Job Market
How to minimize job-interview stress
Job interviews can be stressful. However, simply changing the way you think about them can help calm your nerves.
Think of the interview process as a discussion between equals. If you believe the employer has a lot to offer, know that you do too. Consequently, you shouldn’t be shy about showcasing your skills and talents.
Furthermore, stop perceiving job interviews as interrogations. Doing this will only make you feel inferior, undermine your confidence, increase your stress and prevent you from being yourself.
Instead, think of the exchange as two potential business partners getting to know each other.
Business
4 strategies for retaining your employees
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it can be challenging to retain your employees. Here are four strategies to help keep your talent.
1. Focus on communication. Communicate openly with your employees. Listen to their concerns and be open to new ideas. Let them know they’re heard and that you take them seriously.
2. Think about development. Employees often quit because of a lack of advancement opportunities. Therefore, provide training so your employees can develop their potential, avoid boredom and take on new challenges.
3. Offer benefits. Ask your employees what your company could improve and add these to their benefits and perks. For example, you could include group insurance, paid holidays, yoga classes, flexible working hours, and telemedicine.
4. Get out of the office. Create opportunities for your employees to socialize and have fun in a context that doesn’t revolve around work. Use the opportunity to celebrate their successes.
Employee retention also depends on effective recruitment. Therefore, use a specialized agency to start your talent search today.
Job Market
Tips for negotiating a salary proposal
Did you receive a job offer, but the salary is too low? Here are a few tips to help you negotiate a higher salary that matches your skills.
The criteria
Companies tend to set their employees’ salaries based on specific criteria. Among other things, internal equity is typically a factor. This means your salary should be reasonable compared to other team members with the same position and level of seniority. The salary amount may also be based on the company’s budget and urgency to fill the position.
The context
You’re much more likely to negotiate a higher salary if you’re the company’s first choice. If the recruitment process drags on or you feel like you’re one of many candidates on a waiting list, you may be a second or third choice. In this case, asking for a better salary could be futile.
Points to talk about
Some things, such as vacation days and working hours, are difficult to keep secret and can cause dissatisfaction or jealousy among colleagues. Therefore, you should focus on confidential aspects of the job, like your salary and a company computer or cell phone.
Whatever your proposal, end it with an open question like “What do you think?” to get the discussion going.
Job Market
Demand for truckers is on the rise
This year, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week takes place from September 11 to 17, 2022. This event is an opportunity to celebrate truckers and their integral role in delivering goods safely, securely, and on time.
However, demand for truckers has skyrocketed in the past few years, leading to a shortage of qualified personnel. The American Trucking Association (ATA), which represents the trucking industry, estimates that the industry is short 80,000 drivers. That shortage is expected to grow to 160,000 by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to this shortfall as many older drivers chose early retirement, and training offered by driving schools was disrupted.
The good news is that the United States government is taking several measures to address these challenges. Initiatives are underway to improve working conditions, and innovative workforce programs are being developed to recruit, train, and retain drivers. Efforts are underway to recruit from underrepresented communities like women, the formerly incarcerated, and service-disabled veterans.
Are you cut out for a career in trucking?
If you want to explore a career as a trucker, you must be sharp-minded and thrive under stressful mental and physical conditions.
The trucking industry is known for its welcoming atmosphere. What’s more, pay has been increasing along with other benefits, making commercial drivers some of the best-paid individuals outside the office.
Trucking is definitely a career to consider if you’re adventurous, hardworking, and always up for a challenge.
Job Market
Immigrants: transfer your skills to boost your career
If you’ve recently immigrated to the United States, you may not be able to practice the trade you did in your home country immediately. This is especially true for certain industries and positions with specific requirements. However, you can work on transferring your skills to launch a new career without starting from scratch.
List your transferable skills
Analyze your past experiences and make a list of your skills and education. If a job posting catches your eye, read it carefully and determine how your experience matches what the company is looking for. Use this information to build a convincing application.
Get your credentials recognized
It’s a good idea to get a credential evaluation. An independent credential evaluation service can analyze your non-U.S. qualifications and compare them to similar qualifications in the U.S. education system, labor market, or specific professions. This’ll allow you to apply for jobs with special education or skill requirements.
Go back to school temporarily
Depending on what you want to do, you can register for a higher education course related to your field. You may also be able to obtain missing credits for a diploma or write an equivalency exam to validate your professional license.
Are you unsure where to start? Meet with a career counselor or recruiter to discuss your situation.
Agriculture
4 little-known jobs in agriculture
The agriculture industry is indispensable, affecting both food supply and tourism. It presents various interesting job opportunities, some of which are less well-known. Here are four that might surprise you.
1. Mushroom growers are responsible for managing mushroom and compost production. They must also follow quality control procedures. Their schedule is variable and depends on the needs of the crop.
2. Orchard pruners trim apple trees in the summer and winter. They’re seasonal workers and don’t have any specific training. It’s possible to quickly learn the ins and outs of pruning on the job with more experienced workers.
3. Big game and ratite (flightless bird) producers raise animals like bison, wild boar, deer, ostriches, emus, and rheas. They also manage production, administration, and marketing, among several other tasks.
4. Floriculture (flower farming) supervisors coordinate and verify the work done by horticultural workers. They also perform a variety of tasks to produce flowering and ornamental plants.
The wonderful world of agriculture is full of possibilities.
Job Market
Thorough preparation makes all the difference
Congratulations! You’ve been called in for a job interview. It’s not a sure thing yet, though! You’re going to have to prepare properly to maximize your chances of success. You can be certain that Recruiters want to ensure that you are the best candidate for the job. They will certainly try to unsettle you. Show them that they had good reason to ask you to come for an interview and… Dazzle them!
Initially, find out as much as possible about the company and any relevant information concerning the future assignments for the position you will eventually occupy. Consider the qualities necessary for performing these tasks and list your most convincing achievements. Determine the recruiters’ expectations, too: When they offer details about their organization, its mission, and corporate values, you will get a good idea of the type of employees they need. Learn your CV by heart to make it easier for you to control what you say during the interview. Then, identify what motivates you and what your career goals are. Prepare yourself mentally by starting with confidence and a winning attitude. Put aside all concerns that could block your energy.
Arrive at the interview with your CV. A well-groomed appearance, a firm handshake, and a confident smile will give a good impression. Greet the interviewer by name. Sit up straight and maintain eye contact with the people you’re talking to; be natural. Don’t interrupt, and don’t hesitate to ask for a question to be rephrased if you didn’t understand something. Show your interest and, at the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask a few questions. Remember to thank the interviewers and initiate handshakes with each of them.
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