Looking for Jobs NOW? Here’s Why You Should Sign Up for Job Alerts!

Raza Rauf on March 9, 2018

Most job seekers quickly become aware of how time-consuming finding a new position can become. Running searches on job board and social media isn’t always a quick process, particularly if you use multiple sites in hopes of finding the ideal role. Luckily, there is one technique that can significantly speed up your job hunting activities: Job alerts.

If you haven’t used job alerts before, here’s why you should get started today.

It’s Convenient

At its core, a job alert is an email or push notification that lets you know when a position that meets your criteria becomes available on a specific site. When you create one, you set a variety of parameters, such as job titles, industries, companies, location, and minimum pay rates. Then, the system automatically lets you know when a new role is posted that meets your criteria, alleviating the need for you to run the search yourself every day.

Once a job alert is sent, you can peruse the details and decide if you want to apply, using the same application process as would be required if you located the job through other means.

It’s Simple

Setting up a job alert isn’t a complicated process. Most sites will walk you through the process, asking you the proper questions and letting you select options to narrow the results.

Plus, if a job alert isn’t producing the ideal set of results, you can always alter it to better suit your needs. Since you need to strike a balance between specificity, ensuring the results are relevant, and flexibility, making sure you don’t screen out potentially beneficial opportunities, this lets you fine-tune your job alert with relative ease.

Many sites will also allow you to set up multiple job alerts, giving you the ability to choose parameters based on a variety of scenarios, which can be a preferred approach if you are somewhat flexible about certain requirements, like the included industries or job titles.

It’s Available Every Day

Most job alerts allow you to select how often you receive the email that contains the compiled information, but choosing the daily option is generally the best approach. This ensures you are quickly notified about new opportunities, which is especially important for coveted roles, allowing you to apply as fast as possible.

Signing up for a daily alert also makes sure you stay on top of your job search activities, as you’ll have a reminder coming directly to your inbox almost every day. The only time you won’t get an alert is if nothing new has been posted that meets your criteria. While this happening on occasion may be expected, not receiving an email for a few days in a row can also be a signal you need to update your parameters to be more flexible.

If you are looking for a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with some of today’s leading employers. Plus, The Advance Group’s site offers job alerts, letting you automate a portion of your search too. Contact us today to see how our services and job alerts can benefit you, or click here to sign up for our job alerts right now.

Yes, You Can Negotiate Your Temp Job Salary

Raza Rauf on February 26, 2018

Some job seekers figure their options are limited when it comes to the salary associated with a temp job, thinking they don’t have the ability to negotiate their temp job salary. But, that simply isn’t the case.

While some companies may have a particular pay rate in mind, others are open to paying a higher wage than is originally offered, especially if your request is justified. If you want to negotiate your temp job salary, here’s what you need to know.

Learn the Going Rate

Before you approach the subject, it’s wise to do a little research to determine what salary is typically achievable for similar kinds of work. You can begin by performing internet searches related to the job title, required skills, or even the company and its competitors.

Knowing what is usually offered for similar work in your area lets you discover whether the pay rate being proposed is within the norms, a point which may make negotiating unwise. However, if it is clear they are below the average, then use your research as justification for your request.

Highlight What You Have to Offer

Even if the position typically comes with a higher salary, you need to demonstrate the skills and experience you have acquired are worth the extra money. Generally, this means being able to clearly articulate how you bring additional value to the role and how that will benefit the company for which you will be working.

Ideally, you want to be able to quantify this information, presenting hard data as to how and why you are worth the additional money. This helps solidify your case, making the company more likely to consider making a higher offer.

Work With Your Recruiter

While it may be tempting to speak to the company directly, often, when you’re in a temp position, you are an employee of the recruitment agency, and not the business itself. This means that all of your initial contact should be with your recruiter when you want to negotiate your temp job salary.

Bypassing the recruiter can have negative repercussions, including a retraction of the offer, so don’t give in to temptation and only speak with a representative of the company if the recruiter makes the introduction or receives explicit permission for you to proceed.

Additionally, the recruiter may have further information regarding why that specific pay rate was offered, providing you with valuable insight. They can also let you know if an attempt to renegotiate may be successful, as they often have a strong relationship with the companies they associate with and might have knowledge about how previous attempts were received.

Ultimately, you do have the option to negotiate your salary for a temp job, so don’t automatically assume it is off the table just because the position is long-term. You can also choose not to accept the position if the pay rate doesn’t meet your needs, and continue your search for a role that is more in line with your salary requirements.

Negotiate Your Temp Salary with the Leading Employment Agency in Toledo

Considering a temp job? The Advance Group is a proven leader among temporary employment agencies in Toledo, OH. Our recruiters can connect you with the top manufacturing, warehouse, and general labor employers in Ohio. Connect with The Advance Group to see how our temp services in Toledo can work for you and how we can help you negotiate your temp job salary.

Browse our Toledo temp jobs and apply today!

Working with Difficult People? Make the Situation Easier with This Advice

Raza Rauf on February 23, 2018

Typically, one of the most challenging parts of any job is working with other, potentially difficult people, even if you all generally get along. But, when a co-worker is particularly difficult, the situation quickly becomes more stressful, making it hard to get tasks completed or simply remain in a good mood.

While you can’t necessarily escape the situation entirely, you do have options to make it more manageable. With that in mind, here are some tips for working with difficult people you can start using today.

Make Validating Their Feelings the First Thing You Do

Most of us have encountered a scenario where a co-worker is frustratingly passive-aggressive or generally takes out their anger on those around them, regardless of whether you were responsible for their current situation. While it is easy to react to them in kind, allowing your own stress levels to escalate with theirs, a better approach is empathy.

For example, instead of reacting to their frustration, consider why they may be feeling this way and try to see things from their perspective. Then, instead of pushing back immediately, offer them some validation by letting them know that you understand their feelings.

Often, this helps you shift your attitude, moving to a place of empathy instead of anger. Plus, by feeling understood, your co-worker may also begin to calm, allowing them to change their attitude as well.

Make Your Needs Clear

If a co-worker is being combative instead of constructive during a conversation, it’s easy for tensions to mount, leaving everyone angry. However, you can prevent this from occurring by succinctly expressing your needs in relation to the situation.

For example, if your co-worker says they hate your idea, feel free to let them know a statement like that doesn’t help you improve and that you would prefer specific feedback regarding the idea so that you can reach a resolution that suits everyone.

Ultimately, this involves letting others know what does or doesn’t work for you while being assertive as you discuss your point. It also includes an explanation as to why the approaching isn’t effective, as well as a simple resolution that allows everyone to get back on the right track.

Learn to Say “No”

Some people have a tendency toward being people-pleasers and, if someone takes advantage of that, it can quickly breed resentment and frustration. However, the person who needs to act in these situations is you, by learning to say no and setting reasonable boundaries when a request is simply more than you can handle.

Ideally, you want to say now, provide a concise explanation as to why it doesn’t work for you, and potentially offer an alternative, but only if one exists that meets your needs as well. It can take time to get comfortable with saying “no,” but it is definitely worth the effort.

If you are interested in learning more or are hoping to find a new position with less difficult people, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today to see how our services and expertise can work for you.

These “Dumb” Interview Questions Are Pretty Intelligent

Raza Rauf on February 16, 2018

Sometimes, when given the opportunity at the end of an interview, job seekers are reluctant to ask certain interview questions. They fear that they are “dumb,” making them worry that the hiring manager will form a negative perception of them simply by bringing them up.

Many of them focus on clichés, something that most people work hard to avoid. But, these questions can actually provide candidates with important information, making them wise choices in the end. If you are concerned about which questions to ask, here are some “dumb” interview questions that are actually pretty intelligent.

“What Do You Like Most About Working Here?”

Yes, this question can seem trite and commonplace, but it actually gives you a great opportunity to learn more about the company’s culture or their most exciting projects. When responding to this question, hiring managers may discuss their staff, co-workers, or the leadership team. They might bring up the work environment. In some cases, they’ll talk about an innovation that is in the works.

Regardless of their response, you’ll likely learn something along the way. And, if the hiring manager struggles to provide an answer, or resorts to a short, canned response, it could be an indication of trouble in the department or the company as a whole, giving you details about a potential red flag you may have otherwise missed.

“What’s a Typical Day Like in This Position?”

It may seem banal, asking about how a day usually proceeds, but it is actually an incredibly helpful thing to asks and suggests you are eager to envision yourself in the role. Aside from expressing a level of excitement, you get a chance to learn about common expectations and tasks, which may not be as enticing as the big projects the hiring manager used to sell you on the role. It also gives you insight into daily operations, like how many meetings may occur or which mundane tasks fall under your purview.

Generally, a realistic answer to this question isn’t going to increase your level of enthusiasm, but understanding the day-to-day makes it easier for you to ascertain whether the job is actually right for you.

“Do You Have Any Concerns About My Qualifications?”

Many job seekers shy away from this question because it seems to open the door to criticism, which is something no one typically wants to hear. But, it also creates an outstanding opportunity, allowing you to both listen to their concerns and address them.

It does require a level of vulnerability, and a willingness to discuss your weakness, but you also get the chance to address points that could potentially prevent you from receiving an offer head-on.

Ultimately, any interview questions that give you a chance to learn more about the company shouldn’t be considered “dumb,” particularly if the information isn’t available on the organization’s website and the specific point wasn’t discussed during the interview. That means you shouldn’t be afraid to ask the question if it is truly something you want to know. It may be a smarter move than you think.

If you are looking for a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can benefit you.

All Ohio Engineers Need These 5 Skills

Raza Rauf on February 9, 2018

Engineers often have a broad range of duties, and their contributions are typically deemed critical for daily operations. Without competent engineers, a company may struggle with their equipment and technology, harming productivity and even potentially creating dangerous situations.

While each engineering role will differ, creating nuances in the required skill sets, certain skills are essential for nearly every engineer. With that in mind, here are five skills engineers need to be successful in their career.

1. Attention to Detail

Many engineering roles require meticulous concentration and an appreciation for the smallest details, including while working to solve an equipment problem or when helping determine what is needed for a new project. Even minor errors can have catastrophic results, and this makes attention to detail particularly important for all engineers, regardless of the industry in which they operate.

2. Problem Solving

When something goes wrong with a piece of equipment, engineers are often tasked with identifying the issue and finding a suitable solution. While some malfunctions are fairly cut and dry, others require strong problem-solving skills to address, particularly when under pressure.

3. Creativity

Whether used as a supplement to problem-solving skills or a method for streamlining operations, improving performance, and innovating new solutions, creativity is a valuable asset for engineers. Sometimes, an easy answer isn’t available, making ingenuity necessary to reach a point of resolution. Additionally, being able to develop new options is incredibly helpful, especially if they can increase profits or reduce costs.

4. Communication

Most engineers work with other professionals on projects, so they regularly encounter others who don’t have the same level of specialized knowledge. It isn’t uncommon for engineers to have to convey complex information in a way that those who are less savvy can understand, and this requires strong communication skills. Additionally, they need to update stakeholders on any progress made on issues as they occur, something that makes the ability to communicate coherently a necessity.

5. Mathematics

While the precise nature of the math can vary, most engineers need a solid understanding of mathematics based on the duties they perform. This can include calculations involving fractions to ensure enough materials are acquired to handle a repair to complex formulas to create solid performance estimates.

This doesn’t mean all engineers need high-level math skills, such as an understanding of calculus or trigonometry, but being competent in algebra and geometry isn’t an uncommon requirement.

Ultimately, every engineering role is different, so a variety of specialty skills are also often necessary to be successful in a particular job. However, those listed above are common for most engineers, no matter what industry in which they work or the company that hires them.

If you are interested in finding an engineering position or are looking to add a new engineer to your staff, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to learn more about what we have to offer and to discover how our services can benefit you.

10 Open Jobs in Michigan Today

Raza Rauf on February 2, 2018

If you are interested in finding any open jobs in Michigan, there are certainly plenty of them available. Here are just a few of the positions that we are working to fill right now.

1. Machine Adjuster

Mechanically inclined job seekers may enjoy a position focused on machine setup, operation, cleaning and maintenance, ensuring the facility remains functional and productive.

2. Welder

If you have welding experience, then you may qualify for a welder position in the Dundee area. The company manufactures automotive tracks and is interested in finding a skilled worker who can join their team for the long-term.

3. Warehouse Worker

Multiple opportunities are available for experienced warehouse workers, including positions in cities like Monroe and Dundee. Common job duties include loading and unloading trucks, assisting with inventory, product assembly, and home deliveries.

4. Press Operator

For job seekers with machine operating experience or who consider themselves mechanically inclined, a Dundee company is looking for press operators who want to be part of their team. The position has the potential to be long-term and even result in permanent employment. Plus, opportunities to train on other equipment, such as an overhead crane, may also be part of the job.

5. Production Workers

A recycling company in the Belleville area is looking for production workers to help with tasks like sorting scrap metal. Ideally, applicants should have at least one year of experience in a manufacturing environment, and be interested in possibly being hired on permanently.

6. CAD Programmer

A reputable company in Temperance is hoping to find a skilled CAD Programming Specialist to draw nest blanks for 2-D CNC equipment, ensuring the maximum utilization of each plate and that the proper sheet is selected. CAD experience is requirement for the role, as well as strong communication and organizational skills.

7. Manufacturing Engineer

If you have extensive knowledge and experience with manufacturing equipment, as well as an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, then a company in Lenawee County would love to hear from you. Three to five years of experience is required, and relocation assistance may be available to someone with the right expertise.

8. Industrial Cleaning

A company in Monroe is looking for a teamwork-oriented professional to join their team of industrial cleaning professionals. The position is considered entry-level, so no prior experience is required, and it also has the potential to go long-term.

9. Field Service Technician

If you live near the Wixom area and have mechanical knowledge and problem-solving skills, you may qualify for a field service technician position. The company is very customer-oriented, and you would have an opportunity to help them maintain a superior level of customer service with each and every interaction.

10. Customer Service

A manufacturing company is looking for customer service representatives to join their team, helping to track shipments, communicate with carriers, resolve delays, and handle customer issues. The position is part-time and all interested applicants must have at least one year of experience in the logistics field to qualify, along with computer experience, particularly with Microsoft Excel, and strong phone skills.

If you are interested in any of these positions or would like to learn about other open jobs in Michigan, the team at The Advance Group want to hear from you. Contact us today to see if you qualify for any of these open jobs in Michigan and to learn how our services can work for you.

Want to Land an Administrative Position? Read This!

Raza Rauf on January 26, 2018

Many job seekers like the idea of working in an administrative position. Typically, these roles are office-based and can help you build a strong foundation for a professional career. However, how to get started in this profession isn’t as clear as some others, particularly since entry-level jobs may list very few requirements. If you are interested in landing an administrative position, here’s what you need to know.

Education Requirements Vary

Many administrative roles are considered entry-level, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be some educational requirements listed in the vacancy announcement.

Some administrative assistant or secretary positions require only a high school diploma, as this generally shows that you have the knowledge necessary to write professionally and operate a computer. However, competition for these positions can be high, so having additional training, like an associate degree or diploma from a secretarial skills program, can help set you apart from the pack.

Other positions may list an associate’s degree as a requirement, and some even require a bachelor’s degree, especially if the role is focused on a specialty, like legal secretaries or medical administrative assistants. You may also need to have knowledge of specific software programs, like QuickBooks, or have skills in areas like web development, which may require applicable coursework or prior experience.

Ultimately, it is possible to land an administrative position with just a high school diploma, but going above and beyond that will likely be beneficial to your career.

Make Sure Your Resume and Cover Letter Are Perfect

Administrative professionals often create communications in writing, ranging from emails and newsletters to presentations and marketing material. Since written communication plays such a large role in an admin’s daily duties, having spelling or grammar mistakes on your resume or cover letter can hurt your chances of being invited in for an interview.

Before you submit a resume, make sure to review it carefully. This can include proofreading it yourself and using software, like spelling and grammar checks, to identify errors that need to be corrected. It’s also smart to have someone else review your application, as a fresh set of eyes may spot mistakes that you overlooked.

Similarly, if you have a LinkedIn profile, you should take the time to make sure that it is also well written and error free. Otherwise, the additional effort you put into your resume and cover letter may not have the desired impact if your LinkedIn profile is riddled with mistakes.

Highlight Your Value

Many administrative positions focus on making other professionals’ lives easier at work, so showing that you are capable of supporting the manager, executive, or team is crucial. Ultimately, you want to demonstrate your skills and experience will contribute to the accomplishments of others, as that is something that a hiring manager will likely deem valuable.

If you are looking for an administrative position, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us today to learn more about our available jobs and see how our services can work for you.

Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired This Year with One Tip

Raza Rauf on January 19, 2018

At the end of nearly every interview comes the inevitable question from the hiring manager: “Do you have any questions for me?”

While some job seekers hesitate to ask anything, this should actually be viewed as an opportunity, and one that shouldn’t be passed up, particularly since failing to do so can seriously hurt your chances of getting hired.

Asking a smart question at the close of an interview can help you stand out as a candidate and make getting hired simple. How do you craft an intelligent inquiry? Here are some tips to get you started.

Focus on the Right Points

A strong question is going to tap into one of four areas: Connection, culture, challenges, and closing in on the next steps. Ultimately, you want to bond with the hiring manager over your final ask, work to understand what working for the organization is like, identify any challenges the company is facing, or gain additional information about what comes next.

You don’t have to cover all of those points in a single question, but any inquiry that touches on one of those points can be a valuable one to ask.

The One Question to Ask

If you find yourself struggling to come up with a suitable question, there is one that almost always makes a great impression. When in doubt, ask, “What is the organization’s biggest threat to success currently, and how can I help you overcome this threat in this role?”

By asking this question, the hiring manager has an opportunity to discuss how the job can add the most value to the business, giving you critical insights into how to excel in the position. Plus, it starts a dialog where you can provide additional input, including references to how your past experience can make overcoming the challenge easier.

This allows you to talk about points that truly matter to the hiring manager and organization in the moment while increasing their level of confidence in your abilities.

You don’t have to limit yourself to this single question, as it generally works well in conjunction with other inquiries that allow you to gather important information about the company’s priorities, what the culture is like, and how the role fits into the bigger picture.

However, it is essential to be mindful of the time when you begin asking questions, as you want to make sure that everything is finished up within your allotted appointment time. This means you should start with the questions you (and they) view as the most critical, so you can wrap things up in a timely manner.

If you are looking for a job this year, the professionals at The Advance Group can assist you in preparing smart questions while connecting you with top employers in the area. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can work for you. You’ll be getting hired in no time.

Looking for a Career in IT? Here Are Ones to Aim For (And Avoid!)

Raza Rauf on January 12, 2018

One estimate by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics says there will be 1 million more available IT jobs than applicants by the year 2020, showing just how smart a career in IT can be. But, like any field, not every role is created equal, and choosing the right one today can mean the difference between having a long and lucrative career or being considered obsolete in a short time.

If you are looking at a career in IT, here are the specialties to aim for, and a few you should avoid.

Analytics Is Hot

As companies collect more and more data, many are struggling to process the information fast enough to gain valuable insights in a timely manner. This has put an increased focus on the field of data analytics, making it a wise choice for those interested in pursuing a career in IT.

Like many tech jobs, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is often required to get started, and some positions require specialized skills in areas like IoT, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, so additional certifications can also help you get ahead.

Silos Are Disappearing

Not long ago, professionals were highly focused in specific areas in IT, often operating somewhat autonomously. Now, these silos are disappearing as pros who concentrated on areas like infrastructure, application development, network operations, and security begin to work more closely together.

While you may still end up with a somewhat specialized skill set, IT workers must not be willing to cross the lines that once kept them separated. Otherwise, their careers could come to an abrupt end as technology continues to intertwine these roles.

Security Skills Are a Must

Cybersecurity continues to be a major concern for companies, and that has led security to play a part in nearly every position. While security-oriented professionals will still have their place, every IT employee is having to acquire skills related to their roles.

However, since some of the training one would need isn’t commonly available, and the coursework is often missing from degree plans focused on areas like computer science, those who get onboard early can position themselves to move forward in their careers with greater ease.

Vendor-Specific Security Certifications Are Out

Since security is so important, many IT pros may consider acquiring vendor-specific security certifications. But, these aren’t as in-demand as they used to be, especially since the associated training tends to be highly feature focused and doesn’t always account for the myriad of challenges businesses face today.

For those interested in bolstering their security credentials, choosing training that is more all-encompassing instead of vendor-specific is the wiser approach, particularly if you want to impress today’s employers.

If you are interested in learning more or are seeking a new career in IT, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with information and opportunities. Contact us to see how our knowledgeable staff can help you take the next step in your career in IT today.

2018 is the Right Time to Quit That Job You Hate

Raza Rauf on January 8, 2018

Sometimes, you know that you aren’t in the right job. Maybe the idea of showing up every day feels almost intolerable, or you spend your days bored. But, even if you know you’re in a position you hate, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to walk away, especially if it seems like you are abandoning everything you’ve managed to accomplish there. The right time to quit can be hard to understand.

It isn’t uncommon to fear change, no matter how tough your current situation happens to be. But sticking in a job that you hate isn’t doing you any favors, particularly if it keeps you from advancing in your career. If you’ve felt trapped in your position, 2018 may be the perfect time to quit and make a change. To help you get in the right mindset, here’s what you need to do.

Acknowledge What’s Changed

In some cases, your first step to moving on is to recognize that a choice that was right for you yesterday might not be what you need today. Few professionals choose a job expecting it to outlive its usefulness, but it happens all the time.

Start your preparations by recognizing how you’ve changed over time, creating the psychological distance you need to head in a new direction. Once you understand that it’s okay to begin something new, leaving a bad job will become easier.

Understand What You Aren’t Giving Up

Part of the fear of leaving a job has to do with the shift to your identity that comes with making such a change. But, it’s important to remember you are more than your current role, so reminding yourself of what will remain intact can be beneficial.

For example, think about your family and friends who will remain by your side, or the hobbies and passions you’ll continue to pursue. By reviewing everything that won’t change, the idea of taking your career in a new direction will seem less intimidating.

Recognize That Life Doesn’t Always Follow a Linear Path

While the idea of following a straight path through your career is enticing, it isn’t worth it if you’re miserable every step of the way. Sometimes, we have to deviate from the original plan to reach a point of fulfillment, and that can mean making a job switch.

Yes, deciding to make a change is scary, representing a range of uncertainties, but choosing to allow yourself to pursue something that will provide you with a sense of satisfaction can be the right move, especially if you hate your current job. In the end, making a switch could be the best decision you make, letting you take your career to a better destination in 2018 and beyond.

If you are interested in securing a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with Michigan jobs and Ohio opportunities. Contact us today to see how our services can help you find the kind of role you need to experience the job satisfaction you deserve, and figure out when the right time to quit your old job comes.

How to Refocus at Work After the Holidays

Raza Rauf on January 5, 2018

Now that the holiday season has come to a close, most professionals are heading back to the workplace, trying to get back into their regular routine. While readjusting to a normal schedule seems simple at first glance, a significant stint away from work, especially if it wasn’t entirely relaxing (as some holiday obligations can be quite stressful), leaves many people feeling drained. Plus, if you didn’t organize your workspace before your vacation, you could end up overwhelmed trying to refocus at work and get back on target.

Luckily, there are things anyone can do to help them refocus at work after the holidays. Here are some ways to get started.

Get Up and Moving

Sometimes, feelings of lethargy are what prevent you from getting back on track. While a quick fix, like the caffeine in your coffee, may help in the short-term, physical activity is a better long-term solution. If you feel your energy levels starting to dip, consider integrating some movement into your day. This can be as simple as stepping away from your desk for a minute to taking a quick walk during lunch. Even a few moments can make a lot of difference, so don’t let a lack of time hold you back.

Use Music

In some cases, people struggle to focus because of the noise-related distractions that can infiltrate their workspace. Ambient noise can be hard to ignore, especially if you are having trouble staying on target in the first place.

One possible solution, if your workplace allows it, is to use headphones and listen to music. This can give you a mechanism for blocking out distractions while allowing you to listen to something you enjoy instead. However, if you do decide to bring in your own tunes, make sure they can’t be overheard by others in the area. Additionally, select songs without lyrics, as they can actually make it harder to concentrate instead of helping.

Seize Control of Your Day

It is perfectly normal for your energy levels to fluctuate throughout the workday. Some people are morning people, while others peak later in the day; either early in the afternoon or even after the sun goes down.

Understanding your pattern can be incredibly beneficial, especially when you have options regarding when certain activities are scheduled. For example, if you are more focused in the morning, try to get your detail-oriented or complex work handled in the earlier hours of the day and leave your simpler tasks for the afternoon. If you are more productive after lunch, reverse that schedule.

The main idea behind the approach is to use your natural rhythm to help you be more effective throughout the day, allowing you to handle easier duties when your energy levels decline and more challenging work when you’re ready to soar. Just make sure you allow enough time to manage your tasks, especially if you excel in the afternoon, so you won’t experience unnecessary stress if something doesn’t get finished.

By following the tips above, you can readapt to your usual routine faster than ever and refocus at work. If you are interested in learning more or would like to find a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to see how our services can help you move forward in your Michigan or Ohio career today.

Should You Bid Farewell to Your Cover Letter This Year?

Raza Rauf on December 29, 2017

Many job seekers have heard statements alluding to the idea that the cover letter is dead. Often, these take the form of suggesting that hiring managers don’t actually read them, making them useless to those looking to secure a new position.

But, this isn’t necessarily true. Cover letters can still be a valuable tool, depending on how you are managing your job search, whether you have certain unique goals, and if you need to provide details that a resume doesn’t cover.

Here’s why you shouldn’t say farewell to your cover letter just yet.

Connect with the Employer

A cover letter can play a crucial role in your job search if you see it as an opportunity to connect with the employer. Ultimately, hiring managers are looking for candidates that understand what the company is about and the function they serve within the larger community. If you can use your cover letter to show that you “get” the business, you can use it to stand out from the competition.

Being able to convey your respect for what the company has accomplished and why you admire the business is almost guaranteed to make a positive impression. Then, if you can couple that with examples as to how you can help them further their goals or fit into with their priorities, you significantly increase your odds of being able to advance in the hiring process.

Career Changes

Some job seekers aren’t pursuing a job in their original field, and making a career change often requires more effort and additional explanation. A cover letter can be an ideal platform for explaining your goals as well as relaying how your skills and experience apply to your new target field.

Without a cover letter, a hiring manager may assume that a resume full of experience in another field isn’t worth their time as they may believe it was either submitted in error or that the person isn’t actually serious about landing the position. Your cover letter allows you to provide the context they need to understand your motivations and clearly picture how your skills apply in an environment that differs from those you worked in previously, making it incredibly valuable to your job search.

Employment Gaps

Many people have gaps in their employment history, but you don’t get the opportunity to explain what happened in a resume alone. A cover letter gives you a chance to provide some additional details that can help put the hiring manager’s mind at ease, especially if the gap is recent or substantial. So, in this case, forgoing a cover letter could leave the hiring manager with doubts, so adding one can make a real difference.

While a cover letter isn’t always necessary when you apply for a job, it is still important in many situations and shouldn’t be abandoned just yet. If you are interested in learning more or are seeking a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today to find out more about what our services can do for your job search.