Tag Archive for: finding a new job

5 Reasons to Make the Leap and Start a New Job in 2024

As we roll into the new year, we reflect on our goals and aspirations. It’s a time when many people decide to make changes in their lives, especially in their careers. Reflect on if you are satisfied and happy in your current role. Would there be anything you would change? Maybe you’re overworked, frustrated with micromanagers, or feel stuck in your current position. Starting a new role in 2024 presents you with opportunities to take control of your job satisfaction.

Here are 5 reasons why you should embark on a new career this year:

1. Control Burnout

Burnout is a real problem in the workplace. It can happen to anyone, and it’s more common than you think. Burnout can occur due to a myriad of reasons. One of the primary culprits is excessive workload. When employees are consistently overloaded with tasks, they often feel overwhelmed and drained, leading to burnout. A lack of control or autonomy in one’s work can also contribute to burnout. Employees who have little say in their work processes or schedules can feel helpless and stressed. Lastly, a poor work-life balance, where employees are unable to take time for themselves, pursue hobbies, or spend time with loved ones due to excessive work demands, can also lead to burnout.

If you’re burnt out from your current job, it’s time to take a break and find a new position. Starting a new job in 2024 will give you the chance to start fresh and re-energize yourself. Working in a new environment with new people and new challenges can be just what you need to get your motivation back.

2. Experience an Inclusive Company Culture

If you’re not feeling included or valued, it can be hard to perform your best. Starting a new position in 2024 can give you the opportunity to join a company that values diversity and inclusion. Companies that promote diversity and inclusivity often have a better work environment and a sense of community. Such a culture encourages diversity, values individual differences, and ensures everyone feels respected and valued for their unique contributions. One fundamental way is to foster open communication, encouraging employees to express their ideas and concerns, and ensuring that all voices are heard. This fosters a sense of belonging, boosts morale, and promotes a positive work environment. Therefore, employees are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and satisfied with their jobs.

3. Gain Transparent Leadership

Transparent leadership nurtures a culture of trust, encouraging employees to be proactive, driven, and engaged. When leaders are open about the organization’s goals, strategies, and challenges, employees feel valued and included, which promotes a sense of belonging and loyalty. Moreover, transparency in leadership fosters an environment of open dialogue and constructive feedback, where ideas are freely exchanged and innovation thrives. Clear communication between leaders and employees also facilitates greater understanding and alignment within the team toward common goals. Finally, leaders should focus on building relationships with their team members, showing genuine interest in their welfare and career progression. These signs of transparency greatly improve the overall work environment, making it a more positive and productive place to be.

4. Opportunities for Career Advancement

If you feel like your career has stalled, it’s time to find a new position that can give you the chance for advancement. Starting a new job in 2024 can offer you the opportunity for professional growth. A new role provides a fresh set of challenges and experiences, contributing to both professional growth and skill enhancement. It brings forth a unique learning curve, allowing individuals to acquire new capabilities and expertise, which can prove invaluable in scaling the career ladder. Moreover, moving to a new job often comes with increased responsibilities and roles, which in itself is a step forward in one’s career journey. Therefore, embarking on a new job paints a promising picture in terms of career progression and personal development.

5. Find Meaning in Your Work

Embarking on a new job opportunity can be a transformative experience that injects deeper meaning into your work and life. Such a transition often acts as a catalyst, enabling you to align your skills with your passions and goals. It’s a chance to redefine your professional identity, to contribute to a mission that resonates with you, and to impact an organization in a way that matters. More than just a fresh start, a new job can reveal unexplored facets of your potential and allow you to foster growth in new directions. The sense of purpose that emerges from this alignment of your personal and professional paths can be a profound source of fulfillment and motivation, making your work-life journey all the more rewarding and meaningful.

Start 2024 Right

If you are unsatisfied in your current position then a new opportunity in 2024 may be just what you need. With every new year comes new possibilities, and if you are willing to take the leap, a fulfilling and impactful career could be waiting for you. At Award Staffing we consider your career goals, skill set, and interests to form your unique job search. Contact our team today to explore your new possibilities and increase your job satisfaction. View our current job openings to start 2024 right!

How to Create Your Next Job: 5 Tips for Taking Control of Your Career

Perhaps you can relate to the following scenario: you’ve been working at your job for a few years, and you’re starting to feel restless. You’re not necessarily unhappy with your current position, but you can’t help but wonder what else is out there. You might even daydream about finding a new, more fulfilling job that offers better pay and benefits. But then you remember that you’re stuck in your current role, and you don’t know how to get out. If this sounds familiar, then it’s time to take control of your career!

In this blog post, we will discuss 5 tips for creating your next job.

Tip #1: Know what you want

Trying to figure out what you want to do with your life can feel like a daunting task. There are so many possibilities and options, and it can be hard to know where even to start. However, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want before you begin exploring your options. What are your goals? What type of work do you see yourself doing? Once you have a good understanding of what you’re looking for, it will be easier to identify opportunities.

If you take the time to ask yourself some critical questions, it will be easier to find direction and identify opportunities. So, don’t be afraid to ask yourself what you want. It’s an essential first step in charting your course toward a fulfilling career.

Tip #2: Seek out opportunities for growth

We all face opportunities in life. Some are big, and some are small, but each one has the potential to shape our future in some way. It can be easy to let opportunities pass us by, especially if we’re not sure if we’re ready for them. But you should always seize opportunities when they come our way. If you see an opportunity for advancement in our company, a new job, or even just a new experience, you shouldn’t hesitate to go for it. Sure, there’s always the chance that things might not work out the way you hope, but if you don’t take chances, you’ll never know what might have been. Go out and seize every opportunity that comes your way. You never know where it might lead you.

Tip #3: Network, network, network

Landing your dream job takes more than just submitting a killer resume and crossing your fingers. First, you need to put yourself out there and make connections with people in your industry. Attending industry events is a great way to meet potential employers and get your foot in the door. You can also connect with people on LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking site. Start by joining industry-specific groups and participating in discussions. You never know where your next job opportunity might come from, so keeping your network strong is important. With a little effort, you’ll be on your way to landing the job of your dreams.

Tip #4: Be well informed

Whether you’re currently employed or on the job market, it’s always a good idea to stay up-to-date on industry trends. This will not only make you more marketable, but it will also help you identify new work opportunities. There are several ways to stay informed about industry trends. One way is to read trade publications or sector-specific websites. Another way is to attend industry conferences or networking events. Or, if you know someone who works in your desired field, you could always ask them for their insights. By taking some time to stay current on industry trends, you can give yourself a real competitive advantage.

Tip #5: Take risks

It can be scary to take risks, especially when it comes to your career. After all, you want to do everything you can to secure a stable future for yourself and your family. However, sometimes the best way to create your next job is to simply create it yourself. By starting your own business or taking on freelance work, you can put yourself in control of your own career path.

Of course, there are no guarantees when it comes to entrepreneurship. But by taking the leap, you might find that you’re able to achieve things you never thought possible. So don’t be afraid to take risks. Sometimes the best way to create your next job is to simply create it yourself!

Empowering yourself

Taking control of your career can be scary, but it’s also empowering. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to landing the job of your dreams. So don’t wait for a promotion – start taking action today!

If you’re looking for a job that will allow you to take control of your future, Award Staffing is the place for you. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, from entry-level to management-level positions. And we’re always looking for talented and ambitious individuals who are ready to take their careers to the next level. So what are you waiting for? Apply today and start seizing every opportunity that comes your way!

Tips for Finding Seasonal Work During Minnesota Winters

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

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.

Job Search Confidence Is Vital to Find a Work in MN

If you’ve been searching for a new job in Minnesota for some time, it’s often difficult to keep your job searching spirits high. Receiving job rejections can significantly damage your self-esteem, making it more difficult to remain positive about the quality of your resume or your interviewing ability.

The best thing that you can do is to stay confident. Without confidence in your job search, hiring managers may doubt your capabilities, even if your application demonstrations that you have the right combination of skills and experiences to be great in a new job. Here are a few ways how to get start your Minnesota job search with confidence.

Reflect on What You Are Good At-

During your job search, it’s easy to lose focus on your ultimate goals. You tend to focus on the responses you’ve received from companies based on your applications and interviews, ultimately use those experiences as a gauge of your job worth.

Thinking like this means that you are disregarding your previous job successes – destroying your self-esteem. If you are feeling down throughout your job search, take a moment to reflect on your past job achievements, including your work accomplishments and praises. By doing this, you will rid of any defeating thoughts about your job skills and abilities, allowing you to be more confident while job searching.

Wear the Right Clothes-

Believe it or not, the clothes you wear can have a significant impact on your confidence. Nearly every person has an outfit that leaves them feeling like a million dollars, and that they can accomplish anything. If you’re preparing for an interview, select clothing options that make you feel confident. That feeling will carry over as you interview with the hiring manager.

A thing to think about is to make sure your clothes are comfortable. Even the best looking outfits won’t help you radiate confidence if you are not comfortable during the interview. Be mindful of how you feel throughout the interview, if you find yourself crabbing and pulling at the material or feel that your movement is restricted think about choosing something else to wear next time.

Everyone Makes Mistakes-

At some point throughout your job search, you’ll make a mistake. Maybe you forget to send a required document, miss a typo in your resume, or forget an application deadline. Whatever the mistake is, it’s essential to move forward. The key is to consider the error as a learning experience for which you can take action to avoid in the future.

Continually reflecting on a mistake will destroy your confidence, making an occasional error is going to happen. Learn from it and use the experience to help make sure that you do better the next time around.

Even though maintaining confidence throughout toy job search, with some dedication and diligence, you can succeed.

If you are looking for a new job opportunity, the Minneapolis – St Paul-based hiring teams at Award Staffing can help you find work with Minnesota’s leading employers. Contact us today speak with one of our team members to learn more about our current job openings in the Twin Cities.

How to Get Ready for Your New Job in the Twin Cities

If you’ve recently graduated from high school or college, now may be the time for you to get your first job. If you’ve never had a job before, there are quite a few things you need to do in preparation. Not only do you need to make yourself employable, but you also need to take several steps to make sure that you’re ready.

Get Your Resume Ready-

Before you apply to jobs, you will need to get your resume ready. This means that you will need to take the time to format it and update everything regarding your past work experiences and education. If you need help, make sure you have someone look over the resume to spot any mistakes or errors.

Secure Your References-

Before you start applying for jobs, you need to secure professional references. The easiest way to do this is to ask people you trust, such as former coaches, teachers, or other professionals. Let them know that they should be expecting a call from any future employers so that they aren’t caught off guard and can speak professionally to your character.

Clear Your Schedule-

Make sure you clear your schedule! You’re going to need enough time to apply for jobs, attend interviews, and start working! If you’re not used to working full-time (or even part-time), this part of the job-seeking process will likely be an adjustment for you.

Award Staffing is here to help you.  We will be able to guide you through the job seeking process and recommend you for several different jobs opportunities for which you are a good fit. Contact us today. Want to learn more career tips and tricks – check our When Work Works blog.

Ever Wonder How Long You Should Be at a Job?

Have you ever wondered how long you should be a job before you start looking for a new one? The real answer is that there is no “right” length of time. It is all contingent on where you are in your life and career. Here you should think about when deciding how long you should be at your current job.

Are You Bored-

Are you being challenged in work current job? Do you believe that your skills are being utilized to their fullest potential? If you answered “no” – then maybe it’s time to start searching for a new job. On the other hand, if you are comfortable with your current job, you should consider having a conversation with your boss about your feelings of leaving. This may open up opportunities that provide you with more responsibilities for growth or even a promotion.

Don’t Ruin Work Relationships-

A key goal of leaving your current job is to choose a time to go that doesn’t burn bridges with current co-workers or the company. Though your boss might not be happy with you moving on to another job, you want to make sure that you go at a time that will preserve your existing relationships. In the business world, your professional network is what will get you ahead in life, be sure not to ruin that relationship. By taking the time to make sure that you have a solid handle on preserving your current work relationships, you should be fine to leave your current job.

Don’t Leave with Unfinished Business-

Timing is critical. If you are leaving at a time in which your company is traditionally busy, you will be hampering your co-workers from getting their job done promptly. If you think you might go to a new job soon, talk to your boss about the best time for you to leave. Even though they will prefer if you don’t move on, they most likely will be able to give you a window of time in which your departure wouldn’t affect your work co-workers ability to perform their job.

What is Happening With The Job Market –

The job market is continuously changing and affected by a variety of factors that aren’t in your control. Dependent on your financial state, you may or may not be able to take time off between jobs. If this is the case, you will most likely want to wait and leave your job until the job market has a lot of job opportunities.

Do you think that it is time to leave your current job? If so 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.

How to Network – Even When You Don’t Want to

If you’re like most working individuals, you have limited time in your day – dealing with work responsibilities, household tasks, or you may be going back to school too. With busy lives how is someone able to make time to network, also?

Most individuals recognize that the individuals who you know can be critical for finding your future job. When you are short on time, there are tactics for making the most of expanding your professional network – here is how:

Start Small, Then Work Your Way Up-

When most people think of networking, they tend to think of large events that take out a significant amount of time from their day. To some this may seem like the only way to meet new people, it isn’t the only way.

Start by focusing on something smaller that is easy to fit into your daily schedule. Try sending a message via social media to individuals who are working you in your industry. Doing this only takes a few minutes and can easily be inserted into a break throughout the day. Over time, small efforts like this do add up to get the most out of the impact of your efforts in just minutes a day.

Every Opportunity is an Opportunity to Network-

What is your perception of networking? If you have a negative mindset about networking, a simple change in your attitude is all it takes to fit more networking opportunities into your daily life. Start by keeping it basic when spending time at get-togethers with friends and family. These gatherings can be useful for networking to hone your networking skills. Ultimately starting with friends and family can help you build stronger relationships while may even leading to new job opportunities that you may have not ever thought of.

The key to most successful networkers is that they utilize a casual setting to meet new professionals. This may be as simple as getting a cup of coffee or being in an elevator with someone new – either way, these opportunities can be an excellent way for striking up conversations with new possible contacts. By making the saying the first “hello” you never know what a stranger does for a living unless you ask.

Make It a Routine-

As start seeking out small, easy ways for networking, make sure to commit yourself to those activities. Doing small, simple things every day, you will make networking a natural part of your life – establishing a pattern of positive actions that you don’t even think about.

If you’re looking for new employment opportunities, the hiring team at Award Staffing want to talk with you. Contact us today to see how our network with the best businesses in Minnesota can help you move your career forward.