Tag Archive for: networking

How to Grow Your Career This Summer

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As we are well into mid-summer, it is a perfect time for job seekers to focus on growing their career. Whether you are looking to advance in your current field or make a career change, there are several actions you can take to work towards your goals.

Here are six tips to help you advance in your career this summer:

1. Update Your LinkedIn Profile

One of the first steps to advancing your career is to ensure your LinkedIn profile is current and polished. Start by updating your profile picture to a recent, professional image. Next, enhance your headline and summary with relevant keywords that reflect your skills and career goals, making it easier for recruiters to discover you. A strong headline formula communicates your role and the value you provide. Try {Your Role} | Helping {Industry} Achieve {Outcome}. For instance, a Warehouse Associate could use the headline, “Warehouse Associate Helping Logistics Achieve Seamless Operations.”

In the About section, offer a concise overview of your skills and experience while adding a personal touch to create a connection. Lastly, seek recommendations from previous employers or colleagues to boost your profile’s credibility. A polished online presence can significantly impact your chances when pursuing new opportunities.

2. Network

Summer is a great time for networking events and gatherings. Take advantage of this by attending industry events, job fairs and even social gatherings. Community forums, Linkedin groups, and Eventbrite are all good platforms to search for industry events. This is an excellent opportunity to meet new people and expand your professional network. Come prepared with a clear and concise elevator pitch highlighting your skills and career aspirations. Also, try to connect with people in your field or the companies you are interested in working for after the event. You never know when these connections could lead to potential job opportunities.

3. Invest in Professional Development

Use the summer months as an opportunity to invest in your professional development. Consider taking online courses, attending workshops or seminars, or earning certifications that can enhance your skills and knowledge. This not only adds value to your resume, but it also shows potential employers that you are dedicated to improving yourself and advancing in your career. Furthermore, learning new skills can open up new opportunities in your current role or make you a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs.

4. Set Clear Career Goals

Take some time this summer to reflect on your career goals and aspirations. Where do you see yourself in 6 months? 1 year? 3 years? When setting career goals, it’s essential to consider several key factors to ensure they are effective and achievable. Begin by assessing your long-term ambitions and ensuring your goals align with your personal values and interests. This alignment will keep you motivated and engaged as you work toward your objectives. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps, allowing for progress tracking and adjustments along the way. By having a clear direction, you can create a focused pathway for your professional growth.

5. Volunteer or Take on New Challenges

Another way to grow your career this summer is by volunteering for projects within your current organization or taking on new challenges outside of work. By stepping out of your comfort zone and gaining experience in different areas, you can expand your skill set and demonstrate initiative to potential employers. Make sure to select opportunities that genuinely align with your interests. This provides valuable networking opportunities and helps you gain insight into new industries or roles that may interest you.

6. Stay Positive and Persistent

Lastly, it’s essential to stay positive and persistent during your career growth journey. Job hunting and career advancement can be challenging, but remember to keep a positive mindset and continue pushing towards your goals. Don’t get discouraged by rejection; instead, use it as motivation to improve yourself and keep striving for success. Keep reminding yourself of why you are pursuing this path and celebrate small victories along the way.

Moving Forward Together

Growing your career takes time, effort, and dedication, but it’s worth it in the long run. By following these 6 tips you can take proactive steps towards advancing your career this summer. Remember that success doesn’t happen overnight; it requires consistent action and perseverance. Stay focused on your goals, stay positive, and keep pushing forward towards achieving the career of your dreams! Contact one of 5 offices in the Twin Cities Metro to get started.

4 Uncommon Ways to Shine in Your Job Search

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Are you tired of using the same old job search strategies with no luck? We are here for you! With the recent surge in applicants flooding the job market, it’s more important than ever to stand out from the pack. We understand your frustrations and want to offer some unique tips to help you shine in your job search. It’s not just about having a polished resume, but also about highlighting your genuine self and making sure you’re visible to potential employers. Utilizing the power of networking, showcasing your extracurriculars, and continuing your professional growth are all ways you can set yourself apart. We believe in the power of transparency and the importance of making an authentic impression. Don’t let frustration hold you back – take control of your job search and find the position you deserve.

Here are 4 unique strategies to stand out and land your dream job:

1. Curate Your Resume

When crafting your resume, understanding what to include and what to leave out is crucial for catching the eye of potential employers. Begin with your contact details, a compelling professional summary showcasing your strengths and goals, and pertinent work experience and education. Emphasize relevant skills and achievements concisely. You may also include certifications or professional development to enhance your resume.

However, there are elements best left out to maintain professionalism and relevance. Personal details such as age, marital status, or photographs aren’t necessary and can detract from the content that truly matters—your professional qualifications. Additionally, avoid listing every single job you’ve had; focus on the roles that are relevant to the one you’re applying for. Steer clear of cliches or buzzwords that don’t add real value or specificity to your capabilities. And remember, honesty is paramount; never embellish your accomplishments or skills. By mindfully curating the content of your resume, you’ll position yourself as a compelling candidate ready to step into your next role.

2. Utilize the Power of Networking

In the pursuit of your dream job, don’t overlook the immense potential that lies within networking. Making connections isn’t just about collecting contacts; it’s about building relationships that can lead to opportunities not listed on job boards. Attend industry meetups, participate in webinars, and engage with who you know. Connect with recruiters and contacts at companies you’re interested in. Make sure to share your aspirations and listen actively. You never know who might have a connection to your dream job. Often, it’s through these conversations that one stumbles upon leads, learns about openings before they are advertised, or even gets a personal recommendation. Remember, networking can help piece together your career path in unexpected and fulfilling ways. Keep your approach genuine and open—every interaction is a step towards unlocking new doors.

3. Highlight Your Extracurriculars with Confidence

Sure, polishing your resume is important, but what about your activities outside of work? A standout applicant knows how to leverage their extracurricular experiences to their advantage. Demonstrating your skills, creativity, and dedication beyond the confines of traditional employment is key. Whether it’s volunteer work, sport teams, or hobbies that have taught you valuable skills, don’t be afraid to showcase them. Participating in meaningful activities not only showcases your passions and well-roundedness, but it also demonstrates essential soft skills such as time management, teamwork, and adaptability. These are qualities that employers are always looking for in top candidates. Sharing your experiences also weaves a personal narrative that aligns your passion, growth, and dedication with the job you’re aiming for. This approach makes for engaging conversations with potential employers, painting a vivid picture of your character and capabilities. So don’t shy away from highlighting your extracurriculars with confidence and pride, they could be the missing piece to landing your dream job.

4. Never Stop Learning

Continuous learning isn’t just for professional development; it’s a powerful strategy that can make you stand out during your job search. By actively staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends, you showcase your commitment to growth and improvement. There are plenty of online courses, webinars, and workshops available that can help you expand your knowledge and skills. Additionally, don’t be afraid to learn from others in your field; networking events and mentorship programs can provide valuable insights and connections that can help you in your job search. But learning isn’t just about gaining new skills; it’s also about developing a growth mindset. This means being open to new ideas, taking on challenges, and embracing failure as an opportunity for growth. Employers are always looking for candidates who have a passion for learning and are willing to adapt and evolve.

Supporting Your Success

In an era where cookie-cutter candidates blur into one, these four strategies can help you carve out your unique place in the professional world. Don’t just be another name in the application file – be the standout that hiring managers can’t forget. Remember, the key is to stay genuine and strategic, and the right opportunity will undoubtedly knock on your door.

By partnering with Award Staffing, you can unlock endless possibilities for your professional growth and success. Our tailored approach and transparent hiring process make us the go-to resource for job seekers looking to stand out in a crowded market. From understanding your skills and preferences to matching you with exciting opportunities, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your career goals. Take the first step towards your dream career by browsing our current job opportunities and apply today.

How to Expand Your Professional Network

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Whether or not you’re currently in search of a new position or career, it is always a good idea to continuously be growing your network. You just never know when the time will come that you are in need of a change and if you keep your circle big, hopefully sometime down the line you are able to put someone else in contact with the right people as well.

When most people hear the term “networking”, they envision a cocktail party that comprises of hustlers handing out their business cards wondering who they can meet that will skyrocket them to the top. While that is definitely one of the better known ways to network, there are many other ways to meet and develop business and personal relationships with people both in-person and virtually.

Here are 5 ideas for expanding your network:

  1. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

This one sounds obvious, but the majority of people use social networking platforms solely as a way of staying in touch with long-distance family members or old friends from high school and college. If you use your social media as a way of growing your personal brand, it can be an incredibly useful tool. Get involved in industry related groups and forums, post or share links about industry related topics on your page, comment and engage on posts relevant to your field or interests. This will give you a ton of credibility and you’ll start to be seen as a go-to person for job/industry knowledge. Networking isn’t just about asking, it’s also about giving.

In the case that you are attending an event such as a convention or trade show, reach out to others who are attending and get to know some of them before the day of. If you prefer not to mix business with personal, you can always set up a separate account specifically for networking.

  1. MAKE A LIST

Even if you don’t have your own business, you should still have an email list. Begin with listing out everyone that you know professionally from college, internships, past jobs, past events, etc. Include their email and where they live. Then expand to friends of friends. Keep adding to your list every time you make a connection and be sure to keep in touch with each person from time to time. This can look like a phone call or text, an email, or a direct message on social media. Staying on people’s radar is key; don’t just create the list and then ditch it. Networking is equally about being seen and keeping people in mind.

  1. SPEND TIME IN THE RIGHT SOCIAL SPOTS

Ask yourself, “If I wanted to run into more people in my industry, where would they be spending time?” What coffee shop do they have regular meetings? What bar do they have company happy hours once per month? If there is a certain industry professional you want to meet who regularly hosts or attends specific events, make it a point to be there. And then, be sure you introduce yourself and engage in meaningful conversation. The point of attending these events is to get to know people and for them to get to know you. Be sure you make yourself known by being friendly and cordial, and having something valuable to bring to the table.

  1. PERFORM GOOD NETWORKING DEEDS

In the long term, people are going to remember the kind things you did for them. A few times per week or per month, choose a few people and do something to benefit their personal brand. Endorse them on LinkedIn, leave their company a good review on Yelp, connect two people you know, recommend them to the write people. There is an endless list of ways you can make a professional, kind gesture for someone. People will remember when you did this and will be glad to return the favor.

  1. Consider Volunteering

When you put yourself out there, you just never know who you’re going to meet. And, depending on what type of volunteering you are doing, you may even have a chance to show people some of your skills and work ethic. Opportunities often come from being in the right place at the right time, so the more you make an effort to be involved, the higher your chances are of finding something. People will also remember your assistance and will think of you when an opportunity becomes available.

Whoever you meet, be sure to add them to your contact list.

As you can see, there are many different paths you can take to growing your network. Remember, growing a network takes time, so be patient as you’re expanding.

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

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

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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.