Tag Archive for: job search

5 Tips for Finding a Job That’s Close to Home

Are you tired of your long commute to work? Are you looking for a job that is closer to home? If so, you’re in luck! There are plenty of jobs available that are close to your hometown. In this blog post, we will discuss five tips for finding a job that is close to home. We will also provide some helpful resources that will make the job search process easier for you. Let’s get started!

Start Your Job Search by Using Job Boards

When you’re looking for a new job, it’s important to consider all your options. There are many online job boards that list jobs in your area. These job boards are a great way to find jobs that are close to home. To find these job boards, simply do a search for “local job boards” or “jobs near me.” Once you have found a few job boards, take some time to browse through the job postings. See if any of the jobs are a good fit for you. Make sure to consider your location, skills, and experience. If you find a job that meets your criteria, be sure to apply!

In addition, many job boards also allow you to set up alert notifications, so you will be automatically notified when new jobs that match your search criteria are posted. This can save you a lot of time and effort, as you won’t need to constantly check the job board for new postings. Finally, many job boards also provide useful resources, such as tips on writing a resume or preparing for an interview. By taking advantage of these resources, you can increase your chances of landing the job you want.

Network with Friends and Family Members

Job hunting can be a frustrating process, but one of the best ways to find a great job is to tap into your network of friends and family members. Many people can find jobs through personal connections, and you may be surprised at how many people in your network are willing to help you out. When you reach out to your network, be sure to let them know what kind of job you’re looking for and where you would like to work. Then, ask if they know anyone who might be hiring or if they have any leads on open positions. You’d be surprised how many people have found jobs simply through networking! By networking with your loved ones, you can dramatically improve your chances of finding a job that’s close to home.

Search for Job Postings with Local Companies You Know

When you’re preparing your job search, it’s always a good idea to start by searching with companies that you already know. After all you’re more likely to find positions close to home if you stick to companies you know in your area. This will help you to narrow down your options and focus your job search on positions that are a good fit for your skills and experience. To get started, simply visit the website of a company that you’re interested in and look for the “Careers” or “Jobs” section. Look for jobs that fit your industry experience and needs. Alternatively, you can use a job search engine like LinkedIn or Indeed to search for open positions at companies near you. This will automatically filter positions that are close by, saving you time in your job search. By taking these simple steps, you can quickly find job postings that fit both your location and your skill set.

Look for Opportunities to Telecommute

With the rise of the pandemic, more and more businesses are offering employees the opportunity to telecommute or work from home. This can be a great option for people who are looking for a job that is close to their home. Telecommuting offers several advantages, such as flexible hours, no commuting costs, and the ability to work in a comfortable environment.

However, there are also some challenges, such as distractions at home and the need for self-discipline. When exploring the option of telecommuting, be sure to consider both the advantages and disadvantages to see if it’s the right fit for you. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find a telecommuting position that meets your needs and helps you achieve your career goals.

Consider Working for a Local Staffing Agency

In today’s job market, it can be difficult to find work that is close to your home. With high gas prices and congested traffic, many people are finding that commuting long distances is simply not feasible. One solution is to look for work with a local staffing agency. These agencies specialize in matching employees with local businesses, so you can be sure to find something that is close to home.

In addition, working with a staffing agency can be a great way to get your foot in the door at a new company. Many businesses use staffing agencies to fill short-term or temporary positions, so if you put in the effort, you may be offered a permanent position down the road. Additionally, many staffing agencies may offer attractive benefits like PTO, vacation time, 410k and health insurance.

Working with a staffing agency is an ideal option to assist you in your job search because they partner with local businesses and present career growth opportunities.

Finding a job that is close to your home can be a challenge, but with a little bit of effort, you can find something that’s perfect for you. By searching job boards, networking with friends and family, searching for jobs at familiar companies, exploring the option of telecommuting, and working with a local staffing agency, you can dramatically improve your chances of finding a job that is close to home.

If you’re looking for a job near you, Award Staffing can help. We specialize in matching employees with businesses in their area, so you can be sure to find something that is close to home. Our recruiters not only take into consideration your location, but also your schedule, pay range, and experience level. Our goal is to find you a position that is meaningful to you. Contact us today or review our current job openings to learn more about how we can help you find the perfect opportunity close to your home.

 

How the Right Placement Can Help You Find Your Purpose

One of the things we know to be important here at Award Staffing is that every person finds their purpose in the workplace. That’s why we feel that a big part of our purpose is connecting people through meaningful work.

We know how important it is that people feel a sense of both contribution and accomplishment doing the work that they do, as that’s how most people spend 40+ hours of their week.

It’s important to us that anyone we place, whether it’s temporary or permanent finds a place where they feel a sense of purpose. It’s then that we know we did our job well and that both our client and our associate can feel confident about working with us and the future of their career and business.

Here are just a few of the ways that finding the right placement can help you find your future:

1. You can know whether or not you want to manage and what type of manager you want to be

One big advantage about the industry we are in and the type of work we staff for is that there is plenty of room for growth and that many of the positions are very collaborative. This helps you become familiar with all departments and get to know everyone on the management team. It’s through observation that you’ll know what management style you and other employees respond to best and whether or not you are interested in taking on a management role in the future.

 2. You can find an industry that you may not have thought you would ever be passionate about

It’s usually not until someone has worked in the light industrial sector that people know what truly goes on in a warehouse or at a distribution site. Anyone in those positions can tell you that there are many moving parts. By trying out a temporary position at a site or warehouse, you can observe and decide what type of role you would do best in and what shift pairs best with your home life.

 3. You can know what environment you need to thrive/where you do best

Some people do better in a quieter more low-key environment, while others do better in a constantly going, more team-based setting. If you have already tried out working in an office or at a desk, a light industrial position could be the next step. It’s only after you try a variety of positions that you will find what you enjoy the most and where you do your best work.

4. You can know if company culture, having a team, or working individually is best for you

Because there are so many different positions in warehouses and distribution centers, you will likely be able to try out a variety of them within a short period of time. In this industry, extra people are always needed; therefore, positions are always open. While some people want to work for a company that emphasizes team work and company culture, others want a job where they can zone out on their own. If you work a few temporary positions, you’ll discover your preference and can choose what’s right for a long-term position.

If you or anyone you know is in search of a job, we update our job boards daily. Check out our current openings, here.

The Three P’s of a Job Search

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.

7 Important Soft Skills to Have for Success

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.

3 Ways to Find the Perfect Job for You

Right now there are so many different job opportunities available. Whether you’re a recent graduate, returning to the workforce after a hiatus, or looking to explore a new career path, it can be overwhelming and a challenge to know where to even begin.
While there is technically no such thing as perfect, it is important that you find a job that you enjoy in a place that you know you can thrive. Too many people get caught up in applying to a bunch of places and then accepting the first offer that comes their way. But by finding the ideal place and position for you, you will have less stress, be able to explore your interests, and have a sense of meaning when you go to work every day. Here are three methods you can use to help discover the perfect job for you.

List out both your Interests and your Skills

Your interests will give you a good idea of places that you would enjoy and your skills will help you determine the types of roles you are qualified for. Search for places that ideally combine the two and pursue them. Working at such places will give you the opportunity to learn more in your areas of interest and begin to make them your areas of expertise.

 Determine the Industries you’d like to be part of

It can be something entirely different than you have ever done before. What industries do you enjoy reading about? What are some of your favorite products? What is something that you have always wanted to try, but haven’t yet? Don’t be intimidated to start at the bottom and try something you have never done before. Everyone starts somewhere and this could just end up being a long-term career for you.

Identify Companies you would want to work for

Maybe it’s not even a specific position. It could be that you have always had an interest in a specific company because of what they stand for or because of memories you have in relation to the company. If you have heard that there is a local or remote company that treats their employees well and pays a good salary, that could be a place to apply to as well. List out several that you take an interest in and go to their website and see what positions they are hiring for. If there is an entry-level position or something you see that you qualify for, submit your application.

If you are currently looking for a new job, check out our latest job opportunities here.

How to Have a Successful In-Person Interview

When looking for a new job, hearing back from a company that wants to interview you can be quite the confidence booster. Clearly you nailed your résumé and cover letter, now the final step is to make the best impression you possibly can on the hiring manager to show that you are the right candidate for the position. This can feel intimidating as it puts a lot of pressure on you to do well. Luckily, there are techniques you can put to use to make your interview as successful as possible.

Dress to Fit the Culture

You are probably used to hearing the phrase “dress to impress” when it comes to an interview. While that concept still rings true, it doesn’t have the same meaning it once did. A few decades ago, nearly all companies had a professional dress code as they wanted to be seen as polished and prestigious. In today’s world, many companies take pride in their more casual and laid back atmosphere. When you show up to an interview, it’s important that you demonstrate your understanding of their culture by showing up in attire that matches their company values. Gone are the days of showing up to every interview in a business suit. As you’re dressing to impress, keep the aesthetic of their brand in mind. If you’re not sure what to wear, business casual is always a safe bet.

Arrive Early

When I was in college, one of the best pieces of advice I ever got was, “the secret to not being late is to be early”. I’ll seriously never forget that. When leaving for an interview, it’s best to leave around 20 minutes earlier than you need to. This way, in the case you get stuck behind an accident, caught in unexpected traffic, or accidentally make a wrong turn, you will be able to make up for the lost time without becoming stressed out. The stress of possibly not being on time will only put you in a negative headspace which could affect your performance during the interview.

Being early also makes you look together and well-prepared. If you arrive early, you will be able to observe the office/site a bit and gage the dynamic among future colleagues. You will also likely get to meet more people and will have the time to fill out paperwork if need be, without cutting into actual interview time.

 

Be Cordial

This begins before you even arrive at the office. Be sure that you greet everyone; including the person at the door, people in the elevator, and the people you pass on the way to the interview room. You never know who you’re talking to or what connection the people you encounter have to the person interviewing you. The interactions you have prior to the interview can make or break the entire process. Remember, the interview starts before you even say anything.

 

Pay Attention to Your Body Language

Communication extends beyond just the things you say. Eye contact, posture, and the gestures you make will all make you appear both confident and refined. The interviewer wants to see someone with self-pride and eagerness for the position. That is why it is essential that you present yourself as credible without coming off as too uptight. When in the interview, be sure you are facing the person you are speaking with, are sitting tall, and that your facial expressions emanate that of someone who is engaged in the conversation. Also, don’t forget to have a firm handshake.

 

Come Prepared

There are many different components to this. Even though you know they already have your résumé, be sure to bring at least two extra copies in case they ask for another one to look over during the interview. Also, bring your portfolio of past work and a notebook to write down key information that they may tell you during the interview. This will make you stand out, as not many interviewees’ do this. Additionally, do your research on the company prior to the interview. Know who the executives are and what the company does outside of (what would be) your department. Keep in mind – there is no such thing is being over prepared, especially not for a position that you really want.

Ask Questions

If the person interviewing you says something that you don’t quite understand, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or a little more detail. This shows that you are interested and will make the conversation more of a dialogue. At the end of the interview, when they ask if you have any questions; have at least a few questions you’re prepared to ask them. Ideally, these would be questions outside of when your start date would be or when you can expect to hear back from them. Ask a question about the company that isn’t stated on the website or something about the company culture. The company wants to hire someone who will be invested in them and their mission. Having questions at the end of the interview will indicate just that.

If you are currently in search of a new job, check out our opportunities here.

 

10 Advantages of Temporary Employment

With all of the insecurity over the past year, unemployment being at the top of the list for most people, it’s no surprise that many are reluctant to take temporary jobs since they don’t provide the sense of security and stability that so many people are craving post pandemic.

Also, the majority of people have a perception that temporary work only includes answering phones or warehouse work, not realizing that the temp industry staffs for nearly every profession out there, many of them requiring employees with specific skillsets and training.

Therefore, if you are willing to consider a temporary job, it can have many short-term as well as long-term benefits. Here is a list of some of them.

1. Build Your Résumé

Often times when companies are looking at your résumé, they are looking for a variety of experience. Taking a series of temporary jobs will show that you have an array of skills and have worked in multiple environments. This will make you look both qualified and adaptable which will increase the likelihood of you getting hired.

2. Experiment with Different Jobs and Industries  

Especially for people who have just graduated high school and aren’t sure what they would like to do yet, or people who are looking to pivot in their career and explore other industries- temporary jobs can be advantageous. This allows you to dabble in different things without the long-term commitment or concern of disappointing an employer; in the case that you decide a position is not a good fit. Temporary positions allow you to test out different environments and determine what type of schedule, work culture, management style, etc. that you’re looking for.

3. Faster Hiring Process

Typically when employers are looking for temporary help, it’s because they have an urgent need to fill a position. This often means that they don’t have time to go through handfuls of candidates and are therefore willing to be flexible with their requirements and reach out to schedule an interview right away. Also, when looking for temporary employees, most companies hire the help of a {staffing agency}, who will help you process paperwork, get you on the payroll, and send you to the jobsite in a timely manner.

4. Flexibility

Did you know that flexibility is the number one factor job seekers currently look for in a job? In the busy world we are all navigating, I’m sure you are no exception. Working a temporary position offers more flexibility because they are almost always hourly, which allows you to do your job and go home without having to think about work until your next shift. Also, with the urgent need to fill the position, many companies will be willing to accommodate scheduling requests if it means filling the role.

5. Fill Résumé Gaps

Having big gaps between employment can in some cases make you as a candidate look flighty and unmotivated. Taking temporary positions will give you something to list on your résumé while you continue to build your skillset and experience.

6. Higher Pay

While this may not be the case in every situation, because companies are looking to quickly hire, they will offer competitive wages with hopes of getting candidates through the door. Also, since they know the position is temporary, they understand the importance of ensuring that the job is worthwhile to the candidate.

7. Build Your Network

When you take temporary gigs, you will meet people at job sites that you otherwise would not have met. This can expand both your professional and personal networks. Maybe you will find someone who can offer you a full-time or longer term position. If you do your job well, you will definitely meet someone who is willing to give you a good reference. If nothing else, working closely with a variety of people while temping gives you the opportunity to make friends.

8. Keep Your Skills and Knowledge Current

In a market and workforce with many moving parts, things continue to change at a rapid rate. Continuing to work allows you to learn these things as they come up, which will leave you better equipped for the next long-term position that you take.

9. Increase Your Qualifications

Taking a temporary job, especially a position or in an industry that you have never worked in before will give you more experience to add to your résumé. It can also give you knowledge and perspective you didn’t have before by introducing you to sides of a business that you haven’t yet had a chance to explore.

10. Can Lead to Permanence

Taking a temporary position is a definite way to get your foot in the door in an industry that you want to be in. Often times it’s a combination of performing well and being in the right place at the right time to be offered full-time employment at the job site you are working at. There are many success stories of candidates, who started off temping and within just a few months’ time, were promoted to a long-term position.

If you are currently in search of a new job, be sure to check out our listings here.

Top 6 Things Employees Look for in a Job

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.

Bad Advice Job Seekers Should Stop Taking

When you’re looking for employment, everyone close to you will weigh in on the best way to do it. Our job seekers have told us all kinds of advice they’ve heard from well-meaning people about networking, resumes, interviews and more. Your friends, family, and colleagues are all trying to help, but there are certainly some recommendations that you are better off avoiding.

Here are some of the advice we wish our job seekers would stop taking – and what we’ve found works instead.

“Networking is ineffective and fake – avoid it.”

Networking is a difficult and uncomfortable process for many people. It can be awkward talking about yourself, especially when you are trying to market your skills and your experience. Some people dismiss this as being “fake.” However, this could not be further from the truth. You are presenting yourself as a potential asset to a company or a future colleague. When you sit down at a networking meeting, flexible icebreakers such as, “I’d love to hear about your professional journey, would you mind taking me through it?” can ease the pressure and open the conversation.

“Add buzzwords/more skills/more info on your resume.”

Your resume will catch a recruiter’s eye and give them a broad picture of your background, skills and experience. However, it’s just a small bit of the process. Endlessly tinkering with your resume can leave you feeling disconnected from the process. Your job search should encompass more than staring at your resume and looking for holes. Strategizing, reading job postings, networking, keeping up on trade news and keeping tabs on LinkedIn are just a few of the other tasks to which you should be devoting time.

“End your cover letter with follow-up time.”

A lack of feedback on applications can be frustrating. However, ending a cover letter with, “I will call you next week,” is not the way to break out of this rut. Rather than showing initiative and spark, it can make hiring managers think that you are entitled and inconsiderate of their process. Recruiters are professionals, and they know who is and is not a good fit for roles. Badgering them with unwarranted follow-ups is not the right way to get on their radar.

“Stick to your training/education.”

This is one of the most destructive pieces of advice that acquaintances can give. Just because you studied HVAC doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go for that customer support position. Your career is just that: yours. What you were originally interested in is not a blueprint for the rest of your career. Your skills and interests will evolve, and you should always feel empowered to pursue a route that is right for you at that time.

Avoiding bad advice is a key part of any job search. When you trust yourself, you will be far more likely to wind up in a career path that is agreeable and fulfilling.

Looking for some helpful career advice? We can help you at Award Staffing! Visit one of our upcoming hiring events so that you can find your future.

4 Reasons You Can Be Thankful During Your Job Search

It can be hard to stay grateful when you’re on the job hunt, especially if you’ve been searching for a while. You’re not feeling very thankful, and that’s understandable. With some reflection, you may find you actually have many reasons to be thankful. Taking time each day to focus on the things you’re grateful for will help you tackle your job search with energy and positivity.

You’re gaining experience

Even if it doesn’t feel like it, every cover letter and resume you write is helping you develop your professional skills. You’re learning how to interpret a job posting, how to talk about your experience and how to be a better communicator.

If you make it to the interview but aren’t hired, don’t take it personally. Use it as a chance to consider how you can improve next time. Before you even hear back, write a few notes about how you think the interview went and how you can better prepare for certain questions.

You may not have gotten the job, or even a rejection email, but you definitely got a great experience. Viewing each opportunity as a learning experience will keep you positive during your search.

You have perspective

When you’re faced with the stress of finding a job, you’re forced to focus on what’s important. As you search through job postings and send applications, you’re learning more about what you want to do, what you’re capable of doing and what you’re willing to do.

Perhaps you just fell into your old or current job and it isn’t really what you want to do. Maybe you were unhappy in your workplace and wanted to find a company with a healthier work culture. As you research potential new employers, you’re wiser about what makes for a good job and a good workplace.

You have time

A sudden job loss can be devastating and puts a lot of financial stress on you and your family. While you’re likely anxious to return to the workforce, it’s ok to take a moment to appreciate your time. While you’re in-between jobs, return to that hobby you were always too tired to do. Take you kids for a fun day at the park or the lake. Volunteer for a cause you care about. Taking time to do things you enjoy will help you stay positive and learn more about yourself.

Even if you have a job, knowing that you’re taking control of your future may be the boost you need to get through the workday. You have time to be pickier about which jobs you’ll apply to and interview for while still collecting a paycheck.

You have support

If you’re currently employed but looking for something new, there are resources to help you transition to a new employer or a new career field. A staffing agency can guide you through the process, from creating resumes to finding jobs. No matter your situation, you don’t have to search for a new job on your own.

Award Staffing is here to help you with a successful job search so you can find your future. Follow us to find your next job opportunity today.