Tag Archive for: Job Seekers

6 Signs Your Career Provides Meaning in Your Life

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Finding meaning in your career is essential to leading a satisfied and fulfilling life. We all want to feel like we’re making a difference in the world and that what we do matters. No matter what your job is, there is meaning behind it. You just have to learn to look for it. Even if your work has the smallest of scopes, it affects someone somewhere somehow. Finding meaning in your work is important because it creates a positive outlook and gives our lives a purpose.

But how do you go about finding meaning in your work to lead a fulfilling life? Here are a few signs to look for:

1. Your Work Helps You Help Your Family

Most people work to make a living. But for some, their work is more than just a paycheck. It’s a chance to help their families in ways they never could otherwise. Whether it’s providing for basic needs or being able to afford luxuries and experiences, financial stability can make a huge difference in the lives of our loved ones.

While money alone isn’t what brings true happiness, it does enable us to engage in activities and pursue interests that bring us joy, and allows us to share those moments with our families.

Whether it be family trips, enjoying good food, engaging in team sports, or whatever you enjoy doing together- your work allows you to engage in these opportunities for meaningful bonding.

Therefore your work is able to provide you with financial stability, which allows you to engage in meaningful activities with your family.

2. Your Work Allows You to Use Your Talents

Another way to finding meaning is through your ability to use your skills and talents. This also contributes to your sense of purpose in your life, as it can make your work feel more fulfilling and driven. So think about what you excel at or what you enjoy doing – this could lead you towards a career that truly allows you to shine.

Of course, it’s important to also consider the job market and practicality when making career decisions. But by focusing on what makes you satisfied and using your strengths, you can increase the likelihood of finding a fulfilling career path.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to take risks and pursue opportunities that will allow you to use those skills and talents in your work. There’s always the potential for finding something great if you go into new experiences with an open mind.

3. Your Work Supports Something Bigger

No matter what you do, your work has an impact on someone somewhere. Whether it be directly or indirectly. Recognizing this impact can bring significant meaning and purpose into your life.

Think about the company or organization you work for and what their mission is. How does your role support that?

Do some research on how your industry helps society as a whole- it may surprise you to see just how meaningful and important your job can be.

Or perhaps consider volunteering with organizations whose missions align with your personal values, to further contribute and make a meaningful impact in the world.

By recognizing how your work impacts and contributes to society, you feel a sense of connectivity to the world around you. And how your contributions make a difference. Which gives your life more direction and purpose in the long run.

4. Your Work Lets You Help Others

We all want to feel like we are contributing to society in some way. Whether it be through your organization’s mission or through volunteering opportunities. However, if your still struggling, Simply offering your assistance through your work can also bring meaning and fulfillment to your life.

To start, helping others is one of the best ways to find meaning in your work. When you feel like your job has purpose and value, it can make all the difference in how you feel about coming to work each day. And when you’re happier at work, it often translates into better performance as well.

But meaningful work doesn’t just come from what you do for a living. It can also come from helping others in their own pursuits. Whether it’s through recruiting/ training initiatives, helping a co-worker with a new project, or simply a small act of kindness can go along way. So if you’re struggling to find meaning in your current job, consider ways that you can help support others both at work and outside of work. It’s one of the best ways to find fulfillment in what you do.

5. Your Work Lets You Practice Gratitude

Finding meaningful work isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the effort and exploration. It can bring us a sense of purpose, value, and contribute to our overall happiness and well-being. So start reflecting on what brings you purpose and meaning in your work, and in your life.

You can start practicing gratitude by saying thank you often. Thanking the people in your life who have done something nice for you goes along way. It not only makes them feel good, but it also makes you feel happier and more grateful as well. This also sparks positivity and allows us to appreciate and value the moments we have in our work.

Another way to practice gratitude is by acknowledging your accomplishments and progress, no matter how small they may seem. This helps build confidence, boosts morale, and ultimately contributes to feeling satisfied in your life.

6. Your Work Lets You Be Yourself

Feeling comfortable and confident in who you are at work leads to discovering meaning in your life. When we feel accepted and encouraged to be ourselves, it allows us to fully engage and invest in our job tasks. This comes from our interactions with others. It’s no surprise that most of us derive meaning through connectivity. When we are able to share who we really are, it helps us feel valued and appreciated. This then leads to increased job satisfaction and a sense of purpose in our lives.

So if you feel like you need to hide or change parts of yourself at work, it may be worth considering a job or work environment that allows you to fully show up as your authentic self.

Remember, being true to ourselves and feeling accepted for who we are can make a huge difference in finding meaningful work and happiness in our lives.

Leading a Satisfied Life

Finding meaning in your work is one of the most important things you can do to find fulfillment in your life. When your work provides funds to spend quality time with family, lets you use your talent and skills, helps you contribute to society, allows you to practice gratitude, and supports who you are – it becomes more satisfying. Consider how these points apply to your current job or a new opportunity you are seeking. If the job doesn’t currently meet all of these criteria, don’t worry! What matters most is that you take the time to assess what is truly important to you and then go out and find a job that lets you live a satisfied life.

If your looking to build a meaningful career that brings gratification in your life, Award Staffing can help. Review our open positions or contact us today!

How To Manage Confrontation in the Workplace: 5 Tips For Success

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Confrontation makes you want to run and hide. We get it! Don’t worry. Confrontation is a natural part of life and is especially common in the workplace. You may not know that confrontation can actually be a good thing. Effectively managing confrontation can help you build stronger relationships with your co-workers and maintain a healthy work environment. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips to help you manage confrontation. These tips will help you resolve any conflicts that may arise and maintain an environment everyone will enjoy.

Here are 5 tips for success to manage confrontation in the workplace:

1. Stay Calm

Dealing with confrontation can be difficult, especially in the workplace. The key to managing confrontation is to stay calm. Learning to stay calm in the face of conflict is essential for maintaining a professional demeanor. When you’re feeling calm, it’s easier to think clearly and make level-headed decisions. The next time you’re facing a confrontation at work, try these tips for staying calm:

1. Take a deep breath and count to 10. This will help to slow down your heart rate and give you a chance to collect your thoughts.

2. Focus on the other person’s body language. Are they clenching their fists or standing up straight? Relaxing your own body language can help to diffuse the tension. You can do this by relaxing your face, keeping your hands open, and uncrossing your arms and legs. Also avoiding sudden movements shows the other person you are not a threat.

4. Keep your tone of voice calm and collected. Avoid raising your voice or speaking in an aggressive tone. Instead, use a clear and confident voice that conveys your respect for the other person.

5. Stay focused on the issue at hand. Don’t get sidetracked by personal attacks or irrelevant details. Focusing on the problem will help you find a constructive solution.

2. Be Respectful

When conflict arises at work, it can be difficult to know how to respond. However, behaving in a respectful manner is often the best way to diffuse the situation. By speaking calmly and avoiding personal attacks, you can help to create an environment in which both sides can feel heard and respected. When you show respect for your coworkers, they are more likely to reciprocate. This can help to diffuse tension and prevent arguments from escalating.

Additionally, it is important to be willing to compromise. Rather than digging in your heels and insisting on your own way, try to find a solution that everyone can agree on. This doesn’t mean that you have to give up your principles; it simply means that you are willing to work together for the greater good. Making an effort to be respectful can go a long way towards managing confrontation in the workplace.

3. Communicate Openly and Honestly

Communication is essential to any successful relationship, whether it be personal or professional. When communication breaks down, problems are sure to follow. This is especially true in the workplace, where people with different backgrounds and personalities must interact on a daily basis. However, with open and honest communication, conflict can be managed in a constructive way.

Honest communication means being upfront about your needs and wants, and listening to the needs and wants of others. By simply communicating our needs and feelings in a respectful way, we can avoid misunderstandings and help to resolve conflicts quickly. Additionally, by hearing the other person’s perspective, we can gain a better understanding of their motivations and find a common ground. In this way open and honest communication builds stronger relationships and fosters a positive work environment.

4. Don’t Bottle Things Up

Bottling things up is never good when dealing with confrontation in the workplace. Whether you’re dealing with a difficult customer or a challenging co-worker, learning how to manage confrontation is essential to success. One of the worst things you can do in a confrontational situation is to keep your feelings to yourself. Not only does this prevent you from finding a resolution, but it can also lead to resentment and boil over into a full-blown argument. It’s important to be assertive and express your needs clearly, even if it feels uncomfortable. By doing so, you’re more likely to find a middle ground that satisfies everyone involved. So next time you’re feeling upset at work, resist the urge to keep it to yourself. Instead, speak up and see where the conversation takes you.

5. Seek Professional Help

Confrontation is a common occurrence in the workplace, and it can often be difficult to know how to handle it effectively. Professional help can be a great asset in learning how to manage confrontation in the workplace. A professional can provide impartial guidance and support, and can help you to develop strategies for dealing with difficult situations. They can also offer advice on how to communicate effectively with co-workers, and can help you to resolve conflict in a constructive way. If you are struggling to deal with confrontation in the workplace, professional help may be just what you need. With their expert guidance, you can learn how to navigate difficult conversations and build better relationships with your co-workers.

Path to Success

At Award Staffing we want to start your path to success. By managing confrontation effectively, you will build stronger relationships and maintain a positive work environment in any position. We can find your next opportunity to make that possible. Begin your next career move by contacting us today or review our current job openings.

How to Find Out if a Job is For You

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One of the trickiest things when it comes to finding a new job, is gaging whether or not a company is a good fit for you. This can be especially difficult when you get multiple offers that all have their different perks and you don’t want to choose the wrong one.

Outside of how they present themselves on their website and social media pages, there isn’t much to work with when it comes to assessing how it would feel to work in a company’s environment and if your needs as an employee match what that employer is willing to give you.

Your full-time job is where you spend the majority of your time, and while there is plenty of opportunity out there should something not work out; we all prefer to find the right place of employment on the first try.

Here are a few ways you can help yourself establish if a workplace could be well suited for you:

1. Look at the Details in Job Postings

Most people look at the entire picture when looking through job postings, which is definitely important; but if you pay attention to specific points, you’ll notice that there are small hints about what the company values. For instance, if the first few paragraphs discuss being a tight-knit team that doesn’t mind staying late a few nights per week; it’s probably not a good fit for someone who prefers to work solo and needs to be somewhere at a certain time after work. Or, if the posting is written with a lot of humor and wit, it may or may not be the place for someone who has a history of strictly professional work environments. It all depends on what matters to you.

2. Consider the Soft Skills that are Needed

Soft skills are non-technical skills that are not job/industry specific and can be applied in a variety of situations. Critical thinking, problem solving, and time-management are all examples of soft skills, and everyone possesses different ones, depending on their work history and natural abilities. Job postings almost always contain statements such as: “must be able to think on your feet” or “the right candidate is someone who is very organized”. Look for positions that list soft skills that you are good at.

3. Ask About the Main Tasks

While most employers are pretty good at giving accurate depictions of what a position in their company entails, it’s a good idea to ask a few additional questions, so you can ensure that the parts of the job that will affect you the most are in line with what you are expecting. During an interview, ask the questions: “What are the main tasks I will be doing?” and “What does a typical day and week in this position look like/consist of?”. This will give you a clear picture of how you will spend your time and if it’s a place where you see yourself thriving.

4. Determine the Impact

Everyone wants to feel like they have a significant role within their company whether their job is to drive more revenue or to support others within the organization. Before you accept any position, ask how your role specifically will affect the company as a whole. The response you receive will speak volumes about the social structure of that company and whether or not they see the value in all roles within the company. Every business has many moving parts, and they are all important. It’s crucial for all companies to know this.

5. Ask How Your Performance Will Be Measured

Some people do well in a competitive environment, while others do better working at their own pace. Additionally, some companies have lofty performance goals and measurements, while others offer leeway as long as the work is being put forth. Also, when it comes to pay increases, some companies base it strictly off of production and numbers, while others consider factors such as attendance, teamwork, and adaptability. It’s up to the individual to decide which one will work better for them.

If you or anyone you know is looking for a job, we at Award are here to help. We update our job boards daily. Check out our newest opportunities here.

Using the Great Resignation to Your Advantage

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

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

List Your Non-Negotiables

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

Consider a New Industry

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

 

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

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

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

Self-Study for Job Seekers

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Something that most people don’t do while in pursuit of a new career is ask themselves questions and really make it a study to learn what they want in a job. The majority of the time; people look at pay, how well a company is known, and the title/prestige of a position to determine whether or not they’re going to apply somewhere. While all of those things do need to be taken into consideration, it’s not often that people do a self-assessment to establish what’s best for them outside of those parameters.

Every person is going to need different conditions to be met in order for them to be both happy and successful. It’s often the small things that we experience every day that determine whether or not we can be truly fulfilled in a job over the long term. Whether or not we enjoy what we walk into every day affects our ability to thrive and the amount of time we stay in a position.

Here are some factors to consider to help you assess whether or not a job or company could be a good fit for you.

1. What in your last job did you like and not like?

We all need an income, that’s a given. That’s why in many cases it can be difficult not to just take the first offer that comes your way. However, if you want to sustain your happiness and continue to produce quality work after the thrill of a new position goes away; you must be sure that you’re ok with most things that come along with it. For example, if you know that you couldn’t cope with the strict dress code at your last company, working for another company with a similar policy is probably not the best option.

2. What are you interested in?

What industries and/or what type(s) of projects? While it’s not realistic for every single aspect of a job to be your favorite, there has to be some level of interest. Whether it’s the work you’ll be doing on a daily basis or the line of work you’re involved in, you’ll want to choose something that you’re either interested in learning more about or something you have already been involved in and know you enjoy.

3.What natural proficiencies do you have?

The ability to lead, write, sell, plan…Are you excellent with technology or graphic design? Even if it is something that you have never done before, don’t be intimidated to inquire and apply if you have a knack for something. This is how many people begin working their dream careers. If you write in your spare time and know you enjoy it, why not look into a copywriting or columnist position?

4. What are the key things you can bring to your workplace?

No matter what, it is crucial that you have the opportunity to showcase your abilities and use your talents in your place of work. If you list out all of the things you have brought to past work places, you will likely open yourself up to even more options by having a wider net to cast.

5. What are your top values?

Service, financial stability, free time? Knowing these things about yourself ahead of time and asking about them in the interview process will be of great benefit. If free time is important to you, having a position that requires you take calls at night after you’ve left the office or on weekends is not an option. If your top value is service, you can likely go onto the company’s website and research if there is a cause they contribute to. You could also search specifically for positions in non-profit or sustainability. Values run deep within all of us; if something is important to you, your career choice should be in line with it.

6. Is there a certain environment you know you can’t work well in?

We all thrive in different environments. If you are an extravert and prosper in an environment with a lot of people, an office position with a team of three will not be your best option. If you are an introvert and you know you need your surroundings to be quiet in order to focus, a factory with loud machines is likely not your best bet; even if you do have your own office. Don’t try to convince yourself that you’ll be able to just deal with it. There are plenty of options out there for everyone, no need to get caught up in a scarcity mindset.

7. Does your lifestyle require a certain type of flexibility?

If you have regular doctor appointments or would strongly prefer to be able to be home with your kids more often than not, a job that is partially or entirely remote is a good choice. If you have a very busy schedule and want to be able to go straight from one place to another, (such as from work to the gym to your piano lessons) you likely want one with a lenient dress code so you don’t have to change in between. If you travel a lot, freelance or brand ambassador work may be your answer.

8. Are there any tasks you specifically want or don’t want to perform?

Even if you like your job for the most part, if there are certain things you dread, you likely won’t appreciate it over the long haul. List out all of the things you can’t envision yourself doing and be sure to choose positions where those things are not a requirement. If there are things that you really want to do because maybe you have never had the chance in the past, search specifically for those types of roles.

 

If you are in search of a new job, we at Award Staffing are here to help you find your future! Check out our newest available positions here.

How to Have a Productive Mindset and Be Efficient

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No matter what day it is, we all seem to have an infinite list of things to do in both our work and our personal lives. With multiple spinning plates that leave us with divided attention, it can be quite a challenge to focus and to decide what to prioritize. When it comes to our careers, it is imperative to be efficient with our time so that we are consistently getting our projects done and producing quality work. Here are 7 suggestions you can use to develop a productive mindset and set the foundation for productive days in the workplace.

1. Know What Motivates You

It is nearly impossible to meet a deadline or achieve a goal if you are unmotivated. While not every project or assignment will be your favorite, it is still possible to stay motivated while doing them. In this case, it is mostly a matter of mindset.  Ask yourself, “What is driving me to succeed?” It could be:

  • Building your portfolio
  • Working towards a promotion
  • The impact you’re having
  • Feeling accomplished when you cross something off of your list

Some days you will inevitably be more motivated than others. Maybe when it comes to certain projects, the motivation will be to get it done so that you can move on and hone in on an assignment or daily undertaking that you do enjoy. The takeaway is: you just have to find something to be motivated by.

2. Focus on One Thing at a Time

When you multitask, you will notice that you get fewer things done throughout the day and that the things you do get done are not as top tier as they would be if you did one task at a time. Single tasking results in higher quality work and is less stressful. If your mind is in too many places at once, what tends to happen is that you will get a portion of several things done, but not actually complete anything. This will leave you wondering where all of your time went. Avoid spreading yourself too thin by focusing on one task before moving on to the next.

3. Choose the Three Most Important Things

If you are a person who wears multiple hats within your organization or have a position that is multifaceted, starting your day knowing what the three most crucial things to get done are is going to be a game changer. It can be easy to get into the routine of doing the same thing every day, like beginning by responding to all of your emails or checking the company social media platforms. However, nothing feels better than knowing that you are only halfway through your day and have already completed the three most crucial tasks. If you get into the habit of starting your day with the most important things, you will know that you are on track to complete projects on time.

4. Just Do Something

There will be days where there is nothing particularly pressing to work on or that you are working on all things of equal importance. Don’t waste a block of time obsessing about how to be most efficient or what order you’re going to do things in. Choose something and roll with it. This way you won’t lose any time and you’ll notice that you’ve built momentum and one thing will lead to another. There is limited time in your work day, don’t waste it by overthinking what you “should” be doing.

5. Know Your Work Style

Everyone is going to have a different style of working in which they thrive. Some people do better focusing on one project in large blocks of time; others have to switch what they are doing every so often. There is no “right” way per say, the only right way is to do it in the way that is most effective for you. In general, we as humans can only be productive for short bursts of time; so every hour or so, take a few minutes to stand up, stretch, get water, or just take your eyes off of what you’re doing for a few minutes.

6. Be ok with Schedule and Plan Changes

Meetings are going to get canceled, people are going to call-in, unexpected issues are going to come up. As frustrating as this can be, it is inevitable no matter where your work or what field you’re in. You likely have a multitude of projects you’re working on at once, if something gets cancelled, use that extra time to either plan or get ahead on another assignment. This can actually end up really working in your favor if you use that extra time wisely.

7. Set a Stop Time

It can be really tempting to want to power through a project and then before you know it, it’s 7 pm and you are still in the office or on-site. It actually takes discipline to be able to put something away for the day and leave the rest for another time. If you make a habit of not stopping until something is thoroughly complete, you will eventually lead yourself to burn out. Whether it’s a time in the day or a certain point in the project, commit to being done at some point so you can recover and start again the next day with enough motivation and energy.

 

If you are in search of a new job, we at Award Staffing are here to help. Check out all of our newest listings on our career page.