How Using a Staffing Agency for Spring Seasonal Staffing Can Greatly Benefit Light Industrial Businesses

How Using a Staffing Agency for Spring Seasonal Staffing Can Greatly Benefit Light Industrial Businesses from Midwest Staffing

As spring arrives, light industrial and manufacturing sectors face increased demand due to seasonal fluctuations. Partnering with a staffing agency can provide a strategic advantage in managing these workforce challenges efficiently. Here are the key benefits of using a staffing agency for spring seasonal staffing in light industrial settings:

Key Benefits of Seasonal Staffing

1. Rapid Access to Skilled Workers

Staffing agencies maintain pools of pre-vetted workers with experience in assembly, machine operation, and warehouse logistics. This allows businesses to fill critical roles within days, not weeks. As noted by Essential Personnel, seasonal staffing agencies can quickly identify candidates with relevant experience, ensuring minimal training is needed to get them started1.

2. Cost-Effective Workforce Scaling

Hiring seasonal workers reduces long-term financial commitments like benefits and year-round salaries. You pay only for hours worked, which is particularly beneficial for industries experiencing unpredictable spring demand. This approach helps manage labor costs efficiently by hiring workers only when needed, as highlighted by Eclipse Light Industrial Staffing2.

3. Flexibility for Seasonal Demand Fluctuations

Staffing agencies provide flexible solutions that allow businesses to scale their workforce up or down as needed. This adaptability is crucial for companies dealing with seasonal demands or project-based work. KP Staffing emphasizes that light industrial staffing agencies help businesses navigate fluctuating demand by providing skilled and adaptable workers who can quickly scale up or down4.

4. Reduced Administrative Burden

Agencies handle payroll, taxes, and compliance, reducing the administrative load on HR teams. This allows internal staff to focus on strategic activities rather than recruitment logistics. Qualified Staffing notes that staffing agencies take on these responsibilities, enabling companies to concentrate on improving operational efficiency and driving business growth6.

5. Mitigating Employee Burnout

Seasonal staffing prevents overworking permanent employees, maintaining morale and productivity. By leveraging temporary workers during peak seasons, businesses can alleviate pressure on full-time staff and ensure they receive the same high level of service without burnout. Essential Personnel highlights this benefit as a key advantage of seasonal staffing1.

Industries That Benefit Most

  • Manufacturing – Increased spring production demands
  • Warehousing & Logistics – Seasonal inventory and shipping spikes
  • Construction Materials – Higher demand for building supplies

Best Practices for Spring Seasonal Hiring

  • Start early – Contact agencies 4-6 weeks before peak demand
  • Define clear job requirements – Ensure skills match production needs
  • Consider temp-to-hire – Evaluate workers for potential permanent roles

Conclusion

Partnering with a staffing agency ensures light industrial businesses can scale efficiently, control costs, and maintain productivity during spring demand surges. With access to skilled workers, reduced hiring headaches, and flexible staffing solutions, agencies provide a strategic advantage for seasonal hiring. For more insights on how seasonal staffing can support your business, consider reaching out to a reputable staffing agency like Midwest Staffing, which specializes in providing tailored staffing solutions for the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area.

Hiring in 2025? What Minnesota’s Pay Discrimination Act Means for You

What Minnesota’s Pay Discrimination Act Means for You

Minnesota’s Preventing Pay Discrimination Act: What Leaders Need to Know

Effective January 1, 2024, Minnesota’s Preventing Pay Discrimination Act prohibits employers from inquiring about an applicant’s salary history during the hiring process. This legislation aims to promote pay equity by ensuring compensation decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and market factors, rather than previous earnings.

Key Compliance Requirements for Employers

To adhere to the Preventing Pay Discrimination Act, employers should:

  • Avoid Salary History Inquiries: Refrain from asking applicants about their current or past wages, either directly or through third parties.
  • Base Pay on Qualifications: Ensure compensation decisions are grounded in skills, education, certifications, experience, and job market conditions.
  • Maintain Transparent Pay Practices: Develop clear pay structures and justifiable compensation models.
  • Enhance Pay Transparency in Job Postings: While not mandated, clearly stating salary ranges in job listings demonstrates a commitment to pay equity and can attract top talent.

How Midwest Staffing Can Help

At Midwest Staffing, we assist businesses in navigating these regulations while ensuring efficient and compliant hiring practices. Here’s how we can support you:

  • Transparent Hiring Process: We help companies establish clear and fair pay structures, ensuring compliance with Minnesota’s new regulations.
  • Market Insights: Our deep understanding of industry trends enables employers to set competitive and equitable wages based on the job market, not salary history.
  • Candidate Screening: We thoroughly assess applicants based on skills, experience, and job fit, ensuring compensation aligns with qualifications.
  • Strategic Talent Placement: Leveraging our expertise in matching candidates to the right roles, we help companies attract and retain top talent while adhering to fair pay practices.

By partnering with Midwest Staffing, employers can confidently comply with the Preventing Pay Discrimination Act while building a stronger, more equitable workforce. Contact us today to learn how we can streamline your hiring process!

7 WAYS TEMPORARY STAFFING AGENCIES HELP BRIDGE THE SKILLS GAP

TEMPORARY STAFFING AGENCIES HELP BRIDGE THE SKILLS GAP Midwest Staffing

In today’s rapidly changing economy, businesses are finding it harder than ever to keep up with the demand for specialized skills. The rise of new technologies, shifting market trends, and evolving job roles have contributed to a growing skills gap. Many companies struggle to find workers with the expertise needed to remain competitive. One solution that has proven effective is partnering with temporary staffing agencies to bridge this gap.

Skills Gap and its Impact

This refers to a situation where the skills and capabilities of candidates do not match those that companies need. This makes it difficult for hiring managers to find the right fit for their open positions. 

According to a study made by the United States Chamber of Commerce, 74 percent of recruitment leaders agree there is a gap in skills within the current labor market.¹ 

This gap causes a delay in the hiring process and can hurt companies in various ways. Some examples of its negative impacts are as follows: 

  • Lower Productivity Rates: When there are only a few qualified people working on a project, the amount of time needed to accomplish milestones lengthens. 
  • Lower Quality Outputs: Some employees are still required to finish projects assigned to them despite not having the required skills for the tasks. This results in lower-quality products or services being offered. 
  • Decrease in Profits: When production takes longer and creates an output that doesn’t meet quality standards, the company’s profits can be significantly affected as well as its reputation in the market. 

 
Take the manufacturing industry as an example. The evolution of technology and the constant innovation of machines have forced employers to seek different skills than what they would usually look for. In other words, the skills and expertise needed to work in the industry are changing. 

In 2021, the National Association of Manufacturers found that 80 percent of companies say their top challenge is the inability to attract and retain a quality workforce. This is projected to worsen as baby boomers continue to retire.²

Since there are significantly fewer employees than needed, experts predict a potential negative economic impact amounting to 2.5 trillion dollars if the gaps continue to exist.

Here’s how temporary staffing agencies are playing a crucial role in helping companies manage the skills gap:

1. Access to Specialized Talent

Temporary staffing agencies maintain extensive networks of professionals with diverse skill sets. Whether it’s in IT, healthcare, manufacturing, or other specialized fields, staffing firms can quickly match businesses with workers who possess the exact expertise they need. This is particularly valuable when a company requires skills for short-term projects or niche tasks but doesn’t need permanent staff for these roles.

2. Flexible Workforce Solutions

The fluctuating demand for certain skills is a challenge for many businesses. Companies may need specific expertise for a short period to meet project deadlines or ramp up production. Temporary staffing agencies offer flexibility by providing on-demand skilled workers who can be hired for limited engagements. This ensures that businesses can scale their workforce efficiently without long-term commitments.

3. Quick Deployment of Skilled Workers

When a company faces an urgent need for a particular skill set, sourcing and hiring employees through traditional methods can take weeks, if not months. Temporary staffing agencies streamline this process by having pre-vetted candidates ready to be deployed. This allows companies to fill critical gaps quickly, minimizing downtime and ensuring projects stay on track.

4. Training and Upskilling Opportunities

Many temporary staffing agencies invest in training and development programs to ensure their talent pool remains competitive. Agencies offer upskilling programs, workshops, and certifications, which help workers stay updated on the latest industry trends and technologies. This benefits both workers and companies, as employers gain access to a continually evolving workforce that can adapt to changing needs.

5. Cost-Effective Staffing

Hiring full-time employees with specialized skills can be expensive, especially if those skills are only needed for a short period. Temporary staffing agencies provide a cost-effective alternative, allowing businesses to hire skilled professionals as needed. This helps reduce overhead costs associated with salaries, benefits, and long-term commitments, while still gaining access to high-quality talent.

6. Reducing Risk in Hiring

One of the biggest risks for businesses is hiring the wrong person for the job. Temporary staffing agencies help mitigate this risk by offering flexible contracts and trial periods. Companies can evaluate a worker’s performance before making any long-term commitments, ensuring a better fit for both the business and the employee.

7. Filling the Gaps in Emerging Industries

As new industries and technologies emerge, the skills gap becomes more pronounced. Temporary staffing agencies are adept at identifying trends and recruiting professionals in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, and renewable energy. This allows businesses to tap into the latest innovations without falling behind in the competitive landscape.

Resources and Further Reading:

These resources provide deeper insights into how staffing agencies are addressing the skills gap and the impact they have on the workforce.

Navigating the Transition from Temporary to Permanent Employment

Navigating the Transition from Temporary to Permanent Employment

Temporary employment or Temp to Hire offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience, develop skills, and make professional connections. However, many temporary employees aspire to secure a permanent position. Transitioning from temporary to permanent employment requires strategic planning, effective communication, and a proactive approach. Midwest Staffing also offers several Direct Hire opportunities to those that meet requirements of the client or have shown exceptional skills for the position. Here’s how you can navigate this transition successfully.

1. Excel in Your Current Role

The first step towards securing a permanent position is to excel in your current temporary role. Show your dedication, reliability, and ability to perform tasks efficiently. Exceeding expectations will not only make a positive impression on your supervisors but also demonstrate your value to the company. According to the Harvard Business Review, employees who consistently exceed performance expectations are more likely to be considered for permanent roles (Harvard Business Review, 2020).

2. Communicate Your Goals

Open communication is key to transitioning from a temporary to a permanent position. Make your career goals known to your supervisors and express your interest in a permanent role. By doing so, you signal your commitment to the company and your desire to grow within the organization. Career experts at Forbes emphasize the importance of discussing your aspirations with your employer to increase your chances of securing a permanent position (Forbes, 2021).

3. Network Within the Company

Building relationships with colleagues and supervisors can significantly impact your chances of becoming a permanent employee. Networking within the company allows you to learn more about available opportunities and demonstrate your enthusiasm for being part of the team. A study by LinkedIn revealed that networking is one of the most effective ways to find job opportunities and advance your career (LinkedIn, 2021).

4. Seek Feedback and Improve

Regularly seek feedback from your supervisors to understand areas where you can improve. Constructive feedback helps you grow professionally and shows your willingness to learn and develop. Incorporating feedback into your work can make you a more valuable employee, increasing your chances of being offered a permanent position. According to a report by Gallup, employees who receive regular feedback are more engaged and perform better at work (Gallup, 2019).

5. Enhance Your Skills

Continuously enhancing your skills and staying updated with industry trends can make you a more attractive candidate for permanent roles. Take advantage of training opportunities offered by the company and consider pursuing relevant certifications. The Balance Careers suggests that upskilling can significantly improve your employability and career prospects (The Balance Careers, 2020).

6. Show Flexibility and Adaptability

Demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in your role can make a lasting impression on your employer. Being open to taking on different tasks and responsibilities shows your willingness to contribute to the company’s success. Employers value employees who can adapt to changing circumstances and meet the organization’s needs effectively.

7. Understand Company Culture

Understanding and aligning with the company culture is crucial for transitioning to a permanent position. Employers look for candidates who fit well within the team and share the company’s values. Take the time to learn about the company’s mission, values, and work environment, and show how you embody these attributes in your daily work.

8. Be Patient and Persistent

Securing a permanent position often requires patience and persistence. Continue to perform well in your temporary role, stay proactive in seeking opportunities, and remain positive throughout the process. Even if a permanent position is not immediately available, your hard work and dedication can leave a lasting impression, leading to future opportunities.

Conclusion

Transitioning from Temporary employment or Temp to Hire to Direct Hire or permanent employment is a journey that requires dedication, effective communication, and a proactive approach. By excelling in your current role, communicating your goals, networking, seeking feedback, enhancing your skills, showing flexibility, understanding company culture, and being patient, you can increase your chances of securing a permanent position. Embrace the opportunities that temporary employment offers, and use them as stepping stones to achieve your long-term career goals.

BUILDING A FLEXIBLE CAREER PATH THROUGH TEMPORARY WORK

Building a Flexible Career Path through Temporary Work

In today’s rapidly changing job market, flexibility has become a cornerstone of career development. Traditional career paths, characterized by long-term commitments to a single employer, are increasingly being replaced by more dynamic and adaptable approaches. One such approach is leveraging temporary work to build a flexible and fulfilling career path. Temporary work, or temp work, offers numerous benefits that can help professionals navigate the modern employment landscape with greater agility and confidence.

The Rise of Temporary Work

Temporary work has seen a significant rise in recent years, driven by both employer needs and worker preferences. Companies are increasingly relying on temporary employees to manage fluctuating workloads, fill short-term gaps, and bring in specialized skills for specific projects. Simultaneously, workers are seeking greater control over their schedules, diverse work experiences, and opportunities to develop new skills without long-term commitments (Forbes).

Advantages of Temporary Work

  1. Skill Development and Diversification: Temporary work provides an excellent platform to acquire and refine a wide range of skills. Each assignment presents a new environment, different challenges, and unique learning opportunities. This continuous exposure helps you build a versatile skill set, making you more adaptable and valuable in the job market (Indeed).
  2. Networking Opportunities: Working in various organizations allows you to expand your professional network significantly. Each temporary role introduces you to new colleagues, managers, and industry contacts. Building a robust network can open doors to future job opportunities, collaborations, and valuable industry insights (LinkedIn).
  3. Career Exploration: Temporary work is an ideal way to explore different industries, roles, and company cultures without long-term commitments. It enables you to gain firsthand experience and insights into what suits you best, helping you make more informed career decisions. This exploration can be particularly beneficial for recent graduates or individuals considering a career change (The Balance Careers).
  4. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: One of the most attractive aspects of temporary work is the flexibility it offers. You can choose assignments that fit your schedule, allowing for better work-life balance. This flexibility is especially valuable for those managing family responsibilities, pursuing further education, or engaging in personal projects (FlexJobs).
  5. Income Stability: Contrary to the perception that temporary work is unstable, it can provide a steady income stream when managed effectively. By maintaining a roster of potential assignments and staying proactive in your job search, you can ensure a consistent flow of work and income. Additionally, temporary roles often come with competitive pay rates, especially for specialized skills (Monster).

Strategies for Success in Temporary Work

To maximize the benefits of temporary work and build a flexible career path, consider the following strategies:

  1. Be Proactive and Organized: Stay ahead in your job search by maintaining an updated resume and a list of potential employers and staffing agencies. Utilize online job boards, social media, and professional networks to find new opportunities. Keeping a calendar of assignments and deadlines will help you manage multiple roles effectively (CareerBuilder).
  2. Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Embrace every temporary role as a learning opportunity. Stay curious, ask questions, and seek feedback to improve your performance. Being adaptable and open to new experiences will make you a more attractive candidate for future assignments (Harvard Business Review).
  3. Market Your Skills: Clearly articulate your diverse skill set and experiences on your resume and professional profiles. Highlight your ability to adapt quickly, work in various environments, and bring value to different types of projects. Demonstrating your versatility will attract a wider range of job opportunities (TopResume).
  4. Build Strong Relationships: Make a positive impression in every temporary role by being reliable, professional, and collaborative. Building strong relationships with colleagues and supervisors can lead to repeat assignments, recommendations, and permanent job offers (Entrepreneur).
  5. Balance Short-term Goals with Long-term Vision: While temporary work is inherently short-term, it’s important to keep your long-term career goals in mind. Use each assignment strategically to build skills and experiences that align with your overarching career aspirations. Regularly reassess your career plan and adjust your approach as needed (Fast Company).

Conclusion

Building a flexible career path through temporary work is a viable and rewarding strategy in today’s job market. It offers a unique combination of skill development, networking, career exploration, and work-life balance. By embracing the opportunities that temporary work presents and adopting effective strategies, you can create a dynamic and fulfilling career that adapts to your evolving goals and the changing employment landscape. Embrace the flexibility, stay proactive, and watch your career flourish in ways you never imagined.

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.

TIPS WHEN SEEKING WORK OPPORTUNITIES THAT OFFER JOB GROWTH

If you are seeking stable employment in a company that offers career growth, then this is a must read for you! When looking for a job it’s important to interview and evaluate potential employers. Yes, the company is making an investment in hiring you, but you are also contributing time and energy into the company. In the like manner jobseekers should inquire about opportunities that enhance professional growth.

When seeking employment it’s key to determine your career goals and aspirations. If you are looking expand in your profession, then it’s crucial to communicate such aspirations with potential employers. Inquire about available job promotions as you gain seniority with the company. Doing so provides insight into professional ambitions and seriousness in growing with the company. Below are sample questions to consider when selecting jobs that offer growth potentials.

QUESTIONS TO ASK POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS:

1. Are promotions available as I expand my skills on the job?

2. Is there growth potential in different departments of the company?

3. How often does the company evaluate employee performance?

4. If given the opportunity can employees expand in his or her job roles?

5. Can employees request transfers if a promotion is available at another location?

6. What are the requirements to be considered for a leadership position?

7. Is there a website were I can research your employee benefits and growth opportunities?

TIPS FOR JOBSEEKERS WITH DISABILITIES SEEKING EMPLOYMENT

Pursuing employment can be quite intense as jobseekers prepare to highlight occupational skills and potentials that supersede those of other applicants. The job search requires thorough preparation such as proper attire, anticipating interview questions, and doing researching on the company and/or leadership team. People with disabilities may face other challenges along with the normal stressors involved in seeking work. Unfortunately there are instances were employers stereotype people with disabilities, making it difficult for some individuals to find fulfilling jobs. As a result some people prefer not to share their disabilities for fear of humiliation or disqualifications of potential job openings. Sadly such individuals are deprived from the deserved opportunity to share his or her given potential in the workplace.

The United States Department of Labor defines The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) as follows; “The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and governmental activities. The ADA also establishes requirements for telecommunications relay services.” Employers cannot discriminate when providing employee trainings, promotions, or benefits. Also, upon hire employers must provide suitable accommodations for people with disabilities to meet job requirements. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) advises jobseekers to determine if job duties can be performed with adequate employer accommodations when seeking employment. Doing so decreases the burden of applying to numerous jobs and ensures protection under the ADA.

The EEOC comments further on how the ADA defines disability noting:

To be protected under the ADA, you must have, have a record of, or be regarded as having a substantial, as opposed to a minor, impairment. A substantial impairment is one that significantly limits or restricts a major life activity such as hearing, seeing, speaking, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, caring for oneself, learning or working.

TIPS FOR JOBSEEKERS WITH DISABILITIES SEEKING EMPLOYMENT:

1. Research your employment rights. The EEOC and The United States Department of Labor offer resourceful information on ADA and related topics.

2. Partner with organizations in your area for employment opportunities and other available services for people with disabilities.

3. Focus on your strengths. We each have unique skills and abilities to share with others. Highlight individual skills and qualities that will be of positive contribution to the related job position. For instance: “I am excited to apply for the administrative assistance position. I feel confident in my potential to not only meet but also exceed company expectations. I am great with people skills and love to help others.” If the opportunity allows you can share your vision and potentials with the interviewer.

4. Work with a human resource or staffing personnel who can provide sound guidance and assistance throughout the hiring process. Staffing professionals are experienced in the field and can assist with resume tips and interview preparation. Human resource personnel can also suggest how, when, and to whom to address personal accommodations and disability questions.

5. Never feel inferior to other applicants. Career success is highly influenced by our mental attitude to follow through goals and aspirations with confidence. You know your individual strengths better than anyone else. Tap into your personal gifts and talents, seeking employment opportunities that align with your skills, abilities, and career goals.

HOW TO STAY CALM & COLLECTED ON YOUR FIRST DAY OF WORK

The first day on your new job has arrived! You’re anxious, scared, and intimidated by more experienced employees. Everyone knows you’re a new graduate and the look of fear on your face clearly spells out “rookie”. There are ways to create an atmosphere that promotes business relationships and a positive first impression. Yes, even if you are fresh out of graduate school!

STRATEGIES TO STAY CALM & COLLECTED ON YOUR FIRST DAY OF WORK:

1. Keep your cool. Literally. No one likes to share an office with a sweaty and stinky co-worker. Although it may be nerve wrecking to start the “job of your dreams”, anticipate all possible scenarios by selecting comfortable and airy attire that fits your job position. This will keep you looking and feeling fresh.

2. Maintain your confidence. There are many employees, which can attest that longevity doesn’t always amount to a qualified employee or to better work performance.  There are new hires including graduates, which are just as skilled and perform better on the job than employees with seniority. Be confident in yourskills and area of expertise, knowing you have much to contribute to the company.

3. Don’t be intimidated to ask questions. Many times new employees want to be self-sufficient from day one, with the idea of not burdening others or delaying the work flow. In all truth, everyone expects new hires to have lots of questions and to go through a period of training. During this time mistakes may occur, but they can serve as a springboard for future success.  I’m not referring to negligence or lack of professional conduct, but rather to a general expectation that new hires are in a process of learning and becoming acquainted with the workplace.

4. Familiarize yourself with the work environment. Arrive a few minutes early and get acquainted with the work setting. For example, locate emergency exits, restrooms, employee lounge, meeting rooms, storage rooms, and employee login area. Becoming acquainted with your job setting is one less stressor that can be addressed early on in your work day. Some employees are privileged to attend orientation prior to the first day of work, yet regardless all employees can arrive a few minutes early and explore the environment.

5.  Greet everyone with a friendly attitude. For the most part people like the company of other positive individuals. There’s a lot to learn and mentally digest on the first day of work, and there may be little time left to interact with co-workers. Break time is a great opportunity to become acquainted with other employees in your workplace. 

Wishing you much success on your first day of work!