Job Seekers

Can LinkedIn Recommendations Help You Land a Job?

HMG Success on February 6, 2015

Millions of people are on LinkedIn these days in an effort to improve their reach within their industry and to find a new job in Sylvania OH. The best way to do this is by having a complete profile, which means that it must include recommendations from previous employers, co-workers, mentors or college professors. Recommendations from those who know you best will help you land a job.

Find out how to leverage LinkedIn to land a job sooner, with these tips below:

Identify Your People Who are the Best Fit to Recommend You

The first step in landing a job via a LinkedIn recommendation is by identifying the people within your network who are best fit to recommend you. Instead of sending out a mass email to the hundreds of people in your network, identify who knows you best from college, a previous job or a current job. Send out five recommendation requests per week until you receive a set number of recommendations you think is best for your profile.

Recommend First, Then Ask

Instead of directly asking a connection to recommend you, consider recommending them first. They will either reciprocate without having to be asked or will kindly write you a recommendation after you nudge them just a little bit. It is never a good idea to ask for a recommendation without offering something in return first.

Create a List of Accomplishments

Make sure your LinkedIn profile features the best accomplishments from your entire career. When you put all of this on one list you will make it easier for those recommending you to write their letter. It will not be generic or boring. Instead, it will be specific to your career and the accomplishments achieved with those who recommended you. Use the space near the top part of your profile page to include your best features and accomplishments.

Request Recommendations Early

It is a good idea to request the recommendation while still employed with a company that also employs your endorser or to do so not long after you have left that company. This will ensure that the endorser does not forget who you are or what it is you did for the company while employed. If the endorser does not respond right away, do not worry as everyone is busy. Wait a week or so and ask again, but this time send a personal email request or make a quick phone call.

Tell Endorsers What to Write

Many times, a connection wants to recommend someone on LinkedIn, but does not know how to ask or what to write. This is not a problem. Ask that person for the recommendation and then tell them what it is they should say. Many endorsers will ask what to say, whether it is the generic “He performed well,” or will ask if they should be very specific with the letter.

The bottom line here is that LinkedIn recommendations can go a long way towards helping you land a job in Sylvania OH or a new client. It is best to have at least one per client or employer that is featured on your profile.

How to Create a Cover Letter – Free Template

HMG Success on January 27, 2015

Many people dread writing a cover letter when they begin a job search. What makes them stress even more is the fact that different cover letters should be written for every single job applied for, no matter the similarities between them. With 2015 in full swing, it is time to revamp the cover letter sent to prospective employers. Here, we will discuss the best ways to create a cover letter and provide you with a free cover letter template for reference.

Use the Opening to Your Advantage

The opening of your cover letter is the most important part because hiring managers typically have time to scan for roughly 20 seconds due to their busy schedules. You need to make as much of an impression as possible right off the bat. If you know a little bit about writing for the web, use that knowledge when writing your cover letter. You need to make an impression within the first 20 seconds worth of content.

Follow All Instructions!

As you read a job application, make sure you follow all of the instructions to the letter. If the employer directs you to write something specific in your email subject line or in the body of your cover letter, be sure you do it, or you will not receive a return call or email. Hiring managers do this as a simple test to see if applicants can follow easy instructions. If they cannot, then what is the use in scheduling them for an interview?

Always Provide Contact Info

No matter how many different cover letters you write, all of them must include your contact information. Your cover letter might be the best one a company has read in a long time, but if you do not give them all of your contact info, they will not be able to schedule an interview. Tell them exactly how to contact you in the cover letter. Whether this is via phone or email and the time of day that is best to reach you.

Proofread the Cover Letter

It is very important to proofread your cover letter prior to hitting send on an email or online application. Hiring managers do not want to have to figure out what it is you are trying to say in your cover letter because of too many typos or grammar mistakes. Your enthusiasm for the job must also shine through in your cover letter so the hiring manager knows how interested you are in the job.

Avoid Desperation

Do your best to avoid coming across as desperate in your cover letter. Even if you have been searching for a job for months on end, desperation should never show in your words. This will scare the employer as they wonder why you have had so much difficulty finding a job.

The cover letter is just as, if not more important, than your resume and portfolio. This is the first line of attack when trying to land a new job. So, be sure it sparkles as much as possible.

Download a FREE COVER LETTER TEMPLATE here (Microsoft Office).

3 Job Search Tips Manufacturing Candidates Need to Know

HMG Success on January 20, 2015

Searching for a job has always been difficult, but with social media, networking and references, finding that perfect job gets a little bit easier. Working in the manufacturing field is a calling for most employees, so when it comes time to find a new job within the industry, you need to know the best ways to go about the search.

Here, we will discuss the top three job search tips manufacturing candidates need to know to be successful.

List Target Companies

One of the first things you must do in order to be successful is create a list of target companies in the areas you live. When you take time out of your day to research some of the best companies in the manufacturing industry, you will be able to pick which ones you like the most and which ones you should not waste your time with when sending in applications.

Your list needs to be based on where it is geographically you would like to work, at what level within the company and what type of culture you would like to be a part of if hired. You can build this list based on information found on the company websites, by talking to people who work at those companies and by asking for an informational interview.

Talk to Those Who Have Been There

The second job tip for those searching for a job in manufacturing is to speak with people who have worked in the position in the past. These people will be able to tell you everything they liked and disliked about both the job and the company.

This type of research is invaluable because you will be able to find out what a typical day would be like on the job, what type of tasks would need to be completed and how management handles itself when it comes to dealing with subordinates.

Learn the Company

The third tip on our list is to learn the company. There are multiple ways to make this happen, including scheduling an informational interview, browsing their corporate website, talking to former employees, following the company on multiple social networks and attend any career events the company hosts.

The more you learn about the company, the easier it will be to decide if you want to submit an application with them or not. It will also make it easier if you receive multiple job offers from different companies to make a decision.

Finding the right job in the manufacturing industry does not have to be difficult. You can make it as easy as possible by implementing all three of the tips outlined in this post. One final tip: never ask for a job when on an informational interview with a company.

Advance Staffing Solutions has a wide range of temp to hire, part time and fill time jobs with manufacturing companies hiring in Monroe MI, Southgate MI, and Sylvania OH. We encourage you to check out our recently added jobs and submit your qualifications for consideration.

How “Thank You” Notes Could Hinder Your Interview Process

HMG Success on January 13, 2015

We have all heard the saying, “It can’t hurt,” when it comes to applying for a job. There is no harm in submitting a cover letter with a resume, connecting with the interviewer on LinkedIn or even sending a “thank you” letter. But, before you make a mistake, you need to know that sending a thank you letter can actually harm your chances at receiving an offer of employment.

But, you’ll want to pay attention because in today’s post, we will discuss how a thank you note can actually hurt your job search.

Sending it Too Late

There is nothing worse than sending a thank you note to the interviewer well after the interview actually took place. Waiting until a week later to send the note shows the interviewer that it was an after-thought and that you are not interested in the position. It is best to send the note the same day of the interview or no later than 48 hours afterwards.

Full of Typos

If your thank you note is littered with typos or poor grammar, then you will have no shot at receiving an offer of employment. You might still get a second interview, especially if it was scheduled prior to the note arriving, but you probably will not make it further than round two. Since you likely had someone proofread your resume and cover letter, it is a good idea to do the same with the thank you letter. It will take two minutes and can save you from embarrassment.

Generic Messages

If you are going to send a thank you note, make sure it is not a generic one. This will hurt your chances of finding a job. You must personalize every single thank you note you write following a job interview, no matter how many people you met during the process. Scribbling five generic notes shows that you did not take the time to write these notes. Instead, personalize each note using something you learned from each person when you interviewed.

Inappropriate Content

It is never a good idea to include any type of inappropriate content in the thank you note, no matter how confident you are that you nailed the interview. Do not get chummy with the reader of the note or use first names. Also avoid any use of foul language. This really should not be an issue, but it still needs to be said.

Too Much Information

When a job candidate uses the thank you note to brag about him or herself even more, it can hurt their chances at securing the job. Never use the thank you note to conduct a second interview. The note should be short, sweet and to the point. Do not ramble on and take up the entire page. Do not even consider mentioning something you forgot to discuss in the interview when writing the thank you note. Stay away from it at all costs.

Take these items into consideration the next time you sit down to write a thank you note following a job interview and you should be able to secure an offer of employment.

Kick 2015 Off Right — With 6 Job Hunting Tips

HMG Success on January 6, 2015

A New Year might mean a new job for some folks who are looking for upward mobility. Whether you are preparing to enter the workforce after winter graduation, looking to switch careers or trying to find employment after a long layoff; you will want to have a strong job search in place. In today’s post, we will discuss six important job hunting tips for those who want to kick 2015 off right.

#1 Expand Your Network

One of the most important things you can do in 2015 when looking for a job is to expand your network. A professional network is one of the best ways to find a new job, or a lead, which is why you need to expand it as much as possible. Connect with more people on LinkedIn, attend career fairs and attend conferences within your industry to meet new people.

#2 Have a Plan in Place

Another tip for searching for a new job in 2015 is to have a plan in place. You should never search for a job without a goal or a plan. Set aside time each day to send out resumes and have a weekly quota for how many you want to submit to potential employers. Edit your cover letter for each job so that it is addressed to the hiring manager for that job.

#3 Learn New Skills

It might be a good idea to learn a new skill or two in 2015 if you want to find a new job. Adding to your current pool of skills will only improve your chances of landing a job. The more skills you have, the more appealing you will be to employers. Whether you enroll in courses at a college campus or take an online training program, consider adding a new skill to your repertoire to improve your job search.

#4 Keep LinkedIn Profile Current

Even if you are unemployed, you need to keep your LinkedIn profile current. Post relevant content to your LinkedIn profile that asserts your knowledge within your industry. The content should be articles and videos and they need to include pertinent information. You should also use keywords within your LinkedIn profile that can get it noticed by potential employers.

#5 Work Temp Jobs

Another important job hunting tip for 2015 is to work temporary jobs while in-between full-time jobs. Temporary jobs are a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and expand your network. Temporary jobs could also turn into full-time work with the same company. You might also meet someone who might hire you at their new place of employment down the road.

#6 Make Applications Personal

When you are applying for a job, make sure it is personal. Find out the name of the hiring manager or department head and address the message to that person. Write the message as if you are speaking to them on the phone, not like you are form-filling hundreds of resumes for the sake of doing so.

To be successful in your job hunt in 2015, it will take a lot of work. Make sure you follow the tips outlined in this post so you are offered employment. And if you need more help in your hunt for a new job this year, contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!

Wish List : How Mapping Out Your Career Plan can Make it Come True

HMG Success on December 26, 2014

If you have a “wish list” for your career, then just like any plan — you need to create a map in order to make everything on the list come true. When you create a map, you are creating a plan of action to get to your destination. When you can see the plan, it is easier to work towards the goals needed to meet every item on the wish list. Even though there is nothing wrong with making things up as you go along, you can get there quicker with a plan mapped out in your mind.

Here’s how to get started mapping out your career success:

Write Down Likes, Dislikes, Needs and Wants

One of the first things you need to do when mapping out your career is writing down all of your likes, dislikes, needs and wants associated with your career. When you reflect on all of this, you will be able to map out a more distinctive path for your career. If this is the first time you are doing this, you might have different likes and dislikes now compared to when you first started working the job five or 10 years ago.

Review Job Trends

The next step involves you reviewing job trends from your career. Even if your career path is wide right now, it could shrink within the next year or two without much notice. When you review job trends, you are able to determine which jobs are expanding and growing within your industry and which ones are being phased out at the moment.

Seek Education and Training Opportunities

When mapping out your career plan, you need to include new educational and training opportunities within the plan. You need to find new training experiences that can move you further down the career path you have mapped out instead of sitting idle watching your career pass you by. Use temporary jobs as a way to boost your experience and training levels, too.

Note Your Accomplishments

As you continue to create the map for your career plan, you need to acknowledge all of the accomplishments from your career. The more often you update your list of accomplishments, the easier it will be to write a killer resume when the time comes to apply for a new job. When you sit down to review past accomplishments, it could remind you of forgotten successes. This can lead you down a new career path without even knowing it.

Perform a Personal Skills Assessment

Another important part of mapping a career plan is performing a skills assessment. Write down what skills you use right now for your job, what you have used in the past, and what you will need to further your career in the future.

Mapping out your career plan will make it easier to find a new job, take a temporary assignment in Detroit MI, or move further into your industry as a professional. It is something that everyone should do, no matter which industry they work in or what type of job they hold.

Why Winter is the Perfect Time to Kick Start a Job Search

HMG Success on December 5, 2014

You might not realize it, but the winter season is one of the best during the year to kick start your job search. Whether you are currently employed, preparing to graduate in the spring, or are unemployed and looking for work; the winter months can prove to be very effective for finding new employment. Many people back down from a job search during the dreary, cold days of winter and wait for the temperatures to rise. You should take advantage of this and move to the top of the candidate list for open jobs.

Here are some ways to give your job search a head start during the winter months:

Update Your Resume and Cover Letter

A big reason why your job search has stalled could be the shape of your resume and cover letter. If these items are in bad condition, then you will likely struggle with finding a new job. Use the winter months to supercharge your resume and cover letter. Review these documents with a fine-tooth comb and even ask a trusted friend or family member to do the same. The more eyes on them, the better.

You need to have a resume that grabs attention because it might be the only form of communication you have with a potential employer. You also need to tailor each cover letter to the company that is hiring. This makes the application more personal and will get you noticed over some other candidates.

Improve Your LinkedIn Page

Take some time out of your winter activities of shoveling snow and throwing rock salt to revamp your LinkedIn page. This is a vital part of the job search process and should even be done multiple times per year. You need to make sure that your recent work history is up-to-date on your profile page and that you have some recommendations on there from your connections. Those recommendations should come from former supervisors, mentors or co-workers. Also, use LinkedIn as part of your job search. Thousands of companies across the country are posting their open jobs on the site so be sure to spend time each day browsing the new openings posted.

Take the Initiative

As the winter months begin to settle in, do not hunker down and give up on your job search. Instead, take the initiative and submit your resume and job application for open positions in-person at the companies looking to hire new employees. Do not do this on days when a major winter storm is bearing down on the region. Instead, pick a day or two where the weather is clear so you will not be impeded. Companies who see you do this will be sure to put your resume at the top of the pile. Take on temporary jobs in Ohio or Michigan while you are seeking your perfect career.

The bottom line here is that the winter months can actually be the perfect time for kick starting a job search. Just make sure that you make smart decisions and do not risk life and limb to find a job when the snow and ice are falling.

Have You Created an Online Resume Yet?

HMG Success on November 27, 2014

Technology advances in the way recruiters find candidates means that the most successful job searches include the use of an online resume. This type of resume is not much different from your paper resume, but it can make a big difference when it comes to getting noticed by potential employers. You will want to do everything possible, and ethical, to put yourself in the driver’s seat of a job search. Using an online resume is one of those things you need to be using right now.

Here’s how to make sure your online resume accomplishes the goals you have in your career.

Digital Presence is Important

Even though paper is not dead yet, having a digital presence is important in today’s high-tech world. As you continue to build a digital presence, and one that shows you in a positive light, a resume should be added somewhere down the line. Having a digital presence today is vital during a job search because it allows employers the opportunity to track where you have been as an employee and verify what is listed on your resume in a reasonable amount of time.

Online Resumes are Always With You

One of the biggest advantages of having an online resume is the fact that it is always with you, in the form of a URL or a digital document saved on your personal cloud. This is important because no matter where you are, you will be able to send a resume to a potential employer. You might be running errands when you bump into a former co-worker who has taken a management position at a different company. He or she might have a job available in their department. You will be able to send your resume to that former co-worker within seconds when you have one online.

Online Resume Must be Printable

Even though you are leaning more towards using only online resumes for a job search, you need to make sure they are printable. So, even though you can do a bunch of cool things with an online resume, it should still be printable if a company wishes to do so. This means that it should still be no longer than two pages in length and should not have any weird graphics that might not translate well when printed. Use a resume template that is left to right aligned, which will make it easier to upload to online systems too.

Online Resume Must be Tailored to Each Employer

As with a paper resume, an online resume must also be tailored to each individual employer. It does not matter if you are applying to the exact same job at three different companies, the online resume you submit for each one should be tailored to each individual company. This will show the companies that you took time to create the resume and are truly committed to finding a new job.

Online resumes are becoming more and more popular these days as companies move away from requesting hardcopies. Make sure your online resume is ready for action even if you are employed. You never know when opportunity will strike and it will need to be submitted.

How Personal Websites Can Land You a Job

HMG Success on October 8, 2014

As technology continues to become a main part of our lives, companies are utilizing it to find their next employees. This means that you need to be just as involved in technology as companies are, in order to find your next job. One such way to get involved is by utilizing a personal website. A personal website could very well mean the difference between receiving an offer for employment and extended unemployment.

Why a Personal Website?

You might be wondering why you need a personal website to help land a job in Detroit. There are two reasons; a personal website allows you to showcase the work you have performed throughout your career, and it shows potential employers how passionate you are about your work.

Not every industry has the type of work that can be showcased with a personal website, which is why the decision must come down to the line of work that you perform. For example, if you are a freelance writer or designer, it is strongly recommended that you have a personal website that showcases your portfolio. This allows potential employers to see what you have done and what they can expect from you – if hired.

Become a Thought Leader

Aside from showcasing your work, a personal website will also let you become a thought leader within your career or industry. You can increase your credibility as a designer, a writer or a tech professional when you open up an area for conversation on your personal website. The conversation should be related to your industry or career and not get off track at all. Conversations can include projects on which you are currently working, ones on which you would love to work and training seminars you have attended.

Share Expertise

Another benefit of having a personal website is that it will allow you to share your expertise with the rest of the industry. Many personal websites also have blogs, which means that you will be posting content that should be related to what you have done, or are doing right now, in your career. Make sure you do not post any inappropriate or derogatory content about others in your field. Recruiters and employers will easily be able to find your blog, so watch what you post.

Control Personal Brand

If you have a personal website, you will be able to control your personal brand. A personal website allows you to publish the type of brand you want to be known as. You can let the world know who you are as a person and an employee, not just what you have done during your career. The personal website will also let you be yourself as much as possible, which will show employers who you are and what you are like to work with on the job.

If you want to know more about the benefits of a personal website, or need help in general with your job search, contact the staffing experts at Advance Staffing Solutions today!

Are You a Job Hopper? Here’s how to Optimize Your Job Search

HMG Success on September 26, 2014

There are plenty of workers out there who can be considered “job hoppers”. These are folks who, for whatever reason, do not stay in one job or company for an extended length of time. While this can be detrimental for a job search, it does not have to stand in your way of getting a great job. There are plenty of things you can do to optimize your job search if you have a penchant for job hopping.

Here, we’ll discuss several ways to overcome a history of short-term jobs with some helpful tips.

Explain Temporary Jobs on a Resume

When you prepare to search for a new job and have worked quite a few different jobs over the past handful of years, you need to explain why this has happened. One of the reasons for the job hopping could be that you were working in temporary jobs to gain as much experience as possible or to meet as many different people as possible. When you explain that you have been working temporary jobs, employers will be more likely to hire you since you have been trying to improve your career as much as possible.

Use Time Wisely

The next thing you need to do is use your time wisely when unemployed. If you are between jobs, it is best to perform business-related activities so that you can put these activities on your resume. These activities include attending business events, training sessions, networking events and much more. You will be able to meet various people within your industry, gain new contacts and even pick up some references along the way. This will help potential employers see how well you have used your time and that you stayed dedicated to improving your career.

Remove Older Jobs

An excellent way to optimize your job search if you are a job hopper is to remove older jobs from your resume. For the most part, your resume should only go back 10 years, 15 years at the most. If you have seven years of experience or more in your career, make sure you remove any internships listed on your resume. By removing older jobs from a resume, you can help with the idea that you are a job hopper.

Lump Contract Jobs Together

If you worked a lot of contract jobs during your career, lump them into one job listing on your resume in order to remove the idea of being a job hopper. For example, if you have worked on multiple contracts as a freelance writer, list all of these contracts under one heading and mention the skills you used and the responsibilities of the jobs performed.

If you are in the middle of a job search and are worried you may appear to be a job hopper, then you should follow the tips outlined in this post to optimize your search as much as possible. When you remove the stigma of being a job hopper, then you should have no trouble obtaining an offer of employment. For more help on your job search, contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!

Standing Out at a Manufacturing Interview – 5 Tips You MUST Follow

HMG Success on September 5, 2014

Interviewing for a manufacturing job in Detroit, MI is stressful, especially when you are in dire need of work. Prevent the process from overwhelming you by preparing for the interview ahead of time. Preparation is key to any type of job interview. As you go on various interviews for manufacturing jobs, be sure you follow the five tips in this post to stand out from the rest of the pack.

Learn about the Company
One of the first things you must absolutely do is learn about the company. The more you know about the company, the better off you will be during the interview process. Your research should include the yearly numbers of the company, the executives at the company, and even the names of some department heads in case you run into them while on a tour of the manufacturing facility. Make sure you also know the company’s goals and mission so you can pull from your background to show how you would fit.
Prepare Questions to Ask
Prepare questions of your own to ask during the interview session. This will help you impress the interviewer and anyone else you meet along the way. Your questions should be ones that piggyback off questions asked by the interviewer or ones that you think of on your own that discuss things about the company. Ask the interviewer what types of problems the person hired for the job will need to solve, what type of person will be perfect for the job and much more.
Offer a Conversation
An important tip for standing out at a manufacturing interview is to be conversational during the meeting with the interviewer. When you provide rehearsed answers to interviewers, you are not showing them your complete personality. One way to do this is by offering them a conversation. When you are conversational during a job interview it allows you to show your personal side, something that the interviewer will want to see so they can gauge if you will fit the culture of the company.
Exceed Expectations
When you are sitting in a job interview for a manufacturing position, it is best to ask the interviewer how you can exceed their expectations. Make it known to the interviewer that you are not looking to do just the bare minimum if hired. Let the company know how far you are willing to go to perform job duties and get the projects done on-time and correctly.
Recap Your Thoughts Upon Leaving
As you prepare to leave the interview room, have a 30-second speech prepared for the interviewer. This should be a speech that thanks the interviewer for their time, reiterates how interested you are in the job and why you are the best candidate for the job.

As you prepare for a manufacturing job interview, be sure to follow the five tips outlined in this post so you can stand out from the crowd. Connect with Advance Temporary for manufacturing jobs in Detroit and other local areas.

Are your References Actually a Hindrance to Your Job Search?

HMG Success on August 26, 2014

Believe it or not, a person’s job references could end up being a hindrance in the search for a new job. When this happens, the candidate could struggle to land the new job they’re applying for. Candidates should consider examining their current references and making some changes in order to impress potential employers. Any negative items influencing your job search, including poor references, could automatically disqualify you from your dream job.

Read on to learn how to avoid making your references work against your job search efforts.

Common problems:

References Cannot be Reached
One of the first signs that a reference is hindering your job search is that the person cannot be reached. This is a very bad sign on your part. Before you list someone as a reference on your resume, make sure they will return a phone call or an email within 24 to 48 hours to the potential employer. If they do not wish to be named as a reference, do not put them on your resume. Avoid the issue altogether – right up front.

References Are Not Credible
Another way references could negatively impact your job search is if they are not credible themselves. This could mean that she is a peer in the workplace, friend, or mere acquaintance. You really should limit your references to managers and supervisors for whom you have worked. References should never be co-workers or other office peers. This will hinder your job search immensely.

References Cannot Speak About Your Work
The next potential way your references could hinder your job search is by being unable to speak about your work. It is understandable that it looks very strong to have a director or vice president listed as a reference on your resume, but these people might not be able to speak to the strength of your work if you come from a large company. When references cannot speak to your work, they can hinder your job search more than you might think.

Failure to Notify References in Advance
When you list someone on a resume as a reference, be sure you let them know that they will be contacted soon, and tell them the name of the company and the person who will be contacting them. If you fail to notify the references that they will be contacted, this can lead to them being surprised by the reference-checking phone call. Do not let this happen because it will reflect poorly on your part.Avoid having these things happen when a hiring manager tries to reach one of your work references. Have a list of people as a backup and routinely check your own references as you search for a job.

References Don’t Remember You
One of the biggest hindrances with references is when they do not remember you. If this happens, it means that you have not spoken to the reference in quite some time or they are from a job you held years ago. Stay in touch with the people who are your references – even when you are not actively looking for a job – because you want them to remember you.

For more information on how to choose and utilize the best references for your job search, contact the staffing experts at Advance Staffing Solutions. We know everything it takes to prepare for an interview, and can help you find a perfect placement!