Interviews - The Advance Group

Can You Spot Potential in Lower-Level Employees?

Raza Rauf on January 29, 2015

Do you have the ability to spot potential in your lower-level employees? If not, you need to find ways to spot potential in lower-level employees immediately. It is better to hire in-house candidates for management positions than outside candidates for many reasons. These can include:

Lower cost to promote vs. hire new people
Succession planning with a reduced learning curve
Creates a more positive and productive workplace

We will discuss the best ways to spot potential in lower-level employees, so you can effectively hire new managers from within your ranks.

Assess Talent During Annual Performance Review

One of the first things you should do in spotting potential in lower-level employees is by assessing talent at your company during their annual performance review. Determine what the qualifications are for employees to finish current projects and if they have the skills and traits to move up in their career within your company. Also consider mentor evaluations, employee assessments, peer reviews and even surveys to determine which lower-level employees have management talent.

Match Talent with Requirements

The next step in spotting potential in lower-level employees is to match talent at your company with future requirements. You must layout the time for replacement, the readiness of the candidate and the assignment of individuals. A team of management employees from the company need to discuss all potential candidates for promotion and determine a slew of factors. Those factors include the promotability of the candidates, ratings based on performance, readiness for other roles in the company and any other strategy used to analyze talent within the organization.

Measure Regular Progress

Step number three in identifying potential in lower-level employees at your company is to measure regular progress of employees. This begins by figuring out which candidates are up for promotion and which jobs they are being groomed for so your candidate pool at the company does not get stretched too thin. Measure the progress of your current employees with how they complete projects, meet deadlines, deal with clients, handle issues in the office and much more.

Ask Employees What They Like

Another option is to ask employees what they like to do at work, what their strengths and weaknesses are and what type of role he or she thinks they would succeed in within the company. These questions need to be asked at annual performance reviews so you can add the information to their employee file for future reference.

Allow a Test-Drive

Our final step is a little outside the box, but it involves allowing the employee to test-drive the position. This does not mean promoting an employee into a new role and then removing him or her if it does not work. Instead, create an internal internship program that allows current employees to shadow managers within their department for a day or two to see what gets done at the higher levels. This will let you know if the person likes the idea of working that job and if he or she has the experience to work the position.

3 Job Search Tips Manufacturing Candidates Need to Know

Raza Rauf on January 20, 2015

Searching for a job has always been difficult, but with social media, networking and references, finding that perfect job gets a little bit easier. Working in the manufacturing field is a calling for most employees, so when it comes time to find a new job within the industry, you need to know the best ways to go about the search.

Here, we will discuss the top three job search tips manufacturing candidates need to know to be successful.

List Target Companies

One of the first things you must do in order to be successful is create a list of target companies in the areas you live. When you take time out of your day to research some of the best companies in the manufacturing industry, you will be able to pick which ones you like the most and which ones you should not waste your time with when sending in applications.

Your list needs to be based on where it is geographically you would like to work, at what level within the company and what type of culture you would like to be a part of if hired. You can build this list based on information found on the company websites, by talking to people who work at those companies and by asking for an informational interview.

Talk to Those Who Have Been There

The second job tip for those searching for a job in manufacturing is to speak with people who have worked in the position in the past. These people will be able to tell you everything they liked and disliked about both the job and the company.

This type of research is invaluable because you will be able to find out what a typical day would be like on the job, what type of tasks would need to be completed and how management handles itself when it comes to dealing with subordinates.

Learn the Company

The third tip on our list is to learn the company. There are multiple ways to make this happen, including scheduling an informational interview, browsing their corporate website, talking to former employees, following the company on multiple social networks and attend any career events the company hosts.

The more you learn about the company, the easier it will be to decide if you want to submit an application with them or not. It will also make it easier if you receive multiple job offers from different companies to make a decision.

Finding the right job in the manufacturing industry does not have to be difficult. You can make it as easy as possible by implementing all three of the tips outlined in this post. One final tip: never ask for a job when on an informational interview with a company.

Advance Staffing Solutions has a wide range of temp to hire, part time and fill time jobs with manufacturing companies hiring in Monroe MI, Southgate MI, and Sylvania OH. We encourage you to check out our recently added jobs and submit your qualifications for consideration.

How “Thank You” Notes Could Hinder Your Interview Process

Raza Rauf on January 13, 2015

We have all heard the saying, “It can’t hurt,” when it comes to applying for a job. There is no harm in submitting a cover letter with a resume, connecting with the interviewer on LinkedIn or even sending a “thank you” letter. But, before you make a mistake, you need to know that sending a thank you letter can actually harm your chances at receiving an offer of employment.

But, you’ll want to pay attention because in today’s post, we will discuss how a thank you note can actually hurt your job search.

Sending it Too Late

There is nothing worse than sending a thank you note to the interviewer well after the interview actually took place. Waiting until a week later to send the note shows the interviewer that it was an after-thought and that you are not interested in the position. It is best to send the note the same day of the interview or no later than 48 hours afterwards.

Full of Typos

If your thank you note is littered with typos or poor grammar, then you will have no shot at receiving an offer of employment. You might still get a second interview, especially if it was scheduled prior to the note arriving, but you probably will not make it further than round two. Since you likely had someone proofread your resume and cover letter, it is a good idea to do the same with the thank you letter. It will take two minutes and can save you from embarrassment.

Generic Messages

If you are going to send a thank you note, make sure it is not a generic one. This will hurt your chances of finding a job. You must personalize every single thank you note you write following a job interview, no matter how many people you met during the process. Scribbling five generic notes shows that you did not take the time to write these notes. Instead, personalize each note using something you learned from each person when you interviewed.

Inappropriate Content

It is never a good idea to include any type of inappropriate content in the thank you note, no matter how confident you are that you nailed the interview. Do not get chummy with the reader of the note or use first names. Also avoid any use of foul language. This really should not be an issue, but it still needs to be said.

Too Much Information

When a job candidate uses the thank you note to brag about him or herself even more, it can hurt their chances at securing the job. Never use the thank you note to conduct a second interview. The note should be short, sweet and to the point. Do not ramble on and take up the entire page. Do not even consider mentioning something you forgot to discuss in the interview when writing the thank you note. Stay away from it at all costs.

Take these items into consideration the next time you sit down to write a thank you note following a job interview and you should be able to secure an offer of employment.

Kick 2015 Off Right — With 6 Job Hunting Tips

Raza Rauf on January 6, 2015

A New Year might mean a new job for some folks who are looking for upward mobility. Whether you are preparing to enter the workforce after winter graduation, looking to switch careers or trying to find employment after a long layoff; you will want to have a strong job search in place. In today’s post, we will discuss six important job hunting tips for those who want to kick 2015 off right.

#1 Expand Your Network

One of the most important things you can do in 2015 when looking for a job is to expand your network. A professional network is one of the best ways to find a new job, or a lead, which is why you need to expand it as much as possible. Connect with more people on LinkedIn, attend career fairs and attend conferences within your industry to meet new people.

#2 Have a Plan in Place

Another tip for searching for a new job in 2015 is to have a plan in place. You should never search for a job without a goal or a plan. Set aside time each day to send out resumes and have a weekly quota for how many you want to submit to potential employers. Edit your cover letter for each job so that it is addressed to the hiring manager for that job.

#3 Learn New Skills

It might be a good idea to learn a new skill or two in 2015 if you want to find a new job. Adding to your current pool of skills will only improve your chances of landing a job. The more skills you have, the more appealing you will be to employers. Whether you enroll in courses at a college campus or take an online training program, consider adding a new skill to your repertoire to improve your job search.

#4 Keep LinkedIn Profile Current

Even if you are unemployed, you need to keep your LinkedIn profile current. Post relevant content to your LinkedIn profile that asserts your knowledge within your industry. The content should be articles and videos and they need to include pertinent information. You should also use keywords within your LinkedIn profile that can get it noticed by potential employers.

#5 Work Temp Jobs

Another important job hunting tip for 2015 is to work temporary jobs while in-between full-time jobs. Temporary jobs are a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and expand your network. Temporary jobs could also turn into full-time work with the same company. You might also meet someone who might hire you at their new place of employment down the road.

#6 Make Applications Personal

When you are applying for a job, make sure it is personal. Find out the name of the hiring manager or department head and address the message to that person. Write the message as if you are speaking to them on the phone, not like you are form-filling hundreds of resumes for the sake of doing so.

To be successful in your job hunt in 2015, it will take a lot of work. Make sure you follow the tips outlined in this post so you are offered employment. And if you need more help in your hunt for a new job this year, contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!

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

Raza Rauf on December 5, 2014

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.

Are You a Job Hopper? Here’s how to Optimize Your Job Search

Raza Rauf on September 26, 2014

There are plenty of workers out there who can be considered “job hoppers”. These are folks who, for whatever reason, do not stay in one job or company for an extended length of time. While this can be detrimental for a job search, it does not have to stand in your way of getting a great job. There are plenty of things you can do to optimize your job search if you have a penchant for job hopping.

Here, we’ll discuss several ways to overcome a history of short-term jobs with some helpful tips.

Explain Temporary Jobs on a Resume

When you prepare to search for a new job and have worked quite a few different jobs over the past handful of years, you need to explain why this has happened. One of the reasons for the job hopping could be that you were working in temporary jobs to gain as much experience as possible or to meet as many different people as possible. When you explain that you have been working temporary jobs, employers will be more likely to hire you since you have been trying to improve your career as much as possible.

Use Time Wisely

The next thing you need to do is use your time wisely when unemployed. If you are between jobs, it is best to perform business-related activities so that you can put these activities on your resume. These activities include attending business events, training sessions, networking events and much more. You will be able to meet various people within your industry, gain new contacts and even pick up some references along the way. This will help potential employers see how well you have used your time and that you stayed dedicated to improving your career.

Remove Older Jobs

An excellent way to optimize your job search if you are a job hopper is to remove older jobs from your resume. For the most part, your resume should only go back 10 years, 15 years at the most. If you have seven years of experience or more in your career, make sure you remove any internships listed on your resume. By removing older jobs from a resume, you can help with the idea that you are a job hopper.

Lump Contract Jobs Together

If you worked a lot of contract jobs during your career, lump them into one job listing on your resume in order to remove the idea of being a job hopper. For example, if you have worked on multiple contracts as a freelance writer, list all of these contracts under one heading and mention the skills you used and the responsibilities of the jobs performed.

If you are in the middle of a job search and are worried you may appear to be a job hopper, then you should follow the tips outlined in this post to optimize your search as much as possible. When you remove the stigma of being a job hopper, then you should have no trouble obtaining an offer of employment. For more help on your job search, contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!

Standing Out at a Manufacturing Interview – 5 Tips You MUST Follow

Raza Rauf on September 5, 2014

Interviewing for a manufacturing job in Detroit, MI is stressful, especially when you are in dire need of work. Prevent the process from overwhelming you by preparing for the interview ahead of time. Preparation is key to any type of job interview. As you go on various interviews for manufacturing jobs, be sure you follow the five tips in this post to stand out from the rest of the pack.

Learn about the Company
One of the first things you must absolutely do is learn about the company. The more you know about the company, the better off you will be during the interview process. Your research should include the yearly numbers of the company, the executives at the company, and even the names of some department heads in case you run into them while on a tour of the manufacturing facility. Make sure you also know the company’s goals and mission so you can pull from your background to show how you would fit.
Prepare Questions to Ask
Prepare questions of your own to ask during the interview session. This will help you impress the interviewer and anyone else you meet along the way. Your questions should be ones that piggyback off questions asked by the interviewer or ones that you think of on your own that discuss things about the company. Ask the interviewer what types of problems the person hired for the job will need to solve, what type of person will be perfect for the job and much more.
Offer a Conversation
An important tip for standing out at a manufacturing interview is to be conversational during the meeting with the interviewer. When you provide rehearsed answers to interviewers, you are not showing them your complete personality. One way to do this is by offering them a conversation. When you are conversational during a job interview it allows you to show your personal side, something that the interviewer will want to see so they can gauge if you will fit the culture of the company.
Exceed Expectations
When you are sitting in a job interview for a manufacturing position, it is best to ask the interviewer how you can exceed their expectations. Make it known to the interviewer that you are not looking to do just the bare minimum if hired. Let the company know how far you are willing to go to perform job duties and get the projects done on-time and correctly.
Recap Your Thoughts Upon Leaving
As you prepare to leave the interview room, have a 30-second speech prepared for the interviewer. This should be a speech that thanks the interviewer for their time, reiterates how interested you are in the job and why you are the best candidate for the job.

As you prepare for a manufacturing job interview, be sure to follow the five tips outlined in this post so you can stand out from the crowd. Connect with Advance Temporary for manufacturing jobs in Detroit and other local areas.

Are your References Actually a Hindrance to Your Job Search?

Raza Rauf on August 26, 2014

Believe it or not, a person’s job references could end up being a hindrance in the search for a new job. When this happens, the candidate could struggle to land the new job they’re applying for. Candidates should consider examining their current references and making some changes in order to impress potential employers. Any negative items influencing your job search, including poor references, could automatically disqualify you from your dream job.

Read on to learn how to avoid making your references work against your job search efforts.

Common problems:

References Cannot be Reached
One of the first signs that a reference is hindering your job search is that the person cannot be reached. This is a very bad sign on your part. Before you list someone as a reference on your resume, make sure they will return a phone call or an email within 24 to 48 hours to the potential employer. If they do not wish to be named as a reference, do not put them on your resume. Avoid the issue altogether – right up front.

References Are Not Credible
Another way references could negatively impact your job search is if they are not credible themselves. This could mean that she is a peer in the workplace, friend, or mere acquaintance. You really should limit your references to managers and supervisors for whom you have worked. References should never be co-workers or other office peers. This will hinder your job search immensely.

References Cannot Speak About Your Work
The next potential way your references could hinder your job search is by being unable to speak about your work. It is understandable that it looks very strong to have a director or vice president listed as a reference on your resume, but these people might not be able to speak to the strength of your work if you come from a large company. When references cannot speak to your work, they can hinder your job search more than you might think.

Failure to Notify References in Advance
When you list someone on a resume as a reference, be sure you let them know that they will be contacted soon, and tell them the name of the company and the person who will be contacting them. If you fail to notify the references that they will be contacted, this can lead to them being surprised by the reference-checking phone call. Do not let this happen because it will reflect poorly on your part.Avoid having these things happen when a hiring manager tries to reach one of your work references. Have a list of people as a backup and routinely check your own references as you search for a job.

References Don’t Remember You
One of the biggest hindrances with references is when they do not remember you. If this happens, it means that you have not spoken to the reference in quite some time or they are from a job you held years ago. Stay in touch with the people who are your references – even when you are not actively looking for a job – because you want them to remember you.

For more information on how to choose and utilize the best references for your job search, contact the staffing experts at Advance Staffing Solutions. We know everything it takes to prepare for an interview, and can help you find a perfect placement!

10 Interview Questions That Take into Account Cultural Fit

Raza Rauf on May 14, 2014

One of the most important aspects of running a company is having a strong corporate culture. If the culture at your company is positive, your employees will love coming to work each day, will work their hardest to get results, and will recommend the company to clients and potential employees.

Cultural Fit Interview Questions

If the culture is negative, your bottom line will suffer, you will have a high turnover rate and it will be difficult to come to work each day. Here are 10 interview questions that measure the candidate’s fit into your corporate culture.

What is the work environment or work culture in which you are the happiest and most productive?
What are the strongest traits of the best boss you have ever had or wanted to have?
Which management style will help you produce the most and help you give the best effort?
How does a good company encourage its employees to go the extra mile to get the job done right and on-time?
What are the best roles a manager plays in dealing with his or her employees?
Would you ever have a best friend at work? If so, do you think this is appropriate?
What is the most important factor for you that will make you happy and productive in the workplace? Now that you have answered this question, what are the other two factors you thought about mentioning, but did not?
What do you like right now about your work environment?
How would your current co-workers describe your role when working with them on a team project?
What is one scenario when you went out of your way or above-and-beyond to please a customer?

Where to Go Now?

This is not an exhaustive list of questions, but just the start for interviewers who are looking to bring in the candidates who match their company’s culture the most. Make a point of having at least one follow-up question to each of these 10 questions so you can really gauge what the candidate has in terms of character and work ethic.

Make sure you also write down the answers provided by the candidate and monitor their body language and reactions to the questions. Should the candidate shrug-off some questions or make noises in response to some questions, you have a problem on your hands and should not move any further with the candidate. Candidates who are always a strong fit in a culture will have no trouble answering these questions.

When it comes down to it, hiring based on cultural fit is very important today. Make sure your company is doing it with every single hire.

Want to learn more? Explore important recruitment and employment topics by reading a few popular posts from Advance Staffing Solutions a premier Detroit MI temp agency. Please feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and be sure to subscribe to our free newsletter for industry news, job leads and featured updates.

6 Things to Include in Your Interview Follow up Email

Raza Rauf on May 7, 2014

Once you have had your job interview with a dream company, the next logical step is to follow-up with the company representative soon afterwards. Very often, the preferred method for accomplishing this is by sending a friendly and professional email to check in a few days later. After all, email is the way that millions of people communicate on the go today, and it’s no secret that emails are used by job seekers to connect with hiring managers.

What to Include in Your Interview Follow Up Email

Now that you are ready to write your interview follow-up email, you may be stuck wondering what exactly you need to include? An email like this should be brief, but get the desired results. Therefore you need to include the elements to accomplish this. Read on to learn what not to leave out of your email follow-up when you are seeking work with a Michigan Employment Agency.

#1 – Use a professional sounding email address.

Before you zip off an email to the company, consider what your current email address says about you. Is it immature, bizarre, or unprofessional? If so, register a free email address and use your name in it. Leave out the cuteness and go for an email that gives you a better image.

#2 – Start with a warm greeting to the person who interviewed you.

Open up your email with a sincere and friendly greeting, addressed to the person who took the time to interview you. Let them know what job you interviewed for and when. Let them know the reason you are writing, such as to make yourself available for the next steps in the hiring process.

#3 – Appreciation is always a great way to start things off.

Let the reader know that it was a pleasure to meet with them personally and that you appreciate their time to go over the company culture and job duties in detail. Showing appreciation goes a long way to an already busy recruitment professional who deals with a lot of rude people all week.

#4 – Include the reasons you are the perfect candidate for the job.

Now it’s time to reinforce why the hiring manager should consider you for the job or at least a second interview. Briefly write a sentence that outlines your unique skills that match the job requirements, followed by a short list of skills you bring to the table. Much like your cover letter, this is the meat and potatoes of your email follow-up. If there was anything you needed to send to the interviewing person, attach it as a document too.

#5 – Wrap up the email with a call to action.

Smart sales people always tie their emails up with a call to action. This is a specific action that you would like the recruiter to take once they have read your email. You can easily include this element by asking the recruiter to please respond by email or by phone. Give them some times when you will be available in the coming week.

#6 – Give full contact information.

Despite sending in your resume and having an interview, sometimes your contact information can be hard to find for a recruiter. Make their life easier by including complete contact information in your signature, such as your home, cell or work phone number.

If you are looking for an employment agency in Detroit, contact our team today.

How to Conduct Research on the Company Before Your Interview

Raza Rauf on February 26, 2014

Receiving the call for a job interview can be very exciting, especially for those who have been out of work for quite some time. Before you can step foot in the door for the interview, you need to perform a little bit of research on the company. Why? The research you perform can be the difference between being called back for a second interview and being dismissed from the interview quickly. It will also help you determine if the company can offer you the right career experience.

Always Browse the Website

The first thing you should do is browse the company’s website. This is where you will find the most company information, from policies to history to the company blog. You will be able to get a feel for the corporate culture by looking at pictures posted on the site of its employees, workspace, and company events. You will also be able to construct a few good questions to ask the interviewer by looking at the website.

Browse Competitor Websites

Even if you were able to find the company’s website, you should also browse the websites of the company’s competitors. This will help you learn about the industry, what changes occur at companies such as the one you are interviewing for, and much more. The more you understand about the industry, the better you can walk into the interview with confidence.

Try to Find Business Reviews

You can find out a lot about the company by logging onto corporate review forums on the Internet. You might be able to come across current and former employees voicing their opinions about the company. This could help you learn about the company and how it treats its employees. At the very least, run a quick check on the company via the Better Business Bureau online.

Find Out What the Company Sells

Prior to attending an interview, make sure that you find out what types of products the company manufactures or the services it sells. This will help you determine if the interview is even worth it for you as an employee. It will also help you get a better feel for the company and what type of market it operates in when doing business.

Take Notes

When performing your research on the company, make sure you write down some notes. Find out what the company’s goals are, its mission statement and its core values. All of this should be published on the company’s website. Since you are taking notes, be sure to bring those notes with you to the interview. You will be able to reference them during your answers, which will impress the interviewer, and you can use them to ask questions when prompted.

Check with Employment Agencies in Detroit MI

Perhaps your best source of information about the company you are about to interview for is with the staffing agency you are partnered with. Employment Agencies in Detroit MI know a great deal about companies in the area because they either staff for them or they are associated with them through business mixers and industry events. Ask your staffing representative to shed some light on the company before you head out to the interview in person.

If you take the time to research a company prior to a job interview you will find that the conversation with the interviewer will be much easier and coherent. You will have plenty of questions to ask and you can provide excellent answers.

Want to learn more? Explore important recruitment and employment topics by reading a few popular posts from Advance Staffing Solutions – one of the leading employment agencies in Detroit MI!

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