Thank You Employees

Dear Advance Staffing Employees,
We want you to know that we really value your hard work and you contributions to Advance Staffing Solutions.
To show how incredibly thankful we are for your hard work and dedication, your name will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card! Winners will be announced on Thursday December 8th.
From all of us at Advance Staffing Solutions, we wish you a joyous holiday season,
The Staff of Advance Staffing Solutions

Sylvania Open Registration

OPEN REGISTRATION @ ADVANCE STAFFING SOLUTIONS!

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14TH

8:00AM-9:30AM & 1:00PM-2:30PM

PLEASE BRING 2 FORMS OF ID (DRIVER’S LICENSE OR STATE ID AND BIRTH CERTIFICATE OR SOCIAL SECURTIY CARD

ALSO, BRING THE MOST RECENT COPY OF YOUR RESUME

5800 MONROE STREET BUILDING F SYLVANIA, OH 43560

ANY QUESTIONS CALL US @ 419-882-7646

Want to Start Down a New Career Path? Use This Advice

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Deciding to take you career in an entirely new direction is a big step. Not only is there substantial work involved, but it can also be hard to admit that you changed your mind about the future of your working life. Some people feel guilty for wanting to try something different, even when it is the right thing to do. However, there is no need to hark on yourself for following a dream.

At some point in life, we all change our minds. And our careers are not excluded from this possibility. Just because you want to go in a new direction doesn’t mean that your other efforts were a mistake. Instead, consider them a learning experience that allows you to understand better what you do want to do, or at least what you want to do next.

To help make the transition smoother, here is some advice to get you started.

Decide What You Want

Concluding that you need a change is only the beginning of your journey; you need to know where that journey will lead. It doesn’t make sense to plan to exit your career when you have no idea where you will go next. Use the idea of moving on to motivate you to explore where you ultimately want to end up.

If you need some help picking a new field, consider trying career assessment tests. There are a wide variety available, and many can be accessed through a multitude of online portals. Feel free to try a few out and see if certain themes appear as these may indicate which options you should consider most.

Assess Your Skills

Once you know what you want to do, you need to make sure that you can actually do it. Begin by examining your current skills and how they translate into your new career plan. Some skills are fairly universal, such as basic computer skills, and will transition over nicely. Soft skills are also valuable in any field, so your experience in those areas should serve you well in the future.

After determining which skills you already possess, it is time to look at the ones you are missing. Then you can create a plan to cover any skill gaps that may hold you back from pursuing your new career.

Lean on Your Network

Besides needing support for the transition, your network may be able to connect you to new opportunities that match your intended destination. Many people find jobs through the people they know or the people in their extended network. Keep those closest to you, personally and professionally, in the loop as much as possible, as long as it doesn’t jeopardize your current position.

Having other people keeping an eye out for you is likely to be beneficial. Even if you find new opportunities on your own, you will have the emotional support available to take on the new challenges you have decided to take on.

If you need help seeing where your skills can take you, or what opportunities are available in your new field, Advance Staffing Solutions has the expertise to help you explore your options. Contact us today and see what the future can hold.

 

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Southgate Moving Day!

It’s moving day for our Southgate Michigan office!  We moved to a space much larger to better serve our candidates, employees and clients!  We are less than ½ mile away at 19025 Eureka Rd.  Next to the Beirut Gardens.

Does Your Staff Deserve Some Praise? Here’s How to Dish It Out!

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Many employees list recognition as a major motivator in the workplace, and you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t like receiving a compliment from time to time. But doling out praise isn’t always as simple as it sounds and, if it isn’t done properly, it can actually make your employees uncomfortable.

So, how do you guarantee that the praise you give will be properly received? By keeping these tips in mind.

Be Genuine

This is a fairly simple rule to follow; if you don’t mean it, don’t say it. You will rarely fool someone if a compliment is forced. To help ensure your praise is authentic, make sure you only recognize actions that deserve the attention.

Praise shouldn’t be a way to fill a lull in the conversation, or as a daily icebreaker. Instead, it should have meaning every time, so let it be natural.

Be Concise

When giving a compliment, it is important to focus. Select a single point to praise and don’t deviate from that plan. Stringing together multiple compliments based on a wide array of activities can easily feel overdone (unless it is a retirement party). Over time, your praise will lose its impact and some people may even become suspicious of your motives.

Be Specific

Praise that references a specific effort carries more weight than general ones. For example, complimenting someone on their recent sales presentation has a bigger impact than just thanking them for being a great employee.

Being specific shows that you are interested in the activities of your employees and gives you an opportunity to engage with them directly.

Be Timely

If an employee does something that is praiseworthy, don’t wait to give them the compliment they deserve. By making the statement now, they can easily attach the praise to the event. The longer you wait, the more difficult it is for the employee to find meaning in the statement. Praise is something that can never be delivered too soon, but it can certainly be given too late.

Be Tactful

Certain compliments require specific circumstances. For example, noticing a new haircut might be a suitable opportunity to offer a compliment, but it needs to be well timed. For example, if you are exchanging pleasantries while riding the elevator in the morning, mentioning that you like their new style may be appropriate. However, bringing it up in the middle of a department-level staff meeting might just make them uncomfortable.

In contrast, appreciation for a person’s hard work on a large project that is expressed in front of other higher-level managers may be more appreciated than praise given in private. Not only will the employee get the benefits associated with being recognized, but they also understand that you valued the contribution to the point of wanting others to know about their success.

If you are looking for more advice about praising employees or have a vacant position that needs filling, The Advance Group has the industry expertise you need. Contact us today.

 

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Help Stop Hunger

The 2nd Annual Downriver-Monroe Food Fight starts Monday, March 6th and runs through Friday, March 17th!

The Advance Group is teaming up with Gleaners Community Food Bank to participate in the food fight in order to help families in our communities that are forced to make the tough decision to heat or eat this winter.

 

We will be collecting non-perishable food items. You can drop them off at:

 

The Monroe Advance office, 35 E Front St, Monroe MI 48161 OR

The Southgate Advance office, 19025 Eureka Rd, Southgate, MI 48195

 

Suggested items: Tuna fish, Canned Veggies, Soups, Canned pasta, Canned beans, Canned fruit, Baby food, Rice, Macaroni, Baking mixes, Cereal, Peanut butter and Jelly

 

Let’s help feed the hungry children in our community!!

https://virtualfooddrive-gleaners.nationbuilder.com/donatedownriver

Waiting for a Sign That It’s Time to Quit? Here It Is!

 

While heading to work isn’t necessarily the most fun thing in your life, it shouldn’t feel like the worst one either. And, if you have a feeling of dread while getting ready every day, week after week, that is often a sign that it is time for a change. But figuring out what kind of change you need isn’t always easy. Maybe you simply need to find a similar position with a new employer. Or maybe you need an entirely new career.

If you find yourself question which direction is right for you, here are some points to consider along your way to an answer.

Am I Passionate About the Field?

Your first point to ponder should be whether you feel any passion for your field of work. This helps you review whether your career path has potential based on the bigger picture of how it fits into a company while factoring out what it is like to do the job with your current employer.

Generally, if you aren’t happy with your job, it is hard to feel passion for anything about it. But you need to see if the ideas behind your chosen field still inspire any sense of excitement or at least interest. If the answer is yes, then a simple job change might do the trick. However, if the answer is no, a new career may be on the horizon.

Do I Take Pride in What I Do?

Again, this question needs to be separated from your current employer and focused on your field. For example, if you meet someone new and they ask what you do for a living, do you consider it a point of pride to tell them? Or do you try to hide it or avoid the subject?

If the idea of sharing your job title or field of work gives you a positive feeling, then changing employers may fit the bill. But, if you would rather hide that detail from those you meet, then a career change might be the better course of action.

Do I Enjoy Using My Professional Skills?

As we move along in a career, we have a chance to develop and use specific skills. But, just because we are able to do something doesn’t mean we enjoy it. Granted, not every job duty is going to inspire you to push through your day. However, it is important that those you regularly use in your career are at least pleasant experiences.

Try to determine if you could keep doing the same, job specific requirements as you move through your career. If that idea fills you with dread, then other options should be explored. If it sounds great, then a new environment may be all you need.

Am I Fulfilled?

Sometimes, the biggest question is to decide if you feel like you are missing out on something you desperately need. And, if so, what exactly is the missing part.

A lack of fulfillment can make a job feel more like a cage than an opportunity. If you feel an undeniable pull to do something else, then you should explore that further. And that doesn’t mean you have to jump ship right away, but at least figure out what it would take to make that change a reality. Then, you can make an informed decision about pursuing an option that gives you that missing piece of the puzzle.

If you are looking for a new job or an entirely new career, The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us and see whether a change is just what you need to feel like you are getting everything you need out of life.

 

 

The Job Market is Shifting. Is Your Company Keeping Up?

 

Millennials are the largest part of the workforce today. And their preferences are shaping how workplaces need to operate. Preferences for flexible scheduling and a higher likelihood of making a job switch mean companies need to change how they hire and the benefits they offer. Otherwise, you may find it difficult to get the employees you need.

But what changes does your company need to make to keep pace with the shifts in the job market? Here are some of the most important offerings you need to consider.

Flexible Scheduling

Flexible scheduling is becoming more of a standard than a luxury. Whether you simply give employees options for shifting their schedule to meet occasional demands in their personal lives or give them carte blanche to get things done whenever they choose, businesses need to find ways to increase the number of options available.

Project-Oriented Opportunities

While some businesses see a Millennials willingness to explore opportunities elsewhere as a negative, it can actually create unique options when used properly. For example, you can hire professionals on a project basis to get the expertise you need only when you need it. This allows workers to focus on the skill sets they prefer to use while you get access to the best talent available. Then, when the project wraps up, you can both go your separate ways with ease.

Personal Development

Many Millennials favor personal development opportunities over certain other benefits, so giving your employees a chance to learn and grow can help attract some of the best and brightest in their fields. Consider implementing formal training plans or building in educational benefits. Mentorship programs can also provide a source of career development for those who prefer to work directly with someone who possesses the skills they wish to learn.

Career Growth

One motivator for seeking new employment opportunities focuses on the chance to move up the career ladder. Luckily, this urge to look elsewhere can be managed by providing clear paths for career progression within the workplace. Then, they can work towards gaining higher ranking positions without necessarily having to find a new company to do so.

Updated Communication Tools

Millennials aren’t inclined to rely on email to communicate with coworkers or management. Instead, many favor tools like instant messengers and other chat-based tools. Failing to adopt new communication tools to meet these expectations can have your company appearing to be behind the curve, and that won’t attract candidates from this or younger generations.

Non-Traditional Workspaces

The cubicle farm is well on its way out, while more open designs continue to attract employees interested in more collaboration in the workplace. However, that doesn’t mean every area should be entirely open to everything else, as integrating heads down or conference spaces can help control distractions.

Compensation

While compensation isn’t always cited as a major factor, it is still a factor that deserves consideration. Your business needs to make sure that any compensation offered to competitive within the current marketplace. This includes a strong salary, suitable medical coverage, retirement options, and paid time off. Otherwise, you may struggle to find and keep the employees you need.

If you are looking for new employees to join your workplace, The Advance Group has the expertise to attract today’s top talent. Contact us to speak to one of our professional recruiters today.

 

 

Need to Hire Fast? Here’s Why You Might Want to Pump the Brakes

 

A business is only as strong as its employees.  And that means you need to hire right.  But, when you are under pressure to get someone new onboard quickly, you may be tempted to rush things along to get a person into the position, even if they aren’t a perfect fit.

However, hiring can be challenging even under the best of circumstances, and cutting the timeline down doesn’t make it easier.  In fact, it can lead to some significant mistakes.  Before you allow the pressure to move forward override your better judgment, you might want to consider slowing things down a bit.  And here’s why.

You Haven’t Nailed Down What You Need

Sometimes, you know you are in desperate need of another set of hands, but you aren’t exactly sure what those hands need to be able to do.  Failing to define the role before looking for candidates may lead you to choose a candidate that has well-developed skills, but ultimately doesn’t have the capabilities you actually need.

If you haven’t defined what the new employee will need to do on a daily basis, as well as how the position fits into the larger picture, you are better holding off until you can clarify your actual needs.  That way you are screening candidates that will help your company move forward by filling in critical skill gaps instead of picking up a set of hands that can’t do what you actually need.

You Aren’t Sure About the Budget

Every position needs to be associated with a budget.  You need to know what you can afford to offer in salary and benefits, as well as invest into things like training.  If you don’t have the financial points figured out, you may end up evaluating candidates that you simply can’t afford.  Or, you could end up undershooting what you could have and miss out on the chance to get a more skilled employee in the door.

In business, budgets are always important.  So make sure you can identify precisely what you can and can’t afford before you begin your search.

You Can’t Evaluate Candidates Properly

Typically, hiring a new employee requires you to assess whether a stranger can meet your needs.  Most of the hiring process is designed to help you determine whether the candidate is the right kind of person for the job, and this goes beyond simply holding the right skill set.  If you rush the vetting process along, you might not get the insights into their personality that you would otherwise get.  And that can lead to a poor fit.

While securing the right skills is important, cultural fit is just as relevant to long-term success.  So, make sure you give yourself a chance to see if who they are as individuals fits in with the rest of the team or business.  Otherwise, you might find yourself regretting your hiring decision.

If you find yourself pressed for time when hiring, consider working with The Advance Group to find your next employee.  We can manage the prescreening process for you so you can dedicate more time to getting to know the candidates.  That way you can select the best option available even if you are limited on time.  Contact us today and speak with one of our recruitment specialists to see how we can help you hire quickly and effectively, instead of just quickly.

 

 

Sylvania Employee Referral

 

Referral Contest

 

Refer a friend and when they complete our application process

You will be entered in a drawing for a $50 gift card

 

Applicant must register between the dates of March 13th – March 24th

(Please have the applicant call our office at 419-882-7646 for dates and times)

Drawing will be held on Monday, March 27th

 

 

** In addition to this referral bonus you will also be eligible for our regular $50 referral bonus**

(To qualify for the $50 referral bonus the applicant or employee must complete 80 hours of work)

 

 

 

 

A healthy transition to daylight saving time

Rested. Focused. Productive.

Helpful tips for our employees:

  1. Get ample sleep. Commit to 7-8 hours every night.

  2. Keep a fixed schedule. Maintain consistent sleep and wake times.

  3. Exercise regularly. Even moderate exercise can improve sleep.

  4. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Both interfere with sleep habits.

  5. Eat a light dinner. Avoid heavy meals and finish eating 2-3 hours before bed.

  6. Relax before bed. Read a book, listen to music, or take a bath.

  7. Create a sanctuary. Your room should be cool, quiet, and free of distractions.

  8. Invest in a good mattress. Make sure it provides ample comfort and support.

Do You Know Your Real Career Passion?

 

Whether you are just stepping into the working world or have thoroughly established a career, that doesn’t mean you have identified your real career passion. Many people jump into the working world based on finding a job they don’t mind doing and intend to figure out their passions as they go forward. The trick is most don’t actually know how to figure it out.

Discovering your true career passion isn’t a topic that is taught in school, so you end up moving from one job to the next hoping you find it. But there is a better way. If you want to find your real career passion, here are some tips to get you started.

Stop and Relax

The idea of finding your passion can actually lead to a lot of anxiety. We often feel pressure to figure it out fast (which is unrealistic for many), and that leads to unnecessary stress. So, don’t feel like you need to solve this equation today. Instead, relax and remind yourself that the answer is out there, and you will find it in time.

Shake It Up

Rarely will you find your passion by sticking to your current routine. However, even a slight deviation from the norm can help gain new insight. And this means it is time to shake things up a bit.

Now, you don’t have to do anything dramatic to get some refreshed perspective. Even something as simple as choosing a new route to work, trying a new place for lunch, or taking part in a new recreational activity can get your mind working in new ways.

The idea is based solely on breaking up your current patterns a bit, so almost anything that does that is a great move. Then, see what new things you notice along the way and if you get any new ideas to pursue. Even if you just find out information about what you don’t like, it helps you get closer to things that you do.

Consider Your Time Online

Our time spent online can actually be very revealing regarding potential passions. For example, when you only have a few minutes online, what are the first places you go? Are there certain websites you visit more than others? What do you do when you get there?

You may find yourself drawn to certain topics when you get online, like exploring new recipes or checking a particular newsgroup. Alternatively, you may value the more social aspects of being online, focusing time on friends and family.

Any preference you find can help you identify a passion and may even lead to ideas about pursuing a new career path entirely.

Talk It Out

Once you start finding patterns of interest, discuss them with the people you are closest to. Have them help you see the big picture and discuss whether they could see you directing your talents in that direction. This isn’t about having someone talk you into (or out of) making a change. Instead, consider it another source of information to help you along the way.

Dip Your Toe in the Water

Now that you have some ideas, you can consider making a move. One great way to explore a new career is to do so as a temporary worker. This gives you a chance to try it out in person and see if the reality matches your assumptions. Then, if it feels like a good fit, you can pursue it as a full-time career.

If you are interested in trying a job in a new field, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you get started. Contact us and see if your new idea is a passion you can get behind.