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!

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!

Feeling Lost? Why You Should Consider Working with a Staffing Agency in 2023

As 2022 comes to an end, you may be taking the time to reflect on your life, especially your career. The past few years have compelled many to look at where they are in life and decide which direction they want to go. Stay in your current role or transform your professional life with a new career?

If you’re considering completely changing your professional life in 2023 but are nervous about the logistics of finding a new job and everything that goes with that, you may benefit from working with a staffing agency. If you’ve ever considered it or are simply curious, consider these tips.

Level Up First

As you’re reflecting on your professional and career goals in the short and long term, write everything down. Take note of your priorities, interests, skills, and goals. Does your dream job require more education or experience than you have?

Working with a staffing agency can help you through this process. A staffing agency recruiter will evaluate your skills and training for their records and can recommend courses or programs to help you solidify your creditability and presence on the job market.

Staffing agencies can also help high-quality jobs find you. Companies like Beacon Staffing understand the locale and circumstances that are uniquely yours. They can help you find a satisfying position that meets your needs.

Determine Your Ideal Job

What you want to do is just the beginning. When it comes to searching for a new job, there are many aspects to consider. Staffing agencies are uniquely qualified to offer a wide variety of jobs in diverse industries. Whether you want full-time or part-time work, temporary positions, direct hire roles, or even work-from-home/ remote options, a staffing firm can provide options and help you satisfy your job needs.

Staffing firms are especially valuable if you’re interested in using your unique skills in a new industry. Your recruiter can present you to the prospective employer, explaining your skills and experience beyond your resume.

Career Feedback

Staffing agencies take the time to get to know their candidates and to guide them on the road to their ideal job. They help you polish your resume, prep for interview questions, and can even offer suggestions on what to wear for your interview to make the best impression.

If you don’t get the job you applied for, your recruiter we’ll let you know why and provide valuable feedback that will help you succeed in landing a future job.

Ready to land that dream job?

We can help! Contact Beacon Staffing today!

Transforming your Temporary Assignment into a Full-Time Offer

Temporary employment is often a stepping stone to full-time job opportunities. Many job seekers use a temp job as a way into their dream job. Temp, freelance, or contract work is considered one of the best ways to gain an advantage over external candidates when a permanent or full-time position is available.

If you’re interested in transforming your temp assignment into a full-time job, here are some tips to give you a leg up and in the door for your dream job.

1. Find out if permanent employment is possible.

Before you take a temp or contract position with the company, ask about their hiring policy and whether they take on temp employees for permanent roles.

2. Show enthusiasm and a good mindset.

Treat your temp position like a permanent one. Go the extra mile and show enthusiasm and commitment. Take a genuine interest in your job and be consistent with what you deliver every day.

3. Network.

Networking, when done right, is the best way to find a job. Keep in touch with your contacts and always look for new opportunities and connections. Build relationships with coworkers and leaders to reinforce your value and be visible. Make friends and show just how valuable an asset you would be as a permanent employee.

4. Get to Know the Company.

Research the company’s history, brand, culture, and goals. Understanding the organization will help you know where you potentially fit in the overall company and how your unique perspective and skills can benefit the whole and the area you specialize in.

5. Reinforce Your Soft Skills.

Though technical skills are always in demand, soft skills are more appreciated than ever. The ability to get along with others, work as a team player, and communicate well, combined with good technical skills, show your employer that you have what it takes to be an excellent permanent employee and leader.

6. Plant the Seeds Early.

If you’re interested in becoming a permanent employee, find out early on what it will take to get an offer. Showing interest early on increases the chances that you will be considered when permanent positions need filling.

Temporary work can transition into full-time employment and often does. If you want to turn your short-term role into a long-term job, be patient and confident, keep the above tips in mind and prepare to settle into your dream job.

If you’re struggling to find a full-time job that works for you, get in touch with our team today!

How to Find a Job With the Help of a Staffing Agency

Many people are reluctant to work with a staffing agency to get a job because they think that these organizations can only get them entry-level positions. Staffing agencies hire for every type of job, from entry-level to executive management, and can help job seekers locate all types of jobs, even permanent ones.

Let’s learn more about what a staffing agency is and how you can use one to help find the right job for you!

How a Staffing Agency Works

A staffing agency, also known as an employment agency or staffing firm, works as the middleman for employers seeking workers and workers seeking jobs. A company pays a staffing firm to find the workers they need on their behalf. The staffing agency advertises the job for the company, conducts the interviews, and places the best-qualified candidates to work for the client company.

Advantages of Working with a Staffing Agency

There are many advantages to working with a staffing agency to find a new job.

Staffing agencies recruit from a wide talent marketplace, including active and passive talent. Active talent is those actively seeking employment, and staffing agencies maintain extensive databases of these candidates, allowing them to find top talent fast. Passive candidates include the 85% of people who are currently working successfully in jobs and are not actively seeking work but are open to advancement and growth in a new position.

Whether you are actively seeking a job or interested in the potential for growth and advancement in your career, working with a staffing agency can give you a leg up.

Another advantage of working with staffing agencies is that they offer guarantees. Not only do staffing agencies know how to find the right candidate, but they can also find a replacement if the first candidate leaves the job within 90 days of placement. Because they know how to find suitable candidates, though, the chances of having candidates leave new positions are very low. When you work with a staffing agency to find a job, companies know that you are a good risk for them.

Staffing agencies make money based on their professional performance and placement record, with many recruiters paid on commission. This is a significant incentive to find top people and successfully place candidates with clients. Your success is their success, and staffing agencies work hard to ensure both.

Finally, staffing agencies streamline the hiring process significantly. By taking over the qualifying and vetting of candidates, staffing agencies save time and money for the company while making the process of recruiting top talent like you more direct and effective.

Check out Beacon Staffing’s career portal for job opportunities!

With the ability to save you time, money, and frustration, expand your reach into the job market, and place the highest quality talent, from entry-level to executive staff, staffing agencies are a valuable asset for you to take advantage of.

3 Reasons to Consider a “Stepping Stone” Role

While not every job you work may be your “dream job,” the stepping-stone roles you take play a valuable role in your professional progress. As the name suggests, stepping-stone roles bring you closer to your dream job, helping you expand your knowledge and experience, boosting your resume, and preparing you for the desired position.

Beyond gaining experience and hands-on knowledge, stepping-stone jobs are worth considering for several reasons. Read on to learn three.

Reason #1: Networking

The old saying goes, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” and this is often true across the professional spectrum. Networking is one of the essential parts of any role, and stepping-stone roles are no exception. Whether you are pursuing a career in a particular field or looking to transition to a new one, a stepping-stone role can help you get noticed by the right people. Your colleagues become a part of your network and may prove to be valuable assets in your future job search and may even provide you with a recommendation for your dream job.

Reason #2: Flexibility

Stepping-stone jobs are often very flexible. A flexible role allows you to stretch your skills and experiment in a part-time capacity, try on new roles, or even completely change careers without the pressure and stress of a full-time schedule. Whether adventurous and eager for a significant change or more cautious and want a good balance of free time and job security, a stepping-stone role offers the time flexibility you need to focus on your future while earning money in the present.

Reason #3: Money

Even in times of career change, you still need to support yourself. Stepping-stone roles can provide the financial security to keep your bills paid and your belly full as you pursue training and education to progress in your profession or transition to a new career. A stepping-stone role can also set a financial tone for future positions, providing a salary to progress up from.

A stepping-stone role may be just the position you’re looking for if you want more free time to pursue a career transition. With steady pay to keep you going, networking opportunities to help you progress forward, and the flexibility to pursue training for your ideal career, stepping-stone roles are a vital part of the job industry and are well worth a serious look.

Could a stepping-stone role be the right choice for you? Browse our open roles today!

Earn Extra Cash for the Upcoming Holidays With These Part-Time Jobs

Whether you are looking to supplement your income and earn extra cash for the holidays or want to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, a part-time job is a great solution. Part-time jobs are available in a wide range of industries, from administrative office positions to IT and logistics support to skilled trades and warehouse work. Whatever your experience or skill level, you can find a part-time job to suit your needs.

A simple job search will bring up many job roles such as those below, or you can connect with an experienced staffing agency like Beacon Staffing to make the job search easier.  

Receptionist

Receptionists work in professional offices, medical offices, schools, and churches. They are the first person that most clients or patients encounter, and they handle a wide range of duties, including:

  • Answering phone calls and emails
  • Greeting clients or patients
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Data entry
  • Record keeping
  • Filing

Most receptionist positions require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED, as well as excellent communication and organizational skills.

Warehouse Worker

Warehouse workers are always in demand, both for brick-and-mortar and online-based businesses. Warehouse workers need at least a high school diploma and must be able to lift and carry inventory items weighing 25-50lbs or more. In addition, some data entry and machine operation may be required.

Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistants do many of the same jobs that a receptionist would do. They are also tasked with more intensive support of clients and customers, as well as assisting and supporting the needs of employees and management teams within the company. Administrative assistants need a high school diploma at a minimum, though some employers may require an Associate degree or more.

Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers are a valuable asset for a company and a part job in high demand. They are responsible for maintaining “the books,” which include all the financial transactions for the company, including payments and bank deposits. Most companies want to see a degree in accounting, finance, or certification as a bookkeeper at a minimum.

Getting a part-time job provides you with the extra income you need and it allows you to improve or expand your job skills. While the jobs above are among the highest paying part-time jobs, there are many options available that could be a good fit for you.

Ready to find the ideal part-time job for you? Check out the Beacon Staffing job board to browse our open positions!

How Temp Jobs Can Launch Your Career

For many jobseekers, the idea of pursuing temporary work seems counter-intuitive. You’re likely focused on finding a stable, secure position you can depend on for the long term. Yet temp jobs have many benefits, and a temporary assignment can be a springboard that launches your career.

Broaden Skills & Diversify Experience

Temp jobs are an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in your profession and pick up new skills. Temporary employment is especially useful when changing your career direction or pursuing work in a different industry.

Temporary jobs offer you the chance to learn new software and technology, preparing you for future work and adding additional qualifications and experience to your resume to help you connect with a permanent position.

Chance to Get Your Foot in the Door

Employers who need to fill positions quickly often go looking for temporary workers. This sense of urgency speeds up the sometimes-lengthy hiring process, which can be a great advantage if you want to get your foot in the door. Candidates hired for temporary positions increase their chances of getting a permanent position down the road.

Flexibility on the part of employers can pay off for you in the long term and allow you to demonstrate your work ethic, skills, and ambition on the job. It may even result in an offer for permanent employment as your term of temporary employment nears its end.

Expand Your Professional Network

No matter what industry you work in, professional networking is crucial—connecting with people in diverse positions and fostering connections sets you up for success. Whether you choose temporary work as a short-term answer to unemployment or a long-term career choice, the people you meet along the way, from job recruiters to HR employees to corporate executives, will all play a role in your career.

There are many benefits to pursuing temporary work. If you’re looking for a summer job or embarking on a career as a contract worker, temp jobs are the gateway to employment opportunities.

Find a Temp Job in Maryland with Beacon Staffing

If you’re ready to get started as a temp worker or if you’re a veteran looking for your next job, we can help. Beacon Staffing is a temporary employment agency in Maryland that provides job placement services for the light industrial and administrative industries. Our recruiters in Aberdeen will listen to your career goals and find a temporary job in Maryland that fits your requirements.

For more information about our temporary staffing agency, contact Beacon Staffing today!

3 Reasons to Consider a Temp Job this Summer

As summer approaches, there’s no better time to start thinking about getting a temporary or contract job for the summer. Businesses across the country are opening up, expanding their employee rosters, and are eager to bring fresh talent into their companies.

Here are some great reasons to consider taking a temporary or contract job this summer:

Temp Jobs Open Doors

With so much competition for work, a temporary position can be a great way to get your foot in the door. After so much time in lockdown, companies are eager to get back up to speed and are actively looking for new talent. However, many companies are holding back on employing people full-time, either because they fear the possibility of future lockdowns or because their company wants to build back up to total capacity at a slow and steady pace.

Many large companies, though, hire hundreds of employees for the summer and during their peak production seasons, so pursuing a temp job now strategically positions you to go for that full-time position later on.

Hot Summer Job Market

Right now, the job market is superheated across the board. However, the hiring process can be slow, and with so much job volume to be filled, getting in early and securing a spot in line is necessary. That’s where a temp job comes in.

Starting a temp job now sets you up soundly for transitioning into full-time employment down the road. A lot of the hiring procedures will already be completed, and you have the added advantage of experience with the company to give you a leg up on securing that full-time position.

Take Advantage of Summer Vacation

With the country opening up more every day, the draw of summer and the potential for vacation and fun are on the horizon. If you are hired for a full-time job now, it could be as long as a year before you become eligible for vacation and other benefits. By taking a temp job this summer, you can still fit fun and sun into your schedule while working and establishing your employee reputation with a quality company.

Picking up a temporary job this summer gives you a chance to start working immediately, positioning yourself strategically, and still enjoy the perks and fun of summertime.

Don’t miss the boat! If you’re interested in a contract role, start by searching Beacon Staffing’s open opportunities today!