Tag Archive for: new job

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.

Make a Great Impression on Your First Day at a New Job

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To make a good impression on your first day and to create a seamless transition into the company. Follow these simple, but essential keys.

Come Early-

One of the easiest ways to make a great impression on your first day is to arrive early. When you arrive early, you are letting your superiors know that you respect company time and take the job seriously. You will be seen as responsible, trustworthy, and diligent. Plus, your superiors won’t have to worry about reminding you of important dates and times.

Overdress-

It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. If you don’t know your new company’s dress code, it’s an excellent idea to overdress so being underdressed doesn’t embarrass you. For example, if you are hired for a light industrial job, denim and a nice clean T might be acceptable, but show up on your first day in clean and pressed slacks and a shirt with a  collar – button down or polo style. If your first day reveals that less is ok, then you can adapt. Going beyond on the first day shows that you respect the company and respect your job

Ask Questions-

Make sure to ask many questions on your first day. This will show your new colleagues and superiors that you are engaged and ready to learn. It also shows them that you are interested in your new position and want to know as much as you can to be able to succeed. Of course, choose your questions wisely, take time to listen to the answer, and apply the knowledge.

Be Friendly-

The most important way to make a great impression on your first day is to be friendly. If you walk into the job with a positive attitude and a smile on your face, your colleagues are going to remember you and enjoy your company from day one. When you’re building your career, colleague relationships and networking are one of the most important aspects of helping you achieve your professional goals.

If you feel like you can embody these tips on your first day of work but you’re having a hard time finding somewhere to work, contact Award Staffing. We will be able to help you find a job that is the perfect fit for you and your unique skill sets. Our team of hiring professional located in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota are here to help you find you your next new job opportunity!

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

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

Get Your Resume Ready-

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

Secure Your References-

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

Clear Your Schedule-

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

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

Top 3 Best Job Search Strategies

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Searching for a job doesn’t have to be long and tedious. Putting careful thought and planning into the process will maximize your job search in terms of time and effectiveness.

1. Start a Spreadsheet

Make life easier on yourself by starting a spreadsheet. It’s crucial that you do this before beginning the job search so you can stay organized throughout the entire process. You may want to sort your spreadsheet by the name of the company, the position for which you are applying, a link to the job post, and the date you applied and then heard back from them.

 

2. Limit Your Job Search to 5 Sources

Don’t drive yourself crazy by searching through a massive list of websites. Keep things simple by initially limiting your job search to your network, two or three pertinent job boards, and a reputable staffing agency, which specializes in your industry. This will help keep you in line and organized; you can always add more sources later on if you’re finding that you are unable to locate what you need.

 

3. Have Your Resume Ready

If you want to maximize your job search, you need to have your resume ready to go as soon as you apply. There’s nothing worse than getting called for an interview and then frantically revising/editing your resume. It’s a surefire way to forget something important, make grammar errors, etc. Spend time in advance, so you’re ready to go by the time you start applying.

 

Is it time to start your job search? Contact Award Staffing. We will help you find a job that is a good fit – both professionally and personally. We will be able to match you up with interviews in your area so you can get the job opportunity you want. We have offices located in Edina, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota to help you with your job search today!

3 Quick Ways to Get Ready for a New Job

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If you’ve recently graduated from high school or college, now may be the time for you to get your a new job. If you’ve been out of the job market for sometime, there are a few things you need to do in preparation. Not only do you need to make yourself employable, but you also need to take several steps to make sure you’re ready.

1. Get Your Resume Ready –

Before you start searching for jobs, you need to get your resume ready. This means you must take time to format it and update everything regarding your past work experiences and education. Make sure you have someone look over the resume to spot any mistakes or errors.

2. Secure Your References –

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

3. Clear Your Schedule –

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

Award Staffing is here to help you.  We guide you through the job-seeking process and recommend you for several different jobs for which you are a good fit. You’re on the way to your first job with Award Staffing. Contact us today.