Advance Staffing - The Advance Group

Yes, Your Career Can Survive into 2020

Raza Rauf on December 9, 2019

Automation in the workplace continues to make headlines, leaving many professionals concerned about the future of their careers. At some point, specific jobs may be entirely handled by artificial intelligence (AI) or automated robotic solutions, leaving the people who previously performed those duties without a job.

However, while automation is making waves, that doesn’t mean your career won’t survive in 2020 and beyond. By taking the right steps, you can protect yourself, ensuring that you remain a critical part of the workplace for years to come. Here’s how to get started.

Research Your Industry and Profession

First and foremost, you need to learn about how automation is affecting your industry or profession. Some roles are at higher risk of being eliminated than others, so it’s essential to find out now if you are working in a job that falls in a higher risk category, such as bookkeeping and payroll. By doing so, you can determine how urgent taking action is and use that to motivate yourself to futureproof your career.

Additionally, it can help ensure that you are realistic about automation. In some cases, professionals perceive a threat that doesn’t exist in their niche. Plus, they may be overlooking the benefits automation can provide, such as by eliminating the need for handling tedious, repetitive tasks, enabling you to focus on more engaging work.

Focus on the Right Upskilling Opportunities

Specific skills are outside of the capabilities of automation so that they will remain firmly in the hands of people. Critical thinking, creativity, complex problem-solving, collaboration, decision-making, and several others fall in this category, so by focusing on building skills in these and allied areas can protect your career.

When you look for opportunities to enhance your skill set, focus on areas that won’t be likely targets for automation. If you have access to professional development programs through your employer, explore those benefits. Also, branch out on your own to broaden your learning potential. Consider a certification program, online class, or volunteer opportunity that can help you grow, if you can’t get everything you need from your company.

Learn How to Harness Automation

One of the ways that you can ensure your career survives is to broaden your capabilities when it comes to harnessing automation. Every technology needs professionals who can operate it, so adding experience in that area makes you more valuable as automation becomes increasingly common.

This could include anything from learning how to make use of specific AI systems to acquiring skills that allow you to design, implement, and manage new solutions. As a bonus, by diving into these areas, you are showing employers that you are willing to take advantage of emerging technologies and adapt to their presence, both of which can make you a more valuable employee in their eyes.

Ultimately, all of the tips can help ensure your career survives in 2020 and beyond. If you’d like to find out more, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us with your questions today and see how our emerging technology expertise can benefit you.

Don’t Wait Until January to Find Work!

Raza Rauf on December 6, 2019

The holiday season is upon us, and it is a hectic time for many. At times, the idea of managing a job search while handling your holiday obligations might seem daunting. You might think that waiting until January is a better idea, but that isn’t always the case. Here’s a look at why you shouldn’t wait until January to find work.

Financial Shortfalls

If you don’t have a paycheck coming in, even a single month without income can derail your financial well-being, especially since the holidays can be expensive. Plus, there is a decent chance that you’d have to wait more than a month to actually get any money in your bank.

Most job searches take time. Along with finding opportunities, you have to refine your resume, wait to get called for an interview, attend the meeting, wait some more while they perform reference and background checks, get a start date, and wait once more for that day to arrive. Plus, even once you start working, you’ll have to complete a pay period, turn in a timesheet, and sit tight until payroll processing is through to actually see money in your bank account. That’s a long time to go without any cash coming in.

Less Competition

It isn’t uncommon for people to delay a job search during the holidays. They might assume that they don’t have time to add one to their already busy schedule, so they decide to put it off until January. This means they aren’t actively seeking out opportunities.

If you launch your job search now, you aren’t competing against candidates who decided to wait until January. This may make it easier to stand out, as the crowd could be smaller than it would be after the new year. Plus, many people decide to make finding a new job a New Year’s resolution, so your market might get flooded with candidates once 2020 arrives. By starting today, you are ahead of that group, which might give you an edge.

Companies Are Hiring Now

Many people assume that companies don’t hire during the holidays, but that isn’t true. When an organization has a critical vacancy, they move as quickly as possible to find a great candidate to fill it. By starting your job search now, you can apply to these openings, ensuring you don’t miss out on a great position that a company wants to fill fast.

Additionally, if a company wants to have a new hire in place on January 1, they have to start recruiting during the holidays. Even if they aren’t rushing, they still plan to make a decision before the start of 2020, and those who wait to launch a search in January won’t get a chance to land these opportunities.

Ultimately, if you need a job, delaying your search is never a great idea. Plus, there are excellent positions available right now. If you’d like to learn more about stellar opportunities, the team at The Advance Group wants to hear from you. Contact us to find out more about our open jobs today.

There’s Still Time to Get on a Recruiter’s “Nice” List!

Raza Rauf on November 25, 2019

With the holiday season upon us, many professionals assume that finding a new job isn’t possible until the start of the new year. However, that isn’t actually the case.

Employment opportunities exist all year-round. By partnering with a recruiter, you can find out about exciting positions that are being filled during the holiday season, including many that aren’t openly advertised to the public. If you want to get on a recruiter’s “nice” list before the end of the year, here’s how to get started.

Have a “Getting to Know You” Session

When you connect with a recruiter, your goal should be to forge a strong relationship that feels like a genuine partnership. This allows you to work together effectively, increasing the odds that you both can achieve your goals.

Often, the easiest way to create a strong connection is to start with a “getting to know you” session. Essentially, you’ll participate in a Q&A, serving both as the person who asks questions and the one answering them.

When you speak with the recruiter, ask questions that allow you to learn more about their capabilities. You might want to find out how often they place candidates with backgrounds similar to yours, the companies and industries they focus on, whether they proactively market job seekers, and average placement times. That way, you can gain a greater understanding of what the recruiter offers, as well as what you should expect from the relationship.

Additionally, you need to be open when the recruiter asks questions about your abilities. If you don’t provide an accurate look into your job history, skills, education, and accomplishments, they won’t be able to match you with opportunities effectively. Plus, this gives the recruiter the opportunity to determine whether they feel they can bring something to the partnership, allowing them to decide if it’s a strong match as well.

Touch Base Regularly

Once you partner with a recruiter, you should touch base regularly. That way, you can give them updates on your side of the job search process or provide them with additional information. Further, it allows them to give you a progress report if they haven’t already reached out to discuss opportunities.

Speak with your recruiter and ask how frequently they will touch base with you or how often you need to reach out. If they have a preference, they will let you know. However, if they don’t provide you with a clear update schedule, reaching out once every one to two weeks should be enough. Anything more than that could be viewed as pestering, so avoid being overzealous about updates.

Be Honest When Discussing Opportunities

If a recruiter presents you with a position, you need to provide them with honest feedback. Let your recruiter know what you do and don’t like about the role, particularly if there are deal-breakers that, in your eyes, make the job not worth pursuing.

By being straightforward, you are helping the recruiter learn about your needs and preferences. This makes it easier for them to find better matches going forward.

However, make sure you listen to the recruiter’s feedback as well. They can help ensure that your expectations are realistic, increasing the odds that your job search will yield positive results.

By following the tips above, you can forge a strong partnership with a recruiter before the end of the year. If you’re looking for a skilled recruiter, the staff at The Advance Group wants to hear from you. Contact us to speak with a member of our recruitment team today and see how our services can help you find a new position quickly and efficiently.

Don’t Forget This Part of Your Job Interview!

Raza Rauf on November 22, 2019

The interview is a critical part of your job search process. It allows you to discuss your capabilities with the hiring manager, find out more about the role, and even enables you to determine whether you feel like you are a good match for the job, environment, and culture.

After answering all of the hiring manager’s questions – and asking a few of your own – you might believe that your interview is done. Once you handle the handshake and make your way out of the building, you might assume that there’s nothing left for you to do but wait for the results. However, that isn’t the case.

Leaving the meeting isn’t the final part of your interview. You have at least one more step you need to complete. If you aren’t sure what it is, here’s what you need to know.

The Last Interview Step

Once you leave the hiring manager’s office, there’s one more thing you need to do to wrap up the interview: send a thank you note. While it may not seem like a critical part of the process, it’s actually a vital step that you need to complete if you want to stand out as a strong candidate.

When you send a thank you note, you get to showcase your appreciation to the hiring manager. In the message, you can acknowledge the time and energy they dedicated to considering you. Plus, you can reemphasize your interest and highlight your capabilities a final time, giving you another chance to make a great impression.

In order to be effective, you should send your thank you note within 24 hours after your interview. However, sooner tends to be better. By writing your thank you note immediately, the experience will be fresh in your mind. That makes it easy to remember various details. Plus, it ensures that you don’t forget to send the message.

Writing a Stellar Thank You Note

Ideally, you want to write your thank you note in an email. While you can certainly follow up with a handwritten letter as well, sending an email allows you to cover this important base right away.

A great thank you note explains exactly why you appreciate the hiring manager. Express your appreciation that they took the time to meet with you. Next, add a few specific details about the company and the role to personalize the message.

Then, reaffirm your excitement and interest in the position. Briefly highlight how you could provide the company with value if selected, showcasing to the hiring manager again that you’re a great fit.

Finally, sign off by thanking them again and stating that you look forward to hearing from them or to the next steps in the process. Include your name and contact details in the signature, and proofread the entire message carefully before hitting send.

A well-crafted thank you note can help you stand out from the crowd, making it a crucial step in the interview process. If you’d like to learn more about how you can showcase yourself as a top candidate, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our interview specialists today and see how our knowledge can benefit you.

Same Company, New Job

Raza Rauf on November 18, 2019

When you find an employer you love, you usually feel pretty lucky. Working for a great company can be incredibly motivating and inspiring, and similar workplaces can be hard to find.

However, even if you love your employer, that doesn’t mean you’ll always feel the same way about your job. After a while, you might want to explore new positions, potentially including either opportunities to advance or roles in different fields that you find enticing.

Moving to a new job within the same company is possible, and it may be an ideal option. You get to stay with an employer you enjoy while still taking your career forward or in a new direction. If you want to know how you can make the transition, here are some tips for landing a new job at your current company.

Internal Transfers

Not every organization handles internal movement the same way. In some cases, internal transfer programs exist that help workers move within the company. Often, the employee handbook will outline if such an option is available. If not, then a discussion with HR or your manager may be necessary to find out if there is an internal transfer request procedure.

How an internal transfer request is handled can vary from one employer to the next. For example, you may need to submit it in writing. In your message, you would include details about your history with the company, what kind of transfer you are hoping for, and how the transfer would benefit the organization. Then, you would essentially wait for the results.

In other cases, you would apply to opportunities that are only available to internal candidates. Typically, these positions are listed as being open to existing employees and usually note that outside applicants won’t be considered. They may be listed on an internal employee webpage or on the main careers site with a special designation. In either case, you’d usually go through a hiring process that is highly similar to applying for an opportunity elsewhere, though it may be less cumbersome.

Applying for Positions

Not all companies have internal processes that help employees move within the organization. Additionally, even if one exists, you may still have other options for exploring opportunities.

Usually, in either case, this involves applying to vacancies just as you would if you weren’t a current employee. You would look for job announcements and submit your resume following the typical procedure.

When applying to publicly accessible job openings, you need to make sure that you target your resume and cover letter. You don’t want to assume that the hiring manager is familiar with what you bring to the table, so make sure that your application clearly demonstrates your capabilities.

Additionally, don’t expect any special treatment along the way. While many companies will favor current employees for certain roles, that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to bypass any part of the process. Similarly, a subpar application or interview can hurt your chances of being selected, so aim to present yourself in the best light possible, even if you have an existing relationship with the hiring manager.

Ultimately, by following the tips above, you can find a new job at your current company. If you’d like more suggestions, the staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members today and see how our job search expertise can benefit you.

How to Get to a Job Interview in the Cold Weather

Raza Rauf on November 15, 2019

As the temperature falls, spending time outside can get a bit uncomfortable. Sub-freezing temperatures aren’t enjoyable to most, and they even impact how a person feels for some time after they get back indoors.

If you’re heading to an interview, spending an extended amount of time out in the cold before going in to meet a hiring manager isn’t ideal. It may prevent you from being at your best, particularly if you don’t have time to warm up before your interview begins.

However, for some job seekers, it may seem unavoidable. If you don’t have your own car, you might get stuck spending more time outside than you’d like. Luckily, there are options that can help you avoid some of the chill as you work your way toward your interview. Here are some worth exploring.

Public Transit

Public transportation can be a great option for candidates who live in larger cities. Often, buses and trains run fairly regularly during the day, and their schedules are set in advance. If there are convenient pickup and drop-off points, you can time your ride to align closely with your interview. While you may still have to spend a little time outside while getting to and from the station, it does limit how long you have to be outdoors.

Rideshare Apps

Even cities with only modest public transit options typically have a decent number of Uber and Lyft drivers around. While this may be more expensive than public transportation, it gives you the ability to arrange a pick up at your front door and a drop-off right where your interview is being held.

Plus, in some cities, you can schedule a pickup in advance. Just head to the app and let it know when you want a driver to arrive. That way, you know that you’ll have access to a driver at the proper time.

Friends and Family

If you have a friend or family member with a car who might be available to take you to an interview, it doesn’t hurt to ask for a ride. Just make sure you provide the person with plenty of notice, ideally asking as soon as you learn when your interview will take place.

With this approach, your ride to your interview may be free. However, you might want to offer to chip in for gas, especially if they are going to be driving for more than a few minutes.

Even if the friend or family member says “yes” to your request, you should also explore backup options. That way, if something unexpected occurs and your ride can’t make it, you have another approach that ensures you won’t miss your interview.

Rent a Vehicle

If your interview is a long way from your home or you simply want full control over your travel, renting a car might be your best option. You can pick up a vehicle the day before your interview and return it after the appointment, giving you the ability to travel right when you need to and even wait in a heated car if you arrive at your interview location too early.

While it is certainly more expensive to go this route, it is something you can do. As long as you have a valid driver’s license and meet the other requirements, such as being at least 20 years old (at least 18 in New York and Michigan) and passing a driving record check, you should be all set.

Ultimately, all of the options above can help a person without a vehicle get to a job interview during the cold weather months. If you’d like to learn more, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your job interview questions with one of our recruiters today and see how our career progression expertise can benefit your job search.

A Book All Employers Need to Reread

Raza Rauf on November 11, 2019

Managers often seek out books that can help them improve their leadership skills. However, there is one book that, if you haven’t read it recently, it’s time to sit down for a careful review. Rereading the employee handbook at least once a year is critical. Not only do employment laws change regularly, but so does technology. Additionally, employee expectations can shift frequently, and you may need to adjust this essential document based on changing mindsets and preferences.

Effectively, your employee handle is a vital point of communication with your staff. It reflects an employer’s expectations and standards, as well as how it addresses certain issues that may arise. Plus, it asserts that an organization is attuned to all applicable laws and regulations, which is also incredibly important.

If you haven’t reread your employee handbook in the past year, taking a moment to do so is a must. While every company’s needs are different, there are specific topics that nearly all organizations have in common. Here are a few policies that can serve as excellent starting points for your review, particularly since laws relating to these areas change frequently.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policies

Many states and cities have EEO protections that go far beyond the federal standards. Failing to adhere to the regulations means a company that commits certain acts against employees could be subjected to discrimination lawsuits and various other repercussions.

At least once a year, it’s wise to review your company’s EEO policies. Then, you can make sure they are aligned with current law and, if they aren’t, that changes are put through in a timely manner.

Leave Policies

Paid leave laws can also vary dramatically from one locality to the next. Regulations may dictate which workers should be eligible for certain kinds of paid time off as well as mandatory minimum leave offerings. In some cases, the legislation also requires specific details to be published in employee handbooks. Failing to meet any of the requirements can lead to various noncompliance penalties, so it’s important to review your leave policies regularly to ensure compliance.

Smoking, Drug, and Alcohol Policies

Many existing smoking policies don’t have verbiage discussing the rules surrounding the use of e-cigarettes. While some employers may assume that smoking or tobacco restrictions would automatically be extended to vaping, that isn’t always the cause. Often, if a company wants formal restrictions regarding vaping, they need to be clearly outlined in the policy. Otherwise, employees may have ground to fight against the limitations as they aren’t technically part of the handbook.

Medical and recreational marijuana use may also need to be addressed by employers in their drug and alcohol policies. If the use of each form of marijuana isn’t covered in the handbook, it needs to be added to ensure that workers have a clear understanding of what is and isn’t permitted.

Ultimately, by rereading your company’s employee handbook, you can make sure that the content is up to date and that it respects any new laws. If you’d like to learn more about effective policy update procedures, the staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our specialists today and see how our workplace policy expertise can benefit you.

We Have New Assembly Jobs Available!

Raza Rauf on November 4, 2019

As the holiday season draws near, many professionals are looking for new positions that will help them earn money ahead of the holidays. However, most would prefer roles that let them make more than minimum wage. Plus, it’s normal to seek out full-time opportunities with long-term potential, especially those that come with strong benefits packages that can provide you with a sense of security.

If you are looking for new opportunities, The Advance Group has assembly jobs available right now. Not only do these roles come with competitive wages, but they also have the ability to be long-term (potentially permanent) and come with the ability to secure benefits like medical, vacation leave, retirement, and more.

Here’s a look at the new assembly jobs you can find through The Advance Group right now.

Assembly – Toledo, Ohio

If you want to find an assembly job and want to start working as fast as possible, this position might be right for you. A North Toledo company needs assemblers for its second shift immediately and is offering $11 per hour to qualified candidates.

All of the work is done in a temperature-controlled environment, making this role great during colder and hotter months. Your responsibilities would include assembling small HVAC components and packaging completed components.

In order to be eligible for the position, you need at least one year of experience in either assembly or production. Additionally, you must be detail-oriented, have excellent hand-eye coordination, and have great problem-solving skills. The ability to lift at least 20 pounds is also essential, as well as the ability to spend a significant amount of the day on your feet.

The second shift is Monday, from 2:15 pm to 12:45 am, Tuesday through Thursday, from 2:30 pm to 1:00 am, and Friday, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Assembly – Dundee, Michigan

If you are looking for a day shift opportunity and are mechanically inclined, this assembly job might be a great fit. A leading manufacturer in Dundee is looking for a candidate with at least one year of previous assembly experience and the ability to read blueprints, diagrams, and schematics. The ideal match is also familiar with a variety of hand tools, including torque wrenches and grinders, as well as capable of lifting up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

The selected candidate will work on the day shift. Hours are typically 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. While on the job, the new hire will assemble gear systems as well as dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment.

Starting pay for this job is $14 to $15 per hour, depending on experience. Additionally, for the right candidate, it may go permanent.

Both of the positions above are available right now. If you are interested in either or would like to learn more about open jobs, the team at The Advance Group wants to hear from you. Contact us to find out about our jobs today and see how our services can help you land a new position before the holidays.

Are You Meeting New Employees’ Pay Expectations?

Raza Rauf on November 1, 2019

In today’s digital world, professionals can access tons of salary information with just a few clicks. Job seekers and employees alike can find out what their skills are worth or what others are earning for performing similar duties. As a result, an increasing number of professionals have clearly defined salary expectations.

This mindset can be challenging for employers. If a company fails to meet pay expectations, they may struggle to land and keep top talent. However, there is also a chance that a professional will believe that a salary is appropriate based on the information they find online, even though it far exceeds the norm for that kind of work in your area and industry.

Companies have to make sure that the salaries they are offering are reasonable. Additionally, they need to be able to show that their pay rates are fair, as employees may expect something more than a basic reassurance from a manager.

If you want to make sure that you are handling pay scales appropriately, here’s what you need to do.

Do Your Research

First and foremost, companies need to be just as diligent (if not more so) about researching salaries as the professionals they hire. On an annual basis, review your pay scales for every position and compare them to norms in your region and industry.

Make use of a range of resources when you are doing your research. Along with formal industry reports and government data, you need to use others as well. It can be wise to head to career sites or your competitors’ recruitment pages to see if salary ranges are listed. This can give you indications about what other companies are offering for various roles, making it a solid data point to include.

Also, always look at the websites that candidates and employees will use, such as Glassdoor and PayScale. Often, pay data on these sites is crowdsourced and unverified, so it may not be accurate. Additionally, they may not account for the nuances of a role and rely heavily on job titles for grouping data, which can also harm accuracy.

It also isn’t uncommon for professionals to look at data on these sites that is from outside of their local area. This may cause them to factor in salary averages from cities where employers offer higher salaries than your region provides, giving them inaccurate expectations. Still, employees may be basing their stances on this data, so you need to know what is out there so that you can anticipate what candidates and employees are basing their expectations on.

Aim to Be Competitive

Once you collect your data, you need to be competitive. While salary plays a big role, you can also factor in the value of your total compensation package when determining where you land in comparison to other area employers.

If adjustments are necessary, make them. Otherwise, your competitors may be able to entice your new employees to leave. However, if what you currently offer is reasonable, be transparent about your findings. Let workers know that you did your research and share the data. That way, if their expectations weren’t realistic, they may see that.

Additionally, keep them informed regarding when salary reviews take place and share the data every time you make a decision about pay scales. Further, make sure they see the value of any other forms of compensation, as employees may not realize that their total compensation beats the norm if it appears that their salary alone does not.

Ultimately, employee pay expectations can be challenging to navigate. However, by doing your research and making adjustments when the data supports it, you can keep your employees satisfied.

If you’d like to learn more about managing salary expectations and remaining competitive, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your questions or concerns with one of our specialists today and see how our compensation expertise can benefit you.

What Does It Take to Be a Machinist?

Raza Rauf on October 28, 2019

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.

This Matters When You’re Looking to Hire…

Raza Rauf on October 25, 2019

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!

Raza Rauf on October 21, 2019

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