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Monroe – Open Interviews

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Open Interviews!

The Advance Group

35 E Front St Monroe MI 48161

Monday, April 10th 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

                   Multiple openings in Monroe,

  Carleton, Temperance, Dundee, Erie & Petersburg!

         Skilled trades, clerical, manufacturing

      1 ½ to 2 hour registration process

·        Must be 18 years of age or older

·        Must have a High School Diploma or GED

·        Must pass a pre-employment drug screen/background check

·        Must have work history in the last 12 months

**PLEASE BRING 2 VALID FORMS OF ID AND A RESUME**

Don’t Let Co-Workers Ruin Your Workday

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

 

A workplace is a mix of individual personalities all trying to coexist in a single space. Sometimes, that means being around people who occasionally (or constantly) rub you the wrong way. But just because they aren’t your favorite people in the world, that doesn’t mean you have to let a poor interaction ruin your day or even your hour. There are ways to relieve the stress associated with an environment filled with people who don’t always see eye to eye. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are some tips to help you reclaim your day.

You Can’t Change Them, But You Can Change Your Reaction

One of the most empowering things to understand is that, even if you can’t change anything about an interaction, you can change how you react to it. Instead of letting a small annoyance build up internal stress, simply aim to see the conversation for what it is: A brief moment of your day. You don’t have to let it take over your thoughts for the next few hours, or even the next few minutes. Just let it go and move on.

Besides, would you really want to give them so much power over you they can destroy your workday by simply speaking? If your answer is no, let it go and move on.

Find What You Do Like

Another important thing to realize is not everyone is going to get along; that’s simply a fact of life. However, that doesn’t mean that everyone can’t offer something positive even if you typically don’t have much in common.

Instead of focusing on the negative parts of the relationship, consider actively noticing the positive. Over time, you may be able to condition yourself to notice the challenging parts of the interactions less and the positive portions more. You may even build a fairly strong working relationship and a general rapport. In the end, that will make every workday more enjoyable knowing that, even if you wouldn’t traditionally choose to converse with them, you can when the job requires it.

Consider Starting a Conversation About It

Sometimes people simply aren’t aware that their habits disturb those around them. For example, a co-worker who is always using speaker phone or barges into your workspace for a chat even if you are busy might not actually know they are bothering you. Instead of letting the stress build up, consider expressing your frustrations in a constructive way. Additionally, make sure to offer solutions and not just complain about the problem.

For example, for a co-worker who interrupts your work, consider agreeing on a signal that lets them know when you are or are not available for a chat. That way you can create a system that works for you both without expressly placing blame.

Consider Moving On

In some cases, there isn’t much that can be done to manage a negative relationship. In cases where your best efforts aren’t yielding results, or the environment has gone from challenging to toxic, it could be time to look for new employment opportunities in your field. If you are interested in exploring new job option in your area, the professionals at The Advance Group are here to help. Contact us to see what is available in your field today and see if a new workplace is exactly what you need to get the joy back in your day.

 

 

Want a New Job? Start Building Your Personal Confidence

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

 

It seems like some people are just born confident; they move in and out of stressful situations, such as getting a new job, with relative ease. Sometimes that leaves the rest of us feeling as though we are lacking. But, just because not everyone is gifted with that level of confidence, that doesn’t mean it isn’t attainable.

For those of us not blessed with naturally high self confidence, it is important to realize you can learn that trait. Gaining confidence can be treated just like developing any other skills; with time, attention, and effort you can make improvements. So, if you think more confidence is just the thing you need to make landing a new job a reality, here are some tips to get you on your way.

Accept Yourself as You Are

A key to feeling confident is simply accepting who you are as a person, flaws and all. No one has a led a perfect life, but trying to hide facets of yourself from those around you can actually reinforce insecurities even if no one else knows they are there.

Instead, understand your journey through life has brought you to where you are today. And that makes every step along the way valuable. Consider how each mistake gave you a chance to learn, and how they have made you a stronger, more well-rounded individual. Then, embrace each idiosyncrasy for what it is; something that makes you special.

Get Uncomfortable

You can’t practice confidence if you never break from your routine. Often, to find opportunities to be confident you need to push yourself into something that scares you a bit. Understanding you can face a challenge and make it to the other side can be a key to a more confident you, so find ways to integrate more of those opportunities into your life.

Give new activities a try, even if it is only once, and don’t shy away from a challenge. As you become more aware of your true capabilities, you may find your confidence building naturally.

Be (Tactfully) Honest

Sometimes the easiest way to get past an insecurity is to acknowledge it is there. Giving yourself a chance to give that feeling its due opens the door to move beyond it. So, don’t try to push an insecurity down deeper into yourself. Instead, allow it to have a moment in the spotlight and then let it go.

It is important that this technique requires some tact. For example, you don’t necessarily want to announce your nervousness to a hiring manager during an interview as this may not reflect well on you after the fact. But, you can air out your concern when you are sitting in your car before you go in.

So, the next time you feel nerves building up before a big interview, consider giving a friend, family member, or even the recruiter who helped you get the interview a quick call. In fact, you might even want to set up a quick dialogue before your interview date. You can let them know how you are feeling and they can help you remind yourself about all of the reasons you have to be confident. Then, you can go into the interview with your head held high.

If you are interested in exploring new job opportunities, the recruiters at The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us and see what may be available in your area today.

 

 

Don’t Let These Phrases Ruin Your Job Interview

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

 

It isn’t easy to sit across from a hiring manager and talk about your experience. Often, you have a variety of talking points you’ve reviewed in advance that you are trying to remember while also being ready to answer any question that wasn’t as expected. Add to that at least a bit of nervousness, and it’s easy to see how some things might not go to plan.

However, there are certain phrases that can take you from being a top candidate to quickly being passed over. So, the next time you find yourself in the hot seat, make sure you don’t let these ruin your job interview.

“I don’t see myself here long-term.”

Regardless of where you see yourself in the next few years, you never want to give the impression that this job is just a quick stopping point along your career path. The hiring manager is looking at you as a potential investment, in time, money, and even training. Suggesting you won’t be around long enough for them to benefit from their investment is an easy way to get passed over.

Even if you don’t intend to stay for long, it is best to keep that information to yourself. Additionally, the position may offer the potential for future growth which does fit into your long-term planning, meaning you’ll have blown a great opportunity right out of the gate.

“Can you tell me what this company does?”

Anyone can get basic information on what a company does with some basic internet-based research. Failing to get these details on your own suggests you aren’t as interested in the company as you claim to be. Before going into an interview, look through the organization’s website and get an overview. Then, if you want more details, phrase the question in a way that suggests you understand the basics but want to dig deeper. That approach can actually work in your favor, instead of to your detriment.

“What are the important skills for this position?”

This is another area that should be researched prior to the interview and not during. The more critical skills will be outlined in the job announcement, and asking about them suggests you didn’t really read through the posting. However, if the advertisement was fairly general, it is appropriate to ask more targeted questions to fill in the gaps, such as those related to the kinds of projects one could expect to encounter or what an average day in the position entails.

“Can you tell me about the salary?”

While salary is an important topic to cover before accepting a position, it is inappropriate to broach the subject during the initial interview. If you are deemed to be a top candidate, and an offer is potentially in the future, the company will likely start this conversation as part of the process. However, if you ask the question too early, it can make it appear that the only thing that matters to you is the money.

“I don’t have any questions.”

Most interviews end with the opportunity to ask questions. In reality, this opportunity is actually a reflection of an expectation to do so. Not having any questions may look as though you aren’t as interested in the position since you aren’t looking to learn anything additional. Instead of letting this moment pass you by, take it as an invitation to explore areas about which you are curious including those associated with the specifics of job duties, work environment, or the team.

By properly preparing for an interview and avoiding some of the phrases above, you can position yourself to be more successful along the way. If you are looking for more tips or are exploring new job opportunities, The Advance Group can help you keep your career moving forward. Contact us to speak about your employment goals today.

 

 

How to Decide If Someone Is a Strong Career Reference

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

 

Choosing whom to list as employment references is a critical part of the job application process and often requires more thought than some job seekers realize. You are relying on these individuals to present you in a favorable light, so you don’t want to list people haphazardly. This means evaluating each potential reference to determine if they are actually someone you should list or if you should move on to someone else. To help weigh your options more effectively, here are some tips for deciding if someone is actually a strong career reference for you.

When You Were Last in Contact

When it comes to references, the more recently you worked with the person, the better. This ensures they can speak towards your skills and abilities today, and not just what you were like earlier in your career. They can also attest to you being up-to-date in regards to industry knowledge as well as associated technologies.

However, if you do need to choose a reference from a prior experience, it is important that you are certain they are comfortable with the task. If you haven’t been in contact for some time, you will want to reconnect prior to requesting they act as a reference. That way, you can make sure your relationship is sound and that they will provide the kind of information you want the hiring manager to hear.

Your Current Relationship

As mentioned above, choosing someone with whom you haven’t had recent contact isn’t ideal. Typically, you will want to reestablish the relationship before asking them to act as a reference. However, if you are considering requesting a reference from someone you don’t know or don’t know well, it is best to reconsider.

Someone who isn’t overly familiar with your work may be challenged when it comes to answering the kinds of questions a hiring manager may ask. And, if they are forced to use generalities and can’t provide examples, it can leave the hiring manager concerned you don’t have stronger references to offer.

You also want to avoid a purely personal reference, unless one is specifically requested. Generally, you need to list people with whom you’ve worked. This can be based on traditional employment, volunteer experiences, or even as students as long as you actually worked together in some capacity. Otherwise, their ability to speak to your skills and abilities in that capacity could be lacking.

Their Reputation

When considering a person who works at your target company to be a reference, then their reputation is a factor. If they aren’t well respected in the workplace, them speaking on your behalf may actually do more harm than good. While you might not know the details of their reputation, you can often make an intelligent guess. If they talk about work in a negative light, have stories about confrontational events, or generally complain, then they might not be the ideal reference.

If you are looking for more tips about choosing references or about new job opportunities in your field, The Advance Group can help. Contact us today and see what our services have to offer.

 

 

Stop Settling for a “Good Enough” Job

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

 

We’ve all used the phrase “good enough” and, traditionally, we don’t choose it when we’ve found an ideal solution or done our best work. But when you attach that sentiment to a major part of your life, such as your career, you are setting yourself up for a lackluster experience that doesn’t exactly inspire passion.

However, many people don’t see the harm in accepting a job that is “good enough.” Sometimes you’ve just got to pay the bills, right? While accepting a job under this premise may alleviate the stress of being without employment, it might not actually do much more. And, do you really want to live a life where your work doesn’t make you happy?

Before you settle on a job that just checks the critical boxes regarding maintaining a reasonable lifestyle, here are some reasons you shouldn’t settle for a job that is simply “good enough.”

You’re Selling Yourself Short

A job you accept just because it is there is unlikely to challenge you in a meaningful way; it probably won’t allow you to work to your full potential and may not give you a chance to grow into something better. And, once you settle into a new job, you will stay for at least a while. That means you are dedicating yourself to a time period where you know you aren’t moving forward, and that typically doesn’t make much sense.

You’re Denying Yourself a Chance to Feel Passion

Accepting a job that doesn’t inspire any sense of passion means you are denying yourself the ability to feel that on a regular basis. In fact, you are dedicating yourself specifically to not feeling that way for eight hours a day, 40 hours a week, for the foreseeable future.

Yes, feeling passionate about every aspect of your work all the time isn’t necessarily realistic either. However, you are more likely to thrive in an environment where you feel strongly about your work at least some of the time. Additionally, you are more likely to seek out opportunities to progress and learn, which can shape your career for years to come.

You’re Building Resentment

We rarely accept a “good enough” job for ourselves. Often, taking these positions is more about serving a basic function, like generating income, and even meeting expectations set by others.

Many people have a hard time turning down a job if they feel friends and family won’t support the idea. However, if you take the job, and ultimately don’t enjoy it, you may find yourself feeling resentful towards those you feel pressured you into accepting the position (whether this pressure is real or assumed). Over time, this can harm your personal relationships. And it won’t exactly do your professional life any favors, either.

Aim Higher

By looking for a job that offers more, you can potentially find more fulfilling work. You may have the chance to work on tasks you are passionate about and truly develop a career you value. So, before you accept a job that you have reservations about, reach out to the recruitment professionals at The Advance Group. Contact us and see what else is available, so you aren’t stuck settling for a job that is only “good enough” instead of great.

 

 

Want to Find a Management Position? Use These Tips to Move On Up

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

 

Every leader has one thing in common, at one point they were in a management position for the first time.  But breaking into the leadership ranks isn’t always easy. Often, companies prefer to hire people into these positions who already have management experience, making it hard for those hoping to make a move up.

However, there are certain things you can do to help improve your odds of finding that management position for which you are looking. To help you on your way, here are some tips you can use today.

Become a Top Performer

If you want a chance to lead, then you need to show you can do your current job well. While you don’t have to be the absolute best at your position, you do need to demonstrate competence and reliability. This means you need to give your duties your all, meeting your deadlines and handling your responsibilities. It also doesn’t hurt to keep a positive attitude about your tasks, even if they aren’t your favorite activities to do.

Learn About the Job

Many employees don’t have a full grasp on what their managers actually do during their day. While you might not be able to find out all of the information, learning as much as you can about being part of a leadership team in the company will help you prepare to take the leap. Observe the activities of the managers working around you and take the time to read some books on subjects like management and leadership. And, if you have the opportunity to talk to a manager directly about what they do, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance.

Get Involved

Getting a chance to become a manager often requires going above and beyond your standard duties. Leaders are often responsible for significant amounts of planning, so finding opportunities to get involved in this area can help you establish yourself as a management candidate. See if your manager could use a hand organizing information or collecting data for a project or join any internal planning committees within your organization.

If there aren’t any opportunities available in your company, consider looking for volunteer positions with local non-profits. You may have the chance to function in a leadership role with one of these organizations, giving you the experience you need to find a position at your job down the road.

Ask for It

Most people aren’t promoted into management spontaneously. Instead, they apply for positions and ask for opportunities. If you are interested in moving up in your current company, talk to your manager about your goals. Then they will know you are interested and can help you gain the experience you need along the way. And, when a position comes available, they may be more likely to think of you.

If you are interested in management opportunities outside of your current company, The Advance Group can help you explore options in your area. Contact us to speak about your career goals today and see how our services can get you there.

 

 

Why Happier Job Seekers Are Successful Job Seekers

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

 

While there is no guarantee that success can breed happiness, happiness often leads to success. And when it comes to finding a new position, happy job seekers have a leg up on the competition. But why does being happy make it easier to find a new job? Here are just a few of the ways it can make a difference.

Focused on Goals

People who are happier often have an easier time focusing on their goals. It could be that their optimism about the future that helps them move forward, and may even make the idea of taking a risk feel less intimidating. Regardless of the reason, understanding your goals and making active strides towards reaching them can make you a happier job seeker while also making the entire process feel like an opportunity instead of a challenge.

Understanding Their Strengths

People who describe themselves as happy often have a solid idea regarding their strengths. And, when it comes to finding a new job, knowing what you have to offer can make the task feel easier. It also gives them a sense of confidence in what they have to offer, and confidence can make a great impression on hiring managers during interviews.

In some cases, happy job seekers will also see a new position as an opportunity to do more of what they enjoy, making the idea of landing something new even more enticing. When you are excited about what a prospect has to offer, it often shows when you are invited to interview as well.

Making Connections

A new job means a chance to meet new people, build a stronger network, and even make new friends. For people who consider themselves to be happy, the idea of expanding their social connections can be just as exciting as the job itself. This means the entire process has more to offer than a new workplace or potential pay raise; it actually has the ability to make positive changes in other areas of their life as well.

Shaping Their Lives

Being a happy job seeker means you see a position as more than just a chance to earn more money, but a chance to shape their lives into something better. They often have a better understanding of everything an opportunity has to offer and how it fits into the bigger picture of their current situation and potentially their future. The idea of building a more fulfilling life can be enticing on its own, but a happier person may be more likely to see that part of the opportunity than another.

If you are interested in exploring a new job opportunity, The Advance Group has experience helping other job seekers find their ideal position. Contact us today to see how our services can work for you.

 

 

June is National Safety Month …

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

11 tips for effective workplace housekeeping …  Click here

We are trying to work to raise awareness of what it takes to keep each other safe. Observed annually in June, National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities.

The Secret to Being a Better Employee (Hint: It’s Working Less!)

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

 

When most people think of getting ahead at work, they often assume that putting in more hours is the only way to do. However, getting up earlier, staying later, and skipping lunches or breaks doesn’t actually make you a better employee. In fact, going the extra mile in that way can actually have the opposite effect, leaving you tired and unmotivated.

Instead, the most successful people end up being a better employee by learning how to achieve more by doing less. Here are some tips you can use today to help you walk that same road.

Define Goals

Before you take a single step on a project, it is important to outline your goals. Have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish during the day, week, year, or beyond and use that information to help you define which tasks you should take on and which are better set aside. Then, instead of simply accepting more work because you think it will help you be a better employee, you can define which ones actually help you move towards your goals. If a task doesn’t fit, see if it can be eliminated. Then, you can fully concentrate on those that provide value.

Set Priorities

Once you understand your goals, you can now set priorities. This involves determining which tasks will help you best reach your goals by having the largest impact on your forward progress. Certain activities will be critical to your overall success while others have a smaller effect on your ability to perform your duties. By setting priorities, you can define your point of focus. This helps ensure you aren’t simply jumping between tasks because you aren’t sure which are truly vital and which can wait.

Learn to Say “No”

Sometimes the way to be more productive at work is to learn when to say “no.” Many people struggle with turning down tasks, but failing to do so means your attention may be pulled in directions that don’t further your goals or even fall into your job at all. If you have other commitments that require your attention, and the new task simply doesn’t fit, feel free to decline if you have the option. That way, you can focus on your work and give it the attention it deserves.

Audit Your To-Do List

Sometimes, we add a task to our to-do list with the best of intentions, but when it comes down to it, some of those things aren’t actually a necessity. Take some time to review your current list of obligations and see if everything on there actually has to happen. Then, go over what is left to see what actually need to happen now and what can be postponed.

Along the way, if you find tasks that aren’t truly within your skill set, see if they can be delegated to someone with the right area of expertise who might enjoy the work. Finally, use your remaining to-do list to guide your efforts on things that actually require your attention.

In the end, being a better employee isn’t about working harder, it’s about using your time wisely. Make sure you keep your goals in mind and keep those as your priorities.

If you are interested in finding new employment opportunities that better align with your goals, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you on your journey. Contact us to discuss your career priorities and see how our services can work for you.

 

 

Yes, You Can Recover from a Big Mistake at Work

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

 

Making a mistake at work can be frustrating and even embarrassing. Some errors have limited repercussions, possibly leading to a simple correction, while others carry more weight. However, it is important to remember that everyone makes mistakes from time to time, and it is possible to recover with a level of grace and professionals. To help you navigate your way whenever you take a misstep, here are some tips for handling the situation well.

1. Start with an Apology

No matter the cause of the mistake, it is always important to apologize. This shows you acknowledge the error and take responsibility to any hardship it may have caused, no matter how minute. Often, trying to defend or fight it will make you come off worse than simply owning the situation as it is, so stepping up will normally yield better results.

2. Don’t Place Blame

Even if other people were involved in the mistake, it is always better to leave blame out of the conversation. Instead, admit to your part in the error and take responsibility. If anyone else was involved, leave it to them to come forward or for their part to be discovered by members of the leadership team.

3. Learn for Next Time

Once you admit to (and apologize for) the mistake, it is vital you take steps to avoid repeating it in the future. This means you need to review how the error happened and determine what needs to happen to prevent it in the future. If you aren’t certain of actions you can take on your own or if you need additional guidance, make sure to reach out to either your manager or another co-worker who has the skills or knowledge to lead you forward.

4. Speak with Your Manager

After you make a mistake, it is common to worry about how your manager views you as a member of the team. Often, setting aside some time to discuss the mistake and how you would handle things differently in the future can alleviate their concerns while also giving you feedback to help you improve. This also ensures nothing is left unsaid that could lead to issues in the future, so handling this as soon as possible is often the best course of action.

5. Reevaluate Your Skills

If you find yourself making mistakes on a frequent basis, then it might be time to reevaluate your skills and determine if you either need additional training or to pursue different career opportunities. At times, an error occurs when our skill set isn’t as strong as we believe but can be remedied by taking additional classes. However, if the misstep is due to being in a position beyond your experience, it can make sense to consider other employment options.

Even if you have strong skills, that doesn’t mean every job will be a great fit even if it is in the right field. If you are interested in exploring new opportunities, The Advance Group can help you find the new options. Contact us today and see what jobs may be open in your field.

 

 

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