Tag Archive for: Resume tips

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.

5 Ways to Start Entry-Level Jobs for Graduates

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Are you a soon to be high school graduate looking for summer employment? Lucky for you, there are plenty of entry-level temporary to long-term opportunities out there. You just need the right resources to guide you in the right direction. From perfecting your resume, utilizing your resources, and networking with employers- we’ve got you covered. Knowing how to present yourself professionally is key! By the end, making the transition from student to professional will be easier than ever.

Here are 5 easy ways to kickstart your summer job:

1. Write a Professional Resume

Writing a clean and concise resume is an essential part of the job search process, as it provides employers with a snapshot of your professional qualifications and experience. A well-crafted resume can help you stand out from the competition, showcase your skills and experiences, and make a positive first impression on potential employers. This is key for employers to quickly scan your resume to determine if you are a good fit for their job opening.

There are 6 sections: Header, Overview, Experience, Education, Skills, and Awards.

Some general rules are:

  • Avoid using overly complex language in your resume writing; keep it simple yet professional with no typos, poor grammar, or spelling mistakes present.
  • Highlight any unique experiences you’ve had like internships or volunteer work that demonstrate specific transferable skills, especially if they relate directly to the position you are applying for.
  • Utilize strong action words throughout your resume that describe how you achieved results , such as “managed”, “created” or “led”.
  • Include technical and soft skills
  • Highlight any extracurriculars like team sports or clubs
  • List any awards or certifications you’ve achieved
  • Avoid personal photos and colorful themes

For an in-depth review of what information should be in each section, check out resume tips by Indeed.

2. Find Local Employers at School Career Centers

A great resource for finding job opportunities in your local area is your school’s career center. They often have developed relationships with local employers and resources for beginning job seekers. Career centers offer a wide range of resources, including job listings tailored to your specific field of interest, job fairs, and workshops to help you succeed in your field.

School job fairs are a great place for soon to be graduates to network and get exposure to a variety of industries. It’s an opportunity to meet with potential employers in person, learn more about their company, and even make connections that could lead to future internships or jobs. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, getting career advice from industry professionals is a major bonus. So for those looking for entry-level positions after graduation, connecting with your school’s business or career center is a good start.

3. Search for Openings on Social Media

You can also use Facebook groups and other social media platforms like Handshake or Indeed to discover entry-level job opportunities. Many local businesses frequently post their open positions that require little or no prior experience. With the right search terms and filters, you can easily discover a wealth of openings and connect with hiring managers in your desired field. Start by searching for groups that are specific to your local area or city. Next, make sure the group has been active recently. Finally, search for terms such as ‘temporary jobs’, ‘entry-level’, or ‘high school diploma’ to find job postings tailored to your criteria. By using all the resources available to you, you can increase your exposure and find the best fit for your skills and interests.

4. Attend Workshops and Events

Finding career workshops near you can be a great way to get your foot in the door of various entry-level positions. Whether you’re just graduating high school or looking for temporary work, attending these events can provide invaluable resources and contacts that could help launch your career. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities available to find such events in your area.

Start by searching online for hiring events and workshops near you. Employers will post information about events they are hosting, and these can often be a great place to start looking for entry-level positions. Additionally, many community organizations host career days which provide valuable networking opportunities. For example the MN Employment and Economic Development Department (MN DEED) Career Force network  offers many opportunities for job seekers including interview tips, hiring events, and Q &A career advice sessions.

When attending be sure to bring copies of your resume and dress professionally. This is also your opportunity to ask questions and show off your enthusiasm for the job market. You’ll want to take advantage of this chance to make valuable contacts with recruiters and career experts who could be a key part of your job search.

5. Connect with Staffing Agencies

Staffing agencies are a great way to start building job experience after graduating high school. Not only can they connect you to great positions at local businesses, but recruiters can also coach you on resume and interview prep. Time is of the essence here, so make sure to stay on top of things!

Many of their positions are temporary or contract based which is great for summer jobs as they offer a unique opportunity to gain skills and industry experience in a short amount of time. In some cases, if you wish to continue, they may hire you on after.

Remember to be patient. Finding your first job might take some time, but don’t get discouraged. Keep applying, keep networking, and keep building your skills. Your hard work will pay off in the end. Keep a positive attitude, stay focused on your goals, and enjoy the journey!

At Award Staffing we specialize in light industrial and skilled positions, as well as administrative. This is a great opportunity for seniors because with summer around the corner, you’ll want to get your job lined up. Whether you’re looking for something temporary or more permanent, we’ll help you find the perfect job that fits your goals and interests. Our recruiters are happy to discuss further details with you. Contact us or check out our job opportunities for openings in your area.

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.

How to Stand Out in a Sea of Candidates

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When in pursuit of a new job, it can feel like a shot in the dark.  Although you know what credentials you bring to the table and all of the reasons you’re the most qualified candidate in a pool of dozens; you are likely wondering if it’s even possible to stand out as noteworthy among your competition. Despite commonly held belief, there are many tactics you can use to be noticed amidst a collective of other applicants. Here are some examples:

 

Tailor Your Résumé

When it comes to the hiring process, the company-candidate matchmaking begins with your résumé. While in search of a new job, especially if you are in urgent need of a steady income, you may be inclined to throw together an all-encompassing résumé and fire it off to as many organizations as possible. However, when hiring managers are reviewing applicants, they are looking for someone who will meet the requirements for their company, not just the industry in general. Taking the extra time to refine your résumé by putting the job title you are applying for in the “objective” section and listing out skills that are relevant to the specific position, confirm that you will perform well, since from the beginning you were willing to go the extra mile.

Additionally, don’t forget to include a cover letter. This illustrates that you are serious about the position and gives you even more of a chance to discuss your abilities and experience. Remember, the goal is to be a pink envelope in a stack of white envelopes.

Show Initiative

You never know how many other people are applying for the same position as you. If there are hundreds of applications, chances are, some of them are going to get discarded. Don’t let yours be one of them. A few days after submitting your application, reach out to the hiring manager and let them know that you applied. This will encourage them to review your résumé if they haven’t already or give it a second and longer look. If you reach out through a phone call, you may even get the opportunity to showcase your personality a bit.

Furthermore, companies want to recruit people who are eager to work for them. Getting in contact with the hiring manager will express your interest in this particular company, showing that they were not just a number on your list of “possible places to work”.

 

Present Your Work

Especially for positions that require tangible results, it is important that you have a portfolio of past projects and/or data that showcases your contributions to your previous company. People can go on and on about how great they are and how perfect of a fit they would be, but nothing exhibits your value better than proof. This can look like photos of a project you worked on, a link to a website you built, marketing collateral you designed, or a document of your sales numbers. When trying to outshine other candidates in the interview process, it’s important to show companies what you can do, not just tell them.

 

Research the Company

Something that not enough people do prior to going into an interview is educate themselves on the company they have applied to. Nothing will make a lasting impression better than knowing what year the company was founded, who the CEO is, or how many locations a business has. If you’ve done your due diligence, you will know all three of those answers going into an interview. Not only will this communicate your genuine interest in the company, it will make you look resourceful and well-prepared. Also, you never know when a hiring manager will put you on the spot and ask what you know about the organization. Don’t get caught at a loss for words. Instead, astound them with the amount of knowledge and awareness you do have surrounding the company.

 

Be Specific and Results Oriented

When responding to questions during an interview, do your best to give personal career examples as often as possible. This will show the person conducting the interview that you have a fundamental understanding of what is being asked and will convey an element of sincerity. Too often, candidates get caught up in trying to tell an interviewer what they want to hear, not realizing that they have likely heard the same response a million times before. By using thought out examples of what you have achieved or completed in the past, the hiring manager will have a better idea of your capabilities and what results you will be able to produce for the company.

Be Personable and Show Enthusiasm

It is no secret that no matter what position you are trying to acquire, you want to make a good impression on the person interviewing you. Because of this, it is all too common for candidates to be tense and act overly polished during an interview. Although it is important that you present yourself as serious about your career, in order to determine whether or not you are a good culture fit for the company, the hiring manager must be able to see your personality…and let’s be honest, no one wants to hire someone who is uptight. Be ready to make the conversation a dialogue, not just a question and answer session. People tend to hold back their passion and excitement about opportunities for fear of looking desperate or second-rate, but even with all of the necessary skills and experience, if you lack eagerness for a position, the company will gloss over you and onboard someone who is keen on the idea of working there.

If you are in the market for a new job, be sure to check out our list of opportunities here

The Skills Section of Your Resume

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Most resumes follow the same basic formula. In some order, you list your education, your professional experiences and your contact information. You probably tweak it for the different types of jobs that you’re applying to, but the overall structure stays the same.

One section that we advise all job seekers to include on their resume is a skills section. Many job seekers already have this on their resume, but if you don’t, you should add one immediately. A lot of people think that since they don’t have easily summarized skills like a professional certification, then they don’t have skills worth mentioning. This is not true – there is an infinite number of skills that candidates can present to make themselves more attractive to hiring managers. We know how talented our job seekers are, and we want you to show employers just how awesome you are!

Types of skills

There are two types of skills that can be useful on your resume – hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills tend to be the most obvious examples. These are the actual skills that are required for performing a job. For example, hard skills for construction workers might include knowledge of zoning laws, trade licenses or computer skills. These are skills that are necessary to perform a given job.

Soft skills are personality traits that help determine your professional approach. Knowing your soft skills helps hiring managers to figure out what type of roles is best for you. These skills can include how you communicate, whether you work best independently or in groups, how creatively you solve a problem or that you’re a superior time manager. You may not think of them as skills, but these traits are vital to performing a job well.

What are your skills?

Job seekers should spend time thinking of the hard and soft skills that they bring to the table, as both types should be on a resume. It may also prove helpful to talk to friends, colleagues, and family about what they think of your skills. Are you a creative problem-solver, but don’t think of yourself that way? A close friend would be able to help you realize what makes you unique and attractive to hiring managers.

What should the skills section on my resume look like?

Attractive formatting of a resume is important to keep in mind. Hiring managers want clarity, readability and thorough information. For example, you may want to select an even number of skills and display them in two symmetrical columns of equal length.

Additionally, be selective with the skills you choose to list. A long list will make a recruiter’s eyes glaze over and will make your actual strengths stand out less. Aim to list 10 to 12 skills. This will show enough experience to make you a desirable candidate.

The job market is always competitive. You need to find ways to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Adding skills to your resume is a great way to do so. You can convey to hiring managers how you are more than meets the eye, and that you are the right fit for their job opening.

Are you looking for the perfect job of applying your skills? Browse our job opportunities to discover the best way to use your skills.

5 Ways to Boost Your Resume For Any Minnesota Job

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When you submit your resume to most companies, the first person who sees it is a recruiter who sees dozens of resumes a day. You have one chance to make the kind of the first impression that gets you to the next step. Here are five ways to boost your resume past the first stage and move you on to more face to face interviews:

Make It Clean and Readable-

Want your resume to be read? Make it easy to understand. No wall of text sections. Use short, punchy bullet points, clear, concise information and sufficient white space. This makes it easy for your resume to be scanned.

Focus On Success-

You want to include your full toolbox of applicable skills and experiences. Don’t forget to show off these attributes as part of past accomplishments. Tie a skill with the way you used effectively and give specific results.

Use Relevant Keywords-

A good resume is like a good Google search: You get better results when you use the right keywords. Robin Ryan says you should “make a list of the “buzz words connected to perform your type of job. Look through employers’ job ads to uncover the major ones. Incorporate these keywords into the sentences describing your previous work experience.”

Tailor Your Resume for Each Application-

Every job post will clearly state what the company is looking for regarding skills and experiences. Make sure you include matching information using the same keywords as the job post every time you send out your resume. A short intro that has the exact info the recruiter is looking for is also a good idea.

Less Is More-

Remember your resume isn’t being read like a book, it’s being scanned like an outline.

According to Nancy Collamer, “we all skim more than we read, so to reward that reading style. Also, add white space between paragraphs to provide “breathing room.”

Excessive words are just clutter. Check your word count when you write your resume and see if you can cut 20% of the words without losing any essential info. You will be surprised how much cleaner and more professional this makes your resume look.

If you’re ready to get your resume out in front of prospective employers, contact Award Staffing. We will be able to help you find a new job opportunity that lets you take advantage of your abilities to take the next step you in your career.

Resume Mistakes That Minnesota Job Seekers Make

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If you’re applying for jobs and haven’t looked at your resume in a few years, it’s time for revision. Mistakes on your resume signal that you’re not only not ready for a job, but that you lack the discipline and focus on honing in on, and taking your career seriously. Here are some of the top resume mistakes you should avoid.

Don’t Add a Picture-

For some reason, people have started adding pictures to their resumes, but we’re here to tell you that’s a wise choice. Why? Because it invites the reader to make judgments about you based on your looks rather than your skill sets and education. If they are interested, they will see what you look like when they invite you in for an in-person interview.

Don’t Send an Unformatted Resume-

Don’t ever send a resume that’s unformatted. This will look messy and likely disqualify you from the job for which you have applied. One way you can remedy this is to make sure you always send resumes as a PDF instead of a Word File. This way, the formatting will be “preserved” so you don’t have to worry about your recipient receiving a disorganized version.

Don’t Keep References from More Than Three Years-

Don’t put references on your resume if they’re more than three years old. First of all, there’s a good chance that they no longer remember you and will be unable to give you an accurate reference. Second of all, this shows that you haven’t been able to make any new meaningful connections in the last few years, which is, of course, a negative.

If you’ve successfully edited your resume and are in need of a job, 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!

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.

5 Ways to Boost Your Resume

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When you submit your resume to most companies, the first person who sees it is a recruiter who sees dozens of resumes a day. You have one chance to make the kind of first impression that gets you to the next step. Here are five ways to boost your resume past the first stage and move you on to more face to face interviews:

Make It Clean and Readable.

Want your resume to be read? Make it easy to read. No wall of text sections. Use short, punchy bullet points, clear, concise information and sufficient white space. This makes it easy for your resume to be scanned quickly.

Focus On Success.

You want to include your full toolbox of applicable skills and experiences. Don’t forget to show off these attributes as part of past accomplishments. Tie a skill with the way you used effectively and give specific results.

Use Relevant Keywords.

A good resume is like a good Google search: You get better results when you use the right keywords. Robin Ryan says you should “make a list of the “buzz words connected to perform your type of job. Look through employers’ job ads to uncover the major ones. Incorporate these keywords into the sentences describing your previous work experience.”

Tailor Your Resume for Each Application.

Every job post will clearly state what the company is looking for regarding skills and experiences. Make sure you include matching information using the same keywords as the job post every time you send out your resume. A short intro that has the exact info the recruiter is looking for is also a good idea.

Less Is More!

Remember your resume isn’t being read like a book, it’s being scanned like an outline. According to Nancy Collamer, “we all skim more than we read, so to reward that reading style. Also, add white space between paragraphs to provide “breathing room.”

Excessive words are just clutter. Check your word count when you write your resume and see if you can cut 20% of the words without losing any essential info. You will be surprised how much cleaner and more professional this makes your resume look.

If you’re ready to get your resume out in front of prospective employers, contact Award Staffing. We will be able to help you find a new position that lets you take advantage of your abilities to take the next step you in your career.  There are new job opportunities every single day from Award Staffing. Find your future…today!

Resume Tips: Why Resumes Need a Monthly Update

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Today in your job search it’s pretty common to have a resume, but did you know that you should update it monthly? Here’s a resume tip: job seekers should update their resume monthly.

Update Your Resume to Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

What do we mean by “staying aware of your surroundings?”HINT: it’s not what you think. By staying aware of your surroundings we mean to know how your past work experiences, skills, talents and abilities fit within different work environments.

Ultimately, if you can both act and speak confidently about your workplace experiences and contributions you’ll be well equipped to nail that interview or better yet, you’ll be able to take advantage of unexpected job opportunities. Read more