Tag Archive for: resume

Top 7 Transferrable Qualities Employers Look for in Candidates

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Regardless of the company, position, or pay rate; there are certain qualities that every employer looks for in the hiring process as well as when someone is on-boarded. Technical skills will get you recognized right away, but hiring managers know that soft skills have a big influence on the environment of a workplace and how it runs. If you are a contingent employee or have recently been hired by a company with a probation period, demonstrating these qualities are sure to make your employer consider you for a permanent position on their team. Developing these 7 qualities will help you excel in your career no matter what path you decide to go down.

 

1. Dependability

Although this list is in no particular order, there is a reason that dependability is at the top. No matter who your employer is, or what industry you’re in, dependability is inarguably the most important attribute a candidate and/or employee can have. In order for a company to be successful, work needs to get done and get done in a timely manner. Being a person that your manager and colleagues can count on to show up on time, deliver, drive results, and keep your word will make you a highly respected member of your organization. Make sure to include this trait on your résumé, discuss it during your interview, and follow through while on the job.

2. Communication Skills

Communication is important to both the employer and the employee. In order to run a smooth operation, everybody must be on the same page. Effective communication is important from all angles: verbal, physical, and written. There are many different areas to cover when it comes to communication. Verbally this means communicating your needs and expectations, clarification if you or someone else doesn’t understand something, and letting those around you know if you are going to be in at a different time than usual or out of the office on a specific day. Physically, this could mean having good posture and looking someone in the eyes when they are speaking to you. In a more manual labor based environment it could mean to let your team know if you moved equipment or to practice proper signaling protocols when on something like an assembly line. When it comes to emails or instant messages, be sure to be thorough with your questions and explanations and always double check for spelling and grammatical errors.

 

3. Work Ethic

To have good work ethic is to set your own standard of excellence. This is all-encompassing and goes for everything from how you dress to using your time wisely. It begins with being on time to your shift and ensuring that you are dressed appropriately. Depending on the position, this could mean being dressed crisp and professionally or wearing clothes that make it easy to maneuver heavy objects. It also goes for how you speak and interact with the people around you. Essentially, it means to maintain balance in every area. You can ensure you do these things by taking care of yourself. Eating proper nutrition, getting enough sleep, and giving yourself permission to recharge when you need to.

 

4. Problem-Solving Skills

There’s nothing that shows a manager more initiative than finding solutions to issues that arise before going to them about it. It’s important that you are able to make your own decisions as this shows a level of expertise in your area. Having the ability to handle issues in a positive manner will make you a valuable asset to any team as problems arise in every workplace across all industries. It will show that you are a leader despite what position you’re in and demonstrates a number of competencies including resilience, critical thinking, and resolve.

 

5. Teamwork

Not every position requires collaboration, but no matter what job you have, you will be working with others in some capacity. Whether that’s taking direction from a manager, having conference calls with other members of the company, or working on your part of a project before passing it on to someone else, everyone must have a common goal and the company’s best interest in mind. Like the quote goes, “one team, one dream”; hiring managers want to bring on people who are agreeable. List this as a skill on your résumé, and then give specific examples on your cover letter and in your interview.

 

6. Open-Mindedness

Especially when you’re new to a company, even in a similar position, there will be systems and procedures they do differently than your previous company. A willingness to try things, to see other people’s perspectives, and to be adaptable shows that you will be a pleasant person to work with. Considering that environments change and evolve on a regular basis, showing open-mindedness will give your employer the confidence that you will leave your comfort zone when the time calls for it.

 

7. Self-Management

In today’s workforce, culture and environment are everything. Despite how good the pay is or how well-known and prestigious the company is, people want to know that they are walking into a place they can feel comfortable. That means it is each person’s individual responsibility to have control over their thoughts, feelings, and actions. This contributes to the overall success of a workplace, because it results in a harmonious atmosphere and higher productivity levels. Each person will have their own style of self-management and personal responsibility; therefore it is important to know what works for you in a variety of situations that may arise.

Each of these traits is something that you will want to demonstrate from the beginning, starting with your cover letter and résumé, discussing it in your interview, and then demonstrating your abilities throughout your time at a company. Being able to make these qualities a part of your personal brand, is sure to lead you to success in your career.

If you are looking for a new job, be sure to check out our newest 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

10 Advantages of Temporary Employment

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With all of the insecurity over the past year, unemployment being at the top of the list for most people, it’s no surprise that many are reluctant to take temporary jobs since they don’t provide the sense of security and stability that so many people are craving post pandemic.

Also, the majority of people have a perception that temporary work only includes answering phones or warehouse work, not realizing that the temp industry staffs for nearly every profession out there, many of them requiring employees with specific skillsets and training.

Therefore, if you are willing to consider a temporary job, it can have many short-term as well as long-term benefits. Here is a list of some of them.

1. Build Your Résumé

Often times when companies are looking at your résumé, they are looking for a variety of experience. Taking a series of temporary jobs will show that you have an array of skills and have worked in multiple environments. This will make you look both qualified and adaptable which will increase the likelihood of you getting hired.

2. Experiment with Different Jobs and Industries  

Especially for people who have just graduated high school and aren’t sure what they would like to do yet, or people who are looking to pivot in their career and explore other industries- temporary jobs can be advantageous. This allows you to dabble in different things without the long-term commitment or concern of disappointing an employer; in the case that you decide a position is not a good fit. Temporary positions allow you to test out different environments and determine what type of schedule, work culture, management style, etc. that you’re looking for.

3. Faster Hiring Process

Typically when employers are looking for temporary help, it’s because they have an urgent need to fill a position. This often means that they don’t have time to go through handfuls of candidates and are therefore willing to be flexible with their requirements and reach out to schedule an interview right away. Also, when looking for temporary employees, most companies hire the help of a {staffing agency}, who will help you process paperwork, get you on the payroll, and send you to the jobsite in a timely manner.

4. Flexibility

Did you know that flexibility is the number one factor job seekers currently look for in a job? In the busy world we are all navigating, I’m sure you are no exception. Working a temporary position offers more flexibility because they are almost always hourly, which allows you to do your job and go home without having to think about work until your next shift. Also, with the urgent need to fill the position, many companies will be willing to accommodate scheduling requests if it means filling the role.

5. Fill Résumé Gaps

Having big gaps between employment can in some cases make you as a candidate look flighty and unmotivated. Taking temporary positions will give you something to list on your résumé while you continue to build your skillset and experience.

6. Higher Pay

While this may not be the case in every situation, because companies are looking to quickly hire, they will offer competitive wages with hopes of getting candidates through the door. Also, since they know the position is temporary, they understand the importance of ensuring that the job is worthwhile to the candidate.

7. Build Your Network

When you take temporary gigs, you will meet people at job sites that you otherwise would not have met. This can expand both your professional and personal networks. Maybe you will find someone who can offer you a full-time or longer term position. If you do your job well, you will definitely meet someone who is willing to give you a good reference. If nothing else, working closely with a variety of people while temping gives you the opportunity to make friends.

8. Keep Your Skills and Knowledge Current

In a market and workforce with many moving parts, things continue to change at a rapid rate. Continuing to work allows you to learn these things as they come up, which will leave you better equipped for the next long-term position that you take.

9. Increase Your Qualifications

Taking a temporary job, especially a position or in an industry that you have never worked in before will give you more experience to add to your résumé. It can also give you knowledge and perspective you didn’t have before by introducing you to sides of a business that you haven’t yet had a chance to explore.

10. Can Lead to Permanence

Taking a temporary position is a definite way to get your foot in the door in an industry that you want to be in. Often times it’s a combination of performing well and being in the right place at the right time to be offered full-time employment at the job site you are working at. There are many success stories of candidates, who started off temping and within just a few months’ time, were promoted to a long-term position.

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

How to Write a Resumé for Minneapolis Job Openings

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If you have started applying for jobs, you may have noticed that most companies will ask for your resume. As a potential employee, having a well-organized resume increases your chances of being hired. Here are some tips regarding how to write a resume:

Define Your Objective-

Before you start writing your resume, you need to define your objective. Is this resume for a specific job, or is this resume a generalized job-searching tool? Once you are clear with the objective, you will be able to tailor the content more specifically you place on your resume to fit your exact needs.

Education-

Education should be at the top of your resume. The highest level of education you have completed should be listed first, and any subsequent education experiences should be listed underneath that.

Recent Job Experiences-

When you’re detailing your most recent job experiences, they should be listed in chronological order. In general, it’s a good idea to include job experiences that are related to the field for which you are applying. This will show recruiters that you are a good fit for that specific position.

Job-Relevant Skills-

If you have any specific skills such as woodworking or you being able to type quickly, you want to make sure you list those skills on your resume. Your skills are what set different candidates apart, so you want to list as many relevant skills as possible.

Soft Skills-

List your soft skills also, and include examples of how you’ve used those skills in previous jobs. Examples of soft skills include a strong work ethic, positive attitude, excellent communication skills, time management abilities, problem-solving skills, acting as a team player, self-confidence, ability to accept and learn from criticism, flexibility, and working well under pressure. If your interviewer is trying to decide between two candidates and you have more soft skills than the other candidate does, you will always have an advantage.

Format it Correctly-

A resume should be no longer than one – two pages. Margins should be a minimum of one inch on each side. Include your name, address, and phone number on your resume so your interviewer can call you back for a second interview or a job offer. Once you have your completed resume, you can use it as a tool to help you find the right job for you.

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!

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!

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