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Use These Tips to Create a Brighter Springtime Workplace

Raza Rauf on April 19, 2016

The cold weather is behind us and the springtime is bringing warmer temperatures and lots of sunshine to Michigan and Ohio … finally! Many workers have been cooped up in their offices, cubicles, and plants for far too long. It’s time to bring the springtime into the workplace with these creative ideas.

Dejunk the office.

Spring is the perfect time to clean up any office space, and this comes down to assigning work teams for some sprucing up. Start by clearing any clutter that’s developed, especially in common areas, hallways, and break areas. Then, wipe things down. Bring more sunshine in by cleaning windows and blinds too. The office should feel light and bright now.

Bring in the green.

Give your office more life and improve the air quality by investing in some beautiful greenery. Work with a local greenhouse to secure fresh plants for every office area. Encourage your employees to bring in their plants too. Hold an impromptu Earth Day celebration and plant some trees on the property around your offices.

Boost spirits.

Schedule some outdoor events to help get employees outside and into some fresh air. Have a picnic in a local park, or invite the families of your employees for an ice cream social at the office. Give out fun prizes and corporate swagger in bright pastel hues. Have a May-Pole dance outside and invite the children of workers to participate.

Encourage some time off.

Your springtime workforce also signals a time to encourage employees to find more work-life balance by taking some much needed time off. Partner with a staffing agency like Advance Staffing Solutions to bring in some temporary employees so your regular employees can schedule vacation time.

Improve incentives.

The spring months often need a little help to increase the morale of the workplace, especially after the brutal winter we had here in Michigan and Ohio. Review your current employee incentive programs and see if you can make them better. Create some fun competitions in the office that allow employees to shine in front of their peers, then assign incentive to performance goals.

Host a wellness event.

Many times, employees are hoping to shed some weight and get fit as they head into the summer months ahead (and bathing suit season). Support this effort by introducing a wellness program at the office. Launch it with a wellness event held on campus.

Work on a cause.

In the spring, companies can also start focusing on community causes that need support. Nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity, local pet shelters, and even nearby schools can always use a helping hand. Organize a team of employees to spend a day building a new home for a deserving family and see how this experience brings people closer.

Need help creating a workforce that shines this spring? Click here to partner with Advance Staffing Solutions today!

Sylvania is Hiring!!

Raza Rauf on March 30, 2016

Monday, April 4th, 2016

9:00am-1:00pm

Advance Staffing Solutions

5800 Monroe St Building F

Sylvania, Oh 43560

Looking for EXPERIENCED production workers

Toledo, Holland, and Maumee

$10.00-11.00/Hour +

All shifts available

Apply online first @ www.advancestaffingsolutions.com

Please bring an updated Resume, and

2 valid forms of ID

Any questions call 419-882-7646

There’s Such a Thing as Being “Too” Relaxed at Work!

Raza Rauf on March 11, 2016

Has your job become dull and uninspiring? Have you begun to get too relaxed and lazy on the job? You are not alone. As many as two-thirds of all working adults become disengaged when it comes to their jobs. And another major percentage find themselves searching for other opportunities while on the company clock.

This is never a good place to be. But you can get back that excitement of your job if you take the following steps.

Go back into the past.

Think back to when you first started your current job and how you looked forward to getting started. Were you anxious to prove yourself to your new employer? Was your brain filled with new ideas? Take a look at your career now. What has transpired since then? Chances are, you are just getting settled in and taking things for granted. Try to find some aspect of your work you can get behind again, and go for the gusto!

Find your passion.

Instead of sitting back and just watching the clock each day, why not discover something about your work that gets your wheels turning? Think about the things you are passionate about – be it a cause, a personal interest, or a way of doing things. Integrate this into your daily tasks and projects. For example, maybe you enjoy planning parties. You could ask your boss if you can head up a team celebration committee!

Consider how in-demand you are.

If you were to leave your job today, what marketable skills can you bring to the table? When you become too relaxed at work, it’s easy to take this for granted. Someone more skilled, or with fresher skills just out of college may be thrilled to take your place. Get some training in an area that honors your job and industry, and appreciate your job a little more.

Share your ideas more often.

When is the last time you contributed a new idea to improve things at your workplace? It’s common to “shut down” when you feel like you are getting accustomed to the job and no one cares anymore because you are not the new person. However, you do have great ideas to share so make it a point to connect with your supervisor on a regular basis to share new ideas for improving things around the office.

By taking the above steps, you must step outside of your own comfort zone and stay motivated. In the end, however, you will enjoy your job more and grow as a working professional. If none of these tip work, and you want to find a new job altogether, click here to see the open positions available through Advance Staffing Solutions!

Job Search Tips for December New Grads

Raza Rauf on January 25, 2016

Congratulations! You are one of the few lucky college students who have made it through and earned your dream degree. After the celebrations are over, it’s time to start taking a hard look at how you will accomplish getting a new job. While you may get a lot of well-meaning advice from friends and family members, there are some sure ways to get a job if you follow the tips from our professional recruitment team.

#1 – Create a great resume and cover letter

Your very first step in the journey to earning a career in the New Year as a December college graduate is to create an outstanding resume and cover letter. There are many resources for finding information and templates for building a quality resume and cover letter set. You are encouraged to visit online and library resources to accomplish this. You will also want to consider reaching out to a professional resume writer and career coach to help you along the way.

#2 – Develop a strong professional brand

The next move you should make as a new college grad is to create a brand new online professional presents for yourself. Ditch your old social media accounts and start from scratch. One good way to accomplish this is to create a free online portfolio of your college assignments, such as your written work and/or any creative or video work that you have developed. Then create brand new social media accounts that link back to your portfolio. Remember, only show off your most professional work that you will be proud to discuss with a potential employer.

#3 – Connect with staffing agencies

The next smart move for your career search as a new grad is to get registered with your local staffing agencies. Why is this important? In many regions companies only hire through temporary staffing agencies. This is a measure used by companies to save on the cost and time of recruitment. Select a staffing agency that is in your particular area of industry. For example, if you are seeking an information technology job then you will reach out to staffing agencies in the IT and technical markets.

#4 – Network online and offline

A great way to speed up your job search is to become very active in networking with others in your industry and in your local area. You will want to become involved with some of the local business associations so that you get a chance to meet leaders and find out about positions before they are advertised. Use social networking sites like LinkedIn and Twitter to learn about brand new openings at companies. Connect with a few mentors in your area of interest and let everyone know that you are looking for a position now that you have graduated.

Waiting to Hear Back from a Recruiter? There May Be a Reason Why…

Raza Rauf on November 27, 2015

Imagine a scenario where you are unhappy with your current job, and are contacted by a recruiter who tells you that the company they represent is interested in hiring. They fill your head with a list of job benefits that far outweigh what you are currently receiving, and you naturally say that you are interested in getting involved in the interview process. It may sound like a pipe dream, but this is actually something that happens on a fairly regular basis. It’s all rather exciting, but what do you do when it happens to you and it suddenly seems as though the recruiter has dropped off the face of the earth?

There is always the possibility that you simply didn’t make the cut, or that the needs of the company changed during the interview process.

They may have chosen to go in another direction completely, or they may even have decided that the position that they were trying to fill was not as essential as they had first imagined. It’s also worth noting that it can take as long as six months for the search and interview process to be completed. If you were among the first wave of potential candidates, you could be waiting a long time to hear from the recruiter again.

The job is still up for grabs but is in the negotiation phase for the moment.

Another reason why the recruiter may not have gotten back to you just yet is because they may be in the negotiation phase with another candidate who interviewed first. They will not call and inform you of their decision until that negotiation is complete, as it may end up falling through. If that is what happens, they will either abandon the search, which happens quite often, or they may turn to their second candidate, which may well be you.

While your natural instinct will be to call to find out what is going on to get recruiter updates, this may not be the best approach. Believe it or not, recruiters are very busy people who simply don’t have time to regularly update every person that they contact. When you talk to the recruiter, do all that you can to make a positive impact, as that will make them keep you in mind if this particular opportunity falls through. Most recruiters will eventually call you to make you aware of the final decision made by the company, so just remain patient until that call arrives.

Referral Contest – Win Thanksgiving Dinner on us!

Raza Rauf on October 5, 2015

Refer a friend and when they complete our application process

You will be entered in a drawing for a Thanksgiving Dinner Gift Basket that includes a gift certificate for a turkey & all the ingredients for side dishes and dessert!

Applicant must register at one of our Branch Offices between the dates of October 5th – November 13^th.

(apply on-line or call branch for appointment time)

Drawing will be held on Monday, November 16th

** In addition to this referral bonus you will also be eligible for our regular $25 referral bonus**

(To qualify for the $25 referral bonus the applicant or employee must complete 80 hours of work)

www.advancestaffingsolutions.com

How to Stay Off a Recruiter’s Blacklist

Raza Rauf on September 28, 2015

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

Exaggerating Skills or Claims

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

Self-Employed Viewed as Unemployed

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

Aggression Does Not Work

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

Failure to Fit the Culture

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

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

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

Raza Rauf on August 11, 2015

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

Pitfall #1 – Your resume is boring

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

Pitfall #2 – Your forgot to include achievements

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

Pitfall #3 – Where is the cover letter?

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

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

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

Pitfall #5 – Overuse of keywords

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

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

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

Raza Rauf on August 5, 2015

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

Ways to Be Different and Stand out as a Candidate

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

Create some buzz around YOU

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

Network with the right people

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

Use an outstanding cover letter and resume

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

Follow up the smart way

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

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

Unemployed? Job Seeking? Here’s What You Need to Know

Raza Rauf on June 9, 2015

Finding a job when currently employed is one thing; finding a job when unemployed is an entirely different experience. Studies have shown that it can be harder to find a job when unemployed, because some hiring managers view this as a negative mark for a candidate. An employed candidate is somehow more favorable than someone between jobs? It doesn’t really make a whole lot of sense.

Fortunately, these attitudes are changing. Today, hiring managers understand that sometimes people face periods of unemployment through no fault of their own. If you are currently in this predicament, take heart – there are some ways to make the most of this time in your career.

1. Don’t sit around waiting for a job offer – get out there and grab one!

As an unemployed person, you are actually in a unique position to be the master of your job search. Instead of having to sneak around a job trying to look for work and go to interviews, you can dedicate all your time to finding a great new job. Get up early every day and treat it like a job, searching for work, going to job fairs, volunteering in the community, heading to your local temporary staffing agency, and connecting with recruiters on social media accounts.

2. Good news – you can start working immediately.

The positive side of being unemployed while looking for a new job is that you can start immediately if an employer calls you up. Make sure to emphasize this at all interviews and when talking with the recruiters at your temporary agency. Check in frequently, and be sure to accept part-time and even one-day assignments while you look for something better.

3. Take on a temporary assignment in the meantime to stay active.

The best thing you can do for your career and spirits is to stay active in your career by taking on temporary assignments. Be open to trying assignments that may be somewhat outside your normal types of work tasks. Stay in good terms with local companies by accepting assignments, being punctual and professional at all times.

4. Make sure to get the support and guidance for your career.

Being unemployed, even for short periods of time, can be hard on the psyche. This means you will want to stay connected to others by attending unemployment benefit meetings, support groups, and remaining a part of the world. If you have a circle of friends and family around you, rooting you on, you will be better able to face the daily aspects of finding a job with a good outlook.

5. Try learning some new marketable skills or head back to school.

The other advantage you have as an unemployed job seeker is that now have the time to learn new marketable skills or to finally head back to school to earn that degree you’ve always dreamed of. Take careful inventory of the skills you have now, what’s lacking, and if training can close the gap so you can become more valuable in the workforce. Many states have workforce development programs that can include financial support for earning a certificate or degree in a certain industry that’s in need of skilled labor.

Use the above steps to launch your new career in a positive way. Do not despair. A new job is just around the corner.

Why Use a Staffing Agency?

Raza Rauf on June 8, 2015

Has the question ever occurred to you, or have you asked it yourself — why should I use a staffing agency?

Watch the video below to hear two Advance Staffing employees discuss why you should use a staffing agency!

Click here if you’d like to discuss partnering with a staffing agency like Advance Staffing Solutions today!

Overqualified for a Job? Here’s Why You Should Apply, Anyway!

Raza Rauf on May 27, 2015

Even though many companies tend to stay away from hiring overqualified candidates, it still doesn’t mean you should not throw your name into the hat. Being overqualified for a job does not rule you out entirely, which is why you should still apply for the jobs you find. Below, we will discuss why you should apply for jobs for which you think you are overqualified.

Find a Personal Referral

If at all possible, find a personal referral within the company if you are overqualified for a job. The personal referral should be someone you worked with or for in the past who can vouch for your track record and work ethic. A personal referral can go a long way in any job search, but it can be very important when trying to land a job for which you are overqualified. The referral will be able to speak to how dedicated you will be to the company despite working a job you have done in the past.

Apply Because You Need a Job

One reason why you should still apply for a job for which you are overqualified is because you need a job. Maybe you have been unemployed for six months and desperately need to find work. Even if you have come across a job that you hold too many qualifications for, send in your resume anyway. You never know what direction the company wants to go in, so you really have nothing to lose.

Apply Because You Aren’t Worried about Promotions

Are you at the point in your career where climbing the corporate ladder has become an afterthought? Are you a veteran of the workforce? If so, working a job for which you are overqualified might be the right step to take in your career right now. Maybe you want to work your final year or two prior to retirement in a job that makes you feel comfortable because you have done it in the past. If so, send in your resume the next chance you get.

Apply Because You Thrive in These Situations

If you are the type of worker who thrives in situations such as these, send in your resume for the job. You might have to take a cut in pay, and answer to people whom you normally would be in charge of, but you are the type of person who can handle all of this. It’s possible that this job will lead to bigger and better things in the future too.

Apply to Gain Valuable Career Experience

You might not be a veteran of the workforce, but you could still be overqualified for a job. Because of this, you should apply simply to gain interview experience. There is nothing wrong with going on a ton of job interviews because the more you go on, the more experienced you will become in answering tough questions and explaining your career history. You will also learn a few new things on the job, which can be leveraged for something better.
Being overqualified for a job does not have to hinder your search for employment. Based on the reasons outlined here, you should submit your resume for jobs and take a chance even if you are overqualified.