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Follow These Tips to Set Temp Employees Up For Success

HMG Success on September 16, 2016

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When your business could benefit from an extra person on a short-term basis, bring in temp employees may be the ideal solution.  In order to ensure that the person brought in has the highest chance to succeed, consider the following tips are part of your hiring plan.

Clearly State the Job Requirements

The first step to helping temp employees be successful is to be sure you are presented with the best candidates for the job.  In order to find the best fit, make sure you clearly present your needs and expectations to the staffing consultants who are assisting with the placement.

For example, if you are looking for some help with certain accounting processes, it is more valuable to let the staffing firm know that you require someone with QuickBooks experience, instead of a vague requirement, such as computer skills.  If certain knowledge areas, skills, or abilities are must-haves for the job, make sure they are mentioned clearly and specifically to ensure you are presented with the right candidates for your needs.

Orient the Temporary Employee to the Job

Even if an assignment is short-term, take the time to familiarize temp employees with the work environment, including other members of the team and any available employee facilities.  Make sure they know exactly who to speak to should they have questions about the job, and let them know what is expected of them.  Cover common questions including when and where breaks occur, if any meetings or appointments will occur, or if there may be changes to the hours in which they are expected to work.

Treat them like Your Other Employees

Even though a temporary employee may only be with you a short time, it is important that you treat them with the same level of respect and courtesy you give to your full-time, permanent employees.  Not only will this help a temporary employee feel more like one of the team, it may also lead to a better overall performance.

Additionally, you have the same level of responsibility regarding a temporary employee’s safety as you do to your other employees.  It is important that you do not ask a temporary employee to perform work in a manner that is not safe just because they are only with you a short time.  Even though the temporary employee may work through an agency, you do have a level of responsibility regarding the employee’s wellbeing.

By following the tips above, you will be well on your way to ensuring your temporary employee is set on a path towards success.  If you are looking for more information about hiring temporary workers or are considering bringing one into your business soon, contact Advance Staffing Solutions today for a consultation today.

 

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End Your Industrial Interview with These Never-Fail Questions

HMG Success on September 12, 2016

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As an industrial interview draws to a close, the last question the interviewer will ask is practically inevitable, yet it leaves a lot of candidates stumped.  When you are faced with the classic, “Do you have any questions for me?” close, take the opportunity to find out what you would like to know about the company.  When in doubt, consider these questions your go-to solution to keep the conversation going.

“Can you describe a typical workday for a person working in this role?”

While many job postings indicate the specific skills that are required to complete certain job functions, they are not always indicative of an average workday.  By asking for examples at the end of your industrial interview, you can see how the hiring manager envisions success in this position.  Additionally, if they have difficulties describing how the position fits into the daily picture, it may show that the details are not entirely known, which could translate into some serious adjustment periods when the position is initially filled.

“How is conflict managed within the organization?”

This question is most useful if the interview is with your potential direct supervisor, but can also provide insight if you are interviewing with another person within the management chain.  You can learn how the prospective supervisor or manager views conflict resolutions, including their personal style or technique.  Depending on the response, this may provide insight to more than just their personal preferences, since an example pulled from a real life experience may show the kinds of conflicts that have occurred previously in that workplace.

“What do you enjoy about working here?”

If the person who is interviewing you is not happy about their current work situation, that stress may flow to those who work for them.  By asking them to speak to the positive parts of being with the organization, you can understand which aspects are valued by the interviewer.  This can help you set expectations as to how certain portions of the environment or work function.  If the interviewer has trouble answering the question, it may be a warning sign that there are issues behind the scenes.

“Over the next five years, how will the company be growing or changing?”

This can also provide insight into how those who work for the organization feel about its current direction.  If the interviewer feels positive about future developments, it will likely show in their response.  However, if the interviewer cannot seem to find something positive to say, or seems incredibly perplexed by the question in general, it may indicate that the future of the organization is not widely known, may be in flux, or may not be entirely positive.

“Do you have any questions or concerns that are preventing me from being your top candidate for this position?”

This opens the door for the interviewer to ask any follow-up questions that may have come to mind during the process, especially in cases where interview processes are standardized in a way that prevents the interviewer from initially delving deeper.  Not only does this show you are confident in your ability to address any concerns, it also provides you an opportunity to address them specifically.  If a concern is presented, answer it completely, and then allow them to continue requesting more information as needed.

If you are looking for additional tips for your job hunt, including information on available positions and help for your next industrial interview, we are here to help!  Contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!

 

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Beware These Common (And Expensive!) Workplace Injuries

HMG Success on September 9, 2016

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Workplace injuries and illnesses cost companies an astonishing $170 billion per year in treatment costs.  By taking the time to develop proper safety procedures, you can reduce your annual costs by approximately 20 to 40 percent, leaving more money to be used for development, growth, or other key business areas.

If you are looking to get serious about preventing workplace injuries and illnesses, start with these key areas.

Proper Materials Handling Techniques

The most common cause of workplace injuries revolves around the improper handling of various workplace materials.  This can include receiving shipments, moving products, or carrying various items.  While many people believe these sorts of injuries are more common in industrial work, they are also quite common in other environments.  This risk is present in manufacturing, retail, construction, shipping, and many other industries.  Issues can even present in traditional office environments when employees must move pieces of equipment, shifting office furniture, or carrying a box of files.

Improper lifting and carrying techniques can lead to a wide variety of injuries, ranging from strains and sprains to contusions and fractures.  Even the smallest workplace injuries of this nature can set a company back over $15,000, while more serious injuries can easily cross $50,000.

By educating employees on proper materials handling techniques, you can lower the risk of injury.  Provide onsite training on a regular basis and keep accessible reading materials available at all times.  Include injury prevention in your new employee orientations, and make sure to review the information often.

Avoiding Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are another common source of injury with a wide range of potential consequences.  Along with all of the risks that can exist with materials handling, injuries of this nature can also lead to more serious injuries including, but not limited to, concussions and joint dislocations.  If employees work at elevation, the risks increase further.  In certain circumstances, a fall can even result in death.

In order to protect employees from the risks associated with slips, trips, and falls, make sure all walkways are clear at all times.  Do not allow cables and power cords to cut across walking paths without being properly covered or secured.  Make sure any spills that can cause a walking surface to become slick are marked immediately with appropriate warning signage and cleaned up as quickly as possible.

If employees must work at elevation, make sure proper safety procedures are reviewed prior to the activity taking place.  This can include anything from ladder safety to the proper use of harnesses and other safety equipment.

Falling and Flying Objects

Falling or flying objects can also occur in any environment.  A heavy item placed on a high shelf can fall if not properly secured, and workplaces with moving equipment may see items accidentally thrown across spaces.  The risks associated with being struck by a falling or flying object vary greatly depending on the size and weight of the object, and the portion of the body being struck.  While some contact may result in cuts or contusions, others may result in fractures, injuries associated with being crushed, dislocations, and even death.

As with other safety areas, proper training is key.  If certain items should not be placed on upper shelves, support training efforts through the use of signage attached to the shelving in question.  Make sure that any items that have the potential to become a falling or flying object are properly secured, or that safety equipment is worn if necessary.

By following the tips above, you will be well on your way to ensuring your employees are better equipped to avoid workplace injuries.  If you are looking for more information about how you can make your workplace safer, contact Advance Staffing Solutions today for a consultation today.

 

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Adrian Hiring Event

HMG Success on September 9, 2016

Hiring Event at South Central (Adrian) Michigan Works

1040 S Winter St #1014

Adrian, MI 49221

 

Tuesday, September 13th,  2016

1pm-4pm

 

Advance Staffing is accepting applications and doing on-site interviews for the following positions:

 

Blissfield

Packaging Specialists  1st/2nd/3rd shift $11/hr

Industrial Cleaner/Janitorial  1st and 2nd shift $11/hr

 

Dundee

Packaging and Press 1st  & 2nd  shift Operator $9-10/hr

Welders 1st shift $14-15/hr

 

Temperance

Assembly 1st shift $10/hr

 

 

Please bring updated resume and 2 valid forms of ID (Driver’s License/State ID with Social Security Card/Birth Certificate)

 

Must be Over 18 years of Age, Have High School Diploma/GED, and work history within past 12 months.

 

To expedite the application process, you may pre–apply at: www.advancestaffingsolutions.com (Click Apply Now, Select Monroe, MI office).

If you have any question, please call Renee at: 734-457-0056 or email: renee@advancestaffingsolutions.com

Adrian Hiring Event

HMG Success on September 7, 2016

Hiring Event at South Central (Adrian) Michigan Works

1040 S Winter St #1014

Adrian, MI 49221

 

Tuesday, September 13th,  2016

1pm-4pm

 

Advance Staffing is accepting applications and doing on-site interviews for the following positions:

 

Blissfield

Packaging Specialists  1st/2nd/3rd shift $11/hr

Industrial Cleaner/Janitorial  1st and 2nd shift $11/hr

 

Dundee

Packaging and Press 1st  & 2nd  shift Operator $9-10/hr

Welders 1st shift $14-15/hr

 

Temperance

Assembly 1st shift $10/hr

 

 

Please bring updated resume and 2 valid forms of ID (Driver’s License/State ID with Social Security Card/Birth Certificate)

 

Must be Over 18 years of Age, Have High School Diploma/GED, and work history within past 12 months.

 

To expedite the application process, you may pre–apply at: www.advancestaffingsolutions.com (Click Apply Now, Select Monroe, MI office).

If you have any question, please call Renee at: 734-457-0056 or email: renee@advancestaffingsolutions.com

 

3 Cool Tech Tools to Improve Your Job Search

HMG Success on September 5, 2016

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Searching for a new job can be both exciting and overwhelming.  Whether it is working your way through applicant tracking systems, keeping multiple online profiles up-to-date, and networking through social media, technology has never been as prevalent in the process as it is today.  If you are looking for ways to stay ahead of the competition in your job search, having technology working for you instead of simply being with you, here are three innovative tech tools that can give you an edge.

Jobscan Your Way to a Better Resume

If it seems like you are never getting called in for an interview, it is possible your resume is to blame.  Many companies use automated screening processes designed to eliminate certain resumes based on the presence or lack of certain key information.  If your resume doesn’t fit the parameters, it may not even be seen by a person before being removed from contention.

In cases like these, Jobscan is the perfect tool to whip your resume into shape.  Jobscan takes your resume and compares it directly to the job posting to which you are applying, and provides guidance based what is, or is not, present in your resume.  This allows you to tweak your information to put you in the best position possible to have your resume seen by an actual person.

Purple Squirrel is Your Inside Connection

Purple Squirrel provides you with direct access to people who are currently working for your target company.  The current employees, referred to as Ambassadors, provide knowledge to those looking to become an employee themselves.  Interested parties can review the Ambassadors information, schedule a consultation, and receive feedback regarding potential next steps, all from one place.

While contact with an Ambassador does not guarantee employment, it can be used to learn about unadvertised positions, as well as obtain referrals from those who are currently connected with the company.

At this time, Purple Squirrel is still in beta, but you can apply for an invite from the site.  Additionally, Ambassadors can charge fees for their services, but all employment is verified prior to their account activation, so if you pay for a chance to talk to someone at your dream company, you can rest assured that they truly do work there.

The Premium Side of LinkedIn

LinkedIn offers various levels of premium membership, each with additional offerings that may be useful to a job hunter.  For example, the lowest tier plan, receive additional InMail message benefits and can retrieve more details about the people who view your profile.  The next tier provides advanced search filters and adds unlimited search options in your extended network.

There are more advanced tiers as well, allowing you to take as much control over your LinkedIn profile’s destiny as you wish, but even the lower tiers provide insight that can be used to craft a more effective profile.

Help From the Experts

Staffing firm professionals also have the ability to market you to companies and locate unadvertised listings.  If you would like help with your job search, contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!  Let our 25 years of staffing experience work for you.

 

 

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Call Center Help Needed

HMG Success on September 2, 2016

The Holiday season is fast approaching! Would you like the chance to earn some extra cash for gifts this year? Here is a great opportunity for part-time, project work to help pad your pockets for Christmas!

 

Advance Staffing Solutions has multiple Part-Time Temporary opportunities for Call Center Marketing Research positions in the Toledo area. The hours are 5pm-9pm Monday-Friday and 11am-3pm Saturday. The pay will start at $9/hr.

The right candidates for this position must be able to read a script accurately and clearly. Must be able to listen and record information by hand quickly and correctly.

Qualifications:

• Speak with confidence using clear, concise sentences that are easily understood and produce well thought-out, professional correspondence free of grammatical and spelling errors
• Able to read 8 point font out loud, smoothly and clearly
• Able to sit for long periods of time
• Maintain confidentiality
• Accurately transcribe information while on the phone
• A positive and professional attitude

 

Advance Staffing Solutions Perks include:

• Health Benefits and Disability Insurance at Low Group Rates

• Electronic Pay Methods

• Vacation Pay and Holiday Pay

• 401K Plan

• Referral Bonuses

• Performance and Attendance Incentives

Congrats Linda!

HMG Success on August 26, 2016

Linda Roth has been promoted to Senior Branch Manager of the Sylvania Branch. Linda held the position of Staffing Specialist prior to becoming the Branch Manager. During this time, Linda played an important role in the success of the Sylvania branch. She also took on the responsibility of training new Branch Manager staff members. Linda will continue to manage the Sylvania branch and team members including the sales team.

 

Will you help us Race for the Cure, in memory of Lisa Greene?

HMG Success on August 26, 2016

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Our team is comprised of co-workers, family, and friends of Lisa Greene. We decided to participate in the race last year after Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer in the fall of 2014. To our surprise, Lisa agreed (she never sought the spotlight) and she was looking forward to being involved because it was a chance to do something proactive with those closest to her. Sadly we lost Lisa in February of 2015 but decided to press on with the race (Lisa would never have let us quit anyway). As a testament to the lives she touched we won an award last year for the largest first-time team! So once again we’ll walk or run, laugh and cry and keep on fighting for those who can’t. Lisa wouldn’t have it any other way.

To join our team or donate, https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/33976/Groups/268701

If you would like to purchase a T-shirt, please email patti@advancestaffingsolutions.com.

No Time for Clerical Job Hunting? Use These Tips!

HMG Success on August 26, 2016

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For those working long hours, finding the time to look for a new office position can be a daunting task.  Whether you are working as a general office clerk or providing support to an executive, working in a high-pressure, low-paying position can take its toll.

The increased stress, sleepless nights, overtime hours compiled on top of regular day-to-day personal responsibilities wreaks havoc on the delicate work-life balance many of us try to maintain.

So, how do you squeeze a clerical job search into such a demanding schedule?  Consider these options.

Do Your Job, but Only Your Job

Superstar employees are notorious for accepting more and more responsibility even when it is not the wisest move.  If additional workplace obligations are making your work schedule impossible to manage, then consider putting them down.

Don’t take on extra duties that do not have to be completed by you.  Instead, concentrate on completing your core tasks and take the time to do them well.

This isn’t a license to quit performing your duties entirely, but a way to focus your efforts to those that truly drive the success of your current position.  Determine what the base expectations are for the position and work to complete those, but only those.

Additionally, only work the hours you are truly required to work.  If you are supposed to report at 8:00 a.m. and leave at 5:00 p.m., then do just that.  If your job does not require you to be available at all hours day and night, then don’t be available.  Stop checking your phone and email looking for work outside of the hours you work.

By eliminating extraneous duties and limiting your availability, you can perform the work necessary based on the requirements of the position without overburdening yourself.  Not only can this help with work-life balance, it can also supply you with the time necessary to look for other employment options.

Get Outside Help

If you are currently working within the duties of your position, you may want to enlist outside help in looking for a new position.  Many staffing firms have extensive experience in matching qualified candidates to available positions.

Not only can they help make sure your resume, cover letter, or other documentation is up-to-date and appropriate for the position, they often have connections to various area businesses.  These connections provide the opportunity to find positions that may not be publicly advertised.

Staffing firm professionals also have the ability to market you to companies even when a specific job opening isn’t currently listed.  Their in-depth knowledge of the industry and local companies gives them insight into when a candidate is a good fit for a specific company, allowing them to use their connections to reach out on your behalf.

If you would like help with your job search, contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!  Let their 25 years of staffing experience work for you.

 

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Why Your Workforce Needs More Diversity – And How It Helps Your Bottom Line!

HMG Success on August 22, 2016

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Diversity in the workplace is often lauded, seen as a necessity for business success, but many hiring managers neglect to look into why diversity matters.

Understanding Diversity

The term diversity is used to reference the differences between individuals, as well as how those differences are perceived.  Whether in regards to race, gender, age, or other factors, diversity is seen as a way to promote inclusion within an environment.  Not only can diverse hiring practices improve a company’s image, it also brings with it certain benefits.

Focus on Talent

By being open to diversity, you can better align your business with talent.  The most qualified or effective employee may come from any walk of life.  Understanding that knowledge and skill can exist within any applicant, regardless of their background, opens your company up to additional hiring opportunities.

Diverse candidates may also bring additional benefits that were not initially sought during the hiring process.  For example, certain employees may be bilingual which can be a benefit when a company’s customer base is wide.  Additionally, they may have connections to communities that were previously disconnected from your business, bringing new opportunities for expansion within the market sector.

Promote Creativity

A diverse workforce may be more creative overall.  Along with different backgrounds comes different life experiences and perspectives.  Each member of the team has something unique to offer which can result in previously undiscovered ideas coming to the table.  Coupling diversity with a sense of inclusion allows those who have ideas to contribute freely and may lead to an increased level of innovation.

Increased Globalization

As the world becomes a more interconnected place, those with a diverse workforce may be more adept at adjusting techniques to fit the needs to a wider customer base.  This could apply to businesses looking to participate in an international marketplace, as well as those with a wide range of clientele in their home area.

Learning Opportunities

Those with different experiences have the opportunity to learn for one another in a way that may not be possible in more academic pursuits. Older workers may be able to provide knowledge, cultivated over years, to those just entering the field while younger workers may bring knowledge of the latest industry techniques and a fresh point of view.

Employees can benefit from understanding the unique strengths each person brings to the table, as well as how to balance out weaknesses.

Advance Staffing Solutions understands the value of diversity.  With over 25 years of experience in the staffing industry, let the professionals at Advance Staffing Solutions help you find the employees your workplace has been missing.  Contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!

You Could Be Blowing Your Interview Before You Meet the Interviewer!

HMG Success on August 19, 2016

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If you think your interview doesn’t begin assessing until the interviewer enters the room, you are sorely mistaken.  The moment you walk in the door, you are being assessed, and mistakes you make now can cost you a job offer, even if the interview itself goes well.

In order to give yourself the highest chance for success, avoid these pre-interview blunders.

Not Arriving at the Right Time

While most people know that arriving late is a major faux pas, arriving too early can also be a mistake.  You may think that checking in 30 minutes early shows eagerness and punctuality, but it can actually be interpreted as rude.

Not only may you be sitting in the reception area for an extended amount of time, if the interviewer is informed of your arrival, not only are they dealing with the stress of their jobs and (possibly) other interviews, now they may feel pressured to move faster because of your presence, and equating your presence with stress is not a great way to make a first impression.

To be safe, look at coming in approximately 10 minutes prior to your scheduled arrival time, even if you have to wait in the parking lot to make that happen.  10 minutes demonstrates punctuality, but it doesn’t add the pressure associated with an extremely early arrival.

And Speaking of Walking In…

The moment you open the door, you are open to scrutiny.  Often, a receptionist will be asked for their opinion regarding how you presented yourself, which means a slipup here can have consequences.

Make sure you are presentable prior to coming in through the door.  In cases where there is access to a bathroom before you enter the reception area, such as in a multitenant building, take a moment to make sure your clothes are straight and that you generally look well put together.  If that isn’t an option, take the time to look in a mirror in your car to do a quick review.

If bad weather is on the horizon, come prepared with mechanisms to ensure you stay as dry as reasonably possible, and that any copies of your resume stay dry, too.  An umbrella and a file folder can go a long way.

Additionally, make sure all of your interactions are polite and professional.  Take the time to say “please” and “thank you” when appropriate.  Smile, and act as though you are happy to be there.  Remember, they are doing you a favor by speaking with you, not the other way around.

Avoid Negative Internal Dialogue

While most people are nervous before an interview, allowing negative self-talk to overcome your other thoughts will only make you feel less confident.  Instead, consider focusing on a positive mantra or other simple statement that makes you feel more confident.  A simple, “I’ve got this!” can be surprisingly affective.

If you are looking for additional tips for your job hunt, including information on available positions, we are here to help!  Contact us today!

 

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