The benefits to look for in this new remote world of work

 

AS WORK ENVIRONMENTS CHANGE, YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON YOUR BENEFITS AND PERKS.

The company you work for can make a big impact in helping you and your coworkers feel confident in navigating a crisis (say, a pandemic). From traditional benefits to office perks and company culture, things will continue to look different as more than 20% of the working population does so from home.

As work environments change, think about what you need with a new perspective.

When it comes to classic benefits, compare or consider:

• Health care and related support. Make sure any healthcare plans offered align with your typical and ongoing needs but ask your potential employer if the company has made changes since to these policies in response to the pandemic. Are they now covering more of the premium than before, has mental health support been added or are there other new benefits to help employees take care of themselves and stay healthy?
• Paid time off, parental leave and flexibility in hours. If you’re working where you’re living, you still need time off to decompress and recharge. How does this company expect you to be “on” during your work hours? Is there flexibility to pick up kids from daycare or run an errand during the day when stores are less crowded?
• Hazard pay and safety measures. Maybe you’re not fully work-from-home, and you have to travel onsite to support clients, receive inventory or any other duty that requires an in-person appearance. Related: transportation accounts. Pre-pandemic, a company might have covered your parking garage fees or allowed you to contribute to a commuter account before taxes. Ask if hazard pay and/or transportation perks are available and the safety measures the company is taking to protect employees right now.

Now, the perks of a job. Office dwellers could usually depend on a selection of “extras” that improved cubicle culture, from snacks to happy hours or activities. When considering a remote position, there are two important questions to ask yourself or the hiring manager:

Was the process easy? Job hunting won’t ever be as easy as essentially signing-up for a gig, but companies, especially now, should be making an effort to have a streamlined and seamless hiring process start-to-finish. This shows this employer wants applicants to feel part of the team from the beginning, as well as demonstrating this team cares about your experience.

How does the company try to replicate or replace in-person interaction? From Zoom hangouts and companywide meetings and events, to recognition on internal platforms, check if your potential future employer is investing in its culture. Connection to your coworkers is important for productivity and team success.

How does the company make sure you feel part of the team? Family, pets and roommates are now common guests in meetings, as are grocery deliveries and loungewear. How often these work from home quirks appear can say a lot about your potential employer. Maybe childcare is a benefit you’d like, or, maybe the company proactively communicates that it’s no problem for kids to be part of your daily professional life. Inclusivity is important, and that comes from both benefits and culture.

How a focus on skills can expand your career

INSIGHT INTO WHY DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING ARE CRUCIAL FOR SUCCESS.

In an effort to share the stories of the CareerBuilder employees who are hard at work #BuildingForYou, we continue our employee feature series, from celebrating individuality and lending personal experience to their insight on industry trends and everything in between.  

Anna Pena joined the CareerBuilder team a little more than two years ago and has since grown with the company and improved her skills while advancing products. Through her work as the Senior Release Manager for our global Product Teams, Anna touches every part of product development and has learned much along the way. Read on to learn about her favorite project at CareerBuilder and how her dad inspired her career choices. 

How have you grown professionally during your time at CareerBuilder? 

I have had fantastic opportunities to expand my skill set at CareerBuilder, starting with certifications in the scaled agile framework and release training engineering. I can reinforce and apply the learnings from the certifications directly into day-to-day work. The certifications and experience gained at CareerBuilder allowed me to move from focusing solely on release readiness activities to facilitating Research &Development/IT planning.

What do you enjoy most about working at CareerBuilder? 

The best part about working at CareerBuilder is hands down the people. CareerBuilder is stacked with dedicated, smart people who are self-motivated to get the work done. There have been countless times when team members step up to help hit a deadline and still manage to have fun doing it.  

What is your favorite project that you have worked on during your time at CareerBuilder?

Facilitating and participating in the CareerBuilder beta program has, by far, been my favorite project. Being part of a process where we engage our internal experts in test driving new features and products before release has been rewarding. CareerBuilder is full of very passionate and knowledgeable employees who know the industry and our client needs exceptionally well, so getting their feedback before launch has been very beneficial.

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received? 

Get out of your comfort zone! Becoming an expert in something is great, but you cannot stop learning and challenging yourself. The majority of the time, taking on something new (even if it is hard at first) is where you grow, so don’t be afraid to raise your hand for a unique opportunity. 

What was your first job, and what were your biggest takeaways from the experience? 

I had a paper route delivery with my sister when I was 12. I learned very early on what it means to commit to a job; if you commit to something, you need to follow through with it even when it is raining outside and you have papers to deliver! 

What inspired you to choose your current career path? 

Seeing my dad work his way up to managing a major manufacturing facility was an inspiration to get into some facet of the business world. He made it look easy when it wasn’t, and I got to see firsthand how a good leader can set up teams for success. Watching his career progress showed us where hard work and a career you're passionate about can lead.

The best career advice: just go for it

 

HOW ONE CAREERBUILDER TEAM MEMBER TOOK INSPIRATION FROM PEERS AND LEADERS TO SHAPE HER PATH.

In an effort to share the stories of the CareerBuilder employees who are hard at work #BuildingForYou, we continue our employee feature series, from celebrating individuality and lending personal experience to their insight on industry trends and everything in between.

Since joining the team in 2019, Emma has been an invaluable asset to the CareerBuilder marketing team. From establishing lead generation processes to navigating our B2B pandemic response, she has led many team members through every challenge along the way. Continue reading to learn more about Emma's work at CareerBuilder - and what she learned from working behind a deli counter.

How have you grown professionally during your time at CareerBuilder?

When I joined CareerBuilder, I helped build up the demand generation marketing team from ground zero. Contributing to this new function allowed me to work with multiple teams across the organization and taught me how a business operates, while providing me with the necessary vantage point to aid in breaking down silos.
While I started at CareerBuilder as an individual contributor, I now manage a team of five direct reports and oversee our e-commerce channel. While I can attribute a lot of that to my hard work and dedication, I wouldn’t have been able to get to this place without the support and mentorship of the leaders I’ve worked with along the way.

What do you enjoy most about working at CareerBuilder?

What I enjoy most about working at CareerBuilder is being part of a group of strong, powerful and uplifting women. I’ve learned so much from my direct and indirect leaders about business, professionalism, and being a great leader. Even better, they’ve taken the time to nurture my potential and maintain patience while I learn my way around new responsibilities.

What is your favorite project that you have worked on during your time at CareerBuilder?

One of the most challenging, yet rewarding, moments in my career occurred in the first few weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world went into shut-down, CareerBuilder had a huge mountain to climb to get past the increasing unemployment rate and jobs decrease. The way the entire business came together in support of our response to the pandemic was inspiring and a huge testament to what people can do when they come together.

It was not only an honor to contribute to CareerBuilder’s response but a fantastic learning experience for myself. During this time, my business acumen, presentation skills, and leadership skills improved ten-fold.

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Be vocal about what you want and prove it. While this wasn’t necessarily direct advice from one person, it is something that I have learned through my career from my own experiences, as well as from my peers. It’s easy to get overlooked for opportunities when you’re not vocal about wanting them. It’s also not enough to say you want it; you also prove that you can do it because, after all, “actions speak louder than words.”

What was your first job, and what were your biggest takeaways from the experience?

My first job was behind the deli counter of a Mariano’s. While working there, I learned a lot about my work ethic and uncovered my passion for driving efficiencies through process improvements. I specifically recall a time when I typed a two-page letter to my manager, kindly suggesting improvements to the night- and morning-shift responsibilities that would allow us to save time and money.

Who inspires you and why?

I’ve always been inspired by people who choose to have a positive spirit despite the hardships in their lives. It’s a testament to being grateful for the small things that life gives us, which is something to always strive to achieve.

Where is your favorite place in the world?

There’s this eco-park in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico called Xcaret; it is where I go to in my mind when people say, “go to your happy place.” Experiencing a trip around the park’s lazy river is literally like heaven as it weaves in and out of caves, forest, and large “cenotes” or sinkholes. I’ve been thinking about this place a lot during the pandemic.

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Jobs available this week as food and retail stores increase hiring

EVERY WEEK, CAREERBUILDER SHARES REAL-TIME HIRING DATA TO PROVIDE INSIGHT INTO THE CURRENT EMPLOYMENT LANDSCAPE.

CareerBuilder job insights

Find a job near you and in companies and industries that are hiring right now.

The coronavirus pandemic is far from over, including its impact on employment. Keep up to date with who’s hiring each week, and make sure your resume is uploaded to the CareerBuilder job board to get in front of thousands of employers.

Companies hiring now

These 10 companies are hiring for more than 92,000 jobs. They include:

1. Jobs at Amazon
2. Jobs at Dollar Tree
3. Jobs at C.R. England
4. Jobs at Pizza Hut

Top job openings

These roles continue to grow, week after week. Build a resume in minutes and use the CareerBuilder salary tool to check out what these positions pay.

1. Truck driver jobs
2. Registered nurse jobs
3. Retail sales jobs
4. Retail supervisor jobs
5. Software developer jobs
6. Customer service rep jobs
7. Stock clerk jobs
8. Food service supervisor jobs

Industries that are hiring

The top 10 industries that are hiring right now include:

1. Administrative jobs
   • Virtual assistants and in-office administrative assistants keep things running. Every industry needs administrative assistants.
   • If you're interesting in flexing a wide set of skills, consider working as an administrative assistant - an excellent choice for generalists.
2. Waste management jobs
3. Retail industry jobs
   • Interested in working retail? Learn more about the career of a retail sales manager.
   • 8 tips for the perfect retail resume.
4. Healthcare industry jobs
   • What do travel nurses do? The top 6 required skills for travel nurses.
   • 6 reasons to become a physician assistant, a top in-demand job
5. Transportation industry jobs
   • Thinking about a truck driving career? 8 facts about the truck driver way of life.
   • Job growth in transportation is expected to outpace the national average, post-pandemic. 10 of the fastest growing transportation jobs.
6. Warehouse jobs
7. Manufacturing jobs
8. Food service industry jobs
9. Finance industry jobs
10. Insurance jobs

Companies hiring this week

CareerBuilder job insights

Find a job near you and in companies and industries that are hiring right now.

Companies with available jobs

The top five include Crete Carrier, US Xpress, Marten Transport, Hunt Transportation and Drive LLC. Search by employer and industry at careerbuilder

Industries that are hiring

Transportation jobs and warehouse positions are still widely available as part of the response to the coronavirus pandemic, making sure shelves stay stocked and goods are delivered. Look for administrative and support roles, and healthcare, professional and technical services are all in high-demand.

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6 tips for landing a summer job

IF YOU WANT TO LAND A GOOD JOB, FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO MAKE THE RIGHT KIND OF IMPRESSION WITH EMPLOYERS.

If you’re in the market for a summer job, your prospects are looking hot. According to a new CareerBuilder survey, 41 percent of employers plan to hire seasonal workers for the summer. The vast majority (88 percent) expect to transition some summer hires into permanent roles, up from 79 percent last year.

Even better news? These summer jobs will pay well, too. The majority of employers hiring this summer (87 percent) plan to pay $10 or more per hour on average, 56 percent expect to pay $12 or more per hour and 25 percent plan to pay $15 or more per hour. Considering the federal minimum wage is $7.25, a majority of these jobs will pay well over minimum wage.

Who are companies looking to hire?According to the survey, employers are targeting both younger and more mature workers to fill their summertime roles. Nearly 3 in 4 (73 percent) say they plan to recruit college students, 39 percent say high school students and 26 percent say retirees. Two in five employers hiring for the summer are looking to hire veterans for their summer positions.

What positions are companies hiring for?When you think summer job, you probably think lifeguard, camp counselor or something related to the outdoors. Yet, many positions are available in (air-conditioned) stores or corporate settings. Areas where employers are hiring include customer service (25 percent), warehouse (25 percent), office support (25 percent) and retail (18 percent).

Advice for your seasonal job searchWhile summer workers may be in demand, you can’t just slack on your job search. If you want to land a good job – and potentially make it permanent – you’ll need to follow these tips to make the right kind of impression with employers.

1. Apply ASAP. Employers have already started recruiting for summer positions, so now is the time to submit your applications. While it’s important to customize your application materials as much as possible, tools such as CareerBuilder’s Quick Apply All let you apply to multiple similar positions simultaneously, saving you time and getting you closer to landing your summer job.

2. Take the opportunity seriously. While movies may depict summer jobs as a temporary gig where you can put in the minimum amount of effort, if you want to get your foot in the door at an organization, you need to take the job seriously. Treat it as you would any full-time role by thoroughly researching the position and company, preparing for interviews and following up to show your interest. And let the hiring manager know up front if you’d like a permanent role down the line – it will help you stand out as a candidate.

3. Be flexible. If you’re up for working any shift, you’ll up your chances of getting hired, and you’ll make your manager happy once you’re on the job. Also, be willing to take on responsibilities that may not have been in the original job description – by showing you’ll go above and beyond, you’ll prove you’re worth keeping around.

4. Dress appropriately. You may be tempted to wear more casual attire when interviewing for a summer job, but it’s important to dress for the role and the company, not for the season in which the job is offered. Check out this handy guide for what to wear to different types of job interviews.

5. Apply for the right reasons. When searching for summer jobs, don’t just apply for the ones with the best employee discounts. Seek out jobs that will be a stepping stone on your career path. Speaking of employee discounts – don’t ask about them during the interview; that’s a surefire way to leave a bad impression.

6. Show you’re excited. Sure, the summer gig may not be your dream job, but you should still act like it is during the interview and once you’re on the job. A little enthusiasm can go a long way especially when employers are assessing whether you can provide good service to internal or external customers.

Companies hiring this week

EVERY WEEK, CAREERBUILDER SHARES REAL-TIME HIRING DATA TO PROVIDE INSIGHT INTO THE CORONAVIRUS EMPLOYMENT LANDSCAPE.

CareerBuilder job insights

Find a job near you and in companies and industries that are hiring right now.

What companies are hiring now?

Thousands of jobs are available at CRST International, Pegasus Transportation, Amazon, Wal-Mart, and Home Instead, among others.

What jobs are available?

The top five in-demand positions include truck drivers, registered nurses, software developers, customer service reps and retail associates.

What industries are hiring?

There are thousands of open positions in a variety of support services industries, as well as transportation, warehousing, healthcare, social assistance, retail and manufacturing.

Tips to find a job after college and during a recession

THREE CAREERBUILDER EMPLOYEES WHO GRADUATED COLLEGE IN 2008 SHARE ADVICE FOR RECENT GRADS

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many college graduates nervous about what the future has in store for them. Their fears may be similar to those of college graduates who were entering the workforce during the Great Recession in 2008.

We pulled together some CareerBuilder employees who lived through that time and asked them to share their experience and offer advice to this year's graduating class. We sat down with Jessica Ribish (Marketing Automation Manager), Brandi Frattini (Talent Acquisition Team Lead) and Timothy Kincade (Senior Account Executive) to hear about how they stayed positive, worked towards their professional goals and advice they have for the next generation entering the workforce.

What were your initial thoughts as you graduated college and during your initial job hunt?

Jess: When I graduated college, I felt a mix of emotions: scared, uncertain and excited. The economy wasn’t great, I didn’t know if there would be a job out there for me, and I had $700 monthly college loan payments to start making on top of paying the rent of my first apartment. Yet, at the same time, I was looking forward to my post-college life, and I couldn’t wait to see where it took me.

Brandi: Even when there isn’t a recession, almost all new grads have challenges looking for employment in their field of study. Knowing this, I remained committed to my job search and looked for roles that provided me with experience in the field of HR, even if the location or pay was not ideal.

Tim: Fortunately, I had a job lined up, so I didn’t panic or get discouraged after graduating like many others. When I graduated, I was a bank teller and shortly later took on another job as a sales associate with a gym. This helped me gain invaluable experience that helped me continue building a resume within sales.

Did you have to pivot your career ambitions to find a job? What advice do you have for expectant college grads who are now looking for a job?

Jess: Yes, I was a double major in Graphic Design and Marketing, cum laude and honors graduate – so I thought I would apply to the first few design and marketing roles I saw and have job offers just lining up out the door. Entry-level positions weren’t available when I was looking, and every position required at least 3-5 years of experience. Understanding that I needed to get some real-world experience, I applied for a sales role. During my interview process, I asked about lateral movements within the company since marketing was really my passion and the hiring manager said that if I worked hard and met my sales goals consistently that those types of moves could be possible. I took the job, put everything I had into it, survived a layoff, gained a massive amount of B2B knowledge, and earned a role in marketing two years later.

Brandi: I doubled down on making sure I got as much experience in HR as I could. Naturally when you finish college you are hoping for a paid job or internship, I didn’t have that kind of luck. I took unpaid internships, I volunteered my extra time with HR associations, and dealt with long commutes to get the experience I wanted.

Tim: While I had a job lined up, I still had to pivot. Originally, I was planning to move to Atlanta and start my professional career there, but I decided to stay local and take some additional courses. This was ultimately the best decision for me, because after spending a few years working within sales in Chicago I was able to make the move to Atlanta in 2011.

What advice do you have for this group of college grads?

Jess: Now is not the time to be picky. If the exact position you want isn’t available right now, try to find a company you like, whose values align with yours, within an industry you care about or find interesting. I have no doubt that you have transferable skills that would be relevant for an opening they have now. Although the position may not be your ideal at the moment, take it as an opportunity to learn, work hard, gain experience in new areas, and make strong connections with people – all of that will help you for years to come as your career path takes new twists and turns. One more piece of advice, start investing in your 401k now!

Brandi: Be flexible and patient! All the activities, side jobs and volunteer opportunities you are doing during this time are building your resume and giving you experience to speak to at your next interview. Take this time to build your network and online brand.

Tim: Always have a backup plan. If you don’t have one, make sure you utilize the tools and resources to help you (i.e. career center at your school, academic advisor). Do not panic, this is not the end of the world - you will get through it. Technology sales is very popular, and companies are always hiring recent grads with no or minimum sales experience. A large percentage of employees in that profession do not have degrees in business related fields. It’s a great way to work in an amazing environment and earn a good living while you’re still pursuing your dream.

Companies that are hiring and in these locations (June 3)

EVERY WEEK, CAREERBUILDER SHARES REAL-TIME HIRING DATA TO PROVIDE INSIGHT INTO THE CORONAVIRUS EMPLOYMENT LANDSCAPE.

CareerBuilder job insights

Find a job near you and in companies and industries that are hiring right now. Utilize careerbuilder.com/salary to learn what you should be earning, at what job title and in your city.

What companies are hiring and where?

The top employers with open jobs include Pegasus Transportation, CRST International, Amazon, Nomad Health and Home Instead, among others. Click here to find a job at Amazon.

And almost every state in the U.S. is seeing positive job growth. Use location filters to find a job near you on careerbuilder.com/jobs.

Top jobs available

Insurance sales agents:
267% increase in jobs posted
National average salary of $90,500

Hairdressers, hair stylists and cosmetologists:
109% increase in jobs posted
National salary of $46,000

Plus, these roles are becoming more in-demand: physical therapists, medical secretaries, critical care nurses, sales reps, general practitioners, transportation supervisors, truck drivers and licensed practical nurses.

Top industries that are hiring

The finance industry and insurance industry have remained relatively stable throughout the pandemic, and with most businesses starting to slowly re-open, hiring in these industries is on the rise. Transportation and warehousing continue to be top industries for finding employment. Find a transportation job here or apply to available warehouse positions.

The job search tools you need to land your next role

THE BACK-TO-BASICS APPROACH FOR WHEREVER YOU ARE IN YOUR PROCESS

The job market is tough right now. Many companies and industries are still hiring – either as essential services or as businesses start to re-open – but millions of people are still out of work, and competition for roles is increasing.

Are you searching for a job for the first time? Or were you laid off or furloughed and haven’t looked for a new job in years?

Go back-to-basics with these essential job hunt tools and strategies.

Optimize key words in your resume

Your resume should map back to a job description – either to the exact one you’re applying for or to others listed in your field. As companies are flooded with resumes and relying on technology to sort and find matches, your resume will need to stand out from the rest. Focus on what makes you unique, then incorporate key words from job descriptions. These should be accurate and highlight your skills, experiences or internships. Build a resume in minutes using AI-powered keywords.

Build and expand your network through job boards

Connect with thousands of employers that are actively looking to hire by uploading your resume and applying to roles through a job board. Whether an internal recruiter at a company reaches out to learn more about you, or you nab an interview for a specific role, your presence on a job board can become your own personal network. This is a smart move for all professionals, but especially entry-level and early-career workers who might not have the same personal connections as someone who’s been working for years.

And what if a company you’re interested in doesn’t have any open roles that match your skills or experience? Still apply. Or sign up to receive alerts about jobs. That company is constantly building a pipeline of interested, qualified candidates, and you’ll be on the list when a new role opens.

Work with a recruiter

Where job boards expand your search, staffing firms and placement agencies can supplement with a targeted approach. Many firms and agencies are industry-specific, from advertising creatives to tech professionals to logistics. Plus, as businesses weather economic uncertainty, there is an increased interest in using agencies to fill contract or short-term positions. Take advantage of these opportunities to gain on-the-job experience while bringing in a paycheck.

Practice your interviewing skills

Once your resume and skills get you to the next round in the process (congrats!), prepare to make a real connection with your potential new employer. Utilize your friends, family and others in your network to get comfortable talking about your skills, prior experience and why you are a strong candidate to fill the role. Practice your virtual interviewing skills and make sure your technology works prior to the interview.

It's easier said than done but – be patient

Even if your dream position is not available at the moment, look for any sort of opportunity to gain real-world experience and build transferable skills in industries and roles that are hiring. From temporary gigs to volunteer work or internships, keep making connections and adding skills to your resume.