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Want FREE Tickets to Cedar Point?!

Raza Rauf on June 29, 2018

Want FREE Tickets to Cedar Point?!

The Advance Group is giving away FREE Tickets to Cedar Point.. But wait that’s not all! You will also receive a FREE parking voucher AND a $100 Gas card!!

Refer a friend, when they complete our application process you will be entered into a drawing for the prizes! You can refer multiple people for multiple entries!!

Applicant must register between the dates of July 2nd – July 27th

(Please have the applicant call our office for dates and times)

Monroe: 734-457-0056

Southgate: 734-288-3654

Sylvania: 419-882-7646

Drawing will be held on Friday July 27th at 4pm

***Winner will be announced live on The Advance Group Facebook Page***

Be sure to like our Facebook page!

advanced-group.instaging.io/

**In addition to this referral bonus, you will be eligible for our regular $50 Referral Bonus** To qualify to the $50 referral bonus, applicant/employee must complete 80 hours of work.

 

Join us Wednesday for National Ice Cream Soda Day

Raza Rauf on June 18, 2018

Beat the heat and join us for National Ice Cream Soda Day and Open Registration!

 

Get a job and have an ice cream soda on us!!

 

When: Wednesday June 20th from 9:00am- 2:00pm

Our Locations

 

Monroe, MI – 35 E. Front St.

Southgate, MI –  19025 Eureka Rd.

Sylvania, OH – 5800 Monroe St. Bldg. F

 

Requirements are: 

Must be 18 years of age or older

HS Diploma/GED

Work history in the last 12 months

 

Please bring your documents showing employment eligibility

 

For a full list of our jobs, please visit our website: advanced-group.instaging.io/

  

Want a Raise? Try These 5 Ideas

Raza Rauf on April 23, 2018

 

Not every company has an outlined procedure when it comes to providing employees with a raise. While some businesses tie increases in compensation to annual performance reviews, some seem to only increase a worker’s income at random, which can be frustrating if you have been in your role for some time and haven’t seen a pay bump.

But, even if there isn’t a formal policy for a raise, that doesn’t mean one is entirely out of your reach. There are things you can do to increase your odds of securing a raise. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are five ideas to try.

1. Demonstrate Your Value

Managers are busy people. While they do their best to keep tabs on their workers’ performances, it doesn’t automatically occur to them that a raise may be justified.

Sometimes, managers need a little reminder, and that responsibility may fall squarely in your hands. If you’ve been excelling in your role, consider scheduling a meeting with your boss to go over your recent accomplishments. This helps demonstrate your value while also ensuring you stay on your manager’s radar.

2. Research Salaries

If you’re looking for a raise because you feel you’re underpaid, you should do some salary research before broaching the topic with your boss. Luckily, there are a variety of online resources that show what professionals working in your position typically make in your area, so dig in a bit and see if your salary actually falls outside the standard.

If so, this can be a starting point for a conversation with your manager, particularly if your skill set is in high demand.

3. Ask for More Responsibility

Getting involved in high-profile projects or asking your manager for additional responsibilities can help you forge a path to a raise. Granted, it may require doing more work as a means of being recognized, but it’s a move that can pay off.

4. Embrace Learning Opportunities

Ways of doing business evolve on a regular basis. New technologies or approaches may be developed that can streamline operations, and being open to learning about these advances can help you stand out from the pack.

If you get the chance to learn a new skill or system, whether on the job or on your own, embrace it. As your skill set increases, you end up with more to offer your employer, and that can help you get a raise.

5. Consider a New Job

In some cases, your current employer won’t be open to increasing your pay, no matter what you do. When that happens, you may need to find a new position as a means of getting a raise.

While this can sound intimidating on the surface, it isn’t uncommon for professionals to look for outside opportunities as a means of advancing their career. If you feel like you’ve hit a dead-end, it may be time to see what else may be available.

If you are interested in finding a new job, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with some of the area’s leading employers. Contact us to speak with one of our skilled recruiters today and see how our services can help you take the next step forward in your career.

 

 

Worst Interview Mistakes (and How You Can Recover!)

Raza Rauf on April 9, 2018

 

Let’s face facts; everyone makes a mistake from time to time. But, when that misstep happens in an interview, it can be particularly disheartening, sending your confidence through the floor and firmly putting you on the defensive.

But, even the worst interview mistakes can be recoverable, as long as you know what to do to mitigate any damage. To help you do just that, here are some of the most common interview missteps and what you can do to fix them.

Coming Up Blank

Interviews are high-pressure situations. And, when you’re under stress, instead of the answer to a question quickly popping to mind, you might draw a blank.

Brain freezes happen, so this isn’t inherently a problem if you react quickly. Start by asking the interview to clarify the question, if a particular part had you stumped, or even request a second to consider your response. Asking for a little time doesn’t necessarily signal a problem as some hiring managers interpret is as you simply wanting to think before you speak.

If you have a partial answer, share it. If that doesn’t get your thoughts moving, be honest that you’re coming up short. Then, ask if you can return to the question later or provide an overview of how you would go use your relevant skills to find the answer if the question is related to an on-the-job task or procedure.

Not Silencing Your Phone

Having your phone ring during an interview is jarring, and isn’t going to go over well with the interviewer. If this happens, you need to act fast. Silence the incoming call, then quickly power off your phone. Apologize for the interruption and then refocus on the task at hand.

Not Preparing Any Questions

While asking questions at the end of an interview may seem optional from your perspective, in the eyes of the hiring manager, it isn’t.

Ideally, you want always to have well-researched questions ready that relate specifically to the position or the company, showing the interviewer you are genuinely interested in the opportunity. But, if you don’t have any ready, you shouldn’t default to bypassing this crucial step.

Instead, have a few basic questions in your back pocket that work for nearly any interview. For example, ask the hiring manager, “Do you have any concerns that would prevent me from being seen as a top candidate for the position?” works for almost any scenario and gives you a chance to respond to points that could keep them from extending an offer.

“What do you like most about working here?” gives you information about the company’s culture, and it isn’t a topic usually covered in the bulk of the interview.

Having a few questions available that always work can save your interview, so consider adding the two above to your repertoire, just in case.

By following the tips above, you can recover from some of the worst interview mistakes, giving you a chance to move forward and potentially secure the job.

If you would like to learn more about avoiding interview mistakes or are seeking new opportunities, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our professional recruiters today and see how our services can benefit you.

 

 

The Thank-You Note You Need to Send After an Interview

Raza Rauf on March 16, 2018

 

When you know you have nailed an interview, the feeling you get is hard to beat. But, even if you have a strong inclination to believe they are going to offer you the position, that doesn’t mean your work is done.

While it’s perfectly fine to take a moment and revel in the excitement, or even contact a friend, family member, or member of your network to let them know how it went, you also need to prepare for your next critical step in the hiring process: The thank-you note.

Even if it isn’t a formal requirement for getting a job, sending a well-crafted thank-you note allows you to express your appreciation to the hiring manager while ensuring you leave a great final impression before they make a decision. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are some tips for writing an exceptional thank-you note.

Address the Hiring Manager by Name

Since you met with the person directly, you should know their name, so make sure to include it in the salutation. If you interviewed with a panel, it is wise to create a separate email for each person, giving you a chance to address them specifically instead of as part of a group.

Show Appreciation

Once the greeting is in place, it’s time for the opening paragraph. Here, you should show your gratitude for meeting with you, taking the time to answer your questions, and letting you discuss the company and position.

To make this paragraph pop, start by saying it was nice to meet them, thank them for their time, and express your excitement about the role or workplace, such as “This seems like a great role/company.” Then close with a sentence that mentions something you appreciated specifically. For example, you could say, “I particularly loved learning about [an interesting point about the role or company].” This adds a small level of detail that many other thank-you notes lack, helping to set you apart from other candidates.

Assert Your Interest in Learning More

The second, and final, paragraph should reiterate your interest in not just the job, but the company as a whole. For example, you can begin by saying, “I look forward to hearing from you about this exciting opportunity or any other openings [in the department/with the company] that match my skills and experience.”

Use the Write Closing

As you prepare to sign off, make sure you close the email properly. You can choose to write “thank you” before adding your name, or a simple “sincerely” will do the trick. Alternatively, “best regards” may be appropriate, as well as “gratefully.”

The point is to keep it professional and appropriate, so choose an option that most accurately coincides with the nature of the relationship.

Send It Quickly

In most cases, it only takes a few minutes to craft a great thank-you email, so make sure to send one off within a few hours of your interview ending. That way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting, and the hiring manager can receive a quick reminder as to why you are such a great candidate.

If you want to learn more or are looking for a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today to see how our services can work for you.

 

 

Looking for Jobs NOW? Here’s Why You Should Sign Up for Job Alerts!

Raza Rauf on March 9, 2018

 

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.

 

 

Become an Accountant With This Advice

Raza Rauf on March 2, 2018

 

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.

 

 

Paint For The Cure

Raza Rauf on February 26, 2018

We had a great time painting this past Friday. Everyone’s signs turned out awesome!

Thank you all for coming and supporting our #TeamGreeneMachine

 

Here’s What Your Minority Employees Need from You

Raza Rauf on February 19, 2018

 

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.

 

 

Candidates Not Interested in Your Perks? Offer This Instead

Raza Rauf on February 5, 2018

 

 

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.

 

 

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