Summer is the time of year many people look for new jobs. Maybe it’s the spring air, the feelings of newness? Maybe you are a new grad looking for your first career? Maybe you’re simply looking for a change? Whatever the reason, here at NLG, we want to help you take your job search to the Next Level!

“Job hunting can feel like a job in itself. There are currently over 6 million jobs available in the U.S. and at least that many people looking for one. It’s no wonder that it can feel like an uphill battle for so many millennial.” (Forbes)

Fortunately, good jobs are out there! You just need to know how and where to look!

According to Forbes, there are three tips to take to nail that job search:

1) Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

Reach out to your community, a recruiter, and your network to see what is out there. “Approach each conversation from the standpoint that this person might be able to help you out. Talk to everyone and follow up on all introductions. Stay on top of emails, invite someone out for a coffee, and attend that seminar or event. “ Help yourself succeed by challenging yourself to do your best!

2) Tailor your resume to your desired job.

Your resume represents you. It is a snapshot of the kind of employee you are. On your resume, it is important to include both work experience, and your soft skills. Are you a good communicator? Put that on your resume, especially for that sales job. Practical and logical? Write it down to impress the hiring manager looking for a candidate with problem-solving skills. You have the abilities; you just gotta show them off. If you’ve got it, flaunt it.

3) Keep an open mind.

Some of the best opportunities surprise us. Just because something doesn’t seem right for you initially, doesn’t mean it is not. “Make a good impression and don’t assume that the job you’re interviewing for is the only job on the table. In fact, many jobs out there aren’t even posted!” (Forbes)

And for some additional help locating that dream positing, check out our job board! We always have great opportunities on the go!

Source:

If you’ve been job-hunting, you may have realized that one big thing employers look for in their employees is initiative. Initiative is the ability to take charge and complete your tasks independently, to be a “self-starter”.

While the definition is helpful, it doesn’t exactly clarify what a self-starter looks like. The Economic Times recently published a list of qualities of a self-starter, and here at NLG, we think they are worth looking into.

A self-starter is someone who….

If you are genuinely interested in your work, or in working in general, your drive will come across. “Companies are always inclined to hiring professionals who demonstrate an intrinsic motivation and drive” according to the Economic Times.

Setting concrete, attainable goals with realistic timelines gives you a purpose and vision at work. This allows you to work toward something.

“Consistently meeting and exceeding standards set for an individual goes a long way in creating a positive perception about the employee being a self-starter,” said James Arawak, managing director, BTI Executive Search.

Finding new solutions to problems or implementing new practices into your work shows you have a keen interest and desire to improve. These are things a self-starter does as they tackled challenges presented to them

Appropriate risks go a long way. Thinking outside the box, trying to reach a new market, or learning a new skill are examples of calculated risks someone may take in their place of employment. These show that the employee is up for challenges and wants to see their company and themselves living up to their full potential. Risks like this demonstrate initiative and are far better than constant, inefficient complacency.

According to the Economic Times:

“A self-starter is one who seizes new window of opportunities to promote oneself. “Polish your reputation, as it’s your best asset. Speak with energy and benchmark yourself with your work,” said Dhar. Subject matter expertise enables one to be a self-starter, feels Aditya Narayan Mishra, chief executive officer, Ciel HR Services.”

Do not be afraid to talk about yourself and celebrate your achievements. Of course, humility is something we all strive to practice, but there is a time and a place. Confidence in your abilities during a job interview showcases that you know your worth and that you will continue to live up to it as an employee.

Know your abilities, and use them to help meet the needs of your team. Focus on reaching your potential, and you will find yourself living and working as a self-starter, a valuable member of a team, who will surely help take their company to the Next Level!

Source:

Across Canada skilled trade workers are in shortage. This has been a running theme for months and the pattern only seems to keep progressing.

Some steps are being taken to try to resolve the shortage and meet demand, however. For example, Skills Ontario recently brought on a new CEO, Ina Howcroft, who believes there is a light at the end of the tunnel:

“I think most experts are still forecasting a significant gap, but I’m optimistic that we are starting to move towards better addressing things,” he explained to the Oshawa Express:

“It’s far better than five to 10 years ago, and more and more people recognize we can’t delay.”

But simply being more conscious of a problem isn’t a solution, and Howcroft says things are going to continue to “intensify”.

While being conscious of the issue, Howcroft is also planning on inputting concrete programs into place to encourage young and older people alike to consider a career in the trades.

These initiatives take many forms, from skilled trade contests for high school students, post-secondary students and adult learners to initiatives aimed at women and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, all demographics that are underrepresented in the field of trades.

He is also hoping to promote the benefits of a career in the trades, as some people do not even consider this career path due to lack of education about it.

So if you are interested in a career n the skilled trades, go for it! Here at NLG, we can help you find a match!

Source:

Being in a leadership position presents its own unique set of challenges. Not only do you have duties and tasks to complete, but also you must manage a group of people and help them work strongly together as a team. In any organization, there are certain qualities a manager should possess:

Think you possess these characteristics? Consider applying for one of the management opportunities we have available. Take your career to the Next Level!

Job-hunting can be a difficult process. Finding job opportunities that match your interests and skills, preparing for an interview and finally receiving the job offer of your dreams can feel like a ling path. Here at NLG we would like to offer you some hope and advice.

Milton Berle once said, “If opportunity does not knock, build a door.” From this simple fragment of advice, we can be inspired when searching for a job.

You may have applied to numerous jobs already or felt beaten down by your fear that there are stringer applicants out there. But, if opportunity does not knock for you, build a door. Opportunities do not come looking for us often. Instead we have to make our own luck in the world. This may seem like a difficult task, but is something we are all capable of doing.

Consider applying for jobs you may have not previously considered.Look at our job board to see the vast array of businesses looking to hire someone just like you! Consider relocating for a position, or brushing up on your interview skills so that you can tackle the job-hunting with great skill. Network and have conversations with your peers or look into a job in a related field. Highlight your abilities and achievements on your resume and do not be afraid to sell yourself.

Here at NLG, we want you to succeed, so go ahead and give yourself a chance to take your career hunting to the Next Level and as Berle says “build that door”.