Tag: job seeker
Purpose vs. Practicality – Making Decisions on Big Career Choices
Making decisions is hard, especially when you’re trying to make big career choices. Being practical about your professional path and your financial needs is essential, but you also want to stay aligned with your values and purpose. Otherwise, you may find yourself unhappy and regretting your choices.
Finding the right balance is possible. In this blog, we’ll present some key questions to ask yourself that will help you narrow down your options, focus on what’s important, and figure out the right professional path for you.
Question 1. What are your feelings telling you?
When you’re faced with important decisions, you usually experience a strong emotion. Even before logic kicks in, your mind and body can provide important insights into whether an action is the right course for you. Emotions are closely linked to your core values and identity, so your “gut instinct” regarding a career path is crucial to your decision-making process.
Question 2. What matters to you?
The next step after connecting to your emotions is to consciously identify your values. Defining your purpose and what really matters to you allows you to make choices aligned with what you care about, resulting in a more fulfilling career in the long term. With a more complete understanding of who you are and how you handle things, you can better assess career moves and predict how they will positively or negatively affect you.
Question 3. What matters to other people?
It is also important to consider how your career decision will impact your loved ones. If you’re making a big career decision, it is vital to ask the people who will be affected by your choices what they think and feel about it. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the new job or expanded role, but it may require negotiation to make it more closely align with your values and your family’s needs.
Question 4. What is the reality of the situation?
The purpose of this question is to make sure you’re making the decision for the right reasons. You have to be objective and consider every angle based on facts, not your assumptions. Look at the career move objectively from every angle, noting the pros and cons. If you find you’re still unsure about what path to take or whether you’re being completely objective, talk to a trusted mentor or friend.
Question 5. How do I put the pieces together?
After you’ve answered the four questions above, you’re ready to put the piece together and make your decision. It takes time, but paying close attention to each of these points will help you make a balanced, rational decision when it comes to big career choices. You’ll also be confident that your decision aligns with your purpose, your passions, your values, and the people who matter the most to you.
For help finding a new role that balances your purpose and your passions, turn to Beacon Staffing!
Low Effort Networking Tips for Those Who Hate Networking
Networking is essential to have a successful career in the modern-day working world. For many of us, however, even the thought of networking fills us with dread. It does not have to be this way, though! There are plenty of low-effort ways to network that yield major short- and long-term results. In this blog, we’ll outline some of the best tips for networking with minimal stress and effort.
Tip #1: Network from Home
That’s right! You don’t have to leave home to make connections and further your career successfully. Online networking platforms like LinkedIn offer great opportunities to build connections with professionals, develop skills, acquire new ones, and strengthen social bonds with coworkers. Whether you’re joining a message board thread or enjoying an informal group meeting through chat, you can get to know new people and reconnect with old colleagues in various ways.
Tip #2: Set Achievable Goals
For some people, the most dreaded aspect of networking is the notion that you must connect with many people at one event. This is not true. Focusing your networking energy on one person or company makes it more manageable and less stressful. Do your research before the event and narrow the field down to the company or group you want to connect with. Focus your networking energies there.
Tip #3: Ask Questions
Once you’re at the event, don’t be intimidated trying to start conversations. Remember, people like to talk about themselves and their business, so introduce yourself and ask questions. Be present and actively listen to their answers so you can follow up with relevant comments or further questions. Networking events are often busy and full of distractions, so they will notice your efforts to pay attention and respect them.
Tip #4: Talk to the Outsiders
Do you know that wall you like to stay close to at an event? Lots of other people do, too! Work your way over to fellow “wallflowers” and engage them in conversation. Like you, many are anxious about starting conversations but want to make connections. You may find that you have connections they would like to meet, and vice versa.
Tip #5: Bring a Friend
Being on your own at a networking event can be stressful. If you can bring a guest, bring a friend! Having a friendly face nearby can be just the confidence boost you need. When you feel comfortable in an environment, you can relax and let your true self shine through. Plus, they may make some valuable connections, too!
Networking does not have to be complicated or stressful. Keep the above tips in mind; your next networking attempts will be more successful, rewarding, and fun!
For help finding the next step in your career, turn to Beacon Staffing!
Improve your Own Job Security in Uncertain Times
In today’s uncertain economic times, job security is undoubtedly on your mind. The good news is that improving your job security and thriving during these tough times is possible. The key is to build your own value as a worker while demonstrating your unique skills and value to management.
You can improve your job security in many ways during tough economic times, but the following represent some of the best ways to start. These tips will improve your job security and make you more appealing as a job candidate if and when you need to find a new position.
Build a Strong RAFT
There are four skills that companies consistently value above all others:
- Resilience: the ability to bounce back from difficult times.
- Adaptability: the ability to adjust to new environments and situations quickly and effectively.
- Flexibility: the ability and willingness to wear different hats.
- Thoughtfulness: the ability to be respectful, intentional and to communicate with colleagues.
These four soft skills, also known as RAFT, form a strong foundation for you as a worker to endure and thrive through even the most uncertain times. They also make you a valuable asset to your current and future employers. Resilience is considered the most critical of all of these skills.
Demonstrate Inventive and Creative Thinking
Employers are always looking for candidates who can solve their problems. Look for opportunities to demonstrate your intuition and imagination to management. Don’t be afraid to speak up and make suggestions during individual and group meetings. Even if your ideas don’t directly help, they make you a valuable asset the company will want to hold on to.
Building New Skills
Become a lifelong learner, sharpening your current skills and building new ones. Pay close attention to the growing fields and pursue knowledge and skills in those directions. Also, consider taking courses or workshops for complementary skills and soft skills that will add to your long-term value as a worker.
Keep Networking
Networking is a crucial skill to develop, especially during times of uncertainty. Connections can open doors, whether it’s a coffee date with a coworker or checking in with a former colleague. You may also find that you can offer support and help to others who have been affected by job loss and uncertainty.
We all desire stability and security in our lives. While there are no guarantees in this uncertain world, the steps above will help you strengthen your place within your current workplace and prepare you for future opportunities.
If you need help finding your next role, let the team at Beacon Staffing lend you a hand!
A Guide For Successfully Returning to the WorkForce
If you’ve been out of the workforce for a while, the idea of returning maybe be intimidating. Technological advancement and social changes have revolutionized the workplace in many ways. The longer you’ve spent away from your career, the more challenging a return to the workforce may seem.
It is possible to return to the workforce successfully and smoothly. Let’s look at some tips and advice for reentering the workforce.
Get Back in the Game
When you’re ready to return to work, begin by reacquainting yourself with your industry and analyzing the current job market. If you’ve been out for a while, no doubt a lot has changed. Taking time to research your industry and how you’ll fit in with your current skills and history is essential.
Speaking of history, your professional information will need a makeover. Your resume, especially, will need to be reviewed and redesigned. A gap in your employment history can raise eyebrows and questions. Still, with some revision to downplay the gap and focus on your skills and experience regarding rising job opportunities, your resume will speak well for you.
Networking
Getting back in the employment game also means networking. Reach out to former colleagues and bosses and pay close attention to your professional networking sites like LinkedIn. Let them know you’re transitioning back into the workforce. Not only can coffee with your former co-workers be an enjoyable afternoon, but it can also provide valuable information about current hiring initiatives, changes in the industry, and company news.
Get a Skills Upgrade
Time has passed since you were last on the job, and your skills may differ from those you need to compete in an intense job market. Before you begin your job search, evaluate your hard and soft skills and see what areas to improve. In some cases, you may even need to develop new skills, especially if your profession is more tech-dependent now or if you are considering transitioning to an entirely new career in a different industry.
Review some job postings for positions in your profession and compare your skills and knowledge with the qualifications they list. You will quickly see what skills keep coming up are skills you need to improve and develop.
Bridge the Professional Gap
Another great way to bridge the work gap on your resume and hone your job skills is to take on freelance, contract, or temporary work. Many companies are open to short-term workers, especially when they have large projects or programs they need help with. Short-term work may also develop into a full-time position down the road.
Beacon Staffing can help you return to the workforce by finding a job you’ll love – browse our open roles to get started!
Can I Return to a Former Job?
You may consider returning to your old job if you recently left your job or have been away for months or years. Perhaps you’ve had second thoughts about the grass being greener in another position, or the reasons you had for leaving in the past have been resolved somehow, or maybe you miss your former co-workers. Whatever the reason, if you want to return to your former job, you need to plan carefully.
Research and Reflect
Before attempting to go back to your old job, you need to consider two things:
- Is it possible to go back?
- Why do I want to go back?
Returning to an old job should be relatively easy if you left your position on good terms, provided the position is available. Reach out to former colleagues you trust to see if it is a good time to return and get any information you can to prepare your approach.
Once you have the information you need, take some time to reflect on why you want to go back and whether you are willing and able to commit to the position long-term. Be honest with yourself and address the issues and motivations that caused you to leave in the first place. Were there problems at work? Was the pay too low? Are the benefits too limited? Weigh all the pros and cons before you decide to move forward.
The Approach
Do your homework, especially if you’ve been away a while. Is your ex-boss still there, or is there someone new? If your ex-boss is still there, you may start by emailing them and letting them know you made a mistake and would like to come back. Don’t call on the phone as this puts them on the spot; email offers them time to reflect on the possibility and discuss it with others as necessary before replying.
If it’s a new boss, consider getting a recommendation from a former colleague. The new boss will readily see that you have a history with the company, and the recommendation tells them you are still well-regarded by former co-workers.
Update Your Resume, Cover Letter, and Professional Media
Your old job already knows your skills and education, how well you performed, and why you left. They need to see what you’ve learned and achieved since you’ve been gone and how you are a better asset to them than when you left. Highlight your best achievements and newest skills in your resume.
In the cover letter, everything comes together. Be somewhat formal and focus on how you are a more significant asset now than before. Direct their attention to the fact that you worked there before, but don’t dwell on it. Instead, be clear about why you want to come back.
Ensure that your professional sites, such as LinkedIn or your website, are consistent with the information in your CV and cover letters.
If you can’t get your old job back, work with Beacon Staffing for a new job!
3 Skills That Will Help You Thrive in Any Workplace
As technology advances rapidly, the need for human talent is still strong. More than ever, businesses need skilled workers who can take direction, perform tasks, and make essential decisions. Thriving in today’s workplace and tomorrow’s means developing the right business skills that give your company a strategic advantage while helping you move forward in your career.
Business skills are categorized as hard or soft skills. Hard skills include the technical skills and knowledge needed to perform your job. Soft skills include abilities that focus on people and how we handle situations. Soft skills develop throughout our lifetime and take time to develop.
In any workplace, specific skills will help you grow and thrive no matter your role. Let’s look at 3 of the most valuable skills:
1. Develop Your Thinking Skills
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking can be difficult in our busy, noisy world, but this ability is vital when it comes to making the right business decisions. Curating information, taking the right actions, and solving problems effectively are all powered by critical thinking skills.
Strategic Thinking
The ability to define goals, make plans, optimize your resources, and achieve objectives all come under the banner of strategic thinking. Strategic thinking helps you take the information you gathered critically and use it to save time and money in accomplishing your goals. Strategic thinking also anticipates looking at the potential outcomes and determining the most direct and beneficial route.
Imaginative Thinking
Creative thinking may be the most critical soft skill businesses seek now. Even as automation and AI technology advance, creativity enables people to remain productive and relevant at work.
2. Develop Your Listening and Communication Skills
Communication skills have always been a vital asset for working professionals. Communication, describing concepts, and articulating goals are essential in any industry. Equally important is active listening. Active listening is not simply hearing words; it means understanding and processing what you hear to assess situations better and solve problems.
3. Develop a Positive Attitude
For some people, positivity appears to come naturally. It is, however, a learned trait, and developing it is a skill that can take you far in your professional life. A positive attitude improves your work productivity and mood and contributes to a more uplifting work environment.
Are you looking for a job? Beacon Staffing can help you find the job you’ve been looking for. Contact us today!
5 Reasons Why You Should Work in Manufacturing
A manufacturing career is worth considering whether you’re looking to start a profession or transition into a new line of work. The manufacturing industry continues to grow, employing nearly 10 percent of the country and leading the way in innovation and technology. Even after the pandemic and shutdown, manufacturing recovered while other sectors remained stagnant.
Is a manufacturing career the right move for you? Here are the top 5 reasons you should work in the manufacturing industry:
1. Career Opportunities
Most manufacturing jobs require no previous experience, making them a great way to develop technical abilities and build your resume. The manufacturing industry also provides many different areas to work in, including food production, textiles, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and many more.
2. Tangible Results
Manufacturing jobs yield tangible results. Wherever you work in the production chain, you can see the results of your work and enjoy the positive effect it has on the lives of others. Plus, the manufacturing industry is so extensive, you can find a job making anything, from toys to airplane parts, wires, cables, tools, medications, and more.
3. Earning Potential
Manufacturing jobs often pay more than entry-level jobs in other industries, with plenty of overtime potential. Some manufacturing companies even offer competitive bonuses. Plus, the majority of manufacturing workers get health benefits.
4. Stimulating, Physical Work
Within such a vast industry, ample opportunities exist for stimulating physical work. Manufacturing jobs may require lifting, bending, and stretching, and you can choose a career in an area that suits your activity needs.
5. Potential for Growth and Development
While you may start in an entry-level role, there are many opportunities for advancement within the manufacturing industry. Many companies prefer to promote from within their employee ranks, so advancing to leadership and management positions is possible. You could also be trained for roles in other departments.
If you are unemployed or want to explore a new career, give manufacturing another look. You can start with a temporary position and see how you like it. You might find that a manufacturing career is the right choice for you!
For help finding your next manufacturing role, get work with Beacon Staffing! Contact us today!
Addressing the Infamous “Why Do You Want To Work Here” Interview Question
Sometimes, the most straightforward questions are the most difficult to answer. “Why do you want to work here?” is one of the most asked questions in job interviews and the most confounding.
This very direct question is crucial and one of the best opportunities to show your enthusiasm for the job and that you are an ideal candidate. In this blog post, we will discuss how to best answer this infamous interview question and what not to say.
Interview Preparation
Interviewers could ask you, “Why do you want to work here?” in a variety of ways, including:
- “What made you want to apply for a job at this company?”
- “Why do you want to work for us?”
- “Why are you interested in this role?”
However it is worded, the goal is to see if you are a good fit for the company and the role. With that in mind, begin by researching the company. Examine the company’s website and familiarize yourself with its services and products. Review the company’s blog and social media accounts, especially reviews from current and previous employees.
Next, study the job description. List your favorite things about the job and take note of the things that align closely with your career objectives and best skills. Finally, identify your core values that fit well with the workplace culture presented by the company.
Three Steps to Answer, “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”
1. Express passion for the company’s mission
One of the main goals of this question is to gauge your enthusiasm for the role. It’s essential to give the interviewer what they want from the beginning. Mention the company’s mission statement and how it aligns with your values and goals. This shows you’re applying for the position because you want to work there, not just because you need a job.
2. Mention why you would mesh well with the company culture
Interviewers are not just screening your skills and experience. They also want to know if you will match the company culture well. When you research the company, especially its mission statement, employee reviews, and social media, take note of some of its initiatives and mention that you have some ideas to contribute.
3. Show how your goals align with the company’s goals
Your answer should also showcase how the position you’re interviewing for aligns with your career goals. Explaining how your career goals align with company goals helps convince the interviewer that you won’t leave as soon as a new opportunity presents itself.
What NOT to Say
To avoid leaving a negative impression behind, do not:
- Focus only on your interests,
- Say that you are only interested in the money,
- Say that you do not know,
- Give a generic answer that could apply to any company.
Looking for a new job? You’ve come to the right place. Check out Beacon Staffing’s job opportunities today!
4 Mistakes to Avoid After Being Laid Off
Being laid off is a tough spot to be in. You are facing financial stress, and the emotional toll can be steep. It can be challenging to keep control of your emotions and not react by saying or doing things that cause long-term damage to you, your relationships, and your career.
If you’re facing layoffs in these challenging times, here are 4 top mistakes to avoid to prevent your unlucky situation from becoming damaging.
Mistake #1: Losing Touch with Former Coworkers
You probably forged connections with your coworkers if you worked at your job for any length. Some of them may even be good friends. Whether you consider yourself close with former work colleagues or not, don’t lose touch with them. Staying on good terms with former coworkers gives you an excellent source for professional references and potentially even a new job.
Mistake #2: Badmouthing Your Former Employer
Feeling upset when your company chooses to lay you off is natural. Whatever the reason, it is a big mistake to voice your bitterness or anger on social media or, even worse, during an interview. Not only is it unprofessional, but it could even make you vulnerable to a lawsuit. Keep your cool, stick to the facts if asked about your situation, and keep emotion out.
Mistake #3: Not Networking
Losing your job is discouraging and stressful, so, understandably, you may not feel like reaching out to others immediately. This is a mistake because if you don’t get out there and network, you may be unemployed for much longer than necessary. Swallow your pride and ask friends and former coworkers for help.
Mistake #4: Wallowing in Your Misfortune
It hurts when you get laid off, even if you saw it coming. It’s also stressful and scary. Take some time to grieve the loss and experience your feelings of disappointment and self-pity. After a day or two, dust off your resume, search the job boards, and contact former coworkers. Returning to the job market will help you feel better and get a new job much sooner.
No matter how you look at it, being laid off is hard. It can be easy to get stuck in a cycle of bad feelings and inactivity, making mistakes that cause long-term harm. But you can turn your unfortunate situation into a positive one. And your next job could be even better than your lost one.
Laid off from a position? Beacon Staffing is here to help you start your job search!
Dealing with a Toxic Workplace Environment? How to Know When it’s Time to Break up With your Job
We all have bad days at work when stress and frustrations wear us down. However, if the bad days at work have become the norm, you may be dealing with a toxic workplace environment. A toxic workplace can affect your mental and physical health, increasing anxiety and stress and seriously impacting your productivity and morale.
Your workplace may be toxic for a variety of reasons. If you’re feeling very unhappy at work, here are three key signs it’s time to consider breaking up with your current job.
Your boss sets unrealistic expectations.
Effective bosses challenge you with attainable goals encouraging you to grow and become your best version. On the other hand, ineffective bosses set you up to fail. Their unrealistic expectations make you feel helpless and stressed. Demanding quick turnarounds at the last minute and overwhelming you with work can quickly lead to a toxic workplace environment.
Your boundaries are not respected.
Lack of respect for boundaries is a hallmark of toxic relationships, including those at work. Do you feel uncomfortable speaking up at work? If you do, whether due to a lack of confidence or from imposter syndrome, it’s something you can work on. If you have set boundaries and they are not respected, it may be time to find a new job.
You think about quitting your job regularly.
If you think a lot about quitting your job, it’s a good sign that you’re ready to move on. If you feel unsure, take the time to review your current position. Look at your last month of work and tally up the good and bad days. It may be time to “jump ship” if the bad days outweigh the good.
Another approach is to ask yourself what you would advise a friend or coworker in the same situation. Would you encourage them to stick with the job and tolerate its negatives, or would you recommend they escape from the toxic workplace? More often than not, the advice you would give to someone in your situation is what you need to hear yourself.
The decision to leave your current job is a challenging one. But if you see the signs of a toxic workplace culture, you need to trust your intuition and go for it!
If you need help finding your next role, contact Beacon Staffing today!