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Back to Basics: Boundaries in the Job Search

There’s just so much to do in the job search – when you’re trying to update and edit your resume, browse jobs, research companies, request references, and find the right opportunity that meets all of your needs – boundaries are probably the last thing on your mind. However, understanding and honoring boundaries is important to your success in the job search and beyond. Read this before your next interview to help you get a clear understanding of boundaries that you may encounter in the process:

Observe the Rules

When you visit any place of business, it’s likely that you will encounter a variety of signage – including things such as where to park, where you can wait, whether cell phones are allowed, or warning what areas are off-limits to non-employees. These are all clear boundaries that have been set by the company, and it is very important to observe them. By respecting these boundaries, you are demonstrating that you are both observant and willing to follow the rules – two qualities that all employers like to see in potential employees.

Respect Personal Space

It is important to recognize that people have varying levels of comfort when it comes to physical space, and if you don’t know someone well enough to know what their level of comfort is, it’s best to err on the side of caution. A handshake is perfectly acceptable, but don’t assume that someone is comfortable with a touch on the arm or pat on the shoulder. Keep in mind that respecting spatial boundaries doesn’t just mean avoiding direct touching – it can also mean not hovering or talking too closely, leaning over their desk, or fidgeting with their personal belongings.  Being mindful of personal space in this way ensures a comfortable experience for all, allowing your interviewer’s focus to remain right where you want it – on the qualities that make you a great fit for the job!

Don’t Overshare

There’s no need for an interview to be an uncomfortable experience; it’s an excellent opportunity for both the company and applicant to determine if they can be successful together. However, don’t let yourself get too comfortable and cross professional boundaries by divulging excessive personal information. Even if you’ve built a good rapport with your interviewer, sharing personal stories that aren’t relevant to the job has the potential to create some unnecessary awkward moments, or worse, create doubts about your professionalism. To have a great interview and enhance your chances of success, it’s important to understand the balance between friendliness and professionalism; be friendly with your interviewer, but know that intimate details about your life are best saved for conversations with your friends.

Be Respectful of Other People’s Time

Of course, you want to be respectful of your interviewer’s time by showing up prepared and on time for your scheduled appointment. However, you might not have realized that being respectful of an employer’s time also applies to not overextending your visit. You don’t need to hustle out of there as fast as you can- by all means, ask questions about the job and company, and get the information you need to make an informed decision about your employment. However, once both you and the company are done discussing the job, it’s time to start making your exit. It’s not that you’re not welcome – employers enjoy meeting and getting to know people who are interested in being part of their team – but most places of business have tight schedules to abide by, so each appointment can only be allotted so much time. Pay attention to the conversation and to your interviewer’s cues – when it feels like the conversation is coming to a natural close and the employer thanks you for time, stands up, or otherwise indicates that they have other things to take care of, it is time to go. Thank them for their time and let them know you are looking forward to hearing back from them about the position.

These are some very basic ways to demonstrate you are capable of respecting professional and personal boundaries, and following these tips will help you be successful in any setting.

Whether you are looking for a new job or your next great employee, Manpower is here to help.

Contact one of our staffing experts today!

Latest News

Hacking Work: Cooperation Video Tips

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 of work runs much more smoothly when everyone works together – which is why every hiring manager looks for people who are cooperative team players. But what does being a team player look like in the workforce? Here are a few quick video tips covering some essential practices.

 Looking for More Helpful Work Hacks?

 
Latest News

Hacking Work: Communication Video Tips

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 of work runs much more smoothly when everyone works together – which is why every hiring manager looks for people who are cooperative team players. But what does being a team player look like in the workforce? Here are a few quick video tips covering some essential practices.

 Looking for More Helpful Work Hacks?

 
Latest News

Demonstrating Cooperation in the Workplace

They say “teamwork makes the dream work,” and the world of work is a classic example of how that can play out. When people within an organization work together, chances are the entire business will be overwhelmingly successful. However, when people within a company are looking out for ‘number one,’ instead of the whole, results are stifled.

Every employer wants to hire people that can work well as a team, here are simple ways that you can demonstrate that you are a team player.

Work Towards Shared Goals

Successful companies are clear about their goals and share those goals with everyone in their employ. Every job within that company has been designed to help achieve those goals and support the mission. When you recognize that you share the same goals and are all playing your part in working towards them, amazing things happen. Teams that work on shared goals in a cooperative way are going to be more successful, experience less drama and conflict, and have increased job satisfaction.

Set Aside Personal Differences

There are going to be people that you work with that you may not connect with on a personal level, and that is perfectly okay. What is not okay is allowing personal differences to impact how you work with someone. Personal differences and personality conflicts must get checked at the door. You don’t have to be friends with everyone you work with, you don’t have to connect with everyone on social media, but you must respect diversity in the workplace and recognize the value that diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and belief systems bring to the team.

Follow Through on Your Commitments

When you accept a job offer, you are making a commitment to the company and agreeing to perform your job to the best of your ability, each and every day. It is up to you to do your part. This requires that you work to effectively manage your time, eliminate distractions, ask for help if you are falling short in any areas, and communicate with those relying on you if you are unable to meet your commitments. It is incredibly empowering to own your own performance and results.

Recognize the Value of Others

Every person in the organization, from the one who is responsible for keeping the bathrooms clean and free of germs, the parking lot free of hazards, the person ordering the supplies, working on the backend of your website, to the one sitting at the helm planning the future – brings tremendous value and their work is important. All work is noble, and each person should feel good about how they contribute to the whole – and anyone who discounts another’s value is doing a disservice to the organization. Take the time to thank the people you work with – your sincere gratitude will be well received and greatly appreciated.

It Should Never be Personal

There will be times when you are on the receiving end of critical feedback, or perhaps you are the one providing the feedback – either way, avoid making it personal. This is one of the hardest things for people in the workforce. Giving and receiving critical feedback is not an enjoyable task, but it is important for professional growth. When discussing feedback, all involved must keep it professional and have the mindset that feedback is intended to be helpful. No matter how amazing a person is, there is always room for growth – check egos at the door and see feedback as a positive action designed to help.

If you are a team-player that is looking for a place to work where your efforts are valued, or an employer looking to add someone like that to your team – contact Manpower!

Latest News

Tips to Thrive At Work – Cooperation

All employers are looking for employees that have the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Being a team player requires a firm grasp of what cooperation looks like in the workplace. Here are some simple tips to help you thrive in a cooperative fashion at work.

Set Aside Personal Differences

There are going to be people you work with that you don’t connect with on a personal level, and that’s okay – you don’t have to be best friends with everyone. The important thing is that you are able to set personal differences aside and work together to achieve shared goals and support the company’s mission. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics

Follow Through With Your Work

When you work with a team, people are counting on you to see your duties through to completion. Everyone’s work is interconnected, so if you don’t do your part, you may be delaying the work of others and negatively impacting the team’s success. Completing your work in a timely and efficient manner will help keep the whole team moving in a productive direction. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics

Respect Diversity

Each person and every department brings a unique value to the team. Different backgrounds, skills, and professional experiences contribute fresh perspectives, new ideas, and opportunities for innovation. Be respectful of the differences of others and recognize that while they may not always do things the way you would do them, their contribution is equally important. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics

 

Give Credit Where Credit is Due

When you achieve a milestone at work or your department accomplishes a major goal, don’t forget all the other team members or departments that helped make it possible. Celebrating shared successes is great for morale and goes a long way in helping people feel respected, appreciated, and included. What workplace couldn’t use more of that energy? #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics

 Want More Tips?

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

   
     
   
Latest News

Upcoming Events

Oct. 2

Portland CareerCenter

151 Jetport Blvd.

 

Portland CareerCenter Job Fair

Are you ready to work in Greater Portland? Attend this job fair being hosted by the Portland CareerCenter. Come meet with a Manpower Recruiter to talk about your skills, experience, and all the opportunities we may have available for you along with many other employers. This event is set to run from 11:30-3p. 

Oct. 7

Lewiston CareerCenter

5 Mollison Way

Lewiston CareerCenter Job Fair

Are you ready to work in Greater Lewiston/Auburn? Attend this job fair being hosted by the Lewiston CareerCenter. Come meet with a Manpower Recruiter to talk about your skills, experience, and all the opportunities we may have available for you along with many other employers. This event is set to run from 10-12n. 

Oct. 10

LL Bean Learning Commons

29 Sewall St, Brunswick

Open Interviews in Brunswick

Attention Brunswick area job seekers, we will be hosting interviews for a number of open positions we are actively hiring for in the area on October 10 at the Southern Midcoast CareerCenter. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 784-9353 or text “Jobs” to 207-560-0906. Walk-ins are welcome!

Oct. 11

Franklin Memorial Hospital – Bass Room

111 Franklin Health Commons

Open Interviews in Milo

If you are looking for work in the greater Milo area, we want to make it easy for you to speak with a recruiter! We will once again be meeting with candidates at the Milo town office on October 11, from 9a-12n. Please call 942-6178 to schedule your interview or text “milo” to 560-0913.

Oct. 16

All Manpower Offices

 

HireME Day

Looking for work can sometimes feel like a very impersonal process, Manpower is here to change that. We take the time to speak with anyone interested in exploring career options in order to understand their unique skills and experience. We do this in order to help you get noticed by the right employers and land jobs that match your qualifications. On Wednesday, Oct 16th we are encouraging everyone who is looking for work to stop into a Manpower office to start a conversation about career options available. For more information click here.

Oct. 17

KVCC Alfond Campus Gymnasium

23 Stanley Rd, Hinkley

Northern Kennebec Valley Job Fair

If you are looking for work in the Northern Kennebec Valley region, this is a job fair you want to be at. Not only can you meet with a Manpower Recruiter to discuss the variety of openings we have available, but you can also connect with many other hiring managers. This event is scheduled to run from 12n-3p. For more information click here.

Oct. 21

Nonantum Resort

95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport 

Winter Hiring Fair

Calling all job seekers in York County and the Seacoast, NH area! Nonantum Resort is hosting a job fair to help people from the area make solid employment connections. Come to the resort from 11-2p to connect with several area employers. For more information click here.

Oct. 21

Anah Shriners

1404 Broadway, Bangor

 

22nd Annual Fall Career Fair

Attention Bangor area job seekers, this is a hiring event you don’t want to miss. This annual job fair is hosted by the Tri-County CareerCenter and is filled with employers (like Manpower) who are commited to hiring great people. Stop by the Anah Shriners and talk up your skills with employers between 12:30-4:30p. For more information click here

Oct. 21

Anah Shriners

1404 Broadway, Bangor

 

Augusta CareerCenter Job Fair

Are you ready to work in Greater Augusta? Attend this job fair being hosted by the Augusta CareerCenter. Come meet with a Manpower Recruiter to talk about your skills, experience, and all the opportunities we may have available for you along with many other employers. This event is set to run from 2-4p. 

Oct. 21

Anah Shriners

1404 Broadway, Bangor

Open Interviews in Springvale

Attention York County area job seekers, we will be hosting interviews for a number of open positions we are actively hiring for in the area on October 21 at the York County CareerCenter. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 284-0595 or text “Jobs” to 207-518-7054. Walk-ins are welcome!

Oct. 31

Statewide

 

Happy Halloween

There isn’t much that is scarier than not knowing where your next paycheck is coming from. Treat yourself to opportunity by stopping into your nearest Manpower office to discuss all the positions we have available!

Nov. 6

American Legion Post 24

184 Congress St, Rumford

Oxford County Hiring Event

Are you ready to work in greater Oxford county? Attend this job fair being hosted by the Lewiston CareerCenter. Come meet with a Manpower Recruiter to talk about your skills, experience, and all the opportunities we may have available for you along with many other employers. This event is set to run from 10-12n. 

Nov. 6

CareerCenter

91 Military St, Houlton

Open Interviews in Houlton

If you are looking for work in the greater Houlton area, we want to make it easy for you to speak with a recruiter! We will once again be meeting with candidates at the Houlton CareerCenter on November 6, from 10a-11:30a. Please call 554-4376 to schedule your interview or text “houlton” to 560-0913.

Nov. 20

All Manpower Offices

 

HireME Day

Looking for work can sometimes feel like a very impersonal process, Manpower is here to change that. We take the time to speak with anyone interested in exploring career options in order to understand their unique skills and experience. We do this in order to help you get noticed by the right employers and land jobs that match your qualifications. On Wednesday, Nov 20th we are encouraging everyone who is looking for work to stop into a Manpower office to start a conversation about career options available. For more information click here.

Latest News

Back to Basics: Cooperation in the Job Search

Every employer wants to hire people that can work well with a team – but how do you demonstrate that you’re a team player before you’ve even got your foot in the door? Showing a potential employer that you possess this quality goes beyond just saying the right things about how you’ve worked with teams in the past – you’ve got to walk the walk by being cooperative throughout the application and interviewing process. Here are a few simple ways you can use cooperation to inspire trust in your ability to thrive with a team:

Follow the Specified Application Process

Applying for the job is your first chance to demonstrate that you are cooperative and able to follow directions, so be sure to seize that opportunity to make a great first impression. Employers often specify how to apply right in their job advertisement – common methods include emailing a resume, applying through the job board the ad is on, or applying through a portal located on the company’s website. Read through the ad carefully and follow the process they’ve asked you to. By doing this, you not only send the message that you’re cooperative and paying attention to detail, but you also help expedite the timely processing of your application by sending it through the preferred channels.

Answer Questions Honestly

Being friendly and cooperative in the interview is one of the best ways to keep the hiring process moving in a positive direction, and being honest is an important way to demonstrate cooperation. For instance, if you have schedule restrictions that interfere with work hours, it’s important to communicate that information as soon as possible. Otherwise, you are not setting yourself or the company up for success, because you are knowingly putting yourself in a situation where you will not be able to fulfill the job’s requirements. Being honest will prevent disappointment and frustration for everyone in the long run, and it may even help you uncover a more suitable opportunity – the company may have other schedules or alternate positions available that better meet your needs. You can’t know for sure until you have that conversation!

Follow Through with Each Step

The need for cooperation doesn’t end after the interview – hopefully you’re just getting started and will soon be part of a mutually beneficial employment partnership!  To keep the hiring process moving in that exciting direction, cooperate with the company by following through with any additional tasks you’re asked to complete. Whether the employer has asked for additional details, arranged for you to complete a physical or drug screen, or requested that you complete required documentation, they’re asking these things of you because they want you on their team, and they need your help to make it happen. You’ve come this far, so don’t give up now!

Respect the Hiring Timeline

When you’re excited about a job opportunity, waiting to hear back from potential employers can be stressful. It’s okay to follow up on the status of your application, but be sure to do so with respect for the hiring timeline laid out by the company. The best way to ensure you’re doing this is to ask at the interview. Both “How soon are you expecting to make a decision?” or “When should I expect to hear back from you regarding your decision?” are perfectly reasonable questions to ask. Then, in the spirit of cooperation and professional courtesy, honor that timeline. Calling or emailing repeatedly, especially before the established time frame is over, will not make the process move any faster – and can even be seen as disrespectful. If the hiring manager stated they wouldn’t be making a decision for another week, follow up once if you haven’t heard back after that one-week period.

Don’t Ghost

We get it – it can be uncomfortable to tell a potential employer that you have decided not to move forward with the hiring process. However, they understand that life happens, and they won’t take it personally. Whether you’ve found a new job, decided to move, or your circumstances have changed and you’re not quite ready or able to start working yet, the best thing you can do to is to be upfront with the employer as soon as possible. Whatever your reason may be, they will appreciate your straightforwardness so that they can move on to other qualified applicants and keep their hiring process moving in a productive direction. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you haven’t burned any bridges, and can still benefit from open doors of opportunity with that company should you decide to apply again in the future.

Whether you are looking for a new job or your next great employee, Manpower is here to help.

Contact one of our staffing experts today!

Latest News

Celebrating Maine’s Makers

 

Manufacturing is at the backbone of the American economy and society; without it, our country and state would not be what we know it to be today. At the core of every product made is the people behind the scenes making it happen. From research and development, to designing products, to working the production lines, to sales and marketing – the manufacturing industry puts millions of people to work every day. Each and every one of the positions that the industry offers takes skill, talent, and a strong work ethic, yet some look at the work as a lesser option – making recruiting and hiring a challenge. Trades, manufacturing, and production work, while sometimes gritty and dirty, sometimes high-tech, is rewarding, exciting, and noble!

This is why in 2012, the National Association of Manufacturers and other organizations decided to pull together and create a day where manufacturers across the country could open their doors and show people the work they do, the opportunities they offer, and help clear up some misconceptions. Here at Manpower, we have proudly served the manufacturing industry and the makers of Maine since 1961, and are pleased to participate in a day recognizing them.

We are inviting anyone who may be interested in learning about the many career opportunities offered in the manufacturing industry to stop into your local Manpower office this Friday, October 4th to speak with one of our recruiting team members. With a large number of positions at a variety of well-respected manufacturing companies, we have a lot to offer and are ready to talk about the potential career paths manufacturing can offer you.

To learn more about Manufacturing Day, please visit www.mfgday.com and follow the social conversation by searching #MFGDay19 #WeAreMFG #CreatorsWanted.

And most importantly, to all the makers of Maine, we appreciate you.