Manpower, a leader in providing innovative workforce solutions, celebrated their 57th anniversary of supporting the staffing and employment needs of Maine. Since 1961, Manpower has helped thousands of Maine job seekers find meaningful work with local employers in a variety of industries. We have physical offices in 8 different locations in Maine including: Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Biddeford, Portland, Presque Isle, Rockland, and Springvale. 

“We are very proud of the strong relationships we have built with job seekers and employers,” said April Clark, President “As we celebrate 57 years of business here in Maine, we want to thank the community for the opportunity to business here and help keep people employed. We look forward to many more years of making a difference.”

The Manpower team celebrated this milestone on January 17, with their signature monthly event, HireME Day. “HireME Day is an event held each month by all Manpower offices where all recruitment team members are on-hand to offer on-the-spot interviews for anyone looking to explore career options.” explains Market Engagement Manager, Heidi Sawyer. “There is so much more to candidates than what can fit on a resume, and HireME Day has become very popular in the areas we serve because job seekers can count on having that face-to-face interaction with a hiring manager.”

To learn more about Manpower Maine please visit www.ManpowerMaine.com. Manpower’s next HireME day event is scheduled for February 14, 2018, but job seekers are encouraged to contact a local Manpower office anytime they are looking for employment opportunities. 

Manpower was established in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1948 by Elmer Winter and Aaron Schneifield. The company’s first offices were located in Milwaukee and Chicago. Today, the Manpower group of companies has 4,000 offices in 82 countries and territories worldwide.

About Manpower

Manpower, with offices throughout Maine, is a leader in innovative workforce solutions; creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work. The company offers employers a range of services for the entire employment and business cycle including permanent, temporary and contract recruitment; employee assessments and selection; training; and consulting. The focus of Manpower’s work is on raising productivity through improved quality, efficiency and cost-reduction across their total workforce, enabling clients to concentrate on their core business activities. More information about Manpower is available at http://www.manpower.com or press.manpower.com 

A new year brings the chance to reflect on how far you have come, how far you want to go, and 365 opportunities to get there. Chances are you have some pretty lofty goals for the coming year as an organization, and those goals could very well include some important hiring decisions.

With unemployment low, and with businesses competing for the same talent, there is no better time than right now to strategize how your business will win the war for talent. 

Step 1: Evaluate the Prior Year

While last year’s hiring may not be a complete picture of the year to come, it does provide you with some valuable information to use as a starting point for strategic planning in the new year. Take note of production spikes, unexpected turnover, and growth-related additions.

In addition, it is helpful to reflect on how long positions remained open and some of the challenges you had filling them. 

Step 2: Get Your Department Managers Involved

Bringing your department managers into the discussion early on in the planning process can help you plan more effectively and anticipate hiring needs you may not have considered. Not only will you gain insight into the forecasted needs, you also have the opportunity to explain the market conditions which could impact the hiring turn-around, prompting them to help by providing as much advanced notice of hiring needs as possible.

Step 3: Develop Your Recruiting Strategy

Now that you know who you need and when you will need them, it is time to get strategic. Where are you most likely to find the right candidates? How long do you anticipate the recruiting process to take? Are the right candidates more prone to use one job board over another? Is social media where you will find them? Not only should you be considering where to find the candidates, but also making job advertisements that draw those particular candidates in.

Step 4: Bring In a Recruitment Partner Early 

Adding more tools to your toolbox early can be a huge benefit when it comes to hiring in a tight employment market. Managing multiple job boards, social media profiles, resume databases, and screening applicants is all-consuming, and let’s face it – hiring is not the only job you have. By bringing on a recruitment team you will not only ease the load, you will also gain immediate access to a larger candidate pool. 

Step 5: Expect the Unexpected

You have your plan and you are ready to work it. What could possibly go wrong? You have been in the hiring business long enough to know that even the best of plans run into roadblocks. Whether you are faced with a hiring freeze, unexpected turnover, or even a massive expansion – it’s important that you don’t let it rattle you. If you expect it and plan for it as part of your overall strategy, you will be in a position of strength.

The new year is a great time to take inventory of our goals and aspirations to figure out what works, what no longer serves us, and what we want to work towards. What better way to start the approaching months than with intent and purpose? Goal setting is a valuable tool when it comes to personal and professional development, but if you don’t have a clear and realistic plan for how you are going to go about meeting those goals, you aren’t setting yourself up for success. 

With a bit of strategizing, you can craft a game plan that will have you well on your way to achieving your goals. Read through the tips below, and get ready for a productive and successful 2018! 

1. Set specific, measurable goals.

Get clear on what it is that you want to accomplish. “I want to be healthier this year,” or “I want to feel more successful in my job,” are great starting points, but broad statements such as these make it difficult to determine what behaviors you’ll need to change to meet your goals, and how you’ll know when you’ve achieved them. More specific goals, such as “I will increase my daily water intake,” or “I will regularly ask my employer for feedback so that I can improve my skills,” will make the necessary actions immediately apparent, and it will be much easier for you to tell when you are on the right track. 

2. Be realistic about your timeframe.

Few things are more discouraging than feeling as if you are trying to complete an impossible feat. It’s good to set big goals – they draw you out of your comfort zone, and ultimately help you grow – but if you expect immediate results from something that takes time, you will probably get discouraged and give up before you can even spot the finish line. After doing your research and thinking carefully about your individual strengths and weaknesses, you will be better positioned to establish a timeline that makes sense for your individual situation and what you hope to accomplish. This will dramatically improve the likelihood that you will stick with (and achieve) your goals.

3. Know what motivates you, and establish a reward system accordingly.

A particularly important aspect of goal setting is choosing a plan of action that you will be able to maintain for the long term, and understanding what will help motivate you when things get difficult. Some things to consider when making your plan include: your level of commitment, your work capacity after taking care of your other responsibilities and priorities, the time of day you plan to take action, and what motivators will truly help keep you going when goal-getting gets tough. Each time you follow through with your plans, reward yourself according to these motivators. No matter how small the victory feels, consistent and meaningful positive reinforcement will help drive consistent and meaningful action.

4. Be adaptable to change.

One of the only things we can be certain of is that things are always changing, and working towards your goals is no different. As you get started, you may find that certain approaches are just not effective, or that circumstances are different than you had initially anticipated. Don’t get too fixated on one way of doing things, or you may find yourself spinning your wheels. Focus on your goal, but be flexible about your methods – being ready for (and adaptable to) change will help you confidently overcome any barriers that may arise as you work towards achieving your goals. 

Landing your first job can be difficult. You’re looking to gain new skills, but find yourself competing with people who may have years of experience. Getting your foot in the door might be tricky, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible – with some careful planning and the use of the tips listed below, you will be well on your way to your first job!

1. Get Your Documentation.

In order to work, you will need documentation that proves your identity, as well as your eligibility to work in the U.S. (You can find more specific information on the required documentation here). Some of these documents can take several weeks to receive, so if you don’t already have them, be sure to request them well before you actually hope to work.  

2. Showcase Your Skills.

Even if you don’t have prior work experience to list, a resume is still an important part of your job search. It helps an employer understand who you are as an applicant, and why you would be a good fit for the job. Volunteer experience, academic awards and honors, or involvement in teams and clubs are all things that can help to demonstrate your marketable skills, and help make it easier for an employer to picture you succeeding at their company. If you’re not sure where to begin, use a resume-building tool like this to help you get started. 

3. Work for the experience.

All work is noble, and everyone starts somewhere, so don’t miss out on valuable experience holding out for the “perfect” job. While your first job will most likely not be your dream job, know that it is a valuable stepping stone to other amazing opportunities. Not only will it enable you to learn new skills and build your resume, but it will also help you develop a clearer idea of your professional strengths and interests so that you can pursue your goals with confidence. 

4. Know Your Options.

Check out several different job boards to find out what type of work is available in your area, and talk to multiple people to find out what their first job was. Research a variety of entry-level jobs so that you can get an idea of which ones would be of the greatest interest to you. It can be tempting to jump at the first opportunity you hear about, but if you’re looking for experience that could lead to something more, it’s important to try to find something that you could see yourself doing for a while. 

5. Spread the Word.

In addition to conducting your own job search, let your friends, parents, teachers, and other trusted individuals know that you are looking for work. Don’t underestimate the power of networking and referrals – many people get jobs this way. This way, they can let you know if they happen to hear of any potential leads. There’s a good chance that the people you know may tell you about opportunities that you wouldn’t have heard of otherwise, because many available jobs are never advertised. 

6. Ace the Interview. 

So you’ve applied for a job and were selected for an interview – congrats! To make a great impression in person: dress appropriately, and be polite, engaged, and prepared to discuss what makes you a good fit for the job. Don’t bring a friend or family member with you to the interview; while it might make an unfamiliar situation more comfortable for you, it is unprofessional and could send the message that you don’t take the opportunity seriously. 

7. Partner with an Expert. 

Consider partnering with a staffing expert like Manpower. They work to fill a variety of jobs ranging from entry-level to professional, and are highly knowledgeable about the types of opportunities in your area. After learning about your skills, experience, and goals, they can talk to you about any suitable work that is available. 

Watch out Microsoft Office Suite users, Google Drive is about to take over how you create, manage, and store your critical office documents. Sound like a sky-is-falling attitude? I thought so too, until participating in mock interviews with dozens of high school juniors and seniors. 

Like any good recruiter, I naturally questioned them on their proficiency and comfort level with Microsoft Office, and was met with blank stares like I was speaking some foreign language. I then aptly went on to describe Word, Excel, and Powerpoint – still nothing, and I felt as though I might as well be asking them what a typewriter is. 

So then I asked what they use to write their essays and create their presentations – confidently they each said, “oh, that’s all done in Google Drive.” That’s when it hit me, are businesses fully prepared for these students who are about to fully join the workforce in a matter of a few short years?

So here are some things to consider as you prepare.

Google Drive Pros

It’s Free, to a Point.

Anyone with a Google account can create and then store up to 15GB of documents into their account. If you need more space you can purchase different monthly plans depending on your storage needs. 

The Same Tools, With Different Names.

Some functionality is slightly different but most is the same. Instead of Word, you have Docs. Instead of Excel, you have Sheets. Instead of Powerpoint, you have Slides. 

Access on the Go. 

As long as you have an internet connection you can access your documents online for full editing capability. If you are headed somewhere without an internet connection, just download the document to your desktop. If you are a mobile user, there is also an ‘app for that’. 

Document Permission Levels.

You retain control of what access levels people have to your documents, from no access to full editing access – you decide. 

Team Collaboration.

This is hands down the best feature of Google Drive, as you can have teams working together on documents in real-time. This is a great feature for people that work in different locations or remotely. 

Auto-Save.

We’ve all been there – the computer unexpectedly has to shut down and you haven’t saved your work. No fear, your work is auto-saved. You can easily pick right up where you left off, no more desire to call it a day. 

Revision History. 

This feature allows you to revisit any version or edits to your document, and revert back to them if necessary. 

Microsoft Office Conversion. 

If you are like me and deeply entrenched in the Office Suite but want the collaboration/ease of access ability that Drive offers, no fear. You can upload any Office product into drive and convert into a google product.

Google Drive Cons

Glitches. 

We have been using Google Drive in some capacity for a couple years, and sometimes, without explanation we run into a glitch (file not visible) – it always seems to be easily resolved by refreshing the page, but panic will inevitably set in.

Compatibility.

While you can upload MS Office documents into Drive, you may experience some issues with functionality and formatting.

Security Concerns.

While Google assures users that their information is stored in a secure data center, there is still one major security concern – humans. When office documents are stored on a business-owned PC, you are ensuring that they are password protected, have strong anti-virus software, and other protective measures. But when they are on a cloud, you are relying on your team to access the Drive on secured networking, to use strong passwords, and to always make sure they log out of their account on any public device. 

Learning Curve. 

New software can be a challenge for some. While many things are the same, sometimes it is the smallest changes that can cause the greatest frustration. 

Plan Ahead to Not Fall Behind

What is important is for businesses to recognize that many of tomorrow’s workers are coming out of school far more entrenched in Drive than the Microsoft Suite we all are accustomed to, so it will be worth your time to start preparing now. We are not recommending abandoning the tried and true Office Suite, but thinking of ways to start getting yourself and your staff acclimated on Google Drive. Just starting to dip your toes in the water now will help you better understand how your next generation of workers is trained to process documents. 

30+ NEW Production Jobs in Auburn!

Manpower Maine is excited to announce that we have partnered with a new client in Auburn, and are now working to fill 30+ production openings! These are full time, long term opportunities with a highly reputable manufacturer that is known for its superior product quality.

These jobs are available exclusively through Manpower – meaning you won’t find these great opportunities anywhere else!

We want to meet with YOU at one of our hiring events!

When: Tuesday, August 1st from 10am-1pm

Where: Lewiston Career Center, 5 Mollison Way

Not able to join us during normal business hours?

No problem, we’ve got you covered! To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to meet with our team and talk about these new positions, we will also be hosting an after-hours hiring event.

When: Wednesday, August 2nd from 5pm-7pm

Where: Manpower, 95 Main St. in Auburn

Walk-ins are not only welcome, but encouraged! You can also schedule an appointment by calling 207-784-9353, or texting 207-560-0906. 

The world of work is changing; that means our hiring strategies must change as well. Unemployment has not been this low since May of 2007. Job seekers have the advantage, which means that employers must start getting creative about their hiring strategies. You have jobs to fill, and every day a position remains open is another day the work is not getting done, so time is of the essence. 

Here are some simple tips to help you win the war for talent.

Many people’s first jobs are in customer service – a field that can broaden one’s career horizon to include a variety of great opportunities. Learning to provide a great customer service experience requires mastery of numerous soft skills that are easily transferable to nearly every job imaginable! 

Here are just a few of the valuable skills you can expect to gain from this awesome entry-level job. 

It’s that time of year again! Summer has arrived, and with it comes beautiful weather, school vacation, sandy beaches, and so many other wonderful things to look forward to. With opportunities for distraction all around, it’s understandable that you might have some difficulty staying engaged at work, even if you LOVE your job. Here are some tips to help you stay focused, productive, and happy at work this season!

Just take a step outside and your will realize summer is here. With that comes an increase in likelihood that your employees are dreaming about all the fun that can be had outside of work. Because Maine has 4 very distinct seasons, the summer tends to bring the same excitement of holidays, except this time it lasts for an extended 3 month timeframe. Here are a few simple tips to help you keep employees engaged while remaining productive this time of year.