OPEN INTERVIEWS – Michigan Works Southeast
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 …
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18 years of age or older
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HS Diploma/GED
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Work history in the last 12 months
We have multiple openings for ….
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Welding
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Assembly
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Machine Operators
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Packaging
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Warehouse
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Production Workers
New Year, New Industrial Resume!
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.
All Ohio Engineers Need These 5 Skills
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.
Yes, You Can Negotiate Your Temp Job Salary
Some job seekers figure their options are limited when it comes to the salary associated with a temp job, thinking they don’t have the ability to negotiate their temp job salary. But, that simply isn’t the case.
While some companies may have a particular pay rate in mind, others are open to paying a higher wage than is originally offered, especially if your request is justified. If you want to negotiate your temp job salary, here’s what you need to know.
Learn the Going Rate
Before you approach the subject, it’s wise to do a little research to determine what salary is typically achievable for similar kinds of work. You can begin by performing internet searches related to the job title, required skills, or even the company and its competitors.
Knowing what is usually offered for similar work in your area lets you discover whether the pay rate being proposed is within the norms, a point which may make negotiating unwise. However, if it is clear they are below the average, then use your research as justification for your request.
Highlight What You Have to Offer
Even if the position typically comes with a higher salary, you need to demonstrate the skills and experience you have acquired are worth the extra money. Generally, this means being able to clearly articulate how you bring additional value to the role and how that will benefit the company for which you will be working.
Ideally, you want to be able to quantify this information, presenting hard data as to how and why you are worth the additional money. This helps solidify your case, making the company more likely to consider making a higher offer.
Work With Your Recruiter
While it may be tempting to speak to the company directly, often, when you’re in a temp position, you are an employee of the recruitment agency, and not the business itself. This means that all of your initial contact should be with your recruiter when you want to negotiate your temp job salary.
Bypassing the recruiter can have negative repercussions, including a retraction of the offer, so don’t give in to temptation and only speak with a representative of the company if the recruiter makes the introduction or receives explicit permission for you to proceed.
Additionally, the recruiter may have further information regarding why that specific pay rate was offered, providing you with valuable insight. They can also let you know if an attempt to renegotiate may be successful, as they often have a strong relationship with the companies they associate with and might have knowledge about how previous attempts were received.
Ultimately, you do have the option to negotiate your salary for a temp job, so don’t automatically assume it is off the table just because the position is long-term. You can also choose not to accept the position if the pay rate doesn’t meet your needs, and continue your search for a role that is more in line with your salary requirements.
Negotiate Your Temp Salary with the Leading Employment Agency in Toledo
Considering a temp job? The Advance Group is a proven leader among temporary employment agencies in Toledo, OH. Our recruiters can connect you with the top manufacturing, warehouse, and general labor employers in Ohio. Connect with The Advance Group to see how our temp services in Toledo can work for you and how we can help you negotiate your temp job salary.
Browse our Toledo temp jobs and apply today!
Make Real Money With Your Skilled Trades Job!
When people imagine what a high-paying job looks like, they often assume it involves spending hours behind a desk in a traditional office building. But, that isn’t an accurate reflection of reality.
In fact, there are numerous skilled trades jobs that can provide you with a reliable and robust paycheck, allowing you to take a different path and still earn a strong salary.
If you’re interested in making real money with your skilled trades job, here’s what you need to know.
Pursue the Right Trade
When it comes to salaries, not all trades are created equal. Generally, those that require a substantial amount of training or experience and are typically viewed as in-demand will result in higher paychecks than others.
For example, electricians and plumbers have median salaries of over $50,000 a year, and the top 10 percent can even get close to the six-figure mark. HVAC mechanics and installers have a median annual pay rate of just over $47,000, with the top 10 percent usually bringing in slightly more than $75,000.
However, not all trades have the same potential, so it’s important to research your options before committing to a path.
Get the Right Education
While many trades can be learned on the job, that likely isn’t the fastest path to a higher salary. Typically, you’ll have more opportunities for success with the proper education and training.
Usually, you have a few choices when it comes to gaining more knowledge. First, you can see if apprenticeship programs are available in your area, as these give you a chance to learn from individuals currently working in the field and obtain hands-on experience.
Alternatively, you can examine community college and trade or technical school programs. If you go this route, make sure to research the institution to determine if it is reputable and provides you with the skills you need to begin working in the field after you graduate. Not all schools are created equal, so you want to make sure you select an option that can genuinely help you succeed.
Work Your Way to the Top
Like nearly every profession, you aren’t going to start at the top, regarding pay. Instead, you need to build your level of experience, improve your skills, gain new areas of competency, and be a strong performer on the job.
Diligence and a willingness to go the extra can do wonders for your skilled trades career, as well as being open to acquiring additional skills and learning new techniques that can help you be successful on the job. Whatever you do, don’t discount the value of hard work and dedication as you begin your climb to the top, as it is usually a key to long-term success.
If you are looking for a skilled trades job, the professional recruiters at The Advance Group can help you locate new and exciting opportunities. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable and experienced staff members today and see how our services can connect you with leading employers throughout the area.
The Flawless Sales Cover Letter You Need to Use
Your sales cover letter is an essential part of your application, serving a vital role when it comes to making a positive first impression. When you craft your cover letter, you want to make sure it discusses the right information in the best possible way. To help you create a flawless sales cover letter, here are some tips worth following.
Put Key Skills Front and Center
Hiring managers are busy individuals, so you need to catch their attention within the first couple of lines of your sales cover letter. One easy way to do just that is by highlighting your most relevant skills quickly, using them to draw the reader in and make them want to learn more.
Which skills you present needs to be based on the vacancy announcement. However, it’s always wise to quantify these details whenever possible, as numbers often catch the eye and help provide the hiring manager with valuable context.
If an educational requirement or mandatory certification is listed in the job posting, you can also include those details early in your sales cover letter to show you have the necessary credentials.
Discuss Your Accomplishments
Once you’ve covered the most important skills, it’s time to dive into your accomplishments. Choose achievements that are particularly relevant to the role, and quantify the information as much as possible. Numbers and metrics help you demonstrate your potential value to the company in a way that is more concrete than simply using your words.
Close With Enthusiasm
Hiring managers often seek out candidates who are passionate about their field and the opportunity itself. When you write the closing paragraph to your cover letter, make sure your enthusiasm is clearly on display.
Let the hiring manager know why you think you are a great fit, as well as why the position interests you. Thank them for their time, but also express how excited you are to learn about the next steps or hear back from them.
Also, make sure your contact details are easy to find in your cover letter. For example, list your email address and phone number immediately after your name at the end of your letter, ensuring the hiring manager knows how to contact you if they want to schedule an interview.
Pay Attention to Formatting
Ideally, your sales cover letter needs to be both easy to read and generally pleasing to the eye. This typically means you need to pay special attention to your stylistic choices when constructing the document.
For example, choosing a font that is clear and without unnecessary flourishes ensures the hiring manager can easily review the content. Plus, it makes it easier for automated screening technologies to scan through the information. Similarly, you need to make sure your text is an appropriate size, with 10pt generally being considered the minimum.
When it comes to paragraph sizing, try to limit the length of each paragraph. In most cases, a long block of text is more difficult to read than several smaller sections, so break up your content to incorporate whitespace and improve the visual flow.
By following the tips above, you can craft a stellar cover letter that is almost certain to catch the hiring manager’s attention. If you are interested in learning more or are seeking out new job opportunities, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today to discover how our expertise can benefit you.
You Graduated – Now It’s Time to Get to Work!
After long nights of studying, countless research papers, and more tests than you likely care to remember, you did it; you graduated! Receiving your degree is a major accomplishment and one that certainly should be celebrated. But, it also singles a significant transition in your life as you begin to take your first big step into the workforce.
Now that you’ve got your diploma in hand, it’s time to dominate the job market and get to work. If you’re ready to get started, here’s what you need to do.
Put Your Internships to Work
If you completed an internship or two while earning your degree, now is the time to leverage that experience. Make sure to display them prominently on your resume as this lets hiring managers know that you aren’t starting at ground-level in professional workplaces.
Record the experience on your resume as you would any form of paid employment. Highlight your accomplishments, note the skills you used and acquired, and showcase why you would make a great employee once you get to work.
Start Making Connections
The last thing you want to do after earning a degree is let it gather dust. Instead, now is the perfect time to put yourself out there and begin networking your heart out. You can also look for volunteer opportunities that let you leverage your skills while you search for long-term employment in your field, helping you gain additional experience and hit the ground running.
Plus, as you start making connections by networking or volunteering, you can improve your elevator pitch and communication skills. All of these interactions could be valuable, so treat them like the opportunities they are to get the most out of your time before you land a job.
Refine Your Resume Often
Consider your resume to be a living document that is always under construction. Target the content to every job you apply to and tweak the details as you figure out what works and what doesn’t.
The more you review your resume, the easier it will be to create a quality document. You’ll be more adept at quantifying your experience, highlighting what you have to offer, and speaking about your skills.
Be Realistic
It’s important to remember that landing your dream job straight out of college isn’t probably going to happen. Your first position is simply a stepping stone, letting you put your skills to work while you gain experience and increase the size of your network.
By avoiding unrealistic expectations, you can find a job that can help you take valuable steps towards your long-term goals, including having that dream job one day. If you aren’t realistic, you may turn down excellent opportunities in hopes of landing a role that never comes around.
Work With a Recruiter
If you want help during your job search, working with a reputable staffing firm can be a great way to start. These recruitment professionals are well-connected in the community and often partner with coveted employers for all their hiring needs.
If you are seeking new opportunities, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with leading employers throughout the area. Contact us to discuss your goals today and see how our services make it easy to get your career started on the right foot and get to work today.
Demotivated at Work? Read This!
Practically every professional experiences days where they aren’t exactly enthusiastic to head to work. In most cases, the feeling is usually short-term and comes to an end after a challenging situation remedies itself.
However, if you are experiencing prolonged periods of feeling unmotivated, then the issue could be more severe. If you are demotivated on the job, it’s wise to identify the actual cause of these feelings. Then, you can take steps to find a workable solution.
If you are demotivated at work, here are some common reasons that may be the case, and a few options for fixing the problem.
Boredom
When your duties are no longer challenging, boredom can quickly take hold. If you’re bored for days and weeks on end, this can cause you to disengage and may breed feelings of resentment or lead to complacency.
If you are demotivated because you don’t find your work interesting, then consider speaking with your manager. You can request new assignments that catch your interest, allowing you to regain your motivation.
Alternatively, try to find engaging activities outside of the office. Volunteering or focusing on a hobby may give you a source of inspiration, making a less-than-enticing job more tolerable.
Being Overworked
Constantly feeling overwhelmed at work can be just as harmful to your motivation as boredom. When you feel like you can’t keep up and there’s no end in sight, it’s hard to push yourself to complete any task, let alone approach your duties with enthusiasm.
If you are dealing with this situation, your first step should be to evaluate how you manage your time to see if there is room for improvement. Consider taking a course in time management or looking for resources that can help you improve that important skills.
However, if how you structure your day isn’t relevant, speaking with your manager is a good next step. They might not be aware that you are overworked and could have potential solutions, such as shifting some of your tasks to someone who isn’t as overtasked.
Cultural Mismatch
Being in an environment where you feel like you don’t fit in can kill your motivation. Prolonged feelings of frustration resulting from a mismatch often compile, and the situation typically isn’t easy to remedy.
If you clash with your environment, seeking out a new opportunity may be your best solution. Seek out a workplace that feels like a cultural fit, and you may see your motivation return.
Toxic Environment
Being in a toxic workplace on a daily basis is incredibly hard to handle. Whether it’s a culture that allows backstabbing, a workplace dominated by the rumor mill, or an environment that is overtly hostile, finding a way to handle the situation is a must.
At times, if only a few individuals are involved, you may be able to speak with them regarding your concerns. You can get management to play a part in the discussion as well, suggesting they aren’t also a part of the problem.
However, if the workplace is toxic due to a pervasive issue with the culture, then a swift exit may be your only recourse. This allows you to escape the situation entirely and head to an environment that feels more supportive and professional.
If you are looking for new employment opportunities, the team at The Armada Group can connect you to leading employers throughout the area. Contact us to learn more about our current vacancies today and see how our services can help you find a motivating and engaging role that is right for you.
Ready to Climb the Corporate Ladder? Start Here!
After you’ve spent some time advancing your career and working as an individual contributor, it’s only natural to aspire to reach management levels. Climbing up the corporate ladder and joining the leadership ranks is exciting, but figuring out how to make the transition can be challenging.
Often, the idea of broaching the topic with your current manager is anxiety-inducing. After all, you don’t want to seem impatient, pushy, or like you are trying to steal their position. However, if you don’t make your desires known, you might not get the promotion you’re hoping to land.
If you are ready to take the next step up the corporate ladder, here’s what you need to do.
Understand the “Why”
Before you strike up a conversation with your boss about becoming a leader in the organization or climbing the corporate ladder, it’s helpful to understand precisely why you are interested in taking the step. This allows you to explain why you are exploring the possibility and may make it easier for your manager to see why you are looking for an opportunity to advance.
Additionally, it gives you a chance to make sure you are pursuing a leadership role for the right reasons. Are you simply looking for a title upgrade or are you genuinely excited about taking on the duties of a manager? Do you think you can provide the company with additional value by joining the leadership team in comparison to remaining in your current job?
By asking yourself these questions, you can get to the root of your reasoning, making it easier to articulate when the time comes.
Gather Your Evidence
If you believe you can be a valuable part of the management team, you can’t just tell your boss that and expect a positive result. Instead, you need to have examples and quantifiable data that shows how much you provide today and how, by becoming a leader in the company, you can take that even further.
Additionally, it’s wise to research what duties typically come with management positions in your organization. This gives you the ability to relate your value to specific tasks clearly and allows you to showcase that you truly understand what is involved in being a leader.
Schedule a Meeting
Typically, blindsiding your manager as they are rushing to a meeting by asking about advancement opportunities isn’t the ideal approach. Instead, you need to schedule a time to sit down with your boss in private, ensuring you aren’t interrupting the flow of their day or hindering them from handling their duties.
Plus, if your manager thinks you aren’t ready to climb the corporate ladder or offers constructive feedback on how you need to improve first, you can have these conversations behind closed doors.
Moving Forward
If your manager is supportive of the idea, you may not have to do more than continue handling your tasks until an opportunity arises. How long that takes will depend on your organization, as a role may need to be vacant before you can receive a promotion.
In cases where your boss isn’t supportive, you need to identify potential next steps based on their feedback. If they offer constructive criticism, listen to their concerns and work to remedy them.
However, if you genuinely have the skills and experience to excel as a manager and either a lack of support or opportunity is holding you back, then you may need to explore positions with other companies. Smaller businesses might not have vacant leadership roles often and not every manager will support your desire to advance even if you are qualified.
If you are looking for leadership opportunities in the local area, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us to discuss your goals with one of our experienced recruiters today and see how our services can make taking the next step up the corporate ladder easier than ever.
It’s Not You, It’s Bad Company Culture!
Sometimes, the hardest part of a person’s job has nothing to do with the tasks they need to complete. Instead, the environment itself creates the biggest challenges.
When the things that are making it harder to remain productive include workplace politics, poor communication, constant turnover, or interpersonal issues among team members, you might not actually be the problem. Instead, the bad company culture is taking everyone down, creating a sinking ship where everyone is simply trying to avoid being sucked under.
If you are wondering whether your company’s culture is harming you or your career, here are some signs it could actually be the problem.
Gossip Reigns
When a workplace is plagued with gossip, even if it isn’t always malicious, it breeds an environment where distrust can thrive. Even in the mildest of cases, employees begin to wonder if they are also a topic of conversation, and that can leave people paranoid and suspicious.
In worst-case scenarios, gossip can quickly turn into bullying and trash talking, both of which are incredibly harmful. And, unless management is prepared to intervene, the culture will suffer until someone chooses to act.
Negativity
While it isn’t uncommon for co-workers to discuss the merits of a particular approach to a task or project, if the tone is always that everyone will inevitably fail, that’s a sign of a toxic environment. Plus, if management also tends to focus on the negative, the situation is even more pervasive, as most workers take their cues from leadership regarding what is an acceptable mentality.
If poor attitudes are incredibly prevalent in your workplace, the culture is likely similarly negative. Over time, this can wear you down. Plus, it makes collaborative duties significantly harder to manage.
Overly Competitive
In some cases, a little friendly competition can actually be motivating. However, if the workplace is competitive to the point where team members will sabotage one another as a means of getting ahead, the environment is toxic.
An overly competitive workplace breeds feelings of distrust. Instead of co-workers banding together to solve problems and help the company thrive, they begin to focus on outdoing each other, and that rarely yields positive results.
If management reinforces this form of competitiveness, that’s an even more troubling sign, as it shows company leaders are willing to pit employees against one another instead of creating a collaborative environment based on group accomplishment.
The Blame Game
When something goes wrong at work, do people take ownership of their mistakes, or do they automatically try to find someone else to blame for what went wrong? If you are in the latter situation, that’s a strong sign of a poor company culture.
While admitting to one’s mistakes is always difficult, being able to do so shows self-awareness and an environment based on accountability. If no one is willing to even humor that they may have made a misstep, then it’s easy to start believing that you can’t rely on anyone, creating additional feelings of distrust.
Ultimately, any of the signs above could indicate that the issue isn’t you, it’s a bad company culture. If you are interested in learning more or are seeking out new opportunities with some of the area’s leading companies, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your ideal workplace today and see how our services can make finding an employer with an excellent company culture easier than ever before.
The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself (and Your Career)
Self confidence is often touted as the key to success and, in many ways, it is. But those who extoll its virtues, especially individuals who seem to possess it naturally, can’t always articulate what to do if you are lacking in the self confidence department.
Luckily, self confidence is a gift you can give yourself. With a little time and addition, you can increase your self esteem by focusing on key points about yourself. Here’s how to get started.
Take a Self-Inventory
If you are alive today, you have skills; it’s that simple. By doing a self-inventory and recognizing what you bring to the table, you can increase your self-esteem and, by association, your self confidence.
Start by considering work tasks that you enjoy because, usually, if you like them, it’s because you have skills that help you excel in that area. Similarly, consider any challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them. Any accomplishment is a source of valuable information for a self-inventory, including those in your personal life.
As you make a list, don’t neglect soft skills and personality traits that you value. Being a good communicator, having an even temperament under pressure, and anything else in those realms should also make the list.
Reach Out to Your Nearest and Dearest
Sometimes, examining your strengths objectively isn’t easy. Many people who lack self confidence have a tendency to downplay their attributes, or assume they don’t have any at all.
However, that is almost never the case; everyone has something amazing to offer. If you are having trouble with your self-inventory, reach out to those you are closest with and get their input. Friends, family, and even trusted co-workers can be excellent parts of the conversation.
Review Past Assessments
Sometimes, you have indications of your strengths and might not realize it. Any past assessment, like a performance review or even a test grade, can help you see what you have to offer. Review your documents and see what was said about your work, and use that to help boost your confidence. In fact, keep positive emails, reviews, and anything else in a folder together, as it can be a source of confidence-boosting information whenever you need one.
Similarly, if you’ve received verbal praise for a job well-done, consider that too. Write down what you did and what was said, and save that with your other information. That way, you have another source for a pick-me-up should you ever need a reminder about your capabilities.
By following the tips above, you can give yourself and your career one of the best gifts of all this season: self confidence. If you would like to learn more about what you can do, the skilled team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your questions with one of our highly knowledgeable staff members today and see how our expertise can help you make this gift part of your reality. Check out these new open positions today!