We’ve all felt like work has gotten the better of us from time to time, but if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed for more than a few days then you may be suffering from burn out. Here are a few tell-tale signs to look out for:

You’re not putting effort in anymore

A lack of interest in your work brought on by feeling burnt out can lead to not putting much effort into your daily tasks. Many times, this is a symptom most noticed in those who typically exceed expectations at work and go above and beyond to improve on themselves day after day. You may find that you went from striving to be better every day to just coasting through your shift and doing the bare minimum. This is a clear sign that you may be overwhelmed by the stress brought on by your position.

You don’t feel well a lot of the time

Burn out rears it’s ugly head in many ways, and some of them are physical and can be worrying to say the least. Some of the symptoms of burn out include: Insomnia, headache, chest pain, stomach pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Any one of these symptoms could be concerning on their own, and you should always be examined by a doctor if you experience any symptoms that worry you. Just don’t be surprised if they tell you it’s work or stress related.

You’re not excited about work anymore

We know getting excited to go to work is hard when most people would rather be anywhere else. But think about it, you took that job for a reason in the first place. Out of the jobs you applied for, you chose this one and everyone has different motivations when it comes to job selection. Maybe it was the pay-rate, maybe it was the type of work you’d be doing. Whatever the case, there was something about it you enjoyed, that excited you and helped you get up and go in every day. If you find yourself struggling to remember what that was, then you are probably burned out.

You feel exhausted all the time

One of the most common symptoms of burn out is exhaustion. In fact, exhaustion is so attached to burn out that you may have heard people say “Man, I’m burnt out today” to say that they’re tired. Now, if you’re feeling a little groggy after a late night out, then it’s safe to say you’re not experiencing burn out. However, if you come in to work feeling tired every day, even after getting plenty of sleep, then you may be suffering from something a bit more serious.

Your performance is suffering

All of the things we’ve talked about so far would directly effect your performance at work. Calling off due to stress related illness, feeling disinterested or exhausted, and not putting much effort in your work all negatively impact not only yourself but your company as a whole. If you’re constantly missing the mark or making mistakes more and more, you could be building resent from your coworkers who may be thinking that you’re not pulling your weight anymore. Any time you think you may be suffering performance issues due to burn out, take time to recognize what may be causing it and take steps to improve your situation.

What can I do?

You may have heard that taking time off work helps if you’re feeling overwhelmed and to an extent that is an option. However, it’s only a short term fix for a long term problem. After coming back from vacation, you may find that you’re back to feeling burned out within a matter of days. The only way to get better is to actively work at changing your situation. You can do this in two ways: changing your attitude towards work or changing your workload.

In order to change your attitude, you first need to identify the negative habits and behaviors that you exhibit and stop them when you notice they start. One of the leading causes of burn out is a desire to do everything perfectly which can result in you focusing so heavily on one project that you begin to develop obsessive compulsions to only stop working once it’s flawlessly finished. This can bring undue stress and cause you to ignore other tasks. When you begin to notice

Having a heavy workload can also lead to burn out because it makes us feel like we’re being pulled in too many directions and don’t have enough time to complete everything we need to. This can lead to a lull in performance which will begin to concern your higher-ups. If your workload is too much for you, speak up. Take time to sit down with your boss and try to restructure your responsibilities in a way that benefits you and the company. You will still need to challenge yourself, but if you can eliminate a few tasks to give yourself more wiggle room in the day then make sure to voice your concerns.

-Tyler Geeve, Staff Source Marketing/Recruiting Assistant

Get Your Resume Recruiter Ready

New year, new you, new resume. Your resume is never really finished. It’s a living document that changes with you. Every time you develop a new skill or work a new job, your resume should be updated to reflect them. The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to take inventory of your skills and to create a fresh resume that will help you get a job in the field you are interested in. This can be a little overwhelming for people who have never done it before, but not to worry we have another blog post with tips on building a resume from scratch:

https://www.staffsourceusa.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=3190&action=edit

Network Network Network

The best resource you have to find work is other people. Whether it’s your friends, former coworkers, or people you’ve met in your industry, the people that surround you often times provide you with the best avenues to find a new job. Get out and attend job fairs, go to career events, meet people in your industry. Word of mouth is a fantastic way to build awareness about you as a candidate. All it takes is the right person hearing that you’re looking for work or being introduced to a hiring manager to get offered a job. So get out there and start making new connections!

Get Help From Your Network

Once you have built up a network of people, use them as a resource for finding work. Ask them if their company is hiring or if they know of any that are. Try to get them to introduce you to important people at their company to help build your network even more. Get interview or job search tips from them as well. The whole point of having a professional network is to have resources to utilize when you need them. Don’t treat it as a one-way relationship though. If someone in your network asks you for help, return the favor. If you’re in it only for yourself, you will quickly build a reputation as a manipulator and fewer people will want to associate with you.

Put Social Media to Work For You

It’s 2020 now and we live in a world that is becoming more and more interconnected, especially online. Social media is no longer just a way to stalk celebrities and check in with your family, it’s a serious means to find work. More and more sites are implementing job features to help job seekers find new employment. One site that has been about networking and job searching from the beginning is LinkedIn. We’ve talked a lot about LinkedIn in the past and how important it is to have a profile, and the same is still true going into the new year. If you don’t already have a profile, you need to get one and fast. The site is an amazing resource to connect with people in your industry and to help find new jobs.

-Tyler Geeve, Staff Source Marketing/Recruiting Assistant

Ask Questions

Never ever EVER be afraid to ask questions! So many people hesitate because they think it will make them look foolish or incompetent. The truth is that you want to ask questions to make sure you understand everything you’ve been told. Would you rather ask a question on day one to make sure you’re doing something right, or find out on day ten that you’ve been doing it wrong the whole time? Which do you think makes you look more foolish? Swallow your pride and ask questions.

Absorb EVERYTHING

Commit everything you see, hear, and learn to memory. Names, tasks, important processes, etc. Anything that is important for the job you will be performing should be absorbed like a sponge. It impresses your coworkers if you can quickly pick up on what is expected of you and if you can seamlessly become a part of the team without having to stop someone every five minutes to ask what you should be doing.

Remember Names

One quick way to get noticed when you’re starting a new job is to learn and remember your coworkers’ names. Nothing shows that you are committed to becoming a member of the team like coming in on day two and greeting everyone by their name. It also builds a sense of trust and can help you integrate yourself into the office culture more quickly.

Take Initiative

Whenever you’re starting a new position, you want to jump in right away and start working. If there is anything you know you can complete without any assistance, do it! Even if there’s small things around the office you can help with like brewing more coffee or replacing paper in the copier when you see it’s getting low, take the time to do it without being asked. It goes a long way to impressing your manager and shows your coworkers that you are invested in the company and the work you all do.

Don’t be Afraid to Speak Up

Many people don’t speak up much their first few days for fear of rocking the boat, when in reality that’s exactly what you want to do! You shouldn’t say anything off the wall, but you should definitely add to the conversation. You got hired to contribute to a team, make sure you remind them that you were the right person for the job. Now don’t walk into an office and assume you know everything, but if you have experience and insight about a certain topic make sure you communicate your concerns.

Offer to Help

As we have said in each of the entries above, when you’re hired into a new position you are expected to join and be an effective member of a team. Even if you aren’t assigned to work with a “team” you will still be working with coworkers on a regular basis and building those relationships is important to creating a good work environment. One of the fastest ways you can nurture your relationships with coworkers is offering to help them if they need it, and if it doesn’t conflict with your responsibilities. Being an effective team means helping each other so the entire group succeeds.

–Tyler Geeve, Staff Source Marketing/Recruiting Assistant

Career fairs offer great opportunities to network with companies and find new employment opportunities. Unfortunately, they usually draw large crowds and it can be hard to stand out from the herd. Use these tips to help make a memorable first impression the next time you’re out at a job fair!

Ask About Company Culture

Every job seeker asks the same few questions: What jobs do you have? What does your company do? How can I apply? Can I leave my resume with you? One question recruiters rarely ever hear is “What is the company culture at your business?”. This is a sure-fire way to grab a recruiter’s attention. They LOVE talking about their company, but they especially enjoy discussing the culture and day to day aspects of the organization. By asking you’re showing interest beyond just getting a job, but that you are looking to begin a career at a company who’s values match your own. The prospect of getting an eager new candidate who is looking to stay with them long term gets any recruiter excited!

Ask About the Employer’s Experience

One way to make sure you stand out from the crowd and make a great impression during a career fair is to ask the recruiter about their own personal experience with the company. What parts of their job do they enjoy, what parts do they dislike, what is the day to day like, what types of challenges do they face. All of these are questions that not only start a more personable conversation, but they give you insight into what working at that particular company would be like.

Discuss Specific Positions

As someone who has worked a few job fairs, I can say that almost everyone walks up to the booth and asks what types of jobs we have available. It honestly becomes hard for us at that point to pick any one of them out of the crowd. The people who really stand out are the ones who ask about specific positions that we have open. It shows us that they have done some research into our company, or at the very least, went to our website to view our available openings. A bit of extra effort goes a long way in impressing us, and the people that do so are typically the first ones we call the next day.

Discuss Industry Trends or News

Going along with peaking recruiter interest by discussing specific jobs and company culture, you can also bring up recent trends or news from their industry to show you know not just their company but the nature of the work they do as well. It exemplifies that you have done your homework and would have industry knowledge going into a job. The most attractive candidates are the ones who show they are capable of doing research on their own and who have previous knowledge of their industry.

Find a Way to Stay in Touch

Many people leave ways for employers to reach out to them, but you might be surprised to hear that not very many ask for THEIR contact information. If there’s one thing that has been repeated throughout this article, it’s that recruiters are most excited by people who show genuine interest in them and their company. What better way to show your interest than by asking for some contact information beyond just leaving your resume. This will help you follow up on your meeting with them which you put you top of mind when they are reviewing resumes and considering interview candidates.

–Tyler Geeve, Staff Source Marketing/Recruiting Assistant

“Tell me about a time you failed” and “what is your biggest weakness?”. The two most nerve-racking questions you can encounter while in an interview. It’s hard for us to talk about times when we aren’t at our best. Never fear though, just like any question they do have right answers (or at least right WAYS to answer). Read on to find out how to tackle these two questions like interview pros!

“Tell me about a time you failed.”

Absolutely NOBODY likes to talk about times where they failed. Especially if they failed on the job. It puts our egos in check, reminds us that we’re not perfect, and nothing is more humbling. But this is exactly the reason why this question is actually an opportunity to shine. Employers love candidates that can own up to their mistakes, but only if they also express that they learned from and grew as part of the experience. Always try to spin a negative answer into a positive. Interviewers want to know how you approach challenges and how you deal with situations, even if it is a situation where you didn’t end up on top.

“What is your biggest weakness?”

If this question makes you nervous, you’re in good company. This is a very uncomfortable question to answer for anybody. The interviewer is essentially asking you “Why shouldn’t you get the job?”. The best approach is to be honest with them about the facets of the job that you will need to improve on. However, that doesn’t mean your answer has to be completely negative. You can spin your answer to transition from your weakness into how you plan to improve upon it. For example, say your biggest weakness is staying organized. Once you tell your interviewer this follow it up by describing the steps you have taken, and will take, in order to improve this behavior. Maybe you need to start writing your daily tasks in a planner, or creating reminders on your phone. Whatever it may be, show your recruiter that you have given thought to improving yourself and growing as a professional.

–Tyler Geeve, Staff Source Marketing/Recruiting Assistant

“I don’t know”. Nobody likes saying it, especially during an interview. Fortunately, there a few ways you can approach a question you may not know the answer to right away. Today we offer a few tips to help you tackle the tough questions you might face in an interview.

Take a Second

Interviewers ask questions all day and they know that they ask questions that can challenge you. It is their job after all. That being said, they also understand that a well thought out answer doesn’t come out of nowhere. If you find yourself stumped, acknowledge the question then take a few seconds to think about your response before actually giving it. Your interviewer cares about the content of your answer, not necessarily how long it took you to say it.

Think Out Loud

Another possible option is to think aloud rather than internally. This avenue is taken by people who may take longer to formulate an answer and who get uncomfortable by longer periods of silence. There is nothing wrong with talking yourself through the question, in fact, interviewers actually enjoy it. It gives them insight into how you solve problems and your ability to handle a stressful situation.

Have a Plan-B

When many of us face challenges we often look for a second option, and the same could be said for interview questions. If you ever face a question you don’t know the answer to it’s ok to own up to that fact, as long as you follow it up with an expression of your enthusiasm to actively learn more about the topic. Keep in mind that you don’t want to shrug off every question and then say you could learn it on the job. This should really only be used if you have absolutely no idea how to answer the question.

Redirect to a Topic You Know

Most people feel uncomfortable talking about things they aren’t familiar with, so talk about something you ARE comfortable with. Now, you can’t just start talking about anything you want to. You need to make sure it relates to the topic at hand. Say you got asked a question about sales, but you’ve only ever worked cashier positions. You can spin your answer to include your customer service and people skills to give real world examples to support your potential as a sales candidate.

Piece it Together

Some may call this tactic “winging it”, but it’s a bit more complicated than that. You never want to just throw out some wild guess. However, it may be an effective option to make an educated guess based on your previous experience and knowledge of the topic. You’ll need to think on your feet and be conversationally agile. It can come naturally to some people but for others it takes a bit more work to perfect. However, if you can build up this skill it again shows the interviewer your problem solving skills as well as your ability to adapt and overcome challenges.

–Tyler Geeve, Staff Source Marketing/Recruiting Assistant

Anyone who has been looking for work for an extended period of time can tell you that different times of year offer different odds of getting contacted for interviews and job offers. You may get TONS of calls in the early months, but then almost none by the time summer hits. Yes, there are job hunting seasons and today we’ll be giving you a guide for finding the perfect time to submit your application.

January – February

The start of the new year is the PERFECT time to look for a new job! This is typically when businesses get their updated budgets and have more resources to bring on new talent. Avoid the very beginning of January though. Many employers are coming back from holiday breaks, so it’s best to wait until after the first week before submitting your application. Now, because companies have the resources and time to bring on new employees, you may notice the interview and application process may take a bit longer than normal. Hang in there because this is the best time of year for you to pick up a long-term or ongoing position!

March – May

Spring is still a great time to get a job by piggy-backing off of the new year hiring surge. Many companies will still be looking to fill positions with the upcoming summer season and still have plenty of resources to do so. The one drawback is that many of the choice jobs will have been filled by people who applied earlier in the year. You should still see plenty of advertising for new jobs, just be mindful that it may not be the best of the best of the positions that companies would have had to offer a few months earlier.

June – August

Summertime, unfortunately, offers the worst odds of finding a new job. Many hiring managers and other decision makers in companies will be on vacation, hiring resources from earlier in the year are typically depleted, and businesses will typically only be looking for minimum wage and entry level candidates. Even though there may not be many jobs available, that doesn’t mean this is a dead period if you’re looking for work. Take this time to learn about companies you are interested in and get in contact to begin the first steps of the application process so that you’re ready for the upcoming fall season hiring wave.

September – October

Autumn offers another wave of opportunity for people looking for work. Hiring managers are refreshed and back from vacations and are more available for interviews, businesses are looking to use up any extra budget resources as the year comes to a close, and executives are putting pressure on recruiters to fill positions or risk losing them entirely. They are also looking to fill any positions that opened after people hired earlier in the year may have left. All of this plays to your advantage, and if you used the summer to get ready, you should be in great position to find a new job!

November – December

Unless you’re looking for a temporary holiday season job, late fall and early winter don’t offer the best odds for getting a great position. That is due to several factors including: hiring managers sacrificing their schedule for holiday shopping and time with family, travel arrangements being made, and end of year budget constraints restricting hiring capabilities. Many businesses will put off bringing any new employees until the start of the next year. The upside there is that once the holiday season is over, businesses go into a hiring frenzy and start bringing on new talent in droves! (See top of article)

–Tyler Geeve, Staff Source Marketing/Recruiting Assistant

The Nice Guys

Definitely the easiest people to interview with, Nice Guys approach the interview with a laid back energy and want to make sure you feel heard. There aren’t too many tips to deal with this type of interviewer other than stay on topic. These types of recruiters typically give you the best interview experience you could ask for and are happy to offer up tips for future interviews.

The Robots

By far the most boring, Robots are exactly what you’d expect being interviewed by a computer would be like. They ask direct, but shallow questions and generally are just looking to tick boxes on a qualifications checklist rather than getting to know you. The biggest struggle you’ll find in this interview is staying awake. Try to bring some energy into this interview by using personal anecdotes where you can and try to let your personality shine.

The Michael Scotts’

Anyone who has seen The Office remembers the crazy, often overwhelming office manager Michael Scott. Well, you may see similar characters when you’re out interviewing for positions. Interviewers, given the nature of their job, are typically very outgoing people. Some can take it a bit too far and bring too much energy into the interview. In most cases, you want to have a good amount of energy from your interviewer; but if you see that they are going a little overboard, stay calm and try to keep the conversation on topic.

The Dinosaurs

These interviewers aren’t necessarily old, but their methods are. They do everything by the book (similar to the robots) but are also interested in hearing your story as well. They want to be given specific examples as to why you would be a good fit for their company. The best approach for adapting to a dinosaur is sticking to your interview fundamentals. An old fashioned interview requires an old fashioned approach.

The Intimidators

Intimidators are the most aggressive interviewers you’ll meet. They hit the ground running and you will need to be quick to answer their questions in order to impress them. They will press you on your skills, qualifications, job history, and everything in between. Your best preparation is to know your resume inside and out, and to run through a couple of mock interviews to make sure you have your answers ready to go. While they may come off as a little mean, they are most likely trying to make sure you can manage a fast paced, stressful situation well.

–Tyler Geeve, Staff Source Marketing/Recruiting Assistant

A first impression is a lasting one, and it’s important to make those first interactions count. You need to convey your ability to fit the company culture almost immediately, and you’ll have all eyes on you. Don’t let the pressure get to you by preparing with the following tips on how to turn those first few moments into a great first impression.

Be Punctual

Critical to making a good first impression is actually making sure you’re on time to make it. Always aim to arrive about 7-10 minutes before your interview. This leaves enough time to be checked in, and gives you a few minutes to make conversation and gather your thoughts before heading in for your interview. You never want to be late. It doesn’t make for a good first impression if the receptionist is calling your name for the interview and you haven’t arrived yet.

Come Prepared

Along with being punctual, you also want to ensure that you have everything you need in order to conduct your interview. Being on time is great, but it doesn’t matter much if you’re not prepared. Double check that you have any work examples of your experience, and TRIPLE check that you brought along your resume. Take inventory of your interview essentials the night before and have them laid out so they are easy to find on your way out the door.

Dress for Success

Ah yes, we’ve all heard it a million times and there’s a reason for that: it’s true. How you present yourself and the way you look is the first thing people notice when meeting you. You never want to put yourself in a situation where you’re under-dressed for an occasion, and the same goes for being over-dressed. Get a feel for the culture of the company and how the people who already work there dress. If you see nicely pressed suits, then wear your best dress clothes. If you see a more relaxed vibe (i.e. jeans, hoodies, shirts etc.) then you can dress down but always stick to a business casual look at the very least. It’s typically best to be over-dressed rather than under-dressed.

Be Nice to People You Interact With

Something that employers pay special attention to is the testimony of their own employees, especially in regards to new candidates. Word travels fast in the workplace and one bad interaction with a receptionist can trickle down and have an impact on the outcome of your interview. Always be sure to be kind and patient with everyone you interact with while waiting for and conducting your interview (as well as in general).

Stay off your Phone

When you go in for your interview you want to be sure that you are giving your full attention to the interviewer and everyone you meet before you get to them. That means staying off your phone. I know, it sounds hard. Many of us use our phones as a way to distance ourselves from conversation. Pulling out your phone tells the world “I don’t want to talk to you”. Instead, keep the phone in your pocket and be prepared to make conversation with the people around you. Remember when we said to be nice to people because news of bad interactions travels fast? Well, the same goes for good interactions; so put the phone away and make some friendly conversation!

Be Organized

Nothing makes you look less professional than juggling your resume and notepad and scrambling to find things you needed to bring with you for your interview. It’s sloppy and doesn’t give your interviewer a lot of confidence in your ability to handle a fast paced environment. Always make sure you are organized and neat in your presentation and transportation of your interview essentials. Consider using a portfolio that can hold your resume, a notepad and pen, and your business cards if necessary.

Be Confident

Having a confident demeanor is crucial to making a good first impression. Smiling, good posture and making steady eye contact goes a long way in impressing your interviewer. You’re talking about yourself and your experience: you should be confident! If you don’t look like you believe in yourself, how can you expect your recruiter to? Try making steady eye contact, speaking with conviction, avoiding time-buying words like “um” or “like”, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Having confidence in your abilities makes your interview more engaging, and therefore more memorable for the interviewer.

–Tyler Geeve, Staff Source Marketing/Recruiting Assistant