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Part-Time Jobs to Do While Job Searching

By Job Journey on Friday, June 1, 2018

It takes time to find the perfect job, but you need money now—what can you do?

The job search isn’t quick. Even if you know exactly what type of job you’re looking for, you still have to find an opening to apply for. Next is waiting to see if you get an interview and subsequently attending it. And finally, you wait once again to see if you got the job. That’s a lot of time spent waiting, not considering the hours you spend online or at professional events searching and networking.

Trying to find a great full-time job is a job in and of itself. But one that pays absolutely nothing. And being unemployed doesn’t prevent your bills from piling up. Luckily, a great and flexible part-time job can be the perfect way to escape the job search for a bit, gain experience, and put money in your bank account. Here are our top choices.

Retailer/Cashier

The service industry is always looking for applicants, partly due to many companies not paying a competitive wage. Although this can be hurtful for those wanting to work fulltime in the service industry, the lower wages can mean increased flexibility in a bid to attract applicants. For job seekers looking to earn some sort of income while they’re in the job market, this could be an ideal situation.

Handyman

If you’re good with your hands and looking for something on the industrial side, handyman work might be for you. The difference between being a handyman and a contractor is what is known as a “Minor Work Exemption” or “Handyman Exemption.” Although the particulars vary by state, the main takeaway is that small jobs that rise above a certain price point (or certain types of work) may require a license.

Although it will be up to you to find clients, with handyman work, you can set your own hours, fitting in time to job search as needed.

Administrative/Personal Assistant

Admin and personal assistants are positions like cashiers in that they have fairly high turnover. However, they also can provide exposure to an industry you might be interested in. Looking for a marketing or PR position? Try to find an admin gig at an ad agency or marketing department. Is accounting or finance more your speed? Check and see if anybody is looking for a personal assistant in those departments.

Most every department and business needs an administrative assistant. And if you have to take a part-time job to pay the bills while you’re looking for you dream job, why not choose something in a related industry?

Contact Express

Not sure how to find any of those part-time jobs? At Express, we know that everyone’s job search is different. Some are looking for a career, while others just want something to pay the bills. Either way, whether it’s part time, full time, or something in between, we’re here to help. Check out our online office locator to find a location near you and schedule an in-person visit, or register online.

Have you ever taken on a part-time job while you were job searching? What did you choose? Let us know in the comments below!

The Job Search

What to Do If You Don’t Have a Holiday Job

By Job Journey on Monday, October 26, 2015

The holiday season is a busy time for everyone, especially the retail industry. As the holidays approach, many businesses begin hiring additional employees to help with the extra workload. Since much of that hiring takes place before the holidays kick off, it’s important to secure seasonal work early. If you haven’t landed a seasonal job, check out these tips for finding temporary work this year.

Think Outside the Box
Retail isn’t the only industry in need of extra staff during the holiday season. Restaurants, catering companies, and event planning businesses also recruit extra staff during this busy season, so reach out to companies in your area to find out if they’re hiring.

The season’s increase in shopping also creates thousands of part-time jobs in other industries. Shipping companies need mail sorters and packers. And, grocery stores may need additional staff, especially during the week leading up to a major holiday. Because children are out of school, home care and day care are also in higher demand.

Check with family and neighbors to see if you can help with baking, wrapping, dog walking, running errands, or other tasks that people may be willing to pay for during this busy season.

Don’t Give Up
If you are struggling to find a holiday job, don’t give up. Keep sending your resume to companies you’d like to work for, or calling businesses you think may need extra help this season. Don’t forget to check out a staffing company like Express Employment Professionals for help finding a temporary job this season.

If you do score a holiday job, remember to work hard and showcase your skills so your part-time job might just transition into a full-time opportunity.

What was your favorite holiday job? Let us know in the comments section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Career Advancement

Start Building Your New Career Today

By Job Journey on Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Are you a recent graduate? Are you new to the workforce? Are you looking for a career change?

If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, you may be in the process of building your new career. Getting started can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. As long as you’re motivated to make your new career a success, your dream job can become a reality. To help you get started, check out these tips for building your new career today.

Know what you want.
Whether you just graduated, are entering the workforce for the first time, or considering a career change, the first step is knowing what you want in a job. Do a self-assessment of your values, hobbies, experience, and work preferences so you know when a job opportunity may be right for you. Knowing what you want before you apply helps you avoid getting stuck in a work environment that doesn’t match what you need. According to a Forbes article, “When your values are dramatically misaligned with those of your employer, you will become disengaged and possibly even disgruntled.”

Customize your resume for every job application.
Making sure your resume matches each job description helps you stand out from the competition and ensures that you’re the right fit for the job. Don’t forget to check for spelling and grammatical errors in both your resume and cover letter. Sending out material with mistakes may make you appear lazy to hiring managers and prevent you from landing an interview.

Spread the news!
Tell your friends, family, and mentors that you’re looking for work so they can help you search. You never know what connections are out there, and someone you know may be able to connect you with a potential employer. Networking is essential when you’re looking for a job, especially if you’re thinking about changing careers or are just starting out in the workforce.

Consider finding temporary or short-term roles.
Temporary work is not only a great way to earn an income while you’re searching for that perfect job, it’s also a chance to gain experience and skills you may not otherwise have. Temporary jobs even allow you to test out a career you may be interested in by helping you get your foot in the door. You can gain knowledge, skills, experience, and networking opportunities by working a short-term job in a field you want to explore. And, that temporary job could even turn into a permanent one. Consider applying with a staffing agency to find temporary or contract work that’s right for you.

Take advantage of social media.
Some of your social media sites can be a useful tool in your job search. LinkedIn, for example, is a great way to get noticed and find employers who are hiring. Think of LinkedIn and your other social networks like a digital resume and use them to showcase your skills, experience, and education. Remember to keep your social media clean and free of anything that may not make you an ideal job candidate for employers. If your social media profiles are public, chances are potential employers will look at them. In fact, a 2014 survey by Harris Poll revealed that 51% of employers who research job candidates online said they’ve found content that caused them not to hire the candidate. Think twice before sharing any photos, updates, or links that may be questionable or paint you in a bad light. When it comes to your job search, social media can make or break you.

Freelance or start a side business.
If you currently have a job, but have a hobby or skill you’d like to explore, consider freelance work. For example, if you love to write, but don’t know where to find writing jobs, try contacting websites or local newspapers to see if they’re looking for freelance writers. Or if you are really good at math, but don’t know how to use that in your career, reach out to schools and other organizations that may be looking for tutors. Freelancing allows you to take on small projects that use your skills while adding to your portfolio and experience.

Educate yourself.
If you want to change careers, you may need the proper training to do so. According to the University of Southern California, some college graduates earn more than twice as much as high school graduates. If higher education is in your future, start by looking for vocational schools and colleges in your area. In some cases, the training you need may be as simple as online certifications or courses. If you’re looking for a career change, check out this list of careers that will make going back to school worthwhile..

Make a list of companies where you’d like to work.
Forbes suggests taking the time to learn about companies you’d like to work for, and familiarizing yourself with that company’s leaders and the industry they’re in. Know what issues affect the industry and determine whether or not you have the experience and skills to offer possible solutions to those issues. Knowing industry trends is also a great way to start a conversation with potential employers and hiring managers.

What tips do you have for building a new career? Share with us in the comment section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Career Options

The Benefits of Being a Staffing Employee

By Job Journey on Friday, October 2, 2015

us_staffingweek_2015_benefits_of_temporary_work_web National Employee Staffing Week in the United States, and it’s a great time to look at the impact temporary and contract employees have on the industry.

According to the American Staffing Association (ASA), more than three million temporary and contract employees work for America’s staffing companies every week. Throughout the course of a year, that number is more than 14 million.

Of those employees, 76% work full time and nine out of 10 staffing employees believe that staffing work makes them more employable.

Potential for Permanent Placement
One of the major benefits of working with a staffing company is the potential of finding a permanent job. While a lot of job assignments may start out as temporary or part-time work, they can lead to a full-time, permanent job.

In fact, the ASA reports that 49% of staffing employees believe temporary work is a way to land a permanent job. Furthermore, one-third of workers were offered a permanent job by a client where they worked on an assignment.

Temporary Work Is Flexible
In addition to the possibility of finding permanent employment, working through a staffing firm has many benefits, including flexibility and the opportunity to expand your skills and experience.

According to the ASA: “While permanent employment is a top priority for most staffing employees, about one in five cite scheduling flexibility as a key reason for choosing temporary and contact work.”

Many Occupations Available
Staffing companies often represent many different business types, so there’s opportunity for you to try out a new career or gain valuable skills in a booming industry. The ASA reports that staffing employees work in virtually all sectors, including:

Industrial – 37%
Office (Clerical and Administrative) – 28%
Professional/Managerial – 13%
Engineering, Information Technology, and Scientific – 13%
Health Care – 9%

As we celebrate National Staffing Employee Week, we want to know what you enjoy about working in the temporary and contract staffing industry. Share with us in the comment section below!

Career Options

Need a Job? Seasonal Work Is Here

By Job Journey on Monday, September 14, 2015

The holiday season may still seem far off, but now is the time to start looking for work if you plan to find a seasonal job this year. Every year, the holiday season helps put millions of people to work in jobs that may begin as temporary employment, but often turn into permanent employment.

There are many benefits to finding a seasonal job. In addition to the extra income around the holidays, seasonal jobs are also a great way to add experience to your resume and network with people who may be able to help your career in the future. Even though your job may start out as a temporary one, it could lead to permanent, full-time employment.

Take Your Job Seriously
According to Bob Funk, CEO of Express Employment Professionals, “Employers will look at their temporary employees this holiday season to see which ones merit a full-time, permanent position.”

If you want to better your odds of landing a permanent job after the holidays, remember to treat your seasonal job like an extended interview. Take advantage of the opportunity to show you’re hard-working, committed, and have a positive attitude. When you go above and beyond at your temporary job, you better your chances of being noticed by potential employers.

Don’t Limit Your Options
Holiday jobs may seem like they’re limited to Christmas or other winter holidays, but don’t forget about the entire holiday season. Halloween, for example, can be an avenue for temporary work because of large costume superstores that open for the season. Additionally, party stores may need extra help around New Year’s Eve.

Start Now
Stop by any department store and you’re likely to see holiday items already stocked on the shelves. If businesses are already thinking about the holidays, you should be too. Brainstorm places you would like to apply for seasonal work and get started on applications. Don’t wait until November or December, because most employers want their seasonal staff trained and working before the shopping rush begins.

Call a Staffing Agency
When companies want to hire multiple new employees for the holiday season, they often go to a staffing company for assistance. Since staffing providers are usually better equipped to find, screen, and hire large numbers of workers, they can be a great resource for you. Do your homework before you apply and make sure the staffing company is a reputable one, like Express Employment Professionals.

Make Sure You’re Prepared
In a recent poll on Movin’ On Up, we asked if our readers plan on looking for seasonal work this year. An astonishing 84% of responders said that they do plan to look for seasonal work. Since so many people want to find work this holiday season, you need to make sure you’re prepared to beat the competition. Clean up your resume, brush up on your interview skills, make a list of references, research the companies you want to work for, and know the skills that employers want to see. When you’re prepared for a job opportunity, you stand a better chance of landing the job.

Have you worked a seasonal job? Did your seasonal job turn into a permanent one? Share your tips with us in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Reader Surveys

The Results Are In: Do You Plan On Looking for Seasonal Work This Year?

By Job Journey on Friday, September 4, 2015

The holiday season is quickly approaching, which means many businesses are starting to gear up for the busiest time of year. Since some employers look to staffing companies to keep up with the peak shopping season, we wanted to know if Movin’ On Up readers plan to look for seasonal work this year.

The Results Are In
The results from our poll suggest that 84% of readers plan on looking for seasonal work. Of that percentage, 34% responded that “seasonal jobs could lead to permanent work after the holidays,” and 50% said that “seasonal jobs are a great way to bring in additional income during the holidays.”

Only 6% of those surveyed reported that they don’t have any interest in finding seasonal work, and 4% said they’d rather find something more permanent instead. An additional 5% of respondents hadn’t yet decided whether or not they plan to look for seasonal work.

Compared to 2014
The number of people who plan to look for seasonal work increased when compared to the same poll from 2014. Last year, 76% of readers planned to look for holiday work. While 4% of readers said they’d rather find something more permanent in 2015, 9% responded this way in 2014.

There are many benefits to working seasonal jobs during the holidays, including the potential for full-time employment, training, and additional income.

According to our poll, four out of five jobseekers plan to look for work this holiday season. Are you one of those jobseekers? Have you secured a seasonal job in the past? Share your holiday hiring success stories in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

New Job Tips

Make a Cool Impression at Your Summer Job

By Job Journey on Friday, July 17, 2015

Every summer, many students look for temporary work while they take a break from school. Summer jobs are a great way to make money, meet new people, and enhance your resume. They’re also an important stepping stone in your career path, whether the job you choose is part of your overall career goals or not. According to Nicole Williams, a business owner in New York City, “You want to impress your boss. You want to do everything in your power to make this job a great opportunity for you.”

So, how do you impress your boss and make sure your summer job leads to bigger and better opportunities? Check out the tips below to stand out from the competition this summer.

Adjust your routine.
Staying healthy and rested makes you a better employee. Instead of staying up late or spending hours watching television before the lights go out, create a bedtime routine that will allow you to get the sleep you need for better job performance. If you like to unwind before bed, consider reading a book instead of spending time in front of the screen. According to Reuters, using a technological device before bed dramatically increases the likelihood that you’ll need more than 60 minutes to fall asleep. Getting better sleep can make you less drowsy, which in turn can up your creativity and efficiency. Plus, walking in the door on time or a few minutes early helps show your boss that you take the job seriously.

Go above and beyond.
While your current role may be perfect for you, if you have plans to move up in the company, you may want to consider taking on additional projects to show your initiative. According to career author Dan Schawbel, “If all you do is what is listed in your job description, it’s impossible to get ahead.” So, keep an open mind when you’re asked to take on additional projects or roles and see if your can-do attitude helps you get noticed.

Learn from your mistakes.
It’s impossible to be perfect all the time. Once you accept this fact, you can learn to embrace any mistakes or failures you experience on the job. If you receive a performance review or other feedback that is less than perfect, try to recognize the constructive criticism as a way to improve. Look for the lessons in your mistakes and use them as a chance to grow both personally and professionally. “If you aren’t afraid to learn, then you’re going to be in a position for more success in your second, third, and fourth jobs,” Williams said.

Network, network, network.
We talk a lot about networking on this blog, and for good reason. Networking is an important way to connect with people who can help you land a job, find a new opportunity, or expand your list of references. Even if you only plan to work at your summer job for a few months, you can use the opportunity to meet as many people as possible. You never know what connections they may have or how they can help you with your future career goals.

Pay attention to your wardrobe.
If your summer job requires a professional wardrobe, don’t skimp on quality. Looking professional is important in the workplace and can make a positive impression on your boss, co-workers, and customers. Luckily, there are cost-effective ways to achieve a professional look. Check out clearance sections at department stores, or consider looking at local second-hand stores for professional attire without breaking the bank. If your job requires a uniform, always keep yours clean, ironed if necessary, and professional. Showing up to the job with a uniform that isn’t up to par can make you seem uninterested or unmotivated–two qualities you don’t want a potential reference to mention with your name.

Whether your summer job is part of your career path or just a way to work while taking a break from classes, your workplace performance matters. Make connections, learn new skills, and use learning opportunities as a chance to grow and be better prepared for your next job.

How do you plan to make a great impression at your summer job? Let us know in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.