Whether you have been seeking work for a while, or you are just re-entering the job market, finding a job can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to improve your results. 

Here are three tips to help you navigate your job search with confidence, and earn that coveted interview!

Have a Game Plan.

When approaching a job search, the first thing you should do as a candidate is to put some thought into your long-term goals. This step will allow you to adjust your application strategy accordingly. 

When you are eagerly seeking employment and aren’t seeing results, it can be tempting to apply to anything in hopes of generating a response. This strategy may prove counterproductive. First, it dilutes the effort you could be devoting to the most promising employment prospects, and secondly, can leave you feeling even more frustrated and discouraged because a blanket application approach is less likely to yield results. 

If your goal is to secure employment as soon as possible, it is important to make sure that the positions to which you are applying are appropriate given your work history and skill level. Look for positions that enable you to build upon skills you already have and, ideally, offer you the opportunity to develop skills that will take you to the next level and move you closer to your long-term career goals. 

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 contact your local Manpower office today. We look forward to helping you find your next great career!

Seasonal workforce demands are constant in and ever-changing climate.

The climate has shifted to favor employees, which means qualified candidates are likely considering opportunities from your competitors, too. Here are five tips to evolve your competitive strategy and win the seasonal workforce race.

How to Win The Seasonal Workforce Race in 5 Easy Steps:

Seasonal Opportunities Available.

Are you looking for good work at fair wages in Greater Rockland? We have a large number of seasonal positions available that we want to tell you more about.

Manpower is proud to be helping hire Fisher Engineering’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.

Fisher is known for the highest quality in not only their plows, but more importantly in the staff they hire. Working for Fisher is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. Become part of our legacy today! 

What is The Fast-Track to Fisher?

On Tuesday, November 10th from 12-3pm we will be opening the doors at Fisher to speak with anyone interested in learning more about these seasonal opportunities.

All participants in this event will be guaranteed an interview and a tour of the Fisher facilities. Put on your best first impression outfit, polish up your resume and grab your friends who are looking for work and stop into 50 Gordon Drive on Wednesday, November 10. 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 594-7910. 

What Positions Are Available?

We have several positions available in multiple departments and on multiple shifts. Your schedule will consist of 10 hour shifts Monday-Thursday with overtime on Fridays. For more information on our current openings click the job titles below.

Welders – $15+ per hour. Experience or training required.

Fabricators – $14-15 per hour. Experience or training required.

Assemblers – $13-14 per hour. Production experience preferred.

Sign-On and Completion Bonuses Available.

Now Hiring 20 Selectors in Gardiner.

Are you a warehouse professional? Looking for a career with upward mobility? If so, we want to talk with you.

These positions are all full-time, temp-to-hire with a steady 2nd shift schedule. If you need your days free, and perform the best in the early evening hours then this could be the perfect job for you!

Manpower is proud to be helping a prominent client hire 20 Selectors to meet production demands. 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.

Join Us On Wednesday!

On Wednesday, October 14, from 10am-2pm we will be hosting a job fair to speak with anyone interested in learning more about these Warehouse Selector positions.

All participants in this event will be guaranteed an interview and a tour of the Ship-Right facilities. Put on your best first impression outfit, polish up your resume and grab your friends who are looking for work and stop into the Boys & Girls Club in Gardiner, 14 Pray St. 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 622-1535. 

A Successful Candidate Will:

We are looking for team members that thrive in a fast-paced, team environment. 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.

Selectors – $10.50 per hour +incentives.

Schedule Your Interview TODAY!

We Are Growing And Want You.

Are you a customer service professional? Looking for a career with upward mobility? If so, we want to talk with you.

Manpower is proud to be helping Ship-Right Solutions hire Customer Service Representatives to address their continuing growth. 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.

While Ship-Right Solution focuses on the best technology and service options to make them an invaluable partner to their clients, they know it is their PEOPLE that truly make Ship-Right a “best-in-class” service provider.

Let Us Fulfill Your Career Expectations!

On Wednesday, October 7, from 10am-1pm we will be opening the doors at Ship-Right Solutions to speak with anyone interested in learning more about these Customer Service Positions.

All participants in this event will be guaranteed an interview and a tour of the Ship-Right facilities. Put on your best first impression outfit, polish up your resume and grab your friends who are looking for work and stop into 159 Cash Street, South Portland on Wednesday, October 7. 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 774-8258. 

Workplace Perks

As a member of the Ship-Right team you can expect to work with a dynamic team of people that are all committed to success, we offer flexible hours, full and part-time positions and advancement opportunities. In addition to your hourly rate of pay we also offer cash bonuses.

Customer Service Representatives – $12 per hour +incentives.

Schedule Your Interview TODAY!

 Download the PDF

Download the PDF

Download the PDF

ManpowerGroup Releases Tenth Annual Talent Shortage Survey Results.

Tenth year of survey reveals 1 in 3 U.S. employers experiencing difficulty in filling positions, skilled trades remains the hardest to fill for six consecutive years.

ManpowerGroup’s annual Talent Shortage Survey, released today, reveals that 32% of U.S. employers report difficulties filling job vacancies due to talent shortages. This marks a decrease in 8%, falling from 40% in 2014. While the percentage may be decreasing the problem is still very real to Maine businesses.

Among U.S. employers, 48% acknowledge that talent shortages have a medium to high impact on their business, but few are putting talent strategies in place to address the problem. One in five U.S. employers is still not pursuing strategies to overcome talent shortages, despite the negative impact on their business. This is up from 12 months ago when 13% of U.S. employers reported they were not pursuing strategies to overcome talent shortages.

“Talent shortages are real and are not going away,” said Kip Wright, senior vice president, Manpower North America. “Despite impacts to competitiveness and productivity, our research shows fewer employers are trying to solve the problem through better talent strategies. As the struggle to find the right talent continues, and candidates with in-demand skills get the upper hand, employers will be under pressure to position themselves as ‘talent destinations’ to attract the best workers that will drive their business forward.”

For the sixth consecutive year, skilled trade vacancies are the hardest to fill in the U.S., and the same goes for the state of Maine. New to the list this year are administrative professionals, technicians, and management/executives. 

43% of U.S. employers say talent shortages are having a negative impact on their ability to meet client needs. Consequences include:

Reduced competitiveness and productivity (41%)

Increased employee turnover (32%)

Higher compensation costs (32%)

Reduced employee engagement/morale (32%)

When asked why they are struggling to fill certain jobs, employers cite a lack of applicants (33%), lack of experience (19%), and lack of technical competencies or hard skills (17%). Technical competencies employers seek include industry-specific professional qualifications (7%) and trade certifications (7%). 

To download the complete report click here.

ManpowerGroup surveyed 42,278 employers in 42 countries and territories during the first quarter of 2015 to explore the extent of talent shortages within the global labor market, which job categories are particularly hard to fill and why, the impact of talent shortages on businesses, and how employers are responding to the challenges raised by the lack of available talent in specific job categories.

For more information on ManpowerGroup and the talent shortage visit:

www.manpowergroup.us/campaigns/talent-shortage-2015