Contact us

The Advance Group’s Sylvania Branch Staffing Stars!

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

  • Mark Sharples has been working as a Quality Manager since May of 2018 through the Sylvania office, he is Dan’s Staffing Star this year.  He has had great attendance and has been doing a stellar job working for the same customer in a fast paced, high stress environment.
  • This is Nick’s first NSEW celebration since joining the Sylvania team.  He nominated David Skrepenski as his Staffing Star.  David began working for a new client of ours this summer, he took to the job quickly and has been excelling in all of the roles he asked to learn. From skid building, to steel stacking and machine operating. David’s performance has been noticed by his supervisors!  David works hard, is eager to learn, and can be relied on! Nice work David!

 

 

Nervous for Your New Job? Try This!

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

 

Regardless of where you are in your career, starting a new job is a bit scary. You only have general insights into what the role entails, may not know any of your soon-to-be co-workers, and are about to venture into an unfamiliar environment. Nearly everyone would be nervous in that scenario.

Luckily, there are things you can do to ease your anxieties before your first day. Here are some tips to get you started.

Review the Information You Have

Before you head in on your first day, take a moment to reflect on what you do know and review the information you have available. Reread the job description, think about what you learned during the interview, and do some online searches to refresh your memory about the company.

Not only will you refamiliarize yourself with what’s to come, but you’ll also be reminded of why you accepted the role in the first place. This can help you switch from nervousness to excitement.

Remove Some of the Pressure

It is easy to assume that a new employer is going to expect you to excel on day one. However, in reality, nearly every company understands there is a learning curve, and they aren’t going to fault you just because you don’t know everything immediately.

Additionally, your new manager is anticipating you will be unsure at times and you’ll need guidance or the ability to ask questions. Generally, they are also expecting you to make small errors as you get your footing, and will be there to support you as you strive to get on the right track. Starting a new job is a learning process, and your boss knows that. As long as you are accountable for your actions and act professionally, you will likely get the benefit of the doubt during your first few days.

Know That the Nervousness Wears Off

You are only going to have your first day at this job once. With each passing day, you’ll become more comfortable and familiar with your environment and any expectations the company may have. As you learn more about the position, your team, and the workplace, these initial feelings of nervousness will naturally fade, often faster than you would expect.

As long as you are on your best behavior, act professionally at all times, are accountable for your actions, and are striving to improve, you should be all set. Plus, by focusing on those areas, you are more likely to make a good impression, something else that encourages people to give you the benefit of the doubt as you learn the ropes.

Come Prepared for Your First Day

A few minutes spent preparing for your first day can make a significant difference. Start by selecting your attire the night before. Next, gather any items you may need to take with you. For example, having a notepad and pen ensures you can write important things down as you start in your new workplace, giving you an easy way to guarantee you won’t forget something critical.

Planning your morning routine can also help make sure the beginning of your first day runs smoothly. Consider how much time you need to get ready and make certain decisions in advance, such as what you’ll have for breakfast. That way, you’ll be able to head out the door on time without much struggle.

Ultimately, all of the tips above can help you feel less nervous on your first day. If you’d like to know more, the skilled staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our experienced team members today and see how our expertise can benefit you in your Michigan or Ohio job search.

 

 

When Does Your Company Need to Partner with a Recruiter?

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

 

Today, companies are contending with a candidate-driven job market. Competition for top talent is fierce, making it harder to locate high-quality professionals quickly. As a result, many businesses turn to recruiters to help them find the right people for their vacant positions.

However, figuring out whether partnering with a recruitment agency is the best move for your company isn’t always easy. With that in mind, here are a few signs it could be the right decision for your organization.

You Need to Hire Faster

The hiring process at most companies is very time consuming. Often, several managers or departments need to coordinate their activities to start recruiting, including agreeing on job descriptions, posting vacancy announcements, reaching a consensus regarding the salary, and working the new hire into the budget.

Then, the candidate screening process is also cumbersome. Reviewing incoming resumes to find strong matches and coordinating interviews takes a lot of energy, particularly if you don’t get great applicants right away.

When you partner with a recruitment agency, you can speed up your hiring process. Recruiters focus their careers on finding the right candidates and have access to large talent pools automatically. This is a significant advantage when you need to hire fast.

You Aren’t Finding Quality Matches

By partnering with a recruiter, you can improve the quality of your candidates. A recruitment agency will work closely with you to understand the nuances of the role and your company’s culture. This allows them to get a holistic picture of what the perfect candidate is, making sure that they are referring job seekers based on their ability to excel in the job and your environment.

Recruitment agencies also maintain large candidate databases filled with professionals who could potentially meet your needs, including many who have been prescreened. Additionally, they have vast professional networks, an asset they can tap whenever the need arises.

Plus, they are experts in recruitment. If a recruiter doesn’t have an ideal match available, they know where to look and how to proceed to ensure the right kind of talent learns about your opportunity. Essentially, a recruitment agency is diligent about finding you the perfect match, and they know what resources will yield the best results.

Your Candidate Experience Isn’t Ideal

In a candidate-driven job market, your candidate experience matters. Skilled professionals won’t tolerate slow processes, overly lengthy applications, poor communication, or other issues when companies are competing for their attention.

When you partner with a recruiter, you gain access to a streamlined process designed to keep the candidate engaged. Recruiters understand what candidates need during the hiring process and are able to ensure the experience is professional and meets job seeker expectations.

Ultimately, partnering with a recruiter can be an excellent move, particularly if your company is struggling to find the candidates it needs to thrive. If you would like to know more, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our skilled recruiters today and see how our hiring expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Don’t Be Nervous for Your Interview!

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Even the most experienced professionals can experience some interview jitters. After all, you are probably excited about the prospect of landing the role and, at the same time, worried you won’t make the best impression. That would make anyone nervous. 

While having some anxiety about your upcoming interview is normal, you want to make sure your nerves don’t impact your performance. By taking the right steps, you can be more comfortable and confident when you meet with the hiring manager, increasing the odds you’ll excel during the interview. 

If you want to make sure you aren’t nervous about your next interview, here are some tips that can help. 

Spend Time Preparing 

Often, interview nerves stem from the fear you won’t be able to answer a question well during the interview. Luckily, you can decrease the odds you’ll draw a blank by spending some time preparing before the big day. 

Ahead of your interview, take a few moments to review the job ad. Read the entire announcement and make a note of the must-haves that are on the list. Since you will likely face questions regarding those points, you’ll know what answers to practice in advance. 

Additionally, do some research into the company. Learn about its products or services. Review the company’s mission and values statements. Peruse its social media accounts to find out about recent achievement and innovations while also getting glimpses into the company’s culture. 

All of this allows you to anticipate what you may encounter during your interview, giving you the details you need to know to prepare beforehand and feel confident about what you’ll bring to the table. 

Gather Your Things 

If you want to keep your nerves at bay, make sure the morning of your interview will run smoothly. The night before the big day, gather everything you’ll need when you wake up. Select your outfit and set it out. Plan out your breakfast and pack your bag. Review your route to the interview location. Double-check your interview time and any other arrival instructions. 

The goal is to streamline your morning, so handle everything you can the night before. That way, once you wake up, you won’t have to run around gathering your things or making decisions, allowing you to effectively be on autopilot.  

Stay Positive 

A positive attitude can go a long way when you need to calm your nerves. Remember, the hiring manager isn’t trying to trick you. In fact, they want you to succeed, so keep that in mind when you meet them. 

Additionally, before you walk into the meeting, take a moment and remind yourself of your strengths. If the hiring manager wasn’t intrigued by your resume, they wouldn’t have brought you in, so consider what you bring to the table and use that to keep you in the right frame of mind. 

Ultimately, being a bit nervous is normal. But, by following the tips above, you can keep it under control. If you’d like to learn more about how to reduce your interview anxiety, the staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our recruitment specialists today and see how our interview expertise can benefit you or browse our open jobs online. 

 

 

Happy 29th Anniversary, Stacey Bigelow, Founder of The Advance Group

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

To celebrate Stacey Bigelow’s 29th year with The Advance Group, we sat down with her for a Q & A session. Here are a few highlights to enjoy:

Q: What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
A: Outside of my husband and daughters, I was given the gift of opportunity.  I am blessed!

Q: What quote do you live by?
A: “Work hard, play hard!”  I believe that life is short, I work hard to play hard!

Q: What brings you the greatest joy?
A: Being on a deserted beach in the Caribbean as the tide goes out with my family.  I have so many wonderful memories of our fun adventures and discoveries at the beach.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve been given?
A: Don’t wait for the perfect moment, create it!

Stacey is the founder of The Advance Group.  Happy Anniversary, Stacey!

Manage Your Workplace Stress Before It Ruins Your Holiday Season

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Fall is underway, and that means the winter holidays are on the horizon. For many professionals, the holiday season is a time for rest, relaxation, and fun with friends and family. But, if your workplace stress is out of control, it can feel like a burden, hindering your ability to enjoy it. 

Luckily, if you work to manage your stress now, you can nip it in the bud before the holidays arrive. If you aren’t sure how to begin, here are some tips that can help you manage your workplace stress before it ruins your holiday season. 

Pinpoint Your Internal Stressors 

If you want to manage your stress, figuring out which internal stressors are in play can be beneficial. It allows you to understand how your mentality may be responsible for your rising stress levels, enabling you to focus on methods for quelling them. 

There can be a variety of internal stressors that a person may face. Negative self-talk, unrealistic expectations, and perfectionism are examples that are fairly common. All of those can increase anxiety, so it’s important to understand which ones may be involved. 

Figure Out the External Stressors 

External stressors are factors that are typically difficult to control. For example, your workload might have you overburdened, you might be plagued by a lack of resources, or you could be struggling with a difficult work-related relationship. 

There are also personal external stressors that can factor into the equation. Financial difficulties, health issues, or family trouble are examples of personal external stressors. 

Face Your Fears 

Often, fear plays a big role when it comes to stress. In order to reduce your anxiety, you need to examine each of your stressors. Next, picture the worst-case scenario involving that stressor. This allows you to define the source of your anxiety, making it easier to take action to correct the situation. 

For example, if you are worried about creating a perfect presentation, consider what would happen if your presentation wasn’t perfect. Imagine how that scenario plays out and see if it is truly as bad as you fear. 

Often, the consequences of a worst-case scenario aren’t as bad as they may seem on the surface. Alternatively, the worst-case scenario might be so outlandish and unlikely that you’ll realize it isn’t reasonable to assume it will occur. In either case, you are giving context to your fears, allowing you to face them and come up with paths for moving forward. 

Get Talking 

Many people avoid discussing their stress with family members or friends. However, by keeping the struggle inside, you are internalizing the situation, which can make you feel alone. Additionally, you aren’t giving your support system a chance to help, and that isn’t ideal. 

While you don’t need to dwell on your stresses, consider having a conversation with a trusted confidante. That way, you can get your thoughts off your chest. Plus, they may be able to offer you assistance or advice to make the situation more manageable, or at least to make you feel less alone. 

If your stress is affecting your daily life, it may even be beneficial to speak with a professional. They can help you work through your stress and create an action plan, allowing you to move forward. 

Ultimately, getting a handle on your stress is always a good idea, and the techniques above can make a difference. If you’d like to find out more, the staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our team members today and see how our stress management expertise can benefit you.  

 

 

These Open Jobs Can Pay for Your Holiday Expenses

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

While the holiday season is usually an exciting time, it can also be expensive. Many people want to spend money on gifts, parties, and even trips, and that can all add up. 

Luckily, by securing a position now, you can have the cash you need right when you need it. If you are looking for a job that can help you cover your holiday expenses, here are a few great options that are available today. 

Assembly 

If you are mechanically inclined, proficient with a tape measurer, a strong problem solver, and can think on your feet, this assembly position might be right for you. This first-shift opportunity is located in Waterville, Ohio. The selected candidate will assemble custom-built heat-treating equipment using a variety of tools. You’ll also need to follow a blueprint and measure and cut material based on the stated specifications during the performance of your duties.  

Administrative Assistant 

A leader in the wealth management sector is looking for an administrative assistant with experience in the world of finance. The chosen job seeker will be a primary point of contact for company employees looking to adjust their benefits packages and serve as a lead person on the operations team. Strong computer skills, including Excel, are a must. Additionally, exceptional phone etiquette, strong attention to detail, and great proofreading skills are also essential. 

Customer Service Representative 

If you have prior customer service experience and strong communication skills, this customer service representative opportunity might be an ideal fit. The primary duties include answering phones, processing orders, data entry, and discussing pricing and product details with customers. Candidates need to be comfortable with Microsoft Office to qualify for this day–shift opportunity at this manufacturing company.  

Janitorial 

If you’re a job seeker who prefers to work on second shift, this janitorial position could be a great option. You’ll spend your time cleaning common areas, including break rooms and bathrooms. Along with sweeping and mopping, you’ll also need to operate a floor scrubber. If you don’t have previous experience with a floor scrubber, this company is willing to consider candidates who are eager to learn this helpful skill on the job. 

Machine Maintenance 

A food production facility is looking for machine maintenance candidates for this second or third shift opportunity. The selected person will assist with daily equipment, building, and facilities maintenance. They will also be responsible for following daily, weekly, and monthly preventative maintenance schedules while working in the position. Knowledge of machinery is a must. Additionally, previous experience with hand tools, fabrication, and welding it also essential. 

All of these job opportunities are available today, allowing the selected candidates to bring in some income before the holidays. If you’d like to find out more about these or our other open positions, the team at The Advance Group wants to hear from you. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable recruiters today and see how our services can benefit you.   

 

 

This Matters When You’re Looking to Hire…

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Today, it’s a job seeker‘s market. A tight labor market means that companies have to compete to attract top talent, and those that fail to impress are going to struggle to find the skilled professionals they need to thrive. 

Often, when unemployment is low, companies take specific tried-and-true steps in an attempt to stand out. While increasing salary ranges and boosting benefits packages can certainly make a difference, there is one more thing that genuinely matters when you’re looking to hire: Candidate experience. 

What Is the Candidate Experience? 

The candidate experience describes what your hiring process is like for job seekers. It includes not only the technical aspects of the process – such as the specific tasks the candidate needs to complete – but also the emotional and mental impact of how the events unfold. 

For example, if you use a lengthy application process that requires a resume submission, that same information to be copied into standard fields, several essay questions, and more, those are technical aspects. The emotional and mental factors include the frustration the candidate feels when they are asked to complete an application that uses the same information on their resume and the work involved in answering yet another essay question. Similarly, the candidate experience can include the annoyance of submitting an application and then never hearing whether they are moving forward in the process. 

Essentially, the candidate experience is an all-encompassing term for what a job seeker goes through during your hiring process. And, if a candidate views yours as poor, it’s what may prompt them to drop out. 

Improving the Candidate Experience 

In order to enhance the candidate’s journey, you need to view your process through their eyes. Often, this involves reflecting on every step as well as other factors, such as the presence or absence of personalized communication, the delays between submitting applications and learning the results, the difficulty of scheduling a mutually acceptable interview time, and anything else that affects how your process may be perceived. 

Then, if you identify shortcomings, you need to take steps to improve the experience. For example, you might want to forgo the fill-in-the-blank application and ask only for a resume. It could also include improving communication with the candidate, ensuring the experience is personalized and keeps them engaged while ensuring they are always informed. 

By crafting a positive candidate experience, your recruitment efforts will be more effective. Plus, word will spread, as job seekers often discuss their journey with others, allowing you to create a reputation as an employer of choice. 

Prioritizing the candidate experience is always a smart move. However, it is even more crucial when unemployment is low, and the labor market is tight. When done right, it can help you stand out from the competition, enabling you to secure the top talent you need to thrive. 

If you would like to learn more, the knowledgeable professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our skilled team today and see how our candidate experience expertise can benefit you.

 

 

You’re Invited!

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Come celebrate the grand opening of our new Advance office in Dundee, MI with a job fair!

We will have open registration from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23.

Not looking for work? Send your family and friends in to register for a chance to be entered into our $500 Holiday Payout!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Can’t make the grand opening? Give us a call we’d love to schedule you for another time! (734) 457-0056

 

New location address: 106 Park Place, Dundee, MI 48131

 

Looking for work now? Check out these open jobs!

 

 

What Does It Take to Be a Machinist?

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Many people like the idea of becoming a machinist. It’s a role where you get to work with technology to produce an item or component, combining computer-oriented tasks with physical activity in many cases. 

Becoming a machinist isn’t complicated, but it does require some specialized capabilities. If you want to become qualified for a machinist role, here’s what you need to know. 

Educational Requirements 

At a minimum, you’ll need a high school diploma or its equivalent to become a machinist. Algebra is a critical skill for machinists, as well as trigonometry and physics, so a high school level education is seen as a must. Additionally, you need to be comfortable using a computer, as the machinery is computer-controlled. If you have those skills, you may be able to get all of the training you need while working in the position or through an apprentice program. 

With an apprenticeship program, you’ll be trained in a machine shop. Along the way, you’ll earn an income while you improve your skills. For example, you might start as a machine operator and move your way toward becoming a machinist over time. 

Some of the roles are a bit more advanced. In those cases, you’ll need additional education to become a machinist. Typically, this involves completing a one- to two-year program focused on machining. When you take those classes, you’ll learn a variety of fundamental skills, including how computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines work, how to program the devices, blueprint reading, design techniques, and more. 

Soft Skills and Important Traits 

Along with technical capability, machinists need certain soft skills and traits. Having an analytical mind is crucial for these jobs. Additionally, manual dexterity, mechanical prowess, and the ability to concentrate are important, as accuracy matters with machining. 

Physical stamina is another trait successful machinists possess. In most cases, you’ll spend the majority of your time on your feet while on the job, and you’ll often have to perform repetitive movements for extended periods. 

Launching Your Career 

Once you have the necessary skills and education, you can start your machinist career. Usually, you’ll need to begin by finding an entry-level opportunity, preferably one that offers additional on the job training to help you improve your capabilities, cross-train on different pieces of equipment, and become a more valuable employee. 

In some cases, you’ll start in a machine operator role before transitioning to a CNC machinist or CNC programmer position. If you take this route, the machine operator position allows you to learn more about working in an industrial environment and improve your foundational skills, making it easier for you to excel when you move on to a machinist role. 

If you are interested in launching your machinist career, the skilled team of professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to learn more about our current job openings today and see how our services can make it easier than ever to get your machinist career started off on the right foot.  

 

 

Contact us