Want to Land an Administrative Position? Read This!

 

Many job seekers like the idea of working in an administrative position. Typically, these roles are office-based and can help you build a strong foundation for a professional career. However, how to get started in this profession isn’t as clear as some others, particularly since entry-level jobs may list very few requirements. If you are interested in landing an administrative position, here’s what you need to know.

Education Requirements Vary

Many administrative roles are considered entry-level, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be some educational requirements listed in the vacancy announcement.

Some administrative assistant or secretary positions require only a high school diploma, as this generally shows that you have the knowledge necessary to write professionally and operate a computer. However, competition for these positions can be high, so having additional training, like an associate degree or diploma from a secretarial skills program, can help set you apart from the pack.

Other positions may list an associate’s degree as a requirement, and some even require a bachelor’s degree, especially if the role is focused on a specialty, like legal secretaries or medical administrative assistants. You may also need to have knowledge of specific software programs, like QuickBooks, or have skills in areas like web development, which may require applicable coursework or prior experience.

Ultimately, it is possible to land an administrative position with just a high school diploma, but going above and beyond that will likely be beneficial to your career.

Make Sure Your Resume and Cover Letter Are Perfect

Administrative professionals often create communications in writing, ranging from emails and newsletters to presentations and marketing material. Since written communication plays such a large role in an admin’s daily duties, having spelling or grammar mistakes on your resume or cover letter can hurt your chances of being invited in for an interview.

Before you submit a resume, make sure to review it carefully. This can include proofreading it yourself and using software, like spelling and grammar checks, to identify errors that need to be corrected. It’s also smart to have someone else review your application, as a fresh set of eyes may spot mistakes that you overlooked.

Similarly, if you have a LinkedIn profile, you should take the time to make sure that it is also well written and error free. Otherwise, the additional effort you put into your resume and cover letter may not have the desired impact if your LinkedIn profile is riddled with mistakes.

Highlight Your Value

Many administrative positions focus on making other professionals’ lives easier at work, so showing that you are capable of supporting the manager, executive, or team is crucial. Ultimately, you want to demonstrate your skills and experience will contribute to the accomplishments of others, as that is something that a hiring manager will likely deem valuable.

If you are looking for an administrative position, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us today to learn more about our available jobs and see how our services can work for you.

 

 

Who Should Manage Your Gen Z Employees

 

Generation Z is beginning to integrate itself into the workforce, representing a new source of candidates for companies interested in securing incoming talent. As with any new generation, many organizations are wondering how best to manage Gen Z employees, particularly since tension still exists between millennials and Gen X, as well as baby boomers.

Gen Z doesn’t have the same priorities as Gen Y, and many of these younger workers are fairly optimistic about their futures. But, like many millennials, technology is an ingrained part of their lives, and that can create challenges for managers who aren’t as device-centric. If you want to make sure these employees feel welcome and ready for success, here’s what you need to know about who should manage Gen Z workers.

Millennials Are the Best Match

While Gen Z may be more focused on inclusion than Gen Y, the two generations also have a lot in common. Both were raised with technology, making them more open to the advances that are on the horizon. In fact, Gen Z sees technologies like AI and machine learning not as threats to their job security, but as opportunities that will improve how people work. This can be a stark contrast to the positions many Gen Xers and baby boomers hold, but millennials will likely connect with the perspective.

Additionally, both Gen Y and Gen Z value workplace flexibility, including alternative work arrangements like nontraditional schedules and remote work. They also support the fluid nature of their professional and personal lives, promoting the agile culture that many millennials have worked to build. Since Gen Y and Gen Z see eye to eye in this area, millennials may be particularly well-positioned to manage Gen Z workers.

Gen Z Prefers Millennial Managers

Since Gen Y and Gen Z have similar values, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the newest working generation would prefer a millennial manager. Both generations prefer to find employment opportunities that provide them with purpose and allows for some level of personalization. Additionally, neither group considers their salary as the most exciting part of securing a particular job, prioritizing other perks like flexible scheduling, opportunities for advancement, and progressive maternity and paternity leave policies over higher pay.

The shared set of values makes it easier for millennial managers to relate to Gen Z employees and vice versa.

Now, this doesn’t mean that a Gen X or baby boomer manager can’t successfully lead a Gen Z worker, especially if they have effectively managed millennials during their career. However, Gen Y managers may be particularly well-positioned to take on the challenge as we learn more about what the newest working generation desires in the workplace.

If you are looking for more information and need to add a new professional to your staff, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members today and see how our services can work for you.

 

 

Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired This Year with One Tip

 

At the end of nearly every interview comes the inevitable question from the hiring manager: “Do you have any questions for me?”

While some job seekers hesitate to ask anything, this should actually be viewed as an opportunity, and one that shouldn’t be passed up, particularly since failing to do so can seriously hurt your chances of getting hired.

Asking a smart question at the close of an interview can help you stand out as a candidate and make getting hired simple. How do you craft an intelligent inquiry? Here are some tips to get you started.

Focus on the Right Points

A strong question is going to tap into one of four areas: Connection, culture, challenges, and closing in on the next steps. Ultimately, you want to bond with the hiring manager over your final ask, work to understand what working for the organization is like, identify any challenges the company is facing, or gain additional information about what comes next.

You don’t have to cover all of those points in a single question, but any inquiry that touches on one of those points can be a valuable one to ask.

The One Question to Ask

If you find yourself struggling to come up with a suitable question, there is one that almost always makes a great impression. When in doubt, ask, “What is the organization’s biggest threat to success currently, and how can I help you overcome this threat in this role?”

By asking this question, the hiring manager has an opportunity to discuss how the job can add the most value to the business, giving you critical insights into how to excel in the position. Plus, it starts a dialog where you can provide additional input, including references to how your past experience can make overcoming the challenge easier.

This allows you to talk about points that truly matter to the hiring manager and organization in the moment while increasing their level of confidence in your abilities.

You don’t have to limit yourself to this single question, as it generally works well in conjunction with other inquiries that allow you to gather important information about the company’s priorities, what the culture is like, and how the role fits into the bigger picture.

However, it is essential to be mindful of the time when you begin asking questions, as you want to make sure that everything is finished up within your allotted appointment time. This means you should start with the questions you (and they) view as the most critical, so you can wrap things up in a timely manner.

If you are looking for a job this year, the professionals at The Advance Group can assist you in preparing smart questions while connecting you with top employers in the area. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can work for you. You’ll be getting hired in no time.

 

 

Need Better Candidates? Stop Doing This!

 

Most companies recognize that their employees are their most valuable assets, but this point is only valid if you hire the right people and find better candidates. Selecting the wrong candidates can set your business back, lowering productivity and harming morale.

So, how do you make sure the best job seekers ultimately join your staff? By avoiding certain mistakes. Here are some tips to help you find better candidates today.

Using Antiquated Recruitment Methods

Technology is ever-changing, and it has a significant impact when it comes to hiring. Using old recruitment methods means you aren’t taking advantage of everything today’s systems have to offer and can lead to a less-than-ideal candidate being selected.

Instead of ignoring technological advances, do your best to embrace them. Everything from automated screening process to mobile applications to seeing social media as a resource can broaden your horizons, allowing you to connect with top talent and better candidates based on their expectations.

Relying Only on Major Job Boards

While some of today’s biggest job boards can be ideal for finding candidates for entry-level or general positions, they aren’t the best choice for niche roles. If you need a highly specialized set of skills, you may achieve better results by finding a job board that focuses on a particular field, industry, or kind of professional.

Candidates who use niche job boards are more likely to possess the types of skills you’re seeking, and automatically limits the number of applications that will be submitted from those who don’t have the competencies you hope to locate. This can be a serious timesaver, especially for highly technical roles.

Posting Vague or Uninspiring Vacancy Announcements

If your job posting is too vague or doesn’t elicit excitement in the applicants, you’re not likely to find the kind of passionate and skilled job seeker you are hoping to locate. In contrast, if the job description is enticing and well-thought-out, you increase your odds of finding qualified candidates who are excited about the role.

The way your vacancy announcement is written plays a large role in your ultimate success, so taking some extra time to make it interesting and thorough is worth the effort.

Limiting Your Search

Some companies rely on one or two recruitment methods to help find candidates, particularly if they had a reasonable about of success in the past. However, not all job seekers use the same resources, so, by limiting your options, you could be missing out on top talent.

Instead of sticking with the sources you’ve used in the past, consider branching out, especially if you are struggling to find quality applicants. By using this approach, you may gain access to a new candidate pool, allowing you to connect with professionals who may have otherwise not become aware of your vacancy.

If you are looking to add new talent to your team, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you find today’s top candidates. Contact us to see how our services can connect you with the better candidates you need to succeed.

 

 

Looking for a Career in IT? Here Are Ones to Aim For (And Avoid!)

 

One estimate by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics says there will be 1 million more available IT jobs than applicants by the year 2020, showing just how smart a career in IT can be. But, like any field, not every role is created equal, and choosing the right one today can mean the difference between having a long and lucrative career or being considered obsolete in a short time.

If you are looking at a career in IT, here are the specialties to aim for, and a few you should avoid.

Analytics Is Hot

As companies collect more and more data, many are struggling to process the information fast enough to gain valuable insights in a timely manner. This has put an increased focus on the field of data analytics, making it a wise choice for those interested in pursuing a career in IT.

Like many tech jobs, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is often required to get started, and some positions require specialized skills in areas like IoT, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, so additional certifications can also help you get ahead.

Silos Are Disappearing

Not long ago, professionals were highly focused in specific areas in IT, often operating somewhat autonomously. Now, these silos are disappearing as pros who concentrated on areas like infrastructure, application development, network operations, and security begin to work more closely together.

While you may still end up with a somewhat specialized skill set, IT workers must not be willing to cross the lines that once kept them separated. Otherwise, their careers could come to an abrupt end as technology continues to intertwine these roles.

Security Skills Are a Must

Cybersecurity continues to be a major concern for companies, and that has led security to play a part in nearly every position. While security-oriented professionals will still have their place, every IT employee is having to acquire skills related to their roles.

However, since some of the training one would need isn’t commonly available, and the coursework is often missing from degree plans focused on areas like computer science, those who get onboard early can position themselves to move forward in their careers with greater ease.

Vendor-Specific Security Certifications Are Out

Since security is so important, many IT pros may consider acquiring vendor-specific security certifications. But, these aren’t as in-demand as they used to be, especially since the associated training tends to be highly feature focused and doesn’t always account for the myriad of challenges businesses face today.

For those interested in bolstering their security credentials, choosing training that is more all-encompassing instead of vendor-specific is the wiser approach, particularly if you want to impress today’s employers.

If you are interested in learning more or are seeking a new career in IT, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with information and opportunities. Contact us to see how our knowledgeable staff can help you take the next step in your career in IT today.

 

 

2018 is the Right Time to Quit That Job You Hate

 

Sometimes, you know that you aren’t in the right job. Maybe the idea of showing up every day feels almost intolerable, or you spend your days bored. But, even if you know you’re in a position you hate, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to walk away, especially if it seems like you are abandoning everything you’ve managed to accomplish there. The right time to quit can be hard to understand.

It isn’t uncommon to fear change, no matter how tough your current situation happens to be. But sticking in a job that you hate isn’t doing you any favors, particularly if it keeps you from advancing in your career. If you’ve felt trapped in your position, 2018 may be the perfect time to quit and make a change. To help you get in the right mindset, here’s what you need to do.

Acknowledge What’s Changed

In some cases, your first step to moving on is to recognize that a choice that was right for you yesterday might not be what you need today. Few professionals choose a job expecting it to outlive its usefulness, but it happens all the time.

Start your preparations by recognizing how you’ve changed over time, creating the psychological distance you need to head in a new direction. Once you understand that it’s okay to begin something new, leaving a bad job will become easier.

Understand What You Aren’t Giving Up

Part of the fear of leaving a job has to do with the shift to your identity that comes with making such a change. But, it’s important to remember you are more than your current role, so reminding yourself of what will remain intact can be beneficial.

For example, think about your family and friends who will remain by your side, or the hobbies and passions you’ll continue to pursue. By reviewing everything that won’t change, the idea of taking your career in a new direction will seem less intimidating.

Recognize That Life Doesn’t Always Follow a Linear Path

While the idea of following a straight path through your career is enticing, it isn’t worth it if you’re miserable every step of the way. Sometimes, we have to deviate from the original plan to reach a point of fulfillment, and that can mean making a job switch.

Yes, deciding to make a change is scary, representing a range of uncertainties, but choosing to allow yourself to pursue something that will provide you with a sense of satisfaction can be the right move, especially if you hate your current job. In the end, making a switch could be the best decision you make, letting you take your career to a better destination in 2018 and beyond.

If you are interested in securing a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with Michigan jobs and Ohio opportunities. Contact us today to see how our services can help you find the kind of role you need to experience the job satisfaction you deserve, and figure out when the right time to quit your old job comes.

 

 

Farewell to our 1st Intern

Thank you Marah. We enjoyed having you as a member of our team. Good luck with your last semester at University of Toledo. Call us when you’re looking for your 1st HR position.

How to Refocus at Work After the Holidays

 

Now that the holiday season has come to a close, most professionals are heading back to the workplace, trying to get back into their regular routine. While readjusting to a normal schedule seems simple at first glance, a significant stint away from work, especially if it wasn’t entirely relaxing (as some holiday obligations can be quite stressful), leaves many people feeling drained. Plus, if you didn’t organize your workspace before your vacation, you could end up overwhelmed trying to refocus at work and get back on target.

Luckily, there are things anyone can do to help them refocus at work after the holidays. Here are some ways to get started.

Get Up and Moving

Sometimes, feelings of lethargy are what prevent you from getting back on track. While a quick fix, like the caffeine in your coffee, may help in the short-term, physical activity is a better long-term solution. If you feel your energy levels starting to dip, consider integrating some movement into your day. This can be as simple as stepping away from your desk for a minute to taking a quick walk during lunch. Even a few moments can make a lot of difference, so don’t let a lack of time hold you back.

Use Music

In some cases, people struggle to focus because of the noise-related distractions that can infiltrate their workspace. Ambient noise can be hard to ignore, especially if you are having trouble staying on target in the first place.

One possible solution, if your workplace allows it, is to use headphones and listen to music. This can give you a mechanism for blocking out distractions while allowing you to listen to something you enjoy instead. However, if you do decide to bring in your own tunes, make sure they can’t be overheard by others in the area. Additionally, select songs without lyrics, as they can actually make it harder to concentrate instead of helping.

Seize Control of Your Day

It is perfectly normal for your energy levels to fluctuate throughout the workday. Some people are morning people, while others peak later in the day; either early in the afternoon or even after the sun goes down.

Understanding your pattern can be incredibly beneficial, especially when you have options regarding when certain activities are scheduled. For example, if you are more focused in the morning, try to get your detail-oriented or complex work handled in the earlier hours of the day and leave your simpler tasks for the afternoon. If you are more productive after lunch, reverse that schedule.

The main idea behind the approach is to use your natural rhythm to help you be more effective throughout the day, allowing you to handle easier duties when your energy levels decline and more challenging work when you’re ready to soar. Just make sure you allow enough time to manage your tasks, especially if you excel in the afternoon, so you won’t experience unnecessary stress if something doesn’t get finished.

By following the tips above, you can readapt to your usual routine faster than ever and refocus at work. If you are interested in learning more or would like to find a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to see how our services can help you move forward in your Michigan or Ohio career today.

 

 

Should You Bid Farewell to Your Cover Letter This Year?

 

Many job seekers have heard statements alluding to the idea that the cover letter is dead. Often, these take the form of suggesting that hiring managers don’t actually read them, making them useless to those looking to secure a new position.

But, this isn’t necessarily true. Cover letters can still be a valuable tool, depending on how you are managing your job search, whether you have certain unique goals, and if you need to provide details that a resume doesn’t cover.

Here’s why you shouldn’t say farewell to your cover letter just yet.

Connect with the Employer

A cover letter can play a crucial role in your job search if you see it as an opportunity to connect with the employer. Ultimately, hiring managers are looking for candidates that understand what the company is about and the function they serve within the larger community. If you can use your cover letter to show that you “get” the business, you can use it to stand out from the competition.

Being able to convey your respect for what the company has accomplished and why you admire the business is almost guaranteed to make a positive impression. Then, if you can couple that with examples as to how you can help them further their goals or fit into with their priorities, you significantly increase your odds of being able to advance in the hiring process.

Career Changes

Some job seekers aren’t pursuing a job in their original field, and making a career change often requires more effort and additional explanation. A cover letter can be an ideal platform for explaining your goals as well as relaying how your skills and experience apply to your new target field.

Without a cover letter, a hiring manager may assume that a resume full of experience in another field isn’t worth their time as they may believe it was either submitted in error or that the person isn’t actually serious about landing the position. Your cover letter allows you to provide the context they need to understand your motivations and clearly picture how your skills apply in an environment that differs from those you worked in previously, making it incredibly valuable to your job search.

Employment Gaps

Many people have gaps in their employment history, but you don’t get the opportunity to explain what happened in a resume alone. A cover letter gives you a chance to provide some additional details that can help put the hiring manager’s mind at ease, especially if the gap is recent or substantial. So, in this case, forgoing a cover letter could leave the hiring manager with doubts, so adding one can make a real difference.

While a cover letter isn’t always necessary when you apply for a job, it is still important in many situations and shouldn’t be abandoned just yet. If you are interested in learning more or are seeking a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today to find out more about what our services can do for your job search.

 

 

Double Check This List After Your Clerical Interview

 

When you leave a clerical interview feeling like you’ve done an amazing job, you often look forward to the next steps in the process. But many job seekers aren’t sure exactly what they need to do once they head out of the hiring manager’s office, leaving them contemplating what they should do now.

Since you’ve got a lot of positive momentum, it’s a smart move to ride that high to get things done. With that in mind, here are a few things to take care of after you leave your clerical interview.

Refuel and Rehydrate

Snacking and enjoying a beverage is generally not something you’ll do during a clerical interview, so, after you leave, you might want to grab a bite and a beverage to help you recharge. Don’t be afraid to take a quick break and enjoy a treat. After all, interviewing is stressful, and a small reward is definitely in order. Plus, it will make it easier to keep pushing through the day ahead, including getting through the next items on this list.

Jot Down Some Notes

Since your interview experience is still fresh in your mind, now is the perfect time to write down some key points from the meeting. Soon you’ll be crafting thank-you notes and having a few ripe details to add can make it easier to tailor your message to each interviewer and include more meaningful content. So, take a moment to jot down some of the most memorable moments. That way you can use your notes to refresh your memory down the road.

Make a Note of What Has You Excited About the Opportunity

Another vital tidbit to write down is what about the job truly has your attention now that the interview is over. Since you’ve likely gathered some additional details about the position, you probably have a clearer picture about what the opportunity means to you. So, if something has you excited to move forward, jot down that point so that it is easier to communicate why you are so enthusiastic in the future.

Send Thank-You Notes

Now that your thoughts are organized, it’s time to write and send thank-you notes. Review the important details you recalled earlier and use that information to create a message that says more than “thank you for taking the time to meet with me” and “I look forward to hearing from you.”

Schedule Follow Up Message

Once your thank-you notes are sent, you can add a calendar reminder for your follow up email. Exactly when you need to schedule this depends on whether you were given a timeline for feedback. If so, then create a reminder for one business day after the date you were provided. That way, if you don’t hear back, you know it is safe to reach out.

If you didn’t receive a timeline, schedule your reminder for one week after the interview. Generally, that is considered an acceptable window for asking about the timeline or updates about the next steps.

Then, when your reminder pops up (if you haven’t heard anything), you can craft your follow-up email and send it on its way.

If you are looking for a new clerical position, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with leading employers. Contact us to see what may be available in your area today.

 

 

Scoop Up December’s Best New Grads!

 

When you think of college graduation season, you most likely focus on the summer. But, there are actually a lot of new grads who are just starting to receive their diplomas. And that means they are poised to join the workforce. If you are seeking out educated entry-level professionals, now is a great time to start looking for top talents who just completed their degree. To help you scoop up the best new grads, here are some tips to get you started.

Don’t Focus on Pedigree

Certain colleges and universities reputations proceed them. While it may be tempted to focus on these graduates, it could mean that you miss out on an extraordinary young professional who attended a different school.

In many cases, a strong pedigree doesn’t automatically mean the candidate will be a success. And graduates from state universities and local community colleges likely still have the skills you need. Unless you are hiring in an industry like healthcare where pedigree can have a substantial impact, don’t forgo an otherwise qualified candidate just because they didn’t go to a top 10 school for the field.

Examine GPA and Relevant Coursework Properly

Many hiring managers look at GPAs and relevant coursework to help gauge a new grad’s skills, since they often don’t have much (if any) work experience in the field. However, you want to make sure you approach this properly to get the best results.

It can be helpful to know the average GPA of graduates of the particular school’s program to help you better evaluate a person’s performance. For example, a 3.8 GPA may seem impressive until you hear that the average GPA for the program is a 3.7. Similarly, a 3.8 may be an incredible accomplishment if the average is a 3.1.

Relevant coursework is often easier to assess, as many universities provide copies of their catalog online. This gives you a glimpse into what the classes actually covered at the specific school, making it easier to gauge what the graduate likely learned along the way.

Internships and Work Experience

Not all college programs require internships for graduation, but those that participate in such an arrangement often have some real-world experience in the field as well as professional references. Similarly, grads who secured jobs in related to their major may also be better equipped to hit the ground running, which can be particularly valuable when you need someone who can start being productive quickly.

However, just because someone doesn’t have an internship or seemingly relevant employment history doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be a great employee. Don’t overlook other forms of experience, like clubs and volunteering that can demonstrate the job seeker knows how to function in a structured environment and may have acquired valuable soft skills.

By using the tips above, you can increase your odds of finding the best new grads available today. If you would like assistance filling your job vacancies, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to see how our services can make your hiring process more effective and efficient today.

 

 

How to Turn Your Internship into a Career

 

An internship is a great opportunity to learn new skills in a real-world environment, but it can be a chance to secure a permanent full-time job if you play your cards right. Often, companies will work to keep talented interns on staff, especially if you can prove your value to the organization in the short time you have with them. To help you turn your internship into a starting point for your career, here are some tips to follow.

Be Observant of Others

Those working around you can provide you with significant insights into the unwritten rules that define the company’s culture. By learning to follow those rules, you can fit in with greater ease, making you seem like a natural part of the team. This makes it more likely that people will see your exit as something to be avoided, increasing the odds you’ll be invited to stay.

Give Your Work Your All

Even if your work is low-level, you want to show you are dedicated to doing the best job possible. By applying yourself to every task you are given, people will be more inclined to offer you more advanced work. Plus, this helps build trust between you and those you work with, as you aren’t treating your duties as though they aren’t worth your time.

When you are an intern, people are relying on you to do your part, so always give it your all if you want an opportunity to stay.

Be Mindful of Your Attitude

No matter how dull or mundane your tasks tend to be, you want to put forth an effort to complete them with a smile. If you allow negativity about your duties to affect your attitude, people will notice, and they won’t be as interested in keeping you around. However, if you remain cheerful regardless of how low-level the task may be, people will assume you are a team player who is willing to do what it takes to help the company, and that’s certainly a powerful impression to make.

If You Don’t Have Enough to Do, Say Something

While a little bit of downtime is nothing to stress about, frequently having nothing to do is a problem. If you find yourself twiddling your thumbs, be proactive and speak with your manager. Let them know that you have finished your tasks and ask if there is anything else you can do to help the team. This lets them know you are a go-getter who wants to keep moving forward, and, often, they’ll be grateful for the extra hand.

Make Connections

Typically, it feels more natural to connect with other interns while you are with the company, but forgoing relationships with full-time employees means you are missing out on great networking opportunities. Make an effort to get to know your other co-workers too. Not only can they be a wealth of knowledge, but they also may come to bat for you to help you secure a full-time position.

While there is no guarantee your internship will turn into something more, by following the tips above you can increase your odds of being asked to stay.

If you are currently looking for a new job opportunity, the team at The Advance Group can help you explore new options. Contact us today to see what may be available in your field.