How to Collaborate Like an NCAA Champion

 

If you want to create a culture brimming with innovative and unique ideas, then collaboration is your key to success. When small groups work toward solving a problem or reaching a particular goal, the results tend to be better than if only one or two people were taking on the task.

But, the ability to collaborate doesn’t come naturally to every team, so you need to foster an environment that promotes communication and idea-sharing if you want to create the right culture. If you’re ready to collaborate like an NCAA champion, here are some tips to get you started.

Nurture the Right Skills

While some people are naturally strong communicators, others aren’t as innately comfortable speaking in front of large groups. Plus, tasks like gathering input, providing feedback, and navigating conflicts can be challenging for managers, particularly if they don’t have a lot of prior experience in those areas.

If you want to collaborate as a core element of your business, you need to nurture the skills that help make it possible and provide the necessary tools for success. Select software that makes communicating easier, and create opportunities to share and discuss ideas regularly to increase everyone’s comfort levels.

Create Standard Processes

On the surface, the ability to collaborate appears to be highly fluid and unstructured. But, when you want it to be effective, putting processes in place can actually lead to better results.

For example, having a standard meeting approach that allows time for feedback as things are wrapping up can be beneficial, or creating a mechanism to ensure all participants have an opportunity to be heard when an issue is discussed can ensure everyone has a chance to get involved.

Provide Access to Training

Since collaboration is usually a top-down endeavor, making sure that managers have access to suitable training can make it easier for everyone to get involved. The training doesn’t have to be formal to be effective.

For example, ensuring that upper management buys off on the objectives and then sharing the associated goals and priorities with other leaders can help get the ball rolling. Similarly, encouraging collaboration at high-level meetings can get managers used to the paradigm.

Add Collaboration to Common Gatherings

Everything from your onboarding process to company events can likely benefit from some time spent collaborating, so make sure to provide the necessary time to give everyone a chance to share ideas along the way. This helps establish collaboration as part of your overall company culture, making it an ingrained part of everyone’s day-to-day.

Over time, your staff and leaders will see the process as second nature, allowing it to be used in new and exciting ways. Plus, you may gain access to interesting innovations and ideas in areas where you least expect them, giving you a chance to improve your processes and build strong teams every step of the way.

If you are interested in learning more about how to make collaboration a priority in your business, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our skilled staff members today and see how our expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Top 5 Hardest Manufacturing Jobs to Fill in Northwestern Ohio (and How You Can Find Qualified Workers)

 

At times, finding a qualified candidate for a vacant position seems impossible. Certain roles are notoriously hard to fill; especially when demand for specific skills is high and the available talent pool seems drained.

In northwestern Ohio, five manufacturing positions are proving to be significantly more difficult to fill than others, leaving hiring managers frustrated and companies having to continue operations without their ideal level of staffing.

Luckily, there are things you can do to locate qualified candidates even in a tight labor market. To help you get started, here is a list of the hardest manufacturing jobs to fill and what you can do to secure the top talent you need to make your team strong.

Top 5 Hardest Manufacturing Jobs to Fill

In today’s market, certain manufacturing positions are particularly challenging to fill. Based on the current conditions in northwestern Ohio, the top five are:

  1. Material Handler
  2. Machine Operator
  3. Production Coordinator
  4. Production Estimator
  5. CNC Operator

At times, these roles are difficult to fill because of the skill sets required. In others, companies struggle to connect with these professionals through their standard recruitment resources.

Luckily, there are things you can do to find qualified workers, even in a tight labor market.

How to Find Qualified Workers

If your usual recruitment approaches aren’t helping you find the right candidates for your open positions, then you need to explore alternative options that can supplement your other activities.

For example, have you reached out to area trade schools or community colleges? These can be excellent resources for finding talented individuals getting ready to join the labor market and may even let you snap up top talent before they officially begin their job search.

Social media can also be a powerful resource. Are you using it to help you find experienced professionals?

A lot of young workers use social media to find opportunities and even apply for jobs. For this to work, you need to make sure that your vacancy announcements are posted publicly. Additionally, it’s wise to make sure that your vacancy announcements and application process are mobile-friendly. That way, if a skilled job seeker learns about a vacancy while reviewing their social media feeds on a smartphone, they can apply directly from the device.

Niches job board can also be a great option, particularly when you are looking for highly experienced professionals who’ve been working in the field for some time. These resources cater to specific industries or professions, so you might increase your odds of being noticed by career-focused individuals who are dedicated to their area of expertise and prefer to forgo traditional job boards for something more specialized.

Find More Candidates by Partnering with a Recruitment Agency

Sometimes, the best way to reach a pool of top-tier candidates is to partner with a reputable local staffing firm. These recruitment specialists have existing relationships with skilled professionals as well as a range or recruiting tools and resources to help them locate hard-to-find job seekers.

If you are working to locate a new employee for hard-to-fill manufacturing jobs, the experienced professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with talented candidates in the Michigan and Ohio. Contact us to learn more about our services today and see how our expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Candidates Need This From All Employers

 

Workplace flexibility is often touted as a benefit during the recruitment process. The idea of having a flexible schedule is incredibly enticing, drawing in top talent from around the area.

But, when the selected candidate officially joins their team as a new hire, the reality doesn’t always align with the promise. Sometimes, it turns out their options are more limited than they were lead to believe. In other cases, workplace flexibility is functionally non-existent.

Flexible work arrangements are incredibly important to candidates, particularly as more and more professionals face increasing demands in both their professional and personal lives. If you aren’t offering workplace flexibility, here’s why you need to reconsider.

More Productive Employees

One of the biggest benefits of flexible work arrangements is typically the increased level of overall productivity. Employees have the ability to handle their work and their lives in such a way as to make both easier to manage.

For example, instead of using leave to handle a doctor’s appointment, they can simply adjust their schedule. This allows them to work a full day, instead of losing time to address the other obligation, keeping productivity higher while still giving them the ability to take care of some of life’s other demands.

Attracting Top Talent

Offering workplace flexibility can be an excellent selling point when you need to locate highly skilled professionals to fill vacant positions. Generally, it’s a benefit that job seekers hope to find, so they may favor opportunities that come from companies willing to provide it.

If you are seeking in-demand skills, you need to stand out from your competitors. Providing employees with flexible work arrangements can be a great differentiator if other businesses haven’t embraced the idea.

In contrast, if you aren’t providing flexible schedules, but your competitors are, you may have trouble recruiting top talent. If they realize other companies are willing to accommodate this desirable benefit, and you don’t include that in your offering, they may forgo a position in your business for one that provides them with what they need.

Does It Have to Be Completely Flexible?

While an entirely flexible work arrangement can be desirable in the eyes of candidates, it doesn’t always make sense for every industry. Some companies choose to provide flexibility within a set of boundaries, and that can still be touted as an attractive perk.

For example, you may limit telecommuting to a specific number of days a week or require in-person attendance for weekly meetings. Alternatively, you may state that employees must complete their eight-hour shift, but give them a 12-hour window to meet the requirement, such as allowing them to work any time between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm.

If your industry requires some boundaries, attempt to give employees as much flexibility as possible and outline any restrictions clearly. That way everything is upfront and well-defined, giving candidates a clear picture of what you have to offer.

If you would like to know more or are looking for a skilled professional to join your team, the recruitment specialists at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our experienced staff members today and see how our expertise can benefit your company.

 

 

5 Easy Ways to Recruit More Qualified Workers

 

When you need to fill a vacant position, you must find the most qualified worker in the shortest time possible. Regretfully, this is often easier said than done.

But, there are things you can do to recruit a higher-quality candidate. Here are five easy ways you can get started.

1. Connect With Colleges and Universities

Area colleges and universities can be an excellent source of talent. New or upcoming graduates are often looking to find job opportunities, and they typically have some of the latest and most desirable skills, particularly for entry-level roles.

Making the connection is easy. Typically, you can contact the school’s placement office for additional information, or sign up to be a company at a job fair.

2. Request Referrals From Employees

Your current staff is also an outstanding resource when you need to find top talent, especially in niche areas. Most professionals have robust networks, which usually includes people who are in a similar field.

If you’re having trouble filling a vacancy, ask your staff for referrals. They may know the ideal candidate, allowing you to benefit from their connection to top talent.

You can even go a step further and create a formal referral program, making it part of your operational standard. This can be ideal if you want to craft a strong pipeline of talent, especially if you don’t limit incoming referrals to only people who may qualify for a current job opening.

3. Reach Out to Professional Organizations

Another great tactic when you need to hire a professional in a specific niche is to contact local chapters of professional organizations that focus on your specific profession or industry. Often, highly skilled workers join these groups to help them network with like-minded members of their community, so you may be able to locate passive job seekers who could be interested in making a switch.

4. Search LinkedIn

Sometimes, instead of waiting for the best and brightest individuals to apply, it’s better to seek them out. Consider jumping onto LinkedIn and searching for professionals who have the skills and experience you need.

This allows you to tap into a pool of passive job seekers, as they might be interested in hearing about opportunities but aren’t necessarily seeking them out on a daily basis. LinkedIn has a built-in communication system, so you can reach out right through the platform. However, if other contact information is available, such as an email address, consider using that instead.

5. Partner With a Recruitment Agency

Reputable staffing firms can be an excellent resource when you need to locate highly qualified workers, especially when you need to move quickly. A recruitment agency is often ingrained in the local community, allowing them to build strong networks and remain connected to some of the area’s most talented candidates.

If you are looking to hire more qualified workers, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our recruitment specialists today and see how our hiring expertise can benefit you.

 

 

How to Turn Employees into Brand Ambassadors

 

Most companies recognize their employees are their greatest resource. Not only do they ensure daily operations run smoothly, they can also be some of your company’s most effective champions.

Having your staff act as brand ambassadors can do wonders in the area of recruitment. Job seekers often look for information shared by workers to learn about a company’s culture, something that has become increasingly important to highly skilled professionals.

If your employees aren’t serving as brand ambassadors, here is how you can encourage them to step into that role.

Seek Out Referrals

Most employees have robust networks and interact with other skilled professionals on a regular basis. When you request referrals to help fill vacant positions, you can tap into these networks, giving you access to potential candidates who might not otherwise apply.

For example, passive job seekers aren’t typically scanning job boards daily. Instead, they are keeping their eyes open for particularly enticing opportunities. When they hear about a vacant position from someone they know and trust, they might be more open to taking the leap.

Additionally, this approach gets your employees talking about your company, particularly if they love where they work and want others to have a chance to enjoy what they’ve found. If you’ve built a strong culture, they’ll be happy to discuss it, getting the word out about what you have to offer.

Avoid Scripting

When you tell your employees what to say, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter some level of resistance. Usually, the wording you choose isn’t what they would naturally select, so your workers may fear their efforts will seem artificial and salesy.

If you want them to function as brand ambassadors, encourage them to discuss your company in a way that feels natural. Don’t try to force the use of specific taglines, descriptions or phrases. Instead, let them extol your virtues from their perspective. Generally, this will result in more honest communications, making it more likely that, when they sing your praises, people will feel it is genuine.

Don’t Overlook Swag

When a company has a great product and treats their employees well, many employees would proudly wear branded t-shirts, use coffee mugs emblazoned with the company’s logo, or bring swag items into their daily rotation.

Often, swag doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. However, it needs to be of reasonable quality, generally attractive, and useful. When those points come together, you may discover your workers are happy to don their swag items in public, increasing brand awareness in unexpected places. Plus, it can function as a reward for a job well done, especially if the items are well made and handy.

Ultimately, turning your employees into brand ambassadors doesn’t have to be challenging as long as you give them the proper tools and the necessary amount of flexibility to personalize their approach.

If you are interested in learning more or are looking to expand your workforce, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members today and see how our expertise can benefit you.

 

 

3 Easy Ways Manufacturers Reduce Turnover

 

Employee turnover is something every manufacturing company must manage. The cost of an employee leaving is often quite high, so focusing on retention can help businesses craft a strong workforce for the long haul and limit the amount of time, energy, and money that must be committed to finding replacement workers.

Luckily, there are things manufacturers can do to reduce turnover that are relatively easy to implement. Here are three easy ways manufacturers minimize turnover and how you can get started.

1. Offer Competitive Compensation

If your salary and benefits offering don’t measure up to your competitors, you will inevitably struggle when it comes to retention. Employees want to be paid fairly for their work and, if your business doesn’t step up, they will seek out opportunities with competitors who will.

Now, you don’t necessarily have to go far above industry norms. Instead, make sure your total compensation packages are at least in line with other manufacturing businesses in the area. That way, your employees will feel they are being treated fairly.

It may take some research to determine if your offerings are competitive. But there is a significant amount of information available online that can help get you started.

2. Acknowledge Their Efforts

Showing your employees appreciation for all that they do can go a long way. Anything from a simple, but specific, “thank you” to an employee appreciation event to merit-based pay raises can help show your workers that you recognize their accomplishments and value their contributions.

You don’t necessarily need to praise your staff for everyday tasks for this approach to be effective. Instead, look out for significant accomplishments, like exceeding production quotas or wrapping up a major project, and intentionally acknowledge what it took to get there.

3. Hire the Right Candidates

If you want to reduce turnover, then you need to make sure you are bringing the right people onboard in the first place. Selecting candidates that aren’t a proper match increases the odds they won’t stay for the long-term.

For example, a new hire who is destined to conflict with the company’s culture, regardless of whether they are suitable skilled, likely won’t fit in with their co-workers or enjoy the environment. And unhappy workers are more likely to harm overall productivity and ultimately quit.

Similarly, a candidate who doesn’t possess the right skills will struggle in the role, which could lead to them quitting or the need to terminate their employment.

However, by choosing a right-fit candidate, you are more likely to end up with a happy and productive employee. Plus, if they enjoy their time at work, they probably won’t be interested in heading out the door too quickly.

If you are seeking top talent for your vacant positions, and want to reduce turnover at your company, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with some of the area’s most skilled job seekers. Contact us today to discuss your hiring needs and see how our services can help your retention goals.

 

 

Faster. Cheaper. When Temp Is a Smarter Hiring Option Than Full-Time

 

Managing the size of your workforce can be a challenge. Whether it’s navigating employee vacations or other forms of leave, adjusting to seasonal shifts in demand, or handling a large-scale project, having the right skills available is a necessity.

Often, companies default to seeking out new full-time, permanent workers when they require additional staff. But, there are some situations where bringing in temporary employees is a smarter, faster, and cheaper hiring option.

If you are wondering whether you should hire a full-time or contract worker, here are some signs that choosing a temp may be the right hiring option.

Covering Absences

Companies often have a wide range of duties that must be covered at all time. This can make it challenging if your permanent employee needs to take some time away from the workplace, especially if you rely on them for critical tasks and their workload can’t be easily covered by existing staff.

When this occurs, bringing in a temporary worker can be an excellent choice. You get access to a high-quality employee for the duration of the absence, ensuring that must-do tasks can be managed. Plus, once your permanent employee is ready to return, you can release the temp from the assignment without concerns like unemployment.

Seasonal Demand

A wide variety of industries are affected by seasonal demand. Workloads can increase dramatically for a specific portion of the year then return to a low point once the season is over.

If you hire full-time, permanent team members to cover seasonal upticks, you’ll inevitably have to consider layoffs once the workload decreases during the slow season. But, if you choose to supplement your workforce with temps, that burden is eliminated.

Contract employees understand that their time with your organization is limited and, since they never officially join your payroll, you don’t have to worry about the financial impacts that generally accompany a layoff.

Project Hires

At times, companies need to complete projects that require a specific set of skills that aren’t necessary for daily operations. Luckily, you can find temporary workers that specialize in nearly any field.

By choosing a contract employee, you gain access to the skills you require for a project for the duration of the tasks. Then, once the project is complete, you can respectfully part ways. This approach is incredibly common when it comes to finding someone with expertise for tech projects that aren’t part of your core business.

Working Interviews

In some cases, bringing in a temporary worker gives you a chance to effectively host a working interview. You can see if their skills meet your needs, evaluate their attitude, and judge whether they fit into the workplace.

If they aren’t a great match, you can release them from the assignment and seek out a new candidate. However, if you find that they’re a perfect fit, you can extend a permanent job offer, officially making them a long-term part of your team.

Ultimately, temp employees can be an incredible asset to businesses looking to manage costs, hire quickly, or evaluate a person with potential. If you are interested in learning more, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you explore your hiring options. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members and see how our services can benefit your company today.

 

 

5 Ways Employee Wellness Benefits Your Company

 

From the company perspective, employee wellness programs are an investment. After all, there’s usually a financial burden that comes with administering such benefits, so knowing you’ll reap the rewards for managing the program is a must.

On the surface, it may be hard to see how employee wellness benefits your company. To help you understand the value, here are five ways employee wellness helps your bottom line.

1. Reduced Absences

By having a robust employee wellness program, you can reduce health-related absences. Healthier employees typically require fewer sick days and may be less inclined to take “mental health days” as a way to manage stress.

Plus, the length of absences may also decrease. Employees who are in good health usually don’t take as long to recover from an illness or injury, ensuring they are back to work faster.

2. Lower Medical Costs

Medical costs, such as healthcare benefits, are usually a substantial line item for every business. But, if you offer an employee wellness program, you may be able to reduce these expenses, helping you save more than you spend on the program.

Healthier employees don’t require as many medical visits or treatments, which can make it easier to achieve lower rates on your plans. Not only does this benefit the company, it helps your employees as well, keeping costs down for everyone.

3. Improved Retention

Offering an employee wellness benefit can improve your retention rates. When employees feel their employer cares about them, they are more likely to feel satisfied on the job. This decreases the urge to seek out new opportunities, particularly if your competitors aren’t offering a similar program. Ultimately, it can set you apart as an employer of choice, something that isn’t always easily achieved.

4. Attract Top Talent

When word gets out about your employee wellness program, this can help you cement your reputation as a great employer. Then, when you need to attract top talent for your vacant positions, you may discover you are having an easier time finding high-quality applicants.

Many job seekers consider a company’s reputation before applying for a job, so ensuring that yours is positive can go a long way when it comes to bolstering your recruitment efforts.

5. Increased Productivity

When employees know the company cares about their well-being, morale can improve, and productivity may rise. Plus, healthier employees may also be happier, especially if their employer is helping them achieve their health-related goals. This can provide an additional boost to productivity, allowing them to accomplish more during their day than their unhappy counterparts.

Ultimately, employee wellness programs are powerful benefits that can help you save money, increase productivity, improve retention, and even assist with recruitment. If you are interested in learning more or are seeking skilled job seekers for your vacant positions, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your company’s goals today and see how our expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Keep Your Michigan Workplace Engaged This Summer With These Tips

 

When it comes to managing productivity, summer can be one of the most challenging periods. Many employees begin heading out on vacations, or are at least planning them, and it isn’t uncommon for thoughts about spending time out of the office to dominate the workplace, especially on beautiful summer days.

During the summer, focusing on engagement is a must. This can help keep morale and productivity high, ensuring the company can meet its goals and that your workforce is happy. If you need to keep your Michigan workplace engaged this summer, here are some tips that can help.

Host a Recognition Event

Acknowledging the achievements of your staff can go a long way, especially when you need to boost engagement. It lets your team know their efforts are appreciated and the company recognizes all they do to help everyone achieve success.

Summer is a great time for a recognition event, especially if you have not held one recently. Gather teams together (or the entire company) and show your appreciation.

Give a Mid-Year Rundown

Employees generally want to know how the business is doing, as this can give them a sense of both security and satisfaction, particularly if the first six months were good.

If you haven’t made your workers aware of the status of the company, consider providing a mid-year rundown. Share information about the triumphs and challenges the organization has faced, including relevant details that give context to the situation.

Additionally, make sure to be open to questions if some of the news isn’t great. That way, you can hear the concerns of your workforce and address them, giving them additional confidence in the health of the company.

Have Some Fun

Stress can be the enemy of productivity, even over the short-term. If your employees have been burning the midnight oil to meet goals or simply cover for summer vacation absences, organize some fun activities to help them de-stress.

Team-building activities can be both a great distraction and a wonderful learning opportunity. Plus, they can bring people together, making times of strife easier to manage. While it may take a few hours out of the workday, the rewards often offset the inconvenience.

Provide Work-Life Balance

Offering telecommuting or flexible scheduling options can make a significant difference during the summer, helping your staff achieve greater work-life balance. It gives them a level of freedom that can be incredibly valuable during the summer. Plus, it ensures productivity can remain high as employees will still be fulfilling their duties, even if it is in a nontraditional fashion.

By using the tips above, you can keep your Michigan workplace engaged this summer and beyond. If you are interested in learning more about what you can do, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members about your business needs today and see how our expertise can make this summer a great one for your Michigan workplace.

 

 

Want to Improve Retention Rates? Read This Advice!

 

Improving your retention rates comes with a range of benefits. First, it means you won’t need to recruit as often, since fewer vacancies occur. Second, it can keep your costs down in key areas like recruitment and training. Finally, it creates peace of mind when high turnover is a thing of the past.

Making progress in an area like retention doesn’t happen by accident. It requires dedication and a willingness to take a hard look at company operations. While some level of turnover is unavoidable, specific actions on the part of management can drive top performers away. Correcting these issues can make a significant difference, allowing you to keep your best and brightest on staff.

If you are ready to improve retention rates in your company, here are some areas to examine.

Poor Management Styles

As the old adage goes, people don’t leave companies, they leave managers. Many top performers will quit a job if they don’t agree with their supervisor’s management style.

Poor leadership often results in tension. At times, this is because expectations or directions are unclear. In others, a sense of being micromanaged can leave professionals frustrated, particularly if they are highly experienced and capable of working with a bit of autonomy.

Providing managers with a suitable amount of training can help make sure issues don’t arise. It also benefits new leaders in your organization, teaching them the value of empowering their workers and ensuring they aren’t overloaded.

Negative Attitudes

Having a negative attitude can wreak havoc on morale. Employees may feel underappreciated, unsupported, or that the deck is stacked against them, particularly if none of their accomplishments are recognized, or conversations with their supervisor are overloaded with undue criticism.

Similarly, leaders who take credit for the work of their team can drag workers down. Failing to address legitimate concerns also demonstrates a lack of caring, which drives employees away.

Teams need to feel like management is invested in their success, and that requires more than pointing out problems with their performance, especially if the employee performs well in their role. Otherwise, workers will likely seek out greener pastures.

Not Following the Rules

If it appears managers aren’t subject to the same standards as employees, discontent is often a side effect. Employees need to know the rules apply equally to everyone or the company’s culture will be harmed.

Similarly, blatant favoritism can take a toll. Treating certain workers differently than others, whether positive or negative, creates imbalance and uncertainty, and that is damaging to morale.

Having a single standard in regards to behavior and performance is a must. This provides a sense of consistency and makes it easier for employees to gauge management’s expectations. Additionally, it ensures that favoritism doesn’t harm the workplace, creating an environment where everyone is on equal footing.

By making sure leaders in your company are creating a consistent and supportive environment, you can improve retention rates. If you’d like to know more, the experienced team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your retention goals today and see how our expertise can benefit you.

 

 

3 Hidden Expenses of Hiring on Your Own

 

When you hire on your own, you are responsible for all costs associated with the activity. This includes paying for advertising, software to handle screening, the time required to review applications, and even website management expenses.

While many of the costs of hiring are easy to recognize, others may fly under the radar. Here are three hidden expenses of hiring on your own that you may not have noticed before.

1. Company Career Websites

Many job seekers still turn to company career websites for information about available jobs and what the company has to offer its employees. While most businesses have a website already, adding and/or maintaining a career segment does come with a cost.

Keeping the content optimized can be a challenge, particularly as search engine algorithms change on a semi-regular basis. Using proper SEO tactics may require assistance from a specialist, necessitating a new hire or the services of a consultant. Adjusting the page to meet today’s standards, particularly when it comes to mobile platform compatibility, and that the content remains fresh usually means having a web developer available. And, if you want to have a section dedicated to internal opportunities for current employees, you’ve added another layer of complexity.

Ultimately, having a company career website is a smart move, but it’s important to understand it comes with a cost.

2. Social Media Advertising

While adding a post that discusses a vacancy won’t cost you a dime, actively promoting that post comes with a price tag. Social media ads and sponsored posts give you the ability to spread the word about your open position with greater ease. You can even target users, like those in a particular physical location or with specific personal interests, to help track down an ideal candidate.

Typically, individual ads are very affordable. But, depending on the number of positions you are looking to fill and how difficult the skill set is to find, the costs quickly mount. If you aren’t budgeting for these costs and controlling the amount you want to spend on these ads, you may discover you are sending more money out the door than you intended.

3. Candidate Management Software

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) and customer relationship management (CRM) solutions can both be used to help keep tabs on candidates, handle initial screening, and even send out automated email updates to job seekers. But, as with any other piece of software, these require a financial investment, and high-quality solutions often come with a significant price tag.

While having an ATS or CRM can increase hiring efficiency, making them a valuable resource, it’s important to fully budget for their cost. If you are going to embrace a new solution or add services to your current system, make sure to look for hidden expenses, like implementation fees, that can increase the initial price, as well as any monthly service costs.

Even though the three areas above represent expenses, that doesn’t mean they aren’t good investments. However, you may find other arrangements more cost-effective, including partnering with a staffing firm for your hiring needs.

If you would like to learn more about how a staffing agency can help you keep your expenses low, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our skilled team members today and see how our services can make hiring more affordable.

 

 

Need Better Ohio Employees? Read This

 

Finding the right job seekers to fill your vacant jobs can feel like a challenge. After all, you have an ideal candidate in mind, but actually locating top talent that meets your needs isn’t always easy.

Luckily, there are things you can do to find better Ohio employees for your positions, ensuring you have access to the right skill sets that allow your company to thrive. If you’re ready to find higher-caliber candidates, here’s how to get started.

Look for Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

When most companies hire new Ohio employees, finding candidates who possess the right technical or hard skills is usually a priority. However, soft skills, like communication and problem-solving ability, are also valuable in most roles, so those should be evaluated as well.

It’s important to remember hard skills can often be taught, but training a person to improve their soft skills is a challenge. If you find someone with potential and can help them acquire the needed hard skills, consider whether making an investment would be beneficial in the long run.

Additionally, ensuring that the job seeker fits with the company’s culture is a must. If the candidate doesn’t mesh with the environment, they will probably struggle even if they have all of the required skills to be successful in the role.

Along the same lines, making sure your business can meet the potential new hire’s needs is also crucial. Ultimately, if part of the job doesn’t align with their expectations or requirements, they likely won’t stick around for the long term.

Nurture the Talent Pipeline

Having a strong talent pipeline is a must if you need to fill positions quickly with high-quality individuals. This allows you to have access to a pool of candidates at all times, some of which may already be at least partially vetted.

Often, you can nurture your talent pipeline by staying in touch with top talent who could excel in your company but didn’t match a particular opening. That way, when a suitable vacancy comes along, you can reach out and ask them to apply.

Similarly, engaging with interested job seekers – even when a job isn’t available – can help you flood your pipeline with skilled individuals. You can develop a rapport with experienced professionals over time, increasing the odds they’ll apply when an opportunity comes along.

Partner With a Staffing Firm

Recruitment agencies are an excellent resource when you need top talent quickly. Not only do they maintain relationships with active and passive job seekers, but they are also well connected in the community, giving them access to additional candidates at a moment’s notice.

Plus, staffing firms focus on recruitment, screening, and hiring. This makes them experts in the field and, when you partner with a reputable recruitment agency, you gain access to their expertise.

If you are looking for high-quality Ohio employees, the team at The Advance Group can connect you with some of the area’s leading professionals. Contact us to discuss your hiring needs today and see how our services can benefit you.