How to Un-Brand Yourself as a Job Hopper

How to Un-Brand Yourself as a Job Hopper

 

Have you had a variety of jobs over the last few years? Maybe you were laid off, worked a lot of temporary assignments, or just had bad luck with companies closing their doors during the recession – in any case, your resume looks like you could be a job hopper. A classic job hopper frequently changes jobs, and this can be seen as a negative mark on a career history. Companies want candidates who can stay on board for at least a year or more so they can earn a good return on investment in training and hiring new employees.

How can you successfully un-brand yourself as a job hopper in the minds of recruiters? Follow these tips:

  • Know how to explain the frequent or short-term jobs
    Depending on the circumstances, most of the time the reason employees leave their jobs is because of something involuntary – through layoffs, company closures, end of temporary assignments, and offshoring. Do you have a way of explaining this to recruiters? Now is the time to come up with a positive way of explaining what happened and how you did not let it affect your career goals. In fact, turn the experience around so that it was a positive step that helped you to build your career.
  • Be careful of how you are listing jobs
    A big mistake that many job seekers make with their resumes is separating temporary jobs into individual jobs, which makes job hopping look worse. Instead, list the jobs under the name of the agency you worked for, with a brief explanation and the dates for each assignment. In this way, the jobs are in a logical progression under a singular agency or employer.
  • Consider a skills-based resume vs. a chronological one
    If you have a lot of jobs (more than five in a three year period), it may be best to put your information into a skills-based resume template, instead of a chronological timeline of jobs. In this case, list your top skills and achievements in the very top half of your resume. Following this, put your software and educational knowledge, and then your jobs can be listed by year in the bottom portion of the resume.
  • Share your references
    Let others speak for you by including some great professional and personal references. Let them know you are trying to establish yourself in a stable work opportunity and so they can speak to this ability. Prepare your references in advance and give them some talking points, such as your ability to complete tasks on time, your interpersonal skills, and your reliability.

If you’re looking for a new career in Ohio or Michigan, partner with the team of staffing experts at Advance Staffing Solutions! We have an inside track on the hottest, newest and often unlisted exciting job opportunities, and we work with many high-profile companies that would love to hire a candidate like you. Click to contact us today.

 

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5 Tips for a Stress-Free First Week at Your New Temp Job

5-tips-for-a-stress-free-week

 

A new temp job can be an exciting experience, especially if it’s the first time you’ve been employed in a while. But, just like anything else, it can also be a little nerve-wracking because one never knows what to expect. The first week can be especially brutal because you will be encountering new people, new processes, and new tasks. Feeling stressed yet?

Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. Here are some survival tips for a stress-free first week at your new temp job.

1. Get into a good sleep and waking routine.

Your body and mind will thank you as you adjust to a new working schedule. Set a schedule for bedtime and for waking up, and keep it consistent during the workweek. If at all possible, get to bed a little earlier the first few days and leave earlier so you are not stressed out on the way to the new temp job.

2. Bring your lunch.

It can be challenging to find places to eat while on a temp job, so bring a healthy lunch with you each day, While you are at it, bring some healthy snack items with you too until your body adjusts to your new schedule. Fruit, granola bars, and yogurt can all be healthy, easy go-to options.

3. Be prepared.

During your first week, think ahead and bring a notebook, a pen, and a light sweater for your time at the new job. You will be glad to have these items for taking notes and staying comfortable in the new work environment. Ask your temp staffing agent if you should bring anything else that the company requires.

4. Research the team.

If you know a little about the people you may be working with at the new temp job, look them up and connect on LinkedIn ahead of time. Be sure to clean up your social media profiles too, because people will be checking you out there.

5. Practice your introduction.

Along with figuring out where the bathrooms and copy room are during the first week, the impression you make on every new person you meet counts. Take the time to develop a quick 10-second introduction for yourself, and be sure to shake hands and use eye contact so that others see what a professional you are.

By following the above tips, you will be successful in your first week in a new temp job. If you need help finding a new temp job or a more permanent career, click to check out our current open positions.

 

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Want a New Job? Read This Today!

New-Job-Read-This

 

Are you close to landing your dream job in Detroit Michigan? Did you know that for every job advertised, recruiters generally receive upwards of three to four hundred resumes? What this means is that the odds are already stacked against you as a candidate.

However, if you take the right steps now you can gain an advantage over other candidates and land a dream job. Here are some ways to help you get a great job in Detroit.

Start with Creating a Great Social Media Presence.

Did you know that around 90 percent of recruiters regularly turn to social media to recruit talent? Many job seekers don’t realize how important their social media profiles are. But you are smarter than that. Take advantage of your social media profiles by cleaning them up, adding a professional headshot photo, and highlighting your achievements. Network with others in the Detroit area to get in front of the best hiring companies.

Develop a Resume That Gets Noticed.

Most recruiters will spend only a couple of seconds looking over resumes. That means you have nanoseconds to make a positive first impression and stand out from other candidates. Give yourself an advantage by being creative with your resume. Try a new template. Use plenty of white space and bullet points to highlight skills and achievements. Pare your resume down to one page and use an interview to provide more details about your career history. You may also want to try several online resumes where you can also add your social media links and portfolios of your work.

Join Detroit Area Career Networks.

In addition to registering with staffing agencies in the Detroit, MI area, you will also want to become involved with all the local career and business networks you can. Take the time to attend local job fairs. Spend some time at your Detroit Works center. Volunteer in the community and learn about career opportunities this way. Stay active and visual to stand out as a top candidate in Detroit.

Apply for Multiple Jobs.

Don’t limit yourself to just one or two dream jobs in Michigan. Take the time to target specific companies that you want to work for and then apply for several jobs where you have a majority of the skills. Very often, companies will hire people with a little bit less experience but those who show potential in jobs that require more responsibility. There are also a number of management training programs available with Detroit-area employers. Be open and willing to try new things by taking on temporary assignments and entry level positions that may be different for you.

Need more help finding a job? Click here to browse our open positions, or contact us today!

 

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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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Are You Working Too Much? Here Are Some Telltale Signs

are-you-working-too-much

 

Has it occurred to you that you might be working too much? You may have the nagging feeling that you are starting to get burned out or just not as enthusiastic about your job as you used to be. It’s not uncommon for people to feel this way, especially if they’ve been on the job for a number of years. On top of that, a lot of people are overwhelmed by the extra duties that they’ve been tasked with as a result of recession layoffs.

It’s never a good idea to feel like this for very long. Something has to give. Here’s how to determine if you are working too much, and what steps you need to take to regain work-life balance.

Examine your work habits

Are you the kind of person who typically takes on extra projects or works extra hours to get the job done? If so, then you might be a workaholic. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can contribute to a loss of productivity over time from being overwhelmed. Also, consider some of your other habits such as how you manage your time and projects. Do you have a good system? Or do you simply take on things as they are thrown at you? Your work habits can dictate how well you are able to handle work and priorities. It may be time to come up with a better system.

Check your health

Do you often experience colds or feelings of being run down? Or perhaps you feel stressed a lot? These can be the telltale signs that you are working too much and that you need to find a better way of handling things. Consider making a trip to your doctor’s office to rule out any medical problems that may be contributing to extra tiredness or stress. Then, schedule some much-needed time off. While you are away from the office, think about some ways that you can delegate a few tasks to others .

Think about your attitude

Are you starting to dread going to work each day? This can also be a sign that you are working too much and that you need some change. A job that is fulfilling is something that you should look forward to . If you find yourself dragging in the mornings on your way to work you might want to think about a change of career or a reduction in the work that you do . Ask your manager about bringing on a temporary employee to help you get caught up or to reallocate some of your responsibilities to another employee.

Regain work-life balance with a brand new career. Click here to browse our open positions in Michigan and Ohio today!

 

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Open Interviews – Southgate

Open Interviews
Southgate will be hosting Open Interviews
Thursday, June 9th from 10am-2pm!
Positions available in the Downriver Area:
Machine Operator
Quality Inspection
Forklift Operator
Production Worker
General Labor
CNC Programmer/Operator
Grinding Operator
Fabricator/Welder
Import Clerk
Crane Operator
Please bring a current copy of your resume and 2 pieces of valid ID
(State ID or Driver’s License AND Social Security Card or Birth Certificate)
Advance Staffing Solutions
15975 Eureka Rd.
Southgate, MI. 48195
734-288-3654
We look forward to meeting you!

 

Don’t Want to Lose Your Job? Then Don’t Make These Social Media Mistakes

dont-want-to-lose-your-job

 

Nearly everyone and their grandmother has a social media account today. It’s been estimated that people spend up to four hours per day checking in on their social networks. Job seekers are especially mindful of their social networks because they are continuously connecting with recruiters and hiring companies. However, they may accidentally do some things that will hurt their chances of getting hired.

Here are some mistakes that you’ll want to watch out for when using social media.

  • Potentially offensive posts.
    Statuses or updates on your social media profile about a co-worker, vulgar lyrics or quotes, or your political views could potentially offend someone. Take these types of posts off of your social media profiles while you search for work.
  • Unprofessional photos.
    If you’re using your personal social media profile , you’ll want to remove any unprofessional photos of yourself and your friends.
  • The appearance of stalking.
    It can be tempting to start checking out the social media profiles of human resource representatives of the companies you want to work for, however, this can make people uncomfortable if they consistently see you viewing their profile or “liking” their status, without a professional connection.
  • Any negative posts about your employer.
    Just as you shouldn’t badmouth an employer during an interview, you certainly don’t want to put those negative thoughts on your social media profiles. Writing something nasty about a co-worker or your boss can feel like a temporary relief of a grievance, it will not look well to a recruiter.
  • Any content that dates you.
    While they don’t mean to, recruiters can sometimes have unconscious biases when it comes to job seekers. They may review a social profile and guess a person’s age from the content that is presented, and if you seem out-of-date because of your content, you will lessen your likelihood of getting hired.
  • A profile that is new or has few connections.
    If you are brand new to social networking, that’s one thing, but if you create a profile specifically to be found online, you can throw off a recruiter who is wise to this tactic.
  • An account that does not allow messaging.
    Want recruiters to contact you? Your profile settings need to be enabled so that the recruiter can send you a message about a job lead or contact you for further inquiries.

Take the time to review your social network profiles and clean them up for a successful job search. And if you need job search advice or assistance, contact the experts at Advance Staffing Solutions!

 

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Need Help Networking for a Marketing Career? Use These 3 Tools

Need Help Networking for a Marketing Career

 

Networking is a vital part of a marketing career, no matter the years of experience the candidate has. Those who do not network will find it difficult to obtain new job opportunities throughout their careers. Smart marketing candidates have cast a wide net to reel in the best career opportunities, using technology to their advantage.

Networking does not have to bog you down, nor take up a ton of your time. It is something that can be done a couple hours per month or more, if you feel the need. Just remember one thing: Networking makes all the difference throughout the life of your career. If you need to improve your marketing career, use the three tools discussed in this article.

Spiceworks 7.0: Free Mobile Device Management

One of the most recommended networking tools out there today is the Spiceworks 7.0. This is a free mobile device management system that lets you take it wherever you go. It is perfect for the marketing professional who is always on the go, traveling from city to city for events and gigs hosted by their employer or employer’s clients. This software allows you to manage the smartphones and tablets of employees around the world. If an issue ever arises with their devices, the software will allow you to fix that issue without having the device in hand.

GlassWire Network Monitor

GlassWire Network Monitor is another free network tool that many professionals use today to help their marketing career. The software provides a graph for you to view that shows the activity of your network as well as the apps being used by computers on your network. The program keeps a log of network activity for up to 30 days at a time. If malware or other suspicious activity is detected, GlassWire will monitor the activity and send the user alerts.

Netwrix Account Lockout Examiner

What is more frustrating than getting locked out of an account? It’s so hard remembering all the different login names and passwords one has for their variety of social media accounts, personal accounts, work accounts and more. This is a free tool that every marketing professional should have on their devices. The software allows you to troubleshoot locked accounts after receiving an alert from Netwrix.

If you are having trouble networking in your marketing career, then it is time to make a change. There are plenty of free networking tools out there today that can help anyone in the marketing field take charge. Give one or all three discussed today a try. And if you still need help finding a new marketing career, click to browse our open positions today!

 

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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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4 Tips for Creating a Stronger Welding Resume

July_2016_welder

 

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!

 

Advance_CTA_LookingforWork

 

4 Tips for Creating a Stronger Welding Resume

July_2016_welder

 

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!

 

Advance_CTA_LookingforWork

 

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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