“Why does everyone else seem to have all the luck?”
“What else could possibly go wrong today?”
Admit it. At one point or another, you’ve had thoughts like these. I know I have. But while it’s perfectly normal to occasionally fall prey to negative thoughts - especially after losing a job or some other stressful event - you must guard against falling into a pessimistic mental rut.
When you’re stuck in a mode of negative thinking, you miss out on opportunities to improve your day and your situation. Negative thoughts drain your energy and can even threaten your health. So if your attitude could use some improvement, try some of these tips to eliminate negative thinking:
Recognize when you’re thinking negatively. Pay attention to your internal dialogue and send up a mental “red flag” when you’re thinking pessimistically.
Realize that negative thoughts breed more negative thoughts. Remember, you attract what you focus on - whether it’s what you want or don’t want.
Remind yourself that the negative thought is only that - a thought. In fact, what you’re thinking may have little basis in reality. Instead, your thoughts could be the result of projected fears about situations that rarely end up manifesting.
Find a positive thought replacement. Rather than fighting against negative thoughts, try to replace them with more positive ones. Picture a different scenario; affirm something to yourself that’s positive and self-supporting; remind yourself of a recent positive experience.
Use humor and fun. Negative thoughts stress you out. Change the energy of the situation by thinking of something funny or doing something enjoyable. The key is to not let your negative thoughts have power over you.
Try creative visualization. When something goes wrong, close your eyes and visualize a positive outcome. Let yourself see what you want to happen like a movie playing behind your eyelids. You’ll stop negative thoughts in their tracks and focus your mind’s energy on potential solutions.
Take a break. Even if you’re up against a deadline, take five minutes to stretch, take a brief walk or talk to a friend. Any respite, albeit brief, will help you reset your attitude and tackle your problem from a more positive perspective.
One More Tip…
If you’re stuck in a negative mental rut because of your job circumstances, Berks & Beyond can help. A small positive action like registering with our staffing service can break your cycle of negative thinking and start you on a better career path. So take control of your situation by envisioning yourself in the job you really want - then contact us to turn that vision into reality.
Are you a temporary or contract employee? Considering taking the plunge? If so, here are a few key staffing statistics from the American Staffing Association you may find interesting:
2.66 million people are employed by staffing companies each day.
79% of staffing employees work full-time (virtually the same as the rest of the work force).
66% of staffing employees consider flexible work time important.
80% of staffing clients say staffing firms offer a good way to find people who can become permanent employees.
67% of staffing employees say that “choice of assignments” was an important factor in their job decision.
90% of staffing companies provide free training to their temporary and contract employees.
65% of staffing employees say they developed new or improved work skills while on assignment.
Flexibility. Experience. Choice of assignments. Bridge to permanent employment. These are just a few of the reasons millions of Americans - and thousands of Berks & Beyond employees - have chosen temporary and contract work. What are the most important reasons to you? Please leave your comments below, or contact us directly via our website.
Sure, it’s easy for us to tell you that Berks & Beyond is a great employer to work for. That we listen to our candidates’ needs. That we match them with rewarding opportunities at the area’s best employers.
But don’t just take our word for it. Here are what some of our current employees have to say about their experiences with Berks & Beyond:
“As a first time user of Berks and Beyond Employment Services, I didn’t know what to expect! Now that I have one of the best jobs in the valley, I wouldn’t choose any other staffing agency! They have truly inspired my life, and have provided me a million and one opportunities to succeed! Hands down, Berks & Beyond is the BEST employment agency in the Lehigh Valley!”
–Joyelle M. Brickhouse
“I would recommend Berks & Beyond to anyone I know who is seeking employment. My experience working with Berks & Beyond has been great. I had been laid off and searching work for awhile when a friend recommended B&B. I’m very glad I took their suggestion! Everyone I have met in the office has been polite and helpful, especially Ms. Bonnetta Martin.
When I met with Bonnetta, she really took time to find out what my qualifications were, what my interests were, and she even assisted me in a much needed re-vamp of my resume to something more attractive to prospective employers. It was clear to me by her courtesy and attention to detail that helping each person that steps into her office is important to her. She was able to match me up with a great new job that was a good fit for me at a very stable company. Working with Berks & Beyond has set me on the right path for success. Thanks to Bonnetta and Berks & Beyond!”
–Kathy Wolf
“I can’t say enough about the Berks & Beyond team. The staff is incredibly friendly, helpful and diligent. They took the time to find me a position that not only meets my needs, but is highly enjoyable and fulfilling as well. No more Sunday evening blahs for me – now I look forward to the work week and seeing what new challenges lay ahead! Thank you, Berks & Beyond, for making me another one of your many success stories!”
–Deidra Mohn
“I was giving up looking for a job when a friend told me to go to Berks & Beyond, so I gave it one last chance and I was so glad I did. They did not care about my age. I was given a job and I love it. I did not have to interview several times to get a job. I would recommend Berks & Beyond to anyone looking for work. The staff works with you if problems occur. They answer your questions and concerns. Berks & Beyond’s staff has made me very happy. Thank you.”
–Nancy Kocher
Ready to Write Your Own Success Story?
Give us a try. We’d like to match your skills, experience and interests with the perfect employment opportunity. Visit our web site for more information, or contact a recruiter today.
Flexibility. Extra income. Work experience. An avenue to direct employment. The reasons people choose temporary work are as diverse as the assignments they select.
But whether you are looking to earn some extra cash, or are seeking full-time employment, here are several things you can do to make the most of temporary assignments:
Dress the part. You will fit in, perform, and feel better if you’re dressed appropriately for the type of work you’re doing.
Act as if the job is permanent. Give your best effort on each assignment - you never know where it might lead. If an employer is impressed with your performance, he can work with your staffing service to offer you direct employment.
Learn all you can. Each assignment provides fresh opportunities to learn. From practical job skills to industry-specific knowledge, capitalize on every chance to gain valuable skills and experience.
Test the waters. If your career path is uncertain, temporary work affords you the ability to try out different jobs, at different companies, in varied industries. Find out where you fit by accepting diverse assignments.
Network. A temporary assignment puts you in a unique networking position. While at work, you have the opportunity to interact and develop relationships with business colleagues whom you might not otherwise meet. Leverage this “inside track” access by sharing your career interests and goals with managers you encounter on the job.
Communicate. If you enjoyed an assignment and would like to work for the employer again once it’s over, say so. Your staffing consultant and supervisor can look for additional opportunities for you to work in a different area of the company. And if the assignment was not right for you, consider why. Try to understand why the job or the employer didn’t meet your needs, so you can choose an assigment that’s a better fit the next time.
We want to help you get the most from your experiences as a Berks and Beyond temporary employee. Please visit our website to learn more about the services, support, and resources we provide.
Feel like there are too few hours in a day? Running on little sleep? Concerned about your job, your family, or the economy?
Combine these every day pressures with the additional strain of the holidays and you have a recipe for STRESS. Here are four quick steps to help you beat it:
Step 1: Breathe
Sit back in your chair, close your eyes, and take a long breath in. Hold your breath for a few seconds and slowly exhale. Repeat four to five times. Going back to the basics of simple breathing will help you relieve anxiety.
Step 2: Take a Break
Get up and stretch. Take a brisk walk. Plan lunch with a friend. Or even better, join a friend for a workout over your lunch break. Taking a few minute “mini-vacation” from your responsibilities is just what your mind needs to cut the stress and recharge.
Step 3: Focus
Nothing creates stress faster than trying to do two things at once. Instead of multi-tasking, keep a prioritized to-do list. Use this list to set daily goals, and then focus on one item at a time. To improve your concentration, ban distractions like e-mail, phone calls, etc. The more organized and focused you become, the more you will enjoy your work.
Step 4: Find Balance
Try not to take your work home with you. Schedule time for family and friends. Get regular exercise. Take up a hobby. And most importantly, do whatever makes you smile. Happiness is the best stress release!
Stress cannot be avoided, and a certain amount of it can actually help you stay motivated to do your best. The key is to find ways to break the tension before it has a negative effect on your outlook and your personal life.
Berks and Beyond Can Help Reduce Stress, Too
Whether you’re under pressure to get work done, or are anxious over your current job situation, Berks and Beyond provides staffing services to make things easier. Visit our website to find out what we do for employers and job seekers alike.
You found out about a dream job. You know you’re perfect for it - you have the right experience, all the required skills, and the personality to excel in this position. But then again, so do about 50 other candidates.
So how do you make sure your resume doesn’t wind up in the “circular file”? One way to get a leg up on the competition is by crafting an effective cover letter. A strong cover letter allows you to:
personalize your resume
emphasize your strengths and assets
set yourself apart from others with similar qualifications
interest employers in interviewing you
Here are a few tips for preparing an effective cover letter:
Review sample cover letters. Visit your local library or conduct an online search to access examples.
Personalize the cover letter for each employer, so it specifically relates to the job for which you’re applying. Address it to a particular person by name.
Make sure your cover letter looks good and is easy to read. Pay particular attention to spelling, grammar, spacing, paragraph length and margins.
Limit the cover letter to one page.
Include something in the first paragraph that piques the reader’s interest. Try to tie in company-specific information, to show you’ve done your homework. Research the company online for ideas.
Put yourself in the employer’s shoes. In the body of your cover letter, focus on what you can do for the company. Highlight your ability to make or save money, assume or delegate responsibility, achieve measurable objectives and conserve time.
Communicate your interest, motivation and strengths. Briefly describe your assets and qualifications, without duplicating your resume.
Express your enthusiasm for the job.
Emphasize your achievements. Conversely, do not stress weaknesses such as a lack of experience.
Include a call to action. Ask for an interview and state specifically when you will call to follow-up (allow at least three business days from when you send the letter).
Looking for more job search information? Visit Berks and Beyond’s Candidate Resource Center. It’s full of articles and links to help you land that perfect job.
Ever notice how certain people always seem to have great jobs? You know - the ones who are always working on a consistent basis, even in shaky industries and during uncertain times. So, what are their secrets to success?
According to Deborah Brown-Volkman, President of Surpass Your Dreams, Inc., these people make their own luck. Rather than being reactive, and waiting for things to happen, they take a proactive approach to their careers. And rather than blaming others for mistakes or missteps in their careers, these individuals are passionate about new possibilities. They are excited about what they do and what they can contribute every day. Their enthusiasm is infectious, making their superiors committed to keeping them around as team members.
Here are a few practical tips to help you “make your own luck” - and ensure you always have a job:
Tell yourself that you will always be employed. What you say matters. Your words have power, meaning, and intention. If you tell yourself that you are marketable and confident that you will always be working, your words can make this true.
Anticipate trends in your industry. If your job is being eliminated or outsourced, you need to know about it before HR sits you down to let you go. Research what’s going on in your industry. Know what’s happening and what the experts say will happen. Look for trends and train yourself in these areas. Having the right skills at the right time ensures that, no matter what is happening around you, you will be needed and employable.
Keep your resume up-to-date. Your resume is an invaluable selling tool that showcases your skills and abilities to the world. So even if you’re not looking for work, keep your resume current to keep track of contributions and accomplishments you may otherwise easily forget. When you eventually do need it, your resume will be up-to-date and ready to work for you.
Create a 30-second introduction. You never know when a new career opportunity may present itself. So, create a good first impression with anyone you meet in business by developing a concise introduction with clear details. Include the following information: your name; type of position you seek specifically; your skills and strengths; your background and accomplishments.
Network regularly. If you start networking only when you need something, you’ll have a lot of catching up to do. So make networking a part of every day. Don’t limit yourself to conferences, job expos, or meet-and-greets - networking opportunities are everywhere, even within your own company. Keep in regular touch with your key contacts, even if only via e-mail, so that you will not feel like you’re “bothering” someone whe it’s time to reach out and ask for help.
Always be on the lookout for new opportunities. Read trade publications. Read memos from departments outside your own. Think about what more you could be doing, or how you could be doing things better. Get your creative juices flowing, and think positively. Rather than telling yourself that “it cannot happen,” believe that what you want is possible and within your reach. Then, make it happen.
Of course, registering with Berks and Beyond can help ensure you always have a job. With offices throughout Southern Pennsylvania, we match talented individuals with temporary and direct placement opportunities in the: office/clerical, light industrial, accounting/finance, engineering, human resources, management, agricultural, and skilled trades areas. Contact us today to find out more.
About Deborah Brown-Volkman
Deborah Brown-Volkman is the President of Surpass Your Dreams, Inc., a successful career and mentor coaching company that has been delivering a message of motivation, success, and personal fulfillment since 1998. Deborah Brown-Volkman can be reached at www.surpassyourdreams.com, or www.career-escape-program.com.
This year’s ”Toughest Job in Berks County” contest is underway. Are you up to the challenge?
If your job is physically or mentally challenging - or just plain dirty - we want to hear from you. Submit a brief video (one minute or less) of yourself on the job, explaining why you have the toughest job in Berks County. We’ll select our winner on March 18th, 2010 during the Reading Royals hockey game.
To give you an idea of what we’re looking for, take a look at Dave Herb’s video. Dave currently holds the title of “Toughest Job in Berks County”. Here’s why:
Submit Your Video Today
You don’t have to get fancy to win this contest. Remember, videos will be judged based upon the jobs themselves - not video production quality. So, what are you waiting for? Get shooting and submit your video to Berks & Beyond today. You could win $1,000 and the title “Toughest Job in Berks County”.
How many years of experience do you have? What kind of work are you looking for? How many hours per week are you available?
As a candidate registering for employment with a staffing service, you expect to answer questions like these during the interview process. But did you know that you should also come prepared with your own list of questions?
Staffing and recruiting firms come in all shapes and sizes. The range of services, niche specialties, industries served, employment policies and payroll schedules can vary greatly from company to company. And logically, you’re more likely to find rewarding employment with a firm whose services match your needs. So how do you choose the company that’s right for you?
Consider the following list of questions:
Who are some of your clients?
What industries and/or job assignments do you specialize in?
Do you charge any fees for finding me work?
What pay rate can I expect for my skills?
What is the best time / way to contact you, to check if there’s work available?
How / when will I be paid?
Do you offer any employee benefits? Skills training? Referral bonuses?
What happens if I show up for work, but the company doesn’t need me?
What is your overtime policy?
Will my job search be kept confidential?
If a company wants to hire me full-time, what is your policy?
Most reputable staffing services, like Berks and Beyond, have comprehensive web sites - including FAQ pages - that provide answers to questions like these. Still, it’s always best to ask for clarification of anything you do not understand. So do your homework and come prepared to your interview with a list of your own questions. Turn the tables, and get the answers you need to choose a staffing firm that’s the right fit for you.
Any staffing service can claim they’re the best, or that they’ll find you the right job opportunity. But we’re not just “any staffing service.” So, we thought we’d go straight to the source - and show you what our employees have to say about their experiences with Berks & Beyond:
Pottstown
“Berks and Beyond Employment Service is a service that is very personable, very in-tune with what the employee is looking for, very thorough and on-the-ball. I tried other agencies and they promised to deliver, but they did nothing. I give B&B an excellent rating and I would refer them to anyone.” - Steven Brynan
Allentown
“I started working with Berks & Beyond in March 2009. Since that time they have helped me obtain several quality positions. The staff is always friendly and very helpful. They have always answered any questions I have had and most of all they have kept me working! I would recommend Berks & Beyond to anyone looking for work!” - Stephen Gower
Reading
“After being laid-off from my job, I was searching and searching for a job. I went into Berks & Beyond and they found me a job so quickly, I wished I had gone to them sooner! Everyone is extremely nice and very willing to help, and I couldn’t ask for a better agency. I would recommend Berks & Beyond to anyone who does not have a job. They helped me out tremendously, and they can definitely help you out, too!”
- Christina Boyer
York
“I would just like to thank Berks & Beyond for the wonderful opportunity of being able to maintain a job in the workforce today. As we are all aware of the economy today, it is not very good; and many well-meaning people are out of work. I would especially like to thanks Ms. Bonitta Martin for her diligence in keeping me afloat with satisfying, consistent work.”
- Felisha Short
Are you looking for a rewarding work opportunities with the area’s leading employers? Just click here to learn more about what Berks and Beyond can do for you.
