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All Ohio Engineers Need These 5 Skills

Raza Rauf on February 9, 2018

 

Engineers often have a broad range of duties, and their contributions are typically deemed critical for daily operations. Without competent engineers, a company may struggle with their equipment and technology, harming productivity and even potentially creating dangerous situations.

While each engineering role will differ, creating nuances in the required skill sets, certain skills are essential for nearly every engineer. With that in mind, here are five skills engineers need to be successful in their career.

1. Attention to Detail

Many engineering roles require meticulous concentration and an appreciation for the smallest details, including while working to solve an equipment problem or when helping determine what is needed for a new project. Even minor errors can have catastrophic results, and this makes attention to detail particularly important for all engineers, regardless of the industry in which they operate.

2. Problem Solving

When something goes wrong with a piece of equipment, engineers are often tasked with identifying the issue and finding a suitable solution. While some malfunctions are fairly cut and dry, others require strong problem-solving skills to address, particularly when under pressure.

3. Creativity

Whether used as a supplement to problem-solving skills or a method for streamlining operations, improving performance, and innovating new solutions, creativity is a valuable asset for engineers. Sometimes, an easy answer isn’t available, making ingenuity necessary to reach a point of resolution. Additionally, being able to develop new options is incredibly helpful, especially if they can increase profits or reduce costs.

4. Communication

Most engineers work with other professionals on projects, so they regularly encounter others who don’t have the same level of specialized knowledge. It isn’t uncommon for engineers to have to convey complex information in a way that those who are less savvy can understand, and this requires strong communication skills. Additionally, they need to update stakeholders on any progress made on issues as they occur, something that makes the ability to communicate coherently a necessity.

5. Mathematics

While the precise nature of the math can vary, most engineers need a solid understanding of mathematics based on the duties they perform. This can include calculations involving fractions to ensure enough materials are acquired to handle a repair to complex formulas to create solid performance estimates.

This doesn’t mean all engineers need high-level math skills, such as an understanding of calculus or trigonometry, but being competent in algebra and geometry isn’t an uncommon requirement.

Ultimately, every engineering role is different, so a variety of specialty skills are also often necessary to be successful in a particular job. However, those listed above are common for most engineers, no matter what industry in which they work or the company that hires them.

If you are interested in finding an engineering position or are looking to add a new engineer to your staff, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to learn more about what we have to offer and to discover how our services can benefit you.

 

 

New Year, New Industrial Resume!

Raza Rauf on December 11, 2017

 

With the new year just around the corner, many people have their eyes set on the future. If you’re looking for a new industrial position, now is the perfect time to polish your resume, giving it a fresh look and ensuring it will entice prospective employers into calling you for an interview.

One of the biggest points job seekers struggle with when it comes to their resume is the length, especially if you’ve been working in the field for some time. Some people are hesitant to cut down the information, fearing they’ll remove a detail that will make the difference between moving forward and having their application discarded.

But, if your industrial resume is too long, it may be a turn off to the hiring manager, especially if they are pressed for time. To help you get your industrial resume into tip-top shape, here are some tips for cutting down to length.

Aim for One-to-Two Pages

While there is no hard-and-fast rule regarding the length of your resume, generally it shouldn’t be more than one-to-two pages, even for jobs that require a substantial amount of experience.

Some research suggests that hiring managers only spend a handful of seconds reviewing your resume, so you want to make sure they see the most important information quickly. And anything beyond the second page is almost certain to be ignored.

In fact, for an entry-level position, even going beyond a one-page resume can hurt your chances, so try to be as concise as possible.

Target Your Content

Often, a resume ends up longer than necessary because it isn’t targeted for the position. If you’re trying to add every detail about your career, you can be sure that at least a portion of that information isn’t actually relevant to the role, or to the hiring manager.

Instead of listing every skill and activity, choose those that best speak to the job posting. You can do this by reviewing the vacancy announcement, identifying the employer’s priorities, and selecting content that discusses those points specifically.

Ultimately, you want to make things simple and concise, so remove any superfluous words and work to get to the point as quickly as possible.

Adjust Your Formatting

Sometimes a resume ends up being more than two pages because of formatting choices. For example, some fonts take up more room than others, even when the same size is used, and wide margins give you less space for content.

Review your document to make sure you are using the ideal format and font. Often, fonts like Calibri and Times New Roman are preferable, and make sure to set whichever you choose to 11 point. Then, check your margins to ensure they are all set to one inch.

If you have extra formatting, such as horizontal lines dividing sections, consider removing it if it isn’t absolutely necessary, as they take up space and can artificially inflate the length of your resume.

By following the tips above, you can get your industrial resume shortened to the right length. If you are looking for a new industrial position, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with some of the leading employers in the area. Contact us today to see what job openings may be available to you.

 

 

OPEN INTERVIEWS – Michigan Works Southeast

Raza Rauf on August 7, 2017

Join Us tomorrow Tuesday, August 8th 8:30am-10:30am

Michigan Works! Southeast

1040 South Winter Street

Adrian, Michigan 49221

Please bring 2 valid forms of ID

Requirements …

  • 18 years of age or older

  • HS Diploma/GED

  • Work history in the last 12 months

We have multiple openings for ….

  • Welding

  • Assembly

  • Machine Operators

  • Packaging

  • Warehouse

  • Production Workers

 

June is National Safety Month …

Raza Rauf on June 1, 2017

11 tips for effective workplace housekeeping …  Click here

We are trying to work to raise awareness of what it takes to keep each other safe. Observed annually in June, National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities.

3 Cool Tech Tools to Improve Your Job Search

Raza Rauf on September 5, 2016

Sept_2016_TechTools

 

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

Raza Rauf on August 22, 2016

July_2016_Diversity

 

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!

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

Raza Rauf on August 12, 2016

July_2016_IT

 

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.

 

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

Raza Rauf on August 5, 2016

July_2016_RemoteEmployees

 

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!

 

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Lagrange Library Hiring Fair

Raza Rauf on July 22, 2016

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.

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

Raza Rauf on July 19, 2016

Are You a First-Time Job Seeker Read This Advice

 

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.

 

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How to Beat the Competition to Your Dream Paralegal Career!

Raza Rauf on July 12, 2016

 

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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