Resume Tips and Tools - The Advance Group

Want to Move Your Resume to the Top of the Pile? Use These Tips!

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

It’s been estimated that for each and every job posting advertised that recruiters can receive as many as 300 – 500 resumes from eager candidates. That’s a lot of reading and screening! Unfortunately, most recruiters have very little time to spend on each resume, so they skim through them looking for specific things, make a pile out of about 1/10th of the original resumes, and start calling people in for interviews. In other cases, the applicant tracking system may scan resumes first and only kick out those that meet the job descriptions.

Sadly, your resume could end up at the bottom of the pile, or worse yet, in the bottom of a garbage can – that is, if you don’t know the secrets of success (that we are about to share with you now). If you want to move your resume to the top of the pile, read on.

Use a standard resume template

Any recruiter will tell you that they cannot stand it when people try to ‘reinvent the wheel’ with their resumes. They don’t want to see a resume that’s super creative (unless they are hiring for a creative role), with fancy colors and head photos of the candidate. Instead, stick to the rules and use a simple format with defined headings for Skills, Education, Career History, etc. These will have a better chance of being read properly by the ATS, and by the recruiters.

Try a nicer paper

If you plan to mail your resume in (who uses snail mail anymore?) be sure to invest in high-quality paper that has a nice texture and is slightly off-white. Your local office supply store can help you pick out the best paper and matching envelopes for this purpose. Have your resume professionally printed out. Don’t turn your resume in on brightly colored paper or poorly printed from an at-home machine.

Call the recruiter

It may seem simple, but taking the extra step to call the recruitment office 48 hours after sending in your resume can alert the hiring team that you are an interested candidate. Provide the recruiter with your full name spelled out, the job title you are applying for, and your contact phone number where they can reach you. Don’t ask them to interview you on the spot or take up too much of their time. Just say thanks and that you hope to hear back at their convenience.

Get recommended

Another way to ensure that your resume makes it to the top of the hiring pile is to ask for a direct employee referral from a colleague who works there. If you can, send this person a copy of your resume and ask them to walk a copy down to the HR office in person. If you don’t know anyone who works there, you can also reach out to the staffing agency you are registered with and ask if they are recruiting for the job, then get them to send the employer your resume. This can be a very effective way to get called in for a job interview sooner.

The last secret to success in a job search is to partner with a staffing agency like Advance Staffing Solutions. We have staffing experts on hand in Michigan and Ohio to help you land whatever career you’re aiming for!

Are These 4 Crucial Items Missing From Your Resume?

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Have you ever glanced over your resume and wondered why this document is so important? To most job seekers, it’s a necessary requirement of applying for jobs. But, it’s so much more. When you start looking at your resume like the powerful document it’s meant to be, it takes on a new level of importance.

Your resume is actually a marketing document – and in this case, you are selling YOU.

When you think about a resume in these terms, it makes better sense to ensure it’s not missing any critical elements that could stop a recruiter from wanting to learn more about you. Think about it for a second. The last time you read an advertisement, it probably covered several important areas, like:

a solid and complete introduction to the service or product;
a compelling reason why someone would buy this over a competitor;
the main features and value of the offering; and
the direct call to action – to take action or buy it.

Now, take a look at your resume again. Does it include the above elements?

Your resume should introduce you to the recruiter in a solid way. The first part of your resume serves as an area where you can develop a strong introduction and list of your work related skills. Like if you were reading an advertisement for a car, you’d see the intro to the car model and the features like anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, and automatic transmission.

The reason why someone would hire you comes next. This is the meat of your resume. Include your career experience and your education here. Don’t leave anything out, if it’s compelling and a reason someone would want to hire you.

The main features and value of the offering are listed as your achievements, your award winning work, and your efforts to excel. Include volunteer experience, industry associations, your portfolio items, and any place where you have received recognition.

Lastly, bring it all home with a call to action, which is included in your resume as your clear and up-to-date contact information listed prominently in the header. Use a cover letter to ask the recruiter to call you and list your contact phone number again.

Need help writing an effective resume, or finding a job in Michigan or Ohio? Click here to browse our open jobs, or contact the dedicated staffing specialists at Advance Staffing Solutions today!

How to Beat the Competition to Your Dream Paralegal Career!

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Ever wanted to work as a paralegal? If so, there are a couple of different ways you can go about landing your dream paralegal career. You will obviously need to go to school first. You can’t just walk into a law firm and apply for a paralegal job. You need to have some form of formal training and maybe even a little experience, too. In this post, we will discuss the best ways to beat the competition to your dream paralegal career.

Unlock an Opportunity for Someone Else

One of the best ways you can land your dream paralegal career is by unlocking an opportunity for someone else. Now, you might think this is crazy, but the best way to make an impression on someone is by helping them out without wanting anything in return. When you do this, you make an impression not only on the person you are helping but also their employer and other people within your network who could offer you a job in the future.

Consider doing this for someone who works at your dream company. Connect with them on social media, possibly LinkedIn, and message them about an opportunity you know they will love. It opens the door for possible reciprocity down the road.

Become a Fan of the Company First

The first thing you should do before applying for any paralegal job is to become an all-out fan of the organization. Paralegals don’t just work in law firms. They can be found in major corporations that have in-house legal departments. Learn about the company in and out. Sign up for newsletters, “like” them on social media, and stay up-to-date on their blog. Once you are a true fan, you can then write your cover letter. Let your enthusiasm for the company shine through on the cover letter. Talk about your favorite product or service offered by the company and show how emotionally invested you are. This can only benefit you in the long run.

Create an Audition for Yourself

Not every job out there allows you to audition for it. If you work as a chef or actor, you are set. You can audition instead of really sitting down for a job interview. But, as a paralegal, you really can’t audition your skills or experience. Despite this, you need to find a way that you can audition for a potential employer. Call the interviewer before your interview and find out what recent problems the company has been having. Come up with a solution or two and turn it into a presentation you can make during the actual interview. It can’t hurt your chances!

Landing your dream paralegal job is not as out of reach as you might think. Take the time to plan ahead and consider different ways to make an impression, and you will be able to land the job. If you need help landing a paralegal job in Michigan or Ohio, click here to browse our current openings!

Are You a First-Time Job Seeker? Read This Advice

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Being a first-time job seeker can be daunting and nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to define who you are. People become a first-time job seeker by graduating from college and entering the workforce, by heading to work for the first time in life or by leaving a life-long job that was earned while still in school. If you are a first-time job seeker, be sure to read the advice below so you can make the most of this opportunity.

Don’t Make Resume Mistakes

The first killer of a successful job search is making mistakes on your resume. These mistakes include spelling and grammar issues, the resume doesn’t stand out from the crowd and the resume has not been tweaked to target each job. It has been said so much, but it is important to have others review your resume. You also should tweak each resume for the job for which you are applying.

Failure to Prepare for the Interview

A first-time job seeker typically has zero job interview experience. They might have just a little bit if they interviewed for an internship while in school, but that’s about it. You can’t count interviews for summer jobs or jobs worked in high school because those questions are too easy to answer. If you fail to prepare for the job interview, then you will surely have trouble landing a job. Prepare by practicing answers to potentially difficult questions, practicing your positive body language and more.

Inappropriate Dress Attire

Another job search killer is inappropriate dress attire at the job interview. First-time job seekers tend to make this mistake more often than not. Please dress for the job you want. If you are interviewing for a job in a business setting, wear a suit. If you are interviewing for a job in a warehouse, wear business-casual clothes, but not a suit.

Lack of Company Knowledge

One of the most important things you must do as a first-time job seeker is learn about the company where you applied. If you know nothing about the company, it will show in the interview in how you answer questions and in the questions you ask the interviewer. Take 30 minutes out of your day and learn about the company and its services. It will go a long way in the end.

First-time job seekers need to follow the advice outlined in this post if they want to be successful in their search. For more support, and help with finding an entry-level job, get in contact with the caring staffing agents at Advance Staffing Solutions.

Is Your Resume Going Nowhere Online?

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Finding a job can be one of the toughest things to do today because of the stiff competition. But, you might be hindering your own job search by having a poor resume. Almost all job openings are posted online, which means gone are the days of mailing your resume and cover letter via the post office to a company. If your resume is going nowhere online, be sure to follow some of the tips here to change your fortune.

Are You Applying for the Right Jobs?

Just because you can apply for jobs online, it doesn’t mean you should apply for every job you find. Sending in your resume for jobs you have zero qualifications for will only frustrate your search. You likely will not hear anything back from the company. Begin applying for jobs that meet your education background and career experience. Also, make sure you have skills for jobs that might be out of your experience.

Did You Tailor Your Resume?

We know how easy it can be to apply for a job online. It takes just a matter of seconds for some and minutes for others, depending on the length of the application requirements. When sending in your resume online, be sure you still tailor it according to the job for which you are applying. You cannot send in generic resumes for every job online. This will get you nowhere fast.

Social Media Account Check

Make sure you run a social media account check prior to submitting your resume online. Your resume, experience, background and education might be spectacular, but your social media accounts could deter you from securing a job offer. Sift through all of your social media accounts and remove inappropriate pictures, comments and other material that potential employers could discover about you.

Use a Personal Website

Take the time out of your day to make a personal website. It doesn’t have to be extraordinary. It only has to showcase your skills, experience and best work possible. A personal website will make it easier for employers to learn about you and what you bring to the table.

If your resume is going nowhere online, it might not just be the resume itself. You might be doing, or not doing, things that cause a failed job search. Take note of the tips in this post and change your luck. Let the staff of Advance Staffing Solutions take the hard part out of the job search for you! Browse our open jobs online today, or contact us to learn about finding a new job in Michigan and Ohio!

Looking for a General Labor Job in Toledo? Add These Skills To Your Resume

Tamila McDonald on October 7, 2026

General labor jobs can be excellent options for a wide range of professionals. They’re usually physical in nature, which can help keep you active. Plus, many of the job openings are entry-level, requiring limited experience and only foundational skills to qualify. However, the experts at our general labor employment agency in Toledo know that you can also rise through the ranks in these positions, allowing you to build a strong career.

By adding useful general labor skills to your resume, you can stand out whether you’re seeking an entry-level role or looking to move up.

A Job Placement Agency in Toledo Shares 4 General Labor Skills to Put on Your Resume

#1 Tool Operation

In many cases, general laborers will need to use a variety of hand tools while working in their roles. This can include options like drills, staple guns, and hammers, as well as any other handheld tool, including purely manual and electric options.

By highlighting this knowledge, you can showcase a critical capability on your resume, making you come across as a better candidate. Plus, if you couple that with knowledge about the safe use of tools, you can improve your position further, showcasing that you’re safety-conscious, too.

#2 Loading and Unloading

Another common responsibility for general laborers is loading and unloading. This can include removing products or materials from delivery vehicles, containers, pallets, and more, as well as packing shipments, loading trucks, and preparing pallets. Additionally, reviewing shipment inventories, packing slips, and similar documents may be required, as well as tracking inventory numbers to ensure the amount of product or materials is correct within a warehouse.

Along with highlighting relevant skills or experience, it’s often wise to mention your knowledge of safe lifting techniques if you’re familiar with them. This also speaks to the need for safety on the job, which can make you a stronger candidate.

#3 Forklift Operation

The vast majority of manufacturing, warehouse, and industrial environments have forklifts on site. As a result, being able to list that skill on your resume – as well as relevant formal training or certifications – can work in your favor.

Along with mentioning you can operate a forklift, make sure to include examples that outline the tips of materials or containers you’ve moved with one. Additionally, discuss if the forklift operation was related to other responsibilities, such as unloading or loading shipments. That gives the hiring manager critical context, making it easier for them to picture what you bring to the table.

#4 Debris Removal

In some cases, a core part of a general labor job on a construction site is to remove debris and ensure its properly and safely disposed of, as that eliminates hazards and keeps the environment cleaner. Similarly, general laborers may spend time removing discarded items – such as material packaging – on manufacturing or production floors. As a result, listing any experience in this arena can work in your favor.

Find Your Next Job with a General Employment Agency in Toledo, OH

The Advance Group is one of the top employment agencies for general labor jobs in Toledo. Our recruiters are committed to your success and will work with you to create a resume that highlights the general labor skills necessary for the job. If you’d like more insights or are interested in applying for a new general labor job, the recruiters at our job placement agency in Toledo want to hear from you!

What to Include in Your Resume When Applying for Factory Work

Tamila McDonald on October 21, 2022

The production and manufacturing sectors are booming, creating ample opportunities for entry-level and skilled professionals alike. However, even if demand is high, ensuring you showcase the right skills on your resume when applying for factory work is essential. Otherwise, you may fail to separate yourself from the competition, reducing your odds of receiving a job offer. While every role is unique, certain skills are highly desirable within these industries.

Here’s a look at what to include in your resume when applying for factory work.

Heavy Lifting

Many factory jobs are pretty physical. As a result, job ads commonly mention the need for heavy lifting in the descriptions and must-have skills area. Make sure to mention your ability to handle the physical aspects of the role, including lifting heavier loads.

Additionally, if you have experience with equipment or machinery that assists with transporting heavy goods – such as forklifts – include that, as well. That shows you’re able to handle large, hefty loads using whatever approach is best for the situation.

Material Handling

Factories require a wide range of materials to create items, advanced materials, and products. In many cases, that means material handling is a critical job requirement. Typically, that skill involves being able to receive, organize, and inventory materials correctly. Additionally, collaborating with others and reporting can be part of the equation.

If you have material handling experience, provide examples on your resume that outline the nature of the duties. However, also include the phrase “material handling” in your skills section, ensuring that critical keyword is prominently featured.

Assembly

Assembly is a multi-faceted skill that allows factory workers to put products or components together correctly. It can encompass capabilities like blueprint reading, using hand tools, operating machinery, and more.

Like material handling, you’ll want to mention the term “assembly” on your resume if you have applicable experience. Additionally, dive into the nuances of the duties, including mentioning skills, tools, and equipment that allowed you to tackle your assembly responsibilities efficiently and correctly.

Communication

Communication – both written and verbal – is critical in nearly any role, including practically all factory positions. It ensures that you’re able to relay information with ease, as well as take details in from others.

Along with highlighting your communication skills in the skills area of your resume, discuss achievements where communication and collaboration led to success. That allows you to demonstrate the effectiveness of your capabilities, making the point more impactful.

Dependability

When you’re looking for factory jobs, it’s crucial to showcase your dependability. Being shorthanded can significantly hinder production, so hiring managers want to ensure that new hires will arrive for their shifts on time reliably. Additionally, they favor candidates who handle their responsibilities and commitments, as they can be trusted to do their fair share.

In some cases, mentioning your dependability in your resume summary is the simplest way to work the detail into your application. Otherwise, make sure some of your examples showcase you as reliable.

Reach Out to The Advance Group Today

Ultimately, each of the points above should make its way onto your resume if you’re looking for factory work. If you’d like to find out more or are interested in factory jobs, the staff at The Advance Group wants to hear from you. Contact us today.

Looking for a General Labor Job in Toledo? Add These Skills To Your Resume

Raza Rauf on October 7, 2022

By adding useful general labor skills to your resume, you can stand out whether you’re seeking an entry-level role or looking to move up.