Job Seekers

How to Stay Off a Recruiter’s Blacklist

Raza Rauf on September 28, 2015

Trying to find a job today is not easy. Even with the help of the Internet and social media, landing a job you want can take months because hundreds of people apply for the same jobs as you. Turning your job search into a success can be done by working with a recruiter. One thing you must know when working with a recruiter is that you need to stay off of their blacklist. Being on a recruiter’s blacklist can ruin your job search, so follow these tips to stay off this list!

Exaggerating Skills or Claims

One of the biggest reasons why a recruiter will put you on their blacklist is because you have been caught exaggerating your skills or claims on your resume. It is understandable that people exaggerate a little bit on their resumes, but it can be very detrimental their job search. Recruiters will be able to see through lies on your resume because they read thousands of resumes per year. Avoid exaggerating about your skills or claims on your resume to stay off a recruiter’s blacklist.

Self-Employed Viewed as Unemployed

Even though this seems a little harsh, many recruiters view self-employed job seekers as unemployed job seekers, even if the job seeker has been running a successful business independently. It is difficult to change this perception in front of recruiters, but it can be done. Make sure you include some stats about your independently owned business that proves you have been working for the past five-to-ten years, and not just sitting around the house.

Aggression Does Not Work

Even though being an aggressive job seeker can be better than being a passive one, it can get you blacklisted by a recruiter if you work with one. Contacting a recruiter multiple times per week via phone or email will get you blacklisted for sure. There is no need to constantly bother a recruiter about an open job or an interview you had with a company. If the company liked you, the recruiter will reach out to you when necessary.

Failure to Fit the Culture

Job seekers could have an incredible resume and all the references in the world, but not fitting in with a company’s culture could cause you to hit the blacklist. This can be determined through screening processes, an interview with the company and much more. If this happens more than once, a recruiter might have to blacklist you to avoid wasting anyone else’s time.

Stay off of a recruiter’s blacklist by keeping aggression to a minimum, avoiding exaggeration on your resume and by fitting into a company’s culture.

All Resumes Must Answer This One Question

Raza Rauf on September 22, 2015

The next time you sit down to write a resume, you need to look at one important question and see if it answers the question. In fact, instead of waiting to write a new resume, edit your current one to make sure it answers the important question discussed here. If you can answer the one question all resumes should answer, it will help you stand out from the rest of the crowd, and this is important in such a tough business world.

Goal of the Resume

The ultimate goal of your resume, no matter which version, is to entice a company to contact you for one of their open jobs. You can put as much work experience and skills as you want on your resume, but these alone will not get a company to contact you about their open job. You must be able to turn all of your work experience and skills learned in previous jobs into the reason why companies call you. You must paint a picture.

The Question That Must be Answered

The question that all resumes must answer is, “What makes you a better candidate than all others who have applied for this job?” As mentioned above, you need to paint a picture in order to answer this question appropriately. The picture you paint must tell the company why you are the best pick for the open job and not someone else.

What Answers This Question?

So, what is it about you that can provide a stellar answer to this question? You need to think past the mundane tasks you perform each day, from the minute you arrive to the minute you leave. You need to think about your biggest career accomplishments, achievements, accolades, articles and awards. When you put all of these items on your resume, in an appropriate manner and location, you should have no problem answering the question and getting a company to contact you about their open job.

Hundreds of people apply for the same open jobs at companies across the country. Because of this, HR managers and recruiters come across mediocre resumes and applicants who are not worth a second look. This means that you will need to work extra hard to get your resume noticed. Make sure you answer this question as thoroughly as possible to get noticed.

Are You Missing Out on LinkedIn Endorsements?

Raza Rauf on September 10, 2015

LinkedIn has so much to offer its users, especially when it comes to finding jobs. One feature of the social networking site that has become very popular is the ability to endorse connections. Endorsements are something that almost everyone does nowadays on LinkedIn. The point being to “endorse” — or vouch for — a connection’s skill or trait they have listed on their profile, and often, to have them endorse you for yours as well.

Issues with LinkedIn Endorsements

As with every social network, there are some issues with LinkedIn endorsements. For example, many users of the site are encouraged to endorse some lesser skills of their connections instead of skills those connections are actually known for. For instance, let’s say that you are known for your sound editing skills. LinkedIn will likely encourage your connections to endorse you for something along the lines of Microsoft Word or Communication. Because of this, you are not being endorsed for your best skills.

Being able to endorse connections you truly know makes it easier for users to expand their profile, because it gets posted to the profile page when a user offers an endorsement. Many users reciprocate when their receive an endorsement from a connection, which also shows up on their profile.

An issue with this is that many users simply endorse anyone they want if they are connected to them on LinkedIn. This means that the person who filed the endorsement does not really know if the recipient has those skills, or is even somewhat decent when performing those skills.

Use LinkedIn Endorsements

Despite the issues with LinkedIn endorsements, it is still a good idea for you to use them, but at your discretion. Whenever you log into LinkedIn and endorsement suggestions are presented, only approve the ones that are well known to you. Do not endorse connections who you have never met in person or whom you have never worked. This does not help you and you truly cannot speak to their skills.

The great thing about LinkedIn is that you can circumvent the issue with endorsement suggestions appearing on your login screen. If you truly want to endorse someone you know, go to their profile page. Here you will be able to choose the skill you want to endorse instead of endorsing the skill suggested by LinkedIn.

The next time you log into LinkedIn and are greeted with endorsement suggestions, visit the profile pages of those people and endorse the skills you know that person is truly great at performing.

Want to Stay in Your Temp Job? Start Building Relationships!

Raza Rauf on September 3, 2015

Building strong relationships at the office is not just for permanent employees, but also for temporary workers. Even though you might only be working at a temp job for two weeks or a couple of months, it is still imperative to build strong relationships. When temporary workers build strong relationships, it puts them in a better position to remain at their temporary job for an extended period or as a newly hired permanent employee.

Drop Criticism from Conversations

An excellent way to build stronger relationships with your co-workers at a temporary job is by dropping criticism from your conversations. It can be very easy to criticize co-workers for what they do, or don’t do, but it should not be done. When you criticize people on a regular basis, it makes it very difficult to get along with those people. You must remember that everyone makes mistakes, so be sure to focus on the positives when talking with co-workers.

Smile and Speak with Enthusiasm

Smiling when you speak with co-workers will go a long way when trying to build stronger relationships. You should also speak with enthusiasm, and not in a monotone that bores others. Co-workers will warm up to you when you greet them with happiness and a smile. Even if you do not get the opportunity to speak with them for a prolonged period, a quick smile when passing in the halls can help improve relationships.

Compliment Co-Workers

A compliment can go a long way toward building better relationships with co-workers. Compliments should never be backhanded, but should be sincere whenever you give them. People love to receive compliments, especially at work. The next time you talk with a co-worker, try to compliment them on a job well done on a recent project or about something from their personal life they told you.

Ignore the Rotten Egg

It goes without saying that there will be one rotten egg in the office who will attempt to make life miserable for those around them. Even though this person will make it their job to make your life miserable, you must ignore them as much as possible. Do not take it personally: Instead, build better relationships with the rest of your co-workers in an attempt to ignore the rotten egg.

If you enjoy the temporary job you are working right now, make an effort to build stronger relationships with co-workers there so you can have your contract extended or picked up permanently.

Open House – NEW jobs in Monroe County!

Raza Rauf on August 26, 2015

Job Fair/Open House

Thursday, August 27th 2015

9am-4pm

35 E. Front St. Monroe, MI 48161

734-457-0056

www.advancestaffingsolutions.com

Along with the many General Labor, Assembly, & Press Operating positions available in Monroe, Dundee, Carleton, & Temperance, we also have the following open positions:

Extrusion/Machine Operator, All shifts, Monroe $13.65-$14.55/hr
General Laborers, 1^st shift, Carleton, $9/hr
Welders, 1^st shift, Carleton and Dundee, $10-$15/hr
Warehouse/Forklift/Quality, 1^st/2^nd shift, Monroe, $10.60/hr
Machine Operator, 1^st shift, Milan, $10/hr + Overtime
Delivery/Warehouse, 1^st shift, Monroe, $10-$12/hr
Industrial Cleaner, 3^rd shift, Flat Rock, $10/hr
Maintenance, 1^st shift, Temperance, $ Based on experience
Part-Time Bookkeepers, 1^st shift, Milan and Temperance $11-$13/hr
Part-Time Office Clerk, 1^st shift, Monroe, $10/hr
Data Entry/Customer Service, 1^st shift, Carleton, $11-$12/hr

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

*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.

How to Tell When You Love Your Job

Raza Rauf on August 25, 2015

Have you ever really loved your job? Not just enjoying the day to day tasks of your job, but eagerly anticipating each day feeling like you are the luckiest person on earth because you get to do what you love to do. Liking a job and loving a job are two totally different things. They are not even close in comparison.

So, at the job you are working right now, do you love it? Do you even know how to tell if you love your job? If not, we will give you a helping hand figuring it out. We have put together a handful of tips to figure out if you love your job or not.

You Enjoy Being at Work

One of the biggest ways to tell if you love your job is that you actually enjoy being at work. This includes overtime work and even if you have to be in the office on weekends every now and then. If you dread going into the office each morning, then you definitely do not love your job. But, if you cannot wait to arrive and speak with your co-workers and clients, then you might love your job.

Your Manager is Viewed as a Co-Worker

People who love their job tend to view their manager as a person they work with and not a person they work for, no matter the industry in which they work. You don’t have to make this known to people, but it can be something that you feel inside when at work. There is nothing wrong with this and it doesn’t mean you have a lack of respect for the manager. It just means that both of you view each other as equals.

Clocks Don’t Exist

When you love your job, the clock on your desktop or hanging on the wall in the breakroom does not exist to you. Rarely do you check your watch or the time on your phone because you don’t care how quickly the day is going or not.

Retirement Does Not Enter Your Mind

While working, retirement never enters your mind — which is a major sign that you love your job. Even though retirement is inevitable, it is not avoidable, but you tend to keep it far from the front of your mind because you are worried that retirement would be boring for you.

You Worry About Letting Down Co-Workers

People who love their jobs tend to worry about letting down their co-workers. They don’t want to miss a deadline or flake on a project because it means their co-workers will be saddled with extra work. Because of this, these people tend to worry about letting others down and will do everything possible to avoid it.

Do you love your job? If you answered yes to any of these items, then it means you could be in love with your job. If none of these items seemed familiar to you, then it might be time to find a new job or career. You can find many part-time and full-time opportunities at Advance Staffing Solutions in Detroit MI.

Get Your Resume Ready for Autumn — But Avoid these Pitfalls!

Raza Rauf on August 11, 2015

The cooler months of autumn can be the perfect time to launch a new job search, starting with whipping a resume into shape. A well-designed resume can help you get in front of the best hiring companies. But, before you go through all this effort, make sure your resume doesn’t include any of these common resume pitfalls that can turn off recruiters before they’ve had a chance to meet you.

Pitfall #1 – Your resume is boring

If you fall into the trap of writing your resume on a dull over-used resume template, you can be sure that the recruiters will pass it by. This is because they read through so many resumes daily, so the boring ones get ignored. Take the time to develop your resume on an updated resume template that includes nice use of text, white space, and call-out sections for maximum reader appeal.

Pitfall #2 – Your forgot to include achievements

If your resume reads like a long list of job requirements and responsibilities, without any real accomplishments, it’s missing the mark big time. Make sure you explain briefly what you did in each role and then add a list of at least 2-3 achievements or recognition you had in each job. Even if they were temp assignments, find something. Use financials and percentages whenever you can.

Pitfall #3 – Where is the cover letter?

A good resume includes a cover letter that acts as a quick introduction of your value to hiring managers. Use a similar template to build your cover letter, include a strong opening statement, a list of your top 5 skills you bring to the table, and wrap it up by inviting the recruiter to read your resume and contact you for a job interview.

Pitfall #4 – Your spelling and grammar leave much to be desired

Always take the time to do a spelling and grammar check of your resume, and any written materials you send out to recruiters. If you have issues in this area you can get a friend to proof-read your resume before it goes out for all to see. Poor grammar and spelling tell a company that you are not concerned with the with the quality of your work, and you don’t want to develop this relationship.

Pitfall #5 – Overuse of keywords

In an effort to sound amazing to hiring managers, it’s easy to include a bunch of industry power words in a resume. However, most recruiters are wise to this and they find it annoying. Avoid using too many keywords that make you look like an amateur, instead focus on marketable job skills and knowledge you have.

Follow the above tips to avoid making these common resume pitfalls, and you should look a lot better to hiring companies out there looking for great people this fall.

Job Fair/Open House – jobs in Monroe, Dundee, Milan & Carleton!

Raza Rauf on August 10, 2015

Advance Staffing Solutions

35 E. Front St. Monroe, MI 48161

734-457-0056

www.advancestaffingsolutions.com

Tuesday, August 11^th, 2015

9am-4pm

Immediate openings available in

Monroe, Dundee, Milan, & Carleton!

Are you in need of a job or looking for a career change? Our Recruiters will be on hand to interview for the following job openings located in the Monroe County area:

Machine Maintenance
Press Operator/Machine Operator
Production/Assembly/General Labor
Janitorial/Industrial Cleaning
Warehouse/Packaging
Welder/Fabricator
Administrative/Accounting

Pay rates are based on experience – these are temporary to hire opportunities!

Specific information about our job openings and ability to apply online located on our website www.advancestaffingsolutions.com

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.

It’s Easy to Land a Job — Just Do Something Different!

Raza Rauf on August 5, 2015

In any career, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. Performing the same tasks and taking on the same types of projects can be a safe place. But, if you are searching for a new job, you will quickly find out that what counts is your ability to stand out from other candidates. How do you do this? By being different!

Ways to Be Different and Stand out as a Candidate

You don’t have to do anything crazy to stand out as a candidate. Instead, you want to find something that you feel comfortable with and can use to shine. Use these tips to get started.

Create some buzz around YOU

Before you even apply for the job you want, you need to develop a buzz around yourself, essentially creating a brand presence for your career. Make it a point to develop a blog and share your best creative and written works. Develop a group online and stand out as a thought leader in your industry. Get involved with a cause you care about.

Network with the right people

Getting in front of the best hiring companies is all about meeting with and networking with influencers. You can do much for your career by using social networks and local networking groups to meet new people in your areas of interest. LinkedIn can be a powerful place for joining groups for your industry and connecting with people. Be sure to connect with the hiring managers at the companies you want to target.

Use an outstanding cover letter and resume

Most job seekers send a very bland resume and many others forget to use a written cover letter. Worse yet, they may send a form letter. Instead, do something different and create an interesting and attention-grabbing cover letter and resume that hiring managers will enjoy getting. Start with a great template, and then create your opening statement. Use a fun fact about yourself, list your best skills, and wrap up the cover letter with a call to action including your phone number where you can be called. Match your resume to your cover letter in the template, tone and style.

Follow up the smart way

Do you know how to effectively follow up with hiring managers, in a different way? Instead of sending a boring email or picking up the phone, why not send a nice thank you card to the hiring manager? This is more personal and it’s amazing how many candidates forget to do this simple thing. It will help you to stand out as a professional and your card may trigger a call to come back in for a second interview, or better yet – a job offer.

Do something different today – pick up the phone and apply as a temporary employee with Advance Staffing Services for part time and full time jobs.

Don’t Assume You Got the Job!

Raza Rauf on July 29, 2015

It’s one thing to look forward to hearing back from an employer following an interview; it’s another to expect a job offer right away. These things take time. Therefore, it’s important not to get too wrapped up in a particular company until you have an offer of employment solidified. This is known as having a “job crush” and it can be detrimental to your career. Even if you had a fantastic interview where everything went perfect, you don’t want to sit back and do nothing.

The hard-fast rule in any job search is to never assume you got the job. Instead, here are some ways to make your job search count, and to check on the status of things after an interview.

Keep applying for jobs you are qualified for

Just because you just experienced an outstanding job interview or applied for a job that you are perfect for means you got the job yet. Keep up the effort of applying for new jobs and companies that you are qualified for and interested in. Remember that every job gets hundreds of applicants so you must do your best to stand out with a great cover letter, resume, and work history that highlights achievements.

Keep learning while you are looking

It’s always a good idea to continue to enhance your marketable skills while you are waiting for a job offer. You can do this a variety of ways, from taking community education courses and night classes at local colleges to free and low cost online classes. Focus on courses that add to your current skills or cater to the software and processes that you are finding employers are looking for.

Keep networking in your career search

Just because you think you may have a job offer soon doesn’t mean you should stop networking activities. In fact, now is the time to step things up in this effort. Keep connecting with people at your target companies, recruitment firms, and industry leaders. Use social networking, business events, and industry associations to seek other like-minded professionals.

Keep following up on all job applications

It’s a good idea to check back in with the recruiters and hiring companies you have contacted recently. Once you have applied for a job its ok to send an email or drop a note in the mail once. If you have interviewed for the job, check back in by phone and drop a note in the mail once per week until you know the outcome.

Keep active in your career

You don’t have to sit around waiting for the phone to ring. Instead, keep working and earning by taking temporary assignments in the meantime. There are multiple part time, full time, and contract jobs out there that have good hourly wages and help get your foot in the door with great companies. At the very least, you will look good to recruiters as you stay employed and active in your career. You may even land a great job with your dream company this way.

10 Things to Never Say to Your Boss

Raza Rauf on July 21, 2015

Having a job today in today’s market is a big deal. You will want to do everything possible, that is legal and ethical, to keep that job for as long as possible. This means that you will not want to do anything that would upset your boss or give your employer a reason to fire you or let you go. Since most employees talk to their bosses on a regular basis, we will focus this post on the 10 things you should never say to your boss, ever!

“You Never Told Me to Do It.”
This could be one of the worst thing you could say to your boss, no matter the job you work. When something important needs to be accomplished, take the initiative and get it done. It will help you earn a raise or even a promotion down the road.
“That Takes Too Much Time.”
Companies change operations every so often, and it might require updating data and other items. Complaining that updating the data so the company can move forward will only make you look bad at your boss and upper-level management.
“I am Only Here For the Money.”
Dropping this line on your boss is almost as bad as coming right out and saying that you desire to be fired. When you tell your boss you are only here for the money, they will begin to look at you differently and you might even be relieved of your duties knowing you are not motivated enough to complete your job duties.
“I Promise I Will Do That.”
Never promise your boss you will do something if you honestly know that you do not have the time to get the task done.
“I Don’t Have an Opinion.”
One of the worst things you can say to your boss is that you do not have an opinion when asked about a project or a situation.
“I’m Not Too Optimistic.”
Telling your boss that you are not an optimistic person will put you in a negative place in the office. Management will know that you are a pessimistic person and will look to replace you sooner, rather than later.
“That’s Not My Responsibility.”
Saying that something is not your responsibility instead of taking initiative or ownership of something will surely upset your boss and change their outlook on you.
“I’m Not Working Hard.”
Refrain from telling your boss that you are not working hard. They will question your commitment to the company and even review your previous projects again to look for mistakes.
“That’s Not My Job.”
A person’s job is not limited to what has been written in their job description. When you say this to your boss, you tell them that you will only perform the tasks outlined in the description and nothing more.
“I Could Be Doing Other Things.”
This is a major no-no. Do not make it known to your boss that you would rather be reading, sitting on the beach, or going to a ballgame, even if you are kidding. This will only affect your standing within the company.

If you refrain from saying these 10 things to your boss, you should have no trouble at work!

How to Be Anything But Average in Your Career

Raza Rauf on July 15, 2015

Let’s face it – nobody really wants to be “average” at anything, much less a career. This is the place where one doesn’t get noticed, doesn’t get promoted, and certainly doesn’t earn the kind of money that’s desired. Why be average when you can be spectacular? Read on for some tips on how to be anything but ho-hum in your career.

Build a strong career brand

Every individual has something special that can help them to stand out from others in a career. Take the time to evaluate your unique background, knowledge, and interests. Then leverage these factors to create a new career brand. You can develop this brand by establishing a personal blog and social networks to share your expertise. In everything that you do at work and in your career, be mindful of the personal and professional brand you are developing.

Get some extra training

Elevate your present skills by tapping into free and low cost learning opportunities that are out there. And there are many. From Udemy classes to community education sessions held at local colleges, there are many ways to learn new skills that can take your career from boring to brilliant. Make sure to let your boss know you are interested in learning more in case the company also has some employee training opportunities available.

Be known as the go-to expert

To stand out as a professional in any industry, work hard to be known as an expert in some area that’s valued by your employer. Learning new things has a lot to do with this, but also a commitment to excellence in your work. For example, you could be known for being a stickler for details and everyone will come to you to review their documents before they are published. Try learning some new tricks to make your work better or more efficient. Share new ideas and ask for time to prove they are better for the company.

Take on something new

You don’t have to stay in an average career for long, if you do at least one thing right – ask for something new in your job. That’s right. Stop waiting around for a promotion and go after it by taking on new responsibilities and trying new projects. Your boss will be impressed by your willingness to advance in your career, you will be seen as a leader by your peers, and your skills will continue to grow. You can leverage this to take on a better job in the future.

Your career is only going to be as thrilling as you choose it to be. Step outside of mediocrity and into a career that offers personal and professional reward.