No Time for Clerical Job Hunting? Use These Tips!

July_2016_Clerical

 

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

July_2016_BlowingInterview

 

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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4 Tips for Creating a Stronger Welding Resume

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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!

 

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Lagrange Library Hiring Fair

Hiring Fair!

Tuesday, July 26th 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, 1st & 2nd 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.

How to Beat the Competition to Your Dream Paralegal Career!

 

How to Beat the Competition to Your Dream Paralegal Career

 

Ever wanted to work as a paralegal? If so, there are a couple of different ways you can go about landing your dream paralegal career. You will obviously need to go to school first. You can’t just walk into a law firm and apply for a paralegal job. You need to have some form of formal training and maybe even a little experience, too. In this post, we will discuss the best ways to beat the competition to your dream paralegal career.

Unlock an Opportunity for Someone Else

One of the best ways you can land your dream paralegal career is by unlocking an opportunity for someone else. Now, you might think this is crazy, but the best way to make an impression on someone is by helping them out without wanting anything in return. When you do this, you make an impression not only on the person you are helping but also their employer and other people within your network who could offer you a job in the future.

Consider doing this for someone who works at your dream company. Connect with them on social media, possibly LinkedIn, and message them about an opportunity you know they will love. It opens the door for possible reciprocity down the road.

Become a Fan of the Company First

The first thing you should do before applying for any paralegal job is to become an all-out fan of the organization. Paralegals don’t just work in law firms. They can be found in major corporations that have in-house legal departments. Learn about the company in and out. Sign up for newsletters, “like” them on social media, and stay up-to-date on their blog. Once you are a true fan, you can then write your cover letter. Let your enthusiasm for the company shine through on the cover letter. Talk about your favorite product or service offered by the company and show how emotionally invested you are. This can only benefit you in the long run.

Create an Audition for Yourself

Not every job out there allows you to audition for it. If you work as a chef or actor, you are set. You can audition instead of really sitting down for a job interview. But, as a paralegal, you really can’t audition your skills or experience. Despite this, you need to find a way that you can audition for a potential employer. Call the interviewer before your interview and find out what recent problems the company has been having. Come up with a solution or two and turn it into a presentation you can make during the actual interview. It can’t hurt your chances!

Landing your dream paralegal job is not as out of reach as you might think. Take the time to plan ahead and consider different ways to make an impression, and you will be able to land the job. If you need help landing a paralegal job in Michigan or Ohio, click here to browse our current openings!

 

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Not Sure You Should Partner with a Staffing Firm? Read This!

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As a Michigan-area company that’s always mindful of personnel costs, it’s natural to want to weigh the options before choosing to work with a staffing firm. The responsible thing to do is to check out all of your options before you decide to go this route. In this way, you can make the best decision for your organization.

There are many benefits to working with a temporary staffing agency. These are unique perks that can only be found when you partner with the right staffing agency that’s familiar with your industry and your requirements. Here is a rundown of some of the reasons why you should partner with a staffing agency.

Access to a Larger Pool of Pre-Screened Candidates

When you work with a staffing agency, you will have automatic access to large pool of candidates who have already been screened carefully by the staffing agents. The staffing agency handles all the upfront details of recruitment, such as skills assessments, background checks, and verification of employment history. This means you have no worries about candidate shortages because there are already people ready to start working immediately on your special project, or to replace a departing employee.

Proactive and Strategic Workforce Planning

It can be easy to get into a pattern of hiring people to replace those leaving the company, in a vicious cycle that continues over and over. But this is not very strategic. When you work with a staffing agency, you will be able to develop a succession plan that will enable you to strategically hire the right people for positions that you are creating as your company grows. You’ll also be able to seek out support for special projects and seasonal peaks in your business. Temporary staffing is a much more flexible and adaptable model for any business.

Cost Efficiency 

Managing a busy workforce requires a large amount of capital, much of which is spent during recruitment processes. When you work with a temporary staffing agency in your area, you can be sure that all upfront cost are absorbed by the agency. This includes all the administrative expenses of interviewing candidates, running job ads, verifying employment history and references, drug abuse screens, criminal background checks, and more. These costs are spread out in the contract for several months, which means your company can maintain an affordable staffing budget.

If you are still on the fence about partnering with a staffing agency in MI, why not give us a call and learn more about this opportunity?

 

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Hiring Fair – Sylvania

Hiring Fair!

Wednesday, July 6th 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

East Toledo Family Center 1020 Varland Toledo OH 43605

Entry level position in Rossford, $8.10/hr, 1st & 2nd shifts

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

We also have the following needs:

Production Workers                                       Fabricator

Assembly                                                        Injection Mold

Janitorial/Housekeeping                                Welder/Fabricator

Call Center                                                     Overhead Crane

                                     CNC Operator                                                 Customer Service

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.

Summer Hiring Event – Monroe

Currently accepting applications for Industrial and Clerical positions in the Monroe, Carleton, Dundee, Temperance, Milan & Blissfield areas.

Pay Ranges from $9-15/hour

We will have giveaways, snacks and contests. Bring a friend for even more

opportunities to win prizes!

June 21, 2016

9am – 2pm

Advance Staffing Solutions

35 E Front St

Monroe, MI 48161

www.advancestaffingsolutions.com

Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook for updates!

Must be at least 18 years of age
Have a High School Diploma or GED
Must have verifiable work history within the last 12 months
Bring an updated resume and 2 valid forms of ID

Monroe Branch Conducting Interviews June 8th

Advance Staffing is accepting applications and conducting Interviews with Staffing Specialists
                                      Wednesday, June 8th 10am-3pm
35 E Front St
Monroe, MI 48161
734-457-0056
www.advancestaffingsolutions.com
Available positions in the following areas:
  • Monroe
  • Carleton
  • Dundee
  • Temperance
  • Milan
  • Tecumseh
  • Blissfield
Industrial positions include:
  • Press Operators/Production Workers $9-10/hr
  • Forklift Drivers $10-11/hr
  • Packaging Specialists $11/hr
  • Machine Operators $12-14/hr
  • General Laborers $9-11/hr
  • Industrial Cleaners $11/hr
  • Industrial Painter $14-15/hr
Clerical positions include:
  • AP/AR Assistant/ Office Clerk, $13-15/hr
  • Administrative Assistant, $14-15/hr
  • HR Assistant $14/hr
  • Customer Service Representative $15/hr
Qualified candidates must meet the following in order to apply:
  • Over 18 years of age
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Verifiable work history within past 12 months
Please bring an updated resume, 2 valid forms of ID (Driver’s License OR State ID AND Social Security Card OR Birth Certificate).
If you’d like to minimize the time spent in our office or if you cannot make it for our Open Registration, you may pre-apply online by visiting our website at:  (Click Apply Now, Select Monroe, MI office).
You will be contacted by one of our Staffing Specialist shortly after submitting your application.

3 Tips for Un-Complicating Your Job Search

UnComplicate-Job-Search

 

Is your job search starting to get you very stressed out? Are you overwhelmed by all the different things that you need to keep track of and do in order to get a job? You are not alone. Many people feel frustrated over the job search process – particularly if it takes months to land even one interview.

However, there are some things you can do to streamline and simplify things so that you are staying on track and making the best use of your time. Here are some ways to un-complicate your job search.

1. Decide what type of job you want.

Believe it or not this can be a very difficult thing for some people. This is especially true if you had put certain types of jobs in the past and you think that you can only do those types of jobs. But what you need to understand is that you have a broad gamut of skills that would be valuable to a potential employer. Take the time to participate in a few career personality tests which can be taken online and identify the top-three career choices for your particular talents.

2. Clean up your image.

Some people think you should start with your resume but we think that you should start with your public profiles. 95 percent of all recruiters are looking through candidate profiles on their social networks before they even pick up the phone to call them for an interview. Make sure that you clean up your profiles, remove any questionable content, and put your best foot forward with a professional headshot photo and information about your career.

3. Work with a career coach.

You don’t have to go it alone with a job search! There are skilled professionals out there ready and willing to help you along the way. Contact your local staffing agency and find out if you can get support there for your job search. Consider hiring a certified career coach in your area of expertise to guide you along the way. Get support by joining a job network where you can learn of new job opportunities and talk to others about your journey.

The above three steps will set you on the right path in very little time at all. Be sure to check out the new job openings available at Advance Staffing Solutions, and reach out to us any time you need help with your job search — from resumes to interviews, we’re here to help you!

 

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Accepting Applications – Monroe

Monroe branch is accepting

Applications and Interviews

Wednesday , May 11th 9:00am-1:00pm

Bring 2 valid forms of ID and a resume

Must be at least 18 years of age

Have a Diploma/GED

Verifiable work experience in the last 12 months

Plan to be in office for up to 2 hours

Positions Available:

Packaging/Press Operator, Dundee, 1st Shift, $9/hr

Customer Service, Part-Time, Monroe, $10-12/hr

Sales, Part-Time, Monroe, $12-$15/hr

Overhead Crane Operator, Temperance, $12-15/hr

Packaging Specialists, Blissfield, 2nd/3rd, $11/hr

Machine Operator, Milan, 1st, $10+/hr

Office Clerk, Dundee, 1st, $12-15/hr (prior experience working in a “shop office” preferred)

FCAW/GMAW welders, Monroe, 6am-6pm, 6pm-6am, $14/hr

General Labor, Carleton, 1st/2nd, $9 + OT

Press Operators/Production, Monroe, All shift, $9/hr

Floor Crew, Janitorial, 2nd shift, $10/hr (must have valid driver’s license)

Extrusion Machine Operators, 2nd/3rd shifts, Monroe,  $14+/hr

Welder, 1st, Dundee, $14/hr

Production Worker, 1st, Temperance, $9/hr

General Labor, Monroe, 1st, $9/hr

Any questions please call 734-457-0056 or

Email monroejobs@advancestaffingsolutions.com

35 E. Front St Monroe, Mi 48161

Sylvania is Hiring!!

Monday, April 4th, 2016

9:00am-1:00pm

 

Advance Staffing Solutions

5800 Monroe St Building F

Sylvania, Oh 43560

 

Looking for EXPERIENCED production workers

 

Toledo, Holland, and Maumee

 

$10.00-11.00/Hour +

 

All shifts available

 

Apply online first @ www.advancestaffingsolutions.com

 

Please bring an updated Resume, and

2 valid forms of ID

 

Any questions call 419-882-7646