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. 

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!