STRATEGIES TO GETTING YOUR RESUME NOTICED!

You worked hard outlining your professional skills and credentials down on paper. Your resume looks sharp, with no grammatical errors and a neat professional appearance. Investing time in resume preparation is important in today’s highly competitive job market. Let’s explore strategies to getting your resume noticed beyond the receptionist’s desk.

STRATEGIES TO GETTING YOUR RESUME NOTICED!

1. Market Your Skills: Focus on your current skills, rather than on previous job-duties and tasks. The idea is to share occupational accomplishments that are up-to-date. 

2. Stay Simple & Interesting: Long and detailed resumes are boring and tiresome. Resumes should be no more than two pages long and easy to read. Keep informative and concise, refraining from narrative explanations.

3. Share Your Passions: It’s important to sound enthusiastic and motivated. Companies like positive people and team players. Unless you work from home or in a secluded environment, it is likely you will interact with other individuals.

4. Note Achievements: List active licenses, awards, certifications, and credentials related to the job you are seeking. 

5. Explain the “Gaps”: Share how you invested your time during periods of unemployment. For example, mention volunteer work, schooling, community service, internships, or other related activities.

6. Use Keywords: Some companies scan resumes based on keywords. They look for specific terms like “team player”, “motivated”, “eager”, “caring”, when deciding which candidates to interview. Read through the job description and pick-up words that describe the potential candidate the company is looking to hire.

7. Your Objective: The objective statement should be specific, concise (no more than 3 sentences), and descriptive. I also like to include keywords such as “motivated”, “eager”, and “passionate” in the objective statement. This section highlights what you seek, and what you have to offer the company.

For example: “I am seeking a full-time position as an Intensive Care Registered Nurse in a stable company were I can share my passion in critical care nursing. I am motivated to expand my career goals in an organization that promotes opportunities for growth.

8. Paid & Unpaid Work: Most employers ask for a work history, but your unpaid work history can be as important. Let’s say you are applying for a pharmaceutical company and you have experience from a pharmacy internship program. Including this experience on your resume can prove beneficial.

FIVE Q & A’S TO DETERMINE WHAT JOB FIT’S YOU BEST!

With so many job opportunities available, it’s crucial to determine which positions best fit your lifestyle and personality. Here is a fun Q & A to to assist in defining which employment options are worth the time and pursuit. Taking a few minutes to think about your career decisions is a worthwhile investment.

Question #1: Do you prefer routines and schedules, or does spontaneity and excitement fuel your day?

Answer: If you prefer routine or a fixed schedule, then you may want to pursue employment options that offer a determined shift such as banking, sales, and various administrative positions.

If change and variety bring a sense of career satisfaction, there are many flexibility and creativity jobs you to engage. Unpredictable circumstances are encountered frequently, especially in the medical field and in the realm of education. These career choices are great choices for individuals that enjoy freedom and change. 

Question #2: What do you find more valuable, the rate of pay or company incentives?

Answer: If there’s greater value in the hourly rate, then a high paying position may appear to be the best choice. This option may not always be in your best interest. Let’s suppose company A has an offer for a full-time position with an earning of 60,000/year. On the other hand, company B makes an offer for 50,000/year including health benefits, a company vehicle, travel expenses, and periodic performance bonuses. Although company A’s offer may seem more appealing upfront, less expenses are paid out-of-pocket and more benefits are gained with company B’s offer. It’s a good tactic to define benefits and compensations before basing your decision solely on annual income.

Question #3: Is your schedule flexible or do you have fixed days/hours of availability?

Answer: A job offer may be attractive and well paying, yet the hours of work may not suit your schedule. Take time to analyze your availability and the hours that you can commit to working.  For some individuals the evening shift is ideal, while for others working twelve hour shifts three times a week works best. The key is to examine your lifestyle, preferences, and availability. There are many employers that offer up to four and five shifts, that accommodate to their employees schedule. Research the company and learn their work schedules, shifts, and hours of operation. This will help you determine if this job best suits your current employment needs.

Question #4: Are you extroverted and social, or introverted and reserved?

Answer: If you are a people person, getting an office job or working in the pharmaceutical lab may not be the best choice regardless of pay. At first the pay may be very appealing, yet it’s important to realistically envision yourself satisfied in the job role. Introverted or reserved individuals may not feel comfortable in a very social setting like marketing and sales. Being in such positions may create anxiety or frustration for job seekers that prefer some quietness and less social interactions. Office jobs, clerical work, and writing positions may better fit these personalities.

Question #5: Does the job opportunity enhance or contribute to future career goals?

Answers: Although some employment positions are on a temporary basis, it’s best to select occupations that contribute to your career goals. For example, your career path is in business management and there are two potential job offers that catch your interest. There’s an opportunity as a Sales Manager, or another offer as a Telemarketer. Both companies pay fairly the same, but the telemarketing position is more layback and closer to home. Although the telemarketing position may seem more beneficial, in the long run the experience as a Sales Manager will be of greater value on your resume when pursuing business management.

CONFIDENCE BUILDING STRATEGIES FOR NEW GRADUATES

You invested numerous years studying the profession of your dreams and the time has arrived to launch your career. Seeking work in today’s competitive job market can be intimidating for new professional graduates. Your resume can be striking, yet presenting confidence when interviewing speaks volumes. Displaying self-assurance when seeking employment increases the likelihood of others confiding in your potential. Trust your individual skills and qualifications, building confidence on positive attributes you have to share with others.

CONFIDENCE BUILDING STRATEGIES FOR NEW GRADUATES:

1. List your qualifications, skills, and potential. Make a list of all the skills you posses that match the job description, and emphasize on these skills during your interview.  Highlighting potential abilities is also important as it shows desire for career growth and personal development.

2. Have assurance in your abilities. All the necessary educational requirements, training, research, and/or testing has been completed. Rather than focusing on the lack of work experience, concentrate on personal accomplishments that have lead you to this point. There is much you can share in your professional field!

3. Take this time as a learning experience. Transitioning from being a student to a professional can be nerve-wracking. It’s a time period of new roles, expectations, and responsibilities. Starting a career requires patience and self-acceptance, understanding experience comes with time and practice.

4. Request feedback from hiring managers after each interview. Receiving negative feedback is no fun, but sometimes necessary. Feedback allows for introspection and also helps build interviewing skills.

TIPS TO SIMPLIFY RETIREMENT PLANNING

You’ve invested years into the workforce and are now considering retirement. What factors drive some people to retire sooner or later in life? Is there a specific age-range that’s best to retire? Planning for retirement is unique for each individual’s situation and goals. Optimal timing for retirement depends on the person’s needs, aspirations, and financial position. It’s important to maintain flexible and open to new possibilities when planning for retirement. 

THINKING OF RETIREMENT? CONSIDER THIS:

1. How many years have you been in the workforce? Social Security collects a portion of your employment income, accumulating funds for when ready to retire. Social Security provides detailed benefit information based on age, work history, and income. Applying for benefits is also possible on the Social Security website. According to AARP, the longer you wait to collect Social Security after age of 62 the greater the return. AARP comments further, “For each year you delay, your Social Security benefits will increase between 7 percent and 8 percent up to age 70, depending on your year of birth.”

2. Determine monthly income and monthly expenses. Jot down all sources of income and expenses for each month. This provides detailed information on financial obligations needed when considering retirement options.

3. Which sources of income will commence upon retiring and which will cease? List new sources of income such as Social Security, 401K’s or other retirement plans, savings, investments, and others. Also review income sources that will cease or decreases, and include updated financial figures to your retirement planning list.

4. It’s never too late to strategize for retirement. Regardless of age or work experience there are many options available. Seek assistance from a financial expert who can provide retirement options based on your goals and financial needs.

5. Working is still an option after retirement. Seeking employment after retiring is a choice for individuals who require extra income or enjoy working. There is a limit to the number of work hours allowed when receiving Social Security benefits. Consult with Social Security to make sure you’re keeping within their guidelines.

*All suggestions should be discussed with a professional who specializes in retirementment prior to implenting any ideas discussed in this article. This article is only intended for informational purposes.

2nd Harvest Heartland

Our team had so much fun volunteering at 2nd Harvest Heartland last year, that we did it again!  A group of us got together and spent another evening packaging boxes of food.  We partnered with others in the community to prepare 757 boxes of food.  Each of these boxes contained nearly 30 meals for someone in our community.   This truly is one of our favorite ways to volunteer our time to help others. 

https://www.2harvest.org/second-harvest-heartland-local-minnesota-wisconsin-food-bank

Keystaff Professionals volunteering at 2nd Harvest Heartland
Keystaff Professionals volunteering at 2nd Harvest Heartland

Toys For Tots 2022

We did it again! Midwest Staffing and KeyStaff Professionals participated in the 2022 “Toys for Tots Campaign”.  We decided to put a goal in place, to collect more than 500 toys this year.  Our 8 branch offices worked together, with some friendly competition, to gather as many toys as we could.  On the final collection day, we slid in with 579 toys, collected and ready to be dropped off at the local collection site.  Putting big smiles on children’s faces Christmas morning makes us so happy!! 

10 TIPS FOR CONFLICT-RESOLUTION WHEN DEALING WITH DIFFICULT COWORKERS

Tip #1 Pinpoint problematic behaviors:

Take note of demands, insults, or other rude comments done by a colleague or team members at work. This information may come in handy if you need to schedule a meeting with a supervisor. Some challenging behaviors include arrogance, moodiness, jealousy, extreme competitiveness, rudeness, selfishness, demanding, derogatory statements, yelling, making fun of others, and mean comments.

Tip #2 Assess the situation:

Is it common for the individual to behave in this manner, or can they be having a bad day? It’s important not to take things personal if someone is having a hard day at work. On the other hand, some individuals like to complicate matters for everyone else. Ask yourself the following questions: Is this person simply having a difficult day? Are factors in his/her personal life triggering negative responses towards others at work?

Tip #3 Identify the problem:

Do you notice the same behaviors with other coworkers, or does it appear to be a personal issue? Perhaps this employee has a short fuse and gets upset easily. Other times employee frustrations result from the role of a particular individual(s) in the company. For example, if you were chosen for the manager position regardless of another employees seniority in the company. In this case, frustration is taken out on the individual for the position they hold, not for personal traits. If this employee were to be demoted, the problematic behaviors from the coworker would most likely dissipate. There are also employees, who don’t like individuals who hold leadership positions. Again, it’s not a personal issue, but rather a generalized attitude towards individuals who sustain managerial positions in the workforce.

Tip #4 Confront the problem:

Once you’ve taken time to identify the problem it’s important to confront the situation. Unresolved issues tend to worsen over time, partly related to assumptions and the buildup of negative emotions. If you find it safe to speak directly with the individual, do so with caution and in a professional manner. It’s best to involve a third party such as a manger or supervisor who can direct the situation and assist with problem-solving strategies.

Tip #5 Maintain a positive attitude:

Regardless of the final outcome keep a positive attitude. No one person is liked by all, meaning we will likely experience disapproval from another at some point in our lives. It’s advisable not to take another’s actions personal, but rather to focus on fulfilling your job role. Maintaining a professional relationship with coworkers is key for job fulfillment. Although it may be challenging to uphold a good attitude with difficult coworkers, it serves as a personal benefit and gratification to keep positive.

Tip #6 Stay professional:

Don’t lower your standards and professional conduct for anyone. Even if you are informed of others who are spreading rumors or gossiping about you, don’t fall into the trap. In time people will notice your character and those of problematic coworkers.

Tip #7 Uphold confidentiality:

Refrain from sharing your personal circumstance with other employees. Keep things private between the difficult employee and your supervisor. There is no need for others to get involved.

Tip #8 Show kindness:

Displaying kindness eventually offsets challenging behaviors. The challenging co-worker will realize that his/her tactics are simply not working. Even if the issue continues, your consideration will be evident to other coworkers who can serve as a support system and advocates if need arises.

Tip #9 Change your work environment:

If possible request a transfer to another department or office space. Some companies offer various work shifts, allowing for flexibility in work days and time. Other organizations have multiple locations permitting for employee transfers within the company.

Tip #10 Stay true to your character:

Regardless of another’s behavior, stand your ground and stay true to your character. Don’t hand your potential with the company to someone else. Interact as little as possible with problematic individuals. When assigned projects with such coworkers keep conversations to the point, stay polite, and be confident in your skills as a valuable employee to the company.

American Cancer Society & Foxtrot 1/2K

Midwest Staffing & KeyStaff Professionals were fortunate to be part of an exciting event, hosted by SafeNet Consulting, to raise money for the American Cancer Society.  The evening was full of stories, a 1/2K walk-run, music, silent auction fun, and photobooth photos!  Raising money for a cause that touches every one of us is so rewarding and we are grateful for the opportunity!

Toys for Tots 2021

Midwest Staffing and KeyStaff Professionals participated in the 2021 “Toys for Tots Campaign”.  We got a little bit of a late start, but between our branches, we gathered well over 200 toys and games!

We are so proud to give back to such an amazing cause knowing that it’s putting big smiles on children’s faces Christmas morning!! 

We are looking forward to participating this year and hoping gather even more toys!!

Second Harvest Heartland Event

To quote everyone’s favorite ogre, “Ogres are like onions. Layers, onions have layers.” – Shrek.

It’s so gratifying when we can partner with such amazing local organizations like Second Harvest Heartland and do just that. At Second Harvest Heartland, they believe no one should ever go hungry, as our region produces more than enough food for everyone. Second Harvest was created in 2001 after joining their MSP and St Paul organizations to bring 44 years of history together! Second Harvest is one of the nation’s largest hunger relief organizations and we at Midwest Staffing and KeyStaff Professionals are proud to be able to partner with them!

So, why onions? Well, just like we have layers at Midwest and KeyStaff, so did Second Harvest that fateful night in January! I mean, literally bags and bags of ONIONS that were donated by local farmers that were as tall as our shortest person on the team. In 2.5 hours, we went through 88 bags of those wonderfully, layered vegetables, or 3,608 lbs. CRAZY! If that doesn’t get your socks knocked off, well, all our onion sorting powers provided 3,066 meals to deserving families and broken down each person that night contributed 177 meals, so we all worked up some sweat!

Second Harvest offers many volunteer opportunities to the community, and they make it incredibly easy to join and give back. If you would like to learn more about them, donate, or sign up to volunteer you can visit their website at: https://www.2harvest.org/about_us/