Job Seekers

No Time for Clerical Job Hunting? Use These Tips!

HMG Success on August 26, 2016

For those working long hours, finding the time to look for a new office position can be a daunting task. Whether you are working as a general office clerk or providing support to an executive, working in a high-pressure, low-paying position can take its toll.

The increased stress, sleepless nights, overtime hours compiled on top of regular day-to-day personal responsibilities wreaks havoc on the delicate work-life balance many of us try to maintain.

So, how do you squeeze a clerical job search into such a demanding schedule? Consider these options.

Do Your Job, but Only Your Job

Superstar employees are notorious for accepting more and more responsibility even when it is not the wisest move. If additional workplace obligations are making your work schedule impossible to manage, then consider putting them down.

Don’t take on extra duties that do not have to be completed by you. Instead, concentrate on completing your core tasks and take the time to do them well.

This isn’t a license to quit performing your duties entirely, but a way to focus your efforts to those that truly drive the success of your current position. Determine what the base expectations are for the position and work to complete those, but only those.

Additionally, only work the hours you are truly required to work. If you are supposed to report at 8:00 a.m. and leave at 5:00 p.m., then do just that. If your job does not require you to be available at all hours day and night, then don’t be available. Stop checking your phone and email looking for work outside of the hours you work.

By eliminating extraneous duties and limiting your availability, you can perform the work necessary based on the requirements of the position without overburdening yourself. Not only can this help with work-life balance, it can also supply you with the time necessary to look for other employment options.

Get Outside Help

If you are currently working within the duties of your position, you may want to enlist outside help in looking for a new position. Many staffing firms have extensive experience in matching qualified candidates to available positions.

Not only can they help make sure your resume, cover letter, or other documentation is up-to-date and appropriate for the position, they often have connections to various area businesses. These connections provide the opportunity to find positions that may not be publicly advertised.

Staffing firm professionals also have the ability to market you to companies even when a specific job opening isn’t currently listed. Their in-depth knowledge of the industry and local companies gives them insight into when a candidate is a good fit for a specific company, allowing them to use their connections to reach out on your behalf.

If you would like help with your job search, contact Advance Staffing Solutions today! Let their 25 years of staffing experience work for you.

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

HMG Success on August 19, 2016

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!

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

HMG Success on August 15, 2016

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!

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

HMG Success on August 12, 2016

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.

4 Tips for Creating a Stronger Welding Resume

HMG Success on August 1, 2016

Your welding resume reflects what you have to offer to an employer. When poorly designed, your resume may be tossed aside with little consideration. To ensure your welding resume gets the attention it deserves, take a look at the following tips.

Start with a Strong Summary

The summary section provides recruiters with a quick introduction to what you have to offer, so make sure that it is concise and informative in nature. Treat it like a headline, or billboard, used to entice the reader to want to know more.

Make Your Qualifications Stand Out

Include a section on your welding resume to highlight which skills you bring to the table, using bullet points to bring attention to your qualifications. List relevant hard skills, such as specific welding techniques, and soft skills, such as supervisory experience.

Match your applicable skills to those listed in the job posting. This can help your resume make it through automated screening processes and quickly establishes why you are a good fit for the position.

However, be sure to avoid listing skills that are often considered a given, or those that have little meaning, such as:

Hard Worker
Punctual
Familiarity with Welding Equipment and/or Safety Gear

These banalities are unnecessary and take up valuable space that could be used to address more important information.

Arrange Your Work Experience and Education

If you have experience working in the welding field, list your work experience before your education, especially if it is substantial. If you have been a professional welder for some time, and the most recent position was in the welding field, list your work experience chronologically. If the most recent position was in an unrelated field, consider listing your work history based on the relevance to the position. This brings attention to the work you have completed that will be of the greatest interest to recruiters.

For those looking to enter the welding field, list your education first to demonstrate your credentials. The education you list can include degrees achieved, such as an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology, or various industry-specific certifications or completed training programs. This allows recruiters to see that you do have formal training before reviewing work experience that is not related to the field.

Confirm Your Contact Information is Correct

While adding contact information seems simple, it is critical that it is listed correctly. Confirm your name, email address and phone number are accurate, as these are the most likely ways a recruiter will contact you. Don’t label your phone number or email address, as the format used is recognizable on its own.

If you are interested in finding a new position, the professionals at Advance Staffing Solutions are here to help. No matter your experience level, they can help match you to job opportunities throughout the area. Contact us today!

Is Your Resume Going Nowhere Online?

HMG Success on July 26, 2016

Finding a job can be one of the toughest things to do today because of the stiff competition. But, you might be hindering your own job search by having a poor resume. Almost all job openings are posted online, which means gone are the days of mailing your resume and cover letter via the post office to a company. If your resume is going nowhere online, be sure to follow some of the tips here to change your fortune.

Are You Applying for the Right Jobs?

Just because you can apply for jobs online, it doesn’t mean you should apply for every job you find. Sending in your resume for jobs you have zero qualifications for will only frustrate your search. You likely will not hear anything back from the company. Begin applying for jobs that meet your education background and career experience. Also, make sure you have skills for jobs that might be out of your experience.

Did You Tailor Your Resume?

We know how easy it can be to apply for a job online. It takes just a matter of seconds for some and minutes for others, depending on the length of the application requirements. When sending in your resume online, be sure you still tailor it according to the job for which you are applying. You cannot send in generic resumes for every job online. This will get you nowhere fast.

Social Media Account Check

Make sure you run a social media account check prior to submitting your resume online. Your resume, experience, background and education might be spectacular, but your social media accounts could deter you from securing a job offer. Sift through all of your social media accounts and remove inappropriate pictures, comments and other material that potential employers could discover about you.

Use a Personal Website

Take the time out of your day to make a personal website. It doesn’t have to be extraordinary. It only has to showcase your skills, experience and best work possible. A personal website will make it easier for employers to learn about you and what you bring to the table.

If your resume is going nowhere online, it might not just be the resume itself. You might be doing, or not doing, things that cause a failed job search. Take note of the tips in this post and change your luck. Let the staff of Advance Staffing Solutions take the hard part out of the job search for you! Browse our open jobs online today, or contact us to learn about finding a new job in Michigan and Ohio!

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

HMG Success on July 19, 2016

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.

How to Beat the Competition to Your Dream Paralegal Career!

HMG Success on July 12, 2016

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!

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

HMG Success on July 5, 2016

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

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

Spiceworks 7.0: Free Mobile Device Management

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

GlassWire Network Monitor

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

Netwrix Account Lockout Examiner

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

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

5 Tips for Using LinkedIn to Catch a Recruiter’s Eye

HMG Success on June 24, 2016

There’s a reason why over 433 million users call LinkedIn home. With new members signing up at the rate of two per second, the platform has grown to be the largest professional network in the world. Therefore, if you want to get a head start in your career, you will want to establish a strong presence on LinkedIn. In this way, you can attract the attention of recruiters at the biggest and best companies in your industry.

Follow these five tips to stand out on LinkedIn and catch a recruiter’s eye for a job opportunity.

Start with an effective profile picture.

Science has shown that people make their first impression of others based on what they see. Therefore, if you want to stand out to recruiters you’ll need to have an outstanding profile picture. Get a friend to assist you with taking a nice headshot that shows you in a professional light wearing business attire, standing in front of a plain background. Use the same photo across all your social networks for more branded presence.

Write a clear and concise headline.

Make sure that your headline says who you are directly and indicates that you are open for work opportunities. For example, you may want to say something like ‘15 year sales professional looking for opportunities’. Keep it simple but direct. Why is this important? Recruiters often do a keyword search, and if they look for words like ‘sales’ or ‘opportunities’ they will come across your profile faster.

Share only industry-relevant career information.

Many people go about using LinkedIn like it’s an online resume. But this is not the right way to do things. Instead, what you want to do is highlight your career achievements and then list the relevant careers that you’ve held under this role. Avoid aging yourself by only listing careers or jobs that you had in the last 10 to 12 years.

Include links to your blogs and portfolio.

The most effective way to use LinkedIn is to show off your work. If you have a blog make sure that you have the RSS feed connected to your LinkedIn to automatically show your most recent posts. If you have an online portfolio of published works such as articles, books, or graphics make sure that you have a link to this as well.

Get connected with all the career networks including recruitment groups.

With 90 percent of recruiters using LinkedIn as a primary source of candidates, your best chance of getting noticed is to participate in career groups, those run by staffing agencies, and recruitment search communities. Make sure that you share relevant content at least once per week to stay on their radar. Respond quickly to messages that you receive from recruiters.

Need more help with your job search, or catching a recruiter’s eye on LinkedIn? Contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!

Summer Hiring Event – Monroe

HMG Success on June 17, 2016

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

Stop Badmouthing the Competition in Interviews!

HMG Success on June 14, 2016

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!