Sick of Searching For Jobs? Use These Tips to Shorten Your Search!

Sick of Searching For Jobs

 

After weeks, and even months of trying to find a job, you are practically at your wits end. Searching for jobs is exhausting in and of itself, and then there are the long applications, the waiting to hear back from hiring managers, and the long pauses in between interviews. The entire experience is highly frustrating at best.

Is there anything you can do to speed up the job search? You betcha! Read on to learn some tips to shorten the job search and make it from point A (unemployed) to point B (a new job) with your sanity intact.

1. Use technology to your advantage.

The good news is that there are many technological tools that can speed up any job search. Most job boards offer automated job leads, there are apps that allow job seekers to create short introductory videos to share with recruiters, and social media makes it easy to send information to hiring companies with one click. Take the time to familiarize yourself with some of this technology and start using it to streamline your job search efforts.

2. Get your friends and family on board.

Imagine having a team of people helping you find a job? This can drastically speed things up because you are not going it alone. Let your friends, family, colleagues, college instructors, pastor, even your dentist know you are looking for a job. Very often, it’s more about who you know than what you know that can help you land a great job.

3. Take on temporary work.

While you are searching for work, why not fast track things by getting registered for work as a temporary employee? You can earn money while you learn new skills and if you do a good job, there’s a chance that you can get offered a permanent job at the end of your contract. Very often, companies only do their hiring through staffing agencies, so you’ll be in the right place at the right time for a job offer.

4. Head to job fairs.

The community is filled with events that can help speed up a job search process. Check with local workforce centers and find out about upcoming job fairs. Visit staffing agencies like Advance Staffing Solutions that are represented at these events, as they normally have a number of immediate placement opportunities. If you are a recent college grad, your campus career center can be another way to speed up the job search process.

When searching for a job, use short, but focused time periods to get a lot accomplished. This will help you get a job sooner and more efficiently. And partner with Advance Staffing Solutions! We can bring new job opportunities straight to you.

 

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Job Fair/Open Registration

advance

This job fair is being held at Advance Staffing’s Monroe Location:

35 E Front St. Monroe MI 48161

 

  Thursday, February 25th, 2016

  10:00am-3:00pm

 

Bring 2 valid forms of ID and a resume
Must be at least 18 years of age
Have a Diploma/GED
Verifiable work experience in the last 12 months

 

Below are just some of the HOT jobs offered in Monroe County:

  • Packaging/Press Operator, Dundee, 1st Shift, $9/hr
  • Skilled Assembly, Monroe/Dundee, 1st, $13-14/hr
  • Silk Screen Printer, Dundee, 1st
  • Medical Biller, Temperance, 1st, $13-$15/hr BOE
  • Warehouse/Delivery Assistant, Monroe, 1st, $10+OT
  • Customer Service, Part-Time, Monroe, $10-12/hr
  • Sales, Part-Time, Monroe, $12-$15/hr
  • Team Leader, Dundee, 1st, $10/hr
  • Shipping/Receiving, Blissfield, 1st, $10/hr
  • Production, Blissfield, 3rd shift, $10/hr
  • Machine Operator, Carleton, 1st, $10+/hr
  • Purchasing Clerk, Dundee, 1st, $12-15/hr
  • HR Assistant, Monroe, 1st, $BOE
  • Actuator Technician, Monroe, 1st, $10/hr
  • FCAW/GMAW welders, Monroe, 1st, $14/hr
  • General Labor, Carleton, 1st/2nd, $9 + OT
  • Press Operators/Production, Monroe, All shift, $9/hr

*Not able to make it to our Open House/Job Fair but would like to be considered for a job opening? No problem! You can either send us your resume at monroejobs@advancestaffingsolutions.com or go to our website and apply online. Recruiters review resumes and applications on a daily basis and will contact you within 48 hours of receiving your information.*

Why Saying “No” To That Promotion Could Be a Good Career Move

February_2016_NO

 

Every employee dreams of a time when the boss comes around and offers a surprise promotion. It’s a validation of a professional’s value to the company to be offered a higher level position, with new responsibilities and challenges. Or, is it?

Before you excitedly accept a promotion, it’s time to consider how this move could potentially damage your future career goals. Here’s when saying, “No” to a promotion makes better sense.

1. The promotion has a new title, but doesn’t include a raise in salary or perks.

This is a sneaky thing when a company presents a promotion without any additional financial reward or other perks attached to it. It’s practically an insult to do this to anyone. Sure, you may be ready to take on new projects and are eager to grow in your career, but that should be worth something to the company. You may use this as an opportunity to ask for clarification on how the promotion benefits your career and earnings goals. But if any talk of money or other incentives gets shot down, gracefully decline the offer.

2. You already have an overwhelming list of projects and tasks now.

It’s unrealistic to put added pressure on yourself to perform more than you are currently if you find yourself overwhelmed, stretched thin, and ready to explode. Take the promotion in, consider it, and then talk it over to see what tasks or duties can come off your plate. If the company is unwilling to support your work-life balance, this is not the promotion you should accept.

3. The promotion negatively affects your family and lifestyle.

Very often, promotions have other things tied to them, such as a major relocation to another region or a role that demands ongoing time away from your family and your personal life. You must consider that the promotion may seem like a great idea, but what kind of impact will this have on your life and your family and friends? If you never get to see them, you will have a long lonely road ahead of you and it could potentially ruin your relationships and other goals.

These are some of the reasons to turn down a promotion at work. If you are struggling with growing in your career or have concerns about a potential change in your job, then you may want to look into a new and more rewarding job through our recruitment agency in Detroit MI. Click here to browse our open positions today!

 

 

 

OPEN Interviews!

Advance Staffing Solutions

Open Interviews

 

Monday, February 22nd

9:00am-1:00pm

Southgate Michigan Works

15100 Northline Rd #179

Southgate, Mi 48195

 

Please bring a copy of your current resume.

We look forward to meeting you!!

 

michiganworks

 

How to Be More Approachable in Interviews

February_2016_approachable

After searching for a job for so long, it can be easy to get a little bit jaded about the entire interview process. While you may not mean to, this can appear as if you are a loop or unapproachable. Unfortunately this can also turn off the recruiter. You never want to appear cold or uninterested during a job interview. Instead, you will want to appear as warm and friendly to the recruiter. Read on to learn how to be more likeable during an interview.

Smile

This may seem like the obvious, but it’s surprising how many candidates sit on the other side of the desk with a frown on their face. Take the time to smile at everyone you meet during the interview from the secretary to the recruiter to your potential supervisor. Shake hands and you positive eye contact and body language. These unspoken things can make you more approachable and make it positive impression.

Quantify

It’s one thing to have a bunch of cool achievements on your resume; it’s another to be able to quantify these results with real facts. Prove to the recruiter that you are trustworthy. Take a look at your resume and decide which accomplishments you would like to highlight the most. Then if you can get the real data to back them up. For example, if you have above average customer skills you may want to get your call stats from a former employer when you worked there.

Positivity

Along with appearing to be a pleasant person, you will also want to communicate positivity in every response you have during the interview. You will never say anything negative about a former employer or both. Instead give credit where credit’s due and let the recruiter know that you have had positive experiences in your previous employment opportunities. This sets the stage that you are also looking for something positive this time around and that you understand that it takes a tribe to accomplish this.

Mirroring

As you sit across the table from the recruiter, be sure to mirror his or her behavior. This shows the recruiter in an unconscious way that you are listening to what they are saying and you are paying attention to their verbal cues. For example, if the recruiter is sitting with open arms he will want to take the same stance. Be open and be responsive as you go through the interview process.

 

Need help interviewing or finding a new career opportunity? Click here to browse our open jobs today!

 

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7 Career Tips for Work-at-Home Professionals

February_2016_WorkAtHome

Working from a remote location might seem like a dream come true, but it has its own set of challenges that you need to be prepared for. If you have just landed a new work from home job or you have the opportunity to work from home a couple of days a week, there are some things that you need to do to make this a successful experience. This is especially true if you have never worked it work from home before.

Follow the below seven career tips to make your work from home experience a positive and prosperous one.

1. Get your home office set up for productivity

First and foremost, it is important that you set up your home office so that you can be as productive as possible in your new job. You do not want to set up a home office and the area of your home that is high traffic or noisy. You also don’t want to set up a home office in the bedroom. Instead, select a room or area of your home that is not distracting to you and, if possible, has a door so you can close it during work hours.

2. Set clear boundaries with your family

Let your family know what your new working arrangements will be and prepare them because they may not understand your need for quiet during office hours. Don’t allow friends and family to call you during work hours. If you have young children at home, you may want to arrange for childcare. Your spouse or partner should also be on board. This can be a big adjustment for anyone and it is also important that your family understands how working from home may impact your life.

3. Understand and clarify your employer’s expectations

Unlike a regular workplace where you are face-to-face with your manager, in a work-from-home position, you may be working hundreds or thousands of miles away from your supervisor. You may rarely even travel to your work place. This is why it’s important to understand clearly what your employer’s expectations are of you. These are things like work hours, communication, handling clients, technical issues, and procedures. You will also want to work closely with your co-workers so that they understand that you are, in fact, working and available for team collaboration and meetings.

4. Separate your personal and work life

It can be very tempting she get into the habit of working 24/7 when you work from home. That’s because the presence of your work desk in your home is a constant reminder of projects and tasks that need to be completed. However, you never want to get into the habit of working more hours than you would if you worked outside the home. Set a schedule and stick to it. This includes taking regular lunch breaks and bathroom breaks as needed throughout the day. Get up and stretch every so often, and don’t forget to interact with your peers.

5. Create a task management system

When you work from home, very often you will be asked to handle a variety of tasks and projects. This is where your task and project management skills will come into play. Make sure you have an organizational system that helps you stay on track with important tasks, deadlines, and milestones along the way. Use a web-based project management system so that you can share updates with your co-workers and your boss.

6. Don’t disconnect from others

One of the biggest issues with working from home after a while is feeling isolated. It’s very important to stay connected with your co-workers and your peers when you work remotely. Schedule time each day to communicate and interact with others in your company. Join professional associations so that you can continue to network with others in your industry and your region. Make it a point to set up a lunch date at least once a week.

7. Learn to be a better communicator

It’s often unexpected, but working from home can make you feel invisible at times. This is why it is very important to develop above-average communication skills and be proactive about this communication so that you are continually in touch with your peers. Check in with your supervisor at least once a week, if not more frequently. Stay on top of tasks and bring others into your loop as you complete them.

By following the above tips you will be more successful as a work from home professional. If you need more help, or help finding a career that suits your needs, contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!

 

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OPEN INTERVIEWS

Advance Staffing Solutions

 

Open Interviews: Wednesday, February 3, 2016

12:00pm-4:00pm

South Central Michigan Works!
Lenawee County Human Services Building
1040 S. Winter Street, Suite 1014, Adrian, MI 49221
(517) 266-5627

 

Positions are located in Blissfield and Dundee areas
Starting wage is $10.00-$13.00 per hour

 

Positions Available:

Warehouse, General Labor, Assembly, & Welders
Pre-Register Online @
www.advancestaffingsolutions.com

Any questions contact Malinda Tepe

734-457-0056
malinda@advancestaffingsolutions.com

 

 

 

 

OPEN INTERVIEWS

Advance Staffing Solutions

 

Open Interviews: Wednesday, February 3, 2016

12:00pm-4:00pm

South Central Michigan Works!
Lenawee County Human Services Building
1040 S. Winter Street, Suite 1014, Adrian, MI 49221
(517) 266-5627

 

Positions are located in Blissfield and Dundee areas
Starting wage is $10.00-$13.00 per hour

 

Positions Available:

Warehouse, General Labor, Assembly, & Welders
Pre-Register Online @
www.advancestaffingsolutions.com

Any questions contact Malinda Tepe

734-457-0056
malinda@advancestaffingsolutions.com

 

 

 

 

Job Search Tips for December New Grads

January_2016_JobSearch

Congratulations! You are one of the few lucky college students who have made it through and earned your dream degree. After the celebrations are over, it’s time to start taking a hard look at how you will accomplish getting a new job. While you may get a lot of well-meaning advice from friends and family members, there are some sure ways to get a job if you follow the tips from our professional recruitment team.

#1 – Create a great resume and cover letter

Your very first step in the journey to earning a career in the New Year as a December college graduate is to create an outstanding resume and cover letter. There are many resources for finding information and templates for building a quality resume and cover letter set. You are encouraged to visit online and library resources to accomplish this. You will also want to consider reaching out to a professional resume writer and career coach to help you along the way.

#2 – Develop a strong professional brand

The next move you should make as a new college grad is to create a brand new online professional presents for yourself. Ditch your old social media accounts and start from scratch. One good way to accomplish this is to create a free online portfolio of your college assignments, such as your written work and/or any creative or video work that you have developed. Then create brand new social media accounts that link back to your portfolio. Remember, only show off your most professional work that you will be proud to discuss with a potential employer.

#3 – Connect with staffing agencies

The next smart move for your career search as a new grad is to get registered with your local staffing agencies. Why is this important? In many regions companies only hire through temporary staffing agencies. This is a measure used by companies to save on the cost and time of recruitment. Select a staffing agency that is in your particular area of industry. For example, if you are seeking an information technology job then you will reach out to staffing agencies in the IT and technical markets.

#4 – Network online and offline

A great way to speed up your job search is to become very active in networking with others in your industry and in your local area. You will want to become involved with some of the local business associations so that you get a chance to meet leaders and find out about positions before they are advertised. Use social networking sites like LinkedIn and Twitter to learn about brand new openings at companies. Connect with a few mentors in your area of interest and let everyone know that you are looking for a position now that you have graduated.

 

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Can You Answer This “Off-the-Wall” Interview Question?

January_2016_Off-the-Wall

Going into any interview, it’ expected that you will be asked a series of common interview questions. Things like: “what are your weaknesses”, “why should we hire you”, “why do you want to work here”, “what are your goals”, “why did you leave your past job”, “what can you do for us that other candidates can’t”, “what are three positive things your last boss would say about you”, “what salary are you seeking” and technical questions relevant for the job or to your profile. But, as a smart job seeker, you can also expect and plan for some of the more unusual interview question you may be asked.

Examples off the wall interview questions

There are many odd questions that some interviewers like to pose. You may be asked what would you do if you were the one survivor in a plane crash, what’s your favorite 90s jam, if you woke up and had 2,000 unread emails and could only answer 300 of them how would you choose which ones to answer, who would win in a fight between Spiderman and Batman, if you had a machine that produced $100 dollars for life what would you be willing to pay for it today, what did you have for breakfast, describe the color yellow to somebody who’s blind, if you were asked to unload a 747 full of jelly beans what would you do, and how many people flew out of Chicago last year, among others.

While preparing for a job interview, you need to be ready to face all kinds of odds. Every question being asked has a specific reason and you need to focus on that. The trick is not to answer the question “correctly” but to use it to your advantage, so you can present a certain trait of yours while answering.

For instance, here is an off the wall interview question that can be quite puzzling but it is extremely simple to answer.

“If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?”

Many job seekers get perplexed and they start imagining Superman, Batman, Iron man, Spiderman, Hulk and Thor or perhaps the more realistic Hawk Eye. The question doesn’t pertain to fictional superheroes but real life superheroes. The question basically pertains to the most special quality you have. Tony Stark may be infamous for his idiosyncrasies but he is Iron Man and it is the suit that makes him the superhero, of course along with his grasp of technology.

If you were a superhero, your superpower has to be your biggest strength. For some people it could be enthusiasm while for some it could be curiosity. For some, it could be knowledge and for others it could be experience. Anything that you think is your most important attribute or strength is the answer.

Want help preparing for your next interview, or need help even finding an interview? Contact the staffing pros at Advance Staffing Solutions today!

 

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Start Being Confident in Your Career This Year!

January_2016_Confident

 

Do you struggle with confidence in your career? You are not alone. Some people are naturally confident. Some people are shy. There are many who doubt themselves or perhaps are shaky in specific circumstances. Whatever the reason for your lack of confidence, you need to work on it. If you want to make steadfast progress in your career, you need to be confident.

Here is how you can start being confident in your career this year:

Stop doubting yourself.

While there will be people trying to outdo you and even downplay you, the worst thing you can do to yourself is indulge in negative self-talk. Stop questioning your abilities and stop wondering if you will fail. Confidence stems from positivity. And positivity stems from developing the right mindset or thought process to develop strong perceptions about yourself. When you don’t trust or believe in yourself, why should anyone else?

Decide what your strengths are.

You need to figure out your strengths and play accordingly. If you follow a sport and are a fan of a certain sportsperson then you should observe how he or she tries to play to their strengths. Every person in the world has certain shortcomings. However, confident people smartly conceal their weaknesses and work on their strengths.

Build on your achievements.

Accomplishments and talents are the foundation of confidence. The more talented you are and the more accomplishments you have, the more confident you can be. Remind yourself of everything that you have done well in your profession. Consider the skills you have. Work on your skills to get better. Sign up for temporary jobs, and take some courses that will help you to develop a new skill. Learning and developing new skills or knowledge can be a real boost to your confidence.

Mingle with other successful people.

Try to associate yourself with colleagues who can make positive contributions to your career. When you team up with people who would want to put you down, you are inviting them to cause a dent in your confidence. While you should appreciate others and yourself, others too have to appreciate what you have or do. Appreciation from fellow workers or people you look up to will always be a confidence booster.

Remember to focus on the nice things in your life and be happy. You would be amazed at what a smile can do to your confidence and what kind of an impact it has on others.

 

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Monroe Open Registration-Saturday, January 16th

Saturday January 16th 8am-10am
Are you looking for a career change, but can’t make it in to our office Monday-Friday? Come take advantage of our 1st open registration on Saturday!
We are looking for:

  • All Shifts General Labor $9+
  • 2nd Shift Production Supervisor $18+
  • 2nd shift Maintenance $18+
  • Machine Builder $18+
  • Welders $12+
• Diploma/GED
• Work History within the last 12 months
***Please bring 2 forms of ID***
Advance Staffing Solutions-Monroe
35 E. Front Street
Monroe, MI 48161