Tag Archive for: seasonal work

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.

Surviving the Holidays When You’re Between Jobs

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The holiday season is upon us and for many, it’s the busiest time of year. Unfortunately, you might be struggling to focus on enjoying the holidays if you’re out of work. Whether you’re in the process of transitioning to a new career or you lost your job unexpectedly, it can be challenging to handle the holiday season and all of the traditions that come with it when you’re in between jobs. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to make the holidays easier for you. Everyone deserves to enjoy the holiday season.

Rethink gift-giving

Gift-giving seems like an important part of the holiday season but buying presents for your loved ones adds up. If you want to show your friends and family how much you appreciate them, but don’t want to blow your budget on shopping, get creative. Homemade gifts, sentimental cards and quality time all demonstrate to your loved ones just how much you care about them, and those things won’t cost you a fortune.

Give back

Nothing gets people in the holiday spirit quite like giving back. Being in between jobs gives you more free time to spend volunteering in support of the organizations and causes that you love. There are many great opportunities for volunteering during the holiday season. From toy drives to tree plantings, you can find activities to fill your free time when you’re out of work over the holidays. Bonus? You’ll still be developing job skills. Employers love seeing volunteers on your resume.

Shift your mindset

Being out of work is stressful, but it’s important to stay as positive as possible. Giving in to the negativity will make it difficult for you to enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones. It can even prevent you from getting the motivation you need to find a new source of employment. Think about all of the things that you have to be thankful for, like friends and family. Don’t be too hard on yourself about the things you wish would change. Focusing on the positive can make it easier for you to address areas in your life that you want to improve, like your career.

Take care of yourself

Self-care is vital whether you’re working a full-time job, or you are out of work. Take time to care for yourself by eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, spending quality time with people you love and relaxing with your favorite hobby. When you’re out of work, you have the opportunity to get into a more productive routine and begin making time for the things you want to do, like reading, practicing an instrument or working on a hobby.

The holidays can provoke anxiety for anyone, especially if you have the added stress of being unemployed. Keep your mind focused on the things you’re thankful for and take advantage of the time you have to volunteer, care for yourself and spend quality time with the people in your life.

While you’re enjoying the holidays, Award Staffing is hard at work helping you find your future. Explore our job opportunities today to find your future in the Twin Cities.

Tips for Making Your Seasonal Job Permanent

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Seasonal jobs offer employees the flexibility to work for a short time, making quick cash while in between jobs or while on break from school. But seasonal work isn’t ideal for everyone. If you’re working in a seasonal position and you want the security and peace of mind that comes with full-time work, there are a few actions you can take to improve your chances of being hired permanently.

Stay positive

Many seasonal workers struggle to keep an upbeat attitude while they’re working in a crazy workplace. It’s difficult to hide this kind of negativity from employers. To maximize your chances of securing a permanent job after your seasonal job is over, maintain a positive attitude that your employers will notice. The better your attitude is, the easier it will be for an employer to see your potential as a permanent employee.

Carry yourself like a permanent employee

Show an employer that you’re ready for a permanent position by carrying yourself the way you would if you were working full time. Offer to pick up extra shifts, be the first to help your coworkers and be as flexible as possible. When you interact with customers, be engaging and helpful. Quality customer service is hard to find, so show your employer that you have the skills it takes to become a valuable member of the team.

Communicate with your boss

Your actions speak volumes to your employer about your intentions, but you need to clearly communicate what you want. Make sure your boss knows that you are looking for a permanent position, whether part-time or full-time. Communicating about what you’re hoping to get out of a job will help your employer keep you in mind for future openings. If your seasonal employment ends and there are no openings, ask your seasonal employer to contact you if anything opens in the future.

Make genuine connections

It’s easy to keep your head down when you’re working a seasonal job. You may want to avoid interacting with coworkers and managers, but this isn’t the best way to secure a permanent position.  Make it a point to introduce yourself to your coworkers. Try to form strong connections with other people at your place of work, especially permanent employees and people in management. The more you integrate into the company culture and forge strong bonds with others in the workplace, the easier it is for employers to see you as a permanent addition to the team.

If you feel stuck in temporary, seasonal positions, there’s hope. Not every job will turn into full-time employment, but you can maximize your chances of landing the job you want by making the most of the job you have. With the right attitude and a strategic mindset, you can impress your employer and land a permanent position.

At Award Staffing, we connect great candidates with temporary, seasonal and permanent positions in the Twin Cities. Browse our job opportunities today and find your future.

Tips for Finding Seasonal Work During Minnesota Winters

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It feels like summer just ended, but companies are already hiring seasonal employees to help out during the busy winter months. While we all want to bundle up during the cold Minnesota winters, there are plenty of opportunities to earn extra cash through seasonal jobs that will help get you through the holidays and beyond.

Whether you’re looking for a part-time side hustle or something to get you in-between jobs, there are plenty of benefits of getting a seasonal job for the winter. Below are a few tips to help you find seasonal work in Minnesota.

Think outside of retail

Most people think of hectic mall lines and crying children waiting for Santa when they think of winter seasonal employment. Seasonal employment during winter months can include a wide variety of jobs beyond retail, such as:

  • • Postal and delivery services
  • • Hotels, restaurants, and resorts
  • • Special events
  • • Outdoor recreation
  • • Recreational vehicle repair and maintenance
  • • Snow removal and winter-proofing

Consider your favorite seasonal activities

What are some of the places that are busier during the winter months? Minnesota has plenty of opportunities for winter recreation and hospitality jobs. Think of all the skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding and other fun we have to take advantage of the winter months. Lodges need hospitality employees to ensure guests have a warm welcome after enjoying the snow. Our favorite teams, the Timberwolves, and the Wild need someone to pour the beers while they work towards playoff season. Think about where you like to go during winter, and whether you’d enjoy helping out there.

Start applying early

Many other job seekers enjoy the idea of seasonal work, especially if there’s a great employee discount. Don’t wait until the snow is falling to start your search. Keep an eye on job boards to see who’s hiring for seasonal jobs a couple of months before the season arrives.

Make a good first impression

Companies hiring seasonal employees will receive stacks of applications from candidates with a wide variety of experience. Help yourself stand out by finding opportunities to meet your manager. Dress to impress and hand in your application in person, making sure to introduce yourself politely. Even better, attend a hiring event where the hiring staff is eager to meet employees like yourself (psst – have you seen our Walk-In Wednesdays?).

Have a flexible schedule

Employers are eager for seasonal employees, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always get the hours you want. If you’re flexible about your availability on nights, weekends and holidays, you’ll have a better chance of getting hired and earning more hours. Remember that seasonal work is just that – seasonal – and you’ll be able to enjoy your free time later with a little more dough in your pocket.

Treat your seasonal job like any other opportunity

Your job may have an end date, but that doesn’t mean you should act like you just gave your two weeks’ notice. Some companies may hire temporary workers to become full-time or long-term staff, so you want to do your best. If you want to be hired again next season, leave your manager with a good impression so you’ll be at the top of the callback list.

If you’re looking for a seasonal job for the upcoming winter, Award Staffing is here to match you with the best employers. Explore our job postings for the latest seasonal job opportunities in the Twin Cities.

The Pros and Cons of Hiring Seasonal Staff in Minnesota

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When you’re about to head into a busy season, and you’re in charge of staffing for your company, it’s time for the big decision: do you overload your current employees with extra responsibilities, or do you hire seasonal staff to help out with the workload? Before you make a decision, there are pros and cons of hiring seasonal staff that you should take into account:

Pros of Hiring Seasonal Staff in Minnesota-

• Increased Productivity One of the biggest positive aspects of hiring seasonal staff is that after the onslaught of training, you will have increased productivity. Therefore, if you have a busy season coming up, you may want to get the training done several weeks ahead of time, so your new employees are ready to work when everything gets busy.

• Employee Vetting One lesser-known benefit of hiring seasonal staff is that you can use it to vet longer-term employees. Hiring short-term staff is the perfect way to test out particular employees, especially if you’re not yet ready to make a full-time commitment.

Potential Cons of Hiring Seasonal Staff in Minnesota-

• Training Costs Every time you onboard a new employee, you’re may incur training costs to make sure they’re up to speed with your company’s rules, regulations, and protocol. Adding seasonal staff to your workforce could potentially reduce productivity at first until all the new employees are trained.

Connecting with a quality staffing agency which supplies well-trained candidates who learn quickly will ensure that the ultimate productivity and performance is worth any temporary loss of action.

• Lack of Familiarity Your seasonal staff will need to take the time to familiarize the new employees with the position and overall job details. You will need to account for this in the training schedule, but once again, a little effort, in the beginning, will reap big results in the end.

Furthermore, it’s an opportunity for current staff members to expand their leadership skills.

If you are interested in hiring seasonal staff, contact Award Staffing. We can help you identify exactly how many staff members you need, for how long, and in what position/role. We will be able to pre-vet candidates for you so that you’re only meeting with the most qualified candidates by the time they reach the interview process.

 

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