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Your Onboarding Needs an Overhaul

HMG Success on May 29, 2020

When you bring in a new hire, first impressions matter. Your company’s onboarding process impacts how they perceive their new employer. Additionally, it can either set them up for success or increase their odds of failure.

Without an effective onboarding process, a new employee may feel ill-prepared. If that’s the case, it may take them longer to reach full productivity. In the worst-case scenario, a bad onboarding experience can increase errors and spur turnover, both of which can harm your business.

Regularly reviewing your onboarding process is critical for your company’s long-term success. If your onboarding process needs an overhaul, here are a few approaches that can help you whip it into shape.

Begin Before Day One

If a company wants to make a great first impression, it should start the onboarding process well before the new hire’s first day. It’s wise to prepare anything the employee will need to handle their duties, such as computer or building access, well ahead of their start date. That way, they aren’t stuck waiting around for the basics and can start handling their tasks sooner.

Additionally, sending out a new hire checklist, essential employment paperwork, and the employee handbook in advance can be a smart move. The new employee can review the information and complete forms that are part of the administrative process before their first day.

Give a Thorough Tour with Introductions

It takes time for a new hire to acclimate to their environment. With a thorough facility tour, you can speed this process up. Along with showing them their work area, make stops at other parts of the building, like break rooms, bathrooms, and conference rooms.

As the tour moves forward, also take the new hire to meet critical employees, managers, and leaders. For example, introduce them to an HR employee, giving them a point of contact for questions. Formally introduce them to every member of their team as well as the department head or company leader. This process familiarizes them with critical people, which can smooth their transition.

Set Clear Expectations

If you want an employee to thrive, they need to know what is expected of them. During the onboarding process, spend some time going over the company culture and standard etiquette. This reduces the chances that they’ll act inappropriately by mistake.

Additionally, outline what is expected of them in regards to their performance. Outline the nature of their role and core duties. Discuss work-quality and priority tasks. Set goals for their first week, month, and quarter, at a minimum.

By setting clear expectations early, the new hire knows what they need to do to excel. It gives them direction, and that can make a significant amount of difference.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can overhaul your onboarding process, the skilled professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our talented staff today and see how our onboarding expertise can benefit you.

 

 

What Is a Day in the Life of an Assembler Like?

HMG Success on May 25, 2020

Many professionals find assembly positions incredibly rewarding. It’s the kind of job where you can see real-world results each and every day. Your efforts translate into something tangible, giving you visual proof about how hard you’ve worked.

While the job title gives a strong indication about the tasks assemblers handle, many who haven’t worked in these roles only have a basic idea of the duties. If you have ever wondered what a day in the life of an assembler is like, here’s what you need to know.

What Does an Assembler Do

In the simplest terms, assemblers spend their shifts putting things together. This can include combining a few specific components or entirely constructing an item, depending on the workplace.

How an assembler puts the pieces together can also vary. At times, the work is done by hand. The process may be entirely manual or require the use of necessary tools. In other cases, an assembler may operate machinery that does the physical assembling. When a high degree of precision is needed, speed is of the essence, or the process is complicated, the machine-based approach is typically more common.

Typically, assembling parts and products is an assembler’s core responsibility. But they may have additional duties as well. For example, some assemblers may assist with packaging, order picking, inventory, and shipment preparation.

Regardless of the exact responsibilities, a day in the life of any assembler tends to be an active one. The environments tend to be fast-paced, and there are usually physical components to the work, which can make the roles particularly engaging.

Additionally, assemblers work in industrial environments. This usually involves a factory or manufacturing-style setting.

The Skills Every Assembler Needs

If you are interested in becoming an assembler, you’ll need specific skills to land a job. First, manual dexterity is typically a must, especially if you are putting pieces together by hand. The same goes for the ability to use hand tools.

Additionally, assemblers commonly need to know how to read blueprints or schematics. That way, they can make sure the product is put together correctly. It’s also critical that assemblers have necessary math skills, are strong communicators, and that they work well as part of a team.

Computer and machine operating experience can be handy in the world of assembly, especially in environments that rely on machines to do the actual assembling. At times, warehousing or packaging skills can also make you a stronger candidate, depending on the position.

On the physical end, both strength and stamina can be significant. The work can be incredibly active, so the ideal candidate will be able to maintain a quick pace throughout a full workday.

If you are interested in becoming an assembler or are looking for a new assembly job, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our industrial recruiters today and see how our services can make finding your ideal opportunity easier than ever before.

 

 

What Are Job Seekers Looking for in an Employer? (And Do You Have It?)

HMG Success on May 22, 2020

Securing the best and brightest talent can be a challenge. Often, employers focus on their needs above all else, putting a significant amount of effort into finding and retaining professionals who can help them excel.

The issue is, if your company doesn’t have a strong enough employer value proposition, keeping your top performers on board is difficult. Similarly, if you don’t showcase what you have to offer employees, your recruitment efforts may fall short.

Ultimately, job seekers have needs, and they favor employers who will meet them. If you want to make sure you can entice the best candidates to apply and keep them for the long-term, here’s a look at what you need to offer.

Clear Career Paths

Most professionals have career goals beyond their current (or even their next) position. As a result, they favor employers who can help them move forward at a solid pace.

If your company doesn’t have clear career paths, you’ll struggle to land top talent. Merely saying that you promote from within or that a position comes with advancement potential isn’t enough. Instead, you need well-defined frameworks that outline each career progression step, ideally with accompanying average timelines. That way, job seekers know precisely how they can rise through the ranks.

Robust Training Options

Similarly, top performers prefer employers that have robust training programs. Most professionals enjoy exploring new territory and expanding their skill set. Without formalized approaches available, some candidates may fear that they won’t have access to professional development if they choose to work for you.

To entice job seekers, provide details about all available training programs. This can include traditional educational options as well as more organic methods, like mentorships.

Strong Core Benefits Plans

Neglecting your core benefits package is a surefire way to miss out on top talent. Your medical, dental, vision, and prescription plan needs to be comprehensive, and your retirement plan needs to be stable. Having a generous vacation and sick leave policies is also critical.

The Right Perks

You can’t balance out a weaker core benefits package with perks, so don’t assume that free breakfast will make up for a subpar medical plan. However, if you want to add perks to make your offering stronger, focus on areas that’ll make the most significant impact.

For example, tuition reimbursement or student loan repayment assistance can be incredibly valuable to many job seekers. The ability to do volunteer work on company time can also be enticing.

If you add perks, make sure to include a range that will appeal to different candidates. Not all professionals have the same needs, so offering a variety ensures that there’s something for everyone.

Ultimately, everything listed above can be desirable in the eyes of job seekers. If you’d like to learn more about how to locate and secure top talent for your open positions, the staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today and see how our recruitment and retention expertise can benefit you.

 

 

The Blueprint to a Better Machinist Job Search

HMG Success on May 18, 2020

Managing a machinist job search isn’t easy. Often, it takes a lot of time and energy, even if you’re an exceptional candidate. But that doesn’t mean you can expedite your search. By taking the right steps, you can position yourself in the best light, increasing the odds that you’ll land an interview and ultimately secure a new job.

If you want to improve your machinist job search, here are some tips that can help.

Add a Professional Summary to Your Resume

The professional summary section is a relatively new resume standard. It’s positioned near the top of your resume, serving as an introduction to your capabilities.

A well-composed professional summary gives the hiring manager critical insights into what you bring to the table. Ideally, you want to cover a recent accomplishment and highlight a couple of must-have skills. That way, the hiring manager is enticed to read the rest of your resume, increasing the odds your application will get more than just a quick skim.

Highlight Relevant Skills Multiple Times

Most job descriptions include a list of must-have skills. Typically, those at the top are the most desirable in the eyes of the hiring manager. It’s wise to make sure you highlight those capabilities thoroughly, so you may want to include them more than once on your resume.

For example, referencing the top must-have skill in your professional summary and near the top of your work history can be a good idea. Alternatively, you can add a short skills list to your resume, positioning it just below your professional summary and above your work history. Then, you can tap on the skills again in your work history, showcasing how you applied them.

Quantify the Details for Extra Umph

When you write a resume, you generally want to discuss accomplishments instead of your duties. That approach is more meaningful to hiring managers, as it gives them insights into how you can apply your skills and the value you may deliver.

If you want those achievements to stand out, quantify the details whenever possible. When you do, you are providing valuable context. Plus, numbers stand out visually, increasing the odds that the hiring manager will give your resume a closer look.

Prepare Your Reference List Early

Nearly every company’s hiring process includes reference checks. Since it is virtually inevitable that the hiring manager is going to ask for a reference list, make sure yours is ready in advance. Speak with your references and get their permission to include them. Additionally, confirm their contact details to ensure you provide the right information. That way, when the hiring manager wants the list, you know it is entirely accurate.

Ultimately, all of the tips above can enhance your machinist job search. If you are looking for a new machinist position, the skilled team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our talented recruiters today and see how our services and expertise can elevate your job search quickly and efficiently.

 

 

“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” ~Sun Tzu

HMG Success on May 12, 2020

Many of our workers were displaced from their “normal” jobs and moved to essential positions, some in different companies.  What a great example of working together to make a difference in the lives of so many people.

This is what one of our employees, Asia T., had to say about her new assignment through The Advance Group: “It is a different work environment for me. I’m used to work on car parts, but it is a great fit for me at this moment and I appreciate working at this location.”

Looking for a new SAFE job? Check out our open positions online today!

 

Need Candidates NOW? The Advance Group Has Them!

HMG Success on May 11, 2020

Many companies struggle to find the exceptional candidates they need to fill their open positions. The recruitment process can be time-consuming and surprisingly costly. Plus, if you are overburdened with your regular duties, handling hiring becomes a challenge.

But, if you need great candidates now, you can’t afford to wait. Luckily, there is a better way. If you need to find amazing professionals for your vacant positions fast, The Advance Group can make it happen. Here’s how.

Robust Talent Pools

The Advance Group is diligent about maintaining its talent pools. Our recruiters focus on the candidate experience and remain in contact with skilled professionals with competitive skill sets. By enhancing engagement, in-demand candidates remain connected.

Our recruitment processes are also on-going. We work continuously to develop our talent pools, consistently recruiting professionals in a range of sectors, and ensuring we have strong contenders for many hard-to-fill positions.

Additionally, The Advance Group prides itself in networking with a coveted group of professionals: passive candidates. By keeping the connections secure, our recruiters ensure we have the reach necessary to locate difficult-to-find candidates whenever the need arises.

Pre-screened Candidates

A robust talent pool can only help our clients if the candidates are of the highest possible quality. At The Advance Group, pre-screening is a priority. Our recruiters use a process that is designed to be incredibly thorough.

Along with reviewing candidate skill sets, experience, and professional background, we go the extra mile to confirm their capabilities. Additionally, our recruiters get to know the job seekers’ personalities. That way, we can determine which candidates fit into what company cultures, increasing the odds that any given match will be a success.

Flexible Hiring Arrangements

Whether your company’s hiring needs are short- or long-term, The Advance Group has an approach that will meet your needs. If you are looking for temporary workers to help during peak season, cover employee absences, or assist with a particular project, we have candidates who are looking for those opportunities. We can place a job seeker quickly, allowing you to ramp up or achieve the coverage you need as soon as possible.

If you are looking for a long-term employee, we have two options available. With the temp-to-hire program, you can choose a candidate and then evaluate them while they work in the role. Mostly, you can conduct a working interview, only extending a permanent job offer when you know it’s a match.

However, if your ideal candidate is available, you have the option to bring them onto your payroll immediately. Our direct hire program is perfect for companies seeking full-time, permanent team members with strong skill sets.

Ultimately, if you need candidates now, The Advance Group has you covered. We can locate the talent you need quickly and efficiently, ensuring you get the high-quality new hire your company needs to thrive. If you’d like to learn more about our recruitment and hiring programs, the team at The Advance Group wants to hear from you. Contact us today and see how our services can alleviate your hiring woes.

 

 

Are You Applying for One of the Fastest-Growing Jobs? Find Out Here!

HMG Success on May 8, 2020

Over time, the employment landscape changes dramatically. Many of today’s in-demand professionals are in fields that didn’t exist just a decade or two back. The idea of specializing in artificial intelligence or machine learning would have been unheard of, for example. But, today, roles like that seem commonplace.

Specific niches are growing quickly. Professionals who work in those fields often have no trouble finding opportunities. If you are wondering what the fastest-growing jobs are right now, here’s what you need to know.

Fastest-Growing Jobs in the United States

Specific roles and fields are emerging as significant growth areas. Many of them are associated with technology, an industry where growth and change are predominately the norm, and new specialties come out regularly.

However, tech isn’t the only arena experiencing substantial growth. With that in mind, here’s a list of the top 15 emerging jobs:

  1. Artificial intelligence specialist
  2. Robotics engineer
  3. Data scientist
  4. Full-stack engineer
  5. Site reliability engineer
  6. Customer success specialist
  7. Sales development representative
  8. Data engineer
  9. Behavioral health technician
  10. Cybersecurity specialist
  11. Back-end developer
  12. Chief revenue officer
  13. Cloud engineer
  14. JavaScript developer
  15. Product owner

The Benefits of Working in an In-Demand Field

If you are applying for one of the fastest-growing jobs, you typically experience specific benefits. Often, these specialties are emerging. As a result, there usually isn’t enough talent to go around.

When demand outweighs supply, companies have to compete for the best and brightest. Those who have the right skills are often presented with incredibly strong job offers, featuring robust benefits packages and lucrative salaries. Additionally, perks may be used to sweeten the deal, including work-from-home options or flexible schedules.

Job seekers in those fields may also face less competition. This can make the search process less stressful and may even shorten it a bit. However, that doesn’t mean that candidates shouldn’t give their all when looking for a new opportunity. Just because there’s less competition doesn’t mean there is no competition, so it’s still important to try and stand out.

Working in an emerging field also comes with the added benefit of being at the forefront of a specialty. You may get an opportunity to shape the future of an industry or fundamentally alter a core paradigm. Not every professional will get that kind of chance, making it a unique bonus for choosing careers in some of those fields.

Ultimately, any of the specialties above could be a great career option. If you’d like to find out more about some of the fastest-growing jobs in the United States, including what it takes to land one and whether there are openings available, the team at The Advance Group wants to hear from you. Contact us to speak with one of our recruitment specialists today and see how our job trend expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Happy 6th Anniversary, Andrea Niceley!

HMG Success on May 5, 2020

To celebrate Andrea Niceley’s 6th year with The Advance Group, we sat down with her for a Q & A session. Here are a few highlights to enjoy:

Q: What quote do you live by?
A: “Everything happens for a reason.”

Q: What do you do with your downtime?
A: Play volleyball, attend country concerts and play with my twin boys.

Q: What is on your bucket list?
A: Visit Turks & Caicos and attend CMA Fest in Nashville at least once.

Andrea is a Branch Manager with The Advance Group’s Sylvania branch.  Happy Anniversary, Andrea.

The Labor Market Is Tightening. Here’s How to Still Land the Best Talent

HMG Success on April 27, 2020

The unemployment rate in the United States has been shockingly low for a long time. For more than a year, it has remained below 4 percent, and it’s been more than three years since it crossed 5 percent. As a result, it’s is incredibly challenging for companies to find the talent they need. To make the situation more daunting, the labor market is continuing to tighten.

However, even if that being the case, that doesn’t mean companies can’t land great candidates. If you want to remain competitive during periods of low unemployment, here’s what you need to do.

Offer More Than Your Competitors

While most businesses don’t want to spend more money than they have to, a tightening labor market could be substantial justification for upping the ante. If you can bring more to the table than your competitors, you’ll be a more attractive employer; it is that simple.

Along with offering higher wages, try augmenting your benefits package. More paid time off, flexible work schedules, telecommuting programs, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, and similar options can all entice top talent. Add or enhance whatever may speak to your ideal job seeker, as it may make the difference between them choosing your company or a competitor.

Shrink Your Must-Have List

When you release a job ad, make sure the must-have list is as short as possible. If you have too many requirements, you could be screening out great candidates incidentally.

Many professionals won’t apply if they don’t have the majority of what you say is necessary, and some won’t apply unless they are a 100 percent match. By paring down your list, you are opening yourself up to receive more resumes, and you might find a job seeker with a slew of potential you would have missed otherwise.

Look at Your Second-Place Finishers

If you’ve filled a similar role in the past, you might already have details about an exceptional candidate. Job seekers who came in second-place (or even third or fourth) could be worth contacting.

Your past applicants are a great talent pool. Not only did many of them have the skills you need and made a good impression, but they’ve actively expressed an interest in your company. By reinitiating contact and inviting them to apply, you keep them engaged and could fit a great fit.

Craft a Winning Candidate Experience

When it comes to standing out from the crowd, having an excellent candidate experience works. If you treat every job seeker with respect and appreciation, communicate regularly, provide clear timelines, focus on personalization, and make the engagement a priority, you’re enhancing your employer brand. This can make you an employer of choice, increasing the odds that you can snag top talent even when the labor market is tight.

Ultimately, all of the tips above are worth using, especially during periods of low unemployment. If you’d like to learn more about recruiting the best and brightest, the staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today and see how our recruitment expertise can benefit you.

 

 

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