Cover Letters - The Advance Group

It’s Easy to Land a Job — Just Do Something Different!

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

In any career, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. Performing the same tasks and taking on the same types of projects can be a safe place. But, if you are searching for a new job, you will quickly find out that what counts is your ability to stand out from other candidates. How do you do this? By being different!

Ways to Be Different and Stand out as a Candidate

You don’t have to do anything crazy to stand out as a candidate. Instead, you want to find something that you feel comfortable with and can use to shine. Use these tips to get started.

Create some buzz around YOU

Before you even apply for the job you want, you need to develop a buzz around yourself, essentially creating a brand presence for your career. Make it a point to develop a blog and share your best creative and written works. Develop a group online and stand out as a thought leader in your industry. Get involved with a cause you care about.

Network with the right people

Getting in front of the best hiring companies is all about meeting with and networking with influencers. You can do much for your career by using social networks and local networking groups to meet new people in your areas of interest. LinkedIn can be a powerful place for joining groups for your industry and connecting with people. Be sure to connect with the hiring managers at the companies you want to target.

Use an outstanding cover letter and resume

Most job seekers send a very bland resume and many others forget to use a written cover letter. Worse yet, they may send a form letter. Instead, do something different and create an interesting and attention-grabbing cover letter and resume that hiring managers will enjoy getting. Start with a great template, and then create your opening statement. Use a fun fact about yourself, list your best skills, and wrap up the cover letter with a call to action including your phone number where you can be called. Match your resume to your cover letter in the template, tone and style.

Follow up the smart way

Do you know how to effectively follow up with hiring managers, in a different way? Instead of sending a boring email or picking up the phone, why not send a nice thank you card to the hiring manager? This is more personal and it’s amazing how many candidates forget to do this simple thing. It will help you to stand out as a professional and your card may trigger a call to come back in for a second interview, or better yet – a job offer.

Do something different today – pick up the phone and apply as a temporary employee with Advance Staffing Services for part time and full time jobs.

Get Your Resume Ready for Autumn — But Avoid these Pitfalls!

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

The cooler months of autumn can be the perfect time to launch a new job search, starting with whipping a resume into shape. A well-designed resume can help you get in front of the best hiring companies. But, before you go through all this effort, make sure your resume doesn’t include any of these common resume pitfalls that can turn off recruiters before they’ve had a chance to meet you.

Pitfall #1 – Your resume is boring

If you fall into the trap of writing your resume on a dull over-used resume template, you can be sure that the recruiters will pass it by. This is because they read through so many resumes daily, so the boring ones get ignored. Take the time to develop your resume on an updated resume template that includes nice use of text, white space, and call-out sections for maximum reader appeal.

Pitfall #2 – Your forgot to include achievements

If your resume reads like a long list of job requirements and responsibilities, without any real accomplishments, it’s missing the mark big time. Make sure you explain briefly what you did in each role and then add a list of at least 2-3 achievements or recognition you had in each job. Even if they were temp assignments, find something. Use financials and percentages whenever you can.

Pitfall #3 – Where is the cover letter?

A good resume includes a cover letter that acts as a quick introduction of your value to hiring managers. Use a similar template to build your cover letter, include a strong opening statement, a list of your top 5 skills you bring to the table, and wrap it up by inviting the recruiter to read your resume and contact you for a job interview.

Pitfall #4 – Your spelling and grammar leave much to be desired

Always take the time to do a spelling and grammar check of your resume, and any written materials you send out to recruiters. If you have issues in this area you can get a friend to proof-read your resume before it goes out for all to see. Poor grammar and spelling tell a company that you are not concerned with the with the quality of your work, and you don’t want to develop this relationship.

Pitfall #5 – Overuse of keywords

In an effort to sound amazing to hiring managers, it’s easy to include a bunch of industry power words in a resume. However, most recruiters are wise to this and they find it annoying. Avoid using too many keywords that make you look like an amateur, instead focus on marketable job skills and knowledge you have.

Follow the above tips to avoid making these common resume pitfalls, and you should look a lot better to hiring companies out there looking for great people this fall.

Gap in Your Resume? How to Make it No Big Deal!

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Trying to find a new job can be difficult, but it can be even more stressful if you have a glaring gap in employment appearing on your resume. This gap could have occurred due to a period of unemployment, the choice of returning to school, taking time off to raise a family, dealing with an illness, or any number of other reasons.

In the recruitment world, a large gap on a resume is defined as anything that is six months to one year or longer. So, how do you turn the gap in your resume into a nonissue? Read this post to find out what to do about it.

Explain the Gap Briefly

Instead of putting a sentence or two at the top or bottom of your resume, put them right where the gap actually occurs. This will ensure that the employer sees it. You do not have to go into too much detail, but make sure you tell the employer the reason why there is a gap.

Utilize a Powerful Cover Letter

Avoid going into too much detail, but make sure there is some sort of understandable explanation provided for why you have the gap in employment. Then, if the employer calls you to schedule an interview, or ask questions, you can tell them more if it warrants.

Edit the Dates on Your Resume

You can edit all of the dates of employment on your resume so that they do not show the months employed, only the years. For example, change all of your jobs listed so they look like the following:

Customer Service Attendant: 2010-2012
Sales Rep: 2012-2015

There might have been a large gap of unemployment between the two jobs, but potential employers won’t notice it because everything flows. When being interviewed, you can explain that there was a tiny gap and then give the reason for it.

Include Temporary Employment

Even if you work in communications, but have to work in retail to pay the bills between career jobs, make sure you put temporary employment on your resume. It shows the employer that you worked hard to make ends meet while searching for a new job within your field of expertise.

Gaps in a resume do not have to hinder your job search. Use one or more of the tips outlined above and you can downplay those gaps easily.

How to Write a Cover Letter – Free Template for Job Seekers

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

You are about to send off your resume to your dream job when you notice with dismay that the advertisement says “must include cover letter”. Before you send your resume without a cover letter or, worse yet, a badly written cover letter, take a moment to check out the free cover letter template we have for you here. Plus enjoy these expert tips for writing a cover letter that will get you the results you need.

3 Tips for Writing a Better Cover Letter

Before you even attempt to write a cover letter, you will want to do some planning. Recruiters are out there waiting for a great candidate to come along. However, a cover letter that doesn’t serve the purpose of “selling you” to potential hiring companies is a complete waste of time. Use these tips for writing a better cover letter.

#1 – Know Your Strengths and Achievements

The main point of a cover letter is to provide a snapshot of your skills, achievements and credentials to the hiring manager. This means you have 10 seconds or less to make a positive impression. Make a list of the top 3 strengths you have, then link them to specific accomplishments you’ve had in your career. This will be used in your opening statement and in the bulleted list you will create just underneath.

#2 – Use Industry Power Keywords

As you browse your target jobs, note that the recruiter is using specific industry “power” words in each advertisement. You will integrate these key words and phrases into both your cover letter and your resume. Use them logically and with a specific goal in mind – to garner the attention of the recruiter who will be scanning your cover letter looking for these keywords.

#3 –Close with a Take Action Statement

Once you have created your opening sentences and your bulleted list for your cover letter, it’s time to do what the best marketing pros know – close out with a call to action statement. This essentially asks the recruiter to take a specific action, in a tactful and professional way. You can say something like: Thank you for taking the time to review my cover letter and qualifications. You may reach me by phone between the hours of such and such at the following number.”

Free Cover Letter Template

Now, get cracking! You can use the below example of a cover letter to write your own. Simply fill in each section with your information as we talked about in our tips section and you will be ready to “wow” the hiring managers at your target companies.

*************************************************************************************

Date

Dear <Hiring Managers Name or Title>,

I am applying for a < Name of Position > with your company and am including a copy of my professional resume for your review. I believe that my skills and credentials will be a great match for the <ASSIGNMENT> you are currently recruiting for and that I will be a valuable asset to your organization. Over the last < NUMBER > years, I have demonstrated above average <STRENGTH 1> and <STRENGTH 2> in the careers I have held in the <INDUSTRY TYPE> market, including:

Achievement one
Achievement two
Achievement three

Thank you for taking the time to review my cover letter and the attached resume in consideration of this assignment. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss the objectives and requirements of the job at your convenience.

Kindest Regards,

YOUR NAME

Contact information here

If you are looking for temporary jobs in Monroe MI, contact us today.

How to Create a Cover Letter – Free Template

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Many people dread writing a cover letter when they begin a job search. What makes them stress even more is the fact that different cover letters should be written for every single job applied for, no matter the similarities between them. With 2015 in full swing, it is time to revamp the cover letter sent to prospective employers. Here, we will discuss the best ways to create a cover letter and provide you with a free cover letter template for reference.

Use the Opening to Your Advantage

The opening of your cover letter is the most important part because hiring managers typically have time to scan for roughly 20 seconds due to their busy schedules. You need to make as much of an impression as possible right off the bat. If you know a little bit about writing for the web, use that knowledge when writing your cover letter. You need to make an impression within the first 20 seconds worth of content.

Follow All Instructions!

As you read a job application, make sure you follow all of the instructions to the letter. If the employer directs you to write something specific in your email subject line or in the body of your cover letter, be sure you do it, or you will not receive a return call or email. Hiring managers do this as a simple test to see if applicants can follow easy instructions. If they cannot, then what is the use in scheduling them for an interview?

Always Provide Contact Info

No matter how many different cover letters you write, all of them must include your contact information. Your cover letter might be the best one a company has read in a long time, but if you do not give them all of your contact info, they will not be able to schedule an interview. Tell them exactly how to contact you in the cover letter. Whether this is via phone or email and the time of day that is best to reach you.

Proofread the Cover Letter

It is very important to proofread your cover letter prior to hitting send on an email or online application. Hiring managers do not want to have to figure out what it is you are trying to say in your cover letter because of too many typos or grammar mistakes. Your enthusiasm for the job must also shine through in your cover letter so the hiring manager knows how interested you are in the job.

Avoid Desperation

Do your best to avoid coming across as desperate in your cover letter. Even if you have been searching for a job for months on end, desperation should never show in your words. This will scare the employer as they wonder why you have had so much difficulty finding a job.

The cover letter is just as, if not more important, than your resume and portfolio. This is the first line of attack when trying to land a new job. So, be sure it sparkles as much as possible.

Download a FREE COVER LETTER TEMPLATE here (Microsoft Office).

Why Winter is the Perfect Time to Kick Start a Job Search

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

You might not realize it, but the winter season is one of the best during the year to kick start your job search. Whether you are currently employed, preparing to graduate in the spring, or are unemployed and looking for work; the winter months can prove to be very effective for finding new employment. Many people back down from a job search during the dreary, cold days of winter and wait for the temperatures to rise. You should take advantage of this and move to the top of the candidate list for open jobs.

Here are some ways to give your job search a head start during the winter months:

Update Your Resume and Cover Letter

A big reason why your job search has stalled could be the shape of your resume and cover letter. If these items are in bad condition, then you will likely struggle with finding a new job. Use the winter months to supercharge your resume and cover letter. Review these documents with a fine-tooth comb and even ask a trusted friend or family member to do the same. The more eyes on them, the better.

You need to have a resume that grabs attention because it might be the only form of communication you have with a potential employer. You also need to tailor each cover letter to the company that is hiring. This makes the application more personal and will get you noticed over some other candidates.

Improve Your LinkedIn Page

Take some time out of your winter activities of shoveling snow and throwing rock salt to revamp your LinkedIn page. This is a vital part of the job search process and should even be done multiple times per year. You need to make sure that your recent work history is up-to-date on your profile page and that you have some recommendations on there from your connections. Those recommendations should come from former supervisors, mentors or co-workers. Also, use LinkedIn as part of your job search. Thousands of companies across the country are posting their open jobs on the site so be sure to spend time each day browsing the new openings posted.

Take the Initiative

As the winter months begin to settle in, do not hunker down and give up on your job search. Instead, take the initiative and submit your resume and job application for open positions in-person at the companies looking to hire new employees. Do not do this on days when a major winter storm is bearing down on the region. Instead, pick a day or two where the weather is clear so you will not be impeded. Companies who see you do this will be sure to put your resume at the top of the pile. Take on temporary jobs in Ohio or Michigan while you are seeking your perfect career.

The bottom line here is that the winter months can actually be the perfect time for kick starting a job search. Just make sure that you make smart decisions and do not risk life and limb to find a job when the snow and ice are falling.

How to Avoid Adding These Red Flags to Your Resume

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Your professional resume speaks loudly to recruiters, even if it’s not a human being. What you put on a resume, what you leave off, and how you present your career and educational history impacts the way that recruiters will react. Does your resume include any potential red flags that could be blocking your way to success? Here are some of the top no-no’s that have no place on your resume.

1. The resume lacks excitement.

Your resume is written out neatly on a standard resume format, so what’s wrong with it? It’s boring and lacks any kind of attention-grabbing elements. Recruiters spend literally 10 seconds or less looking at each resume, even less when they have a large stack to go through. If your resume bores them, you can bet it’s saying you are also a boring person and probably won’t be a good hire. Spice it up with powerful words and a fun-to-read format.

2. No clear career direction.

If you have held a number of jobs over the last couple of years, how do they show that you are progressing in your career? If you are all over the place, we suggest you work with a career coach to determine what your goals will be and how you can best present them on your resume. Make sure you can highlight your growth as a professional, taking on more responsibilities and achieving your goals.

3. Big gaps between jobs.

Many recruiters are still fairly “old school” when it comes to evaluating candidate resumes. If they see large gaps in time between jobs, or dates of employment and education that don’t make sense, this is a huge red flag. Make sure you indicate on your resume what you were doing in between jobs (for example: attending college, volunteering, caring for a child, etc.)

4. Careless mistakes.

If your resume contains spelling mistakes, errors in grammar, and odd sentence structures you can bet that a hiring manager will note this as a sign you are also careless about your work. Make sure to go over your resume with a fine-tooth comb, use a spell checker software, and have another set of eyes on your resume before you send it (and your cover letter) to a company.

Are These 4 Crucial Items Missing From Your Resume?

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Have you ever glanced over your resume and wondered why this document is so important? To most job seekers, it’s a necessary requirement of applying for jobs. But, it’s so much more. When you start looking at your resume like the powerful document it’s meant to be, it takes on a new level of importance.

Your resume is actually a marketing document – and in this case, you are selling YOU.

When you think about a resume in these terms, it makes better sense to ensure it’s not missing any critical elements that could stop a recruiter from wanting to learn more about you. Think about it for a second. The last time you read an advertisement, it probably covered several important areas, like:

a solid and complete introduction to the service or product;
a compelling reason why someone would buy this over a competitor;
the main features and value of the offering; and
the direct call to action – to take action or buy it.

Now, take a look at your resume again. Does it include the above elements?

Your resume should introduce you to the recruiter in a solid way. The first part of your resume serves as an area where you can develop a strong introduction and list of your work related skills. Like if you were reading an advertisement for a car, you’d see the intro to the car model and the features like anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, and automatic transmission.

The reason why someone would hire you comes next. This is the meat of your resume. Include your career experience and your education here. Don’t leave anything out, if it’s compelling and a reason someone would want to hire you.

The main features and value of the offering are listed as your achievements, your award winning work, and your efforts to excel. Include volunteer experience, industry associations, your portfolio items, and any place where you have received recognition.

Lastly, bring it all home with a call to action, which is included in your resume as your clear and up-to-date contact information listed prominently in the header. Use a cover letter to ask the recruiter to call you and list your contact phone number again.

Need help writing an effective resume, or finding a job in Michigan or Ohio? Click here to browse our open jobs, or contact the dedicated staffing specialists at Advance Staffing Solutions today!

How to Interview Like a Professional

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

After weeks of sending in resumes and cover letters you finally have landed an interview. What could be more exciting? Many companies are focused on identifying the top candidates who are interested in growing in their careers and learning more.

Companies are looking to recruit candidates who are recent graduates in high-skill areas such as information technology, business, engineering, and healthcare. The competition will be tough, however. You can stand out as a candidate if you know how to effectively present yourself in an interview. You want to appear highly competent and ready to tackle the job ahead. Here’s how!

1. Know how to make a great first impression.

You only get a few seconds to make a first impression. This is particularly true with potential employers. Recruiters can be highly critical of candidates, therefore it is up to you to put your best foot forward during the interview. Remember to come prepared, look the part, smile and make great eye contact.

2. Bring your a-game.

If you want to interview like a pro, you have to think like one. The interview is your chance to shine. Make sure you have rehearsed all of the major interview questions that you anticipate. But try not to sound rehearsed. Instead come off as natural and highly interested in the prospect of working for the company.

3. Get referred.

Companies often prefer to hire candidates with proven backgrounds. Therefore, a very effective way of looking more positive in the eyes of a recruiter is to get referred by a colleague who already works there. You can find this out by checking out your social networks and asking around. Have your referral mention something positive about you to the recruiter before you arrive. And don’t forget to bring your reference letters.

4. Follow up the right way.

A true professional knows how and when to follow up after an interview. Start by dropping a handwritten thank-you note into the mail, addressed to the person who interviewed you, on your way back home. Secondly, send a nice email 24 hours later to thank the interviewer for their time. 72 hours later, follow up with a quick phone call to the recruiter to check on the status of things and to see if they have any further questions. After that, hold your responses to at least once per week unless you hear otherwise.

Need help landing an interview or finding a great new job? Browse our open positions and apply online today!

How to Interview Like a Professional

Raza Rauf on May 18, 2016

1. Know how to make a great first impression.

2. Bring your a-game.

3. Get referred.

4. Follow up the right way.

Need help landing an interview or finding a great new job? Browse our open positions and apply online today!

Are These 4 Crucial Items Missing From Your Resume?

Raza Rauf on April 5, 2016

Your resume is actually a marketing document – and in this case, you are selling YOU.

a solid and complete introduction to the service or product;
a compelling reason why someone would buy this over a competitor;
the main features and value of the offering; and
the direct call to action – to take action or buy it.

Now, take a look at your resume again. Does it include the above elements?

Need help writing an effective resume, or finding a job in Michigan or Ohio? Click here to browse our open jobs, or contact the dedicated staffing specialists at Advance Staffing Solutions today!

How to Avoid Adding These Red Flags to Your Resume

Raza Rauf on October 20, 2015

1. The resume lacks excitement.

2. No clear career direction.

3. Big gaps between jobs.

4. Careless mistakes.

Gap in Your Resume? How to Make it No Big Deal!

How to Write a Cover Letter – Free Template for Job Seekers

How to Create a Cover Letter – Free Template

Why Winter is the Perfect Time to Kick Start a Job Search

How to Avoid Adding These Red Flags to Your Resume

Are These 4 Crucial Items Missing From Your Resume?

How to Interview Like a Professional

How to Interview Like a Professional

Are These 4 Crucial Items Missing From Your Resume?

How to Avoid Adding These Red Flags to Your Resume

EMPLOYERS

JOB SEEKERS

COMPANY