what you can offer them. Since modern times post-pandemic are being classified as “a candidate market”; use this time to your advantage by looking for what companies can offer you. If you want to be happy over the long term, it’s best not to jump into the first thing that comes your way just because it’s in your area of expertise. Make sure that any job you apply for checks most of the boxes for you. Remember, you deserve to be happy just as much as your employer deserves to have a stellar employee. Set yourself up for success by identifying what you want and choosing roles that are a good match.

2. Passion

If you want to sustain your work and schedule without burning out, it is crucial that there is passion behind the work you are doing. While everyone would like to be passionate about the exact work they are doing as well as the industry that are in,  though that is the ideal, there are multiple ways you can be passionate about your job that many people don’t tend to think about. Do you like managing a team and providing feedback? Do you enjoy writing and content creating? Do you like being part of projects from start to finish? Do you like onboarding and working with clients? Maybe a company that you’re interested in is working to end a social problem…No matter what it is, passion is one of the biggest factors in staying motivated while you’re at work; therefore you must find it in one way or another.

3. Personal Fulfillment

This goes for your work and your personal life. In order to continue to enjoy your work, you have to make sure that it is not interfering too much with your personal life. While being passionate about your job is great, you can’t get so caught up in working that it is the only thing you do. That is a sure-fire way to lead to burn out. As for your job goes, being fulfilled will ensure that you are happy to show up every day and are doing your best work. Like passion, there are a number of ways you can find personal fulfillment in your workplace. Some examples include: enjoying the team you work with, enjoying your day-to-day tasks, knowing that the work you’re doing is contributing to the greater good, and regularly hitting your goals.

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If you or anyone you know is looking for a job, we at Award Staffing are here to help. Check out our latest opportunities here.

Using the Great Resignation to Your Advantage

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It’s no secret that over the past several months, there has been and continues to be more job openings than there are people currently looking for work. In fact, it is estimated that in the United States, there are over a million more positions available than there are people willing to fill them. The pandemic has significantly changed how people view their time and has provided the mental space for people to think about what they really want. Additionally, many people have made lifestyle changes such as homeschooling their children and picking up new hobbies- things they are not willing to give up now that they have experienced them. This has resulted in a mass exodus across the workforce, which is now being referred to as The Great Resignation.

However, if you are someone who is in search of a job, this is your chance to find your dream job. The benefit of there being so many openings is that you can be more particular about the places and positions that you choose, because there are most certainly multiple positions available that match both your lifestyle and your preferences. Here are three things to consider as you’re searching for your newest position:

List Your Non-Negotiables

Now is a time that you can build your career around your lifestyle instead of the other way around, so get clear on what you are and are not willing to accept. Did you used to work 60 hours a week and now you only want to work 40? Did your last job require monthly travel that you don’t want to partake in anymore? Do you only want a certain commute time? If you want to ensure that you’re happy with your job and new company in the long run, take advantage of the abundance of opportunities and only apply for jobs that match what you are looking for. Gone are the days (for now) of taking the first position you’re offered or taking a job solely for the pay.

Consider a New Industry

This could be your chance to finally pursue a job in a field that you’ve always ruminated about. Because there is such a shortage of workers, many companies are willing to look past the need for experience and train new employees. Don’t miss this opportunity by being too intimidated to apply. Search job boards for your dream position and go for it! You never know what will come of it.

 

Follow & Engage with Companies You’re Interested in on Social Media

One of the best things you can do if you want to get in with a company, is to build rapport with them. LinkedIn is the best place to do this, but if they are active on other platforms, those can be great as well. Comment on their posts, ask questions, participate in their polls. This way when you submit your application, there is a chance they will recognize your name. If they don’t, you can talk about how you’re active on their social media in your interview. Also, they may even list job postings on there- be the first to know.

If you or someone you know is looking for a new job, we at Award Staffing are here to help. Check out our latest job postings here.

Here is why Taking “Any Job” is the Worst Idea EVERY

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Have you ever been out of work and uncertain how and where you are going to find a new job? At first, it can seem like a great idea to take any job that comes your way. This is only recommended for those job seekers who are new to or have been out of the workforce for a little while.

However, in all other circumstances, this is a bad career move and the worst idea ever. By just taking any job can hurt your chances of being available for the job opportunity when it finally presents itself. The key is to hold on to for the ideal job that you want! We all have choices in our life – here are some reasons why you don’t have to take any job that is offered to you.

Being out of work doesn’t mean you are not valuable –

In the Minnesota job market, there seems to be a negative connotation about job seekers who are between jobs. The reality is many Twin Cities companies are looking for job seekers who can start immediately. In the Minneapolis – St Paul areas, there are an ample amount of job seekers who are skilled and valuable but have not yet found the right job. By taking any job, you look desperate, and this is a red flag to most Minnesota companies that are hiring.

Helpful Hint: Do not cheapen yourself by taking a less-than-adequate job at this time.

Don’t Diminish your self-esteem –

It is common for anyone who is looking for a job to feel uneasy about finances. This doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your self-respect by taking a job that is below your work experiences, skills, and goals. More times then not during the job hunt, job seekers find temporary work in their area of expertise until they find the job they truly desire. Take advantage of any services and support you can find in a time of need – the key being not to tear yourself down because you are out of work at the moment.

Unable to Interview –

Think about this – will you have time to interview for a better job if you take a low-paying, time-sucking, full-time job just because you think that you have to. This severely hinders your ability to consider one of hundred’s of a job opening in the Twin Cities where you may find a position that pays a higher salary for your experiences and skills.

Right now, don’t make any big decisions. Be open to the possibilities that your career has in store for you.

Award Staffing is an award-winning, locally owned temporary employment agency in the Minneapolis – St Paul area, serving job seekers with offices in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey, Minnesota. If you are looking for part-time, full-time, or temporary work in Minnesota, contact us today!