So you have been called in for an interview. Chances are you are expecting to be asked a ton of questions and hopefully you are practicing your answers. But, have you missed a critical step in your preparation, by not preparing interview questions for applicants?

The best interviews are a two-way street. It is an opportunity for the employer to get to know you, your skills, your experience, and your attitude to determine whether or not you will be a good fit for them. It is also an opportunity for you to ask some questions to help decide whether their company and this position will be a good fit for you!

Here are a few questions you can ask:

What will a typical day look like?

We have all been there; something sounds so good on paper but the reality is far different. It’s no different when it comes to jobs. A job advertisement is merely that, an advertisement. It is an opportunity to catch your attention and entice you to act – while maintaining integrity. Only so much can be described in an ad, so it is up to you to ask for a clearer picture during the interview process.

What are some common challenges?

Just hearing about the upside of a job and the ideal results is only one piece of the puzzle. To determine if this position is right for you, you need to understand some of the pitfalls as well. Maybe you are looking for a job that provides a ton of challenges, or you are not keen on a job that is struggling with overly outdated technology. If you want to know if you are up to the challenge – you first need to know what the challenge is.

How will success be measured?

Knowing how a company measures success is an important part of the employment relationship. Your employer wants you to be successful, and you want to succeed – so understanding how success is going to be measured will help you move in the right direction. Performance management isn’t always a formal annual review, it could be more regular yet informal conversations about individual projects. Whether your success is defined by meeting hard and fast metrics, or on your last contribution – you want to be able to gather that feedback.

What do you like about the company?

Imagine asking an interviewer “what do you dislike about the company”, chances are you will get a strange look and your question will be entirely avoided. It would be highly unprofessional for any team member to say disparaging things about the company they are supposed to be representing and assessing candidates for. That being said, it is important to get a sense of the overall culture.  You will be able to tell by the interviewers answer if they are genuinely satisfied, or if they are just trying to say what you want to hear by simply asking what they like about the company.

When do you expect to make a decision?

Is the company expecting to make a quick decision on hiring, or are they expecting the process to take a few weeks. If you are really interested in this position, asking about their hiring timeline will help reduce the stress and anxiety you could experience while you wait for the phone to ring. It will also help you determine the best time to follow up. If they are expecting to make a decision in a few weeks, you do not want to come across as pushy by calling for an update every few days. On the other hand, if they are expecting to make a decision that week – you may want to send an immediate follow up to demonstrate your interest.

There are plenty of resources online that can help you narrow down just the right questions to ask, but no matter what questions you ask the goal is to maintain professionalism and to keep your interview conversational.

When you work with Manpower and are sent out on a client interview, we will do our best to prepare you to help you set a positive tone.

Change, it’s the only consistent in this world. While we all know it will inevitably come, more often than not it catches us by surprise and can throw us out of rhythm. A key to successfully handling change in the world of work is to view it as opportunity. When it comes to your career, change is sometimes frequent, it can induce anxiety, and if you’re unable to handle it, it can be detrimental to your overall success.

Changes can come in the form of new places, positions, people, programs, processes, and policies. Those who are able to quickly and effectively identify the opportunities that the changes present will have more confidence, feel more at ease, and experience more success. No matter what the change is, there are steps you can take to make the necessary shift.

Identify the Impact

Every change presents a different level of impact. A change in policies may affect you far less than an office relocation. New technology may change how you complete your work more than a change in who your co-workers are. The bigger the impact on you, the more challenging adjustment can be.  When you are presented with a change, quickly assess the level of impact it will have on you before shifting into panic mode.

Recognize there is a Reason

Change rarely happens just for the sake of it. All changes are intended to serve a positive purpose. While you may never be told exactly why a change is being made, know that there is always a reason behind it. New technology could be used to improve efficiency or to increase capability. A change in leadership could be to get new ideas to help move a company forward. Whatever the reason may be, it is up to you to recognize there is a reason, and to either make the most of it or potentially move on.

Look for the Opportunity

Whenever faced with change, it is natural for us to go into “what if” mode. More often than not, we immediately start thinking about all the things that could (and in our minds, will most certainly) go wrong. It is like a defense mechanism to help us mentally prepare for the worst-case scenario. A degree of healthy skepticism is okay, but the real power lies in purposefully looking for the opportunities.

What does the change offer? Will it teach you to be nimble? Are you learning something new that will be beneficial to your resume? Is it a test of your grit and resilience? Changes may not be easy, they may even challenge you to the core – but every change presents opportunity and it is up to you to identify and seize it.

Embrace and Move Forward

Buying in to organizational change isn’t optional. You can either reject or accept the change. From there you have to embrace your own decision and move forward. Being half-in is not going to do you or the company any favors. If you have decided you are unable to accept and adjust to the changes, it is up to you to plan an exit strategy. If you have made the decision to stay, you need to take the lead on implementing the changes into your work and encouraging others to do the same. Take the time you need to learn about the changes.

At the end of the day, it is your attitude about change that will determine your outcome with it. It is perfectly acceptable to be nervous or uneasy about a change – the unknown is always more stressful than the known and will most often end up being a blessing in disguise. Once you are handling change in the world of work like the pro you are, there is nothing you won’t be able to handle.

If a career change is what you are after, Manpower can help!

There are a lot of things in this world that are out of our control – but the energy and effort that you bring to your job is entirely up to you. If you’re feeling a little unsure about your professional future, remember that there are simple steps you can take to be more in control of your success. Take charge of your career by following these tips, and you will be on your way to leveling up your career:

	Make an Action Plan You don’t need to have your whole future mapped out, but having an idea of what you are working towards will help you keep your career moving in the right direction. What skills do you want to learn in your current job? Is there room for growth in your organization, and if so, what do you need to achieve to be on track? These are important things to consider when you are trying to advance your career.
	Be Proactive Are you encountering any challenges in your current job, such as difficulty meeting deadlines, a low level of engagement in your work, or issues cooperating with a difficult coworker? Don’t just hope that no one notices – tackle the problem head-on by evaluating your available resources and asking for help if needed. Being proactive about solving challenges will not only help you grow and take charge of your career, but it will also help you establish a great professional reputation.
	Say Yes to Opportunities You never know where a new challenge may take you, so think twice if your instinct is to say ‘no’ when asked to take on a new project or task at work. Those situations provide opportunities to learn new skills, develop new strengths and competencies, and increase your job security. Maybe you’ll even find a new passion that could change the course of your career!
	Ask for Feedback If your supervisor doesn’t provide much feedback on your performance, don’t be afraid to ask for it periodically. Not only will it give you peace of mind, but it will help ensure that both you and your employer are on the same page about upcoming goals and objectives so that you can stay on track for success.

Do you like working with your hands? Not afraid of an honest day’s work? Then a job at JSI in Milo may be just what you are looking for.

JSI is known for designing and manufacturing best-in-class food-forward store displays that can be seen in modern supermarkets across the country. As a member of the JSI family you will be part of a team that improves the shopping experience and takes pride in saying that the products are made in the USA and headquartered right here in the heart of Milo.

Manpower is pleased to be the exclusive staffing partner of JSI in Milo and is always looking for candidates who have a natural gift for quality manufacturing, a positive attitude, a history of reliability, and a willingness to work hard.

Here is what one of our proud associates had to say: “The people are very friendly and the supervisors are great.” Isn’t that the type of work environment you want to be a part of?

Let us tell you more.

Working at JSI through Manpower – What’s In It For You

There are many benefits to working at JSI, here are a few:

– Access to both 1st and 2nd shift schedules to meet your personal needs
– Built-in overtime
– Steady full-time work
– Reliable weekly pay
– Casual and appropriate dress code
– Work close to home
– Safe and clean work environment
– Resume-building experience
– Referral Bonus Program

Skills We Regularly Seek for Positions at JSI

We are regularly seeking out candidates with any of the following skills. If you or anyone you know possess these skills, contact us for consideration.

– Ability to accurately read a tape measure
– Proven experience using hand tools (professional or hobbiest)
– Previous manufacturing, construction, or material handling experience
– Thrives in a fast-paced environment
– Willingness to work with people from varying backgrounds
– High level of focus and attention to detail
– Desire to work hard and openness to learning
– Demonstrated history of reliability
– Works with a personal commitment to safety

Jobs We Regularly Are Recruiting For

Below you will find a list of some of the common positions we hire for. We encourage anyone who is looking to jumpstart their career to contact Manpower so we can help you achieve that employment goal. To learn more or to apply for any of the positions below, please contact our recruitment team.  Please keep in mind our needs change regularly so this list is not exhaustive.

-Assemblers
-Builders
-Material Handlers
-Shipping & Receiving Clerks
-Inventory Clerks

To be considered for work at JSI, please forward your resume to bangor.me@manpower.com, text “JSI” to 560-0913, or click the link below to fill out our brief contact form and one of our team members will be in touch.

These days, most talk about safety in the workplace revolves around COVID-19. While that is a very important conversation to prioritize as this pandemic evolves, it is also important that we not lose sight of the many other ways that we need to keep ourselves safe at work.  Here are some basic safety tips to keep in mind as you go about your workday:

	Be Mindful of Ergonomics Proper ergonomics are a key component of preventing injury and discomfort. Avoid hunching or other awkward positions that put unnecessary strain on your body. If it’s not possible to maintain a natural posture and comfortable bodily position at your workstation, then speak with your employer about making adjustments to optimize the safety of your setup.
	Don’t Operate Equipment Without Training Never operate machinery or equipment that you haven’t been trained on. While it may look as simple as pushing a button, it could be very dangerous if you are not aware of the required safety precautions. Taking the time to learn the proper procedures will help keep everyone out of harm’s way.
	Follow Your Employer’s Safety Guidelines Every work environment is different, so the types of safety considerations that are needed vary from company to company. Your employer has established guidelines that are unique to the risks of your particular job and worksite, so for everyone’s safety, it is important to familiarize yourself with these guidelines and abide by them at all times.
	Report Safety Hazards If you see something unsafe or you have questions or concerns about something that is happening in the workplace, promptly bring it to the attention of your supervisor. Prevention is key to a hazard-free work environment, so it is important to address such issues as soon as possible.

Manpower has partnered with the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Central Maine Human Resources Association to host an informative webinar for Maine employers covering Recruitment Marketing in the New Normal. 

What We Will Discuss:

-What Are the Current Challenges

-Who Your Available Workforce Is

-What Are Candidates Expecting

-How to Strategically Recruit

-How to Retain Talent

Cost:

Free for CMHRA Members

$15 Chamber Members

$20 Non-Chamber Members

All proceeds go to the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

Want someone else to do the hiring for you? Manpower can help!

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If you are looking for steady, long-term work at one of Maine’s most well recognized and respected companies, Manpower has what you are looking for! We have many jobs available at Idexx Laboratories in Westbrook, Maine.

Are you also looking for work that has meaning? If so,  you will love working here; IDEXX is undeniably a company where you know that the work you do is making a difference and provides value. IDEXX is an innovative Maine based company that serves the world through laboratory diagnostic services and products.

Here is what one of our proud associates had to say: “I had been trying to get into IDEXX directly through the company and hadn’t heard back; working with Manpower made it easy for me to get my foot in the door.”

Positions offered at IDEXX span from entry-level to highly technical and experienced.

Jobs Available at IDEXX through Manpower – What’s In It For You

Chances are you want your employment to be mutually beneficial. At IDEXX, you will work in a state-of-the-art facility, and enjoy the benefits listed below:

– A great opportunity
– Competitive pay
– Jobs on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift
– Reliable Weekly Pay
– Onsite amenities
– Workplace Is On The Bus Line
– High Energy Team Environment
– Knowing Your Work Has Value
– Resume Building Experience
– Referral Bonus Program

Skills We Regularly Seek for Positions at IDEXX

Manpower is always looking for candidates with any of the skills listed below. To find out if you are a good match for any of our positions at IDEXX contact us.

– Solid work history
– Demonstrated reliability
– Desire and ability to work with a team
– Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
– Prior manufacturing/warehouse experience a plus
– Ability to understand and carefully follow written instructions
– High level of focus and attention to detail
– Laboratory and/or technical experience
– Computer skills  (Word, Excel, Email)
– Solid math skills

Positions We Are Actively Recruiting For

We encourage anyone who is looking to join the IDEXX team to contact Manpower so we can help.

Click on any of the job titles below to see a complete description and to apply.

– Instrument Technicians
– 2nd Shift Production Workers 
– Warehouse Associates
– 2nd Shift Instrument Technicians
– Production – All Shifts

To be considered for work at IDEXX please forward your resume to portland.me@manpower.com or click the link below to fill out our brief contact form and one of our team members will be in touch.

The thought of finding a job or going back to work during a pandemic can be downright anxiety-inducing. In addition to adjusting to a new environment or getting back into the groove of your daily routine, you’re probably thinking more about safety than ever before: What can I do to minimize my risk of exposure? How do I plan for a safe return to work?

Keep reading to learn more about some simple CDC-recommended methods you can use to keep yourself safe while transitioning back into the work environment.

Wash your hands often.

The CDC recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. While washing your hands is always a good idea, doing so is particularly important before and after your shifts and breaks, after using the restroom, before eating or preparing food, after putting on or removing a face mask, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth – especially with unwashed hands.

Routinely clean & disinfect frequently touched objects.

The more often something is touched, and the more people it is touched by, the greater the risk of it becoming contaminated with things you don’t want to introduce to your body. Make a habit of periodically wiping down your workstation, phone, keyboard, doorknobs, or other frequently used tools and materials. If possible, avoid using other people’s phones, desks, tools, and equipment. If unavoidable, be sure to clean and disinfect them before and after use.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing.

If a tissue isn’t available, use the inside of your elbow. Dispose of used tissues and wash your hands immediately. COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets, so if you are unknowingly infected, your coughs and sneezes may pose a real threat to others around you. Following this tip is easy to do and will help reduce that threat.

Wear a face mask when possible.

Since COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets, it makes sense that creating a barrier between your respiratory tract & those droplets can offer some protection from COVID-19. When possible, wear a face mask, and be sure it covers both your mouth and nose for maximum protection.  If you choose a reusable cloth face covering, washing them daily is recommended. You should throw disposable masks away after one use.

Practice social distancing.

Avoid large gatherings and maintain a distance of at least six feet from others when possible. Being in close proximity with others increases the risk of COVID-19 transmission – and the risk is further amplified when in close proximity with a large of number of people or for an extended period of time. You should avoid congregating in groups near the water cooler, break room, or other common areas.

Stay home if you’re sick, and inform your supervisor if you have a sick family member at home.

Reducing exposure to COVID-19 helps keep everyone safe, so stay home if you’re sick. Notify your supervisor if you have a sick family member at home – it may be necessary to quarantine even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, depending on the specifics of your situation. Always be honest with your employer about your symptoms and whether you have been exposed to someone that is sick, because it is better to err on the side of caution than risk putting yourself or others in harm’s way. And as always, if you are feeling unwell or are unsure if you should be quarantining, check with your healthcare provider. You can also call 211 for more COVID-19 related information.

Partner with Manpower Maine today!

Ask Manpower:

I really need to get back to work, but I’m nervous about the possibility of contracting COVID-19. What kinds of things are employers doing to keep workers safe?

Employers are finding lots of ways to adapt to their businesses to the COVID-19 pandemic so that they can keep employees, customers, and the general public as safe as possible.  We have provided examples below to help give you an idea of some steps that employers can take to minimize risk of exposure and help ensure workplace safety during COVID-19. Keep in mind that every work environment is different, so not every company will follow all of the steps below – and some employers may take additional measures that aren’t even listed here.  The way each company responds to the COVID-19 pandemic will vary greatly depending on the exposure risks of that particular workplace.

When returning to work, it is perfectly acceptable to inquire about what safety measures are being taken to protect your health. The same goes for when you are looking for work – keep an eye out for employers that advertise their enhanced safety measures, because it is a sign that the company is proactive in prioritizing employee health. If the company doesn’t advertise such information, it doesn’t mean they aren’t prioritizing safely – simply ask to learn more.

Some common safety measures that a company may implement include:

Conducting a hazard assessment.

What is the level of transmission in the local community? Where and how might employees be exposed to COVID-19 at work? How can normal business operations be adjusted to reduce or eliminate exposure? As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, companies continue to ask themselves these questions to ensure that employee and customer health remain top priorities.

Enforcing social distancing policies.

In job environments where contact with customers or coworkers is difficult to avoid, many are doing their best to enforce social distancing. The exact method of distancing depends on the nature of the job and the setup of the facility, but some common methods employers have used are: setting up plexiglass barriers at checkout stations, rearranging work stations to increase physical space between employees and customers, adjusting operating hours or employee schedules to minimize the number of people in a facility at any given time, and providing customers with curbside options so that close proximity in an indoor setting can be avoided.

Providing PPE and training employees on proper usage.

When used consistently and correctly by covering the mouth and nose, face masks or shields offer great protection. Many employers are providing face masks or shields and training on proper usage to make it easier for employees to stay safe in the workplace.

Providing hand sanitizer and/or easy access to handwashing stations.

Employers know that clean hands help keep employees, customers, and the general public safe, so many are providing hand sanitizer dispensers throughout their facilities, and setting up hand washing stations where possible. As with PPE, the idea is to make it as easy and convenient as possible for employees to maintain a healthy and safe environment.

Conducting daily health checks.

Some facilities, especially high-volume production environments that require large numbers of employees to carry out day-to-day operations, have implemented daily health checks in which they take employee temperatures and inquire about symptoms. This goal of this safety measure is to detect signs of illness as soon as possible so that exposure risk to other employees can be minimized.

Encouraging sick employees to stay home and notify management of exposure.

Employers are encouraging sick employees to stay home so that their coworkers and customers can stay healthy. In addition, they will likely ask employees to notify them of exposure to sick individuals so that they can assess risk and take appropriate steps can be taken to keep everyone safe.

Routinely cleaning facilities, especially high traffic areas.

Regular sanitization of high-traffic areas is a great way to minimize contamination and keep work environments healthy and safe. Many employers are ramping up their regular cleaning schedules. This includes disinfecting high traffic areas multiple times throughout the day.

As always, you should look to your manager for guidance on addressing any safety concerns. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, so be sure to do your part.