Job Seekers

Get back out there! Rejoining the work force and restarting the job search

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

If you’ve been out of the workforce for a period of time, either by choice or as a result of an unexpected lapse in employment, then you may be facing the daunting task of getting back out there to rejoin the rest of the working world. It’s natural for anyone to feel intimidated, especially if you have not been working outside the home for a while. This is a tough one for parents who have chosen to stop working to raise children, and even for those who have retired but need to go back to work now.

Take heart that this can be done and you can be successful with your job search, if you create a strategy for job search success. Here are some tips from Advance to get you back out there in the workforce sooner.

Create a killer resume – The very first step in any successful job search is to create an effective resume and cover letter. You will spend a lot of time applying for jobs and sending email inquiries to companies, so make sure this time counts with a resume that captures your skills and attributes.
Start networking – As the old saying goes, you often need to be “in the right place at the right time”, so networking should be a the top of your list. By networking on popular social media sites, business networks and forums, and community networking groups – you can put yourself in the right place. Let others know you are actively seeking employment and get ready for the referrals.
Research companies – This is your job search for the perfect career, so you want to work for the best employers. Take the time to research the types of companies that best match your unique skills and needs. Find companies that offer excellent compensation packages and other perks. Focus on companies that have the values you hold dear. Never settle for anything less.
Get a new look – If you’ve been out of the workforce for a number of years, you will want to give yourself a makeover so you can look great for upcoming interviews. Pick out a new hairstyle, get yourself a “power outfit “and you’ll be able to walk into any interview with 100% confidence and a great attitude that will earn you more job offers.
Take temp assignments – Many good companies rely on the services of temporary agencies to find suitable candidates for unadvertised assignments. This means you can be in a better position to get onboard with a highly respected company by taking on temp assignments as often as possible. You may even be able to learn a few new skills along the way, which will further make you a prime candidate for a new job.

Ready to take the leap and land the perfect job? Contact the recruitment specialists at Advance Staffing Solutions today and get noticed by the right employers now.

Real Job Search Tips for 2012

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

2012 is your chance to seize the opportunities and get a job or launch the career you have always wanted. It is time to make a change. The economy is still rough, with an 8.5 unemployment rate nationwide. There are positions available, but there are also many more applicants vying for those same assignments. To land a career this year, you will need to put your best foot forward, resume in hand and win over the prospective employer with your skills and experience. With the right tools, you will find the process easier to accomplish.

Create a Job Search Strategy

As you gear up for your job search, plan a strategy. Only apply to positions you are truly qualified for; not those that you lack experience or training in. You are wasting your time (and that of the HR staff). Instead of applying to everything under the sun, apply to positions you have true skills in that are most likely to land you a position. Tailor your existing skills to fit the job requirements of the position. This means spending more time preparing a killer resume and cover letter.

At the same time, diversify your search. Employers are using job-posting boards, but many are using other tools as well. Consider local and online networking opportunities. Use social media to help you to connect to the right people. Some agencies still want you to apply in person, but far more are expecting an application through the online resume links on their website. Do not wait for the prospective employer to post a job ad, either. Apply to companies that posts positions right on their website.

Stand Out from Other Job Seekers

There are many ways to do this. For example, when you do get to an interview, avoid the standard or trained answers to questions. Answer in a way that is going to make it look like you did your homework. Be sure to research positions and the company culture before you apply. Often, you can learn a great deal by networking through sites like LinkedIn. Hiring managers may post information there that is helpful to you.

When you are searching or scrambling for a job, it is easy to see an opportunity and shoot off an email right away prior to reading it in full. You want to get in before everyone else does. However, you may be missing the real opportunities because you are not listening to what the prospective employer is looking for in this position. Communication, through words written or spoken, is critical to get right.

Take the time to set your goals, too. As you work your job search, give yourself goals along the way. Possible goals may be the number of jobs you apply to each day. You may join a professional organization, sign up with a contract-staffing agency, or even do some volunteer work to boost your resume. Ensure that you are working towards finding the ideal job for you one-step at a time. You can do this better with goals laid out in front of you.

Best Ways to Use Social Media for Your Job Search

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Want a new or better job this year? Social media is perhaps one of the best ways to locate and network your way to a new career. It’s a known fact that recruiters have been using social media to check out candidates behind the scenes for a while now, but they did so without candidate’s knowing for the most part. Now, this has changed drastically, with the addition of new applications such as LinkedIn’s recruiting portal and Facebook recruiting apps making their way onto the scene.

Recruiters are coming “out of the shadows” to connect with candidates on social networking sites, so as a job seeker it’s to your advantage to put yourself in the best possible position to do the same. Here’s what you need to know about social media for your job search, so you can do this successfully.

Create a professional profile. The personal profiles you have been using are not going to cut it with a serious job search. Too many posts and embarrassing photos are the norm with personal profiles. Instead, start from scratch with a professional profile that includes a business headshot photo (get a friend to do this for you), a copy of your resume, a link to your professional portfolio or blog, all tied together in a business-worthy looking template. Add in a phrase that describes you and what you want – much like your resume objective statement.
Show off your accomplishments. Your social networking profile should be the spot where you showcase your talent, so make it work for you. Include intelligent posts, with links to your published articles, blog posts, artwork, and projects. Make sure to promote these across many channels by adding them to popular sharing formats like Digg and Sharethis for starters. Write interesting posts in industry forums and link back to them in your social media networks.
Do your research on companies. Social media can be a great way to scope out potential companies you might like to work for. Simply go to each company website and become a follower on all social networks. Then take the time to learn more about the company culture, objectives and people there. Be sure to “like” or follow posts that appeal to you to show your support. Never use social media to blatantly self-promote, but rather to encourage others to get to know you by befriending them.
Participate in social network groups. Social networking is fun because it allows you to go directly to industry specific groups and get to know your peers – oftentimes from around the world. If you are hoping to get into a specific career industry, or if you are about to graduate with a new degree, this insight can be invaluable. Besides, many recruiters visit these groups and post job opportunities on a frequent basis, so you may put yourself in the right place at the right time simply by participating.
Connect with people who count. If you want to land a job, very often you must pass the “gatekeepers” to get in to certain companies or industries. These are people who look at candidates to determine if they have what it takes to join them. Find out who these gatekeepers are and get to know them on social media networks by politely asking for introductions from peers who know them, or inviting them to become your friend. Then take the time to thank each person individually and asking them to share something about themselves first, before launching into your career aspirations. Use this very effective targeted approach, and you may just end up with an invitation to interview for a new job.

Need more tips to be successful with your job search in 2012? Be sure to come back often to the Advance Temporary blog for great job search ideas and support with your career through our temporary staffing services.

Your Interview Isn’t Going Well…Now What?!

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

When you get invited to a job interview, it’s natural to want the best possible scenario to happen. But in reality, sometimes things can and do go wrong with interviews. Before you panic, here’s how to redeem yourself from several common problems that occur with interviews.

Running Late/Got Lost

Despite the advantages of directional apps found on most mobile devices, life can get in the way causing one to be a few minutes late to an interview because of poor directions or traffic problems. While it’s always a good idea to leave extra early for an interview, it’s not always possible if you are trying to do so around another job or personal responsibilities. The best course of action is to pick up the phone as soon as you suspect you may be late or lost and inform the company. Try to give an honest estimate of when you will arrive for the interview. The hiring manager will appreciate this gesture, which shows you have a strong sense of being punctual.

Not Getting a Warm Fuzzy Feeling

While most recruiters try to make an effort to create a friendly environment to conduct interviews, not all take the time to build rapport with candidates – instead getting down to the business of things. This can be uncomfortable and awkward for anyone. If you find yourself faced with a cold interviewer, you can make the most of it. Be professional, friendly, and use positive body language. It’s possible the recruiter is doing this as part of a test to see how well you function under similar circumstnces with clients and vendors.

Stuck on an Interview Answer

Nearly every job seeker has encountered a bad interview question or one where there could be several possible answers. Or worse yet, one that stumps us completely. This happens to even the most prepared candidates. Take a deep breath and let the interviewer know you are stumbling to find the right answer to this one. Then ask them if you can think about this for a bit longer, but in the meantime you can answer another question to jog your memory. This shows that you are careful about your words and the way you do things, which should impress anyone.

Above all else, don’t panic. Not all interviews will seem positive, but they can result in a job offer even if you think you bombed it.

How to Avoid Adding These Red Flags to Your Resume

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Your professional resume speaks loudly to recruiters, even if it’s not a human being. What you put on a resume, what you leave off, and how you present your career and educational history impacts the way that recruiters will react. Does your resume include any potential red flags that could be blocking your way to success? Here are some of the top no-no’s that have no place on your resume.

1. The resume lacks excitement.

Your resume is written out neatly on a standard resume format, so what’s wrong with it? It’s boring and lacks any kind of attention-grabbing elements. Recruiters spend literally 10 seconds or less looking at each resume, even less when they have a large stack to go through. If your resume bores them, you can bet it’s saying you are also a boring person and probably won’t be a good hire. Spice it up with powerful words and a fun-to-read format.

2. No clear career direction.

If you have held a number of jobs over the last couple of years, how do they show that you are progressing in your career? If you are all over the place, we suggest you work with a career coach to determine what your goals will be and how you can best present them on your resume. Make sure you can highlight your growth as a professional, taking on more responsibilities and achieving your goals.

3. Big gaps between jobs.

Many recruiters are still fairly “old school” when it comes to evaluating candidate resumes. If they see large gaps in time between jobs, or dates of employment and education that don’t make sense, this is a huge red flag. Make sure you indicate on your resume what you were doing in between jobs (for example: attending college, volunteering, caring for a child, etc.)

4. Careless mistakes.

If your resume contains spelling mistakes, errors in grammar, and odd sentence structures you can bet that a hiring manager will note this as a sign you are also careless about your work. Make sure to go over your resume with a fine-tooth comb, use a spell checker software, and have another set of eyes on your resume before you send it (and your cover letter) to a company.

Why Resilience Is a Sought-After Job Skill

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

If you’ve spent a long time searching for a job, you know how important resilience is as a personality trait. Being able to hang in there and bend as things change can also help you in any career you choose. In fact, this is a trait that is often sought after by hiring companies. Learn how demonstrating resilience can support your journey towards a wonderful job and career, and how to develop this trait.

Waiting is just a part of being an adult

Being resilient is a trait that adults develop over time and experience. If you can be patient, wait for the right moment, and bounce back when things don’t go the way you expect, you are most likely a well-adjusted adult. This is a good sign. Be ready to talk about circumstances where you were able to demonstrate resilience on a job.

Resilience is a trait all leaders have

Think about some of the leaders of industry you’ve heard or read about: The one character trait they’ve all had was the ability to be resilient in the face of the impossible. Want some inspiration? Read about Richard Branson, the Founder and CEO of Virgin Airlines, or Henry Ford, the Founder of Ford Motors. They failed over and over again, but eventually they found amazing success.

Employers are looking for loyal employees

Another reason to develop and demonstrate resilience as a work trait is that employers want to hire people for the long term. They invest much in recruitment costs and efforts, therefore if they can keep an employee on board for a while, they’ve earned a nice return on this investment. Resilience shows you have what it takes to stick it out, even when things become a challenge.

Make sure you highlight and explain key examples of times when you have been resilient. And also be prepared to show this on your resume. Being resilient also means keeping up with your job search and treating it like a job, taking on temp assignments, and staying active in the business world.

Should You Consider Relocating For a New Career?

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

If you’ve been looking for a new career in Detroit for a few months, you may have noticed a great many opportunities in other regions and states that appeal to you. But, some of these locations are many hours away from where you live now so it may seem impossible to even consider jobs like this – or is it? Is relocating for a new career something you should do soon? Here’s how to evaluate where your life is and if a cross-country job relocation is in the picture.

Would the career offer you a substantially improved path to career growth and a better lifestyle?

One of the main reasons you would want to even think about relocating for a new job is because you will be able to fast track your career growth, and your lifestyle in the process. For example, does the company offer progressive promotions, employee training and development, and does the region end itself to a more comfortable or convenient daily life?

Is the salary and benefits reasonable given the cost of living in that region?

You will want to carefully evaluate any type of job out there based on the cost of living for the area vs. the salary and benefits offered by companies. Sure the salary might be twice what you are earning now, but if you cannot even make your rent payments, then there’s no use. Large metropolitan areas tend to be a lot more expensive to live in than the suburbs.

How would a move like this impact other people in your life?

Are you married, have children, what about parents or grandparents you care for? Before thinking about moving to another area, you have to consider what this kind of move could do for them, or if it may make things more difficult. If you can justify that you and your dependents would be better off in a new region (better schools, health care, safety, etc.), then this could be a good move.

Does the company offer support or reimbursement for a relocation?

It’s very important to read all the fine details of any job listing or offer before agreeing to relocate. Any decent company will offer to pay for moving and relocation expenses, including providing access to affordable temporary housing while transition. If a company says that they will reimburse you, plan on spending a great deal of your savings to move.

Are there comparable jobs available in your current region?

Before you think about relocating for a new job, take the time to register with a Detroit staffing agency in your industry and see what opportunities that they can place you with. Many companies avoid direct hiring, which is why you may not be hearing about job opportunities. It could be a better ideas to use a staffing agency to try on a few jobs before you settle on an expensive and life altering move across country.

What Will Employers Find When They Compare Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile?

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

It’s easy to apply for a job using LinkedIn tools, which sends your profile and career data zipping over to employers in a matter of seconds. But, before you do – when is the last time you checked to make sure your resume information matches the information on your LinkedIn profile? What could confuse employers or what do you not want them to see about you?

It’s time to clean up your LinkedIn profile so it says the same thing as your resume.

Your Career History for the Last 10 Years

First, go through all your career information on your LinkedIn account, going back 10 years. Do the job titles, descriptions, and employment dates coordinate? Fix any errors. Remove your career history going back more than 10 years from your LinkedIn profile, to avoid “dating” yourself. Include temp jobs under one agency name.

Your Skills and Product Knowledge

Chances are, you have gotten plenty of LinkedIn endorsements from peers on your profile. Are these skills appearing on your resume too? If not, evaluate the skills and if they are relevant to the types of careers you are going after. Remove them off LinkedIn if they don’t serve you. Or add them to your resume if they add value to your expertise.

The People You Know

Very often, recruitment pros will search through the LinkedIn (and other) social media profiles of candidates to see if they are connected in any way. This can be a positive thing, such as when you are connected d with a few people who work for your target company, or the person you list as a reference is a connection of the hiring manager. Be sure to go through your LinkedIn profile and get connected to people you know at the companies you want to work for.

Education and Training

Maintain consistency between your resume and LinkedIn profile where it pertains to any education and specialized training you have completed. Ensure dates and descriptions of your educational history are correct. If you earned a high GPA, just include this on your LinkedIn profile. If you are currently working on a degree or certificate, make sure you state your estimated graduation date in both places.

Job Fair/Open Registration

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

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

35 E Front St. Monroe MI 48161

Thursday, November 19th, 2015

9am-4pm

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

Skilled Assembly, 1^st shift, Dundee, $14/hr
Welders, 1^st shift, Dundee, $15-16/hr
Production Supervisor, 2^nd shift, Monroe, $40-45,000/yr +
Maintenance Technician, 2^nd shift, Monroe, $17-18/hr
Extrusion/Machine Operator, All shifts, Monroe $13.65-$14.40/hr + Overtime
Material Handlers, All shifts, Monroe, $12/hr
Welder/Fabricator, 1^st shift, Temperance, $12-13/hr
Warehouse/Forklift/Quality, 1^st/2^nd shift, Monroe, $10.60/hr
Office Clerk/Admin Assistant/Quickbooks, 1^st shift, Monroe, $13+ BOE
Admin Assistant, 1^st shift, Monroe, Part-time $12/hr
Production Supervisor, 2^nd/3^rd shift, Monroe, $20-22/hr
CNC Machinist, 1^st, Dundee, $14-$18/hr
Delivery/Warehouse, 1^st shift, Monroe, $10-$12/hr + Overtime
General Labor, 1^st shift, Carleton, $9/hr + Overtime
Production, All shifts, Blissfield, $10hr
Shipping/Receiving, 1^st shift, Temperance, $12
Press Operator, All shifts, Monroe, $9/hr

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

*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.

Do You Know What an Employer Will Find When They Google You?

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

It’s natural to do some research on the company before you go in for an interview. But did you also know that the company is doing plenty of research on you too? Recruiters regularly conduct online searches on candidates before deciding whether or not to offer them the chance to interview. A research report from ExecuNet revealed that 77 percent of recruiters use search engines to find background information about candidates, and 35 percent admitted they would eliminate a candidate from consideration based on information found online.

What will a recruiter find if they do a Google search for you? Will they find positive information about you? What about your social network profiles — will they find out anything interesting about you there?

What employers may find when they Google you:

Any articles or blog posts or graphics you’ve published under your name (may not be a bad thing);
Photos that have been tagged with your name (by you and other people – even the embarrassing ones!);
Social media posts going back years (they are archived forever) including the negative ones;
Those videos you posted on YouTube when you were in college (uh oh); and
Public records that include driving records, judgments, civil and criminal records, property tax information, divorce and marriage records, and more.

Here are some tips for cleaning up your online image so that when a potential employer searches for you online, what they find won’t damage your chance for a job.

Do a thorough search for your own name and aliases

First and foremost, think like a recruiter and do a search for yourself online. Make a list of everything you find. Pay close attention to anything that could be damaging to your reputation, such as derogatory social posts, images, videos, and records. Search under your aliases too (nicknames and former maiden names for women).

Remove any harmful content that you can

Take matters into your own hands by logging into your profiles and deleting any and all harmful content. Un-tag yourself from compromising photos and videos. Ask your friends and family to stop tagging you on photos and other content. Set all your social media profiles to the strictest privacy settings, or delete your accounts altogether.

Request records older than seven years to be archived

In some cases, you can request your state or county to take down public records that are older than seven years and archive them. This can include driving records, judgements, and court cases that have been dismissed. You may be eligible for expungement of your records, too.

Be prepared to discuss anything found online

It’s impossible to erase everything about yourself online, but you can be prepared to discuss it in a positive and honest way if it comes up in the hiring process. Most recruiters know that people make mistakes, so as long as you are willing to talk through any potential online reputation issues, and they don’t affect the company in any way, you should be clear.

What To Do When You’re Suddenly Promoted to Leadership

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

The vast majority of people out in the workforce take a job that they hope will give them the opportunity to advance. Everyone wants to be rewarded for their hard work, and being promoted to leadership is one sure sign that you are doing something right. For some people, that promotion to a leadership role can come at a bit of a cost, as they become concerned about how to lead the people that they were on the same level as the day before. Feelings of guilt can creep in, and it can affect their overall performance. You have to remember that you are there for a good reason, and use that to make the decisions that will make everyone quickly respect you.

The first thing that you have to do is let your team know that you have been given the promotion.

There are sure to be co-workers whom you like better than others, or that you have a better relationship with, but it’s important that you deliver the message to the group at the same time. Telling one or two people and then having the news slowly spread may make it appear as though you are going to play favorites or lay your trust in just one or two people. Call a group meeting and deliver the message to everyone.

Calm the naysayers on your team.

There are going to be some team’s members that are happy for you, but there are also going to be one or two who believe that they should have had the promotion instead of you. The goal is to have everyone on your side, which means you need to take time to talk to each team member individually. Ask them straight out if you can count on their support, and if you sense any sort of reluctance, as what you can do to get them on your side. Helping these people adjust to the change will show that you are a leader who can be trusted.

You don’t want to be viewed as weak right from the start, so don’t treat employees with kid gloves just because you were given the promotion instead of them. Make it crystal clear what is expected from each individual, and then let them know that you are there to support them every step of the way. The more support that you offer, the quicker they are going to get behind you in what you are trying to accomplish in your leadership role.

Finally, encourage your employees as much as you can, but don’t immediately cave in to their requests.

Some employees will feel that they can come to you and let you know what they want because of your previous relationship. By all means, listen to their needs and concerns, but also make it clear that you simply cannot implement every new idea that crosses your desk. Take the time to listen to and consider everything that is put on the table, but only implement those that you believe will benefit the group as a whole.

Job Fair in Adrian Michigan

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Advance Staffing is hiring for Uckele Health and Nutrition, Mitchell Rail & Hanwha

POSITIONS AVAILABLE:

Packagers $10/hour
Batch Makers $10/hour
Assembly $14/hour
Welders up to $18/hour
Quality Assurance Admin $13-14/hour
Maintenance Tech $20+/hour
Production Supervisor $20+/hour

OPEN INTERVIEWS: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2015 1:00PM-4:00PM

South Central Michigan Works!

Lenawee County Human Services Building

1040 S. Winter Street, Suite 1014, Adrian, MI 49221

Bring 2 valid forms of ID and a copy of resume. Must have High School Diploma/GED. Must pass drug screen and criminal background check.

If you are unable to make our job fair, please apply online www.advancestaffingsolutions.com, choose the Monroe Branch.

734-457-0056

Get back out there! Rejoining the work force and restarting the job search

Your Interview Isn’t Going Well…Now What?!

How to Avoid Adding These Red Flags to Your Resume

Why Resilience Is a Sought-After Job Skill

Should You Consider Relocating For a New Career?

Job Fair/Open Registration

What To Do When You’re Suddenly Promoted to Leadership

Job Fair in Adrian Michigan

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