Farewell to our 1st Intern
Thank you Marah. We enjoyed having you as a member of our team. Good luck with your last semester at University of Toledo. Call us when you’re looking for your 1st HR position.
Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired This Year with One Tip
At the end of nearly every interview comes the inevitable question from the hiring manager: “Do you have any questions for me?”
While some job seekers hesitate to ask anything, this should actually be viewed as an opportunity, and one that shouldn’t be passed up, particularly since failing to do so can seriously hurt your chances of getting hired.
Asking a smart question at the close of an interview can help you stand out as a candidate and make getting hired simple. How do you craft an intelligent inquiry? Here are some tips to get you started.
Focus on the Right Points
A strong question is going to tap into one of four areas: Connection, culture, challenges, and closing in on the next steps. Ultimately, you want to bond with the hiring manager over your final ask, work to understand what working for the organization is like, identify any challenges the company is facing, or gain additional information about what comes next.
You don’t have to cover all of those points in a single question, but any inquiry that touches on one of those points can be a valuable one to ask.
The One Question to Ask
If you find yourself struggling to come up with a suitable question, there is one that almost always makes a great impression. When in doubt, ask, “What is the organization’s biggest threat to success currently, and how can I help you overcome this threat in this role?”
By asking this question, the hiring manager has an opportunity to discuss how the job can add the most value to the business, giving you critical insights into how to excel in the position. Plus, it starts a dialog where you can provide additional input, including references to how your past experience can make overcoming the challenge easier.
This allows you to talk about points that truly matter to the hiring manager and organization in the moment while increasing their level of confidence in your abilities.
You don’t have to limit yourself to this single question, as it generally works well in conjunction with other inquiries that allow you to gather important information about the company’s priorities, what the culture is like, and how the role fits into the bigger picture.
However, it is essential to be mindful of the time when you begin asking questions, as you want to make sure that everything is finished up within your allotted appointment time. This means you should start with the questions you (and they) view as the most critical, so you can wrap things up in a timely manner.
If you are looking for a job this year, the professionals at The Advance Group can assist you in preparing smart questions while connecting you with top employers in the area. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can work for you. You’ll be getting hired in no time.
Looking for a Career in IT? Here Are Ones to Aim For (And Avoid!)
One estimate by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics says there will be 1 million more available IT jobs than applicants by the year 2020, showing just how smart a career in IT can be. But, like any field, not every role is created equal, and choosing the right one today can mean the difference between having a long and lucrative career or being considered obsolete in a short time.
If you are looking at a career in IT, here are the specialties to aim for, and a few you should avoid.
Analytics Is Hot
As companies collect more and more data, many are struggling to process the information fast enough to gain valuable insights in a timely manner. This has put an increased focus on the field of data analytics, making it a wise choice for those interested in pursuing a career in IT.
Like many tech jobs, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is often required to get started, and some positions require specialized skills in areas like IoT, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, so additional certifications can also help you get ahead.
Silos Are Disappearing
Not long ago, professionals were highly focused in specific areas in IT, often operating somewhat autonomously. Now, these silos are disappearing as pros who concentrated on areas like infrastructure, application development, network operations, and security begin to work more closely together.
While you may still end up with a somewhat specialized skill set, IT workers must not be willing to cross the lines that once kept them separated. Otherwise, their careers could come to an abrupt end as technology continues to intertwine these roles.
Security Skills Are a Must
Cybersecurity continues to be a major concern for companies, and that has led security to play a part in nearly every position. While security-oriented professionals will still have their place, every IT employee is having to acquire skills related to their roles.
However, since some of the training one would need isn’t commonly available, and the coursework is often missing from degree plans focused on areas like computer science, those who get onboard early can position themselves to move forward in their careers with greater ease.
Vendor-Specific Security Certifications Are Out
Since security is so important, many IT pros may consider acquiring vendor-specific security certifications. But, these aren’t as in-demand as they used to be, especially since the associated training tends to be highly feature focused and doesn’t always account for the myriad of challenges businesses face today.
For those interested in bolstering their security credentials, choosing training that is more all-encompassing instead of vendor-specific is the wiser approach, particularly if you want to impress today’s employers.
If you are interested in learning more or are seeking a new career in IT, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with information and opportunities. Contact us to see how our knowledgeable staff can help you take the next step in your career in IT today.
Need Better Candidates? Stop Doing This!
Most companies recognize that their employees are their most valuable assets, but this point is only valid if you hire the right people and find better candidates. Selecting the wrong candidates can set your business back, lowering productivity and harming morale.
So, how do you make sure the best job seekers ultimately join your staff? By avoiding certain mistakes. Here are some tips to help you find better candidates today.
Using Antiquated Recruitment Methods
Technology is ever-changing, and it has a significant impact when it comes to hiring. Using old recruitment methods means you aren’t taking advantage of everything today’s systems have to offer and can lead to a less-than-ideal candidate being selected.
Instead of ignoring technological advances, do your best to embrace them. Everything from automated screening process to mobile applications to seeing social media as a resource can broaden your horizons, allowing you to connect with top talent and better candidates based on their expectations.
Relying Only on Major Job Boards
While some of today’s biggest job boards can be ideal for finding candidates for entry-level or general positions, they aren’t the best choice for niche roles. If you need a highly specialized set of skills, you may achieve better results by finding a job board that focuses on a particular field, industry, or kind of professional.
Candidates who use niche job boards are more likely to possess the types of skills you’re seeking, and automatically limits the number of applications that will be submitted from those who don’t have the competencies you hope to locate. This can be a serious timesaver, especially for highly technical roles.
Posting Vague or Uninspiring Vacancy Announcements
If your job posting is too vague or doesn’t elicit excitement in the applicants, you’re not likely to find the kind of passionate and skilled job seeker you are hoping to locate. In contrast, if the job description is enticing and well-thought-out, you increase your odds of finding qualified candidates who are excited about the role.
The way your vacancy announcement is written plays a large role in your ultimate success, so taking some extra time to make it interesting and thorough is worth the effort.
Limiting Your Search
Some companies rely on one or two recruitment methods to help find candidates, particularly if they had a reasonable about of success in the past. However, not all job seekers use the same resources, so, by limiting your options, you could be missing out on top talent.
Instead of sticking with the sources you’ve used in the past, consider branching out, especially if you are struggling to find quality applicants. By using this approach, you may gain access to a new candidate pool, allowing you to connect with professionals who may have otherwise not become aware of your vacancy.
If you are looking to add new talent to your team, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you find today’s top candidates. Contact us to see how our services can connect you with the better candidates you need to succeed.
No, It’s Not Hard to Find Good Millennial Employees
Millennials may have gotten a tough rap since they’ve entered the workforce, but not all of it is justified. Yes, they may have a tendency to voice their opinion when they don’t like a particular business practice and aren’t willing to stick in a job that isn’t helping them progress, but those aren’t necessarily bad things, particularly when they reflect the employee’s passion for success.
Learning how to identify and cultivate good millennial employees is becoming a necessity, especially as baby boomers continue to exit the workforce and Gen X-ers take on more leadership roles. If you’re struggling to find good millennial employees, here’s what you need to know.
Millennials Don’t Have Nonstandard Expectations
Generally, good millennial employees don’t have unreasonable expectations from their employers. In most cases, they desire the same things that previous generations want, including work-life balance, a respectable salary, and opportunities for advancement.
The primary difference is millennials make up the largest part of the workforce, so they have a greater ability to make their desires heard, decreasing the need for them to just conform to a company’s expectations. This is a strong contrast to previous generations, where fitting into the workplace was a burden placed on them, and not the other way around. So, if you listen to their needs and adjust, such as by offering onboarding processes, career planning services, and a robust benefits package, you too can access top millennial talent.
Engagement Is Important
Millennials aren’t just looking to earn a paycheck and go home. Instead, they want to be a part of a broader mission and community, allowing their personal and professional lives to blend seamlessly. This means these workers are particularly interested in activities that take place outside of the traditional workday, especially networking opportunities that can help them learn additional skills, connect with other professionals, and possibly find a new position.
These employees also value culture along with compensation, so finding ways to engage millennials can help entice them to consider your company and remain over the long-term.
Ultimately, millennials aren’t the mystery they appear to be. Typically, they desire the same things every other professional hope to find: A solid paycheck, substantial benefits, enticing perks, work-life balance, and an ability to connect with a grander mission they can share with their co-workers. By understanding they aren’t that different from any other worker, it’s easy to see there are plenty of excellent millennial employees out there, as long as you’re willing to look.
If you are interested in finding some top talent to join your team, the recruitment specialists at The Advance Group can streamline your search for top talent and connect you with some of the area’s most highly skilled job seekers. Contact us today to see how our flexible approach to hiring can help you meet your recruitment and retention goals.
Want to Land an Administrative Position? Read This!
Many job seekers like the idea of working in an administrative position. Typically, these roles are office-based and can help you build a strong foundation for a professional career. However, how to get started in this profession isn’t as clear as some others, particularly since entry-level jobs may list very few requirements. If you are interested in landing an administrative position, here’s what you need to know.
Education Requirements Vary
Many administrative roles are considered entry-level, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be some educational requirements listed in the vacancy announcement.
Some administrative assistant or secretary positions require only a high school diploma, as this generally shows that you have the knowledge necessary to write professionally and operate a computer. However, competition for these positions can be high, so having additional training, like an associate degree or diploma from a secretarial skills program, can help set you apart from the pack.
Other positions may list an associate’s degree as a requirement, and some even require a bachelor’s degree, especially if the role is focused on a specialty, like legal secretaries or medical administrative assistants. You may also need to have knowledge of specific software programs, like QuickBooks, or have skills in areas like web development, which may require applicable coursework or prior experience.
Ultimately, it is possible to land an administrative position with just a high school diploma, but going above and beyond that will likely be beneficial to your career.
Make Sure Your Resume and Cover Letter Are Perfect
Administrative professionals often create communications in writing, ranging from emails and newsletters to presentations and marketing material. Since written communication plays such a large role in an admin’s daily duties, having spelling or grammar mistakes on your resume or cover letter can hurt your chances of being invited in for an interview.
Before you submit a resume, make sure to review it carefully. This can include proofreading it yourself and using software, like spelling and grammar checks, to identify errors that need to be corrected. It’s also smart to have someone else review your application, as a fresh set of eyes may spot mistakes that you overlooked.
Similarly, if you have a LinkedIn profile, you should take the time to make sure that it is also well written and error free. Otherwise, the additional effort you put into your resume and cover letter may not have the desired impact if your LinkedIn profile is riddled with mistakes.
Highlight Your Value
Many administrative positions focus on making other professionals’ lives easier at work, so showing that you are capable of supporting the manager, executive, or team is crucial. Ultimately, you want to demonstrate your skills and experience will contribute to the accomplishments of others, as that is something that a hiring manager will likely deem valuable.
If you are looking for an administrative position, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us today to learn more about our available jobs and see how our services can work for you.
Candidates Not Interested in Your Perks? Offer This Instead
Offering perks is seen as a great way to entice top talent into applying for your open positions as well as to keep your best and brightest on staff. But, not every offering is valuable in the eyes of employees, so choosing the right ones is essential.
For example, while an option like unlimited vacation seems wonderful on the surface, it rarely translates into something helpful to your workforce. Instead, you need to focus on offerings that help them eliminate certain stressors in their daily lives, creating the kind of value they crave.
If your current perks aren’t working, it could be time for a change. Here are a few to offer instead.
Meaningful Gifts
While a lot of companies hand out swag coated in their corporate logos, these aren’t the types of items that actually improve the lives of your workers. However, a well-thought-out gift that speaks to them as an individual can be incredibly powerful, particularly if it fulfills a need they have.
Precisely what you can offer varies from person to person, so you will need to get to know your team for this approach to be effective. But, when done properly, it is incredibly impactful, boosting morale and demonstrating to your workforce that you care.
Helpful Services
Most professionals juggle a lot of responsibilities throughout the day, and not all of them are related to their work. Concerns about personal situations, like the need for high-quality childcare or maintaining a home, can weigh heavily on their minds, so perks that help relieve these pressures are especially valued.
For example, offering your employees access to a weekly cleaning service for their home, discounted childcare, or access to discounted meal delivery services can be very effective. So, if you have the room in your budget to offer these perks, it is certainly worth exploring.
Work-Life Balance
While unlimited vacation might not be useful, flexible scheduling and telecommuting options are excellent methods for creating a greater sense of work-life balance. This allows employees to keep up with their tasks while still being able to manage other parts of their lives, like doctor’s appointments or car maintenance. As a perk, these can be particularly empowering and are likely to be widely appreciated by your staff.
Ultimately, a perk is only going to make employees happy if it provides them with a clear benefit, so make sure to select options that are designed to make their lives easier and demonstrate that you care about their well-being, both inside and out of the office.
If you would like to learn more or are interested in finding a skilled professional to join your team, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members today and see how our services can help you hire and retain the top talent you need to succeed.
Here’s What Your Minority Employees Need from You
Minority employees may face challenges in the workplace that other portions of your staff don’t encounter. Even as more companies work to be inclusive and put forth the effort to increase their level of diversity, certain issues for your underrepresented workers can still arise, particularly if they don’t have an ally within the management team.
There are things you can do as a manager to help your minority employees thrive. To help you get started, here are a few tips to try.
Be Available
One of the most important things you can do is to simply be available to hear their concerns. Often, it’s hard to identify the challenges your minority workers may be facing unless they discuss them with you personally.
While you don’t have to be overly forward about your availability, ensuring you are always open and receptive when they come to you with a problem can go a long way. Remind your staff, in its entirety, that any and all concerns can be presented, then use active listening to ensure you learn about the full scope of the problem before proposing a solution.
Be an Advocate
At times, minority workers are reluctant to directly discuss issues they may face in the workplace, often due to the fear of repercussion. However, that doesn’t mean that, if you see or hear something that could be creating a challenge for them, you can’t step up and be an advocate for change.
Exactly how you need to act, when functioning as an ally, may vary depending on the situation. However, if a clear-cut issue, like harassment or discrimination, occurs, review the company policy and take the recommended steps. If it happens in front of you, don’t hesitate to intervene, particularly if it’s within your purview to do so.
Support Inclusion and Diversity Initiatives
In cases where your company has initiatives related to diversity and inclusion, make sure to actively support them. Review the details of the programs and policies, and work to implement any changes that need to occur within your team or department. If such guidance doesn’t exist, then consider bringing up the topic to see if such activities can benefit your minority workforce or promote diversity objectives.
Many companies don’t have specific initiatives related to inclusion and diversity, so you can become an ally by just promoting the idea and working with upper management to begin instituting lasting change in your organization.
Ultimately, supporting your minority employees isn’t challenging, and making an effort can improve your companies culture, creating a happier and more productive environment. If you would like to learn more or are looking for a new worker to join your team, the knowledgeable staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today to learn more about our services can see how our expertise can work for you.
Paint For The Cure
We had a great time painting this past Friday. Everyone’s signs turned out awesome!
Thank you all for coming and supporting our #TeamGreeneMachine
Gleanors Food Bank Competition
Join us in this friendly competition against our Monroe and Southgate branches. Donate non-perishable food items to your nearest location!
Become an Accountant With This Advice
For many people, the idea to become an accountant is particularly enticing. But figuring out where to begin isn’t always easy, particularly if you don’t know anyone who already works in the field. Luckily, with a bit of work, nearly anyone who is dedicated to starting this career path can do so successfully. Here’s some advice that will help you become an accountant.
Education
Nearly every accounting position is going to require a base level of education, most typically a bachelor’s degree, making this a critical first step for becoming an accountant. Most major colleges and universities will offer a degree that directly applies to accounting roles, be it specifically in accounting or a related field. For those who don’t live near a school, online degrees are also available at a number of institutions.
It is important to note that additional education beyond a bachelor’s degree may be required, depending on your target specialty. However, it is often possible to become a CPA without a graduate degree, as long as you can meet the requirements and pass the exams to become licensed.
Internships
While you might not be required to complete an internship to earn your degree, it is a great way to get real-world experience in the field, and also works as a method for building your accounting resume. Usually, you will work part-time, either for pay or not, in an accounting firm or department, assisting with entry-level tasks and learning about the profession.
Internships are also an excellent method for exploring various specialties, as you can examine a role up close and determine if it seems right for you and your career.
Networking
When it comes to starting any new career path, it pays to begin networking early. This can include connecting with students and faculty members while you earn your degree, staying in touch with contacts from your internship, joining local professional organizations, or simply reaching out to other accountants on social media.
By building a strong network, you can learn about job opportunities that aren’t advertised publicly. It is also an ideal way to find someone who can serve as a mentor, helping to guide you as you take the first steps down your career path.
Secure an Entry-Level Job
As you prepare to graduate, it’s time to start looking for your first accounting position. You can add the degree to your resume ahead of time, noting the actual date you’ll earn your degree, and include details from your internships to help demonstrate your skills and experience.
Often, you’ll have access to job-placement services through your school, though branching out and using other resources is wise. This can include updating your LinkedIn profile to show you are seeking work, searching through job boards, and working with a local staffing agency that is well-connected in your community.
If you are ready to become an accountant, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with leading employers in the area. Contact us today to see how our services can help get your accounting career off to the right start.
Looking for Jobs NOW? Here’s Why You Should Sign Up for Job Alerts!
Most job seekers quickly become aware of how time-consuming finding a new position can become. Running searches on job board and social media isn’t always a quick process, particularly if you use multiple sites in hopes of finding the ideal role. Luckily, there is one technique that can significantly speed up your job hunting activities: Job alerts.
If you haven’t used job alerts before, here’s why you should get started today.
It’s Convenient
At its core, a job alert is an email or push notification that lets you know when a position that meets your criteria becomes available on a specific site. When you create one, you set a variety of parameters, such as job titles, industries, companies, location, and minimum pay rates. Then, the system automatically lets you know when a new role is posted that meets your criteria, alleviating the need for you to run the search yourself every day.
Once a job alert is sent, you can peruse the details and decide if you want to apply, using the same application process as would be required if you located the job through other means.
It’s Simple
Setting up a job alert isn’t a complicated process. Most sites will walk you through the process, asking you the proper questions and letting you select options to narrow the results.
Plus, if a job alert isn’t producing the ideal set of results, you can always alter it to better suit your needs. Since you need to strike a balance between specificity, ensuring the results are relevant, and flexibility, making sure you don’t screen out potentially beneficial opportunities, this lets you fine-tune your job alert with relative ease.
Many sites will also allow you to set up multiple job alerts, giving you the ability to choose parameters based on a variety of scenarios, which can be a preferred approach if you are somewhat flexible about certain requirements, like the included industries or job titles.
It’s Available Every Day
Most job alerts allow you to select how often you receive the email that contains the compiled information, but choosing the daily option is generally the best approach. This ensures you are quickly notified about new opportunities, which is especially important for coveted roles, allowing you to apply as fast as possible.
Signing up for a daily alert also makes sure you stay on top of your job search activities, as you’ll have a reminder coming directly to your inbox almost every day. The only time you won’t get an alert is if nothing new has been posted that meets your criteria. While this happening on occasion may be expected, not receiving an email for a few days in a row can also be a signal you need to update your parameters to be more flexible.
If you are looking for a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with some of today’s leading employers. Plus, The Advance Group’s site offers job alerts, letting you automate a portion of your search too. Contact us today to see how our services and job alerts can benefit you, or click here to sign up for our job alerts right now.
