How to Attract Temps with Incentive Programs

Finding the right employee in today’s tough job market can be very difficult. The reason for this is that there are so many people unemployed and so many others looking to switch jobs. When the job market floods with potential employees it can be difficult to determine which ones are the most talented and which ones are perfect for your company. In addtion to working with a quality Detroit MI Temp Agency, a way to attract some of the best temporary employees is to create an incentive program for them and your full-time, permanent employees.

Start with Recognition in the Office

One of the first incentive offers for temporary workers should be recognition within the office. Recognizing a temporary employee for a job well done in front of permanent workers can go a long way in building the confidence in the temporary employee. By doing this, you will create a track record that you can show your potential temp workers who are trying to make a decision where to work.

Provide Opportunities for Full-Time Employment

Another option is to offer temporary workers in Detroit full-time employment opportunities. You can make this incentive known to your potential employees prior to hiring them so their decision to work for your company is easier. If a temporary worker knows he or she has the chance of being hired full-time, it will help motivate them while on the job, making sure that success becomes a staple within the organization.

Offer Some Form of Cash Incentive

While interviewing a temporary employee, you might want to consider offering a cash incentive. Let the potential employee know about the incentive prior to hiring them so their decision to work for your company is easier for them to make. The cash incentive can be as simple as $100 for working a specific time length without an accident on the job or for remaining employed with the company for three months. You can also reward temporary employees who refer other temporary workers. This cash incentive can be paid out to the temp worker after the new hire is on the job for at least six months.

Paid Time Off

Who does not love days off from work? How about paid time off? Employees love both of these, so why not offer your temporary workers extra paid time off? Aside from their sick days and personal time, allow your temp workers the chance to accrue extra paid time off for every sick day or personal day they do not use in a given year. For example, an employee can accrue one additional paid day off for every two sick/personal days he or she did not use for the year.

By offering these incentives and more, you can recruit and retain some of the best temporary employees in the industry today. Advance Staffing Solutions, a  Detroit MI temp agency, is here to help you accomplish this.

LinkedIn_CTA

3 Mobile Apps to Find Lunch at Your Next Temp Assignment

What has become the most popular hour of the workday, lunch time is often a welcome relief for those working on temporary assignments in Detroit. However, if you’re not sure where the best spots are for lunch or you are working in a brand new location and not sure where, you can turn to technology to find a comfortable lunch locale.

Finding Lunch as a Temp is a Snap with Mobile Apps

Nearly everyone today has a mobile device and the wonderful thing about smart phones is that they include access to mobile lunch apps!  Here are three of the most popular mobile lunch apps that you can use to access a healthy lunch when you are at your next temp assignment.

WhereToEat?

Grabbing lunch on the go when you are in your own neighborhood is something you probably know very well. But, finding one when you are in an unfamiliar section of downtown Detroit, Michigan – this can be very scary. That’s why this iPhone lunch app can be used to access the best lunch spots that are close by your location. This lunch app even gives you step by step directions using GPS so the chances of getting lost are slimmer. You’ll be able to get directions back to your temporary assignment location.

OpenTable

If you are a little bit on the picky side when it comes to eating lunch you may want to sample OpenTable. This mobile app helps you to locate restaurants and eateries by location and also the type of foods that are served. You can also browse all kinds of menus online via the app for free. If you’re ready to make reservations this handy app also gives you a form to accomplish this. Hint: Use this lunchtime app when you are asked to organize a lunch for your team at your temp job. You will be the person who impresses the boss the most, because nothing wins over the executive team like a delicious meal.

GrubHub

When you prefer lunch at your desk while you’re at a temp job in Detroit MI, GrubHub is the mobile app for you. Can choose from take-out food that can be delivered to your desk, or you can order ahead if you happen to be short on time. GrubHub is a popular app for finding restaurants when you must take your lunch on the go. Use the app to browse for multiple restaurants and clubs in your area. Place your lunch time order right on your mobile device. Save your lunch hot spots for the next time you’re on this temporary job so you can relive the experience.

Remember, as a temp you will want to plan ahead for lunch breaks. Many companies prefer that you stay on property while working as a temp, while others don’t have a preference. Ask your staffing manager ahead of time. Pack a lunch and snacks for your first few days on the job to avoid any issues. Take the time to eat a healthy meal and take regular breaks as scheduled to stay sharp and focused at work.

JobBoard_CTA[1]

How to Turn Temp Jobs into a Career

Working at a temporary job can be rewarding, but a little uncertain at times too. The reason for this is that a temporary job fulfills your need for income and gives you the chance to focus on your career goals. But, on the other hand, you know that the temp job may not always lead to full-time employment.

We have compiled five key points you can put into action if you want to turn your temp jobs into a full-time career.

Make Yourself Visible

Aside from being hired for the temporary position, a key point here is to be visible at the company. Not many people will know who you are as a new temp, so be sure to introduce yourself on your first and subsequent days on the job. Learn the names of all your immediate co-workers and supervisors. When we say be visible, we mean be visible in a positive manner. Do not bring attention to yourself via negative language, actions or poor job performance. One way to get noticed is to arrive at work early and to leave late whenever you can.

Be Open to New Tasks

What temporary workers need to realize is that they might be asked to perform some menial tasks or even some brand new ones while on the job. Accept these assignments with a smile and an open-mind that they could lead to bigger and better ones. Do not complain and make sure you thank superiors for the projects and let them know when you can begin another one. To make this as easy as possible, go into the first day of the job with the mindset that no task is beneath you.

Dress for Success at Work

Just because you are a temporary employee, it does not mean that you should report to work in jeans and a t-shirt each day. If you dress for the job that you want, you will be leaving a good impression with your superiors. It is absolutely fine to be overdressed for your position instead of being dressed a level below the rest of the employees in the building.

Socialize as Little as Possible

Although it’s important to be friendly with co-workers and clients, excessive socializing can actually be the downfall of your temporary position. Even if you do not do it often, the boss might walk by your co-worker’s desk each time you happen to be standing there having a conversation. Do not let this ruin your chances of becoming a full-time employee with the company. Socialize as little as possible and focus on your work every chance you get.

Do Not Sprint to the Finish Line

No one wants to stay late into the night to complete a project after coming into work early in the morning. It is understandable, but it is also the nature of the beast. Do not bolt for the door when the clock hits 5 PM each day. Instead, stay for a little bit to work on an assignment or to begin a new one. This will show your superiors how determined you are to extend your employment with the company.

If you are looking for temp employment in Monroe MI, contact our team today.

JobBoard_CTA[1]

How to Turn Your Temp Job into a Full Time Offer Fast!

Finding a job in any type of market is a daunting task, especially when you have been out of work for quite some time. But do not let rejection kill your confidence because there is a company out there ready and waiting to hire you in the Detroit area. One piece of advice to take into account when looking for a permanent job is to work a temporary position while you are “between jobs”. You could end up with a full time, perm job offer going this route.

Remember that a temporary position in Detroit MI does not necessarily have to be classified as temp-to-hire for you to be hired on as a full-time employee at the company. If you work hard enough and make a lasting impression, you might force the company to bring you on as a full-time employee. Why? Because you will have proven yourself to the employer by the time your temp assignment nears the end and they won’t want to lose you.

Heeding the advice outlined in this article can help you turn a temporary job into a full-time position in no time at all.

Work Your Hardest and Then Some

Just because you are a temporary employee, do not take the job lightly. Arrive to work on-time or early each day and try to leave late at least a couple of times per week. If you want to turn this position into a full-time job, you need to make an impression on various people within the company. Turn your attention to your work output the minute you arrive at the office. Ask questions when necessary, turn work in on-time, and offer to help on projects that need assistance. Do not overwhelm yourself to the point where you cannot finish items by the deadline though.

Express Flexibility to Work ANY Hours

Make sure the company knows that you are flexible in the hours you can work and the tasks that you can undertake while working there temporarily. When a company sees this, it makes the decision to hire you full-time much easier.

Ask About Full-Time Employment

One of the first steps you should take prior to asking about a temporary position is to find out if it can turn into a full-time job. Some agencies will tell you that the company strictly needs temporary employees and that you should never mention full-time employment while on the job. Others will tell you if the job is temp-to-hire and that you will be able to discuss the future opportunities with the company.

Build a Network

Whether you know this temporary position will lead to a full-time job or not, it is in your best interest to create a network of contacts at the company. You might be able to use them for future job references or even to get hired there after you have spent time somewhere else. Treat everyone you meet with respect so you know where to go for references when needed. Depending on how things play out, you might give one of your temporary co-workers a reference in the future.

We hope you enjoyed this post and share it with your networks! Also, we look forward to your comments and feedback!

Want to learn more? Explore important recruitment and employment topics by reading a few more popular posts from Advance Staffing Solutions – a premier temporary employment agency in Detroit, MI. Please feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and be sure to subscribe to our free newsletter for industry news, job leads and featured updates.

If you are looking for temp job opportunities in Monroe MI, contact us today.

4 Tips for Onboarding Temps | Temporary Employees Toledo Ohio

Many companies have onboarding programs designed to welcome new employees to the company during the first few weeks on the job. Yet, they forget that temp employees can also benefit from an onboarding process.

Multiple workplace studies have shown that when temporary employees have access to onboarding support, they often perform to higher standards sooner and they stay actively engaged in their assignments. The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) released a report that advised that almost half of all new hires quit within the first 4 months on a new job when an onboarding process is not offered. On the other hand, when onboarding of temporary employees is part of the formal orientation program, the benefits to organizations include:

  • Saves co-workers the time and hassle of training all new temporary employees, increasing productivity from day one.
  • Clears up any miscommunication about the job itself, and demonstrates the reason behind all temporary assignment tasks.
  • Improves overall morale for the entire workforce, while showing the temp employee that he or she is a valued part of the company.

A temporary employee onboarding program does not have to be a complex one. In fact, putting together a temp worker onboarding process can be accomplished in 4 ways.

#1 – Create a welcome package specifically for all new temps.

The first day in a new assignment can be intimidating for temps. You can help to alleviate any stress and create a structured temp onboarding process by putting together a welcome package for temps. In this welcome package include: a welcome letter that overviews the company, a job description and task list, new hire paperwork, employee handbook, technology instructions, safety guidelines, and a directory of workplace contacts.

#2 – Schedule an orientation week that includes participation from supervisory team.

Temps often fare better if they are provided with a thorough orientation during the first week at least (sometimes more depending on their role). Create a schedule for this orientation and work with your supervisory team to best cover all aspects of the new temp’s job duties. Clearly explain and demonstrate every task. Go over company policies and procedures in depth. Set goals for temps and make the supervisors accountable for their success.

#3 – Set up a mentor for each temporary staffer for on-the-job guidance.

Before a temp has reported for work, have a voluntary member of your team assigned as a mentor. This person can oversee any challenges that the temp has, offer guidance for performing tasks, and help the temp with any troubleshooting at work. Over time, the temp will become self-reliant and the mentor will help facilitate their integration into the team structure.

#4 – Regularly provide feedback to the temp employee and staffing agency.

Each week, meet with the mentor and supervisory team to gather feedback on the progress of the temp. If you are getting negative feedback, relay this back to your staffing agency so they can schedule an on-site visit to work with the temp to improve. In rare cases, a temp may need to be replaced, but very often a little extra support can help bring them up to speed quickly.

If you are looking for temp agencies in Monroe MI, contact us today.

Why Are You the Best Person for the Job? How to Sell Yourself Effectively

After a period of searching for jobs and sending out resumes, you’ve finally gotten the call for an interview with a great company in Michigan or Ohio! When you’re heading into the job interview, you’ll want to keep in mind that you’re actually going to be making a sales pitch to the recruiter. You want to make sure that the recruiter gets the message that you are the best person for the job. This means when you’re meeting with the interviewer you’ll be focused on using words and gestures that will be convincing them that you are the one they want to hire.

Why Interviews Require Selling Your Skills to Recruiters

Selling yourself and making a positive impression in an interview means highlighting your strengths, your qualities, and your credentials to the recruiter in a meeting that lasts 30-minutes or less. Recruiters are generally good judges of character because they meet many people. Therefore, your job is to stand out from other candidates who are competing for this job. You can do this by preparing in advance with a sales-oriented approach.

Here are some ways to sell yourself to the recruiter, and get the job!

1. Demonstrate that you share the company’s values

Securing candidates who have a good corporate culture fit is a key aspect of recruiting today. Therefore you can help sell yourself to a recruiter by demonstrating how you can closely match your work skills, ethics, values to those of the company.  Discuss your genuine interest in working for the company because of its core values. Mention past career experiences in terms of how you were able to match your work skills to the values and objectives of the companies and clients.

2.  Focus on your top relevant skills in the industry

A recruiter will generally have a mental check list of keywords that they will be listening for during the interview.  Make their job easier by having a 30-second speech that introduces your skills and qualities as they directly relate to the job that you are applying for.  You can find out more by visiting the corporate website, reading important news updates, and gaining added insight from people who currently work there.

3.  Be the solution to the recruiter

When you walked into an interview, the recruiter is looking for someone who can immediately solve the problems of the company. You can BE the solution by offering up detailed examples of how your skills, experiences and your unique background can solve the problems of the company.  Used phrases such as “works well under pressure” and “great problem solver” on your resume, and as you speak about yourself in the interview. Remember your job is to help the recruiter see how you can be a solution to their needs.

4.  Look the part and be confident

From the way you look when you walked into the interview to the way you make eye contact, your body language speaks volumes to the recruiter.  Dress for success and show up for the job interview as if you’re already working there.  Present a professionally printed resume and reference sheet.  Sit forward with hands in your lap in a relaxed position, smiling confidently and making direct eye contact with the interviewer.  When speaking, think carefully and formulate your words to sell your strengths to the recruiter.

Using the above tips, you will surely impress the recruiter enough to get asked to return for a second interview and a job offer soon. Working with the recruitment pros at Advance Staffing Solutions can help you prepare for a positive interview experience. If you are looking for an employment agency in Toledo Ohio, contact us today.

How to Locate Temp Positions in Michigan

If finding a job in Michigan is in your list of plans, you may be finding it difficult in a tough Central USA economy. Michigan was particularly hit hard by the most recent recession, accounting for one of the top unemployment rates in the nation.   However, Michigan’s employment government sites advise marked improvement in various factors of the state’s economy, including a dropping unemployment rate.  Temp jobs in Michigan can offer some of the most promising ways to land gainful employment.

There are several ways that you can obtain a temporary job in Michigan.

Research the growing industries in and around Michigan.  There are a number of new industries that are calling Michigan home. Healthcare, energy, manufacturing, IT and engineering are some of them.  Reach out to industry temp agencies in Michigan to locate entry level and mid-level positions in these expanding industries.

Update your skills by taking advantage of Michigan career resources.  Explore the Michigan Works program, which provides on-the-job training and support for educational needs.  Consider applying for classes to earn a degree at one of Michigan’s many community colleges.

Register with the best temporary agencies in Michigan. To get on the list of candidates to be placed in temp jobs in MI, you will need to be officially registered to work for them. Take the time to visit your choice in temp agencies, and get placed in a rewarding temp job sooner.

If you are a recent college graduate, get support from your school’s career center. Look for a wide number of graduate level jobs through temp agencies who partner with your school. Consider taking on an internship to gain the experience and knowledge you need to land a temp job.

Create a professional brand for yourself online.  Using the most popular social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, create  a professional image for yourself — showing off your skills, knowledge, and experience in the market you are interested in. Also include a general resume of your education and background.

Network your way to a temp job in Michigan. Just as in many other areas around the US, being in the right place at the right time can land you a great job. Get involved in your local Chamber of Commerce or other business and industry communities. Use your social networks to connect with recruiters in your preferred industry.

Remember, being visible to the companies and recruitment teams that are looking for you as a candidate is the key to successfully landing a temp job in Michigan.

HOT JOBS in Production and Materials Handling | Monroe Michigan Manufacturing Jobs

While much of the USA recovers from what has been a tough season, the good news is that there are a number of exciting entry and mid-level careers available in Michigan, a state that has been hit hard by the recession. Some of the top growth industries include manufacturing and logistics for top industrial companies in and around the Monroe area.

Career Outlook for Production and Material Handling Professionals

Candidates who have an interest or background in material production and handling can find rewarding assignments that have above-average starting wages and on-the-job training opportunities. The US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics advises that there will be 48,700 new jobs created in materials handling by the year 2020, with a vast majority of these pros working in warehouses and factories managing product inventories to increase business revenues.

Requirements for Working in Shipping and Receiving, and Production Jobs

Material handlers must have at least a high school diploma or GED, and be able to stand, bend, and lift materials throughout the day with minimal supervision. Material handlers often work indoors, in climate controlled environments as part of a team of workers. Strong mathematics, hand-eye coordination, and time management skills are a plus. Production and shipping workers can expect from 1 to 6 months of training, average salaries of $24,000 USD annually, and rapid career advancement for top performers.

HOT Jobs from Staffing Resources

Think you’ve got what it takes to succeed in production and materials management careers? This month, we would like to highlight some “hot” jobs in the production and industrial fields that are available now for qualified candidates. Please click on the links below for more information and to apply. We also appreciate referrals!

Shipping and Receiving Jobs in Monroe MI

Production Worker Jobs in Monroe MI

These and many other rewarding temporary and temp and temp to perm assignments in Michigan and Ohio are available by visiting our career portal at Advance Staffing. Find out why we have been rated as a leader in staffing and recruitment in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan for over 20 years! If you are looking for Michigan work opportunities, contact Advance Staffing today.

Can’t Find a Full Time Industrial Job? Start as a Contractor

The job market, despite news claims of an economic recovery, is still fairly slim in certain sectors – particularly the industrial sector. That means there’s a lot of competition for full time employment in this sector. Even if you have a resume that’s thick with experience, it can be a tough market to break through. While it may not seem like the most attractive option to many people with years of experience in various industrial fields; there is some merit to signing on as contract labor. Here are just a few of the potential benefits you might want to keep in mind as you explore your employment options.

1)   Contractor jobs are in wider supply than full-time industrial positions. If you look through your local Sunday paper or even the job listings online you’re sure to see that most of the listings use language such as: temporary position, contract position, contract-to-hire, etc. It’s not a slim majority either. You’re leaving a lot of potential income off the table if you skip applying for all of the temp-to-hire positions that are available in favor of seeking full-time employment with benefits.

2)   Contract jobs mean money right now. Some of these positions even offer daily pay for daily labor. This means that you get paid at the end of the day for the work you’ve done. Depending on how long you’ve been searching for work, the fact that you don’t have to wait two or more weeks for your first paycheck is a huge benefit to keep in mind. It can mean the difference between a steady diet of Ramen noodles or a little meat and having a little bit of meat and potatoes on the menu.

3)   Many companies simply aren’t hiring direct any more. They’ve realized that they can save money and training hours by hiring contractors for the openings. When they find promising contractors they keep them in mind for full time positions as they arise. Contractors also don’t generally get the same benefits packages that full-time employees receive although they do typically earn very similar wages so this does save companies money. More importantly, it gives you, as the worker, and the company an opportunity to test the waters before making any formal commitment for long-term or full time employment.

Once upon a time, contractor jobs had a negative connotation in the field of industrial work. That simply isn’t the case today. If you’ve been running yourself ragged from one interview to the next with no results to show for your efforts, then it’s time to explore the potential benefits of becoming a contractor. It might make a world of difference in your current financial situation and could easily lead to the full time job you really want.

Be sure to get in touch with Advance Staffing Solutions for access to a wide range of industrial career opportunities.

Manufacturing Skills Gap or Management Skills Gap?

All manufacturing companies experience a shortage of qualified workers from time to time, due to various challenges that can include poor staff management, lack of educational support, and high-demand for specialized skills. However, when this occurs, HR departments are put into overdrive, trying to compensate and oftentimes falling short of project needs. This is when they turn to management to come up with a solution to proactively address the staffing and development needs of the company – to prevent this kind of scenario.

At times, HR managers may be asking if the problem is due to manufacturing employee skills gaps or something within the management skills that are lacking? There are a few ways to determine this.

When There is a Skills Gap

One of the ways you can determine if the problem exists among your staff is to conduct a skills inventory to determine how well your job descriptions match up with the actual duties and skills of your employees. This will tell you if you are accurately hiring the kinds of people you need to be successful in their roles. If you see marked gaps in skill levels, it’s time to revamp your recruiting efforts.

Then you need to take the time to visit local educational centers to see if they are offering programs to prepare the coming generation of workers to meet the demands of your industry. New graduates can be a valuable source of new employees so it’s important that the schools you recruit from have the updated skill development programs you need from future candidates.

Your in-house staff have already proven to be valuable assets to your company, that is if you are taking the time to develop their skills to higher levels and promoting from within. Set up the time to find out where skills are lacking, and then either hire a trainer to come in to teach these skills, or provide employees with learning incentives to get this education on their own.

When Poor Management is to Blame

There is a common saying among HR people: “People don’t leave jobs, they leave managers”. This is certainly true in the manufacturing world, where there may be little time for managers to foster positive relationships with employees on the job. However, if there is a continual turn-over issue present in a specific department, it can mean it’s time to evaluate the people skills of that department manager.

One of the best investments any manufacturing company can make is in its management, at all levels. This means from your newest to your most seasoned managers, everyone should be continually getting trained and updated on industry topics. This includes training on tough personnel issues, like onboarding and employee development.

 

 

While a manufacturing skills gap can be caused by a little of both aspects, there are ways to manage staffing within manufacturing in a more positive way.

One is to bring on quality staff who have the right skills to do the job well. This can be accomplished by working directly with a manufacturing staffing agency, to provide pre-screened candidates suitable for all levels of manufacturing work.

The second is to give management the support needed to become better at their jobs, by offering management training and development initiatives. Back this up with incentives to cut down staff turnover and build more engaged teams.

 

 

 

6 Ways the Job Search has Changed

Job searches have come a long way in the past decade. The more prevalent mobile phones and devices are becoming in society, the more the job search is evolving. Of course there are quite a few different contributing factors to the ever-changing job search process.

Here are a few things to keep in mind so that you can take advantage of these changes.

1)   Technology. This is perhaps the biggest change in the way job searches are performed. Technology has brought many powers to our fingertips through mobile devices and the power of the World Wide Web. Whether you’re using a laptop at home or your mobile phone (or tablet device) at the neighborhood coffee shop, the power of the web has made the job search a much more streamlined process than it was in the days of circling “help wanted” ads in the newspaper.

2)   Scope. The other difference is that your job search is no longer limited to a certain zip code on the map due to the logistics of long distance interviews and assessments. This is once again thanks to the power of technology but the ability exists now to interview, at least initially, across long distances. This opens a whole new world of positions for job seekers and talent for business owners.

3)   Competition. The “great recession” has had a massive impact on jobs and how the search goes. Today’s job search is much more aggressive than those in years past. Job seekers really have to get out there and market themselves in order to get the jobs they want. It’s a common expression that a job search is a full time job in and of itself. Today that is an undisputable fact.

4)   Leverage. In order to get the “cream of the crop” jobs that everyone is in serious competition for, it’s necessary to leverage the power of the web along with social networking sites to really make your presence felt by a company. Social networking, personal branding, and even blogging – as long as it is professional blogging that shows off your talent and expertise – are all necessary components in the process of finding quality jobs in today’s competitive market. The more tools you leverage to assist you in the search, the better your odds of getting hired are.

5)   Customization. Resumes were once a one-size-fits-all-jobs proposition. That isn’t the case today. You need to do your homework on the company and make sure that your resume is specifically tailored for the specific job that’s available with that company. Every company seems to have its own wish list of strengths and weaknesses from employees. Find out what they are and create a resume that highlights your strengths according to the company’s desire. It will make a huge difference in the hiring process and make you more likely to be called in for the all-important interview.

6)   Interviews. In the past, interviews were typically yawner affairs. That’s not the case today. The interview today requires you to be at your best, alert and ready for anything that’s thrown your way. These aren’t the softball questions your grandfather answered. These are hard-hitting questions worthy of an experienced reporter looking for the barest hint of grit in the story.

The job search has changed in many ways. Many of them are definitely for the better. Keeping all of these aspects in mind will help you to be more competitive in this competitive market during your job search.

Interview the Company! The Most Important Questions to Ask Your Interviewer to Convey Your Interest

As you work through the interview process, chances are good you will be answering many questions from the potential employer. You should be asking questions, too. By doing so, you will not only get your career needs met, but you will also show the potential employer your true interest in the position. Those candidates that come in and do not say or interact in any way beyond just answer questions often appear to be uninterested. On the other hand, you do not want to come off as if you are only interested in money. The question is, then, what questions should you ask?

Top Questions You Should Ask of the Company

Look at the following questions. Employers and HR managers almost expect candidates to ask questions like these, as it is a key way of gauging their interest in the position. When it comes time to go on that final interview, ensure you are asking the right questions to land the position.

  • Why is the position vacant? It can help you to know what is going on with the company (is it growing or having staffing retention problems) and it can help the company to know you are interested in it.
  • Find out what those that came before you in this position did and what the past expectations were. In short, you will want to know what the company is looking for in a new candidate. This tells you the expectations of the position as well as any challenges you may encounter.
  • Be open and ask if you have the qualifications the company is looking for to fill this position. You want to know if they have any objections to hiring you (so you can counter those concerns) as well, as if the company is considering you.
  • Ask which contracts you may be responsible for being a part of if you are hired. This will give you an idea of the importance of your position and it shows the company you are knowledgeable about the company’s workings.
  • Determine the hierarchy within the company. Will you lead others and if so, who? Who will you report to? This tells you the structure of the organization as well as potentially what type of personality you could end up working with when on the job.

The interview process is typically one in which you expect to be asked questions so the company can determine if you are right for their company. However, you need to ask the same types of questions to ensure the company is right for you. It may not always be these questions that you need to ask, but do participate. Ask questions that help you to get better insight into the company and the position you plan to hold. By doing so, you will open the door for additional opportunities for the company to interact with you, too.