It’s Not You, It’s Bad Company Culture!

Raza Rauf on October 22, 2018

Sometimes, the hardest part of a person’s job has nothing to do with the tasks they need to complete. Instead, the environment itself creates the biggest challenges.

When the things that are making it harder to remain productive include workplace politics, poor communication, constant turnover, or interpersonal issues among team members, you might not actually be the problem. Instead, the bad company culture is taking everyone down, creating a sinking ship where everyone is simply trying to avoid being sucked under.

If you are wondering whether your company’s culture is harming you or your career, here are some signs it could actually be the problem.

Gossip Reigns

When a workplace is plagued with gossip, even if it isn’t always malicious, it breeds an environment where distrust can thrive. Even in the mildest of cases, employees begin to wonder if they are also a topic of conversation, and that can leave people paranoid and suspicious.

In worst-case scenarios, gossip can quickly turn into bullying and trash talking, both of which are incredibly harmful. And, unless management is prepared to intervene, the culture will suffer until someone chooses to act.

Negativity

While it isn’t uncommon for co-workers to discuss the merits of a particular approach to a task or project, if the tone is always that everyone will inevitably fail, that’s a sign of a toxic environment. Plus, if management also tends to focus on the negative, the situation is even more pervasive, as most workers take their cues from leadership regarding what is an acceptable mentality.

If poor attitudes are incredibly prevalent in your workplace, the culture is likely similarly negative. Over time, this can wear you down. Plus, it makes collaborative duties significantly harder to manage.

Overly Competitive

In some cases, a little friendly competition can actually be motivating. However, if the workplace is competitive to the point where team members will sabotage one another as a means of getting ahead, the environment is toxic.

An overly competitive workplace breeds feelings of distrust. Instead of co-workers banding together to solve problems and help the company thrive, they begin to focus on outdoing each other, and that rarely yields positive results.

If management reinforces this form of competitiveness, that’s an even more troubling sign, as it shows company leaders are willing to pit employees against one another instead of creating a collaborative environment based on group accomplishment.

The Blame Game

When something goes wrong at work, do people take ownership of their mistakes, or do they automatically try to find someone else to blame for what went wrong? If you are in the latter situation, that’s a strong sign of a poor company culture.

While admitting to one’s mistakes is always difficult, being able to do so shows self-awareness and an environment based on accountability. If no one is willing to even humor that they may have made a misstep, then it’s easy to start believing that you can’t rely on anyone, creating additional feelings of distrust.

Ultimately, any of the signs above could indicate that the issue isn’t you, it’s a bad company culture. If you are interested in learning more or are seeking out new opportunities with some of the area’s leading companies, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your ideal workplace today and see how our services can make finding an employer with an excellent company culture easier than ever before.

Don’t “Ghost” Employers!

Raza Rauf on October 19, 2018

When it’s a job seeker’s market, candidates have a surprising amount of power. However, a side effect of shrinking labor pools and low unemployment has been the increased rate of candidates deciding to “ghost” potential employers.

For example, some job seekers are choosing to no-show to interviews, instead of canceling in advance. Others are deciding not to return messages from recruiters and hiring manages, providing no information prior to disappearing. In the worst scenarios, job seekers who recently accepted a role are just not showing up on their first day, leaving the employer hanging.

While many candidates may assume letting an opportunity fall by the wayside doesn’t come with repercussions, in some situations, that simply isn’t the case. Ghosting a prospective employer can damage your reputation or even make it practically impossible to secure an offer from the company in the future, including years down the line.

Even though it may be hard to tell a hiring manager you are no longer interested in a role, it’s the right thing to do if you want to safeguard your reputation. If you aren’t sure how to handle the conversation, here are some tips to get you started.

If You Don’t Yet Have an Offer

Before an offer has been extended, removing yourself from contention is actually fairly simple. As soon as you know that you no longer want the job, write a short email to let the hiring manager know.

Start off by thanking the hiring manager for the opportunity, including time spend reviewing your application or interviewing you, depending on where you were in the process. Next, simply inform them of your decision by telling them that the position isn’t a great fit for you at this time and you’d like to withdraw yourself from the process. Finally, state that you would like to keep in touch and look forward to potentially finding a new opportunity with them when the time is right.

Just make sure that you send this message as soon as possible, particularly if you have an upcoming interview. That way, the hiring manager isn’t put under any undue strain.

If You Have an Offer or Accepted the Job

If there is an offer on the table, then you need to act quickly. In cases where you are still well within your decision window, then you can craft an email similar to the one outlined above, that lets the hiring manager know that you are declining the offer. However, if your decision is due today or that deadline has passed, then a phone call is better.

When you have already accepted a job offer and have since changed your mind, then a phone call is really your only option. While the conversation will be awkward, it’s one you need to have if you want to salvage your reputation.

Let the hiring manager know that you are aware you were supposed to start soon, but that you can’t accept the position. Provide a basic reason for your decision, but feel free to keep it general.

However, don’t be surprised if the hiring manager is less than thrilled, especially if you are only giving them a couple of days’ notice. Your decision is making their lives harder, so they may not appreciate you choosing to decline after initially saying yes.

Additionally, this may harm your reputation with that company, though not as dramatically as no-showing on your first day. Over time, you can likely recover if you tell them you can’t take the job, while no-showing may burn that bridge permanently.

Ultimately, it’s a hard discussion to have, but it’s one you need to manage if you want to maintain your reputation. If you’d like to know more about how to handle the conversation, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members today and see how our hiring expertise can benefit you. Or search our open jobs immediately to find your next opportunity.

Don’t Be Frightened! Introverts Can Be Great Interviewees

Raza Rauf on October 12, 2018

For job seekers who considered themselves introverts, an interview can be intimidating. After all, it requires you to share details about yourself, and that might not be something you are usually comfortable with, especially since you are probably meeting the hiring manager for the first time.

However, just because interviewing may be a bit outside your comfort zone, that doesn’t mean an introvert can’t be a great interviewee. If you take some time to prepare in advance and view the experience from the proper perspective, your interview can be a success. Here’s what you need to do.

Spend Time Building Up Your Energy

Many introverts find social situations especially draining. And, if you enter an interview without replenishing your energy, it can make the task even more daunting.

If you want to excel during your interview, it’s important to take some time to build up your energy stores. Try to take some time to recharge your batteries over the course of a few days by limiting your social interactions, as required.

For example, if you have an interview on Monday, take the weekend to replenish your energy in a way that feels best to you. However, make sure to also get yourself in the right mindset while you do by reflecting on your prior experience and skills, and how you can share those points with the hiring manager.

See It as an Asset, Not a Flaw

It isn’t uncommon for outsiders to talk about introversion as if it is some kind of character flaw, even though the reality is it can be an asset.

Introverts tend to have calm demeanors and almost always think before they speak. During an interview, this can make you come off as thoughtful and conscientious, something the hiring manager is likely to appreciate.

Additionally, just because a person is an introvert doesn’t mean they don’t come off as friendly. If you take a moment to collect your thoughts and then deliver a response with a smile, the hiring manager isn’t likely to view how you answered in a negative light.

Learn to Find a Balance

During an interview, it is important to embrace your extrovert-like qualities, as well. Most introverts can be extroverted in situations where they are comfortable, so learning to harness that can be beneficial.

For example, it is acceptable to take a moment to think before you answer an interview question. However, a long delay could leave a less-than-ideal impression, so you need to make sure you are willing to act (or even put yourself out there) if you want the hiring manager to feel confident in you.

One of the easiest ways to harness the power of extroversion is to practice your responses before your interview. This increases your comfort level with what you want to say, and gives you a chance to hone your answers, making them easier to deliver. Also, by reflecting on your career before you head to the meeting, you’ll have better recall if you are faced with a question you weren’t anticipating.

Ultimately, introverts can be excellent interviewees and, by following the tips above, you can make the best impression possible on the hiring manager.

If you are interested in learning more or are seeking new employment opportunities, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members about your career goals today and see how our services can benefit you.

Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Machinist?

Raza Rauf on October 8, 2018

For many job seekers, the idea of being a machinist is enticing. After all, production and manufacturing roles allow you to physically see the results of your hard work, and that can be incredibly rewarding. Plus, machining enables you to combine that feeling with being able to work with technology, creating a unique combination that isn’t always present in other jobs.

But, like any position, having the right skills, abilities and experiences is essential if you want to break into the machining field. If you are wondering if you have what it takes to be a machinist, here’s what you need to know.

Technical Skills and Experience

Machinists need specific hard skills to thrive in their roles. Typically, this means either acquiring experience on the job while in an entry-level position, or completing a program through a local trade school or community college.

For example, the ability to read blueprints and schematics is a necessity. Similarly, understanding how to use the various control panels on the equipment, such as a CNC machine, and how to program the machine to handle specific cuts are also vital.

There is also a variety of skills that pertain to the various pieces of equipment. Grinders, lathes and micrometers are just a few of the tools you may need to interact with in a machinist role.

Being proficient with computers, in general, is also helpful, even for entry-level roles. Additionally, at least high school level math skills are necessary to complete basic calculations and ensure cuts are precise.

Soft Skills

Machinists also need specific soft skills to thrive in these roles and in manufacturing environments. Since machining involves making precision cuts, attention to detail is essential. Even the slightest error can render a part unusable, so being vigilant at all times is a necessity.

Problem-solving skills are also highly valuable for machinists. If there is an issue with the final product or the system begins acting up, being able to troubleshoot the problem effectively is incredibly useful to employers.

Finally, being safety oriented is also a must. All production environments can be potentially hazardous, including machine shops. Understanding the value of always wearing your protective equipment and being proactive when you spot a potential hazard is paramount to everyone’s safety, so keeping it in mind is essential.

It’s important to note every machine shop may have slightly different requirements depending on the equipment they use, the products they produce, or even the size of the company. Additionally, some employers may require you to have open availability, particularly if shops run multiple shifts as a means of hitting their production goals.

If you are interested in learning more about being a machinist, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you assess your skills. Contact us to speak with one of our experienced team members today and see how our services can make finding the right new job easier than ever. Or click here to check out our newest machinist jobs in Michigan and Ohio!

5 General Labor Skills That Apply to Every Job

Raza Rauf on October 1, 2018

Some general labor skills are specific to the industry, while other skills are practically universally helpful. Whether you work in a general labor role or as a high-level executive, these core competencies always provide value, regardless of your profession or industry.

An Employment Agency in Toledo Shares 5 General Labor Skills That Apply to Every Job

1. Communication

No matter the job, communication is always essential. Being able to effectively share information with co-workers and managers ensures everyone has the details they need, and being able to receive information helps keep you informed.

Often, having strong oral and written communications skills is vital in any environment, as well as the ability to pick up on nonverbal cues and demonstrate social awareness during conversations.

2. Teamwork

In the vast majority of workplaces, no single employee is an island unto themselves. Instead, they function as part of a larger group, tasked with accomplishing team goals to help the company thrive.

Teamwork and collaboration skills are valuable to nearly every employer, no matter their industry. Being able to work effectively with others can help make group goals easier to accomplish, increasing overall productivity and ensuring the company is successful.

3. Organization

When it comes to workplace efficiency, organization is one of the keys. Being able to shift between priorities, track your progress, or even find a critical tool or document quickly can have a significant impact on overall productivity and, without organization, all of those tasks can be challenging.

Whether it’s ensuring everything is in its proper place or staying on top of your to-do list, being organized makes it all easier. Most companies view organizational skills as an asset, so it’s a core competency that will serve you well in any industry or role.

4. Problem Solving

At every job, the unexpected will occur at some point. Equipment breaks down, customers experience issues, or something important goes missing.

Having the ability to assess the situation and develop a potential course of action can make all the difference during a time of crisis, allowing problems to be solved at the lowest level possible. With problem-solving skills, you can be a part of the solution, making you a more valuable team member.

5. Punctuality

A single employee being late to work can derail a company. Whether the worker plays a critical role on a production line or has vital information for a meeting, the unexpected delay can prevent others from accomplishing their tasks, putting everyone behind.

Similarly, being timely when it comes to meeting deadlines is essential for similar reasons. Just one person who falls off schedule harms everyone who was waiting for their contribution. This means punctuality is a necessity everywhere, and crucial if you want to be seen as a valuable worker.

Leverage These General Labor Skills in Any Industry with an Employment Agency in Toledo, OH

All skills above are just as important to general laborers as they are to office workers, and even members of the leadership team. By honing these skills, you’ll have ones that will serve you well throughout your career, and they may make it easier get ahead.

If you would like to know more, The Advance Group can help. We are a professional, warehouse, and general labor employment agency in Toledo, Ohio that connects qualified job seekers with exceptional opportunities. Contact us to discuss your career goals today and see how our workplace expertise can benefit you. Or, if you’re looking for a new general labor role, click here!

Ready to Climb the Corporate Ladder? Start Here!

Raza Rauf on September 24, 2018

After you’ve spent some time advancing your career and working as an individual contributor, it’s only natural to aspire to reach management levels. Climbing up the corporate ladder and joining the leadership ranks is exciting, but figuring out how to make the transition can be challenging.

Often, the idea of broaching the topic with your current manager is anxiety-inducing. After all, you don’t want to seem impatient, pushy, or like you are trying to steal their position. However, if you don’t make your desires known, you might not get the promotion you’re hoping to land.

If you are ready to take the next step up the corporate ladder, here’s what you need to do.

Understand the “Why”

Before you strike up a conversation with your boss about becoming a leader in the organization or climbing the corporate ladder, it’s helpful to understand precisely why you are interested in taking the step. This allows you to explain why you are exploring the possibility and may make it easier for your manager to see why you are looking for an opportunity to advance.

Additionally, it gives you a chance to make sure you are pursuing a leadership role for the right reasons. Are you simply looking for a title upgrade or are you genuinely excited about taking on the duties of a manager? Do you think you can provide the company with additional value by joining the leadership team in comparison to remaining in your current job?

By asking yourself these questions, you can get to the root of your reasoning, making it easier to articulate when the time comes.

Gather Your Evidence

If you believe you can be a valuable part of the management team, you can’t just tell your boss that and expect a positive result. Instead, you need to have examples and quantifiable data that shows how much you provide today and how, by becoming a leader in the company, you can take that even further.

Additionally, it’s wise to research what duties typically come with management positions in your organization. This gives you the ability to relate your value to specific tasks clearly and allows you to showcase that you truly understand what is involved in being a leader.

Schedule a Meeting

Typically, blindsiding your manager as they are rushing to a meeting by asking about advancement opportunities isn’t the ideal approach. Instead, you need to schedule a time to sit down with your boss in private, ensuring you aren’t interrupting the flow of their day or hindering them from handling their duties.

Plus, if your manager thinks you aren’t ready to climb the corporate ladder or offers constructive feedback on how you need to improve first, you can have these conversations behind closed doors.

Moving Forward

If your manager is supportive of the idea, you may not have to do more than continue handling your tasks until an opportunity arises. How long that takes will depend on your organization, as a role may need to be vacant before you can receive a promotion.

In cases where your boss isn’t supportive, you need to identify potential next steps based on their feedback. If they offer constructive criticism, listen to their concerns and work to remedy them.

However, if you genuinely have the skills and experience to excel as a manager and either a lack of support or opportunity is holding you back, then you may need to explore positions with other companies. Smaller businesses might not have vacant leadership roles often and not every manager will support your desire to advance even if you are qualified.

If you are looking for leadership opportunities in the local area, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us to discuss your goals with one of our experienced recruiters today and see how our services can make taking the next step up the corporate ladder easier than ever.

Demotivated at Work? Read This!

Raza Rauf on September 21, 2018

Practically every professional experiences days where they aren’t exactly enthusiastic to head to work. In most cases, the feeling is usually short-term and comes to an end after a challenging situation remedies itself.

However, if you are experiencing prolonged periods of feeling unmotivated, then the issue could be more severe. If you are demotivated on the job, it’s wise to identify the actual cause of these feelings. Then, you can take steps to find a workable solution.

If you are demotivated at work, here are some common reasons that may be the case, and a few options for fixing the problem.

Boredom

When your duties are no longer challenging, boredom can quickly take hold. If you’re bored for days and weeks on end, this can cause you to disengage and may breed feelings of resentment or lead to complacency.

If you are demotivated because you don’t find your work interesting, then consider speaking with your manager. You can request new assignments that catch your interest, allowing you to regain your motivation.

Alternatively, try to find engaging activities outside of the office. Volunteering or focusing on a hobby may give you a source of inspiration, making a less-than-enticing job more tolerable.

Being Overworked

Constantly feeling overwhelmed at work can be just as harmful to your motivation as boredom. When you feel like you can’t keep up and there’s no end in sight, it’s hard to push yourself to complete any task, let alone approach your duties with enthusiasm.

If you are dealing with this situation, your first step should be to evaluate how you manage your time to see if there is room for improvement. Consider taking a course in time management or looking for resources that can help you improve that important skills.

However, if how you structure your day isn’t relevant, speaking with your manager is a good next step. They might not be aware that you are overworked and could have potential solutions, such as shifting some of your tasks to someone who isn’t as overtasked.

Cultural Mismatch

Being in an environment where you feel like you don’t fit in can kill your motivation. Prolonged feelings of frustration resulting from a mismatch often compile, and the situation typically isn’t easy to remedy.

If you clash with your environment, seeking out a new opportunity may be your best solution. Seek out a workplace that feels like a cultural fit, and you may see your motivation return.

Toxic Environment

Being in a toxic workplace on a daily basis is incredibly hard to handle. Whether it’s a culture that allows backstabbing, a workplace dominated by the rumor mill, or an environment that is overtly hostile, finding a way to handle the situation is a must.

At times, if only a few individuals are involved, you may be able to speak with them regarding your concerns. You can get management to play a part in the discussion as well, suggesting they aren’t also a part of the problem.

However, if the workplace is toxic due to a pervasive issue with the culture, then a swift exit may be your only recourse. This allows you to escape the situation entirely and head to an environment that feels more supportive and professional.

If you are looking for new employment opportunities, the team at The Armada Group can connect you to leading employers throughout the area. Contact us to learn more about our current vacancies today and see how our services can help you find a motivating and engaging role that is right for you.

5 Questions You Actually Should Ask in an Administrative Interview

Raza Rauf on September 14, 2018

When you get near the end of your administrative interview, you are usually asked if you have any questions. Not having anything to ask can actually hurt your chances of landing the job, so it’s always best to come prepared with a few things you can ask.

If you are getting ready for an administrative interview, here are five questions you should always keep in your back pocket.

1. How Did This Position Become Available?

When you ask this interview question, you give yourself a chance to gain a lot of valuable insight. On the positive side, you may learn the position is brand new, something that can indicate the company may be growing. If it is vacant due to the previous person earning an internal promotion, that shows there is room for advancement.

On the negative side, you might hear that the former employee quit without notice, which could be a red flag. Additionally, discovering they received a big promotion outside of the company could show there isn’t much room for advancement.

2. How Does This Position Contribute to the Company’s Long-Term Goals?

This interview question lets you learn more about how the job fits into the bigger picture. If the interviewer answers it with ease, you’ll usually discover how the role aligns with larger objectives, showing how the position provides value. However, if the hiring manager struggles to form a response, it could indicate they don’t know how it contributes to broader goals, which could be a troubling sign.

3. What Are the Biggest Challenges Associated With This Role?

While you may have a solid understanding of what the job entails, this question lets you learn more about the most common challenges you may encounter. It provides insight into some of the harder aspects of the work, giving you a chance to be prepared for them.

4. Do You Have a Timeline for Filling This Role?

If the hiring manager hasn’t given you a timeline overview, now is the perfect time to request one. While they may not be able to provide specific dates, most interviewers should be able to fill you in on any next steps and an approximate window for their completion.

If they can’t provide you with a basic timeline, that might be an indication it could be a long wait or they may decide not to fill the job at all. While that doesn’t mean you need to abandon all hope of getting the position, it does mean you should keep your job search going in the interim.

5. Is There Any Reason I Wouldn’t Be Considered a Top Candidate for This Job?

By asking this question during your interview, you are giving the hiring manager a chance to express any concerns they may have about your ability to excel in the role. Additionally, you’ll have an opportunity to address those concerns, allowing you to showcase why you are a great candidate.

Ultimately, this question welcomes an open dialog. Just make sure you let the interviewer fully express their perspective before you respond, as cutting them off seems both defensive and rude. Instead, let them finish then pause for a moment to consider your reply. Then, give them any additional information that can alleviate their concerns.

By asking the questions above, you can gain valuable insight into the company, the role, and your odds of being hired. If you would like to know more, the professionals at The Advance Group can provide you with additional information. Contact us with your questions today and see how our hiring expertise can benefit you. Click here to check out our newest jobs.

Find a New Welding Career Today!

Raza Rauf on September 10, 2018

Whether you are new to the field of welding or have years of experience under your belt, you can find new employment options throughout Michigan and Ohio. Many local companies are looking for full-time, long-term welders to help them meet their productivity goals, creating opportunities for welders with a range of skill levels.

If you are ready to find a new welding career, here are some available jobs that may interest you.

Swanton, Ohio Welder

A Swanton company is looking for welders with MIG, TIG, and blueprint reading experience. If you have a positive attitude and are a motivated self-starter, this could be the ideal position for you.

The job is on the day shift, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Thursday. Typical duties include reading prints for fabrication, welding light gauge material, MIG and TIG welding customer pieces, and more.

Romulus, Michigan Fitter/Welder Lead

A machine shop in Romulus is looking for an experienced fitter/welder lead to join their team. If selected, you’ll be responsible for delegating tasks, monitoring for safety, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring customer delivery date are met.

On average, this position involves 45 to 55 hours of work each week. It is assigned to the day shift, 6:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, with additional Saturday work when required.

Toledo, Ohio Welder

If you are a well-rounded, experienced welder, a North Toledo company is looking for someone like you. The ideal candidate has a minimum of three years of welding experience, including with GMAW/MIG and GMAW/TIG equipment, as well as the ability to read blueprints.

A positive attitude and attention to detail are also must for this exciting position. While it starts on a day shift, 6:00 am to 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday, it could transition to a night shift in the future.

Carleton, Michigan Welder

A manufacturing company in Carleton has an immediate need for a full-time MIG welder. The position is on the day shift, starting at either 5:00 or 6:00 am until 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, but also comes with opportunities for overtime as required, including some Saturday work.

If you have a flexible schedule and have your own welding helmet, this could be a great role for you.

Petersburg, Michigan Welder

For welders who appreciate some variety in their duties, a position with a Petersburg manufacturing company could be right up your alley. The facility produces a range of products and can involve MIG, TIG, and ARC welding.

The position is on the day shift, running 6:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 6:00 am to 2:30 pm on Friday. Optional Saturday work is also available, giving you the ability to earn additional income.

All of the exciting opportunities are excellent options for taking your welding career in a new direction. If you are ready to find out more about these positions, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you determine which ones may be right for you. Contact us to discuss your welding skills today and see how our services can make finding your ideal role a breeze. Or, click here to check out the newest jobs for yourself.

5 Soft Skills Call Center Employees Must Master

Raza Rauf on September 3, 2018

Call center employees are at the heart of the customer service experience. They often have to navigate challenging situations, ensuring the caller is satisfied and remains a loyal customer.

Having the proper skill set can make the difference when it comes to succeeding in these roles. If you are or want to be a call center agent, here are five soft skills you must master.

1. Patience

When most people contact a call center, it’s usually because they have a question or a complaint. Not every caller will be able to articulate their question well, and some may even be obviously angry during the conversation.

It isn’t uncommon to have to explain the same point multiple times or diffuse hostile situations. Call center employees have to have a stunning amount of patience if they are going to handle potentially challenging calls with poise.

2. Empathy

Successful call center agents are able to put themselves in the caller’s shoes, allowing them to understand where they are coming from and why they are frustrated. Being able to empathize with a customer is a must, ensuring that each situation is addressed in the proper manner and that callers aren’t going to be angered by specific actions.

For example, if a customer is calling because they believe their bill is too high, knowing that attempting to upsell them might exacerbate the problem is a sign of empathy. Similarly, acknowledging their concern and apologizing for any stress that may have arisen due to an issue is also an indication you understand their position.

3. Communication

A call center employee relies on the communication skills all day, every day. Having a professional and vast vocabulary is essential, giving you the ability to choose the ideal words and phrases when talking with customers. Additionally, the ability to be clear and concise is incredibly valuable, ensuring that problems are resolved or questions are answered as quickly as possible.

Written communication skills can also be important, particularly for making notes in accounts or reaching out to co-workers through available collaboration and messaging channels. Additionally, some call center workers also follow up with callers using email, so being able to craft a professional message is critical to your success.

4. Active Listening

Active listening skills allow call center agents to truly hear what the caller is saying. It involves more than just waiting for your turn to speak. Instead, it means focusing on the customer’s questions or concerns first and, only when they are finished, coming up with a suitable response.

If you aren’t attentive while you are listening, you may miss an important detail. This risks the customer becoming increasingly frustrated, which can make a difficult situation even worse.

5. Positive Attitude

No matter how angry a customer may be, call center employees must maintain a positive attitude. Using reassuring and positive language makes you seem confident, increasing the odds the caller will trust you to handle the situation properly.

By mastering the skills above, you increase your odds of being a helpful and valuable call center employee. If you are interested in learning more or are seeking new employment opportunities, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to learn more about how our services can benefit you, or click here to check out our newest open jobs.

How Much Does It Cost to Be Unemployed?

Raza Rauf on August 31, 2018

Being unemployed creates financial challenges. After all, you may be receiving little-to-nothing as income, depending on whether you qualify for unemployment benefits.

A few factors can impact the total cost of being unemployed, including how long it takes to secure a job and the kinds of expenses you have to manage as part of your job search. Additionally, using savings or investments to cover any shortfalls has ramifications beyond your shrinking balances.

If you are wondering how much being unemployed costs, here’s what you need to know.

The Time Factor

The biggest impact on how much being unemployed costs is time. It’s smart to assume that, for every $10,000 you are looking to earn in your new role, that it will add a month to your search.

For example, if you are seeking a position that pays $50,000, it might take around five months to land a job. However, there are other variables that impact this timeline, including whether your skills are considered in-demand, if there is a labor shortage in your field, and whether you are limiting your search based on certain preferences, like commute times.

Impact to Financial Stability

While you are searching for a new job, your income may be limited or nonexistent, depending on whether you are receiving unemployment benefits. This means you will likely need to handle your financial obligations with savings, funds from investments, or even with credit.

When you withdraw from savings, you aren’t just spending that money; you are missing out on any interest that would have otherwise accrued, as well. The same goes for investments. If you pull money out of a brokerage account, you lose any additional earning potential. Additionally, this may increase your income for the current tax year.

If you withdraw funds from a retirement account, you may also be subject to additional penalties, such as if you make early withdrawals, that can cost you even more. It can also harm your financial future, as you won’t have as much available when you do officially retire.

Job Search Costs

Conducting a job search isn’t free from expenses, either. For example, you may need to invest in an interview outfit, depending on whether you have something suitable already.

Additionally, costs like driving or using public transportation for interviews are factors, as well as printing resumes, providing copies of your portfolio, and other materials you may need to give the hiring manager.

How to Manage the Cost of Unemployment

If you become unemployed, you do have options to help keep your financial life afloat while you seek the right opportunity. First, apply for unemployment benefits, regardless of how you ended up unemployed. Not everyone qualifies, but it is always smart to check.

Second, review the fine print on any debt statements to see if you purchased insurance against unemployment, even if you don’t believe you have. If you have this form of protection, you may be able to get some relief from your payments for the short-term.

Finally, you can work with a reputable staffing agency to find short- or long-term opportunities that can help you take the next step in your career. Short-term positions are ideal for covering the income gap created by unemployment, and you can also find excellent long-term and permanent jobs through a recruitment agency.

If you are seeking new jobs, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with some of the area’s leading employers. Contact us to discuss your goals today and see how our services can help you find your ideal position.

Don’t Let Your Career Track Stall!

Raza Rauf on August 24, 2018

Life can be unpredictable and, when the unexpected occurs, it’s easy to put your career on the backburner. But losing momentum can have long-term ramifications, especially if you miss out on opportunities to advance.

If you want to make sure you don’t let your career track stall, here are some tips for keeping things moving in the right direction.

Learn to Shake Off the Bad

Everyone faces challenges in their personal and professional lives that distract them from what is going right. While acknowledging a setback is perfectly normal, allowing it to linger in your mind can impact your mood and your career.

When you experience a negative event, give yourself a moment to recognize the emotional impact. Then, work to shake off those feelings of negativity and refocus on the positive, such as what you learned from the experience or what you can do to make your next attempt successful. This helps you maintain a constructive mindset, giving you the ability to prevent your career from stalling.

Build a Support System

If you have people around you who can hold you accountable and help you stayed focused, it’s easier to maintain momentum while you are on your journey. Select a few people in your life who can serve as sources of encouragement during times of hardship, and share your experiences with them when you need some uplifting words and support.

Just make sure the relationships aren’t one-sided by preparing to act as their champions, as well. This creates a strong back and forth, ensuring everything is reciprocal.

Be Your Own Cheerleader

At times, acting as your own cheerleader can also prevent your career from stalling. Counter any negative self-talk with positive statements about who you are as a professional and what you have to offer. Work to see the potential in any situation, even if it is challenging at first.

It can take time to learn how to be your own advocate, particularly if you developed a habit of negative self-talk. But, with practice, it becomes easier to combat that feeling, letting you craft a more positive perspective on yourself.

Similarly, seeing the brighter side of difficult situations can also take work. Life can throw you unexpected curveballs, and not everything is under your control. However, most experiences give you a chance to learn and grow, either as a professional or simply as a person. Fight the urge to give up and renew your commitment to keeping your career moving forward.

Ultimately, maintaining momentum takes diligence, but being able to advance your career and stay on track makes it worth the effort time and time again. Remember, you can only progress if you position yourself to do so, so fight back against negative thoughts, contact your support system, and be your own advocate. That way, you can keep moving forward, no matter what life tosses your way.

If you are interested in learning more or would like to find a new job to advance your career track, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your professional goals today and see how our expertise can make getting your momentum back a breeze.