Tag Archive for: Light Industrial

How to Tailor Your Résumé to Match the Job You Want

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Something we have recently observed to be a common occurrence; is a gap between what companies are looking for to qualify candidates, and what job seekers are putting on their résumés.

For people looking for a new opportunity in their area of expertise, this can make finding a job a bit of a challenge.

While part of the issue is that employers are not being entirely clear about the qualifications applicants need to apply, there are things job seekers can do to make their skills and experience stand out to employers.

Here are some of our recommendations:

1. Use Key Words From the Job Posting

Nearly all companies use AI to sort through applications these days. By using words from the posting, the applicant tracking system will instantly recognize the congruence between the post description and your résumé. Additionally, when employers are reading through résumés, industry buzz words are what will jump out at them first. Because many companies have yet to master the “science” of a perfectly communicated job description; the next best thing for candidates to do, is use the right terminology.

2. Apply in More Than One Place

Of course the first place that you want to apply, is directly on the company’s website or using the link the job posting provides. However, if you want to get in quicker, consider sending an email to HR or the hiring manager. Not only does this show initiative and a proactive approach, it will also give you a chance to better explain what you can offer. Applications or submitting your resume through an employment site don’t always give you a chance to thoroughly share your skills. When you’re sending an email, put some of your hard skills and experience in the body of the email.

3. Use Simplicity

Many people submit résumés that are multiple pages and have way too many skills and qualifications listed. While this may be necessary for someone looking for an executive role; individuals who are just getting back into the workforce after a hiatus, or are simply looking for the same role at a different company should be concise. You don’t need to showcase everything you’ve done/can do, you just need to inform them why you are a good fit for the role.

4. Include an Objective

There are so many different résumé templates out there, that the types that employers receive will vary. However, one thing that they should all include; is an objective. This is simply a brief statement that communicates why you are applying for the job and what you can offer. It is typically the first thing included on a résumé, after ones name and contact information. This gives the employer an instant chance to determine whether or not a person could be a fit for what they’re looking for. If your objective is well-done, it will catch their eye.

5. Call or Apply In-Person

While this may not be the right strategy for every position; if you are looking for work in the warehouse or light industrial space, it can definitely be a good option. Many companies in that industry are looking for people to start right away and will even offer you the position and let you start working the same day. Since many of the skills needed can be taught relatively quickly, it benefits employers to get you in and on the floor right away. If you call, they will very likely ask you to come in for an interview and offer the position on the spot if you’re a good fit.

Additionally, it may be helpful to contact a staffing agency to have a recruiter help you with your résumé and share new, local opportunities.

 

If you or someone 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.

Creative Ways to Keep Your Employees Happy

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Something that isn’t often a regular discussion among decision makers in most companies is employee happiness. Of course, most places do their best to meet the standard of a good workplace; but in today’s nation-wide situation of employee shortages, businesses must go beyond that.

 As a leader within your organization, when was the last time that you looked into new ways to boost employee happiness and gain a reputation of one of the best companies to work for?

Right now, many businesses in the Light Industrial and Warehouse sectors are concerned because they can’t offer the new trends of working remotely or start time flexibility, due to specific deadlines and operational equipment being necessary to do the job(s).

These factors give them the impression that they have no chance of making their employees as happy as organizations that can provide those options, discouraging them from even trying.

However, in a 2021 analysis of employee surveys and feedback, Costco and H.E.B., two places that require both in-person work and manual labor made the list of the year’s Top 25 Major U.S. Companies with the Happiest Employees.

It just goes to show that any company can be a good place to work if you are listening to the needs of your employees and offering them a good wage, benefits, and working environment.

Here is a list of our recommendations on how to create a happy workplace for your employees:

1. Encourage Camaraderie and Relationship Building at Work

One of the things consistently mentioned by employees of the happiest companies to work for is engagement between team members. In past times, employees were discouraged from getting to know each other too well and from having idle conversations during the work day. Present times are different. Employees who feel comfortable with one another and know each other’s work styles and habits will work better together. This will also lead to more employee retention and fewer call outs, as employees will enjoy coming to work every day.

Some ways you can encourage camaraderie are: hosting daily team-wide coffee breaks, setting aside time each week to host fun activities, and even just being ok with chit-chat throughout the day.

2. Address All Employees Individually

At times, it can feel like giving recognition to an entire department is enough; but if you want to ensure your employees are happy, you must see all employees as individuals. If someone regularly keeps to themselves, or doesn’t ever complain/offer feedback, it’s easy to assume they must be perfectly content. However, this is how many managers end up surprised when someone on their team quits unexpectedly.

Make time to check-in with each of your employees 1:1, even if it’s just for a few minutes every few weeks. Also be sure to praise each person personally when something has been accomplished. All employees deserve to be noticed and will remember that you set aside time for them.

3. Implement Resolve

From an employee perspective, it is very frustrating when an issue comes up and nothing is done to ensure it doesn’t happen again. As an employer, you’re not expected to have all of the answers or come up with a solution on-the-spot. But, it’s important that you give your employees a timeline for when you will address the problem and follow up with them when that time comes.

Many times, this means that new policies or standard operating procedures need to be implemented. Putting something in place will reassure your employees that you care about them and that all situations will be handled accordingly.

4. Offer In-House Perks

This especially applies to companies that don’t have the ability to offer remote work. If you want to keep the employees you do have, they must have reasons to want to come in.

Consider integrating things such as a healthy snack and beverage bar that is unlimited and available to employees at all times. Some companies have gone as far as building in a kombucha on tap bar.

Other options could be having an in-house gym for employees to use or putting massage chairs in the break room. Perks like this may seem like a big investment, but are likely necessary if you want to compete with other companies.

It’s important to note that if you choose to provide these things, they must be maintained. This means snacks always fully stocked, the gym regularly cleaned, and the massage chairs in good condition and fixed right away if they get broken.

All employees will be excited when you initially offer these perks, but that excitement will quickly dwindle if they are not consistently maintained.

If your company is in need of employees, we at Award are here to help. Contact us with your staffing needs here.

Top Benefits of Working a Warehouse Position

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Now that we are well into the holiday season, one of the business industries across the board is the warehouse sector of the light industrial space. With stores needing to stock up on extra goods for holiday meals and décor along with people ordering tons of gifts online to be sent out to places all over the world, it’s no wonder that every year, warehousing companies hire a ton of extra help when this time of year rolls around.

The nice thing about getting a warehouse position though, is that it is an ever-growing industry and is in need of employees year-round. Let’s face it, with the convenience of online shopping, warehouse work is here to stay. Even this Black Friday saw record low numbers due to the option to purchase the same items online.

Warehouse work is very important, as the processing and shipping of goods as vital for this world to function. Here are just a few of the top reasons to consider warehouse work for your next job.

1. You Don’t Need Technical Skills

Working in a warehouse is a great choice for someone who has little to no work experience or is considering a career change. To work in a warehouse position, you don’t need a specific skillset. In fact, most of the time, soft skills are the most important factor in the hiring process. For example, the ability to work independently once you’re trained and reliably showing up to work is what employers need to ensure a smooth operation.

2. Flexible Hours and Overtime

Because warehouse work doesn’t involve customer or client interaction, nearly all warehouses extend their hours far beyond traditional business hours. In fact, many of them are open 24/7. This means that there are multiple shifts to choose from and you likely don’t have to work the same schedule every day if you don’t want to. Additionally, since there is always a need for employees in this line of work as well as random influxes throughout the year, overtime will be offered on multiple occasions.

3. Work Independently

Although warehouse work is team-based as a whole, typically when someone is hired, they are given a specific role on the floor that does not require more than one person. This can be stocking, pulling orders, scanning and processing, doing inventory. Many people like this type of work because they can listen to music while working and do not have to rely on others for their job to be complete.

4. Time Goes By Fast

Due to the nature of the work being fast paced, the constantly moving environment makes the day move quickly. There are few moments when working in a warehouse is slow enough to stop for a long enough time to be bored. You will also have plenty of your colleagues around you at all times. Whether you’re discussing work related tasks or socializing on your 15 minute break, the interaction will also help the day go by faster.

5. Keeps You In Shape

All warehouse positions require some kind of constant movement, whether you’re picking, loading, or packaging. The walking and lifting definitely gives you your workout for the day. This definitely saves you time as you won’t have to hit the gym or do a home workout once you’re off.

6. Opportunity for Promotion

Something most people don’t know is that warehouses are much more likely to promote from within than to hire for positions externally. With so many moving parts, it’s preferable to choose someone who is familiar with the layout of the floor, knows the people they will be working with, and is proficient in the way that particular facility operates. This saves on hiring costs and also allows the company to have people who know how to do multiple jobs if need be.

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