Don’t Let Your Career Track Stall!

HMG Success on August 24, 2018

Life can be unpredictable and, when the unexpected occurs, it’s easy to put your career on the backburner. But losing momentum can have long-term ramifications, especially if you miss out on opportunities to advance.

If you want to make sure you don’t let your career track stall, here are some tips for keeping things moving in the right direction.

Learn to Shake Off the Bad

Everyone faces challenges in their personal and professional lives that distract them from what is going right. While acknowledging a setback is perfectly normal, allowing it to linger in your mind can impact your mood and your career.

When you experience a negative event, give yourself a moment to recognize the emotional impact. Then, work to shake off those feelings of negativity and refocus on the positive, such as what you learned from the experience or what you can do to make your next attempt successful. This helps you maintain a constructive mindset, giving you the ability to prevent your career from stalling.

Build a Support System

If you have people around you who can hold you accountable and help you stayed focused, it’s easier to maintain momentum while you are on your journey. Select a few people in your life who can serve as sources of encouragement during times of hardship, and share your experiences with them when you need some uplifting words and support.

Just make sure the relationships aren’t one-sided by preparing to act as their champions, as well. This creates a strong back and forth, ensuring everything is reciprocal.

Be Your Own Cheerleader

At times, acting as your own cheerleader can also prevent your career from stalling. Counter any negative self-talk with positive statements about who you are as a professional and what you have to offer. Work to see the potential in any situation, even if it is challenging at first.

It can take time to learn how to be your own advocate, particularly if you developed a habit of negative self-talk. But, with practice, it becomes easier to combat that feeling, letting you craft a more positive perspective on yourself.

Similarly, seeing the brighter side of difficult situations can also take work. Life can throw you unexpected curveballs, and not everything is under your control. However, most experiences give you a chance to learn and grow, either as a professional or simply as a person. Fight the urge to give up and renew your commitment to keeping your career moving forward.

Ultimately, maintaining momentum takes diligence, but being able to advance your career and stay on track makes it worth the effort time and time again. Remember, you can only progress if you position yourself to do so, so fight back against negative thoughts, contact your support system, and be your own advocate. That way, you can keep moving forward, no matter what life tosses your way.

If you are interested in learning more or would like to find a new job to advance your career track, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your professional goals today and see how our expertise can make getting your momentum back a breeze.

Yes, Your Employer Is Checking Out Your Social Media Pages

HMG Success on August 20, 2018

Many people use social media to connect with friends and family, share their thoughts, and put portions of their personality on full display. Often, hiring managers examine a candidate’s social media profiles to look for a variety of red flags, including comments and connections that could indicate bias, misalignments between their profile and their resume, and even to see if you share certain network connections.

However, job seekers aren’t the only ones who may have their profiles scrutinized. Your current employer is likely keeping an eye on your social media pages, too.

Why Your Employer Is Monitoring Your Social Media Pages

A company may choose to check out an employee’s social media pages for a variety of reasons. For example, if a worker is using a substantial amount of sick leave, they may look at their profiles to see if any posts suggest they weren’t ill. Similarly, people who have claimed serious workplace injuries may be monitored to see if they take part in activities they said were no longer possible because of the injury – something that, if discovered, can lead to charges of fraud.

Additionally, an employer may check to see if you are sharing proprietary information publicly or are simply complaining about your job or the company. Looking for signs of bias is also common, as well as searching for posts that suggest you may take part in illegal activities, such as drug use.

People tend to reveal a lot about themselves on social media, so companies review those pages to look for signs of trouble.

Protecting Your Social Media Profiles

If you want to prevent employers from learning certain details about your life outside of the workplace, you need to take specific steps. Usually, the first thing you should do is adjust the privacy settings on your personal account to stop anyone other than friends from seeing your posts and pictures. However, this approach might not be ideal if you use the profile for professional networking or job search activities.

In instances where you want your profile to remain public, you need to examine all of your posts and pictures. If you find something that would not reflect positively on you, delete or hide the content. You should also make sure that your primary profile photo, an image that is usually viewable by anyone, is appropriate as well.

It’s also wise to review any pages that you’ve “liked” or people you have “friended” or followed. At times, if you are connected to controversial pages or people, you may be considered guilty by association.

Similarly, see if any connections may reveal details you prefer not to share. For example, religious or political groups in your network could be considered an indication of your personal stance, and you might not want your employer to know that information.

Ultimately, it’s best to assume your company is examining all of your public profiles, so make sure to review the content and share wisely.

If you’d like to know more or are seeking new jobs, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your professional goals today and see how our expertise can benefit you.

Want to Drive a Forklift? Here’s How to Get Certified

HMG Success on August 13, 2018

For some, the idea of driving a forklift is enticing. After all, it can be fun to be at the helm of a large piece of machinery, and you can help companies manage a variety of operations, particularly in the areas of shipping and receiving.

Businesses don’t just want their forklift drivers to be certified; it’s often required by law. This ensures their employees are properly trained on the equipment, fully understand any safety concerns, and can operate the forklift based on OSHA standards.

If you want to drive a forklift, here’s what you need to know about getting certified.

Prepare in Advance

People who have never had a chance to operate a forklift can prepare for their training and certification in advance by taking advantage of free videos by the National Safety Council. These virtual reality experiences allow you to see what it’s like to be in the driver’s seat while the accompanying information highlights relevant points on operation and safety.

If you’ve never sat in a forklift before, these videos can be a great place to start. You’ll get an overview on the controls and experience the vantage point of the driver. In the full 3D experience, you can even virtually control the video, allowing you to make choices and interact with the forklift, giving you a solid baseline for your formal training.

Take Formal Training

When you want to learn how to operate a forklift, formal training is a must. Most OSHA-compliant programs focus on hands-on learning, teaching you how to safely move with and without loads, how to handle special situations, and a variety of other safety considerations.

In most cases, in-person training lasts one to two days, depending on the program.

Anyone who wants to drive a forklift can benefit from these experiences. The National Safety Council has trainers that can teach new operators at a variety of NSC training centers and even onsite at certain employers.

Getting Certified

After completing the training, you are typically ready for the certification test. In most cases, the exam has two parts: A written portion and a practical driving test.

Ultimately, the process is not unlike getting a regular driver’s license for the first time. You need to pass the written exam to prove you understand various points on operating the forklift and safety issues.

Once you pass, you take part in a practical driving test, giving you a chance to demonstrate you have the proper skills to drive a forklift properly. You’ll be presented with a series of tasks and simply need to complete them based on OSHA standards.

If you participate in formal training, the certification process is usually included at the end, so you don’t typically have to make separate arrangements to complete this critical step.

Ultimately, getting certified to operate a forklift can be an excellent move to help propel your career forward. If you’d like to know more, or want to find an open forklift job, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your needs today and see how our services can benefit you.

You Don’t Have to Always Be the “Ideal” Employee to Land the Job

HMG Success on August 10, 2018

When you discover that your dream job is available, it can feel a lot like winning the lottery. But, that sense of excitement can quickly shift to feelings of doubt if you aren’t sure that you’re the ideal candidate for the position, and you may not land the job.

Many companies add long lists of requirements to the job announcements and, if you don’t have every single one, you might assume getting the position is impossible. However, checking off every box isn’t always necessary, especially if you can showcase that you could excel in the role.

If you want to try and land the job of your dreams, even if you aren’t sure you’re the ideal candidate, here are some tips for increasing your odds of success.

Look Beyond the Skills List

While having certain hard skills may be a necessity, much of what makes a person an ideal employee doesn’t fall into that category. Cultural fit and soft skills play a big role in a worker’s success, so figuring out what the company is actually looking for is a must.

Having the majority of the requirements met is just part of the equation, and falling a little short in this area doesn’t mean you aren’t a contender. Research the company online and thoroughly read the announcement to discover other key information, such as whether they may be willing to train the right candidate and if the environment is otherwise a match.

Target Your Resume

When you submit your resume, you need to make it clear you can provide value to the hiring manager and the company. Showcase your relevant skills and experiences, quantifying the information whenever possible, and focus on the positive.

If you can demonstrate that you meet most of the requirements and have potential, it is still possible that you’ll land an interview. It’s important to realize a significant portion of the applicants likely don’t have every skill or experience listed in the job posting, so working to make your resume stand out can be enough to score a meeting with the hiring manager.

Articulate Your Willingness to Learn

For companies open to training a great candidate, letting the hiring manager know you are willing and excited to learn the missing skills is a must. Typically, this needs to be addressed in your cover letter, and you need to clearly articulate you are open to putting in the time and energy necessary to get up to speed.

Another approach is to start learning these new skills now. You can research the topics online, enroll in a class, head to a seminar, or choose a self-paced online course to showyou are working on adding more to your repertoire. Then, mention your efforts in your cover letter, letting the hiring manager know you are already taking the next steps. This demonstrates your passion, which can help you stand out from the crowd.

Ultimately, applying for the job can be a smart move, even if you don’t match up on every requirement. Also, if you aren’t selected, you can still use the experience to motivate yourself to acquire new skills and experiences, so you can have a better chance of getting the job next time. That way, when it comes open again, you’ll be ready.

If you would like to know more or are seeking new employment opportunities, the staff at The Advance Group can help you land the job of your dreams. Contact us to speak with one of our team members today and see how our expertise can benefit you.

Taking an Internship This Summer? Here’s How to Excel!

HMG Success on July 30, 2018

Internships are valuable opportunities. They provide students and newly minted professionals with a chance to hone their skills and gain real-world experience over the course of a few months.

But, if you want to make the most out of your internship, it’s wise to not leave things to fate. While this may be your first time in a professional environment, that doesn’t mean you can’t excel in the role. If you want to take your summer internship to the next level, here’s what you need to do.

Identify Core Goals

Most interns have at least one goal in mind before they walk through the door on their first day, and that’s typically to gain valuable experience. However, an internship can help you achieve much more, particularly if you identify other potential objectives in advance.

For example, are their specific skills you want to learn that can help you professionally? Are you looking for a mentor that you can remain in contact with after the internship is done? Is getting a permanent position something you’d want to explore?

By identifying your core goals, you create objectives to work toward, helping you guide your experience in the most beneficial direction possible.

Treat It Like a Working Interview

Internships provide more than an opportunity to get your feet wet in a particular field. In some cases, they can also lead to long-term positions, giving you a chance to start your career with the same company. However, if you want this option to be available, then you need to treat your internship as more than a learning opportunity.

By treating your internship like a working interview, you’ll remain on your best behavior. Ultimately, it keeps you in the mindset that all of your activities and choices are being assessed to see whether you may be a good fit for a permanent position. This makes it easier to maintain a positive attitude and showcase your excitement for the opportunity as you know you only have a short time to make a lasting impression.

Additionally, it is a chance for you to evaluate the workplace and role, as well. You can determine whether you enjoy working with the company, if the culture meets your needs, and if the duties capture your interest.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Since an internship is a learning experience, questions naturally come with the territory. The company doesn’t expect you to know everything, so don’t hesitate to speak up if you need additional information.

By asking questions, you are being proactive, ensuring you have what you need to succeed. Additionally, it can show you have a curious nature and a willingness to learn, both of which can be viewed as positives by the organization.

Track Your Accomplishments

As you progress through your internship, make sure to track your accomplishments as they happen. Take notes about the achievement, quantifying details when appropriate, and save the summaries in a safe place. This allows you to reference your notes when updating your resume or discussing a possible permanent position and why you are a great candidate.

Ultimately, internships are excellent opportunities that can assist you as you move your career forward. If you are interested in learning more or are seeking a new job, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your career goals today and see how our services can benefit you.

You Graduated – Now It’s Time to Get to Work!

HMG Success on July 23, 2018

After long nights of studying, countless research papers, and more tests than you likely care to remember, you did it; you graduated! Receiving your degree is a major accomplishment and one that certainly should be celebrated. But, it also singles a significant transition in your life as you begin to take your first big step into the workforce.

Now that you’ve got your diploma in hand, it’s time to dominate the job market and get to work. If you’re ready to get started, here’s what you need to do.

Put Your Internships to Work

If you completed an internship or two while earning your degree, now is the time to leverage that experience. Make sure to display them prominently on your resume as this lets hiring managers know that you aren’t starting at ground-level in professional workplaces.

Record the experience on your resume as you would any form of paid employment. Highlight your accomplishments, note the skills you used and acquired, and showcase why you would make a great employee once you get to work.

Start Making Connections

The last thing you want to do after earning a degree is let it gather dust. Instead, now is the perfect time to put yourself out there and begin networking your heart out. You can also look for volunteer opportunities that let you leverage your skills while you search for long-term employment in your field, helping you gain additional experience and hit the ground running.

Plus, as you start making connections by networking or volunteering, you can improve your elevator pitch and communication skills. All of these interactions could be valuable, so treat them like the opportunities they are to get the most out of your time before you land a job.

Refine Your Resume Often

Consider your resume to be a living document that is always under construction. Target the content to every job you apply to and tweak the details as you figure out what works and what doesn’t.

The more you review your resume, the easier it will be to create a quality document. You’ll be more adept at quantifying your experience, highlighting what you have to offer, and speaking about your skills.

Be Realistic

It’s important to remember that landing your dream job straight out of college isn’t probably going to happen. Your first position is simply a stepping stone, letting you put your skills to work while you gain experience and increase the size of your network.

By avoiding unrealistic expectations, you can find a job that can help you take valuable steps towards your long-term goals, including having that dream job one day. If you aren’t realistic, you may turn down excellent opportunities in hopes of landing a role that never comes around.

Work With a Recruiter

If you want help during your job search, working with a reputable staffing firm can be a great way to start. These recruitment professionals are well-connected in the community and often partner with coveted employers for all their hiring needs.

If you are seeking new opportunities, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with leading employers throughout the area. Contact us to discuss your goals today and see how our services make it easy to get your career started on the right foot and get to work today.

Start Volunteering This Summer to Boost Your Resume

HMG Success on July 20, 2018

When you want to catch a hiring manager’s attention, having relevant experience on your resume is often a must. But, if you are a recent graduate looking for their first position, working to shift into a different field, or are rejoining the workforce after a hiatus, you may be limited when it comes to applicable experience.

Luckily, there is something you can do. By seeking out volunteering positions this summer, you can boost your resume. Not only can this help you land a coveted spot, but it also helps ensure your skills are current and fresh. If you are ready to start volunteering this summer, here’s how to get started.

Locate the Right Organizations

Every organization that uses volunteers has different needs. By understanding which skills they could use to help them meet their objectives, you can locate potential opportunities that can also boost your resume.

Look for groups that could benefit from your skill set or could help you gain experience in the right areas. Don’t restrict your search to organizations that are advertising volunteer positions, as many would happily take a volunteer, even if they don’t announce the opportunities.

Prepare an Elevator Speech

In many ways, landing a volunteer position isn’t unlike getting any other job. You’ll need to speak with the individual who oversees the organization’s volunteering, and pitch why you would make a great addition to the team.

Drive the conversation by discussing applicable skills as well as how your accomplishments can help the organization excel. Then, ask if they have space for a volunteer in an area that can benefit your career.

The idea is to make a connection with the volunteer manager to create a mutually beneficial situation. They get a hardworking professional to assist with their objectives, and you gain valuable experience in key areas, creating a win-win.

If space is available, you may be asked to submit an application or resume, just as you would for any other job, so make sure to have the right information gathered and documents at the ready.

Then, if you get the position, strive to excel and learn as much as possible along the way. This ensures that you make a positive impression, which can lead to strong professional references, and that everyone derives value from the arrangement.

Boost Your Resume

Once you’ve worked in the volunteer role for a while, add the details to your resume just as you would with a paid job. Provide information on the organization, discuss your accomplishments, and cover your relevant skills.

In most cases, hiring managers view volunteer work positively, particularly if it provided you with valuable experience that can help you become a top performer in their company. Additionally, references from a volunteer role can be used when you apply for a new job, so don’t discount this option when you seek a paying opportunity.

If you are interested in learning more about how volunteering experience can boost your resume, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your career goals with one of our skilled team members today and see how our services can benefit you.

Already Regretting Your College Degree? Don’t Sweat It!

HMG Success on July 13, 2018

Many students assume that, by the time they have their college degree in hand, they’ll know exactly where they want to take their career. While this is true for some, a surprising number of newly minted college graduates don’t know where they want to go next, and others may even regret getting a degree in a particular field.

After graduation, joining the workforce is typically the next step. But, for those who are now questioning the value of their college degree, this can be an anxiety-inducing time.

Luckily, even if you regret your college degree on some level, you do have options for moving forward. Here’s how to get started.

Make Research Your Ally

The vast majority of degrees create a wide variety of opportunities. At times, this includes career paths that aren’t necessarily obvious, and one of those might be right for you.

Before you discard the value of your degree, research what career options or jobs seek out people just like you. Contact your school’s career center or alumni association for assistance, get online and search job boards using your credentials as criteria, or check out resources like WhatCanIDoWithThisMajor.com to see if it can provide insight.

By digging in with some research, you might find jobs that didn’t initially come to mind when you were earning your degree. And one of them may be the ideal choice for you.

Explore With Internships

Just because you have a degree doesn’t mean you can’t use internships to explore various career paths. Some internships look for new graduates and not current students, so you may be able to find an opportunity that can help you gain experience while you figure out your next steps.

Most internships are short-term by design. This means you can explore a position or industry without any long-term commitments or expectations from your employer. They also let you use your skills in the real-world and may help you discover which tasks interest you the most.

As a bonus, internships can be excellent resume builders, giving you valuable experience you can list on your resume. Plus, they are wonderful networking opportunities, letting you make professional connections and possibly helping you locate a mentor who can guide you.

Consider Working as a Temp

If you need to start bringing in a paycheck and can’t locate a paid internship, consider working in a temporary or contract position. They don’t come with long-term commitments, giving you another method for exploring your options, and also function as learning experiences.

You can complete a series of short-term assignments to try different roles and see where your education can take you. This can provide a substantial amount of peace of mind too, since you’ll clearly be able to see the value in your degree.

Even if you aren’t entirely sure about your college degree, that doesn’t mean you can’t take valuable steps down a career path. If you’re ready to explore opportunities that your degree can help you land, the professionals at The Advance Group can make finding exciting options easy. Contact us to speak with one of our skilled staff members today and see how our services can benefit you.

Check Out These 5 Available Production Jobs!

HMG Success on July 6, 2018

Leading employers throughout northwest Ohio and southeastern Michigan are hiring workers for production jobs of all levels to help them reach their goals. Many of the opportunities have the potential to go permanent, meaning you could become a long-term employee of the company.

If you are looking for work, here are five available production jobs worth checking out.

1. Production Worker

If you’re looking for a temp-to-hire production position, this opportunity could be for you. An area company is growing rapidly and needs to add workers to help support increased production. The hours are Monday through Thursday, 6:00 am to 4:30 pm, with some overtime, which can help boost your earnings potential.

Most of the work is on an assembly line, though you’ll also take part in quality inspection, packaging, and a range of warehouse duties.

2. Screw Machine Operator

If you have experience as a screw machine operator, a fast-growing company is looking for candidates like you. The job involves running machines, inspecting materials, and reading blueprints. The hours are Monday through Thursday, 6:00 am to 4:30 pm, though overtime and weekends may also be required.

Plus, the position also has the possibility of going permanent, giving you a chance to officially join the team long-term.

3. Assistant Machine Operator

A local production facility is looking for an assistant machine operator. You’ll get a chance to hone your production skills in a fast-paced environment on either the first or second shift. If you have good measuring skills and a willingness to learn, this could be an ideal opportunity to get your foot in the door with a company that provides room for advancement and an excellent benefits package if you are hired on permanently.

4. Press Operator

If you have previous experience or are mechanically inclined, then you may qualify for a press operator position at a local manufacturing company. The job includes operating a press and other forms of machinery. Plus, you may get a chance to train on an overhead crane, allowing you to increase your skill set.

The position is Monday through Friday, 4:30 pm to 3:00 am, with an opportunity to become a permanent member of the team.

5. CNC Operator

A local company is looking for an experienced CNC operator to join their team. Along with two years of CNC experience, candidates must be skilled with a variety of tools, such as micrometers and calipers, have a working knowledge of math involving decimals and fractions, and the ability to operate a 4-inch grinder.

The opportunity is full-time, and could go permanent, on the company’s swing shift.

If you are interested in learning more about any of the production jobs above or the wealth of other job opportunities available in northwest Ohio and southeastern Michigan, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us to speak with one of our skilled recruiters today and see how our services can benefit you.

The Flawless Sales Cover Letter You Need to Use

HMG Success on June 29, 2018

Your sales cover letter is an essential part of your application, serving a vital role when it comes to making a positive first impression. When you craft your cover letter, you want to make sure it discusses the right information in the best possible way. To help you create a flawless sales cover letter, here are some tips worth following.

Put Key Skills Front and Center

Hiring managers are busy individuals, so you need to catch their attention within the first couple of lines of your sales cover letter. One easy way to do just that is by highlighting your most relevant skills quickly, using them to draw the reader in and make them want to learn more.

Which skills you present needs to be based on the vacancy announcement. However, it’s always wise to quantify these details whenever possible, as numbers often catch the eye and help provide the hiring manager with valuable context.

If an educational requirement or mandatory certification is listed in the job posting, you can also include those details early in your sales cover letter to show you have the necessary credentials.

Discuss Your Accomplishments

Once you’ve covered the most important skills, it’s time to dive into your accomplishments. Choose achievements that are particularly relevant to the role, and quantify the information as much as possible. Numbers and metrics help you demonstrate your potential value to the company in a way that is more concrete than simply using your words.

Close With Enthusiasm

Hiring managers often seek out candidates who are passionate about their field and the opportunity itself. When you write the closing paragraph to your cover letter, make sure your enthusiasm is clearly on display.

Let the hiring manager know why you think you are a great fit, as well as why the position interests you. Thank them for their time, but also express how excited you are to learn about the next steps or hear back from them.

Also, make sure your contact details are easy to find in your cover letter. For example, list your email address and phone number immediately after your name at the end of your letter, ensuring the hiring manager knows how to contact you if they want to schedule an interview.

Pay Attention to Formatting

Ideally, your sales cover letter needs to be both easy to read and generally pleasing to the eye. This typically means you need to pay special attention to your stylistic choices when constructing the document.

For example, choosing a font that is clear and without unnecessary flourishes ensures the hiring manager can easily review the content. Plus, it makes it easier for automated screening technologies to scan through the information. Similarly, you need to make sure your text is an appropriate size, with 10pt generally being considered the minimum.

When it comes to paragraph sizing, try to limit the length of each paragraph. In most cases, a long block of text is more difficult to read than several smaller sections, so break up your content to incorporate whitespace and improve the visual flow.

By following the tips above, you can craft a stellar cover letter that is almost certain to catch the hiring manager’s attention. If you are interested in learning more or are seeking out new job opportunities, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today to discover how our expertise can benefit you.

The Right (And Wrong!) Way to Cancel Your Industrial Interview

HMG Success on June 22, 2018

After landing an interview, few job seekers imagine needing to cancel their appointment. However, there are plenty of situations where that may occur.

For example, you might land another job right before another industrial interview or may end up with an unexpected scheduling conflict.

Typically, canceling an interview seems like a daunting task, regardless of the circumstances. However, it’s important you handle it properly, particularly if you want to potentially reschedule or maintain a positive relationship, should another opportunity arise in the future.

The Wrong Way to Cancel Your Industrial Interview

Just as failing to show up at your job without calling in isn’t a wise move, the absolute worst thing you can do is simply not show up to an industrial interview without contacting the hiring manager. Skipping the interview without letting them know you won’t make it will likely be perceived as rude and disrespectful, harming your chances of securing a position there in the future.

Similarly, intentionally waiting to make contact until right before your interview appointment isn’t ideal, especially if you have known for some time that you didn’t intend to make it. This prevents the hiring manager from calling someone else in to discuss the opportunity, so it also possibly harms another job seeker.

Sharing too much detail regarding why you are canceling can also come with repercussions, particularly if your reasoning may harm their perception of you. For example, canceling because you “forgot the interview was today” or “you don’t have enough gas in your car to make it” may make you seem irresponsible. Gloating about landing another job can come off as arrogant, especially if you imply it is better than what they were offering.

Ultimately, if you cancel the wrong way, it hurts your reputation. And it may extend beyond that hiring manager, particularly if they share how you handled the situation with their network.

The Right Way to Cancel Your Industrial Interview

First and foremost, it’s important to reach out as soon as possible. This gives the hiring manager the opportunity to make changes to their schedule and potentially bring someone else in to interview for the role.

Typically, you want to reach out by phone or email, depending on what information you’ve been provided. However, if you are giving less than 24 hours notice, a phone call is usually the best method since, even if you have to leave a voicemail, it is more likely to be received quickly.

Regardless of your approach, you want to keep things clear and concise. For example, begin the conversation or message by expressing your appreciation for being invited to interview. Then, extend your regrets and state you will not be able to attend.

If you’re hoping to reschedule, provide them with a very general explanation regarding your request. You could say, “I need to reschedule due to an unexpected work obligation,” or something similar, like a family emergency — as long as it’s true. Consider suggesting a day and time that would work for you, but don’t be forceful in your wording. In some cases, they’ll accommodate your needs but, in others, they may choose to cancel entirely.

When the goal isn’t to reschedule and, instead, simply cancel, you don’t need to provide a reason. Just let the hiring manager know that you are withdrawing your application and thank them for their consideration.

By handling the cancelation the right way, you don’t burn any bridges with hiring managers or employers. This is beneficial in the long run, especially if you may want to apply for another position with that company in the future.

If you are seeking new industrial job opportunities, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members today and see how our services can benefit you.

Better Work. Better Pay. Secrets to Finding and Landing a Job You’ll Love

HMG Success on June 18, 2018

For many job seekers, the idea of finding a job you love feels like an epic quest fraught with challenges. You explore opportunities, hoping to find the perfect match, only to discover something about the position doesn’t actually meet your needs.

Maybe the work comes with duties you despise, or the pay rate doesn’t measure up to industry standards. Maybe you’re new to the field, and you aren’t entirely sure which career path will lead you to your ideal role.

And risking selecting the wrong job can seem especially daunting, particularly if leaving would increase your odds of looking like a job hopper. Luckily, there are things you can do to improve your chances of landing a position you’ll love. Here’s how to get started.

Define Your Match

Before you begin job hunting, you need to understand what qualities make a position perfect in your eyes. Does it need to provide a particular salary? Are you passionate about specific project types or tasks? What about the environment and culture?

Ultimately, this step involves some serious soul searching. If you need some guidance, consider taking some career quizzes to narrow down the field or kind of work. You can also consult with a career coach to see if they can help you discover what matters to you.

Once you understand what you need to find, you can search for a job that meets those parameters, making it easier to sort through your option.

Gather Information

When you find a role that has potential, you want to do more than just apply. Perform some internet searches to locate reviews from employees or reach out to your network to get the inside scope on the environment.

Often, key aspects of a company’s culture aren’t easy to ascertain from a vacancy announcement alone. Plus, details on the position’s manager may be scarce in public postings. But, by digging in, you might be able to find information that isn’t readily available, helping you determine whether it is an ideal workplace.

Prepare Your Questions

Interviewing is a two-way street. Not only does the hiring manager have a chance to discover more about what you have to offer, but you also get to find out more about them and the company.

At the end of nearly every interview, you’ll have a chance to ask a few questions, so choose options that help you explore whether the job as a whole is right for you. This can include inquiring about the management style, opportunities for professional growth, or even the physical layout of the workspaces (such as whether the company uses an open office design).

You can also request additional information about the duties associated with the job. For example, asking what a normal day in the role looks like can be beneficial as well as what percentage of your time would be allocated to specific tasks. This helps you get a clearer picture of what it is like to work in the role, making it easier to determine if it is a match.

With a little bit of self reflection and diligence, you can find and land a job you’ll love. And, once you do, you’ll be happy you put forth the effort.

If you are looking for a job you’ll love, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you to exciting opportunities with some of the area’s most coveted employers. Contact us to learn more about our open positions and see how our services can benefit you.