How Temporary Holiday Work is Perfect for Students

Temporary holiday jobs offer students a fantastic opportunity to gain work experience, earn extra cash, and make the most of the festive season. Here are some reasons and even a actual example of why temporary holiday work is perfect for students and tips for finding the right opportunities.

Employee Successes like “Astrid Cante Espinoza” prove that temp work can lead to great things when done right with the right help.

Client Quote: Astrid is an outstanding employee. She has perfect attendance, collaborates effectively with everyone, and puts in a strong effort. She is also on track to become a full-time employee in the bindery. Keep up the fantastic work, Astrid! We truly appreciate everything you do!

Holiday temp jobs give students flexible hours

Flexibility with Schedules

Temporary holiday jobs are often designed with flexibility in mind. Students can take advantage of roles with part-time hours or weekend shifts, making it easier to balance work with study schedules. Many employers offer evening or overnight shifts, which can be ideal for students who are busy during the day. Check them out here!

Valuable Work Experience

Holiday jobs give students exposure to real-world work environments. They can develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management. Working in retail, hospitality, or event planning during the holiday season helps students build resumes with relevant experience.

Holiday temp jobs give savings with extra cash for expenses.

Extra Cash for the Holidays

For students, the holiday season often comes with added expenses for gifts, travel, or personal goals. A temporary job provides a much-needed financial boost. Many holiday positions also offer overtime pay, especially during peak times like Black Friday or the week before Christmas.

Networking Opportunities

Holiday jobs are a great way to meet new people, from coworkers to managers. These connections can lead to future job opportunities or serve as professional references for internships or long-term positions.

Easy Entry-Level Positions

Most temporary holiday roles don’t require extensive experience, making them ideal for students. Common positions include:

Perks Beyond Pay

Some employers offer seasonal workers discounts, free meals, or even bonuses for completing their contracts. These perks can be especially appealing to students who want to stretch their earnings further.

Pro Tip for Success

Students should apply early, as holiday jobs fill up quickly. Crafting a strong, tailored resume and preparing for quick interviews will improve chances of landing a position. PS: Midwest Staffing can help with all these things. Apply now to see how we can help.

Temporary holiday work provides students with an opportunity to grow professionally, earn money, and still enjoy the festive spirit. It’s the perfect stepping stone for future career success while making the most of the holiday season.

10 COMMONLY ASKED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Your resume impressed the managers and now you’re scheduled to return for an interview. Reviewing commonly asked questions promotes confidence and assurance when interviewing. Be prepared to give proficient and well thought-out answers, highlighting skills that match the job position. Allow room for creativity, knowing you may be asked more questions than expected. After reading the questions below, I invite you to rehearse with family and friends until you are confident for your big day.

10 COMMONLY ASKED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

1.  What are your career goals in the upcoming years?

The idea is to share a career goal(s), and the steps your taking in achieving them. Having long-term and short-term goals, paints a picture of your aspirations and professional ambitions. Companies like individuals who are motivated and goal oriented, who are an asset to their team.

2. Did your previous employer have any areas that needed improvement? 

The focus is the ability to identify potential problems, offer innovative strategies, and implement new solutions accordingly. This is a great opportunity to highlight your leadership skills, as well as ideas that were successful for you in the past.

3.  Can you describe a situation that was challenging, and explain how did you handle it?

Discrepancies are bound to occur, yet how we handle the issue makes all the difference. Think outside the box and get creative when pondering different resolutions. Perhaps you can share of a scenario when you went beyond your job duties to assist a client who was upset with the information he received. You gathered additional resources, made phone calls, printed reference articles for the client. The client was pleased with your service and decided to purchase another product. This scenario shows flexibility, dedication, and leadership skills in part of the employee.

4.  What are looking to gain from our company?

This is a tricky question. Don’t want to focus on pay, but rather mention other positive attributes of the company such longevity and opportunities for growth. Be open and express some qualities you see would be beneficial for working in such an organization. 

5.  What are your strengths related to this position?

The employer wants to know what you have to offer. Why they should choose you over the other candidates? Review the job description, and mention keywords that match your skills and abilities.  Highlight on attributes you possess which pertain to the position at hand. For example, if you are applying for a customer service role, mention you have great people and team player skills. Sharing previous work history, internships, and credentials is also a plus.

6.  What are some areas you are looking to improve?

My recommendation is to share an attribute that can be tolerated by colleagues. These should be traits which can be overlooked. For example, you may need to become more proficient in another language (e.g. French or Spanish), would like to master a software program (e.g. Excel; that is if you are not applying for a computer position), or would like to make time for hobbies, etc.

7.  Why are you leaving your current employer?

The company is curious as to why you chose to resign from your previous employer. If it’s related to pay the manager may question commitment, and longevity from your behalf. Other alternatives to mention include lack of benefits from your previous employer, and the financial security of having a full-time employment opportunity.

8.  What interests you in applying for this position?

In other words, why did you choose this company from other employment opportunities? This is a great time to express your passions in the job role, and qualities that make you the perfect fit for the job role. Be specific by stating features that made this company stand out from the rest. For example, the length of time the company has been in business, or the professional assistance you’ve received from day one when you submitted an application.

9.  Are you willing to relocate if needed?

It’s important to show flexibility and openness to change. This may never be required by the employer, but it provides a clue on how the individual responds to change. Be honest and share your limitations. Perhaps you are flexible and willing to relocate, yet only within the same state or county. Most companies will value your desire for a fair compromise, and put into account your honest response.

10. Do you have any questions for me? Be prepared to ask questions. This shows eagerness and interest in part of the potential candidate, to learn more about the company. Also, it speaks your standards in selecting a stable occupation, and our professional confidence when considering a position. This is a good time to inquire on company benefits, scheduling, and job expectations.

These are the top ten commonly asked interview questions. There may be lots more, so be prepared! I encourage you practice answering these questions over and over agin, until you feel confident for your interview. Wishing all the best on your big day!

HOW TO CREATE AN ACTION PLAN FOR YOUR DREAM JOB.

You’re ready for the job market with a professional resume on hand and a list of potential employers. Having an internal drive launches employment opportunities, yet for optimal possibilities preparation and planning is paramount. Why settle for the first job offer, when you can attain the position of your dreams? Landing the ideal occupation is reachable with determination and adequate career planning. 

Here is a 7-Step Action Plan to Landing Your Dream Job:

1. Join meet-ups, professional groups, and related organizations with topics and activities surrounding your occupational field. For example, if you’re seeking an educator position connect with other teachers, tutors, coaches, leaders, and speakers in groups and community meetings. 

2. Create a blueprint outlining your occupational goals for the upcoming weeks, months, and years. Mapping out short and long-term goals allows for adequate planning with a step-by-step approach in accomplishing each milestone. Don’t limit your creativity. Build a picture board, design a career graph, develop a career scrapbook, or start a professional portfolio. The idea is to inspire creativity, define goals, and develop attainable milestones to land your dream job.

3. Attend job fairs and career workshops in your area. Step into the work field examining opportunities, career demands, and job offers. Job fairs offer vast resources in addition to employment opportunities such as business networking, research, volunteer positions, invites to upcoming events, and more.

4. Take time to learn companies of interest. Learn the organization’s mission, history, purpose, and accomplishments. This offers valuable company data that can be shared during the interview process. Researching the company shows interest and seriousness in part of the job seeker, and also allows the individual to determine if this company is truly a good fit for his/her personal career goals.

5. Be open to the possibility of other related jobs. Certain milestones, work experience, and credentials may be required before the opportunity opens to land the job of your dreams. In such instances individuals can seek employment in related fields, serving as a springboard to other career goals. For instance, if you lack credentials for a management position search for employment opportunities that embrace like skills such as leadership, guidance, coordinating, directing, and other administrative roles.

6. Read journals, news articles, periodicals, magazines and other educational materials in your occupational niche.  Staying current with the latest technology and advances in your job field is crucial for employment and for optimal work performance. This is particularly important for individuals who have been out of the workforce for some time. The employee’s ability to stay relevant and well informed in the latest career and technological advances gains confidence with employers and other professional’s leaders.   

7. Connect with individuals who share common job interests and goals. Meeting others in work-related fields welcomes opportunities, potential jobs, promotions, career tips, and professional guidance.

EMBRACING DIVERSE PERSONALITIES AT WORK

Most of us have encountered personality clashes in the workplace at some point. We each have unique talents, skills, and positive attributes to share with others at work. Differences can foster creative strategies and team building, or in contrast create conflict when disparities are not handled appropriately. Business Insider comments on temperaments at work mentioning, “Conflict at work is inevitable, but some personalities are more likely to clash than others.” For effective teamwork it’s crucial to master interpersonal skills and remain adaptive to various personalities we may encounter on the job.

Business Insider shares 4 main types of personalities commonly seen in the workplace:

1. Dominant: Individuals with this type of personality tend to be more impulsive and skeptical, preferring immediate results.

2. Conscientious: Individuals who are detailed oriented and analytical.

3. Influential: People who enjoy group projects and teamwork. These individuals can be impulsive and warm.

4. Steady: Patient, meticulous, and warm people who seek harmony at work.

According to Business Insider dominant personalities tend to experience more conflict than other types, and often conflict with people who display steady behaviors. It can be challenging to work with individuals whose personality is very similar, or extremely different from your own. Yet, when co-workers come together and embrace each other’s strengths the results are astounding. Personality clashes are expected when operating in a team environment, yet the key is to remain open to new ideas and not allow differences to negatively impact employee relations. Effective results are often a collaboration of many great minds working together aside to their differences. Some personalities can be tougher to deal with than others, but with patience, understanding, and cooperation in part of employees optimal teamwork can be accomplished.

BENEFITS OF STAFFING SERVICES WHEN HIRING EMPLOYEES

Financial stressors that trouble employees with today’s economic demands also weigh down on business owners. Businesses account for multiple expenses such as rent, taxes, insurances, employee benefit programs (retirement, health insurance, etc.), staff payroll, supplies, work equipment, marketing, and more. It can be challenging to hire top professionals with a tight budget, yet settling on staffing services may turn to be more costly than expected.

Qualified jobseekers are confident in what they can offer, and seek stable work opportunities with potential job growth. It can be alluring to cut on staffing services to save cost, but doing so cheats you from hand-selected workers who’ve been interviewed and screened by professional staffing agents. Filtering job candidates also takes time and efforts away from important matters that cannot be delegated to other business professionals or team members. Hiring qualified workers involves through interviewing, assessing employment history, drug screening, verifying references, training, and more. Investing in a trusted staffing agency, like Midwest Staffing Group removes the care of the entire hiring process so your leadership skills can be focused in areas that increase profitability and business growth.

Staffing services can save your business time and money. The expenses and training involved in hiring new staff can be detrimental when new employees fail to meet job responsibilities and company standards. In addition to screening resumes and handling the entire hiring process, Midwest Staffing Group learns your business and professional aspirations to ensure top candidates. Staff members are an essential component to business success. When hiring new employees it’s key to consider short-term and long-term investments, and the benefits of seeking services for optimal business outcomes. To learn more about our services and what makes us different from other staffing agencies.

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.

REDUCE STRESS WITH SIMPLIFIED LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Contributions and benefits inspire some to acquire management positions, but effective leadership requires more than a job title. Roles and responsibilities in the workplace vary according to job industry and company needs. There are various levels and styles of leadership, but one common experience shared by many in management positions is stress.How can we minimize stress for smarter and simplified work performance? Is working to the point of exhaustion detrimental or essential for successful leadership? Let’s explore together!

Working long shifts and cutting on lunch breaks may seem like heroic acts for your team, but in reality you may be cheating out your potential and company success. According to the Statista – The Statistical Portal, workload and interpersonal relations are the main causes of occupational stress. Statista goes on to state, “More than one third of employees lose one hour or more per day in productivity, while almost one third miss between three and six days per year due to stress.” Eustress is a healthy form of stress that helps increase focus and productivity. Burnout on the other hand occurs when faced with numerous responsibilities, job expectations beyond our reach, issues with coworkers, multiple deadlines, and other factors leading to workplace stress. The good new is there are ways to work smarter and more simplified to help decrease stress and prevent burnout!

8-Stress-Reducing Tips to Prevent Burnout:

1. Take a break. Each day brings numerous demands and deadlines, but it’s crucial to take at least a 30-minute break when working long hours. Employers offer different break schedules depending on the number of hours worked each day. Use break times to disconnect from work-related activities. This provides an opportunity to step away from stressors, recharging the mind with more creativity and focus.

2. Don’t skip on meals. The brain requires glucose (sugar) for optimal concentration and mental performance. Skipping on meals can influence energy levels, concentration, and work performance as well as your overall health.

3. Get a 5 min breather. Some days can be more challenging than others. If you are having a stressful workday, take 5 minutes to breathe and calm yourself down. Ask your employer if you can take 5 minutes of breathing space. Something as simple as stepping outside for 5 minutes can make a difference in decreasing stress levels.

4. Plan your day in advance. Unexpected situations occur, yet we can establish workflow consistency by planning activities and tasks ahead of time. For instance, make a list of projects and responsibilities requiring top priority and accomplish these early during the day, listing less important tasks for the end of your workday. Some people also find it productive to schedule significant tasks during times of the day when his or her energy levels are at its peak. This allows for more proficient work and also contributes to effective time management.

5. Simplify your workload. Breakdown projects into manageable tasks to be accomplished throughout the workday, this can decrease stress when faced with multiple deadlines. Rather than focusing on the time crunch, gear your attention to a few tasks that must be completed on a timely fashion.

6. Delegate responsibilities. Allow other employees to assist you as much as possible. Sharing responsibilities with coworkers decreases workload and promotes teamwork and collaboration.

7. Communicate needs to higher authorities. If you’ve tried all the suggestions listed above and others, yet still feel overwhelmed with job responsibilities it may be time to discuss your concerns with a higher authority. Your boss can provide additional suggestions and strategies that can prove beneficial.

8. Allow for introspection and reflection. Take time to review your work habits, reflecting on areas that require improvement and change. This is not a time to judge yourself, but rather an opportunity for growth and mastering leadership skills. Reflection shares light into job situations and strategies to promote stress-reduction in the workplace.

EFFECTS OF EXTENDED WORK SHIFTS ON EMPLOYEE HEALTH & PRODUCTIVITY

Most of us are familiar with jobs offering overtime hours extending beyond a 40-hour work week. For entrepreneurs and employees creating their schedule, working long hours is often the norm, making it difficult to disengage mentally from work. In turn many employees. Electronic devices intended to increase productivity are being used throughout the day, evening, and on weekends for work-related responsibilities. There are great benefits in using technology, yet it’s crucial to diligently balance work and social life. Whether you work a fixed schedule or different hours of the day employee safety begins with education. Taking positive steps when working extended hours promotes health, safety, and work productivity.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) comments on long work shifts, “According to U.S. National Health Interview data from 2010, almost 19% of working adults work 48 hour or more per week and over 7% worked 60 hours or more. Both shift work and long work hours have been associated with health and safety risks.” Sleep deprivation can affect concentration, alertness, mood, and general health. Attentiveness to details is critical in certain occupations like nursing, chemists, pharmacists, employees operating heavy machinery, and others. Feeling tired, stressed, fatigued, or burnout not only affects work performance, but also safety concerns for yourself and others.  

The University of Surrey documents a study by the Journal of Science on the effects of sleep loss on various brain regions. “Research has significant implications for our understanding of how the brain is locally affected by internal time of day and sleep-wake cycles.  Results shed light on why shift workers and people working very long hours struggle to pay attention and concentrate on their job, in particular in the early morning hours,” documents The University of Surrey. Working extended hours coupled with consistent lack of sleep can only raise health concerns. When working overtime hours, consider ways to ensure adequate sleep and proper nutrition each day. Accommodate your work schedule to allow times of relaxation. Perhaps take a power nap during one of your breaks or enjoy a 15-minute meditation? The idea is to find creative ways to take breaks, eat nutritious foods, and get adequate sleep each night when working extended hours.

5 TIPS WHEN WORKING OVERTIME HOURS:

1. Don’t skip meals. Healthy foods fuel your body and mind. When working long hours, it’s important to fuel the brain and body with nutritious foods.

2. Take a break. Disconnecting for a few minutes can increase creativity and focus.

3. Maintain a regular sleep schedule. To be your most productive and keep mentally sharp it’s vital to get a good night’s rest. If having trouble sleeping early, refrain from having caffeine in the later afternoon.  

4. Make times for activities that bring joy. Lasting success is grounded with balance. Hobbies and activities that create meaning, joy, and purpose enhance mood.

5. If overwhelmed talk with your employer. If you feel exhausted and depleted with all the job responsibilities, voice your concerns. At times the employer is not fully aware of the workload or how you’re coping with working extended hours. If you’re feeling burnout be sure to express your concerns to your supervisor. 

*This article is for informational purposes only and not intended to direct health advice. For health questions please inquire with your physician.

MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR MILLENNIALS IN THE WORKFORCE

Millennials account for 36 percent of the U.S. workforce, and currently hold numerous leadership positions. Research from DDI and The Conference Board relates positive attributions young leaders offer to their work environments. According to the DDI study, the pace at which an organization grows is highly related to the number of Millennials in leadership positions. As young professionals continue to emerge in leadership roles it’s important to implement effective management skills.

TIPS FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONS ON EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SKILLS:

1. Seek counsel: Part of gaining expertise is learning from people who share similar proficiencies and from individuals who “paved the way”. There is much to gain from coworkers and experts who experienced like trials.

2. Ask when in doubt: It’s perfectly appropriate to seek assistance when faced with a difficult situation or important decision. Effective leaders understand the importance of sound advice from experienced professionals.

3. It’s okay to make mistakes: Give room for errors as you sharpen your management skills. Attention should be given in developing strategies for better outcomes, yet be flexible when mistakes happen. Focusing on problem-solving skills rather than dwelling on what went wrong is part of managing your team effectively.

4. Embrace teamwork: Colleagues and business partners are important team members. Promoting success in others will bring more work satisfaction and foster a workplace culture of connectivity and unity.

5. Promote diversity: Today’s workforce is comprised of employees from around the world with various cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs. Embracing a multicultural workplace with equal gender opportunity and free of discrimination is essential for a successful business.

6. Step out of your comfort zone: We each have strengths and areas needing more attention for professional growth. Conduct a self-evaluation to assess areas requiring focus and intervention. Then, take measures to improve your professional skills.

7. Delegate tasks: It can be intimidating to delegate tasks to colleagues with company seniority.  You were chosen for a management position based on your skills and qualities, and age is irrelevant. The idea is to keep respectful when delegating assignments to other coworkers. Delegating should focus on teamwork, rather than taking advantage of a management position.

8. Maintain work-life balance: Career goals and visions of success can introduce balance between work and personal life. Technological advances and social media contribute to continuity of job-related tasks outside of working hours. Disengaging from job responsibilities provides time to recharge, bringing fresh ideas when ready to return to work.

ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY IN YOUR WORKDAY

How we initiate each workday has great influence on productivity and workflow. Unexpected circumstances are likely to arise; yet organizing job responsibilities can yield positive outcomes. With just a few strategies you can start your day accomplishing more with less stress. Get ready for a productive and fulfilling workday!

TIPS TO INCREASING WORK PRODUCTIVITY: 

1. Review traffic updates in advance. This allows ample time for planning alternative routes before heading out to work. It also provides various commute options, which is beneficial during the holiday season, road constructions, and high traffic times.

2. Re-evaluate job tasks and objectives first thing in the morning. Review assignments to determine what still requires your attention today. Other team members may have completed work tasks. What took priority yesterday may not require your attention today. Determine areas that require your attention and reassess again in the later day.

3. Prioritize assignments and deadlines. Develop a list of daily priorities from greatest to least important job tasks. This provides a blueprint on areas requiring your immediate attention each workday.

4. Examine tasks that can be delegated to other employees. Sharing responsibilities can help alleviate workload, allowing more time for important matters that cannot be taken care of by others. Keep in mind the individual’s job role and scope of practice when delegating.

5.  Use break times wisely. Be sure to disconnect from work activities during break times and lunch. Eating lunch is important for your health, and also generates more creativity and energy to complete job assignments.

6. Remain flexible when unexpected circumstances arise. Job demands can be challenging, let a lone when unplanned situations increase workload. Remain flexible and positive, while putting efforts in areas requiring your attention. Consult with your supervisor on job tasks that can be delegated or handled at a later time.

7. Plan your next workday in advance. Schedule assignments with prompt deadlines to be accomplished early in the day. This provides abundant time to prepare for assignments requiring immediate attention. When deadlines are not a factor, it’s beneficial to plan important projects during high-energy peak times. Planning ahead of time helps decrease stress and promotes work productivity.