Temporary Jobs - The Advance Group

You Could Be Blowing Your Interview Before You Meet the Interviewer!

Raza Rauf on August 19, 2016

If you think your interview doesn’t begin assessing until the interviewer enters the room, you are sorely mistaken. The moment you walk in the door, you are being assessed, and mistakes you make now can cost you a job offer, even if the interview itself goes well.

In order to give yourself the highest chance for success, avoid these pre-interview blunders.

Not Arriving at the Right Time

While most people know that arriving late is a major faux pas, arriving too early can also be a mistake. You may think that checking in 30 minutes early shows eagerness and punctuality, but it can actually be interpreted as rude.

Not only may you be sitting in the reception area for an extended amount of time, if the interviewer is informed of your arrival, not only are they dealing with the stress of their jobs and (possibly) other interviews, now they may feel pressured to move faster because of your presence, and equating your presence with stress is not a great way to make a first impression.

To be safe, look at coming in approximately 10 minutes prior to your scheduled arrival time, even if you have to wait in the parking lot to make that happen. 10 minutes demonstrates punctuality, but it doesn’t add the pressure associated with an extremely early arrival.

And Speaking of Walking In…

The moment you open the door, you are open to scrutiny. Often, a receptionist will be asked for their opinion regarding how you presented yourself, which means a slipup here can have consequences.

Make sure you are presentable prior to coming in through the door. In cases where there is access to a bathroom before you enter the reception area, such as in a multitenant building, take a moment to make sure your clothes are straight and that you generally look well put together. If that isn’t an option, take the time to look in a mirror in your car to do a quick review.

If bad weather is on the horizon, come prepared with mechanisms to ensure you stay as dry as reasonably possible, and that any copies of your resume stay dry, too. An umbrella and a file folder can go a long way.

Additionally, make sure all of your interactions are polite and professional. Take the time to say “please” and “thank you” when appropriate. Smile, and act as though you are happy to be there. Remember, they are doing you a favor by speaking with you, not the other way around.

Avoid Negative Internal Dialogue

While most people are nervous before an interview, allowing negative self-talk to overcome your other thoughts will only make you feel less confident. Instead, consider focusing on a positive mantra or other simple statement that makes you feel more confident. A simple, “I’ve got this!” can be surprisingly affective.

If you are looking for additional tips for your job hunt, including information on available positions, we are here to help! Contact us today!

Looking for a Career in IT? Now Is the Right Time!

Raza Rauf on August 12, 2016

Technology. It’s in almost every environment; work, home, school, and play. Technology continues to grow and change, creating new ways to accomplish tasks big and small in the most sophisticated office buildings and the largest production facilities.

It can be said with a particular level of certainty that technology is here to stay, which makes this an excellent time to start a career in the field of information technology (IT). Whether you are interested in creating new products and programs, securing networks from outside intrusion, or assisting users with getting the most out of their technological resources, IT is where the work is.

Diversity in the Sector

Long gone are the days where IT was a simple category on its own. Today, there are a variety of specialties, often with additional subspecialties within them, which require different knowledge bases and skill sets to perform the associated duties successfully. Larger IT departments may have database administrators, information security analysts, network architects, software developers, and computer programmers.

As voice and messaging technologies interconnect with network technology, newer hybrids are being created in the areas of voice over IP (VoIP) and unified messaging. The proliferation of mobile devices, including interest in the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) movement has increased the need for specialized support.

With all of the potential careers in the field, it is likely you can find one, or a few, that interest you personally.

Diversity in the Work Environment

Today, computers are common place in almost every type of business. Whether you are working for the federal, state or local government, a large corporate entity, or a small business, you will likely use a computer during the day. Even restaurants have seen increases in the use of networking technologies as the option to use tablets at customer tables has increased.

With the widespread use comes opportunities in every arena. Whether you are interested in working for a large tech firm or would prefer to consult for multiple small businesses, IT skills are necessary in all walks of life.

This also makes skills highly transferrable, as IT skills can be applied in a large number of environments in almost every city across the country. Not only does this help in terms of career advancement, it also means you are never completely stuck working in one business, one city, or even one state. Your career can travel with you wherever you choose to go.

Competitive Pay and Benefits

Many IT professions are expected to have faster than average growth within the U.S. and unemployment rates in the sector are generally low. This makes the demand for skilled IT professional rise as businesses compete for the best talent. Along with the increase in demand comes higher rates of pay and solid benefits.

It is not uncommon, based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, for an IT professional to earn well above $80,000 per year. Additionally, most IT professional work full-time, so they often have access to additional benefits such as medical and retirement options.

Starting Your Next Career

Whether you are considering a new career in IT, or are interested in taking your current IT career in a different direction, the specialists at Advance Staffing Solutions can help guide you along with way. Contact us today and see where your career can take you.

4 Tips for Creating a Stronger Welding Resume

Raza Rauf on August 1, 2016

Your welding resume reflects what you have to offer to an employer. When poorly designed, your resume may be tossed aside with little consideration. To ensure your welding resume gets the attention it deserves, take a look at the following tips.

Start with a Strong Summary

The summary section provides recruiters with a quick introduction to what you have to offer, so make sure that it is concise and informative in nature. Treat it like a headline, or billboard, used to entice the reader to want to know more.

Make Your Qualifications Stand Out

Include a section on your welding resume to highlight which skills you bring to the table, using bullet points to bring attention to your qualifications. List relevant hard skills, such as specific welding techniques, and soft skills, such as supervisory experience.

Match your applicable skills to those listed in the job posting. This can help your resume make it through automated screening processes and quickly establishes why you are a good fit for the position.

However, be sure to avoid listing skills that are often considered a given, or those that have little meaning, such as:

Hard Worker
Punctual
Familiarity with Welding Equipment and/or Safety Gear

These banalities are unnecessary and take up valuable space that could be used to address more important information.

Arrange Your Work Experience and Education

If you have experience working in the welding field, list your work experience before your education, especially if it is substantial. If you have been a professional welder for some time, and the most recent position was in the welding field, list your work experience chronologically. If the most recent position was in an unrelated field, consider listing your work history based on the relevance to the position. This brings attention to the work you have completed that will be of the greatest interest to recruiters.

For those looking to enter the welding field, list your education first to demonstrate your credentials. The education you list can include degrees achieved, such as an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology, or various industry-specific certifications or completed training programs. This allows recruiters to see that you do have formal training before reviewing work experience that is not related to the field.

Confirm Your Contact Information is Correct

While adding contact information seems simple, it is critical that it is listed correctly. Confirm your name, email address and phone number are accurate, as these are the most likely ways a recruiter will contact you. Don’t label your phone number or email address, as the format used is recognizable on its own.

If you are interested in finding a new position, the professionals at Advance Staffing Solutions are here to help. No matter your experience level, they can help match you to job opportunities throughout the area. Contact us today!

How to Beat the Competition to Your Dream Paralegal Career!

Raza Rauf on July 12, 2016

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

Unlock an Opportunity for Someone Else

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

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

Become a Fan of the Company First

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

Create an Audition for Yourself

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

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

Need Help Networking for a Marketing Career? Use These 3 Tools

Raza Rauf on July 5, 2016

Networking is a vital part of a marketing career, no matter the years of experience the candidate has. Those who do not network will find it difficult to obtain new job opportunities throughout their careers. Smart marketing candidates have cast a wide net to reel in the best career opportunities, using technology to their advantage.

Networking does not have to bog you down, nor take up a ton of your time. It is something that can be done a couple hours per month or more, if you feel the need. Just remember one thing: Networking makes all the difference throughout the life of your career. If you need to improve your marketing career, use the three tools discussed in this article.

Spiceworks 7.0: Free Mobile Device Management

One of the most recommended networking tools out there today is the Spiceworks 7.0. This is a free mobile device management system that lets you take it wherever you go. It is perfect for the marketing professional who is always on the go, traveling from city to city for events and gigs hosted by their employer or employer’s clients. This software allows you to manage the smartphones and tablets of employees around the world. If an issue ever arises with their devices, the software will allow you to fix that issue without having the device in hand.

GlassWire Network Monitor

GlassWire Network Monitor is another free network tool that many professionals use today to help their marketing career. The software provides a graph for you to view that shows the activity of your network as well as the apps being used by computers on your network. The program keeps a log of network activity for up to 30 days at a time. If malware or other suspicious activity is detected, GlassWire will monitor the activity and send the user alerts.

Netwrix Account Lockout Examiner

What is more frustrating than getting locked out of an account? It’s so hard remembering all the different login names and passwords one has for their variety of social media accounts, personal accounts, work accounts and more. This is a free tool that every marketing professional should have on their devices. The software allows you to troubleshoot locked accounts after receiving an alert from Netwrix.

If you are having trouble networking in your marketing career, then it is time to make a change. There are plenty of free networking tools out there today that can help anyone in the marketing field take charge. Give one or all three discussed today a try. And if you still need help finding a new marketing career, click to browse our open positions today!

Open Interviews – Southgate

Raza Rauf on June 8, 2016

Open Interviews

Southgate will be hosting Open Interviews

Thursday, June 9th from 10am-2pm!

Positions available in the Downriver Area:

Machine Operator

Quality Inspection

Forklift Operator

Production Worker

General Labor

CNC Programmer/Operator

Grinding Operator

Fabricator/Welder

Import Clerk

Crane Operator

Please bring a current copy of your resume and 2 pieces of valid ID

(State ID or Driver’s License AND Social Security Card or Birth Certificate)

Advance Staffing Solutions

15975 Eureka Rd.

Southgate, MI. 48195

734-288-3654

We look forward to meeting you!

Are You Working Too Much? Here Are Some Telltale Signs

Raza Rauf on June 2, 2016

Has it occurred to you that you might be working too much? You may have the nagging feeling that you are starting to get burned out or just not as enthusiastic about your job as you used to be. It’s not uncommon for people to feel this way, especially if they’ve been on the job for a number of years. On top of that, a lot of people are overwhelmed by the extra duties that they’ve been tasked with as a result of recession layoffs.

It’s never a good idea to feel like this for very long. Something has to give. Here’s how to determine if you are working too much, and what steps you need to take to regain work-life balance.

Examine your work habits

Are you the kind of person who typically takes on extra projects or works extra hours to get the job done? If so, then you might be a workaholic. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can contribute to a loss of productivity over time from being overwhelmed. Also, consider some of your other habits such as how you manage your time and projects. Do you have a good system? Or do you simply take on things as they are thrown at you? Your work habits can dictate how well you are able to handle work and priorities. It may be time to come up with a better system.

Check your health

Do you often experience colds or feelings of being run down? Or perhaps you feel stressed a lot? These can be the telltale signs that you are working too much and that you need to find a better way of handling things. Consider making a trip to your doctor’s office to rule out any medical problems that may be contributing to extra tiredness or stress. Then, schedule some much-needed time off. While you are away from the office, think about some ways that you can delegate a few tasks to others .

Think about your attitude

Are you starting to dread going to work each day? This can also be a sign that you are working too much and that you need some change. A job that is fulfilling is something that you should look forward to . If you find yourself dragging in the mornings on your way to work you might want to think about a change of career or a reduction in the work that you do . Ask your manager about bringing on a temporary employee to help you get caught up or to reallocate some of your responsibilities to another employee.

Regain work-life balance with a brand new career. Click here to browse our open positions in Michigan and Ohio today!

Want a New Job? Read This Today!

Raza Rauf on May 11, 2016

Are you close to landing your dream job in Detroit Michigan? Did you know that for every job advertised, recruiters generally receive upwards of three to four hundred resumes? What this means is that the odds are already stacked against you as a candidate.

However, if you take the right steps now you can gain an advantage over other candidates and land a dream job. Here are some ways to help you get a great job in Detroit.

Start with Creating a Great Social Media Presence.

Did you know that around 90 percent of recruiters regularly turn to social media to recruit talent? Many job seekers don’t realize how important their social media profiles are. But you are smarter than that. Take advantage of your social media profiles by cleaning them up, adding a professional headshot photo, and highlighting your achievements. Network with others in the Detroit area to get in front of the best hiring companies.

Develop a Resume That Gets Noticed.

Most recruiters will spend only a couple of seconds looking over resumes. That means you have nanoseconds to make a positive first impression and stand out from other candidates. Give yourself an advantage by being creative with your resume. Try a new template. Use plenty of white space and bullet points to highlight skills and achievements. Pare your resume down to one page and use an interview to provide more details about your career history. You may also want to try several online resumes where you can also add your social media links and portfolios of your work.

Join Detroit Area Career Networks.

In addition to registering with staffing agencies in the Detroit, MI area, you will also want to become involved with all the local career and business networks you can. Take the time to attend local job fairs. Spend some time at your Detroit Works center. Volunteer in the community and learn about career opportunities this way. Stay active and visual to stand out as a top candidate in Detroit.

Apply for Multiple Jobs.

Don’t limit yourself to just one or two dream jobs in Michigan. Take the time to target specific companies that you want to work for and then apply for several jobs where you have a majority of the skills. Very often, companies will hire people with a little bit less experience but those who show potential in jobs that require more responsibility. There are also a number of management training programs available with Detroit-area employers. Be open and willing to try new things by taking on temporary assignments and entry level positions that may be different for you.

Need more help finding a job? Click here to browse our open positions, or contact us today!

How to Land an Entry-Level HR Career

Raza Rauf on May 4, 2016

Ready to take on the world of people management? Human resources is perhaps one of the most rewarding and challenging career paths out there today. Every day, human resource practitioners are making big decisions that impact the organizations that they work for. Human resources professionals are tasked with making sure their organizations are compliant with employment laws and updates that affect the bottom line.

If you believe you have what it takes to walk the line between employees and the best interest of the business, then here are some tips for landing an entry-level HR job.

Get the right training.

It is absolutely vital to your career in HR to get the right training and education. Enroll in an accredited Human Resource Management program through a local university or college. Human resources is an ever-changing industry, therefore it is important that you get the correct information and instruction so that you can be highly knowledgeable about this field. Consider that as an HR professional you will be tasked with ongoing learning throughout your career.

Develop your leadership skills.

Human resources professionals are more than just payroll clerks and benefits administrators. They are skilled professionals who are leaders in terms of workplace policies and improvements. Take the time to learn how to be a solid leader before you look for an entry level job, because you will be tasked with proving your worth to other leaders in the real business world.

Consider HR certification.

It is always a good idea to pursue additional training and certification in human resources. The Society for Human Resource Management has guidelines for what every HR pro should be studying.

Try recruiting as an entry point.

Recruitment can be a great way to get involved with human resource efforts. This very vital role can help you to learn quickly how to be effective managing people, understanding employment rules and regulations, and getting the most from human capital in any organization.

Accept temp-to-perm HR opportunities.

Be open to working in temp-to-perm jobs in human resources. This can fast track you into a more permanent entry or mid-level role. Staffing agencies that have recruitment and HR jobs often look for people who have potential and then put them through additional training and even college to learn more.

Looking to land an entry-level HR career? Click here to browse our open job opportunities in Michigan and Ohio, or contact us today!

Follow Your Career Dreams! (Just Read This Advice, First)

Raza Rauf on April 26, 2016

Millennials are taking over the workforce, as one of the largest group of workers since the baby boomers. They tend to bring with them unique values, including the idea that they can do anything they put their mind to. Many have pretty clear ideas about what they are interested in and what they want to be “when they grow up.” This is a generation that wants to move up the corporate ladder faster than their counterparts, and they are willing to do what it takes to get there.

While most believe that if a person works hard enough, people can live their career dreams – there is some practical wisdom to be gleaned from the experiences of others. Before you quit your day job to live out some fantasy career, read this advice first.

1. Find your passion first.

The sooner you identify what you are most passionate about, the clearer your career dreams become. In other words, get to the heart of your values before you select a career. Take a look back at your life and what you have been most interested in. What are your natural talents? What are things that are important to you? Take a personality and career assessment to dig deeper into your passions because from this place you can build a dream career.

2. Be realistic.

Learn as much about yourself as possible before you choose a career. During the personality and career assessment, which you can take through a staffing agency, you will learn what you are all about. Consider what your personality type says about the kind of career you realistically can handle. If you are a people person, for example, you will likely want to work with people. If you are not as outgoing, you may find yourself more suited for technical work behind the scenes.

3. Kiss a lot of frogs.

Just as you would in the dating world when you are trying to build a dream career you will encounter jobs that you are not well-suited for. Your first job after college, a job that you got through a family friend, an internship you had to complete – these are good experiences but they may not have been perfect for you. Try some temporary assignments to learn about what you like vs. what you don’t like as you create your best career path.

Need help chasing your career dreams? Contact Advance Staffing Solutions today, and let us place you with a great new career today!

How to Get Your Workforce Engaged this Spring

Raza Rauf on April 21, 2016

A workforce that’s disengaged poses a huge threat to your company’s livelihood. According to research from The Economist, around 87 percent of executives believe that employees who lack engagement bring down businesses. Therefore, it’s up to company leaders to create a workplace where people feel valued and can look forward to their jobs.

It’s time to shake off the cold of the winter months in the central states and get your workers actively engaged in the company objectives again! The springtime is ripe for new opportunities and energy.

Conduct an employee engagement survey.

Where does your employee engagement stand now? If you are not sure, this can be the perfect time to conduct an employee engagement survey of your entire organization. Find out where there are problems, where there are positive factors, and where things can be improved over the course of the next few months.

Hire some new people.

The spring can be a good time to bring in some fresh new employees too. Many times, employees become disengaged because they have far too much work on their plates. Give them a break by hiring some temp-to-perm help in Detroit to alleviate this stress.

Schedule a workplace celebration.

An effective way to bring life back into a dull workplace, lift spirits, and increase employee engagement is to host a fun springtime celebration. Create a spring themed week of events, complete with contests for the best spring fashion, the best-decorated workspaces, and more. Have an outdoor cookout if weather allows!

Organize a community event.

The spring can be a good way to get everyone out of the office for some sunshine too, an action that immediately lifts the mood of employees. Look for some community causes that need attention, such as a city beautification program, a homeless women’s shelter, or a walk to raise money for a local pet shelter. Just make it fun and get everyone involved in some way.

Issue promotions.

Instead of waiting until later in the year to hand out promotions and raises, why not issue them now? Give employees credit for their hard work, and they will stick around and be more engaged.
Need more help getting your workforce engaged this spring? Contact the staffing experts at Advance Staffing Solutions today!

5 Tips for a Stress-Free First Week at Your New Temp Job

Raza Rauf on April 12, 2016

A new temp job can be an exciting experience, especially if it’s the first time you’ve been employed in a while. But, just like anything else, it can also be a little nerve-wracking because one never knows what to expect. The first week can be especially brutal because you will be encountering new people, new processes, and new tasks. Feeling stressed yet?

Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. Here are some survival tips for a stress-free first week at your new temp job.

1. Get into a good sleep and waking routine.

Your body and mind will thank you as you adjust to a new working schedule. Set a schedule for bedtime and for waking up, and keep it consistent during the workweek. If at all possible, get to bed a little earlier the first few days and leave earlier so you are not stressed out on the way to the new temp job.

2. Bring your lunch.

It can be challenging to find places to eat while on a temp job, so bring a healthy lunch with you each day, While you are at it, bring some healthy snack items with you too until your body adjusts to your new schedule. Fruit, granola bars, and yogurt can all be healthy, easy go-to options.

3. Be prepared.

During your first week, think ahead and bring a notebook, a pen, and a light sweater for your time at the new job. You will be glad to have these items for taking notes and staying comfortable in the new work environment. Ask your temp staffing agent if you should bring anything else that the company requires.

4. Research the team.

If you know a little about the people you may be working with at the new temp job, look them up and connect on LinkedIn ahead of time. Be sure to clean up your social media profiles too, because people will be checking you out there.

5. Practice your introduction.

Along with figuring out where the bathrooms and copy room are during the first week, the impression you make on every new person you meet counts. Take the time to develop a quick 10-second introduction for yourself, and be sure to shake hands and use eye contact so that others see what a professional you are.

By following the above tips, you will be successful in your first week in a new temp job. If you need help finding a new temp job or a more permanent career, click to check out our current open positions.