Tag Archive for: pay increase

What Job Seekers Should Know in 2022

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As you likely already know, the job market is currently full of opportunity. Nearly every company is hiring and offering better pay and benefits than they ever have before, in efforts to bring in more employees. This means that right now, job seekers have the opportunity to request more out of the companies they receive offers from, than they have in the past.

Additionally, hiring managers are currently being more flexible with requirements and allowing candidates with lesser experience to come onboard. However, lately there has been a frequent discrepancy between what companies are looking for and what candidates are communicating that they can offer. Regardless of the position or industry, individuals seeking new work opportunities must tailor their résumés to match the needs of the companies they are applying to.

Here are the most important things for job seekers to know as they apply for work in 2022:

1. Reliability is Key

While it used to be that applicants needed to have a certain number of years of experience or a certain technical skill to be considered qualified; current employers are willing to train people who demonstrate a strong work ethic. Due to the lack of workers, employees can’t risk people not showing up or showing up late on a regular basis. This is the most valued quality an employee can have these days. If you can truly say that you’re dependable, be sure to list that as a skill on your résumé.

2. You Can Ask For More

It used to be that people felt like they were never offered the compensation that they were worth or that they had to choose a job based on which one could offer the best benefit package. With the shortage, organizations are finally seeing the essentialism of giving people competitive wages and benefits. If you get an offer from a company you deem a good fit, don’t be afraid to negotiate pay and workplace perks. There is a good chance they will make you a better offer than they initially had.

3. Problem Solving

In any job that you take, there are going to be issues that arise. The ability to take initiative in handling them is something that employers want to see in the people they hire. Prior to showing up for an interview, be sure to think of a past situation when you needed to think on your feet. Those who have the ability to do this are the ones who will be offered promotions when a higher-paying position becomes available. Showing that you can problem solve also demonstrates that you value your position and are not just there to punch in and out.

4. Consider Company Culture and Environment

Right now, employees are putting more emphasis than ever on the importance of a positive company culture and work environment. Truthfully, the only way for a job to be a good fit over the long term is to enjoy your surroundings and feel comfortable in the space you spend your working hours. Be sure to ask what the company culture is like and if you can, get a tour of the area you will be working before accepting an offer. Don’t feel like you have to settle for the first opportunity that comes your way, there is plenty of opportunity in the 2022 job market.

If you or someone you know is looking for work, we at Award are here to help. Check out our latest opportunities here.

Why it’s a Great Time to Choose a Warehouse or Assembly Position

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By now, you’ve likely heard from more than one source, the term explaining the employee shortage that all businesses across the country are experiencing right now: The Great Resignation.

The pandemic has led people in all industries to re-evaluate how and where they’re spending their time, and whether or not their current or former jobs are worth it.

Individuals are also considering their relationship to work and employment in general, which is a determining factor in whether or not they will continue working or go back to work in the near future.

It is projected that this phenomenon will continue well into 2022, which makes right now an ideal time to take a warehouse or assembly position.

Here are the top reasons why:

1. You can negotiate pay, benefits, hours, etc. – more than ever before

If there’s one thing that employers are learning more and more since the beginning of this employee shortage, it’s that their business relies on people to run. This has incentivized them to do everything they can to attract and retain workers, including offering the pay, benefits, and working conditions that people want.

Currently, very few companies are in a position to be as rigid and particular as they have been in the past. They would rather grant you the pay and hours people than turn away qualified candidates.

Additionally, all companies are paying a much higher rate than they ever have before. This makes it a great time to jump in.

2. Retail sales are at an all-time high

Since last October, sales have been significantly higher than expected on nearly all products. Reports show that this trend isn’t going to slow down anytime soon. Even with prices increasing at the fastest pace they have since the 90s, consumers have not been discouraged.

Choosing a warehouse position will give you long-term job security, as there will be a continuous need to pack and ship orders.

3. Electronics and appliances sales have increased the most

Of all products, electronics and appliances have seen the most sales growth. Because of this, there is high need for assembly workers. Just like that of warehouse positions, this provides security to employees who choose these positions.

4. Companies are making greater efforts

Knowing how crucial employees are now, companies are putting more effort into creating a workplace that values the people within the company just as much as the profit. Now that they have a deeper understanding that an individual’s personal needs are just as important as their work needs; they’re prioritizing building relationships with employees and being more flexible with scheduling and other policies.

5. There are hundreds of openings

In October 2021 alone, there were 11 million new job postings in the United States with manufacturing and warehousing being in the top 10 for the most positions. This means that there is plenty of opportunity to test out different positions and companies to see what meets your needs the best. Unlike prior years when it was difficult to find a job, if you decide a position or organization is not for you; you will be able to find another similar position with ease.

A great way to experiment with different roles and companies is to work with a staffing agency to find temporary positions.

If you or someone you know is in need of a job, we at Award Staffing are here to help. Our job boards are updated daily. Check out our latest job opportunities here.

When Do Minnesota Company’s Give Pay Raises?

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If you have employees who have been working for your company for a while, you may have encountered the question of when you should give them a raise. Whether they have asked or you have thought about this question on your own, there are some general rules you should follow. Here’s how you can tell whether you should give your employees a pay raise or not:

How Long Have They Been Working for You?

The easiest way in which you can determine whether or not to give someone a raise is to see how long they’ve been working for you. If they’ve been working for you for a year or longer, without a raise, it’s time to step up and reward their dedication and loyalty.

What Are the Comparisons in Your Industry?

When determining whether or not you should give someone a raise, always take the time to do some comp research in your industry. Knowing what employees are being paid for similar positions in your area will help you ensure that you are paying fairly. If you fail to give raises and fall below the bar, you may very well start losing workers.

How Much Do You Value Them?

Sometimes, you don’t need a specific reason to give an employee a raise (such as time on the job or meeting the local standards). When you place a high value on an employee because they arrive on time, fulfill their tasks, do great work, meet deadlines, inspire a positive attitude among co-workers, etc. it’s time for a merit raise. These are the most enjoyable raises to give.

Of course, the best way to find workers who stay on the job, meet employee standards, and are worthy of merit raises, is to partner with a staffing agency, such as Award Staffing. We help companies hire new employees who fit within your company’s payroll budget and build your workforce successfully. Contact us today.

 

FINDING YOUR TALENT

Want to learn more about how Award Staffing can help your organization with your staffing and employment needs? Start by providing our team with a few pieces of information about yourself, and we will take care of the rest.

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