Tag Archive for: Essential Skills

5 Vital Skills to Learn This Year

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In this era of rapid technological changes and industrial transformation, staying on the cusp of new skills is not just beneficial, it’s essential. Whether you’re angling for that next promotion or eager to excel in your current role, it’s clear that the ability to adapt and grow is what sets apart thriving professionals from those who merely survive. We’ll delve into the most sought-after skills that promise to bolster both your personal and professional development, providing you with actionable insights to help you stay ahead of the curve. So, let’s embark on this journey of continuous learning together, and turn growth into your career’s greatest ally!

Here are 5 essential skills you need to excel in the workplace:

1. Soft Skills

Soft skills are important in the workplace because they allow you to work with others, build strong relationships, and handle challenging situations. Building soft skills in the workplace is a dynamic and ongoing adventure that can enrich your professional journey in profound ways. Start by engaging in active listening – truly hear what others are saying and respond with empathy and understanding. Embrace opportunities to collaborate, be it through group projects or informal brainstorming sessions; these instances are valuable exercises in teamwork and adaptability. Don’t shy away from challenges, as they often provide the most fertile ground for problem-solving and critical thinking to flourish. To keep growing, solicit feedback from peers and mentors, and reflect on it constructively. Remember, building soft skills is about fostering a growth mindset, where every interaction is seen as a chance to learn and improve. So, step forward with enthusiasm and a willingness to evolve, and watch as these vital skills bolster your career development and enhance your professional relationships.

2. Resilience

Resilience is the capacity to adapt and succeed despite facing daunting or stressful circumstances. In the context of employment, resilience is critical for personal development and maintaining a strong, positive work ethic when facing obstacles. Being resilient means being able to bounce back from setbacks and continue to grow and achieve your goals.

Adaptable employees are invaluable to organizations, particularly as job roles and functions evolve in response to technological advancements and market shifts. Being flexible means you’re open to taking on new challenges and can pivot your focus when necessary. In the workplace demonstrating resilience often means staying positive and solution-focused, even when challenges arise. It’s about showing up with a can-do attitude, ready to tackle problems head-on. Employers value resilience in their employees because it shows determination, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow. Incorporate resilience into your professional skill set to cultivate strength and become more effective in your field.

3. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is your secret weapon in your job search, truly setting you apart from the competition. It’s not just about what you know, but how you apply that knowledge. This skill allows you to evaluate opportunities critically, make informed decisions, and solve problems creatively. It’s what makes you a standout candidate, as you demonstrate the ability to analyze tasks, foresee challenges, and devise effective solutions.

Employers are on the hunt for individuals with sharp critical thinking skills because they view such talents as the fuel that drives innovation and productivity in the workplace. When you exhibit strong critical thinking, you’re not just a job seeker; you become a problem solver who can navigate complex situations and lead teams to success. Employers highly value candidates who possess the ability to challenge the status quo with compelling reasoning and innovative perspectives. After all, these individuals are the trailblazers who will drive their company towards success. Critical thinkers add unmatched value, bringing a proactive approach and a readiness to tackle the unexpected. So shine bright with your critical-thinking prowess, and you just might be the game-changing talent employers are eager to onboard.

4. Building Camaraderie

Camaraderie is not just a feel-good bonus—it’s an essential skill that underpins successful collaboration and teamwork. When employees forge genuine connections and mutual respect, they pave the way for a thriving workplace culture that celebrates diverse inputs, innovation, and problem-solving. It’s this sense of shared purpose that catalyzes a team’s ability to tackle challenges head-on and reach new heights of productivity. And there’s more—camaraderie in the office has the added perk of boosting job satisfaction, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of belonging. When you step into a role where camaraderie is valued, you become a valued member of a dynamic community that support each other’s growth. So, take that first step, and become an integral part of a workplace that values not only what you do but who you are.

5. Creative Problem Solving

Creativity is a coveted trait in virtually every professional field today. When you’re able to think differently and craft unique solutions, you become an invaluable asset to any employer. Imagine tackling unexpected challenges with agility, employing a solution-focused mindset that not just draws from your depth of knowledge but also applies it in inventive ways. This sort of innovative problem-solving can lead to groundbreaking opportunities and drive progress within your company.

Creativity is not spontaneous; it requires a specific approach and developing certain habits over time. Firstly, embrace curiosity. Ask questions and seek answers from different perspectives. Be open to new ideas and diverse thinking. Secondly, collaboration is key. Engage in brainstorming and collaborate to generate fresh ideas and gain new perspectives. Next, practice critical thinking. Analyze problems, identify root causes, and break them down into manageable parts. This approach helps find effective solutions. Lastly, be adaptable. Remember, there’s never just one solution. Stay open-minded and try different approaches. Incorporate these tips to develop and enhance your creative problem-solving skills.

Cultivating New Skills

As we’ve seen, the skills that are most important for employees in 2024 are those that foster adaptability, problem-solving, and positive relationships. Cultivating these abilities through continuous learning and personal development not only benefits you as an individual but also adds value to every organization you work with. With the ever-evolving job market, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve and continuously improve your skill set. By constantly learning and developing new skills, you not only become a more valuable employee but also showcase your dedication and drive for growth.

Finding the right job can be tough, but with our job board and recruitment process, it doesn’t have to be. Our six-step process will guide you through every step of the way, making it easy to find the perfect job. So why wait? Complete our online application today and start the process of finding your dream job.

5 Reasons How Skills-First Recruiting Can Benefit Your Job Search in Minnesota

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Are you tired of being judged on your experience rather than your skills? Then, you may want to use skills-first recruiting to your advantage when searching for a job in Minnesota. This helps job seekers demonstrate the skills needed to be successful and shift the focus away from formal requirements.

Many industries in today’s market are turning to this hiring approach as it targets an individual’s abilities and potential instead of credentials or past experiences. By placing the focus on skills businesses effectively expand their candidate pool to find the talent they need. This means that job seekers now have a greater likelihood of securing a competitive position by playing up their skills in the application process.

Here are 5 reasons how skills-first recruiting benefits your job search:

1. Promotes Equal Opportunity

Skills-based hiring helps level the playing field by emphasizing merit and competency rather than pedigree or background. This creates a fairer and more inclusive job market where candidates from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their educational qualifications or prior work experience, have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills and be considered for a role. This approach benefits job seekers because it enables them to overcome barriers and break into industries or positions they might not have traditionally qualified for, thus broadening their horizons. Job seekers should make sure to include adequate information about their skillset when applying for a job in order to take advantage of this approach.

2. Showcases Your Potential

For those who may not have extensive work experience or who are transitioning into a new field, skills-based hiring provides a platform to showcase their potential and abilities. This is a great way to show how your strengths and accomplishments are relevant, regardless of industry or background. It is essential to highlight your skills in a way that resonates with potential employers. One way to do this is by tailoring your resume to fit the specific requirements of the job. Take cues from the job description and use keywords that align with your skills and experience. Make sure to address how your specific skills and results you’ve accomplished add value to their organization. With the right preparation and confidence, you can prove to employers that you have the right skills and potential to succeed in any role.

3. Emphasizes Your Skills to Stand Out

Job seekers can use their skills to stand out in the hiring process. When applying for a job, it can be easy to list your experience first and foremost on your application. However, emphasizing your skills is an even more effective way to grab the attention of employers. Employers want to hire people who possess technical, soft, and problem-solving skills that align with the job responsibilities. Highlighting your unique and relevant abilities can make you a more attractive candidate, thus increasing your chances of landing the job.

4. Increased Opportunities for Growth

Focusing on skills when hiring promotes a growth mindset and encourages employers to invest in their workforce’s development and training. Companies that prioritize hiring candidates with specific skills tend to provide more opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Job seekers can benefit greatly from this approach as they gain access to skill-building programs, mentoring, and on-the-job training, all of which can enhance their expertise and improve their career prospects.

5. Enhanced Self-Awareness

The skills-based hiring process encourages job seekers to reflect on their own abilities, identify their strengths, and understand areas for improvement. By evaluating and articulating their skills effectively, candidates gain a better understanding of their own qualifications, which can be invaluable during interviews and performance reviews. This self-awareness enables job seekers to align their career aspirations with their skill sets, making more informed decisions about job opportunities and professional growth.

 

Overall, skills-first recruiting is a growing trend in the hiring world and for good reason. By focusing on skills and experience over job titles and education, employers can find the best candidates for the job and create a more equitable hiring process. As a job seeker, emphasizing your unique skills and experience can help you stand out in a crowded field and land the job you deserve.

At Award Staffing we understand the importance of matching each candidate to a job they will succeed in. Our staffing specialists analyze your skills, needs, and goals to find a job that is right for you. Contact us today or view our open positions to find your future.

7 Important Soft Skills to Have for Success

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Did you know that 85% of career success is determined by soft skills?

No matter what career you have, both hard skills and soft skills are essential for success. Most people believe that all you need is expertise in your line of work to prosper; however, success will come much quicker if you have both. Soft skills, which are defined as core skills that serve as a guide for interacting effectively and performing efficiently, are especially valuable as they are desired across all professions and can be applied to any area of life. Here is a list of soft skills that often get overlooked, but if practiced can help you on your roadmap to career progression.

1. Brevity

This means having the ability to make things clear and concise without getting too wordy. With busy days and short attention spans, if you have the ability to be brief when you’re speaking to someone, you are more likely to acquire the answers you seek. People have an easier time listening and comprehending when things are communicated in small doses. Being brief also shows that you are conscious of other people’s time.

2. Clarity

In line with being brief, the ability to be clear is another invaluable attribute that one can possess. Whether you’re giving instructions, delivering a message, or trying to negotiate a deal; the more clear you are, the more persuasive and credible you will be. Being able to articulate a point seamlessly and in a way everyone can understand keeps people on the same page and enables people to see the bigger picture and the reasons behind decisions and procedures in the workplace.

3. Confidence

People admire those who are confident, plain and simple. The ability to stand behind your decisions without second guessing yourself, speak with ease and conviction, and take initiative without seeking prior approval gives you the appearance of a leader. If you carry yourself with confidence, you’ll notice that colleagues come to you for advice and that management will trust you to take on more projects and leadership roles.

4. Perception

Although this one can be one of the most challenging skills to obtain, if you choose to work on it, it will be more than worth it. The ability to read a room or read someone’s vibe without them having to say anything will give you the opportunity to course-correct situations and maybe even pleasantly surprise people. It is also a good indicator or when and how to approach someone with a question or important conversation.

5. Negotiation

Wherever you go, there are going to be people you work with who have different opinion, styles, and processes than you. This doesn’t mean that you should hold back on sharing your own ways, for all you know, they will be receptive to them. The ability to negotiate can be a win-win for all and can change the game for you and all involved in sales, deadlines, scheduling, and more.

6. Open to Feedback

No matter how proficient you are at what you do, there are always going to be areas for improvement. Sometimes you may not even realize that the way you’re doing something could be improved. When people give you constructive criticism or suggest that you go back to the drawing board, there is no reason to take it personally. New/different ways of doing things are often in the greatest good of the organization and all involved.

7. Conflict Resolution

Whether it’s a disagreement with someone you work with or a problem you or the company has never faced before, the ability to resolve efficiently is crucial. This happens when someone has the ability to remain objective and uses logic to process situations instead of emotion. The ability to resolve conflicts makes you more approachable and trustworthy to those around you.

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

How Minnesota Workers Stay Organized at Their Job

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Organization is one of the most important skills you can develop as an employee. If you are organized, you will be more productive, proactive, and responsible for everyday duties. Employers place high-value employees who are organized because they are dependable. Consider the following tips for organization at work:

Make a Task List-

Every day, make a task list with what you need to accomplish that day. This list can be in your head, but many people find it helpful to write their daily tasks down so they can see what still needs to be done toward the end of the day.

Create Specific Goals-

It’s hard to stay organized and caught up with your tasks when you are expected to accomplish several lofty goals in a constrained period. Create specific goals for what you need to do so you can manage your time more effectively and be realistic about what you can accomplish.

Check in with Yourself Throughout the Day-

It’s easy to be distracted from whatever task you are completing, which can often lead to reduced productivity and time management. Check in with yourself throughout the day to remain organized and on track to achieving all of your tasks. This could be a mental check-in every few hours, or it could be a peek at your task list to make sure you are not straying too far from what needs to be done.

Prepare for the Next Day Before Leaving-

No matter how eager you are to get home at the end of a long day’s work, always prepare for the next day before you leave. This will prevent you from having to remember what you did the previous day when you arrive at work in the morning. This simple task will take you five minutes at the end of each day but will save you hours throughout your week. Organization can mean the difference between mediocre and excellent. It will gain you recognition and respect among your coworkers and from your supervisors.

In search of a new job opportunity in the Minneapolis – St Paul areas, Contact Award Staffing. We will connect you with a job that matches your needs, skills, and organizational abilities.

5 Work Skills You Can Need to Be Always Improving

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If you ever have spare time while you’re working, you should utilize that time to brush up on some work skills. There are some specific skills you can always practice and improve upon with hard work. If you take the time to do this, your value at work as an employee will drastically increase. Here are the 5 work skills you can always improve:

Typing Skills-

It’s always a good skill to be able to type fast. If you are serious about improving this skill, try typing simple sentences over and over again, so you become comfortable with the act of typing. Eventually, you will be able to move on to more complex sentences. You can quickly work on this whenever you are in the 10-minute “waiting on someone or something” mode.

Vocabulary Skills-

If you get the chance to improve your vocabulary, do it. One of the easiest ways is to have a dictionary app or website nearby when you’re working. If someone says a word you don’t know, do not just write it off. Take the time to look it up and make a note of what that new word means. If you glance over your notes every day, you will be able to increase your vocabulary in no time.

Cold Calling Skills-

If you regularly are turned down when you make a cold call, you still have some practice to do. Try different variations of the cold call script and make notes of what changes worked and what changes didn’t work. When you start keeping track of your calls, you’ll be able to see patterns forming, which will make you that much more effective in the future.

Customer Service Skills-

You can never be too good at customer service. Challenge yourself by taking on strenuous or difficult tasks with customers. This will force you to develop patience and problem-solving skills that can be applied to conflicts of any kind, whether personal or work-related.

Organization Skills-

The more organized you are, the more efficient you will be in your work life. Once again, when you have a few minutes of wait time, make use of it. Take time to tidy up your desk or workspace. Even if the workspace is shared, you and your co-workers will benefit from the organization and resulting productivity. Developing these skills can be incorporated in your workday work for maximum effectiveness.

Here at Award Staffing, we say, “Just do it.” Need a job or job change? Contact Award Staffing. We will be able to use these work skills as selling points to prospective employers who may need your services in the future.

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