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Facing a Talent Shortage? Here’s How to Improve Your Recruiting Strategy

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

facing-a-talent-shortage

 

One would think with all the latest technology that recruitment as a whole is more efficient. However, it is a candidate-driven market currently and therefore, the recruitment process has actually gotten longer. A recent Forbes report issued by Glassdoor.com estimated that the average length of an interview has actually doubled in the last five years, going from 12.6 days to 22.9 days. At the same time, top candidates are only on the market an average of about 10 days. This makes it a big challenge for most recruiters.

One of the reasons that recruitment has slowed down is because employers are now demanding more assessments and interviews before they even consider candidates for entry-level employment. New screening methods such as group interviews, personality tests, security screens, skills assessments, and advanced background and drug tests all tend to drag out the hiring timeline. Companies are more careful about the people they hire because it is a large investment.

However, it is possible to speed up the hiring process so that you can go after the best candidates before another competitor gets them. Consider the following tips to improve your recruiting strategy.

Candidates who are in high demand will probably be interviewing with several companies at once. You’ll want to make your compensation package and corporate culture very attractive in order to capture their attention.

Develop a reputation for being efficient in your hiring practices. When candidates know that if they deal with your company, they can expect to hear back quickly and your job recruitment process is responsive to their needs, they’re more apt to stay loyal to your company until a job offer is made.

Make the application process simple. Consider the use of mobile apps in your recruitment practices to quickly gather the information of your candidates and respond to them in kind. Think about candidates who may be remote to your company as well, and use video technology to handle the initial screening interview.

Let a staffing agency handle all the upfront details of a hiring process. Staffing agencies are very efficient when it comes to screening and evaluating candidates for employment opportunities. In fact, they probably already have candidates ready to go by the time you call the office.

By speeding up your recruitment processes, there’s a good chance that you will be able to acquire the talent that your company needs to be successful. Partner with Advance Staffing Solutions to improve your recruiting strategy today.

 

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Open Interviews – Southgate

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

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!

 

Stop Badmouthing the Competition in Interviews!

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

stop-bad-mouthing-the-competition

 

It’s natural for human beings to be competitive. But when it comes to her career some tactfulness can go a long way. This is especially true when it comes to job interviews. Although it can be tempting to say something negative about a former co-worker or company that you work for, it is never a good idea to start badmouthing the competition. Saying something negative during an interview is certainly a no-no. Why? It shows a lack of maturity and could potentially drag things out. Why should you avoid saying negative things about a co-worker or colleague when you have a job interview?

Why should you avoid saying negative things about a co-worker or colleague when you have a job interview? Consider these facts.

It makes you look like a finger-pointer.

In the business world, there are far too many people that become defensive and start pointing fingers at others and blame them, instead of taking responsibility. You do not want to be one of these people. If you talk negatively in an interview, you automatically send up a red flag that you’re somebody who’s not a team player, and instead always look out for yourself.

It can make a negative impression of you.

Unconsciously, when you speak badly of others these feelings and negative attitudes are automatically transferred to you. It’s a psychological phenomenal that’s called spontaneous trait transference. It’s the way people form impressions of each other, so if you are saying negative things, you can bet the listener is forming a negative impression of you.

It concerns the hiring manager if you were to say bad things about them, too.

The quickest way to fail in an interview is to start talking poorly about your former boss or the employer that you work for. In the mind of the hiring manager, it sets up a worry that when you are faced with interviewing with another company in the future you’ll do the same. So whether you’ve had a positive or negative experience with your current or former employer, keep it to yourself.

How can you avoid saying negative things about the competition in an interview? The best course of action is to turn a negative experience into a positive opportunity for your career. Say something like, ‘I was arriving early to accomplish extra work and while my employer didn’t notice it was able to achieve more in my job’. See the difference? The next time you are in an interview think before you speak and you will fare much better.

Need help in your job search? Let the staffing experts at Advance Staffing Solutions help you ace your next interview and land a new job in Michigan or Ohio today!

 

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New to Interviewing? Here Are the Best (and Worst) Questions to Ask

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

new-to-interviewing

 

There certainly is a method for interviewing, and the best hiring managers have this skill worked out. But, then there are situations that can stump even the most seasoned recruitment pros. The quality of each interview question usually determines the quality of each candidate.

If you are still new to interviewing candidates, here are some of the best interview questions to ask and the worst interview questions to avoid.

 

Don’t ask: Where do you see yourself in five years?

This is one of the most commonly used interview questions that does nothing but pry too much into a candidate’s professional (and personal) goals. No one knows where their career will be in five years in this job market.

Instead ask: Do you see yourself working here one year from now and if so, what does that look like?

 

Don’t ask: Are there any responsibilities that may keep you from being productive?

This is just on the border of being intrusive for several reasons. First, it makes the candidate uncomfortable to be asked this. Second, the candidate may feel obligated to reveal certain protected information about their parental state, if they are working another job, if they are going to school, or if they are caring for aging parents, and more.

Instead ask: How do you best manage your time?

 

Don’t ask: What is your favorite…anything?

This is one of the most ridiculous interview questions that has ever been asked in the history of interviews. It has nothing at all to do with a candidate’s ability to do the job well. It’s too personal and actually embarrassing for many to answer.

Instead ask: What is your favorite part of the workday?

 

Don’t ask: You have an interesting name/accent – where are you from?

This innocent-seeming question is a big no-no in a job interview. It is against the law to inquire about a candidate’s ethnic background or country of origin. You may think it’s important to know where a person is from, but in a job interview it’s none of your business. Don’t ask this ever.

Instead ask: How do you like this area?

 

Remember to review equal employment law guidelines before interviewing anyone for a job. If you are rusty with job interviews, it can be better to let a staffing agency handle this part of the process or give you a refresher on what to say and what not to say to help you stay out of hot water.

Let Advance Staffing Solutions take the hard work of interviewing and sourcing candidates off your shoulders! Contact us today.

 

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Summer Hiring Event – Monroe

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Currently accepting applications for Industrial and Clerical positions in the Monroe, Carleton, Dundee, Temperance, Milan & Blissfield areas.

Pay Ranges from $9-15/hour

We will have giveaways, snacks and contests. Bring a friend for even more

opportunities to win prizes!

June 21, 2016

9am – 2pm

Advance Staffing Solutions

35 E Front St

Monroe, MI 48161

www.advancestaffingsolutions.com

Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook for updates!

Must be at least 18 years of age
Have a High School Diploma or GED
Must have verifiable work history within the last 12 months
Bring an updated resume and 2 valid forms of ID

How to Beat the Competition to Your Dream Paralegal Career!

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

 

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

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Are You a First-Time Job Seeker Read This Advice

 

Being a first-time job seeker can be daunting and nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to define who you are. People become a first-time job seeker by graduating from college and entering the workforce, by heading to work for the first time in life or by leaving a life-long job that was earned while still in school. If you are a first-time job seeker, be sure to read the advice below so you can make the most of this opportunity.

Don’t Make Resume Mistakes

The first killer of a successful job search is making mistakes on your resume. These mistakes include spelling and grammar issues, the resume doesn’t stand out from the crowd and the resume has not been tweaked to target each job. It has been said so much, but it is important to have others review your resume. You also should tweak each resume for the job for which you are applying.

Failure to Prepare for the Interview

A first-time job seeker typically has zero job interview experience. They might have just a little bit if they interviewed for an internship while in school, but that’s about it. You can’t count interviews for summer jobs or jobs worked in high school because those questions are too easy to answer. If you fail to prepare for the job interview, then you will surely have trouble landing a job. Prepare by practicing answers to potentially difficult questions, practicing your positive body language and more.

Inappropriate Dress Attire

Another job search killer is inappropriate dress attire at the job interview. First-time job seekers tend to make this mistake more often than not. Please dress for the job you want. If you are interviewing for a job in a business setting, wear a suit. If you are interviewing for a job in a warehouse, wear business-casual clothes, but not a suit.

Lack of Company Knowledge

One of the most important things you must do as a first-time job seeker is learn about the company where you applied. If you know nothing about the company, it will show in the interview in how you answer questions and in the questions you ask the interviewer. Take 30 minutes out of your day and learn about the company and its services. It will go a long way in the end.

First-time job seekers need to follow the advice outlined in this post if they want to be successful in their search. For more support, and help with finding an entry-level job, get in contact with the caring staffing agents at Advance Staffing Solutions.

 

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

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

July_2016_RemoteEmployees

 

While most interview questions remain the same from position to position, there are unique conditions that apply to applicants for remote employees.  In order to better assess the candidate’s ability to successfully work as a remote employee, be sure to cover these five questions before you make a hiring decision.

“Can we discuss the position over a video conference?”

When hiring for a remote position, it may be helpful to complete the interview face-to-face, especially if attending video conferences will be a requirement for the position.  Not only will this give you an opportunity to interact with a candidate in a more natural way, it will also provide insight into their workspace, communication style and basic technical ability.

“Can you describe your work environment?”

This functions as an opener to assess whether remote employees are properly setup to accomplish the tasks necessary to work successfully.  For example, if the remote employee is going to be responsible for a large volume of calls, it may be necessary that they have a dedicated home office that prevents extraneous noise from coming through on the call.

It also gives you the opportunity to find out other pertinent information, such as the speed of their internet connection, current access to required software, and if they have a dedicated phone line.

“If a technical issue arises, how would you go about addressing it?”

Since a remote employee will be responsible for troubleshooting equipment and network connectivity, understanding how they would approach these tasks is critical.  While high-level technical ability is not always necessary, being capable of handling common issues is imperative to their success.  If there are no technical support resources offered through your company, or if the remote worker will be performing the majority of their duties outside of traditional support hours, this is even more imperative.

“How do you plan on arranging your day to meet the requirements of the job?”

While not all remote employees will need to clock in and out as specific times, it is important to understand the timeframe in which the candidate intends to perform their assignments.  This allows you to evaluate their availability, ensuring it includes times when they need to be available for contact.  Additionally, it provides insights into other obligations they may also need to meet that could cause conflict.

While someone responsible for compiling a report may be able to complete the work at any time, it may not be efficient if you cannot reach them during core business hours to communicate changes.  Not only can this cause frustration for you, it can lead to wasted time and money if the employee continues working with the wrong priorities or inaccurate information.

“Have you ever worked remotely for another company?”
This question allows you to find out if they have served a similar function under similar circumstances.  While previous experience working remotely may not be required, it can provide insights into how they have previously prioritized work and handled deadlines when not under direct supervision.

It also allows for follow-up questions to determine if they are currently working remotely for another company, and, if so, whether they intend to stay with that company as well.  While holding two positions is not inherently wrong, conflicting priorities between multiple employers may arise.

Would you like more information?

If you are looking for insights into remote hiring, or assistance locating your next employee, the experts at Advance Staffing Solutions offer free advice to clients and candidates.  Reach out today!

 

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

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

July_2016_IT

 

Technology.  It’s in almost every environment; work, home, school, and play.  Technology continues to grow and change, creating new ways to accomplish tasks big and small in the most sophisticated office buildings and the largest production facilities.

It can be said with a particular level of certainty that technology is here to stay, which makes this an excellent time to start a career in the field of information technology (IT).  Whether you are interested in creating new products and programs, securing networks from outside intrusion, or assisting users with getting the most out of their technological resources, IT is where the work is.

Diversity in the Sector

Long gone are the days where IT was a simple category on its own.  Today, there are a variety of specialties, often with additional subspecialties within them, which require different knowledge bases and skill sets to perform the associated duties successfully.  Larger IT departments may have database administrators, information security analysts, network architects, software developers, and computer programmers.

As voice and messaging technologies interconnect with network technology, newer hybrids are being created in the areas of voice over IP (VoIP) and unified messaging.  The proliferation of mobile devices, including interest in the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) movement has increased the need for specialized support.

With all of the potential careers in the field, it is likely you can find one, or a few, that interest you personally.

Diversity in the Work Environment

Today, computers are common place in almost every type of business.  Whether you are working for the federal, state or local government, a large corporate entity, or a small business, you will likely use a computer during the day.  Even restaurants have seen increases in the use of networking technologies as the option to use tablets at customer tables has increased.

With the widespread use comes opportunities in every arena.  Whether you are interested in working for a large tech firm or would prefer to consult for multiple small businesses, IT skills are necessary in all walks of life.

This also makes skills highly transferrable, as IT skills can be applied in a large number of environments in almost every city across the country.  Not only does this help in terms of career advancement, it also means you are never completely stuck working in one business, one city, or even one state.  Your career can travel with you wherever you choose to go.

Competitive Pay and Benefits

Many IT professions are expected to have faster than average growth within the U.S. and unemployment rates in the sector are generally low. This makes the demand for skilled IT professional rise as businesses compete for the best talent. Along with the increase in demand comes higher rates of pay and solid benefits.

It is not uncommon, based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, for an IT professional to earn well above $80,000 per year.  Additionally, most IT professional work full-time, so they often have access to additional benefits such as medical and retirement options.

Starting Your Next Career

Whether you are considering a new career in IT, or are interested in taking your current IT career in a different direction, the specialists at Advance Staffing Solutions can help guide you along with way.  Contact us today and see where your career can take you.

 

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Should You Be Asking Candidates About Their Long-Term Career Goals?

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

July_2016_LongTermCareerGoals

 

Whether you ask candidates where they see themselves in 10 years, or directly inquire about their long-term career goals, a form of this interview question has been around for ages.  While it may feel like a platitude, understanding where a candidate would like to be can provide valuable insights.  Even if an interviewee fails to articulate their career goals well, there is still a lot to be learned for this interview standard.

Do they know where they are trying to go?

First, this will let you know if they even have a goal in mind.  Candidates who can clearly speak to their goals have thought about where they are and where they want to end up.  It demonstrates that they have a plan in place, even if it is only in the most basic sense, and provides insight into their motivations.

Those who have a challenge describing where they are trying to go may not actually know what path is right for them.  They may be testing a particular field to see if it is a good fit, or may have limited interest in the field, but have not had many other opportunities.  While not all positions require an employee to be deeply passionate about the subject matter, those who appear disinterested may not be in it for the long-term.

Is This Job a Step Along the Path?

When a candidate has a clear goal, you can determine if the position for which they are interviewing is a logical step down that path.  For example, if a recent graduate has aspirations regarding gaining experience in the field and advancing in their area of expertise, you can see how this position may work with their goals.

Alternatively, if they have a long-term goal that doesn’t seem to align well with the position, you would be reasonable to have concerns.  For example, if a person is applying for a software analyst position, but states a long-term goal of opening a restaurant, it is possible the candidate’s true interests lie elsewhere.

While those being interviewed for an entry-level position likely have goals beyond the position in front of them, it is important to see if the position you are offering aligns with those goals in some way.  If not, the candidate may not be likely to stay with the company long-term should an opportunity that works with their long-term goals become available.

Can you offer ways to help them get to where they want to be?

If the candidate’s goals work with the position, are there additional ways in which you can help them get to where they want to be?  If so, this can help entice a desirable candidate to choose to work with your company.  By not only expressing your interest in them for the position in question, but explaining how your company can help them work towards their goals, you can put your company in a position to be more desirable to the candidate.

In cases where you cannot currently help a candidate progress along their path, consider your company’s capabilities to offer opportunities in the near future.  Not only can this provide insight into how to retain employees now and in the future, it may also give you information on what today’s candidates really want.

Looking for more ways to gain insight into what motivates candidates?

If so, the professionals as Advance Staffing Solutions have the knowledge and expertise to help you understand what motivates talented candidates to select the positions they do, and what you can do to attract strong candidates, as well.  Contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!

 

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How Can Hiring Temp Workers Improve Your Workplace?

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

July_2016_temps

 

Are there times when you wish you had one more set of hands around the workplace?

Maybe an employee is on extended leave, or your business experiences seasonal fluctuations in demand?  Maybe there is a large project looming and it will be difficult to integrate these duties amongst the other day-to-day tasks that must be completed?

No matter the reason, the answer is the same.

Hiring temp workers allows your business to bring in an employee when you need them, without the hassles involved in hiring an employee on your own.  If you aren’t sure this is the right move for your business, consider these other benefits of hiring temp workers.

Temps Have Competitive Skills

A temporary employee can be just as skilled and experienced as your other employees.  Staffing firms are just as rigorous in determining if an applicant’s skills match your needs as you would be.  All applicants go through interviews and screening processes to ensure they meet the same level of standard as the business with which they work.

Temporary workers may be college educated in their field of expertise and may hold significant on-the-job experience.  Just because a worker is temporary doesn’t mean they are not the type of employee you would hire yourself.

No HR Burden

Not only does a temporary not need to be put through your hiring and onboarding processes, they will not ever be on your official payroll.  Temporary workers are employees of the staffing office for which they work.  This means that you will never bear the burden of payroll processing, unemployment insurance, or any other cost traditionally associated with managing personnel.  Instead, the staffing firm will handle all of those requirements while all you have to worry about is paying an invoice.

Here When You Need Them, and Not When You Don’t

As a business, you have few specific time obligations to the temporary worker.  If a project is completed ahead of schedule, you can end the assignment early.  If the need continues past the original end date, you may be able to continue working with the same temporary employee you have been, or you can choose to work with a different temporary worker if your needs shift.

Can’t Live Without Them? You Can Hire Them!

In cases where you can’t imagine operating without the temp workers, they may be eligible to become a full-time employee.  If you both feel it is a good fit, and all proper processes are followed per your contingent staffing agreements, then you can bring them on to your payroll as a new employee.

Want More Information About How Temporary Workers Can Help Your Business?

Here at Advance Staffing Solutions, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you figure out all of the ways temporary workers may benefit your business.  Contact us today!

 

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You Could Be Blowing Your Interview Before You Meet the Interviewer!

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

July_2016_BlowingInterview

 

If you think your interview doesn’t begin assessing until the interviewer enters the room, you are sorely mistaken.  The moment you walk in the door, you are being assessed, and mistakes you make now can cost you a job offer, even if the interview itself goes well.

In order to give yourself the highest chance for success, avoid these pre-interview blunders.

Not Arriving at the Right Time

While most people know that arriving late is a major faux pas, arriving too early can also be a mistake.  You may think that checking in 30 minutes early shows eagerness and punctuality, but it can actually be interpreted as rude.

Not only may you be sitting in the reception area for an extended amount of time, if the interviewer is informed of your arrival, not only are they dealing with the stress of their jobs and (possibly) other interviews, now they may feel pressured to move faster because of your presence, and equating your presence with stress is not a great way to make a first impression.

To be safe, look at coming in approximately 10 minutes prior to your scheduled arrival time, even if you have to wait in the parking lot to make that happen.  10 minutes demonstrates punctuality, but it doesn’t add the pressure associated with an extremely early arrival.

And Speaking of Walking In…

The moment you open the door, you are open to scrutiny.  Often, a receptionist will be asked for their opinion regarding how you presented yourself, which means a slipup here can have consequences.

Make sure you are presentable prior to coming in through the door.  In cases where there is access to a bathroom before you enter the reception area, such as in a multitenant building, take a moment to make sure your clothes are straight and that you generally look well put together.  If that isn’t an option, take the time to look in a mirror in your car to do a quick review.

If bad weather is on the horizon, come prepared with mechanisms to ensure you stay as dry as reasonably possible, and that any copies of your resume stay dry, too.  An umbrella and a file folder can go a long way.

Additionally, make sure all of your interactions are polite and professional.  Take the time to say “please” and “thank you” when appropriate.  Smile, and act as though you are happy to be there.  Remember, they are doing you a favor by speaking with you, not the other way around.

Avoid Negative Internal Dialogue

While most people are nervous before an interview, allowing negative self-talk to overcome your other thoughts will only make you feel less confident.  Instead, consider focusing on a positive mantra or other simple statement that makes you feel more confident.  A simple, “I’ve got this!” can be surprisingly affective.

If you are looking for additional tips for your job hunt, including information on available positions, we are here to help!  Contact us today!

 

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