HMG Success - The Advance Group

Should You Be Asking Candidates About Their Long-Term Career Goals?

HMG Success on August 15, 2016

Whether you ask candidates where they see themselves in 10 years, or directly inquire about their long-term career goals, a form of this interview question has been around for ages. While it may feel like a platitude, understanding where a candidate would like to be can provide valuable insights. Even if an interviewee fails to articulate their career goals well, there is still a lot to be learned for this interview standard.

Do they know where they are trying to go?

First, this will let you know if they even have a goal in mind. Candidates who can clearly speak to their goals have thought about where they are and where they want to end up. It demonstrates that they have a plan in place, even if it is only in the most basic sense, and provides insight into their motivations.

Those who have a challenge describing where they are trying to go may not actually know what path is right for them. They may be testing a particular field to see if it is a good fit, or may have limited interest in the field, but have not had many other opportunities. While not all positions require an employee to be deeply passionate about the subject matter, those who appear disinterested may not be in it for the long-term.

Is This Job a Step Along the Path?

When a candidate has a clear goal, you can determine if the position for which they are interviewing is a logical step down that path. For example, if a recent graduate has aspirations regarding gaining experience in the field and advancing in their area of expertise, you can see how this position may work with their goals.

Alternatively, if they have a long-term goal that doesn’t seem to align well with the position, you would be reasonable to have concerns. For example, if a person is applying for a software analyst position, but states a long-term goal of opening a restaurant, it is possible the candidate’s true interests lie elsewhere.

While those being interviewed for an entry-level position likely have goals beyond the position in front of them, it is important to see if the position you are offering aligns with those goals in some way. If not, the candidate may not be likely to stay with the company long-term should an opportunity that works with their long-term goals become available.

Can you offer ways to help them get to where they want to be?

If the candidate’s goals work with the position, are there additional ways in which you can help them get to where they want to be? If so, this can help entice a desirable candidate to choose to work with your company. By not only expressing your interest in them for the position in question, but explaining how your company can help them work towards their goals, you can put your company in a position to be more desirable to the candidate.

In cases where you cannot currently help a candidate progress along their path, consider your company’s capabilities to offer opportunities in the near future. Not only can this provide insight into how to retain employees now and in the future, it may also give you information on what today’s candidates really want.

Looking for more ways to gain insight into what motivates candidates?

If so, the professionals as Advance Staffing Solutions have the knowledge and expertise to help you understand what motivates talented candidates to select the positions they do, and what you can do to attract strong candidates, as well. Contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!

Looking for a Career in IT? Now Is the Right Time!

HMG Success on August 12, 2016

Technology. It’s in almost every environment; work, home, school, and play. Technology continues to grow and change, creating new ways to accomplish tasks big and small in the most sophisticated office buildings and the largest production facilities.

It can be said with a particular level of certainty that technology is here to stay, which makes this an excellent time to start a career in the field of information technology (IT). Whether you are interested in creating new products and programs, securing networks from outside intrusion, or assisting users with getting the most out of their technological resources, IT is where the work is.

Diversity in the Sector

Long gone are the days where IT was a simple category on its own. Today, there are a variety of specialties, often with additional subspecialties within them, which require different knowledge bases and skill sets to perform the associated duties successfully. Larger IT departments may have database administrators, information security analysts, network architects, software developers, and computer programmers.

As voice and messaging technologies interconnect with network technology, newer hybrids are being created in the areas of voice over IP (VoIP) and unified messaging. The proliferation of mobile devices, including interest in the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) movement has increased the need for specialized support.

With all of the potential careers in the field, it is likely you can find one, or a few, that interest you personally.

Diversity in the Work Environment

Today, computers are common place in almost every type of business. Whether you are working for the federal, state or local government, a large corporate entity, or a small business, you will likely use a computer during the day. Even restaurants have seen increases in the use of networking technologies as the option to use tablets at customer tables has increased.

With the widespread use comes opportunities in every arena. Whether you are interested in working for a large tech firm or would prefer to consult for multiple small businesses, IT skills are necessary in all walks of life.

This also makes skills highly transferrable, as IT skills can be applied in a large number of environments in almost every city across the country. Not only does this help in terms of career advancement, it also means you are never completely stuck working in one business, one city, or even one state. Your career can travel with you wherever you choose to go.

Competitive Pay and Benefits

Many IT professions are expected to have faster than average growth within the U.S. and unemployment rates in the sector are generally low. This makes the demand for skilled IT professional rise as businesses compete for the best talent. Along with the increase in demand comes higher rates of pay and solid benefits.

It is not uncommon, based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, for an IT professional to earn well above $80,000 per year. Additionally, most IT professional work full-time, so they often have access to additional benefits such as medical and retirement options.

Starting Your Next Career

Whether you are considering a new career in IT, or are interested in taking your current IT career in a different direction, the specialists at Advance Staffing Solutions can help guide you along with way. Contact us today and see where your career can take you.

How Can Hiring Temp Workers Improve Your Workplace?

HMG Success on August 8, 2016

Are there times when you wish you had one more set of hands around the workplace?

Maybe an employee is on extended leave, or your business experiences seasonal fluctuations in demand? Maybe there is a large project looming and it will be difficult to integrate these duties amongst the other day-to-day tasks that must be completed?

No matter the reason, the answer is the same.

Hiring temp workers allows your business to bring in an employee when you need them, without the hassles involved in hiring an employee on your own. If you aren’t sure this is the right move for your business, consider these other benefits of hiring temp workers.

Temps Have Competitive Skills

A temporary employee can be just as skilled and experienced as your other employees. Staffing firms are just as rigorous in determining if an applicant’s skills match your needs as you would be. All applicants go through interviews and screening processes to ensure they meet the same level of standard as the business with which they work.

Temporary workers may be college educated in their field of expertise and may hold significant on-the-job experience. Just because a worker is temporary doesn’t mean they are not the type of employee you would hire yourself.

No HR Burden

Not only does a temporary not need to be put through your hiring and onboarding processes, they will not ever be on your official payroll. Temporary workers are employees of the staffing office for which they work. This means that you will never bear the burden of payroll processing, unemployment insurance, or any other cost traditionally associated with managing personnel. Instead, the staffing firm will handle all of those requirements while all you have to worry about is paying an invoice.

Here When You Need Them, and Not When You Don’t

As a business, you have few specific time obligations to the temporary worker. If a project is completed ahead of schedule, you can end the assignment early. If the need continues past the original end date, you may be able to continue working with the same temporary employee you have been, or you can choose to work with a different temporary worker if your needs shift.

Can’t Live Without Them? You Can Hire Them!

In cases where you can’t imagine operating without the temp workers, they may be eligible to become a full-time employee. If you both feel it is a good fit, and all proper processes are followed per your contingent staffing agreements, then you can bring them on to your payroll as a new employee.

Want More Information About How Temporary Workers Can Help Your Business?

Here at Advance Staffing Solutions, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you figure out all of the ways temporary workers may benefit your business. Contact us today!

Hiring Remote Employees? Don’t Forget to Ask Them These 5 Questions!

HMG Success on August 5, 2016

While most interview questions remain the same from position to position, there are unique conditions that apply to applicants for remote employees. In order to better assess the candidate’s ability to successfully work as a remote employee, be sure to cover these five questions before you make a hiring decision.

“Can we discuss the position over a video conference?”

When hiring for a remote position, it may be helpful to complete the interview face-to-face, especially if attending video conferences will be a requirement for the position. Not only will this give you an opportunity to interact with a candidate in a more natural way, it will also provide insight into their workspace, communication style and basic technical ability.

“Can you describe your work environment?”

This functions as an opener to assess whether remote employees are properly setup to accomplish the tasks necessary to work successfully. For example, if the remote employee is going to be responsible for a large volume of calls, it may be necessary that they have a dedicated home office that prevents extraneous noise from coming through on the call.

It also gives you the opportunity to find out other pertinent information, such as the speed of their internet connection, current access to required software, and if they have a dedicated phone line.

“If a technical issue arises, how would you go about addressing it?”

Since a remote employee will be responsible for troubleshooting equipment and network connectivity, understanding how they would approach these tasks is critical. While high-level technical ability is not always necessary, being capable of handling common issues is imperative to their success. If there are no technical support resources offered through your company, or if the remote worker will be performing the majority of their duties outside of traditional support hours, this is even more imperative.

“How do you plan on arranging your day to meet the requirements of the job?”

While not all remote employees will need to clock in and out as specific times, it is important to understand the timeframe in which the candidate intends to perform their assignments. This allows you to evaluate their availability, ensuring it includes times when they need to be available for contact. Additionally, it provides insights into other obligations they may also need to meet that could cause conflict.

While someone responsible for compiling a report may be able to complete the work at any time, it may not be efficient if you cannot reach them during core business hours to communicate changes. Not only can this cause frustration for you, it can lead to wasted time and money if the employee continues working with the wrong priorities or inaccurate information.

“Have you ever worked remotely for another company?”
This question allows you to find out if they have served a similar function under similar circumstances. While previous experience working remotely may not be required, it can provide insights into how they have previously prioritized work and handled deadlines when not under direct supervision.

It also allows for follow-up questions to determine if they are currently working remotely for another company, and, if so, whether they intend to stay with that company as well. While holding two positions is not inherently wrong, conflicting priorities between multiple employers may arise.

Would you like more information?

If you are looking for insights into remote hiring, or assistance locating your next employee, the experts at Advance Staffing Solutions offer free advice to clients and candidates. Reach out today!

How to Read a Ruler

HMG Success on August 1, 2016

You would not believe how many jobs require candidates to read a ruler. Don’t let employers pass you up! Please review this video below to learn or brush up on your measuring skills!

Click —> How to Read a Ruler

4 Tips for Creating a Stronger Welding Resume

HMG Success on August 1, 2016

Your welding resume reflects what you have to offer to an employer. When poorly designed, your resume may be tossed aside with little consideration. To ensure your welding resume gets the attention it deserves, take a look at the following tips.

Start with a Strong Summary

The summary section provides recruiters with a quick introduction to what you have to offer, so make sure that it is concise and informative in nature. Treat it like a headline, or billboard, used to entice the reader to want to know more.

Make Your Qualifications Stand Out

Include a section on your welding resume to highlight which skills you bring to the table, using bullet points to bring attention to your qualifications. List relevant hard skills, such as specific welding techniques, and soft skills, such as supervisory experience.

Match your applicable skills to those listed in the job posting. This can help your resume make it through automated screening processes and quickly establishes why you are a good fit for the position.

However, be sure to avoid listing skills that are often considered a given, or those that have little meaning, such as:

Hard Worker
Punctual
Familiarity with Welding Equipment and/or Safety Gear

These banalities are unnecessary and take up valuable space that could be used to address more important information.

Arrange Your Work Experience and Education

If you have experience working in the welding field, list your work experience before your education, especially if it is substantial. If you have been a professional welder for some time, and the most recent position was in the welding field, list your work experience chronologically. If the most recent position was in an unrelated field, consider listing your work history based on the relevance to the position. This brings attention to the work you have completed that will be of the greatest interest to recruiters.

For those looking to enter the welding field, list your education first to demonstrate your credentials. The education you list can include degrees achieved, such as an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology, or various industry-specific certifications or completed training programs. This allows recruiters to see that you do have formal training before reviewing work experience that is not related to the field.

Confirm Your Contact Information is Correct

While adding contact information seems simple, it is critical that it is listed correctly. Confirm your name, email address and phone number are accurate, as these are the most likely ways a recruiter will contact you. Don’t label your phone number or email address, as the format used is recognizable on its own.

If you are interested in finding a new position, the professionals at Advance Staffing Solutions are here to help. No matter your experience level, they can help match you to job opportunities throughout the area. Contact us today!

Not Finding Top Talent? We Might Know Why!

HMG Success on July 28, 2016

Finding top talent these days can be like finding a needle in a haystack. There are thousands of new college graduates each year flooding the job market, but how do you know which ones are at the top? It can be difficult to separate the best from the middle of the pack. Even though it is hard to find top talent, you might be hurting yourself without even knowing it. Take a look at the ways some companies hurt themselves when it comes to finding top talent.

Failure to Be Transparent

If your company is not being as transparent as possible with candidates, then you might be sending top talent running for the hills. Transparency is very important to top talent these days. They want to know where they stand in the job search and what it is the company has to offer. Along with transparency, candidates do not want to be strung along with no hopes of attaining the job. Let the candidate go early in the process if they are not your choice.

Candidates Want to Ask Questions

The interview process has changed over the years as candidates want to be able to ask questions of employers. No longer do candidates sit in a room and answer question after question from the interviewer. Today’s candidates want a two-way street when it comes to information. And, when they ask the questions, they want honest answers in return.

Add Technology

Today’s candidates love technology. A large portion of them are millennials who grew up with it. Include technology in your hiring process. Conduct a video interview with top talent in order to show them how your company uses technology. It also tells the candidate that their time is valuable, since they don’t have to spend hours out of their day traveling to and from your office.

Invest in Employees

Companies should have no trouble landing top talent if they show an investment in them. By investment, we mean the hiring process is not arduous or repetitive. The candidate does not have to sit through five rounds of interviews to only find out they didn’t get the job. Make the process as pain-free as possible to show the candidate how much their time means to you.

Having trouble finding top talent? You might be hurting yourself with the way things are done during the interview process. If you can fix some of the problems outlined in this post, the top talent should find your company easily in the future. Contact Advance Staffing Solutions to find top talent in Ohio and Michigan, or browse our Talent Showcase to find your perfect employee today!

Is Your Resume Going Nowhere Online?

HMG Success on July 26, 2016

Finding a job can be one of the toughest things to do today because of the stiff competition. But, you might be hindering your own job search by having a poor resume. Almost all job openings are posted online, which means gone are the days of mailing your resume and cover letter via the post office to a company. If your resume is going nowhere online, be sure to follow some of the tips here to change your fortune.

Are You Applying for the Right Jobs?

Just because you can apply for jobs online, it doesn’t mean you should apply for every job you find. Sending in your resume for jobs you have zero qualifications for will only frustrate your search. You likely will not hear anything back from the company. Begin applying for jobs that meet your education background and career experience. Also, make sure you have skills for jobs that might be out of your experience.

Did You Tailor Your Resume?

We know how easy it can be to apply for a job online. It takes just a matter of seconds for some and minutes for others, depending on the length of the application requirements. When sending in your resume online, be sure you still tailor it according to the job for which you are applying. You cannot send in generic resumes for every job online. This will get you nowhere fast.

Social Media Account Check

Make sure you run a social media account check prior to submitting your resume online. Your resume, experience, background and education might be spectacular, but your social media accounts could deter you from securing a job offer. Sift through all of your social media accounts and remove inappropriate pictures, comments and other material that potential employers could discover about you.

Use a Personal Website

Take the time out of your day to make a personal website. It doesn’t have to be extraordinary. It only has to showcase your skills, experience and best work possible. A personal website will make it easier for employers to learn about you and what you bring to the table.

If your resume is going nowhere online, it might not just be the resume itself. You might be doing, or not doing, things that cause a failed job search. Take note of the tips in this post and change your luck. Let the staff of Advance Staffing Solutions take the hard part out of the job search for you! Browse our open jobs online today, or contact us to learn about finding a new job in Michigan and Ohio!

Woodsage Hiring Fair

HMG Success on July 22, 2016

Woodsage Industries has partnered with Advance Staffing Solutions

For a Hiring Fair

Tuesday, July 26^th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at

Woodsage Industries

7400 Airport Highway

Holland OH 43528

QUESTIONS? CALL 419-882-7646

Multiple temp to hire opportunities on 1^st & 2^nd shifts!

Starting pay of $10-11.50 DOE

Physically demanding positions

Must have a HS Diploma or GED

Must Bring 2 valid forms of ID

Bring a resume if you have one

For a complete listing of jobs available visit our website at

www.advancestaffingsolutions.com

Lagrange Library Hiring Fair

HMG Success on July 22, 2016

Hiring Fair!

Tuesday, July 26^th from 9-11:30 a.m.

Lagrange Branch Library

3422 Lagrange St. Toledo OH

Seeking mechanically

inclined individuals with hand tool experience. Able

to read a ruler and lift up to 50 lbs. Must be able to

work in extreme temperatures. Most positions require Steel Toed boots

$10+/hr. DOE

Forklift positions, Perrysburg, Rossford & Toledo, $10.00-$12.00/hr, 1^st & 2^nd shifts

Must be 18 years of age or older

Must have a high school diploma or GED

We do require that you have a work history within the past year

Please bring 2 valid forms of ID with you

Not able to make it to the Job Fair but would like to be considered for a job opening?

You can go to our website at www.advancestaffingsolutions.com and apply online.

Why “Hiring People Smarter Than You” is a Good Leadership Practice

HMG Success on July 22, 2016

There are so many management professionals out there who refuse to hire people smarter than them because they fear it will lead to them losing their job. The simple fact of the matter, however, is that it is important to hire people smarter than you for various reasons. One of those reasons is that it is in the best interest of the company to hire the most talented people available for open jobs. Use these tips to learn why hiring people smarter than you is a good leadership practice.

Reduction in Micromanagement

When you hire people smarter than you, the amount of micromanagement you will have to do will decrease immensely. Spending time micromanaging employees is never good for a company’s bottom line. In fact, it can be a major waste of time, talent and resources when managers have to hold the hands of employees or continually walk them through projects. When you hire people smarter than you, those employees will not have to be led through the darkness to reach a solution.

Better Locus of Control

Hiring people smarter than you will also lead to better locus of control with your employees. Locus of control is when people are able to take personal responsibility for failures they experience in their life and work. When this happens, you will see employees blaming outside circumstances less when mistakes occur. These employees will also learn from their mistakes, preventing the same problems in the future.

Handle Problems Better

Do you have trouble handling certain problems at the office? If so, consider hiring people smarter than you. If a problem arises that has you angry and upset, there might be someone even angrier with the same problem in the office. If this is the case, they might know more about the issue and how to remedy the problem. Put this person in charge of the issue and see how the situation plays out. When you hire people smarter than you, problems become easier to solve.

When you hire people smarter than you, it should not be taken as a threat. Instead, it needs to be looked at as a step in the right direction for the entire organization. Change your hiring habits and thinking today. You will see a difference almost immediately!

Partner with Advance Staffing Solutions today to find candidates in Michigan and Ohio who are smart, vetted, and ready to begin work at your company today!

Are You a First-Time Job Seeker? Read This Advice

HMG Success on July 19, 2016

Being a first-time job seeker can be daunting and nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to define who you are. People become a first-time job seeker by graduating from college and entering the workforce, by heading to work for the first time in life or by leaving a life-long job that was earned while still in school. If you are a first-time job seeker, be sure to read the advice below so you can make the most of this opportunity.

Don’t Make Resume Mistakes

The first killer of a successful job search is making mistakes on your resume. These mistakes include spelling and grammar issues, the resume doesn’t stand out from the crowd and the resume has not been tweaked to target each job. It has been said so much, but it is important to have others review your resume. You also should tweak each resume for the job for which you are applying.

Failure to Prepare for the Interview

A first-time job seeker typically has zero job interview experience. They might have just a little bit if they interviewed for an internship while in school, but that’s about it. You can’t count interviews for summer jobs or jobs worked in high school because those questions are too easy to answer. If you fail to prepare for the job interview, then you will surely have trouble landing a job. Prepare by practicing answers to potentially difficult questions, practicing your positive body language and more.

Inappropriate Dress Attire

Another job search killer is inappropriate dress attire at the job interview. First-time job seekers tend to make this mistake more often than not. Please dress for the job you want. If you are interviewing for a job in a business setting, wear a suit. If you are interviewing for a job in a warehouse, wear business-casual clothes, but not a suit.

Lack of Company Knowledge

One of the most important things you must do as a first-time job seeker is learn about the company where you applied. If you know nothing about the company, it will show in the interview in how you answer questions and in the questions you ask the interviewer. Take 30 minutes out of your day and learn about the company and its services. It will go a long way in the end.

First-time job seekers need to follow the advice outlined in this post if they want to be successful in their search. For more support, and help with finding an entry-level job, get in contact with the caring staffing agents at Advance Staffing Solutions.

Should You Be Asking Candidates About Their Long-Term Career Goals?

Looking for a Career in IT? Now Is the Right Time!

How Can Hiring Temp Workers Improve Your Workplace?

Hiring Remote Employees? Don’t Forget to Ask Them These 5 Questions!

How to Read a Ruler

4 Tips for Creating a Stronger Welding Resume

Not Finding Top Talent? We Might Know Why!

Woodsage Hiring Fair

Lagrange Library Hiring Fair

Why “Hiring People Smarter Than You” is a Good Leadership Practice

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