Career tips Archives - Manpower Maine

Tag: Career tips

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Latest News
May 25, 20230

Making the Transition from Student to Staff

Congratulations Graduates!

Decorative ImageGraduation is the start of a new chapter; it marks the beginning of a new phase of life. It is a time of excitement, anticipation, and nervousness as young adults enter the workforce and start their careers. Transitioning from student to staff can be challenging, but it also presents opportunities for growth and development. With hard work and determination, new graduates can achieve success and make a positive impact in their chosen field.

Making the transition from being a student to a staff member can be a challenging experience. Here are some simple tips that can help you make a successful transition:

Network with colleagues

Building relationships with your colleagues can help you feel more comfortable in your new role. Take the time to get to know people in your department and attend social events to build your network.

Ask for feedback

When you’re new to a job, it’s important to seek feedback to help you improve. Don’t be afraid to ask your supervisor or colleagues for constructive criticism and use that feedback to make adjustments as needed.

Learn about the company culture

Every workplace has its own unique culture, so take the time to learn about the norms and values of your new organization. This can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your role.

Set realistic goals

As you begin your new role, it’s important to set realistic goals for yourself. Take the time to assess what you want to achieve in the short and long-term, and work with your supervisor to develop a plan to achieve those goals.

Take care of yourself

Starting a new job can be stressful, so it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and taking breaks throughout the day to recharge. Additionally, consider finding a mentor or joining a support group to help you navigate the challenges of your new role.

How Manpower can help

Decorative imageAt Manpower, we understand that transitioning from student to staff can be a daunting experience. That’s why we offer a range of services to support you in this journey. Here are some ways in which we can help:

Career advice

We can provide guidance on career paths that align with your skills, interests, and goals. Our team of experts can help you explore different industries and job roles and assist you in creating a career plan that works for you.

Job search support

We have access to a wide network of employers and job opportunities. We can help you refine your job search, prepare your resume and cover letter, and provide interview coaching and feedback. Most importantly we will connect you directly with employers who will be a good match for you.

Onboarding and support

Once you’ve secured a job, we will assist you with the onboarding process and provide ongoing support as you settle into your new role. We’ll be there to answer any questions you have and offer advice on how to succeed in your position.

Ongoing learning

We offer our associates a range of training and development programs to help you acquire new skills and knowledge. Whether you’re looking to upskill in your current field or transition into a new one, we have resources to support you.

At Manpower, our goal is to help you achieve your career aspirations and make a successful transition from student to staff. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can support you in this journey.

 

 

Latest News
April 24, 20230

Dialing Down Workplace Stress

Guess what? Even your dream job is going to have its fair share of stress. It’s an unavoidable reality.  Whether it is the pressure of deadlines, an upcoming performance review, a gaggle of loud customers, process/technology changes, or an annoying co-worker – stress will be part of the job. Not all stress is bad, a little stress can propel your performance. The long-term effects of stress and the anxiety that comes along with it can have a negative impact on your overall health and well-being. 

Since you cannot realistically eliminate workplace stress, your next best step is to finding ways to dial it down! Here are a few tried and true tips in honor of April being National Stress Awareness Month to help you do just that. 

Fuel Your Body 

Our stress buttons are bigger and brighter when we are not getting our basic needs met. This means it isn’t surprising that your body and nervous system are going to be on high alert if it isn’t nourished. The first thing you can do to mitigate stress is to keep your body fueled through good nutrition, exercise, and sleep. So, get that blood moving, curb those hunger pains, and snuggle into a warm blanket to turn down that inner volume.  

Get Yourself Organized 

Another strategy to turn down your internal sirens is by leaning into your executive functioning skills. These are core mental skills that will help to keep you focused and moving in the right direction. So, grab a calendar, pad of paper, tablet, or some sticky-notes and make a plan. Make a list of what is stressing you out and make a list of what you need to get done. How are you spending your time? Can you adjust it to better serve your current situation? Keep your workspace organized and be sure you have ease of access to the tools you need to get the job done.  

Limit Unnecessary Distractions 

Perhaps some of your stress is being magnified by the noise of unnecessary distractions. This includes getting yourself caught up in workplace drama, watercooler gossip, or the rabbit hole that is social media. By limiting your exposure to unnecessary distractions, you are not letting that negative energy influence your mood and increase your stress level. So, give yourself permission to take a break from toxic people and social media.  

Practice Regular Selfcare 

Days are long, but life is short. Make yourself a priority. As adults we often lose ourselves in a sea of responsibilities. It is critical to your overall wellness to practice regular selfcare. What is selfcare? That is entirely based on individual preference. What makes you feel whole? What feeds your soul? Make time for yourself, whatever it is.  

Seek Professional Support 

Look, life is hard. Sometimes, despite your best efforts to mitigate, manage, or reduce stress you fall short of doing so. Many health issues can be attributed to sustained stress and anxiety and the best possible thing you can do is access professional support. Seeking guidance is a sign of strength and is an incredible opportunity to build yourself a toolbox filled with a full range of tools to help you deal with the many stressors that affect your life. You can find several resources here if you need: https://211maine.org/mental-health/ 

Remember, stress is a normal part of life and there are many simple things you can do starting right now to minimize its negative impact on your daily life. Focus on what you can control and develop strategies to drown out the noise of the stuff you can’t. 

Latest News
May 21, 20200

Ask Manpower: Following Up After The Interview

Ask Manpower:

I had an interview at a company I really want to work for, and I left feeling good about how it went – but it has been a couple of weeks and I haven’t heard back. Would it be appropriate to reach out to them?

Congratulations on securing an interview – that in and of itself is an accomplishment to be proud of. Chances are if you left feeling positive about how it went, then more than likely you made a genuine connection with the job, the company, and the person interviewing and that is no small fete. Waiting to hear back about a job that you are interested in can be nerve-wracking – but there are a few things you can do throughout the interview process to help.

Inquire upfront about their timeline.

Make sure you are entering into an interview with the understanding that it is a dialogue. All too often job seekers go into an interview thinking that the employer is the only one making a decision. Not only is the employer trying to decide if you have the skills, experience, and will work well with their team – you should be trying to make decisions of your own. Is this where you want to be, what you want to do, and who you want to work with? The answers can be uncovered by asking the right questions in your interview, one of which should be inquiring about their hiring timeline. By asking about their timeline, you will get insight into their process and potentially on their overall culture. Do they drag their feet making decisions? Are they impulsive in their choices? These are some insights into organizational thought processes and employment stability.

Make the most of your thank you email.

If you aren’t doing so already, be sure to send a thank you email after each interview you have – even if you have decided that position isn’t right for you. Letting a hiring manager know you are appreciative of their time and formally notifying them of your interest moving forward is always appreciated. You can also use this thank you email to ask if they have any other questions that you may be able to answer for them to help them in their decision-making process and get clarity on next steps. A thank you email should be brief, to the point, and preferably sent after 1 or 2 business days – which is a reasonable timeframe to demonstrate that you are not just going through the motions, but really took the time to reflect on your meeting with them.

Send an appropriate and well-timed follow up.

Hopefully you have followed the recommendations above and that has allowed you a window into the employer’s projected timeline. If so, you will easily know when a good time to follow up is. Let’s say the employer noted that they had a couple more interviews this week and plan to follow up with candidates early next week; your best course of action is to follow up by phone or email in the middle of that next week, and gently ask if they have made any decisions. If the timeline was more fluid or nebulous it is generally safe to follow up after two weeks. Hiring processes can take time and sometimes a job opening could even be placed on hold. For example, with all that is going on in the world around us, employers may be preparing for anticipated needs or have experienced an unexpected business interruption. Following up with an employer for a status update is perfectly acceptable, but you want to be careful of coming across as pushy or desperate, as it can leave a negative impression.

Continue your job search.

You have heard the expression that you shouldn’t ‘put all your eggs in one basket’ and your career is a terrific example of that. No matter how intriguing a particular opportunity is, or how well you think an interview went, it is in your best interest to continue to search with as much tenacity as if you had no viable job prospects. You do not want to leave anything to chance, and with so many other people out there looking for work right now, it is quite possible that no matter how stellar of a candidate you are, you may be the second choice for the job. The best way to control the overall outcome of your job search is to keep putting your eggs in different baskets until one fully hatches.

Let Manpower Help You Make A Great Impression!
Latest News
March 30, 20200

Tips to Thrive – Career Development

Growing your career is an exciting but sometimes confusing process. If you’re just starting out or are trying to break into a new field, navigating next steps can be especially tricky. Follow the tips below to get yourself on the path to career growth, no matter where you’re starting out!

Never Stop Learning

One of the best ways to avoid stagnancy and keep your skills growing is to make a habit of seeking out new learning opportunities. Does your employer, area career center, or local adult education offer any training programs that may be of interest? Do you have a friend that is well-versed in a software program that could help you advance in your job? You’ll see learning opportunities everywhere if you are looking for them.

Say Yes to New Opportunities

Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and take on new projects, experiences, or responsibilities when are they presented to you. Conquering new challenges not only builds confidence, it can also help you discover new strengths and uncover exciting opportunities you may not even have considered yet!

Tap into Your Network

Do you know someone who is working in a field you’d love to get into? Reach out! Getting more information about how they got started and what kind of experience was needed can help you figure out what steps you need to take to reach your goals. If they know you well enough to vouch for your work ethic and dependability, they may even be willing to give you a referral!
 

Ask For (and Accept) Feedback

Constructive criticism is a powerful professional development tool, because it provides you with insight on yourself that you may not have been able to obtain otherwise. Ask your supervisor for feedback periodically, and don’t get defensive if it is difficult to hear – remember, they want you to succeed! Pause, reflect on the feedback, and ask clarifying questions if needed.

Want more tips to help you thrive in the world of work? Click below.

 

     

Latest News
March 30, 20200

Soft Skills Learned Through Customer Service

There is much to be learned at any job you hold in your life. Skills that can be incredibly useful in a number of future professions. Whether working in retail, hospitality, food service, or in a call center – when you are serving customers, you are learning skills that are highly desired by any company.

Here are some of the most sought-after skills you will gain from a job in customer service.

Listening

Active listening is a skill that will help you in any position you ever hold. When we say active listening, we mean that you are truly using both ears to hear the message that another is conveying. All too often, people listen merely to respond instead of listening to understand, process, and move forward. When dealing with customers you are listening for a number of things – their needs, their concerns, their frustrations, and their expectations.

Communication

Effective communication is key to long-term success. It is not just about being able to speak, it is about being able to clearly, appropriately, and confidently get a message to the intended recipients. Communication is not limited to just speaking, it is conveyed through writing, your tone of voice, your choice of words, and your body language.

Problem-Solving

Issues that people have can range from simple to extraordinarily complex. Being able to ask the right questions, identify the problem, and then troubleshoot the challenges to identify a solution is a skill that every employer is looking for. Companies want to know that their team members can think both inside and outside of the box to meet their customers’ needs. That ability stems from people’s ability to use their critical thinking skills.

Adaptability

Change is the only constant. If you are planning on things always staying the same, or are stuck in the habit of thinking the way you have always done things will always be the best way, you are setting yourself up for failure. All things evolve, which means that you need to demonstrate adaptability. Staying flexible, opening your mind to new ideas, and keeping your skills fresh will serve you well in any job you ever hold.

Time Management

Competing priorities, hard deadlines, and time-wasters impact us all. Being able to effectively manage your minutes will help keep you on track and demonstrate your value. Once you are able to quickly identify the objective, provide exceptional service while remaining efficient, and plan your work out accordingly, you will notice an increase in both productivity and satisfaction.

Increase Your Service Skills

It is never too late to increase your customer service skills. Whether you take on a new job, pick up a volunteer opportunity, or simply recognize who your current customer is (even within your organization) – you can reflect on and refine your skills. Start today!

Latest News
January 21, 20200

Tips to Thrive – Build Your Resume

Your resume should be an ongoing work in progress. What that means is that to thrive in the world of work, you always want to be thinking about how you are growing your professional skills and how they factor into your resume. Every job provides learning and growth opportunities, and it is up to you to recognize those opportunities and take advantage of them.

Say Yes to Opportunities

Whether you are asked to take on new responsibilities, participate in a training, or shift departments, you should consider each opportunity that is put in front of you. While not every opportunity will be right for you, don’t allow yourself to be so risk averse that you fail to seize an opportunity for growth.

Acknowledge All Growth

Redwood trees didn’t grow overnight, and neither will your professional skillset. All growth is incremental, and you need to acknowledge the seemingly inconsequential improvements you make. Success is built one step at a time and every step forward you take is something to be recognized.

Embrace Change

The only constant is change, and learning how to quickly embrace it will set you apart from all the rest. When a change presents itself, don’t wallow in what once was – instead, be the one leaning in and moving forward. Change can be scary because there are so many unknowns, but if you embrace it and commit to being successful no matter what, you will thrive.
 

Keep a Success Journal

Chances are you experience several professional wins and successes throughout the year. It is also likely that you celebrate those successes very briefly, move on quickly, and tend to forget about them. Keeping a journal where you record professional successes will not only provide you with a motivator when times get tough, it will also be helpful should you need to recall them for someone else.
 

Keep Your Resume Up to Date

Sometimes people forget that their resume is a living and breathing document, and they tend to only dust it off when they find themselves looking for a new job. Unless you are actively looking for work, it is a good idea to review and update your resume every six to twelve months. Keeping your resume up to date allows you to really reflect on your professional accomplishments and highlight the most notable ones.

Want more tips to help you thrive in the world of work? Click below.
Latest News
January 21, 20200

Make Your Resume Work For You

Resumes are to job seeking as tires are to cars. They are a core component to helping move you forward. They need regular updating and maintenance, and there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all. Knowing this, what can you do to ensure that your resume is working for you?

Less is More

One of the most common misconceptions about resumes is that they should be an exhaustive list of all your accomplishments and professional history. In actuality, a resume should be a brief advertisement that creates just enough intrigue for the reader to call you in for an interview. When preparing a resume you want to be clear, succinct, and focus on the past 10 years of work experience. Naturally, you want to highlight all of your accomplishments to help you showcase all that you bring to the table, but the reality is that less is more, and paring your resume down to no more than two pages is going to help ensure that your resume is more likely to be well-received.

Formatting Matters

You may wonder how you can stand out in a stack of 8.5 x 11in sheets of paper that all look the same – well, it is important to note that gimmicks are unlikely to help. When developing your resume, it is best to stick with traditional formatting. While you want to be noticed, stand out, and be remembered – you want that to happen for all the right reasons. Avoid using flashy fonts, colors, and images, and have trust that the content is what makes a difference.

Keep it Relevant

When preparing your resume, you should always design it for the reader. While you want to showcase your talents and skills, you must consider which of your many talents is most relevant to the job you are applying to, and the person reviewing your resume. Due to the sheer volume of resumes that an employer receives for any given position, chances are they are quickly scanning through them, seeking out certain keywords to narrow the stack down to just a couple that they are interested in speaking with. By focusing only on your relevant skills, you are greatly increasing the likelihood of being moved into the ‘yes’ pile.

Qualification Summary

It used to be that all resumes contained a section at the top called the objective. This was a simple section where an applicant would describe their career interests and goals. While a feel-good section, ultimately it never really spoke to the employer. It is said that you need to capture the reader’s attention in the first 3rd of your resume – and the best way to do that is by including a brief qualifications summary. This is where you can immediately call attention to why they should read on and consider you for the job.

Proofread

It seems that something so simple shouldn’t need to be said, but proofreading is a critical step in the resume process. Not only should you be reviewing your resume for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and relevancy – you should also rely on a trusted friend to proofread for you as well. Having that second set of eyes can make a world of difference. When someone proofreads their own writing it is easy to miss something important because you are prone to focus more on what your thoughts are versus the actual mechanics of what was written. In addition to proofreading for traditional errors, you also want to double-check that you have provided accurate and appropriate contact information.

Would You Call Yourself To Interview?

In closing, before you hit send, ask yourself – “would I call myself in for an interview?” If for any reason you are hesitant to say yes, that may signal that you need to make some adjustments to the content of your resume or possibly consider if this job is even a good fit. Remember, not every job is right for every person. Your goal is to seek out and apply to jobs that you can be successful in.

Latest News
December 23, 20190

Tips to Thrive At Work – Digital Communication

Accidentally hitting reply all or clicking on a link that releases a virus on company devices are things you want to avoid when communicating digitally. Here are some tips to help you thrive in a world filled with digital communication.

Be Mindful Of Data Security

Accidentally hitting ‘reply all’ when your message is intended for a single individual has the potential to be more than just an embarrassing mistake; it could also expose confidential information to people who aren’t authorized to access it. Always double check who you are sending your message to, and when receiving emails, be sure to verify the sender before clicking links, downloading attachments, or providing sensitive information.  #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics

Keep Your Emails Professional

Digital communication in the workplace is still communication in the workplace, so keep it appropriate, and maintain a professional tone by ensuring proper spelling and punctuation. While emojis and abbreviations are fun and convenient, they are best suited for casual communication with friends – not in an email to your supervisor. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics

Know Your Employer’s Technology Usage Policies

Unless using social media and accessing your personal email account are requirements of your job, don’t just assume that it’s allowed at work. Reading up on your employer’s policies regarding technology usage will not only help you stay in compliance, it can also help you avoid any unpleasant surprises – like learning that all your activity on a company computer or network may not be as private as you thought.#TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics
 

Own Your Digital Presence

Be mindful of the impact that your personal digital presence can have on your professional life. Content you share may be associated with or reported back to your employer – this risk is especially high if your profiles are public and list your place of work. Adjust your privacy settings accordingly if your profiles contain anything that you wouldn’t want someone at work to see. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics

 Want More Tips?

Click on the links below to access other tips we have shared throughout this series.

   
     
     
 
Latest News
December 23, 20190

Hacking Work: Digital Communication

Everything can be hacked, even the workplace. Manpower is ready to help you hack the world of work with some simple tips to thrive that will keep you moving in the right direction professionally.

The world has gone digital, which means that each and every one of us need to know how to communicate effectively in the digital sphere. Here are some quick tips to help you do just that.

 Looking for More Helpful Work Hacks?