Together We Will Keep Maine Working

In these unprecedented times it is nice to know you have options. Many essential State of Maine departments are finding themselves short-staffed and facing an increased demand for their services. As your approved staffing partner through our contract with the State of Maine, we are poised to help you through these challenging times.

We are currently working with many organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19 to help bridge their workers to new jobs. No one was planning on this pandemic, and its ripple effects are far-reaching. While no one is certain of what the future may hold, what we do know is that many Maine people are looking for work – and there are essential employers that are actively hiring. We have the capability and the expertise needed to help make those matches.

Approved Vendor Since 2016

After a thorough RFP Process, Manpower was selected as an approved provider of temporary staffing services for the State of Maine in 2016 and received a contract extension in 2018 that runs through June 30, 2021.  Based on the written proposal, Manpower was selected as the highest rated overall provider – a designation that we will work hard to prove was well deserved. It is through this contract that State agencies, like you, are able to quickly and efficiently secure temporary staffing services by following the state approved process.

From the State of Maine Website:

“To create a Delivery Order with the vendor, you can click on this “how to“ link and follow the advantage instructions. PLEASE NOTE: Each Delivery Order must have a Temporary Staffing Authorization form attached.

When you receive an acceptable invoice, payment must be made within 30 days from when you receive the invoice. You may need to contact your Service Center to accomplish this part of the process, which will vary by department”.

Manpower’s Vendor Information Vendor Name: Maine Business Services dba Manpower VC#: 18P-16070700000000000003

Better Access. Better Match. Better Results.

You need the right people, at the right time in order to increase productivity and drive business results. With Manpower’s full spectrum of human resources services, you will not only gain confidence in your hires, but also reduce your hiring timelines and cost. Whether you need 1 or 100 associates, Manpower has all the tools and experience to meet your needs. With 8 offices throughout Maine, we have you covered from York to Aroostook county – and everywhere in between. 

What We Offer

As a full-spectrum staffing service we offer temporary, temp-to-perm, and permanent hiring solutions. Uncertain times require flexible solutions – and flexible solutions are what Manpower offers. Our talent is finding you yours, so you can focus your efforts on driving business results. Your involvement in the selection and hiring process is all up to you and your comfort level. Many Maine employers trust Manpower to manage the complete process, while others want to stay involved. That choice is entirely up to you and we will support you in the best way that you see fit.

Our 6 Point Process

Step 1: Discover

We are committed to building a strong foundation that delivers quality results. That foundation is built on getting a clear understanding about your unique needs, position, culture, and requirements. We have found that spending a little time upfront speaking with you and getting to know more about the specific skills and qualities you are looking for in a candidate, as well as the unique intricacies of your work environment, will best enable us to develop a high-impact recruiting strategy.

Step 2: Recruit

Once we have thoroughly identified your needs, we immediately tap into our network of active candidates to identify any potential matches. We also create a strategic employment marketing plan to ensure that the messaging in our ads and the placement of them is likely to drive the best possible response. We also deploy our sourcing team to proactively solicit candidates that may not see our ads but are passively seeking work.

Step 3: Qualify

Qualifying candidates is a critical component in making the right match the first time. Once we have identified candidates that appear to have the skills you are seeking, we will then take the opportunity to more thoroughly screen them based on your requirements. This can involve both traditional screening methods in addition to validated skills assessments.

Step 4: Match

Once we present a candidate to you, they have already been screened for skills, experience, and interest in the position you are offering.  From that point you determine the next steps, you may decide to have us move forward with the candidate right away, or you could opt to hold your own screening process. No matter how you choose to proceed, our team will be right there helping to streamline the process, facilitate connection, and navigate any potential negotiations. 

Step 5: Onboard

Now that a hiring decision has been made, we are here to ensure that your new associate completes all necessary paperwork and training to ensure a smooth transition into your workforce. We take the time to go over all policies and procedures. A successful onboarding is key to setting the right tone and expectations with any new team member.

Step 6: Engage

As your employment partner, we strive for ongoing satisfaction. Maintaining open lines of communication with both the associates and the supervisors is embedded into our process. Staying engaged with all involved parties helps to maintain and/or improve performance as well as increase overall assignment satisfaction. We are a committed to providing exceptional service through the entire employment life-cycle.

Take advantage of all the tools in your toolbox…

3 Things To Keep In Mind As We Work Together

By: Katie Ramirez, Assistant Recruiter, Manpower 

There is no bigger investment for a company than the people that they hire to do the work! Your employees are your brand. They directly drive your bottom-line and have the ability to bring your organization to great heights, which is why it is critical to build a strong relationship with your staffing services provider.

As any partner should, Manpower realizes that we are an extension of your organization, and we are committed to not only making your job easier by finding the best possible candidates for your positions, but we also take pride in being good stewards of your brand and reputation. By allowing us to do what we do best, you are allowing yourself to do what you do best – focusing on the big picture.

To help us be the type of partner you can rely on, here are a few things to keep in mind as we work together.

Don’t Be Afraid To Brag

We want to know all about you! In addition to learning about the job duties and qualifications for the position we are filling for you, we also want to learn about what makes you special. What is the workplace culture like? What makes your employees excited and proud about the work that they do and the company as a whole? Knowing these things better enables us to help you find your person – not just a person who can fulfill the written job description, but the person who will be the best long-term fit for your organization.

Tell Us About What Else You’ve Tried

Are you experiencing a high turnover with the same positions? Have that one job that you just can’t seem to fill? Have you faced any unique challenges in trying to find the right person for a particular opening? Tell us about it. At Manpower, we’re not just experts at recruiting, we are experts in the world of work. We have indepth knowledge on the labor market and have indepth knowledge on both local and global trends. The more we can learn about the challenges you have faced and the approaches you have tried, the better positioned we are to troubleshoot the issue and provide you with a lasting solution.

Never Hesitate To Give Honest Feedback

Our job isn’t over the moment a Manpower associate walks through your door. In order to be good partners we need to ensure your needs are being met for the long-term, which is why we are always available for your questions, comments or concerns. Providing us with timely feedback about an associate’s performance helps us do right by you – if they are ever any issues, we will swiftly address them so that you can keep addressing the needs of your business. This is a partnership so not only are we open to your feedback, we welcome it!

If you would like more information about what we have to offer or how we can help you, call your local office today for a free, no-obligation consultation! You will be glad you did. 

3 Ways To Prevent Bad Luck From Affecting Your Work

By: Heidi Sawyer, Manager, Market Engagement, Manpower 

Sometimes there may come a point in your career when you feel like you are in a rut of bad luck or headed towards one. Perhaps you recognize that you aren’t performing the best. Maybe there has been some shakeup in the company and a restructuring appears to be on the horizon. Or, you have had some personal issues that have invaded space in your mind while you are at work.

The last thing that you want is to have any of the issues mentioned above to lead to more stress and more bad luck.

So, whether you are trying to get out of a rut or simply looking for ways to avoid them, instead of booking that trip to kiss the Blarney Stone – why not consider some of these options.

Take A Self-Assessment

Those that take the time to self-reflect on their performance in an honest and detailed way are often some of the people that are the most successful. It is likely that you know before your boss does that you are under-performing. So, why not address it yourself…before they have to?

Take a good account of how you are spending your time. Are you being sidetracked by non work related issues? Are you being as efficient as possible?

If you are feeling like you are underperforming, are you clear on what your performance expectations are? If not, ask for some clarity. If you are clear on the expectations, dig further to find out what is holding you back from meeting them and look for some creative solutions to help you conquer the rut.

Since we all can pick up some bad habits along the way; sometimes just going back to the very basics and focusing on the foundational pieces of your work will make a world of difference.

Focus on What You Can Control 

When things don’t seem to be going our way all too often we try to control everything, only to quickly find out that the more we try to control the less control we actually have.

Whether changes are looming in your company, or they have already taken place – the best thing you can do is focus on your little piece of the corporate puzzle. Keep your head down, stay focused on your work and your behavior and let the rest of the chips fall where they may. Even if luck doesn’t go your way you will be able to walk away with your head held high knowing that you did your job to the best of your ability and, chances are, with some terrific references for future employers to call.

Treat Work As Your Safe Haven

I am sure you have all been told that you need to leave your personal problems at the door when you get to work. Just saying it that way sounds cold and harsh and the truth is, it just isn’t always possible. What is happening in our lives outside of work often weighs heavily on us no matter where we are so to expect you drop it at the door is perhaps a bit much.

What we recommend – is to treat work as your safe haven away from life’s obstacles, again like above a place where you know exactly what you can control. Work is a place you can escape from your home life, and home is a place to escape from your work challenges. Creating that line is often going to lead you to peace. When all else fails use the resources provided to you by your employer (ie. personal time off and employee assistance hotlines)

If you are looking for something new, or curious about what opportunities are out there, take a moment to register. Who knows, maybe you will be lucky and one of these positions will lead to the pot of gold you have been looking for!

While it is true that you can’t make everyone love you – you can, however, be someone that you would be proud to be around and take specific steps to build positive and meaningful relationships at work. Here are 5 very simple ways that you can show your peers, in everyday interactions, that you are committed to working together and being someone they can count on!

3 Ways To Fall In Love With Your Job

By: Katie Ramirez, Assistant Recruiter, Manpower 

When you reflect on the things you love, does your job come to mind? If not, we are here to help you discover ways to increase your professional satisfaction.

At Manpower, we have the pleasure of working with candidates in various stages of their careers and having conversations with them about the role of work in their lives. Despite having different jobs and goals, we have found that those that are the most satisfied have three things in common. 

So whether you are trying to fall in love with your job, or your heart is already there but you are always looking for ways to improve, here are three things you can do today to help you get there!

Compliment A Job Well Done

We truly do have to be the change we wish to see in the world (of work)! If you would like to feel more appreciated in your place of work, contribute to a culture of gratitude. When you see a coworker going above and beyond or doing a particularly good job at handling a project, compliment them on it. By appreciating the hard work of others, we can boost morale, develop a stronger sense of comradery, gain a sense of perspective regarding our own efforts in the workplace, and create a more positive and rewarding work environment.  

Look At The Bigger Picture

Having a sense of purpose is a fundamental component of personal satisfaction. When it is missing, it’s difficult to motivate ourselves when times are tough. But regardless of your title, or how far away you are from your dream job, your work has purpose.

Let’s say you are currently a dishwasher at a busy restaurant. Your work is key to the overall success of the business. I know I would not frequent a restaurant that served food on dirty dishes, and I don’t know anyone else that would either. You protect the health and safety of your diners, and you do your part to ensure they leave satisfied with their experience. If it weren’t for you, health inspectors would come in and shut the restaurant down.

If you think about your work in the context of the entire organization, it will be easier to derive a sense of purpose from it because you’ll have a more thorough understanding of how vital what you do really is. Take pride in great work, whatever your work may be!

Know Your Goals, And Seize Opportunities 

Never underestimate how each and every task can impart some kind of knowledge. When it comes to hiring, one of the biggest differentiators in candidates is the number of transferrable skills they possess. Hone your ability to provide excellent customer service skills (both internal and external), find ways to improve efficiency in your role, master that task you have always found a bit daunting – whatever opportunity your job may offer, take it all in. Make the most of it and learn everything you can! If at the end of the day, the only wisdom you have gleaned is that this job isn’t the one for you, sometimes that’s okay too. Just be cognizant of what did & didn’t work for you in that role, that way you can apply that knowledge to help you find opportunities that are better suited to your talents and goals.

Ultimately, there is no single strategy guaranteed to increase your happiness in the workplace and make you love your job, because everyone has different expectations of what they want and need. The tips above, however, are a great starting point for developing the mindset needed to find career satisfaction. What’s not to love about that?

If you are looking for something new, or curious about what opportunities are out there, take a moment to register. Who knows, maybe one of our current openings is just the fit you’ve been looking for!

Seasonal Opportunities Available.

Are you interested in working for one of Maine’s most prestigious companies? Do you enjoy working with people that are passionate about what they do?

Manpower is proud to be helping hire Old Town Canoe’s seasonal workforce this year. Manpower is known for providing quality work to thousands of Maine employees each year, and our business partners know that we are always ready to provide them with the best associates in the business.

Old Town Canoe is a proud member of the Johnson Outdoors family and takes pride in hiring skilled craftsmen and production personnel and are excited to welcome Manpower Associates to the team!

We Are Hosting A Hiring Event!

On Friday, January 22 we will be opening the doors at Old Town Canoe to speak with anyone interested in learning more about these seasonal opportunities.

These jobs are always in high-demand this time of year so we encourage you to secure your spot today! You will be glad you did!

If you are interested in being considered for one of these positions and participating in this hiring event it is important that you schedule your appointment today! Contact Us: Bangor.ME@Manpower.com or 942-6178.

What Positions Are Available?

We have several positions available in multiple departments and on multiple shifts. 

Assemblers – use of hand and power tools, strong attention to detail required.

Monday-Friday Staff: 7a-3p $9 per hour or 3p-11p $9.55 per hour (overtime available)

Sunday-Thursday Staff: 11p-7a $10 per hour (overtime available)

Packagers – General labor positions. Must be able to lift 60lbs.

Monday-Friday Staff: 1a-3p $9 per hour or 3p-11p $9.55 per hour (overtime available)

Sunday-Thursday Staff: 11p-7a $10 per hour (overtime available)

Machine Operators – Must be mechanically inclined, have solid troubleshooting skills and care about quality control.

Monday-Friday Staff: 7a-3p $10 per hour or 3p-11p $10.55 per hour (overtime available)

Sunday-Thursday Staff: 11p-7a $11 per hour (overtime available)

Now Hiring 10 People in Mid-Coast Maine

Are you looking for steady work in the Greater Bath/Brunswick area? Manpower has several clients looking for the right people to fill a variety of positions and we want to talk with you!

Positions include:

Full-Time Housekeepers

Dispatchers

Security Officer

Customer Service Reps

Part-Time Tellers

Administrative Professionals 

Interviews Tuesday!

On Tuesday, January 5th from 10a-2pm we will be holding interviews at the Southern Mid-Coast CareerCenter. 275 Bath Road in Brunswick. 

All participants in this event will be guaranteed an interview. Put on your best first impression outfit, polish up your resume and grab your friends who are looking for work and stop into the CareerCenter. You will be glad you did!

While walk-ins are most certainly welcome, we encourage you to make the most of your time and pre-schedule your visit by calling 784-9353 or emailing Auburn.ME@Manpower.com. 

A Successful Candidate Will:

We are looking for team members that thrive in a fast-paced, team environments. We are looking for candidates with solid customer service, documentation (PC) skills, and attention to detail. Candidates with prior general labor experience and a solid work history that demonstrates reliability are strongly encouraged to apply.

Schedule Your Interview TODAY!

The Importance of Making Time for Career Reflection

By: Heidi Sawyer – Manager, Market Engagement 

There is something so magical about the month of December, the chill in the air, beautiful blankets of fresh snow, and the time spent with friends and family during this joy-filled month. 

No better time than December to make some career magic happen too. And all it requires is taking a little time for self-reflection. Making the time for this practice and being brutally honest with yourself will pay off dividends for you professionally. 

Where Did You Succeed? 

Most people are humble by nature, which is an incredible quality to have, but while you may not need public recognitions of your accomplishments you should be keeping track of them to ensure that you are able to speak to them accurately when necessary. 

What were your goals for the year? When was the last time you reviewed them? What can you check-off as being accomplished? In your performance review 

Tailor Your Resume.

The overall objective of a resume is to let an employer know, with clarity, that you have the skills they are looking for to address their immediate hiring needs. While it should be an accurate description of your work history and skills, what matters most is relevancy. 

It is likely that the employer is receiving dozens of resumes for each position they are hiring for, so it is crucial that you are making sure you stand out. This is accomplished by tailoring your resume to the specific position you are applying for. Thoroughly read the job description paying close attention to any keywords they are using and any specific skills they are looking for. Use this information to determine if you are the right fit for the job. If you are, then make sure that the resume clearly demonstrates that you have what they are looking for.

This one step can make all the world of difference in helping the employer envision you being successful in the role and making immediate contributions to their organization.

Triple Check Everything. 

Inevitably, we all make mistakes! That’s okay, but the fact remains that you never get a second chance at making a first impression. When you are preparing to send off that resume or application to a potential employer, being thorough is essential. 

In addition to using a text editor, double check the finished product yourself and even ask a grammar-savvy friend to do the same before you click send. While a spelling error or misplaced punctuation mark may not sound like a big deal in theory, it can say a lot about your attention to detail and your commitment to quality work. 

When a recruiter is sifting through applications and determining who to select for an interview, your resume serves as that first impression – the only piece of information they initially have to evaluate you on. So make it count.

If you are currently looking for employment, we encourage you to take the time to create an account with us. We look forward to helping you find your next great career!

Recruiting To Retain In A Job Seeker Market

By: Heidi Sawyer, Manager, Market Engagement

With Maine unemployment sitting at 4.3% it is more important than ever to focus on employee retention with each and every hire you make. It is the initial recruiting that will ensure your success. 

Know Your Brand.

When recruiting you must be aware that potential candidates may or may not already have preconceived notions about what it is like to work for your company. So being proactive about developing an accurate employment brand and to communicate that in your job descriptions is a key element to attracting the right candidates. 

Performing an annual employee survey is often a good way to address any shifts in your brand. But, even more effective than an annual survey is by being present amongst your employees regularly. When you are taking a constant pulse you can head off any issues that may be causing a disruption to the positive image you are working to hold on to.

Interview For Retention.

To say the interviewing and screening process can be overwhelming is an understatement. They are time consuming, costly and when not done right can be incredibly ineffective. Consistency and thoroughness in your interviewing process is important. If you are seeing regular turnover in your organization one of the first steps you can take is to see if your interview process is working efficiently. 

When interviewing candidates for the same role, have a script and make sure you are asking each candidate the same questions so you are able to compare apples to apples. Yes, interviews should be conversational so each will flow differently, but be sure the meat of the interview for each one is the same. 

As you are describing the role and the organization make sure you are setting realistic expectations, if anything you want to under-promise and over-deliver – be sure that you aren’t doing the opposite as that can and will decrease employee satisfaction. 

Have A Strong Onboarding Program. 

They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so make it count. An upfront investment in a strong onboarding program that is designed to help employees successfully transition and integrate into their new role and your company will go a long way to save you the cost of employee turnover. This act alone will demonstrate to the employee that you value them and want them to have a positive experience. 

Before the employee starts make sure you have their workspace ready for them, ensure that the right people are in place and the appropriate amount of time is available to effectively train them to be successful. Take the time to introduce them to their co-workers.

While onboarding is often seen as the initial transition into an organization, ultimately, it should be an ongoing process with clear components and milestones, including regular assessments on performance goals, development plans and ongoing training. 

If you are currently experiencing turnover, worried that you are not recruiting the right people for the role then you may find that working interviews can help you make the changes you need. Schedule a free consultation with a Manpower Recruiter.