Is it Time to Change Jobs and Start a New Career? Ask Yourself These Questions

When to Consider a Career Change

Those of us in the working world have probably heard some version of this statement when venting about job frustrations: “Well, it’s called work after all. It’s not supposed to be fun.” Good point. But your work life also shouldn’t be miserable and it doesn’t have to be. 

If you’re not satisfied with how you’re making a living, then maybe it’s time to consider a new career opportunity. If you’re not sure, consider these three questions: 

Are you mad at your job? 

Of course, everyone has bad days at work. But if you’re dissatisfied with your career, you’ll likely have negative feelings about work even when you’re not there. You may worry about the upcoming week throughout your weekend and dread Monday. Or if someone asks you about your job, you don’t have anything positive to say. 

If you’re having a hard time enjoying life outside of work and your job feels like an enemy, a career change might make sense. 

Are you feeling stagnant?

Even if you’re not dreading work, a change in careers may be in order if you’re not learning anything new or there’s no opportunity for growth. If you regularly are bored and don’t have goals to work toward, it may mean that the job isn’t for you. No one enjoys every task at work, but if you’re disinterested the majority of the time, that says something.

If you feel like you’re in a rut and can’t complete tasks with any enthusiasm, a new career may bring some much-needed interest to your work life. 

Do you feel energized or exhausted?

Let’s say you don’t have animosity toward your job and aren’t bored. But, you find yourself exhausted without any other explanation. If your job isn’t somewhat energizing, it’s another sign that it may not be suitable for you. We spend a lot of time at work. Even if you believe you can grin and bear a job you dislike, career dissatisfaction can cause health problems like fatigue. 

If you feel like you’re walking in your sleep most of the time and can’t muster the energy to do the things you enjoy—even outside of work—a career change may help your cause. 

Benefits of Finding a New Career

Maybe your answers to the three previous questions suggest you should consider a new career opportunity. It’s common for people to delay acting on a job change, even when needed. Why? Fear of change sets in and leads to second-guessing. Will the grass be greener somewhere else? Will I like the people at another employer? What if I’m not good at a new job? Will I get stuck doing the same thing, but it’s worse? The list goes on. 

Put these questions aside for a moment, and ask yourself: What is the risk of NOT changing jobs? Chances are the downside of staying at a job you don’t like will be far greater than any perceived drawbacks associated with finding a new job. 

Making a career change can have many benefits, even if it’s a little scary. A new career focus can energize you and bring some interest to your life. It can also help you feel more purposeful and productive—at work and home. And, last but not least, a new job may give you a little more optimism about life and your future. 

Job Hunting with Friday Staffing

If you’re ready to take the next steps and find a new career, Friday Staffing can help you learn more about how to start a new career and find a position that’s perfect for you.

The Best Way to Find a Job: Job Hunting vs Staffing Agencies

The Best Way to Find a Job: Job Hunting vs Staffing Agencies

If you are job hunting, you may be wondering: What is the best way to find employment in today’s job market? Do you hop online and try to find a job on your own? Or do you use a staffing agency to help you land the perfect position? The truth is that both approaches have their merits. We are going to walk you through both scenarios to help you figure out the best path for your job search needs.

Ways to Find a Job

Whether it’s your first job or you are an experienced veteran searching for a new opportunity, you have options for finding employment. You certainly can DIY your job search and try to find opportunities on your own, or you can use a staffing agency. Here is what both of those options look like in reality.

Job Hunting

Job hunting on your own involves searching employment websites for opportunities that fit your skills and experience. You may also look for opportunities through your local newspaper or specific companies’ websites in your area. Once you identify an opportunity, it’s entirely up to you to apply based on the employer’s application process.

Benefits of Job Hunting

One of the primary benefits of looking for jobs on your own is you gain a deeper understanding of the employment landscape in your area. It can also help you learn more about the types of skills and requirements employers want, as well as how much opportunity there is for your profession in your community.

If you search for administrative jobs in your area, for example, you can uncover how much demand there is in your area and the potential for career growth in your market. If there are a lot of postings for a range of experience levels, chances are your job search will pay off if you put your best foot forward during the application and interview process.

Job Hunting Process

Typically, when you are looking for jobs on your own, it’s up to you to create and post your resume on hiring websites or send them directly to an employer. In this scenario, you should have a good handle on the types of jobs you are qualified for—and have your cover letter and resume ready to submit as needed when you find an opportunity that appeals to you.

Conducting a job search on your own means it is up to you to find opportunities, apply, and follow up with the employers you target. Not only do you need to find available jobs, but you are solely responsible for demonstrating why you are a good fit. That means your resume, cover letter, work samples, etc. need to be on point to ensure you are considered for a job. Especially, when you are new to the job market, that’s a lot to take on. That’s where using a staffing agency offers some real advantages.

Staffing Agencies

When you are seeking a job and you work with a staffing agency, you have a team working to match you with the right opportunities in your area. The staffing agency can help you understand your strengths and how to best present yourself to employers. They have tools and resources to help you do everything from creating the perfect resume to finding the best interview outfit.

Benefits of Staffing Agencies

First off, as a job seeker, it’s free to use a staffing agency, and they take a lot of the heavy lifting out of the process. A staffing agency’s recruiters are fluent in the business landscape they serve. Plus, they know all about the different industries and job opportunities in your area. They know the companies that are currently looking to hire, and staffing agencies help you put your best foot forward during the application process.

Process of Using a Staffing Agency

When you use a staffing agency like Friday Staffing, you can still browse available job opportunities in our area on our website. But, we have all of your materials and employer requirements ready to go anytime you want to apply for a position. Plus, we actively present you with opportunities as they become available during your search.

We also act as a third-party endorsement for you, because recruiters only connect employers with talent that is truly a perfect fit for the job. Employers know that staffing agencies have also done the due diligence, so it gives them more reason to consider you as a candidate.

Find a Job With Friday Staffing

If you are ready to take the next step toward a rewarding professional career, Friday Staffing can help you learn more about how to get a job and find a position that’s perfect for you.

Tips From the Pros for Updating Your Resume

Your resume is the way you introduce yourself to potential employers. It’s your first impression, and you want to make it memorable. This guide can help you make sure you update your resume in a way that puts your best foot forward, so you land your next great career opportunity.

The Importance of Updating Your Resume

If you’re like most people, you put together a resume once upon a time when you were on the hunt for a job. But, your resume isn’t a one-and-done. It will likely change considerably over time as you gain new experiences and skills. That’s why you should periodically update your resume to best reflect the qualifications you bring to the table.

Resume Writing Tips

One way to get yourself on the right track from the start is to search for examples of resumes for your field. By reviewing resumes from other candidates like you, you can make sure you’re covering all the bases. Here are some more helpful tips as you dive in and update your resume:

Update Your Contact Information

Make sure your address, email, and phone number are all current, so a prospective employer can easily reach you without issue. This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s easy to overlook when you’re trying to get into the real details of your work experience. 

 

Take a Look at Your Formatting

Again, this may not seem critical, but it can make a difference to your prospective employer. Make sure to provide information in a concise, easy-to-read format with the most important details placed at the top of the document. There are many templates available online that can help you set up your resume in a modern format.

Freshen Up Your Goals and Objectives

Chances are that your priorities have changed since you developed the last version of your resume. Make sure that you spend a little time considering what you hope to accomplish with a career change. Most employers want to hire people who are thinking beyond today, so listing your goals and objectives statement can help you send the message that you’re goal-oriented and future-focused.

Add New Skills and Remove Outdated Positions

Add your most recent position and read through the rest of the content to see if it tells the right story about your skills and experience. Even if some of your experience isn’t in the same industry or field, consider how that position may contribute to a new position, and edit the details as appropriate. For example, if you’re applying for an administrative job in healthcare and have only worked in manufacturing, try editing your experience to reflect areas where both have similar priorities like efficiency, accuracy, being detail-oriented, etc.

Make Sure You are Using the Right Keywords

If the last version of your resume doesn’t include keywords relevant to the position or industry, now is the time to add them. Again, this is where finding other example resumes online can help you determine what language is essential to include—to increase your visibility and send the right message about your skills. For instance, if you’re looking for a job in technology, you may want to include words like troubleshooting, technology or technical, customer service, quality assurance, etc.

Proofreading

There’s nothing worse than spending the time getting all the details right, only to have a glaring typo that potentially takes you out of contention. When the document is in a good place, read it out loud, from top to bottom. Another good choice is to put the draft aside for a few hours or overnight and read it with fresh eyes. That’s a great way to catch mistakes. You may also want to have a friend or family member give it a read to help you catch any typos. 

Find a Job With Friday Services

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a rewarding professional career, Friday Staffing can help you learn more about how to get a job and find a position that’s perfect for you.

 

Types of Training Programs For Professional Careers

Importance of Professional Career Training

If you’re new to the professional world or looking for new opportunities to develop your career, a little training can go a long way in helping you achieve your goals.

Many employers in today’s world seek people who demonstrate an interest in self-improvement and advancing their skills. That’s why it’s so important to continue training and learning throughout your career to progressively advance. Plus, training can give you a valuable edge over other job candidates.

Types of Career Training

There are many types of training opportunities available for professional careers. Some are provided by an employer, while other types of training may be pursued outside of the workplace.

These are a few training opportunities to look out for in the professional realm:

Employer Training Programs

Many employers offer training programs to help you further advance your career. These sessions may be conducted in-person or online depending on the company’s training program. In these sessions, you may learn more about the company’s culture, practices, and systems, while some companies will offer job-specific skills training.

For example, let’s say your company rolls out a new software program for the accounting department. The accounting team will participate in in-depth training sessions to learn all the ins and outs of how the system works. Whereas other employees may have focused training sessions for specific functions associated with the new system that directly impact their area of work.

Apprenticeships

Some careers require more in-depth, hands-on training, where you observe and participate in the day-to-day activities involved with a job. It’s a way to learn how to do a job directly from another person or group who already knows the job.

Apprenticeships may be provided by an employer or a professional organization associated with the field. For example, if you’re interested in Information Technology (IT), you may participate in an apprenticeship program where you work alongside experienced professionals to learn the job.

Internships

Many professional careers begin with internship programs, where you can learn about a job while you actively participate in the workplace. This is another path to gaining hands-on job training, where you learn as you perform various tasks to support other team members.

Nearly every type of professional job offers some sort of internship program, many of which are paid opportunities. Internships are a great way to start building your skill set and resume for a successful launch into a professional career path.

Certification Programs

Several professional career paths have additional certification programs that you can participate in to further advance your skills. Certifications are awarded by professional organizations to confirm that you have the specific knowledge or skills needed to do a job. Typically, you earn a credential after you’ve completed your education or gained experience through an internship or time on the job.

Certification involves meeting specific standards and usually passing an exam. The credential is usually valid for a limited time and must be renewed periodically. Employers may require that you achieve certification before being promoted or receiving a raise.

For example, if you want to pursue a career as a project manager, there are Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications.

College Degree Programs

There are many programs, ranging from Associate to Bachelor’s degrees—and even advanced degree programs—where you gain the skills needed for professional careers. These programs typically take more time to accomplish than other types of skills training. Associate programs typically take about two years to earn the degree, while Bachelor’s degrees can take four or more years.

Not all professional careers require an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, but it can give you a helpful leg up on other candidates.

Explore Professional Training Opportunities With Friday Staffing Services

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a rewarding professional career, Friday Staffing can help you learn more about how to get a job and find a position that’s perfect for you.

Reasons to Use a Job Hiring Agency

How a Staffing Agency Can Help Your Job Hunt

If you’re in the market for a job, you may be wondering if you should seek the help of a staffing agency. There are so many benefits to having a staffing agency like Friday Staffing Services involved with your job hunt. Let’s go over the services that we provide job seekers in the Western North Carolina areas.

What Staffing Agencies Provide

Particularly when you’re new to the job market or if it has been a while since you’ve looked for a new position, a staffing agency can help you understand what’s happening in today’s marketplace. We help you get a pulse on various industries, job availability, and best practices for putting your best foot forward with prospective employers.

Many people don’t know this, but there’s no cost for job seekers who work with a staffing agency. We make your job search by giving you access to advantages like:

Access to a Network of Employers

Friday Services has been serving Western North Carolina since 1980, so we’re fluent in the marketplace. We know the employer landscape, including who is growing and looking for employees. We also have the benefit of understanding hiring trends in the region over time, which gives us a helpful perspective to share with job seekers.

Streamlined Job Search Process

With so many places to search and post job information online, it can be hard to know if you’re looking in the right place. Our team works tirelessly to know what’s available in our geography, so you have access to the latest opportunities in your area of interest. 

Helpful Advice and Resources 

In addition to our resources page and blog, Friday Services offers plenty of helpful advice with proven steps for finding a new and exciting next chapter in your professional life.

Access to Job Training

The team at Friday Services can even help you learn more about training, including gaining hands-on career training through our apprenticeship program.

How Companies Benefit from Staffing Agencies

For temporary, short- or long-term, or full-time jobs, staffing agencies like Friday Services help employers connect with a pool of vetted, pre-screened candidates that are well-suited for their positions. We take some of the burden of recruitment off an employer’s shoulders by assessing each candidate, including:

  • Background checks
  • Drug screening
  • Thorough reference and work history check
  • Skills assessments 

Learn more about advantages for employers.

Start Your Job Search With Friday Staffing Services

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career, review open positions and apply today!

 

 

How to Get An Administrative Job

Explore Ways to Get an Office Administrative Job

Administrative Assistants provide general office support while using management skills to keep the workflow of an office running smoothly. Strong organizational, communication (verbal and written), and computer skills are essential to succeed in the position.

Some common clerical tasks required in Administrative Assistant jobs include answering telephones, data entry, creating and editing reports, corresponding with clients and employees, scheduling appointments and meetings, filing electronic and paper records, or providing information to customers. Many employers also look for Administrative Assistants with the skills to perform accounting and human resources functions.

If you have good people skills, like to keep things organized, and have the right computer skills, you can work in countless industries at small and large businesses alike. This guide offers a little helpful advice to hit the ground running with your career. 

Tips to Get an Entry-Level Administrative Job

If you’re looking for an entry-level Administrative Assistant job, one of the most important things you can bring to the table is a high school diploma or GED, if not an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Beyond that, it’s about having the experience that proves this career is right for you. Even if you haven’t officially worked as an Administrative Assistant, you can take steps to make yourself more appealing to prospective employers. 

Know the Computer Programs 

One way to demonstrate experience to employers is to make sure you know how to use basic computer programs and those relevant to the industry you want to enter. This may include word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software, along with accounting systems and other task-specific applications. 

Get Your Certification 

The American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP) offers a variety of helpful information and resources, including certification. You can also find more options with a quick Google search that rates various certifications, including this free course option.

Gain Experience

Office internships are an opportunity to learn the tasks of an administrative assistant and what to expect on the job. An internship can also help you develop communication skills and learn more about the workplace. It can also lead to a permanent position when one becomes available or at minimum, it gives your resume more appeal.

Build Your Resume—and Start Applying

Once you have the educational qualifications and skills to apply for administrative assistant jobs, create a professional resume. It’s smart to tailor your skills and experience to the job requirements. If you don’t have experience, include internships, volunteering, and coursework to demonstrate you are a great choice for the position.

Friday Staffing can help you find an administrative position in Western North Carolina. Remember if you’re new to the job market, it is often easier to get hired if you apply for entry-level positions. Also consider applying for receptionist jobs or temporary positions, as these are a good way to get the experience you need.

Administrative & Office Support Jobs

These are just a handful of the types of administrative and office support jobs available:

Administrative Assistant

What you do: Organize, manage and keep an office running smoothly. This may include tasks like organizing files, scheduling appointments, assisting other staff members, directing customers, drafting messages, and maintaining office supplies.

Skill required: Organization skills, attention to detail, and basic computer knowledge

Pay for full-time positions: Average salary $48,000 per year

Customer Service Coordinator

What you do: Interact with customers to provide information about a company’s products and services. Maintain a professional, positive manner when talking with customers in-person, over the phone or by email. Handle customer complaints or provide information on discounts and incentives.

Skill required: Great listening, communication, and problem-solving skills

Pay for full-time positions: Average salary $42,000 per year

Financial Clerks

What you do: Financial clerks maintain and update financial records, performing administrative duties for a range of organizations. They keep records, help customers, and carry out transactions that involve money.

Skill required: Great with numbers, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills

Pay for full-time positions: Average salary $37,000 per year

Benefits of Working with Friday Staffing

Whether you’re just starting your career or you’re a seasoned office administrator, Friday Staffing can help you find a position that fits perfectly with your interests and skills. As a full-service employment agency, we’re dedicated to helping the businesses of the Western North Carolina region thrive, placing the right people to the right job – every time. 

One way we accomplish our mission is to set our candidates up for success. Our team is ready with answers and helpful advice, including resources to help you land a position you’ll love

 

Finding a Job in The Technical Industry

Finding a Job in The Technical Industry

Explore Entry-Level Technical Industry Jobs

If you love the idea of working in a fast-paced, ever-changing field filled with discovery and potential, where you’ll have a chance to make an impact on the world—then a technology career may be for you. 

This guide will give you some insight into the types of entry-level jobs available in the tech world. Remember, there are many options available at technology companies, so you don’t have to be a coder or developer to build a career in tech.

Entry-Level Technical Jobs

Entry-level tech jobs generally pay well from the start, even when there is no experience necessary. While entry-level tech jobs require learning new skills, they’re also a great place to gain the expertise needed for a successful tech career.

Entry-Level Tech Job Descriptions  

Digital Marketing Specialist

A digital marketing specialist connects brands and customers online. They help support a company’s online marketing campaigns, including email, social media, paid search, and more. They perform market research, develop strategies, and create content to drive successful campaigns.

Average Salary in North Carolina: $57,000/year

Junior Web Developer

Junior web developers help to create the digital world. They support development teams by creating the code that powers websites and web-based applications. They also maintain and build-out sites as they grow and evolve. Some developers work alongside designers, while others take on both roles.

Average Salary in North Carolina: $43,000/year

Junior Data Analyst

Junior data analysts are information collectors. They work alongside other analysts to collect data on various topics relevant to the business. Data is collected and then analysts provide interpretation. They may analyze processes to identify areas for improvement or provide insight into data trends.

Average Salary in North Carolina: $77,000/year

IT Help Desk Technician

IT help desk technicians are a helping hand in the digital world. They are responsible for providing technical support and assistance to customers over the phone or in-person. They help customers resolve computer issues, so they can get back running smoothly.

Average Salary in North Carolina: $47,000/year

Friday Services Is Here to Help

Explore our tech jobs to see if there is a position that is a good fit for you. Then, talk with the team at Friday Services. We’re here to help you train for jobs and connect with employers in western North Carolina.  

Contact Us

Jobs in The Manufacturing Industry

Jobs in The Manufacturing Industry

What Types of Manufacturing Jobs Are Available? 

The world of manufacturing is vast and involves the making of goods we use each day. If you think about it, companies manufacture everything we use in our daily lives all around us—clothes, food, household items, cars, and more. All of these companies need people to help bring these products to market. That’s why there’s a diverse range of jobs available in manufacturing. 

If you’re a hands-on person with skills and experience, you can make a lifelong career in manufacturing with rewarding opportunities to advance over time. 

Types of Manufacturing Jobs

There are many critical roles in a manufacturing facility. Here are a few of the types of manufacturing jobs available at a production plant.

Assembler 

An assembler is someone who puts things together. They may operate machines and equipment as a part of the process. This is a job that typically requires you to work at a fast and accurate pace. An assembler’s job is physically demanding, and you may have to be able to move and lift heavy objects. 

Educational requirements: Highschool diploma or GED

Average Salary in North Carolina: $16.86 / hour

Machine Operator

A machine operator or machinist has skills in operating heavy machinery. They are responsible for the set-up, testing, and maintenance of machines, and many specialize in certain types of equipment. These jobs are physically demanding and require great attention to detail to ensure safety. A machine operator needs to work effectively with a team to complete tasks, so having good communication skills is critical.

Educational requirements: Highschool diploma or GED

Average Salary in North Carolina: $17.30 / hour

CNC Machinist

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinists draw on their knowledge of math and computers to operate heavy machinery. They take raw materials and transform them into tools, parts, and components that meet the desired specifications. CNC machinists set up and operate machinery, as well as inspect it for safety. They track a product through each stage of production, and quality control is critical. That’s why this job requires attention to detail. It also requires having the physical ability to lift and move heavy objects as needed. 

Educational requirements: Highschool diploma or GED

Average Salary in North Carolina: $24.08 / hour

Electronic Technician

An electronics technician is responsible for designing, producing, testing, and repairing electronics parts, systems, and equipment. They draw on knowledge and experience with electronics, engineering, math, and physics. They usually work with the direct supervision of electrical engineers. This is a physical job that requires attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to collaborate to safely and effectively produce end products.

Educational requirements: Associates degree

Average Salary in North Carolina: $24.19 / hour

Friday Services Is Here to Help

Explore our manufacturing jobs to see if there is a position that is a good fit for you. Then, talk with the team at Friday Services. We’re here to help you connect with employers in western North Carolina.  

Contact Us

 

Jobs for High School Graduates

Jobs for High School Graduates

Let Us Help You find the Right Job for You

If high school graduation is in your near future, and you’re ready to explore career options, you’ve reached the right destination. 

Even if you’ve had a job before or you’re new to the market, now is the time to learn more about various types of jobs, so you can start on a career that best fits with your interests and skills.

It can be a lot to think about, but you’re in good hands. Friday Services recruits, trains and places talented people to work for businesses and industries in western North Carolina. 

We can help you learn more about available jobs for high school graduates and what those jobs are all about.  Here are eight positions to get you started.

Customer Service Representative

What you do: Interact with customers to provide information about a company’s products and services. Maintain a professional, positive manner when talking with customers in-person, over the phone or by email. Handle customer complaints or provide information on discounts and incentives.

Skill required: Great listening, communication and problem-solving skills

Pay for full-time positions: Average salary $34,000 per year

Blender

What you do: Operate machines or equipment that mix or blend materials for any number of industries, including chemicals, color pigments, agricultural products, food products, and more.

Skill required: Physical strength, dexterity, and attention to detail

Pay for full-time positions: Average salary $34,000 per year

Assembly

What you do: Put together various products following detailed instructions to create products efficiently and correctly. Provide maintenance of assembled equipment, analysis, and ensure quality control.

Skill required: Physical strength, dexterity, and attention to detail

Pay for full-time positions: Average salary $28,000 per year

Material Handler

What you do: Locate products, wrap or package them appropriately, and place them on delivery trucks. Take products off of trucks and put them on shelves. Ensure customer orders can be fulfilled and moved quickly.

Skill required: Physical strength, dexterity, and attention to detail

Pay for full-time positions: Average salary $32,000 per year

Bank Teller

What you do: Provides account services for customers by receiving deposits and loan payments, cashing checks, issuing savings withdrawals, and recording night and mail deposits. Sells cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks, and savings bonds.

Skill required: Great customer service skills, attention to detail, and basic accounting knowledge

Pay for full-time positions: Average salary $30,000 per year

Administrative Assistant

What you do: Organize, manage and keep an office running smoothly. This may include tasks like organizing files, scheduling appointments, assisting other staff members, directing customers, drafting messages, and maintaining office supplies.

Skill required: Organization skills, attention to detail, and basic computer knowledge

Pay for full-time positions: Average salary $38,000 per year

Laborer

What you do: Manual tasks like digging ditches, moving debris, unloading materials, and preparing a work site. Use hand tools, operate machinery and assist crews with necessary tasks.

Skill required: Physical strength and dexterity

Pay for full-time positions: Average salary $32,000 per year

Environmental Services Technician

What you do: Maintain a safe, healthy and clean work environment among a company’s facilities.

Skill required: Physical strength, dexterity and attention to detail

Pay for full-time positions: Average salary $32,000 per year

What if none of these jobs are for me?

You can learn more about careers for high school graduates if you look at our featured industries, or visit O*Net Online, a website sponsored by the U.S. Government’s Department of Labor that can help you discover jobs you may have never heard about before, and learn about the career path you’ll need to take to get hired.

Friday Services Helps Recent Grads Find the Right Fit

Once you find the type of job that’s a good fit for you, talk with the team at Friday Services. We’re here to help you connect with employers in western North Carolina.  

Contact Us

2022 Job Trends

2022 Job Trends

The effects of the pandemic are still being felt in workplaces across every industry. With an estimated 44 percent of current employees either seeking a new job or planning to soon, the so-called Great Resignation has left employers across the country scrambling to find new hires to fill the needs within their organizations. Some job seekers are looking for higher pay as inflation continues to rise, while others seek more flexible schedules. Offering jobs that satisfy these requests gives employers a greater chance of attracting the best candidates. Whether the role is project management, manufacturing, food service or a construction project manager, understanding the hiring landscape is important.

2022 Job Trends 

Much like 2021, 2022 is proving to be another promising year for job seekers. As the country gets back on track, many employers are working hard to find qualified candidates for their newly created jobs, as well as fill existing positions that have been vacated. Knowing that the market is tilted in favor of job seekers, employers need to offer opportunities and benefits that will help their job openings stand out from the competition.

What You Should Know About the Job Market In 2022

While the height of the pandemic continues to fade further into the rearview mirror, its impact on the job market remains a very real thing. Add in the aging of the baby boomer generation who comprise a significant portion of the workforce, and it’s highly likely employers will continue to experience significant challenges in finding and retaining employees. Being aware of employee stress and burnout is also key to maintaining a happy, productive workforce. Certain industries, such as healthcare, are more prone to burnout and staying engaged with employees about their workload and stress levels can help address concerns before they become larger issues.

Population changes in different cities can also be a strong indicator of industry growth or stagnation. Population growth can lead to an increase in employment opportunities as the growing need for certain products and services causes employers to increase production or expand their hours of operation. Understanding population growth in the area or areas where you do business helps your company build and maintain your workforce.

Recruitment & Hiring Trends 

As job trends change, so do demands. It’s vital to keep up with recruitment and hiring trends in order to attract and retain the best talent. Assuming that doing things the way you’ve always done them can lead to the loss of existing employees or top candidates passing on an open position. It’s good practice to learn more about these trends, identify how they apply to your industry and implement new or updated policies that more closely align with them.

3 Trends That Will Shape Work in 2022 

Remote work

The pandemic led to more remote work being made available out of necessity as companies sought to remain productive at a time when gathering together wasn’t possible. The advent and growth of Google Meets, Zoom and other virtual meeting services helped connect coworkers as well as customers and assisted in project management when stakeholders can’t be in the same place. While offering remote work does have its challenges for companies, the reality is that even as COVID-related restrictions on travel and gatherings have eased, remote work is here to stay. Giving employees the flexibility to work remotely, on either a full-time basis or a hybrid model featuring some in-office hours, creates a more attractive work environment for job seekers and existing employees.

Fairness & Equity

Workers notice when other employees are treated differently and receive opportunities they don’t. Whether it’s the chance to work remotely, bonuses for new hires, moving to a location with a lower cost of living or other narrowly-targeted investments, employees notice when pay and benefits are not equitable across a company. It’s not always possible to do so in a completely equal manner, but being as equitable as possible makes a difference. 

No More Sitting On the Job

Sitting is viewed similarly to smoking in that it has been shown to have serious negative health impacts. As more employees work remotely and spend less time at a desk, the results on health and wellness have been mixed. Some workers have reported increased physical activity while working from home, leading to weight loss and better overall health. Others have gained weight and see it negatively impact their well-being. In response, many companies have adopted new communication plans, benefits, and technologies to support the physical movement of their remote employees to improve their health. Understanding the needs and challenges of employees whose jobs often include a lot of sitting and how to bring more movement into their roles goes a long way toward their job satisfaction.

Count On Friday Services

Friday Services is a valuable piece of the recruitment and hiring process, working with both job seekers and employers to identify and place the right candidates in the right roles with the right employers. We build relationships with both parties and this allows us to better match a job seeker with a role that fits their skills and lifestyle. Likewise, we’re able to connect companies with employees who fit their culture and have the abilities needed to succeed on the job site. Our decades of experience are a great example of how to start a staffing agency in North Carolina, grow and evolve it as times change and continue to provide the same high level of service to job seekers and employers on a daily basis.