employment tips Archives - Manpower Maine

Tag: employment tips

Latest News
December 31, 20250

Workforce Trends That Defined 2025 – And What They Mean for the Year Ahead

As we close the books on yet another year, we want to reflect on some of the standout workforce trends that we saw take shape in 2025. These trends have impacted the work we do and believe they’ll continue to play a significant role in what all business leaders and hiring managers will focus on in 2026 and beyond.

Of course, we can’t possibly capture all changes or questions about what these trends mean for your business in one simple post, but by spotlighting the biggest topics that are already making an impact on day to day operations, our hope is to give you a clearer sense of where the workforce is headed – and what opportunities and challenges may be on the horizon.

Pay Transparency Is the Expectation

While Maine hasn’t introduced pay transparency laws yet, 16 other states now require some level of wage disclosure in job ads. That movement has pushed major job boards -including Indeed – to automatically display estimated pay ranges in postings across the country. Even in states without requirements, employers are feeling the ripple effect.

What We’re Seeing

  • Broader starting wage ranges in job ads, as employers work to remain competitive and visible in search results
  • Greater access to real-time market wage data, giving HR and talent teams stronger evidence when building business cases for pay adjustments or compensation strategy updates

The Challenges

  • Standing out beyond pay: When everyone is listing ranges, employers must elevate what differentiates them – culture, career growth, stability, flexibility – without falling back on clichés. This often means revamping recruitment marketing to better communicate your true value proposition
  • An increase in pay-driven applications: More candidates are applying based solely on the posted wage rather than assessing skills or job fit. As a result, HR teams are seeing higher applicant volume but more screening work, as many candidates may not meet the actual job requirements

Balancing Big Data, AI, & Automation

Technology is power, but with power comes responsibility. Big data, AI, and automation continue to rapidly advance – transforming how organizations recruit, assess talent, streamline operations, and forecast future workforce needs all while organizations scramble to find out how to leverage technology and analytics without losing the critical thinking and ethical components that can only be achieved through human touch.

What We’re Seeing

  • More companies embracing and using AI in the recruiting & hiring process: from initial screenings to skill-based assessments, helping hiring teams move faster while reducing repetitive administrative tasks
  • Growing reliance on workforce analytics to understand turnover trends, talent availability, and compensation competitiveness
  • Maintaining a human first & last approach: where AI and automation is involved but humans drive the process, make final decisions, and refine processes to ensure the best possible results
  • Applicants using AI and automation for resume writing and applying to jobs

The Challenges

  • Data security pressures: As companies collect more candidate and employee data, they are responsible for safeguarding that information, managing consent, and complying with evolving regulations
  • De-personalizing the experience: Candidates can tell when messages and engagement is overly-automated and that can negatively impact their experience
  • Making sure great people aren’t missed: Since AI learns from past data, even small inconsistencies can lead to strong candidates being filtered out before anyone sees their true potential

Evolving Workforce Governance & Employer Obligations

Throughout 2025, workforce regulations kept evolving, from visa classifications to DEI guidance to statewide paid leave requirements. It’s a lot for employers to keep up with. But at the heart of these changes is something simple: making sure people are supported and workplaces remain fair, safe, and sustainable.

What We’re Seeing

  • Rising anxiety among business leaders: the pace and uncertainty of changes coupled with traditional business demands have created an environment where many feel like they are fighting to keep their heads above water vs focusing on growth
  • Thoughtful outcomes-focused approach to DEI: Employers are approaching DEI with greater intention – focusing on initiatives that genuinely support their people, rather than broad or symbolic programs. The emphasis is on clear communication, equitable hiring, transparent development, and building workplaces where everyone feels valued and able to thrive
  • Passage of state-by-state workforce legislation: such as Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program and Report to Work laws

The Challenges

  • Keeping up with constant legislative movement: the lack of clarity, shifting timelines, and limited legal support – businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to plan and roll out these changes with limited organizational disruption
  • Operational adjustments and workforce planning: New leave programs and compliance requirements often require updates to policies, handbooks, staffing models, and scheduling
  • Ensuring clarity and consistency across multistate operations: For companies that may have parent organizations in other states, or hire in multiple states – keeping up with the nuances can get very complex
  • Supporting people through times of change: As policies shift, employees often have questions and employers must be ready to communicate with transparency, empathy, and clarity to ease uncertainty

Demand for Dynamic Workforce Models

As business needs shift quickly, more organizations are leaning on a mix of fulltime employees, temporary talent, contractors, freelancers, and project-based workers to stay responsive.

 

What We’re Seeing

  • More employers embracing blended workforce strategies, combining permanent staff with temporary, contract, and gig talent to fill skill gaps and manage fluctuating demand
  • Growing interest in on–demand, gig-work, and project–based staffing, especially in industries navigating unpredictable workloads or expanding rapidly. This also impacts a growing group of candidates that require more flexibility and autonomy when it comes to their schedules
  • Greater appreciation for the value of specialized contingent workers, who can bring fresh expertise and keep teams moving without long onboarding cycles

The Challenges

  • Managing compliance and worker classification: As workforce models expand, so does the need to stay aligned with evolving labor regulations and clear distinctions between employee types
  • Willingness to rethink what you have always done: just because a staffing/scheduling model has worked “well enough” in the past – doesn’t mean that some creative adjustments couldn’t achieve results you dream of
  • Ensuring clarity in roles and expectations: Dynamic models require strong processes so work doesn’t become fragmented or unevenly distributed
  • Supporting managers through complexity: Leading teams with a mix of employee types requires new skills—from onboarding contingent talent effectively to ensuring everyone feels supported and engaged

At the heart of every business – no matter the trends, technologies, or economic shifts – are the people doing the work. The people at the center of your business are the reason results happen and organizations grow. That’s why it’s more important than ever to partner with a staffing provider who not only understands the latest workforce trends and navigates regulatory change but also puts people first.

And that’s exactly why businesses and job seekers continue to choose Manpower.

Whether you need support today or you’re planning for the future, we’re here – ready to listen, ready to adapt, and ready to deliver the talent and partnership you can count on.

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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 22, 20200

Dressing for Success

No matter how cliche it may sound, you never do get a second chance to make a first impression. What you wear to an interview tells the person you are speaking with a lot about you. It demonstrates your decision making, and it helps them see how you will fit in amongst the rest of their team. The hiring manager knows that during an interview you are presenting your best version of yourself – so while there is some understanding for small faux pas, there are some generally accepted style expectations.

Here are some things to consider when deciding what to wear to your interview.

Casual & General Labor

Whether you are interviewing for a dishwashing job, general labor position, or a job in a warehouse, you still need to put your best foot forward. You want an employer to be focused entirely on what you say and your skills, not the wrinkly shirt, torn up pants, or unkempt hair and hygiene.

Business Casual

The most predominant style across the workforce would be described as business casual. This classification of attire creates a professional yet approachable image which is why it is commonly used in businesses. As long as you avoid jeans, tee-shirts, sneakers, and overdressing, you are likely hitting the mark.

Professional

There are still many industries that expect their team members to step-up their appearance by wearing the more traditional suit. This style conveys confidence, professionalism, and power. This is most popular in sales, finance, and executive positions.

Creative

There are times when the best approach is to show more of your creative side. Think of positions like marketing, high-tech firms, or innovative start-ups. These companies are looking for ingenuity, flair, excitement, creativity, and style. Forward-looking organizations want their teams to present a trendy vibe that matches the overall organizational image.

Don’t Overthink It

While we may have outlined some common acceptable style choices, it is important to not overthink it. Obsessing over how to dress may only cause you more anxiety about the process, and what matters most of all are the skills and qualifications you will bring to the job. If trying to paint yourself into a box is overwhelming, perhaps your best course of action is to focus on what things you should always avoid.

No matter how casual a position is, or how many amazing skills you bring to the table, there are some style choices that should always be avoided. Heavy make-up and cologne are two things we see regularly. You want to make sure all the attention is on what you say, not your appearance or smell. You also want to avoid coming across as if you don’t take the process seriously by being underdressed or not practicing proper hygiene.

Latest News
May 22, 20200

Acing the Virtual Interview


Landing an interview for the job you want feels amazing… until you start overthinking the interview process, and the panic sets in: what if I mess up and say the wrong thing? What if it doesn’t work out?  The thought of interviewing for a job can feel intimidating, but with a little preparation and a healthy dose of effective communication, you can set the scene for a great experience. While virtual interviews can present some unique challenges, following these tips will help you overcome them and allow you to make a great first impression:

Clarify the Plan

When scheduling the interview, make sure you’re clear on the procedure. Will the interview take place via Skype, Zoom, or some other platform? Will you need any information, such as a password, to gain access to the meeting? Knowing what to expect will give you peace of mind and help you prepare appropriately.

Test Your Tech

If you need to download a platform such as Skype for your interview, be sure to do it well in advance so that you are ready to go on the day of your interview. If you already have the software you need, or the interview will take place via an online platform, check to see if any updates are needed for the software or your browser to make sure you’re not surprised by any glitches at an inconvenient time. If possible, do a trial run to make sure everything is operating as it should. That way, you won’t have to stress about tech issues on top of normal interview jitters!

Assess Your Surroundings

Once you’ve decided what space you’re going to do your interview in, assess your surroundings. What will be within your webcam’s field of view? Tidy up any spaces that your interviewer will be able to see. No one is judging you for that pile of laundry you haven’t quite gotten around to folding yet, or that stack of mail piling up on the coffee table – we’ve all been there. However, you want your interviewer’s attention entirely focused on you and all the things that make you a great fit for the job, so for the sake of minimizing distractions, simply move any such things out of view. Also ensure that there is adequate lighting so that your interviewer can see you – fuzzy visuals can make it very challenging to focus.

Hone Your Personal Presentation

As casual as things may feel when you’re sitting on the computer at your dining room table, don’t forget that a virtual interview is still a professional meeting and should be treated as such. Dress as professionally as you would for a normal in-person interview – it will not only help you make a great first impression, but it will also help give you confidence as you interact with your potential employer. Maintain positive body language by sitting up straight and making sure that your facial expression conveys that you are engaged in and interested in the conversation. Sometimes the audio quality of virtual meetings isn’t great, so it is important to speak clearly and concisely and minimize background noise to ensure that you are heard correctly. If for any reason during your interview there is a bad connection on either end, work with the interviewer to reschedule.

Know Your Stuff

Just like you would with any other interview, prepare yourself to talk about your strengths and experience in relation to the job requirements and have a list of good questions. One of the best ways to do this is to review the job description and conduct a bit of research on the company before your interview. You may even want to practice answering some common interview questions to give you an even stronger sense of preparedness for your interview. Ultimately, your interviewer just wants to get to know you and learn more about the amazing things you bring to the world of work – so be yourself, be positive, make it clear that you’re excited about the opportunity – and go ace that virtual interview!

Let Manpower Help You Make a Great Impression!
Latest News
May 22, 20200

Tips to Thrive – Mastering the Interview

Interviewing is an important part of the job search process, and there are some very simple things you can do to improve your success. Follow these practical tips and you will be well on your way to mastering the interview!

Practice Active Listening

Many people get nervous about interviewing, and when you’re nervous, you may spend more time thinking about how you’ll respond to someone than truly listening to what they’re saying. To avoid missing out on important details that your interviewer is providing, make a conscious effort to focus on what is being said. This will help you both feel more connected and engaged in the interview process.

Be Honest

Everyone wants to impress in the interview – but be careful not to cross the line between putting your best foot forward and misrepresenting yourself. If you feel it is necessary to exaggerate or lie to land a job, it is likely that the role you’re trying to take on won’t be the right fit. Set yourself up for success by being authentic, and the right doors will open to you.

Ask Questions

Don’t forget that you’re also a decision maker in the interviewing process! Ask questions that will help you get the information you need to decide if this is a company you want to work for. Questions about the job itself and the workplace culture are excellent places to start, but you will want to tailor your questions depending on what is most important to you in a job.
 

Stay Positive

Over the course of a job interview, you may decide that the position isn’t the right fit for you – and that is totally okay. Make sure that you still end things on a positive note by letting the company know that you appreciated their time and the opportunity to learn about their job opening. You may not be interested in this job, but the company may have future openings that you’re better suited for.

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

     

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

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
February 18, 20200

Tips to Thrive – Healthy Habits at Work

Improving and maintaining your health isn’t an activity that has to be reserved for your personal time. In fact, there a number of habits that you can build into your workday that will not only help you stay healthy and strong, they will also make work a more enjoyable place to be!

Take Your Breaks

Breaks are an excellent opportunity to squeeze some ‘me time’ into your day and recharge your mental batteries, allowing you to return to work with better focus and a more positive attitude. As tempting as it may be to skip them when you have lots to catch up on, taking a few moments away from your workstation is important to your health and can even improve your results!

Pack a Healthy Lunch

Brown bagging it isn’t just a great way to save money every week; it also gives you more control over the food options available to you. Packing your lunch will help you ensure that you have access to healthy, enjoyable foods to keep you fueled for success throughout the day!

Stand and Stretch Frequently

Frequent standing and stretching are good for your health no matter what kind of work you do, but is it especially important to build these habits if you work in a sedentary job. Frequent movement and stretching will help promote good circulation, ease stiffness and pain, improve energy and focus, and prevent injury.
 

Listen to Music

Playing music at work can help lift your spirits and set the pace for a happy, productive day. It’s hard to avoid the energizing effects of listening to music you enjoy – at times you may even find yourself moving along to the beat at your desk! This will help your day fly by and make the time you have to spend at work more enjoyable – so if it’s allowed in your work environment, don’t miss out.

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