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Are You Qualified for These Machine Operator Jobs?

HMG Success on May 6, 2019

 

If you are looking for a new machine operator position, you are in luck. There are plenty of opportunities available for candidates with a range of skill levels. Here are some of our current openings and what it takes to be considered qualified for the roles.

Assistant Machine Operator – Maumee, Ohio

If you are starting off your career, this position may be ideal. You only need good measuring skills and one to two years of production experience to qualify for this second shift job.

The selected candidate will primarily be loading materials into various machines, though they will have other duties as well. Plus, it is a four-day workweek, so you will also get a three-day weekend.

Machine Operator – Toledo, Ohio

If you want to be chosen for this role, you need previous machine operator experience as well as the ability to monitor and read gauges and dials, read and follow work orders, update work orders in the computer system, and lift up to 50 lbs. The duties are varied, and you may have a chance to train helpers and cross-train onto other machines, allowing you to improve your skills as you work in the role.

Press Operator – Dundee, Michigan

A manufacturing company focused on the electrical and plumbing industry is looking for someone to join their team. Along with one year of recent machine operating experience or generally being mechanically inclined, you also need to be able to lift 50 lbs.

If selected, you will predominately be operating a press. However, there may also be an opportunity to receive training on an overhead crane, allowing you to increase your skill set.

Machine Operator – Milan, Michigan

Along with previous machine operating experience, well-qualified candidates will also know how to reach micrometer and calipers and read blueprints. If you have prior screw machine experience, that is a plus. Attention to detail is also essential to excel in the position. However, you must also be able to work quickly to meet production demands.

Extrusion Machine Operator – Romulus, Michigan

If you have previous extrusion machine operating experience and don’t require much supervision to get the job done, this opportunity could be for you. Along with experience as a machine operator, you also need to be able to perform basic set up and tear down of extruders and downstream equipment without direct supervision, complete maintenance (die, sleeve, and afterform), adjust machinery as required, and drive a hi-lo.

If you are interested in any of the opportunities above or would like to learn more about other vacant Machine Operator positions, the team at The Advance Group wants to hear from you. Contact us to speak with a member of our experienced recruitment staff today and see how our hiring and placement services can benefit you.

 

 

What You Need to Do for Employees on Their Way Out

HMG Success on May 3, 2019

 

As a manager, letting people go is one of the toughest aspects of your job. While it is necessary at times, handling the situation professionally is not always easy, regardless of whether the employee is being terminated for a performance issue, something more severe, or factors that are outside of everyone’s control.

When an employee is on their way out, there are things you can do to help them along the way to make it easier on them and yourself. Here is what you need to do.

Communicate Clearly From the Beginning

Once you know an employee is being let go, regardless of the reason, don’t try to soften the blow by being ambiguous. This can lead to unnecessary confusion and may cause them not to understand the situation fully.

While you want to remain professional when you deliver the news, also strive to be incredibly clear. Don’t offer a “maybe” when there is no chance things will change and don’t downplay any aspect of the situation, including the reasoning behind the decision.

Don’t Go Faster Than Necessary

While some terminations need to be handled swiftly, other situations (like layoffs) might not be as dire. In cases where an immediate exit isn’t necessary, do not move things along faster than you absolutely must.

See if there are options to give the person a little more time so they can prepare for the transition. Not only will this allow them to plan next steps, but it also creates an opportunity for them to shift their responsibilities to someone else, ensuring the workplace is disrupted as little as possible once they leave.

Maintain a Positive Mindset

Staying positive may feel like a challenge, but it is important if you want the person to make a smooth transition. If the person is being laid off or has reached the end of their contract, try to focus on what may be ahead of them. Additionally, if you can offer support, such as career coaching, do so if it is appropriate.

In cases where an individual is fired, maintaining a positive mindset can keep the situation from escalating unnecessarily. It increases the odds that you won’t say something you may regret or make the circumstances more volatile than they need to be. Plus, it can help you focus on what the future may have in store for you and your company, something that may make terminating a less-than-ideal employee easier to manage.

Offer to Help Them on Their Journey

Offering to assist a short-term worker or laid off employee take critical steps forward can ease their transition. For example, reviewing their resume or social media profiles to make sure they will serve them well in their job search could be a nice gesture. Similarly, connecting them with members of your network who may be looking for a person with their skills could help them expand their network and find a new opportunity quickly.

Similarly, finding freelance options or projects in other departments at your company could give them more time to find something new. While this relies on them having the right skills and the ability to produce high-quality work, it is worth exploring if they are genuinely a good worker.

By following the tips above, you can stay professional when an employee is on the way out. If you’d like to know more, the staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your questions or concerns with a member of our skilled team today and see how our workforce management expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Working a Side Hustle? You Need to Read This

HMG Success on April 26, 2019

 

More and more professionals are embracing a side hustle. Often, these secondary gigs can be very lucrative, allowing workers to increase their earnings while working in a niche that aligns with their skills and preferences.

However, working a second job also creates challenges. When not properly managed, it is easy to make mistakes that can make these work experiences unpleasant or hinder one’s ability to manage personal obligations successfully.

Striking the right balance can be difficult, particularly if you are new to the world of side hustles. Luckily, there are things you can do to make it all easier to handle. Here’s what you need to know.

Don’t (Immediately) Quit Your Day Job

Even if you would like to turn your side hustle into a full-time job, you do not want to quit your primary one too quickly. It can take time and diligence to build a reputation and client or customer base. If you try and make the leap too fast, you may find yourself without enough income.

Similarly, keeping your day job and side hustle has benefits. You are essentially diversifying your income, just as you would with an investment portfolio. This can provide you with some protection from the unexpected, like a large medical bill or sudden job loss.

Additionally, by keeping your main source of income, you can pursue side hustles purely for enjoyment. While you may also earn additional money, you get more control over the tasks you take on, since the cash is supplemental. This can be excellent if your side hustle lets you explore your passions, as you can limit yourself to what captures your attention best without having to worry about the financial aspect.

Don’t Invest Too Much Money

If you are just starting a side hustle, it is easy to get focused on all the tools and equipment you may need down the road. However, if your current situation does not demand these items, it is usually wise to avoid making purchases when you are just starting out. Otherwise, you might buy something you actually didn’t need, making your side hustle less lucrative.

Do Focus on Unique Skills

Having a fairly unique skill you enjoy using can be a suitable focus for a side hustle. While each gig can certainly feel like work, if you bring something different to the table and genuinely enjoy what you are doing, the entire experience is more satisfying.

Plus, if you concentrate on your unique capabilities, it may be easier to find a lucrative niche. This makes your side hustle more beneficial financially too, ensuring you both enjoy the work and can make a reasonable income for your time.

Do Consider the Time

Even if you thoroughly enjoy your side hustle, that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your personal life to pursue it. Falling behind on your personal obligations can make life harder to manage, and neglecting your relationships in order to continue with your side hustle can have consequences.

Ideally, you want to make sure you give yourself enough time to keep your personal life in order while you work two jobs. You may need to be diligent about scheduling or limiting the number of projects you take on, ensuring you can do what you love without missing out on other important aspects of life.

If you would like to know more about how you can successfully integrate a side hustle into your life, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with a knowledgeable member of our staff today and see how our career management expertise can benefit you. Click here to check out our open jobs today.

 

 

Are You an Active or Passive Job Seeker?

HMG Success on April 22, 2019

Most job seekers fall into one of two categories: Active or passive. Each one can help you locate exciting positions that may meet your career needs, even though they represent two incredibly different approaches.

If you are wondering whether you are an active or passive job seeker, here is what you need to know.

What Is an Active Job Seeker?

In the simplest terms, an active job seeker is a person who is fully engaged in a job search. They are purposefully hunting down new opportunities and are explicitly planning to land a new role.

Usually, active job seekers are taking certain steps to make their goal of finding a new position a reality. This can include scouring job boards, examining company social media pages for vacancy announcements, working with recruiters, or any other intentional approach to finding a new role.

Additionally, active job seekers are commonly dissatisfied with at least one key aspect of their current position. Whether that is their salary, job title, duties, workplace culture, or anything else isn’t particularly relevant. What is important is that they are motivated to find an opportunity to move on because they aren’t necessarily happy with where they are right not.

What Is a Passive Job Seeker?

Contrasting the active job seeker, passive job seekers are open to new employment options, but are not actively engaged in a search. For example, they may pursue an opportunity that a member of their network presents to them directly or when their dream job opens at a specific company.

Outside of those situations, their job search is essentially on autopilot. If something great happens to come along, they will apply, but they aren’t taking part in an active hunt.

Plus, if something doesn’t end up on their radar, that’s fine. Most passive job seekers aren’t dissatisfied with where they are today, so they are not in a rush to land something new. In fact, some are quite happy with where their career has taken them so far, so they are not overly motivated to leave unless the perfect opportunity happens to come around.

Ultimately, both active and passive job seekers can find amazing new job opportunities. The only thing that differentiates them is generally a sense of urgency (or lack thereof) about moving on from their current role and how engaged they are in the hunt.

If you are an active or passive job seeker, the staff at The Advance Group wants to hear from you. Contact us to see how we can help you move your career forward on your terms, either working quickly to assist you with landing a new role or keeping our eyes open long-term for your dream position.

 

 

5 Hiring Lessons Learned the Hard Way

HMG Success on April 19, 2019

 

If you want your company to thrive, then hiring the right people needs to be a priority. A single bad hire can derail productivity, hinder morale, and harm the bottom line. Plus, replacing an employee can take a significant amount of time, leaving you shorthanded for a period and further damaging operations.

Learning how to hire is not always easy. However, you can learn from those who have stood in your shoes before, giving you the knowledge to help you avoid certain missteps. If you want to make sure your hiring is on-target, here are five hiring lessons that many learn the hard way.

1. Set Clear Job Requirements

Knowing precisely what you need is critical if you want to find the right candidates for the role. Some managers focus more on the job seeker themselves, potentially blinded by amazing credentials, instead of how the person’s abilities align with the position’s requirements.

However, if you hire a professional whose skills don’t match your needs, there will be fallout. Make sure finding strong matches is always a priority, focusing on the skills that are more crucial for the role first and foremost.

2. Look for Drive

Most top performers are incredibly driven. They don’t just want to meet expectations. Instead, they want to shatter them. Plus, they tend to be strategic by nature, giving them an innate ability to align their actions with the larger company mission, highly innovative thinkers, and team players.

When you meet with candidates, ask them to describe how they achieved results, particularly when faced with a daunting challenge. This allows you to gain insight into how they think and act, giving you a better gauge on their drive.

3. Find Passion for Your Mission

When an employee is passionate about the company’s mission, they are more likely to excel. This is because they feel a personal connection to the organization’s vision, giving them intrinsic motivation to exceed expectations.

During an interview, ask each job seeker to describe what they think your company is about and the products or services offered. Their level of enthusiasm (and accuracy) will provide you with valuable information about their level of passion for the mission.

4. Check Professionals References

A good reference check is essential if you want to make sound hiring decisions. Even if candidates list people who will likely speak well of them, you can discover tidbits about their personalities, accomplishments, and approach that you may miss otherwise.

Plus, a reference check allows you to fact-check during the hiring process. That way, if a job seeker was being deceitful, you have a better chance of finding out.

5. Don’t Assume They Will Say “Yes”

Today, it’s a job seeker’s market. Even if the interview, reference check, and other phases of the hiring process went well, that doesn’t mean your top contender is going to accept a job offer just because you lob it out there.

In order to increase your odds of success, assume the candidate will say “no” unless you put in additional effort. Make sure you present the offer personally and are enthusiastic when you do. If they do accept verbally, follow up with a formal letter quickly and consider engaging them in the onboarding process early by introducing them to their future team members and providing them with more information about any benefits and perks. That way, everyone remains excited, increasing the odds your top choice will become your newest hire.

If you would like to find out more about hiring best practices, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our skilled staff today and see how our hiring expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Corporate Compass Training

HMG Success on April 15, 2019

The Advance Group came together as a team and participated in Kitty Brandal’s Emotional Intelligence Corporate Compass Training. This was a great learning experience for the whole team.

For more information on Kitty’s program, please visit  http://www.corporatecompass.biz/.

 

The Top Career Skill Everyone Needs

HMG Success on April 15, 2019

 

When you are striving for career success, gaining the right technical and career skill set is often a priority. After all, it serves as the foundation for your daily tasks, ensuring you can accomplish the goals set for your position.

However, technical prowess is not all that you need if you want to have a fulfilling career. In fact, there is one trait that can help set you apart from the competition, allowing you to reach greater heights.

If you want to take your career to the next level, here is the top career skill everyone needs if they’re going to thrive.

Experience, Learn, Grow

Professional growth doesn’t happen by accident. In order to genuinely grow, you have to do more than just have new experiences; you also need to process them and give yourself an opportunity to learn from them.

Often, people attach emotions to their experiences, crafting a tone for their career narrative. However, if those feelings hinder your ability to learn from an experience, growth is harder to attain.

For example, when a professional experiences a failure, the emotional weight of not reaching your goal or achieving an objective can prevent them from fully processing what occurred. Often, it is a reluctance to look closely at a situation that is perceived to be negative, a way of shielding yourself from the feelings associated with failure.

Then, if another failure happens, the same process is followed. Instead of truly examining the situation, the continued reluctance prevents additional learning, creating a compounding effect. Over time, your confidence falters, making it more difficult to have your ideal career.

However, if you can learn to let go of the emotion attached to the event, you are setting yourself up for future growth. It makes it easier to actually process what occurred on an intellectual level, making it possible to find approaches that help you avoid the same situation in down the road, improve your approach to work, or find viable solutions that can serve you well throughout your career.

Processing Setbacks

The key to successfully processing a setback is to set aside any negative emotions and look for the positive. Every failure or misstep is an opportunity to learn, so maintaining a mindset that allows you to see the bright side of the situation is a skill you need to develop.

Typically, it takes time to shift your way of thinking. It may also require conscious effort, including the ability to recognize how your mindset may be holding you back and making an active choice to reframe your viewpoint.

With practice, you will learn to overcome failures and navigate setbacks more successfully, ensuring you can make the most of every experience, regardless of whether the outcome was negative or positive.

If you would like to know more about how you can develop critical any career skill that can help you move your career in the best direction possible, or find new job opportunities in Ohio and Michigan, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our knowledgeable staff today and see how our career development expertise can benefit you.

 

 

3 Apps to Help Reach Your Career Goals

HMG Success on April 12, 2019

 

Today, nearly everyone has a smartphone in their pocket. While these powerful little devices are commonly used for work, not everyone takes advantage of the various apps that can help them achieve their professional career goals.

However, by adding a few apps, you can learn to manage your time and tasks better. You can even discover how you can network more effectively, giving you another leg up when it comes to managing your professional progress and career goals.

If you want to make sure you can reach your goals quickly and efficiently, here are three apps that can help you on your journey.

1. TickTick

If you are a fan of the Pomodoro method or simply want to try it out, TickTick is a task management app worth exploring. The app helps you divide your day into work windows for highly focused work. Plus, it schedules in breaks, ensuring you can step away and recharge while remaining highly productive.

You can schedule all kinds of activities, design a schedule, and even set due date reminders, all from the TickTick app. If you choose to pay for a subscription, you get even more features, like the option to track your work, review progress, and even play white noise to help you concentrate.

2. Cloze

Most professionals know networking can be a powerful part of their career. With Cloze, networking is substantially easier, centralizing details about the people you are connected to (even across multiple apps) and making it simple to keep in touch.

From inside the Cloze app, you can review contact information, see when and where you last spoke with the person, and (if you pay for a subscription) receive reminders to make sure you touch base at the appropriate time.

If you struggle with maintaining your network, Cloze might be just what you need to keep your connections strong, ensuring they are there when you need them most.

3. Way of Life

If you have a habit of procrastinating on work tasks that don’t spark your interest, then Way of Life can help make sure nothing slips past you. Not only does the app help you monitor your progress, but it can also note connections between your behavior and your achievements, highlighting how you can reach your goals more quickly.

Way of Life is ideal if you want to build better habits. Along with notifications, you can also record notes, allowing you to reflect on where you are today and think about where you want to be tomorrow.

If you want to reach your career goals faster and with greater ease, all three of the apps above are worth exploring. If you would like to learn more about apps that can assist you with managing your career, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members today and see how our technology and career management expertise can benefit you, or click here to check out our newest job openings.

 

 

National Welding Month

HMG Success on April 9, 2019

April is National Welding Month. We chose to recognize all of our hard working welders on assignment by hand delivering to them a free Advance T- Shirt!

Start Attracting Better Employees

HMG Success on April 8, 2019

 

It’s a job seeker’s market. Candidates are empowered to pick and choose between opportunities, allowing better employees to focus on positions that can elevate their career and meet their other needs.

Today, workers are putting additional focus on company culture. If the physical environment, general mood, and mission and values of the organization do not align with their preference, most top talent will simply bypass the business and continue their search.

If you want to attract better employees, you need a company culture they find enticing. If you want to make sure yours fits the bill, here are some tips for evaluating your culture and making any necessary changes.

Differentiate Yourself From the Competition

Every company is unique, even if they are in a crowded industry. Genuinely skilled professionals want to know how businesses differ from one another, particularly when it comes to aspects like innovation, technology, and opportunities for growth.

Consider how your business strategy, environment, and offerings stand out from other companies in your industry. Then, make sure you highlight these aspects of the organization, allowing job seekers to see why you are an exciting employer worth exploring.

Define Your Core Values

Employees often prefer to work for businesses that have values they can stand behind. If your values are poorly defined or you fail to live up to them, you are not going to attract top talent.

Begin by examining your values and, if necessary, clarifying them. Make sure they are crafted in a way that is both functional and inspiring. Then, let them guide all your business actions, ensuring everything is fully aligned.

Provide Opportunities for Growth

Most exceptional workers prefer employers that give them opportunities to learn and grow as professionals. By offering training options, educational programs or mentorship arrangements, you can attract skilled talent who want to continue moving their career forward.

Plus, it allows you to take advantage of their increased skill sets. As they learn and grow, they often become more productive and effective. As a result, you can craft your leaders of tomorrow while enhancing operations today, all while providing them with chances to advance. Ultimately, it creates a win-win scenario, and it can assist with long-term retention, too.

Harness Your Existing Employees

Your current staff can do more than just accomplish their tasks; they can also serve as brand ambassadors. By encouraging your employees to rate and review the company online, discuss their positive experiences on social media, and refer potential job candidates, you engage them in the recruitment process. This may make it easier to connect with highly skilled passive job seekers, allowing you to find better workers for your open positions.

If you would like to learn more about how you can start attracting higher-quality candidates, or are seeking skilled professionals for your vacancies, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to learn more about our available services and see how our recruitment and hiring expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Find a Better Administrative Assistant Job Today

HMG Success on April 4, 2019

 

When you work as an administrative assistant or want to start a career in a similar role, finding the right opportunity is essential. That way, you can grow your skills while on the job and have valuable experiences, ensuring you are ready to take the next step forward when the time is right.

The Advance Group works with many of the area’s leading employers, giving you access to exciting administrative positions you may not find anywhere else. Plus, our skilled team can help you determine which openings might be right for you, making it easier than ever to achieve your career goals.

If you are looking for a better administrative assistant job, here are three opportunities open right now.

Administrative Assistant – Monroe, MI

A third-tier automotive supplier is looking for a detail-oriented administrative professional to fill their open account coordinator position. This role comes with a lot of variety, ensuring you can learn and use a range of skills.

The selected candidate will create shipment schedules, create and maintain order documentation, and handle data entry for orders. Plus, the new hire will create BOL, commercial invoices, and NAFTS while also being responsible for preparing and sending ASNs.

Since working with customers and vendors is a core part of the work, excellent communication skills are a must. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is also important, as well as strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.

Administrative Assistant – Toledo, OH

If you thrive in a high-energy environment and want a job that comes with room for advancement, this administrative assistant position might be perfect for you. A metal recycling facility is looking for candidates who can handle a range of duties, including overseeing new hire orientations, maintaining weekly schedules, using Outlook and Excel, and providing exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers.

In the position, you may have a chance to cross train into other areas. This allows you to grow as a professional and possibly advance your career.

Administrative Assistant – Monroe, MI

A national wood storage building and playset manufacturer is looking for an administrative assistant to provide office support and handle a variety of tasks. Along with speaking to employees over the phone, you will also be responsible for data entry, filing, and other general office duties.

Excellent customer services skills are a must, as well as the ability to multitask. Being detail-oriented, proficient in Excel, and comfortable with data entry is similarly essential.

If you are seeking new administrative assistant opportunities or are interested in any of the positions above, the staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable recruiters today about our current administrative assistant vacancies and see how our services can make it easier than ever to take the next step in your career.

 

 

Advance All Star For April!

HMG Success on April 1, 2019

Congratulations to Henry Lowery who is The Advance All- Star for the Month of April! Henry was nominated by Stacey for his work ethic and willingness to help others.

How can you become an Advance All- Star? We are looking for employees with great attendance, a willingness to help others, a strong work ethic, and ability to work well with others.

Contact us