Don’t Let Co-Workers Ruin Your Workday

Raza Rauf on April 14, 2017

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

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

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

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

Find What You Do Like

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

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

Consider Starting a Conversation About It

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

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

Consider Moving On

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

Monroe – Open Interviews

Raza Rauf on April 6, 2017

Open Interviews!

The Advance Group

35 E Front St Monroe MI 48161

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

Multiple openings in Monroe,

Carleton, Temperance, Dundee, Erie & Petersburg!

Skilled trades, clerical, manufacturing

1 ½ to 2 hour registration process

· Must be 18 years of age or older

· Must have a High School Diploma or GED

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

· Must have work history in the last 12 months

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

Start Landing More Interviews Now!

Raza Rauf on March 31, 2017

Often, the first real step to getting a new position is to land an interview, and that relies heavily on the impression left by your resume. Whether you are just beginning your job hunt or are in the middle of your search, making a few tweaks to your resume can help increase your odds of getting called in for the next hiring step.

So, before you send that next resume out the door, consider these tips for getting noticed for all the right reasons.

Keep Formatting Simple

Unless you are looking for a position in a particularly creative field like graphic design, you are better served by keeping your formatting simple. Choose fonts that are easy to read, and limit yourself to just one or two styles. Additionally, keep the size of your font fairly consistent, and only add two or three different sizes to increase impact on key areas.

When in doubt, keep all text aligned to the left. This is how most of the text we view every day is aligned, so it is automatically more comfortable for the reader.

Additionally, once you make a formatting choice, stick with it. For example, if you use bullets in your resume, choose one type of bullet and use only that one throughout the entire document.

Quantify Your Qualifications

When it comes to resumes, numbers speak louder than words. So, if you can add a statistic or amount to the information about your achievements, feel free to do so. Often, it is more impactful to say you maintained a customer satisfaction rating of 98.2 percent than just to say it was a high rating.

Anytime you can back up a statement with concrete metrics, you are likely doing yourself a favor by including them.

Think Like the Hiring Manager

What you want to show and what the hiring manager wants to see may not automatically align. When it comes down to it, you need to put your preferences aside and try to think like the person who is reviewing your resume. Make sure you focus on any guidance you receive from the job announcement. Any skill or experience that is listed first in the announcement, or that is repeated, is likely a priority. Make sure to represent those points clearly.

Match Keywords

When a person is reviewing your resume quickly, you need to help them find out what they need to know even if they are skimming the content. Include any keywords that are also found in the job announcement (and relevant based on your skills) as those associated with critical points in the job announcement.

This approach can also help you make it through an applicant tracking system, increasing the likelihood that a person will see what you have to offer.

Focus

Review all of your resume content and ensure that every word is relevant to the position to which you are applying. If a bullet point or statement isn’t needed based on the requested skills or experience, consider cutting it.

By making sure every piece of your resume speaks directly to that job, you make yourself seem like a specialist in those areas. And being seen as an expert can certainly help your chances.

If you are looking for more information for improving your resume or are interested in finding a new position, The Advance Group is here to help you find new opportunities. Contact us today and see what we have to offer.

Hate Your Job? We Might Know Why

Raza Rauf on March 20, 2017

If you’re finding it harder and harder to convince yourself to go to work, then you have likely realized what choices you have. You can try to find a way to change things for the better, vent to someone who will listen, or jump into your job search. And all of those can be great moves.

However, as we find ourselves pulling away from our work, we often begin to make additional mistakes that make things even less tolerable. And these are the changes we have to fight against. If you find yourself hating your job more every day, then see if you may be sabotaging your chances at a happy outcome.

You Stop Caring

While it may be nearly impossible to force yourself to be passionate about a position that has lost your interest, you do need to make sure you produce quality work. If you allow yourself to stop caring, that will be seen by others. And that can make your next job search even more difficult than before.

When we stop caring about our jobs, we may think it’s no big deal to do subpar work, come in late, leave early, or ignore our responsibilities. However, this affects your co-workers, manager, and the business in a negative way. And, if any of those people may be a reference for you in the future, you are essentially shooting yourself in the foot.

You Don’t Try to Find a Better Position

Going to a job you hate can be exhausting. However, you can’t let your tiredness or frustration be an excuse to put a job search on hold. In the end, finding a new job falls predominately on your plate. Certain steps can only be taken by you, and no one else will do them for you.

So, instead of putting everything off, schedule time in your calendar for tasks related to your job search. Once the time is set aside, and you get the process moving, you may find that job searching isn’t as rough as you thought. And, in some cases, you may even enjoy exploring your options.

Just keep the tasks on which you focus specific for each block of time. For example, day one could include 30 minutes for doing some resume updates. The next one could include setting up job alerts on certain websites. Then, you might schedule an appointment with a recruiter. Keeping the tasks small makes them feel manageable and may encourage you to keep pushing forward.

You Keep It a Secret

Not expressing your frustrations will eventually come back to haunt you. We can only hold these feelings in for so long before they begin costing you more and more. And, there is often nothing to gain by keeping it a secret.

By letting some of these feelings out, and getting someone you trust involved, you may be able to find a way to solve the problem. Additionally, if you decide to make some changes, you will likely need their support, and that is easier to get with some warning.

If you are interested in extending the reach of your job search, the professionals at The Advance Group can provide the support you need. Contact us and see what is available in your area.

Use These Tips to Find Co-Workers You Really Love!

Raza Rauf on February 27, 2017

It is well documented that workplace friendships can improve your performance. When you have connections at work, you are happier to be there. And, since most people spend as much time with their co-workers as they do close family members, it’s no surprise that these relationships matter. So, how do you find out if a job opportunity comes with more than a great set of job duties, but also with great people? By following these tips.

Start with the Interview

When you come in for an interview, you often get your first glimpse into the work environment. You get insights regarding the company culture and how the workspace is physically structured. It is also generally the first real conversation you have with someone working there.

After visually reviewing the environment, feel free to ask questions about it. Most interviews come with the obligatory “do you have any questions for me” section, so now is a great time to get the answers you need. For example, you can ask about how the organization approaches team building or if co-workers tend to get together after hours. You can also ask if you will have an opportunity to meet potential co-workers as part of the interview process.

Since cultural fit is being stressed by more companies, it is possible that team introductions are already on the schedule for top candidates.

Be Yourself

Since organizations understand the value of a strong cultural fit, it is also important that you be yourself throughout the process. Most candidates are in the habit of not just putting their best foot forward, but in restraining their personality to fit someone else’s mold. While this may increase a person’s odds of landing a position in some cases, it doesn’t give the company a chance to really consider whether you will fit in culturally.

Now, this doesn’t mean you should let it all hang out, but don’t feel pressured into hiding every quirk or idiosyncrasy.

Have a Life (and Talk About It!)

Another habit of old involves presenting yourself as if you are a work-oriented robot who lives and breathes all things office-related. Just as restraining your personality can give hiring managers the wrong impression about your cultural fit, neglecting to present yourself as a whole person who isn’t solely focused on your career can lead to a poor fit.

When discussing anecdotes and experiences during the interview, feel free to open up a bit about who you are outside of your work hours. You aren’t going to find your ideal set of co-workers if people aren’t getting insights into the real you from the beginning.

Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

If after the interviews and the meet-and-greets, the cultural fit doesn’t seem right to you, don’t be afraid to say no if a job offer comes along. You will be spending a significant amount of your life at work and, if you can’t imagine yourself fitting in with the people you have met, then it may be wise to keep looking.

Settling for a less than ideal work environment won’t create long-term happiness, so take that into consideration before accepting a position. If you are looking for new job opportunities or a chance to find your ideal workplace, The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact our professional staff today and see what may be on the horizon.

Too Busy for a Job Search?

Raza Rauf on February 20, 2017

When you think of a job hunt, do you imagine sitting in front of a computer screen for hours on end? Are you slogging through job listings or analyzing every word on your resume? And are you trying to do all of this while working a full-time job, going to school, or caring for a family?

While it’s true that a job search does take some of your time, it is a common misconception that it has to be cumbersome. Often, when we picture a job search, we see the task as a whole instead of a sum of various parts. And separating out the pieces can be the key to job search success no matter how busy your average day tends to be.

Here are some common mini-tasks involved in the large job hunting process, and information about how to fit them into your day.

Manage Your Resume

The first step of every job hunt is to get your resume in order. That way, if you find a great opportunity, you aren’t stuck scrambling to manage the paperwork. Now, you don’t have to see resume revisions as a single task. Instead, dedicate just 10 minutes a day to the project, and use each 10-minute block to handle a single resume section.

For example, your first 10 minutes could involve updating the information on your current position. The next 10 minutes? Update your skills information. Just proceed in 10-minute intervals, one section at a time, until you have a solid base resume.

Create Alerts and Searches

Many job boards give you the option to receive emails regarding new positions that may be of interest. Consider visiting some of the major players and creating alerts based on your target positions. That way, if you are somewhat crunched for time, you can review positions that are more likely to suit your needs. Additionally, save search criteria on some of these sites as well to help streamline your efforts when the time is right.

Now, you don’t actually have to begin your searching yet. This step is about making your future efforts more efficient, so don’t feel like you need to review everything that comes up now. Instead, use 10-minute intervals just as you did with your resume review and get these setup for future use.

After all of the setups are complete, you can use your available time to review positions that fit the parameters you set without having to wade through the rest.

Work with Skilled Employment Professionals

Sometimes, the best way to get a job search going when you are strapped for time is to work with professional recruiters. Staffing firms can review your information and get to know your preferences in a single meeting. Then, they can forward you opportunities that meet your needs. They’ll do all of the searching and sorting for you, and you get to reap all of the benefits of their expertise.

If you are too busy to commit to your job search, the professionals at The Advance Group are here to help. Contact us today and let our experience work for you!

Here’s What You Can Leave Off Your Light Industrial Resume

Raza Rauf on February 13, 2017

Job seekers used to believe that every piece of their professional lives had to be included on their resume regardless of its current relevance to their career. But, today, that simply isn’t the case. While ensuring all pertinent details make it into the final document, there are others that no relevance when you are focusing on light industrial positions.

In the end, your resume is a piece of marketing material, and you want to make sure it reflects the best image possible. With that in mind, here are some points to leave off of your light industrial resume.

High School Education

Including the name of your high school and the year you graduated is simply unnecessary on a resume. It takes up valuable space and provides no real value when a hiring manager is reviewing your information. And, in some cases, the information can actually work against you. If you provide the year of your graduation on your resume, it isn’t difficult to estimate your age. Even though some age groups are protected from discrimination, not everyone is, so it is often best to leave that piece of information a mystery.

Unrelated Work Experience (That Isn’t Recent)

If you have been working in light industrial positions for the past decade, then anything prior to that is generally irrelevant when it comes to landing a new light industrial job. Feel free to leave old jobs off that don’t provide valuable information to a hiring manager at your target companies.

However, if the work experience is very recent, you may need to include the basics to avoid the appearance of large gaps in your employment history. When that is the case, trim the details regarding your experience to points that hold relevance to the position you are seeking.

All-Encompassing Job Descriptions

When you describe your prior experience, it is tempting to simply rehash the details contained in your last job description. But this level of nitty-gritty detail is often overkill or cumbersome. Instead, focus on key accomplishments and critical skills listed in the job posting of the position to which you are applying. That way, you have the major keywords covered (in case your resume is being put through an automated screening process), but you don’t have a deluge of information.

Also, you don’t have to list a particular job duty or skill under every job title in which you performed the work. For example, if you used a pallet jack in your last three jobs, don’t repeat it in every position overview.

Objectives and Interests

Objective and interest sections were used to allow applicants to make personal statements about their goals and the personal side of their life. But these sections rarely provided any insights when it came to evaluating candidates. Most objective statements focused on finding new employment, which is inherently understood since you are applying for a position, and interests often included personal hobbies, which often didn’t relate to their professional lives. Either way, the information is unnecessary, so it is best to leave these sections off.

If you are looking for more resume tips or would like help finding a new light industrial position, The Advance Group is here to help. Contact us today and see what job opportunities are available to you.

Didn’t Get the Job Offer? These Tips Will Help You Understand Why

Raza Rauf on February 6, 2017

Your resume is perfection, your cover letter inspiring, and your landing one interview after another. But once the interview is over, everything grinds to a halt. And it isn’t just one time. You keep pushing forward, but your efforts aren’t getting you the one thing you want: a job offer.

After a few times of getting the same response (or no response at all), it is easy to be hard on yourself. And while it is possible you’ll need to make some changes soon, it is important to recognize that you have a large part of the process down.

So don’t overanalyze your applications, because they are doing their job. Now, it’s time to look at the interview and see what you can do to get the job offer.

In most cases, your contributions in an interview can be narrowed down into two categories; what you say and how you say it. Here are some tips to make sure that both parts are on point.

What You Say

Step one is to consider the content of your responses. When you answer a question, you want the information to be valuable in regards to understanding how you would succeed with a new company. To help you craft meaningful content when discussing your background and experience, stick with a three-part response. First, outline a challenge you faced. Next, review the action you took to resolve the problem. Finally, confirm the result.

Often, these responses should be around four-to-six sentences long, so make sure that everyone counts. If you tend to include excess information, then trim your response accordingly. Too short? Then add some detail to help create context.

Make sure to focus on answers that have a strong framework and where the end result is well defined. When possible, quantify your results for additional impact.

How You Say It

An interview is often an uncomfortable situation. And that may make it more difficult to be your best self. But coming off as down-to-earth, approachable, and generally positive can be the difference between an offer and heading back to the drawing board.

The key to a stronger delivery is often practice. Work with a friend or family member and have them observe your responses. They will be able to let you know if the tone isn’t sending the right message, or if your body language is hurting your chances. Additionally, they often have the ability to be honest in their assessment which is more than you may get if you are able to solicit feedback from your prior interviewers.

For example, a friend may be more comfortable pointing out your nervous laugh or tendency to ramble, while an interviewer may be more reserved in regards to feedback. And that honest feedback may make all the difference.

You can also work with a recruiter to get the feedback you need. The professionals at The Advance Group understand what it takes to nail an interview, and will be able to provide you with the feedback you need. We can also help you locate new opportunities that you might otherwise miss. Contact us and see where your new interview skills can take you and land your next job offer.

Step Up Your Design Engineer LinkedIn Profile with This Trick!

Raza Rauf on January 27, 2017

Your LinkedIn profile serves as an extension of your resume; it includes additional information that you cannot generally work into a one- or two-page document. But is your profile living up to its potential? If you want to be seen as a top design engineer in your field, then you need to make sure your profile summary is on point. Take the time to review your summary’s content and use these tricks to help you stand out from the crowd.

The “Why” of Your Work

We are all motivated by something and giving light to your reasoning can make for a compelling introduction. Consider the parts of your job that keep you moving forward and encourage you to delve even deeper into your chosen specialty as a design engineer. Maybe you enjoy taking business ideas and using them to create more advanced, efficient structures, equipment, machines, or systems. Or perhaps you enjoy creating something on paper or via computer-aided design (CAD) software and seeing the representation become a reality.

Expressing the driving force behind your pursuit can help demonstrate your passion for the field in a meaningful way.

How You Do What You Do

Everyone has different skills and traits that differentiate themselves from other design engineers. Include a few sentences that provide insight regarding how you do what you do. This allows recruiters and hiring managers to visualize how you function in a work environment.

If you aren’t sure how to phrase these statements, treat it like you are answering the unasked question that is on every hiring manager or recruiter’s mind: how are you a solution to their business problem? Every position within an organization represents a problem that needed to be solved. By describing how you can provide answers to their unspoken challenges, you can clear one hurdle on the path to new employment.

Say it with Numbers

When it comes to your design engineer LinkedIn profile, and your resume, something nothing speaks louder than numbers. Quantifying your accomplishments gives much-needed context to your experience.

Isn’t this the kind of information that belongs in the Experience section of your profile? Yes, it is. But if you have particularly powerful metrics to provide, there is no reason you can’t include them here as well.

Your profile summary needs to hook potentially interested recruiters and hiring managers, so don’t be afraid to list a key accomplishment or two here to help encourage them to continue through the rest of your profile.

Include Contact Information

If someone wants to contact you regarding a possible opportunity, don’t make them hunt for your contact information. Instead, include your email address, and possibly your phone number, in a prominent place.

You may choose to close your summary with your contact information, though you can also place it closer to the top. Experiment with the location and see if one area of another yields better results.

For those concerned about leaving contact information so publicly available, consider setting up an alternate email address and phone number (an internet-based phone number can work well) solely to list on your profile. Just make sure to check it regularly for messages, or set up forwarding to an account you already check regularly.

If you are ready to find your next job, and you want skilled employment professionals by your side, The Advance Group is here to provide the guidance and connections you need. Contact us and see what opportunities may be available for design engineers in your field.

Sylvania OPEN Registration

Raza Rauf on January 26, 2017

Join us tomorrow Friday, January 27th

Open Registration

5800 Monroe St Bldg F

Sylvania, Ohio 43560

8:00am-2:00pm

Please make sure you bring 2 forms of valid ID

State ID/Driver’s License AND Social Security Card/Birth Certificate.

419-882-7646

Welcome to 2017! Here’s How to Get Back Into Your Workplace Groove

Raza Rauf on January 20, 2017

The holiday season is officially over. You’ve said goodbye to your loved ones with whom you reconnected for a visit, and it’s time to start taking down the decorations. It’s also time to head back to work.

No matter how wonderful your holiday experience, it is seriously disruptive to your workplace routine. If you find yourself disengaged and lethargic, you aren’t alone. Luckily, there are things you can do to help you get back into the groove, letting you start out 2017 the right way.

Up Your Exercise

It isn’t uncommon to let your workout routine slide a bit during the holiday season. But exercise can help you fight off those post-holiday blues and help you get back into a positive mindset. So reunite with your morning run, or join a new fitness class to shake things up. You can even do quick bursts of activity throughout your day, like taking the stairs a little bit faster or finding exercises you can do at your desk.

Reevaluate Your Diet

Another area that often goes off the rails during the holidays is your diet. While many people begin New Year’s resolutions focused on losing weight, it is more important to make sure you are giving your body what it needs to function at its best. A poor quality diet, no matter the number of calories, can harm productivity and have a negative impact on motivation, mood, and your ability to concentrate. Make an effort to eat a healthy variety of foods and mind your caloric intake for better results.

Walk Down Memory Lane

Our memories are funny things, and you can use that to your advantage. Taking some time to remember your holiday can actually work to your benefit. As we reminisce about certain experiences, our minds tend to embellish, and that can actually make you happier. So don’t be afraid to take a few moments for reflection, as the mood boost can make it time well spent.

Get Organized

Distractions and interruptions can wreak havoc on your productivity, especially if you are working without a plan. As you return to work, the first thing you should do is develop a plan for your week. Create a schedule (one for work and one personal) and make sure to prioritize your tasks.

Also, leave a bit of wiggle room within the tasks. Even if you can limit distractions and interruptions, something will likely come along that needs to be put in front of other tasks. By giving yourself room to adjust, you can shift your schedule without making your workday unmanageable.

Create Work-Life Balance

While there is no magic wand for achieving the perfect state of work-life balance, it is important to build in time for yourself and what you enjoy doing. So, while you are creating your schedule, make sure to include some time for you and your family. Schedule social time like any other calendar appointment, or sign yourself up for a class that is just for fun. And, once something is planned, treat it like any other important appointment by not moving it unless there is truly an emergency.

Plan for Your Next Holiday

We all know that taking a vacation can feel great, but it has mood-boosting benefits beyond the time you are off work. In fact, the act of planning a holiday or vacation can improve your mood for weeks before you actually head out the door. And, you don’t have to plan big trips for it to work. Consider something as simple as a long weekend adventure and start adding money to your vacation fund. You may find that anticipating your next holiday actually makes it easier to get back into your workplace groove.

Consider New Employment

Sometimes it isn’t the post-holiday mindset that is affecting your motivation; it could be the realization that your current job isn’t really for you. If you find yourself longing for a change of pace, The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us today and see if a new job is the ticket to a better 2017.

Already Stressing Out in 2017? Try Doing This

Raza Rauf on January 6, 2017

Stress related to your career is practically a fact of life. Some people quietly stew in their discontent, while others wear the “difficulty” associated with their line of work as a badge of honor. But whether you are losing sleep to impress or because you feel you have no choice but to put in the extra hours, there’s one simple fact you must remember; it’s only a job.

Job and Identity

Many people tie their profession to their identity as a person. While what you do for a living is a key part of your day-to-day, it isn’t necessarily what your life should be about. Even if you enjoy what you do, and find your daily work meaningful, a job is predominately a means to an end. It pays the bills and gives you an opportunity to explore what you are passionate about, even if your passions lie outside of the workplace.

Doing your job should not lead to suffering in other areas of your life. Devoting too much time to your career and not enough time to things that are meaningful to you may result in burnout or worse.

Taking a Break

If your work is dominating every waking moment of your day, and the number of waking moments begins to significantly dig into your non-waking moments, then you might want to schedule some time off. Putting all of your energy into your work often cannot be sustained long-term. That means, for the sake of your sanity, it is important to break away from time to time.

But what if your workplace can’t survive without you? The trick is, unless you are a one-person operation, it can survive without you. Work will go on; tasks will be completed. Even if you are self-employed, scheduling some time for yourself is critical to keep the fires burning.

Giving ourselves permission to pursue something other than work keeps us revitalized. You will be able to be more productive over the long-term if you give yourself the chance to put work down and do something you enjoy. It is also necessary to maintain your relationships with family and friends, as well as your physical health, and if your constant state of being on the clock is harming those areas of your life, you might want to step away for a few days.

Not Romanticizing Stress

Many people have the habit of romanticizing their stress, treating it like a status symbol instead of the burden it can be. To help you move past your stress, you need to understand that the damage being done does not compensate for the potential to humblebrag about the challenges of your life.

Looking at stress through rose-colored glasses such as these is often an attempt to express one’s value or level of importance. Some people function under the notion that the more stress you have, the more important you must be. But stress and importance, or even success, do not always go hand-in-hand.

Occasional workplace stress is normal, but if it is dominating your daily existence, it might be time to explore new opportunities. If you are interested in finding a new position that allows you to keep stress in its proper place, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us today and see if a better work-life balance is on the horizon in 2017.