Build Trust with Your Admin Employees

Raza Rauf on April 10, 2017

A company that operates without trust isn’t likely to be a long-term success. Members of your team need to know that their leaders have everyone’s best interests in mind and not just the company’s bottom line. This fact is even more imperative as many workers still remember being burned by the businesses for which they worked during the last recession.

To help you create and maintain a sense of trust with your admin employees, here are some tips to get you on your way.

Prioritize Communication

Most employees understand that you can’t tell them everything that is happening within the business. However, they can also tell when something is being withheld that shouldn’t be.

Pertinent communication needs to happen in a timely fashion, and general communication should happen often. Whether this is through regular staff meetings, company newsletters or any other mechanism, keeping employees informed regarding upcoming changes is critical. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to reinforce company goals to ensure everyone is working with the same goals in mind.

Provide Effective Feedback

Some managers are surprised to find employees would rather receive effective and honest feedback then only have their praises sung. Being honest regarding what is going right in terms of performance and which areas can use improvement helps them develop professionally, something most top workers are looking to do.

However, when negative feedback is required, it is important to handle it in the right way. First, it is critical to guide employees towards a better path, not insult them for mistakes they have made. The idea is to open a dialogue that allows you both to discuss what changes can be made to create the needed improvement. By treating it as a joint venture, the employee will be more receptive. Plus, since there is a back and forth, you can be sure they fully understand the points as well as the actions required to get things back on track.

Never Badmouth Anyone

As a member of the leadership team, it is important to never badmouth any employee – regardless of whether they are a part of your group. As soon as an employee witnesses their manager speaking poorly of someone behind their back, it is easy to assume that they may also be the subject of such talk when you are speaking with someone else.

Once an employee hears a manager talking about someone behind their back, it may not be possible to ever fully regain their trust regardless of your actions towards them specifically.

Follow Through

When you make a commitment to your employees or anyone else in the business, it is important to follow through. Failing to meet your obligations, especially promises you chose to make, will not inspire trust and may even make them less motivated to meet their obligations. If you want your employees to keep their word, then you need to keep yours. It’s as simple as that.

If you are looking to add a new member you can trust to your admin team, The Advance Group has the expertise required to help you find the right fit. Contact us to explore your options today.

Is Your Hiring Process Effective?

Raza Rauf on April 7, 2017

Businesses spend a significant amount of time and energy reviewing many of their processes and procedures. However, the hiring process isn’t one that typically gets much attention; and that can be a mistake. Failing to audit your hiring mechanisms means you could be putting effort into the wrong segments of the process. Or worse, you could be stuck using old techniques that don’t meet the requirements of the current job market.

To help ascertain whether your hiring process is effective in today’s job market, here are some questions to ask about how your company manages the task today and some tips to manage it better in the future.

Is Your Hiring Process Regimented or Adaptable?

Some companies set process in stone, with each key player knowing their precise role from beginning to end. Others provide a more flexible set of guidelines, allowing adjustments to be made whenever necessary. While neither approach is actually right or wrong, it is important to understand how your business approaches the task of hiring.

Often, the best methods for hiring involve some of both. For example, there may be set questions designed to get to critical information about what candidates provide, but there is also enough room to adjust as new facts come to light. By allowing room for both, no one is left at a loss when it comes to a good starting point while also not being prevented from asking follow-up questions organically as they arise.

Where Are Job Applicants Coming From?

Job applicants don’t just appear out of thin air; they are brought to you through various sources. This includes internal employment listings, job postings on career-oriented websites, referrals from other employees and many other routes.

Ideally, you want to find that candidates are coming in through a wide array of sources. This means you are thoroughly exploring the market by reaching out in different ways. In contrast, if your applicants are only coming from one or two sources, your job openings might not be seen by as many job seekers, and you could be missing out on a valuable source of talent as a result.

Are You Only Interviewing When You Have an Opening?

Most businesses only interview when they are actively looking to fill a job opening. However, this means you are constantly having to start from scratch, moving potential candidates through the pipeline at the same time and from the same locations.

Instead of only interviewing when a position is available, consider assuming a stance of always interviewing. This means you are continually moving potential new employees into and through the pipeline. Then, when a vacancy occurs, you have a pool of candidates who have already been partially vetted.

In cases where a fast hire is preferable, this approach can shave a significant amount of time off of the process. And, you may have access to candidates that you otherwise would have missed if they happened not to be looking for opportunities in the window in which you were hiring.

One method for keeping the pipeline full is to work with a skilled staffing firm. The recruitment professionals at The Advance Group have the ability to make remaining in a state of always interviewing simple by connecting you with candidates as they enter the job market. Contact us and see how our hiring process can help your business hire more effectively today.

Do You Know Your Real Career Passion?

Raza Rauf on April 3, 2017

Whether you are just stepping into the working world or have thoroughly established a career, that doesn’t mean you have identified your real career passion. Many people jump into the working world based on finding a job they don’t mind doing and intend to figure out their passions as they go forward. The trick is most don’t actually know how to figure it out.

Discovering your true career passion isn’t a topic that is taught in school, so you end up moving from one job to the next hoping you find it. But there is a better way. If you want to find your real career passion, here are some tips to get you started.

Stop and Relax

The idea of finding your passion can actually lead to a lot of anxiety. We often feel pressure to figure it out fast (which is unrealistic for many), and that leads to unnecessary stress. So, don’t feel like you need to solve this equation today. Instead, relax and remind yourself that the answer is out there, and you will find it in time.

Shake It Up

Rarely will you find your passion by sticking to your current routine. However, even a slight deviation from the norm can help gain new insight. And this means it is time to shake things up a bit.

Now, you don’t have to do anything dramatic to get some refreshed perspective. Even something as simple as choosing a new route to work, trying a new place for lunch, or taking part in a new recreational activity can get your mind working in new ways.

The idea is based solely on breaking up your current patterns a bit, so almost anything that does that is a great move. Then, see what new things you notice along the way and if you get any new ideas to pursue. Even if you just find out information about what you don’t like, it helps you get closer to things that you do.

Consider Your Time Online

Our time spent online can actually be very revealing regarding potential passions. For example, when you only have a few minutes online, what are the first places you go? Are there certain websites you visit more than others? What do you do when you get there?

You may find yourself drawn to certain topics when you get online, like exploring new recipes or checking a particular newsgroup. Alternatively, you may value the more social aspects of being online, focusing time on friends and family.

Any preference you find can help you identify a passion and may even lead to ideas about pursuing a new career path entirely.

Talk It Out

Once you start finding patterns of interest, discuss them with the people you are closest to. Have them help you see the big picture and discuss whether they could see you directing your talents in that direction. This isn’t about having someone talk you into (or out of) making a change. Instead, consider it another source of information to help you along the way.

Dip Your Toe in the Water

Now that you have some ideas, you can consider making a move. One great way to explore a new career is to do so as a temporary worker. This gives you a chance to try it out in person and see if the reality matches your assumptions. Then, if it feels like a good fit, you can pursue it as a full-time career.

If you are interested in trying a job in a new field, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you get started. Contact us and see if your new idea is a passion you can get behind.

Start Landing More Interviews Now!

Raza Rauf on March 31, 2017

Often, the first real step to getting a new position is to land an interview, and that relies heavily on the impression left by your resume. Whether you are just beginning your job hunt or are in the middle of your search, making a few tweaks to your resume can help increase your odds of getting called in for the next hiring step.

So, before you send that next resume out the door, consider these tips for getting noticed for all the right reasons.

Keep Formatting Simple

Unless you are looking for a position in a particularly creative field like graphic design, you are better served by keeping your formatting simple. Choose fonts that are easy to read, and limit yourself to just one or two styles. Additionally, keep the size of your font fairly consistent, and only add two or three different sizes to increase impact on key areas.

When in doubt, keep all text aligned to the left. This is how most of the text we view every day is aligned, so it is automatically more comfortable for the reader.

Additionally, once you make a formatting choice, stick with it. For example, if you use bullets in your resume, choose one type of bullet and use only that one throughout the entire document.

Quantify Your Qualifications

When it comes to resumes, numbers speak louder than words. So, if you can add a statistic or amount to the information about your achievements, feel free to do so. Often, it is more impactful to say you maintained a customer satisfaction rating of 98.2 percent than just to say it was a high rating.

Anytime you can back up a statement with concrete metrics, you are likely doing yourself a favor by including them.

Think Like the Hiring Manager

What you want to show and what the hiring manager wants to see may not automatically align. When it comes down to it, you need to put your preferences aside and try to think like the person who is reviewing your resume. Make sure you focus on any guidance you receive from the job announcement. Any skill or experience that is listed first in the announcement, or that is repeated, is likely a priority. Make sure to represent those points clearly.

Match Keywords

When a person is reviewing your resume quickly, you need to help them find out what they need to know even if they are skimming the content. Include any keywords that are also found in the job announcement (and relevant based on your skills) as those associated with critical points in the job announcement.

This approach can also help you make it through an applicant tracking system, increasing the likelihood that a person will see what you have to offer.

Focus

Review all of your resume content and ensure that every word is relevant to the position to which you are applying. If a bullet point or statement isn’t needed based on the requested skills or experience, consider cutting it.

By making sure every piece of your resume speaks directly to that job, you make yourself seem like a specialist in those areas. And being seen as an expert can certainly help your chances.

If you are looking for more information for improving your resume or are interested in finding a new position, The Advance Group is here to help you find new opportunities. Contact us today and see what we have to offer.

How to Guarantee You’ll Always Hire the Right Industrial Employee

Raza Rauf on March 27, 2017

When a new light industrial employee doesn’t work out, it is easy to simply call it a bad hire and move on. But sometimes ending up with the wrong employee has more to do with the hiring process than the person who was selected. Failing to consider the role of the recruitment process means you aren’t ensuring that the next candidate selected won’t bring the same results as the first, so it is important to be open to changes.

Luckily, there are steps you can take that will practically guarantee you’ll make the right hiring decision almost every time. To help you get your industrial hiring process on track, here are some tried-and-true methods for increasing your odds of hiring the right person.

Create a Plan

Hiring a new light industrial employee requires planning because no two instances are exactly the same. Even if you are hiring for a position that is common in your organization, that doesn’t mean you can use a cookie cutter process.

First, you need to determine if any skill gaps are present. Since every employee you have brings different things to the table, it is important to consider whether the team has any gaps that need to be filled. This will give you a point of focus as you move forward.

Then, determine what needs to happen to attract a candidate with the right skills to fill those gaps. In the end, this helps you create the strongest team possible which, in an industrial environment, is often the larger goal.

Add a Phone Screening

Since you know which skills are the most important, consider narrowing down your candidate field with a quick phone screening. This helps eliminate applicants who ultimately won’t meet your needs even if they appear to have the right skills on paper. You can streamline the hiring process by only bringing in the strongest candidates for actual interviews, saving both time and hassle while still ensuring a quality match.

Check References

If you are considering candidates with previous on-the-job experience, don’t hesitate to contact their references to see how they used those skills on the job. You’ll also find out about their reliability on the job, as well as insights regarding how they fit into the culture of their prior employers.

This can serve as a great way to get foundational information about who the candidates are as individuals, instead of just a skill set on a piece of paper. So, use the time wisely and ask the questions that get you the answers you need.

Be Open About Compensation

A lot of companies hold details about compensation close to the chest. However, this can come back to hurt you if you limit the field of candidates only to later find out their salary requirements simply aren’t feasible for your company. Instead of holding these details until the end of the process, consider presenting them closer to the beginning, such as during the phone screening. That way, only candidates that are open to accepting the salary you have available will be included in the later rounds, and you don’t have to worry about finding a perfect candidate that you can’t afford.

Enlist the Help of Experts

Sometimes, the easiest way to increase your odds of hiring the perfect light industrial employee is to work with hiring experts, like the team at The Advance Group. Contact us today to speak to one of our skilled recruiters and see how working with hiring experts can get you the results you need, every time.

5 Ways to Become a Successful Workplace Leader

Raza Rauf on March 24, 2017

Being a successful leader involves a combination of skills and abilities. It also requires practice and dedication. While many organizations try to champion unconventional approaches in the office, there are certain guidelines that are known to create results. So, before you throw the entire rulebook out of the window, here are some you should consider keeping.

1. Don’t Overthink the Trivial

Often, those in leadership positions find themselves stressing the minutia of life. Everything from wardrobe choices, breakfast selection, and which route to take to work requires you to make a decision. And focusing on decisions that don’t really matter may make it more difficult to focus on those that do.

Instead of wasting time and energy on issues such as those mentioned above, consider automating these parts of your life. Preselect your outfits for an entire week, so you don’t have to consider them every day. You can also stick to the same breakfast and commuting choices. By removing the inconsequential decisions from your day-to-day, you can let your brain focus on more important matters instead.

2. Don’t Fear Failure

While we would all rather succeed than fail, failure is often a great source of learning in business. Additionally, it means you are open to risk. Ultimately, personal and business growth require us to consider making changes, and that automatically comes with the risk of failure. So, before you say no because of what might go wrong, consider what can be learned if the worst does happen. Then, you might find that while the risk exists, the outcome isn’t as bad as you may think.

3. Encourage Constructive Criticism

Another path to growth is through the acceptance of constructive criticism. However, it isn’t always easy as a leader to get that kind of feedback. So, instead of just hoping those around you will contribute to these conversations, consider direct solicitations. If you approach other employees by making it clear you are looking to make sure the outcome of a project is ideal, and that you want input that could lead to positive change, you may find they are more open to providing the kind of feedback you need.

4. Ask with Confidence

If there is something you need, ask for it. Many people have this illusion in their minds that leaders never ask for assistance, but that simply isn’t the case. Sometimes, you have to approach others and simply go after the support you need, be that a helping hand, more equipment, or additional funding.

Your worst case scenario is that they’ll say no, and that means you are simply in the same position as before. But if they say yes, you have the opportunity to move forward, and that is often the biggest goal.

5. Have a Life

Being a leader doesn’t mean giving up your entire life to work. Instead, strong leaders need to prioritize having time away from work to relax and recharge. Overall, taking time for yourself will make you a more effective leader than if you allow stress to build and never provide an outlet.

If you are looking for ways to become a successful workplace leader or are searching for a new employee, The Advance Group is here is assist. Simply contact us and let us know what we can do for your company. We will be glad to help you reach your goals.

Hate Your Job? We Might Know Why

Raza Rauf on March 20, 2017

If you’re finding it harder and harder to convince yourself to go to work, then you have likely realized what choices you have. You can try to find a way to change things for the better, vent to someone who will listen, or jump into your job search. And all of those can be great moves.

However, as we find ourselves pulling away from our work, we often begin to make additional mistakes that make things even less tolerable. And these are the changes we have to fight against. If you find yourself hating your job more every day, then see if you may be sabotaging your chances at a happy outcome.

You Stop Caring

While it may be nearly impossible to force yourself to be passionate about a position that has lost your interest, you do need to make sure you produce quality work. If you allow yourself to stop caring, that will be seen by others. And that can make your next job search even more difficult than before.

When we stop caring about our jobs, we may think it’s no big deal to do subpar work, come in late, leave early, or ignore our responsibilities. However, this affects your co-workers, manager, and the business in a negative way. And, if any of those people may be a reference for you in the future, you are essentially shooting yourself in the foot.

You Don’t Try to Find a Better Position

Going to a job you hate can be exhausting. However, you can’t let your tiredness or frustration be an excuse to put a job search on hold. In the end, finding a new job falls predominately on your plate. Certain steps can only be taken by you, and no one else will do them for you.

So, instead of putting everything off, schedule time in your calendar for tasks related to your job search. Once the time is set aside, and you get the process moving, you may find that job searching isn’t as rough as you thought. And, in some cases, you may even enjoy exploring your options.

Just keep the tasks on which you focus specific for each block of time. For example, day one could include 30 minutes for doing some resume updates. The next one could include setting up job alerts on certain websites. Then, you might schedule an appointment with a recruiter. Keeping the tasks small makes them feel manageable and may encourage you to keep pushing forward.

You Keep It a Secret

Not expressing your frustrations will eventually come back to haunt you. We can only hold these feelings in for so long before they begin costing you more and more. And, there is often nothing to gain by keeping it a secret.

By letting some of these feelings out, and getting someone you trust involved, you may be able to find a way to solve the problem. Additionally, if you decide to make some changes, you will likely need their support, and that is easier to get with some warning.

If you are interested in extending the reach of your job search, the professionals at The Advance Group can provide the support you need. Contact us and see what is available in your area.

Facing Failure? Use These Tips to Head in the Right Direction

Raza Rauf on March 17, 2017

Everyone has heard the adages about using failure for growth. But those sayings don’t give you much insight regarding how to use failure to move forward. In fact, much of managing failure involves active decisions on your part. So, before you let a failure ruin your day, here are some tips to take that experience to get you moving in the right direction.

Don’t Punish Yourself

Most people are their own hardest critic, but beating yourself up over the outcome doesn’t help you move forward. In fact, it can make it practically impossible to learn from the experience at all. So, don’t take a failure as a reason to give yourself a hard time. Instead, look at what went right and how you can learn from the parts that didn’t. That way you get the most value from the failure without any of the guilt.

Manage Expectations

Sometimes we perceive an event as a failure simply because our expectations weren’t realistic. While it is perfectly fine to shoot for the stars in some situations, make sure that reach them is actually possible. Otherwise, you may be setting yourself for disappointment simply because what you had in mind wasn’t actually achievable under normal circumstances.

Reach Out

If you find yourself facing a failure, and you aren’t sure what to do, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Often, we find ourselves hesitant to bring in someone else when we think a project isn’t going well. However, getting a fresh perspective and new ideas on the table might find the path between failure and success.

Remember, in the vast majority of cases, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of intelligence and self-awareness.

Execute, Execute, Execute

It’s easy to talk about taking action, but spending more time discussing what to do than actually doing it won’t help turn a failure into a success. Once you have a plan in place, you have to move forward. Otherwise, you’ll never have the chance to see if a positive outcome was even possible.

Misery and Company

Surrounding yourself with people who are certain failure is on the horizon won’t help you find solutions, only problems. So, if you find that everyone around you is pulling you down, consider involving other people to keep yourself moving forward.

Trends and Talents

When a project focuses more on current trends than on your capabilities, you might find yourself in over your head. It is important to be realistic about what you know how to do and what you don’t. Then, if you find yourself lacking in a particular area, you can learn from the experience and build the skills that would have created a success. Or, you can bring in outside talent to help turn the failure into a success.

Often, failure is a mindset. If you decide that failure isn’t how you will define the outcome regardless of what happens, then you can find yourself embracing new opportunities for what they have to offer either way.

If you are interested in pursuing new employment opportunities, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you increase your chance of success no matter the outcome. Contact us today and see what is available in your area.

The Job Market is Shifting. Is Your Company Keeping Up?

Raza Rauf on March 10, 2017

Millennials are the largest part of the workforce today. And their preferences are shaping how workplaces need to operate. Preferences for flexible scheduling and a higher likelihood of making a job switch mean companies need to change how they hire and the benefits they offer. Otherwise, you may find it difficult to get the employees you need.

But what changes does your company need to make to keep pace with the shifts in the job market? Here are some of the most important offerings you need to consider.

Flexible Scheduling

Flexible scheduling is becoming more of a standard than a luxury. Whether you simply give employees options for shifting their schedule to meet occasional demands in their personal lives or give them carte blanche to get things done whenever they choose, businesses need to find ways to increase the number of options available.

Project-Oriented Opportunities

While some businesses see a Millennials willingness to explore opportunities elsewhere as a negative, it can actually create unique options when used properly. For example, you can hire professionals on a project basis to get the expertise you need only when you need it. This allows workers to focus on the skill sets they prefer to use while you get access to the best talent available. Then, when the project wraps up, you can both go your separate ways with ease.

Personal Development

Many Millennials favor personal development opportunities over certain other benefits, so giving your employees a chance to learn and grow can help attract some of the best and brightest in their fields. Consider implementing formal training plans or building in educational benefits. Mentorship programs can also provide a source of career development for those who prefer to work directly with someone who possesses the skills they wish to learn.

Career Growth

One motivator for seeking new employment opportunities focuses on the chance to move up the career ladder. Luckily, this urge to look elsewhere can be managed by providing clear paths for career progression within the workplace. Then, they can work towards gaining higher ranking positions without necessarily having to find a new company to do so.

Updated Communication Tools

Millennials aren’t inclined to rely on email to communicate with coworkers or management. Instead, many favor tools like instant messengers and other chat-based tools. Failing to adopt new communication tools to meet these expectations can have your company appearing to be behind the curve, and that won’t attract candidates from this or younger generations.

Non-Traditional Workspaces

The cubicle farm is well on its way out, while more open designs continue to attract employees interested in more collaboration in the workplace. However, that doesn’t mean every area should be entirely open to everything else, as integrating heads down or conference spaces can help control distractions.

Compensation

While compensation isn’t always cited as a major factor, it is still a factor that deserves consideration. Your business needs to make sure that any compensation offered to competitive within the current marketplace. This includes a strong salary, suitable medical coverage, retirement options, and paid time off. Otherwise, you may struggle to find and keep the employees you need.

If you are looking for new employees to join your workplace, The Advance Group has the expertise to attract today’s top talent. Contact us to speak to one of our professional recruiters today.

Waiting for a Sign That It’s Time to Quit? Here It Is!

Raza Rauf on March 6, 2017

While heading to work isn’t necessarily the most fun thing in your life, it shouldn’t feel like the worst one either. And, if you have a feeling of dread while getting ready every day, week after week, that is often a sign that it is time for a change. But figuring out what kind of change you need isn’t always easy. Maybe you simply need to find a similar position with a new employer. Or maybe you need an entirely new career.

If you find yourself question which direction is right for you, here are some points to consider along your way to an answer.

Am I Passionate About the Field?

Your first point to ponder should be whether you feel any passion for your field of work. This helps you review whether your career path has potential based on the bigger picture of how it fits into a company while factoring out what it is like to do the job with your current employer.

Generally, if you aren’t happy with your job, it is hard to feel passion for anything about it. But you need to see if the ideas behind your chosen field still inspire any sense of excitement or at least interest. If the answer is yes, then a simple job change might do the trick. However, if the answer is no, a new career may be on the horizon.

Do I Take Pride in What I Do?

Again, this question needs to be separated from your current employer and focused on your field. For example, if you meet someone new and they ask what you do for a living, do you consider it a point of pride to tell them? Or do you try to hide it or avoid the subject?

If the idea of sharing your job title or field of work gives you a positive feeling, then changing employers may fit the bill. But, if you would rather hide that detail from those you meet, then a career change might be the better course of action.

Do I Enjoy Using My Professional Skills?

As we move along in a career, we have a chance to develop and use specific skills. But, just because we are able to do something doesn’t mean we enjoy it. Granted, not every job duty is going to inspire you to push through your day. However, it is important that those you regularly use in your career are at least pleasant experiences.

Try to determine if you could keep doing the same, job specific requirements as you move through your career. If that idea fills you with dread, then other options should be explored. If it sounds great, then a new environment may be all you need.

Am I Fulfilled?

Sometimes, the biggest question is to decide if you feel like you are missing out on something you desperately need. And, if so, what exactly is the missing part.

A lack of fulfillment can make a job feel more like a cage than an opportunity. If you feel an undeniable pull to do something else, then you should explore that further. And that doesn’t mean you have to jump ship right away, but at least figure out what it would take to make that change a reality. Then, you can make an informed decision about pursuing an option that gives you that missing piece of the puzzle.

If you are looking for a new job or an entirely new career, The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us and see whether a change is just what you need to feel like you are getting everything you need out of life.

Use These Tips to Find Co-Workers You Really Love!

Raza Rauf on February 27, 2017

It is well documented that workplace friendships can improve your performance. When you have connections at work, you are happier to be there. And, since most people spend as much time with their co-workers as they do close family members, it’s no surprise that these relationships matter. So, how do you find out if a job opportunity comes with more than a great set of job duties, but also with great people? By following these tips.

Start with the Interview

When you come in for an interview, you often get your first glimpse into the work environment. You get insights regarding the company culture and how the workspace is physically structured. It is also generally the first real conversation you have with someone working there.

After visually reviewing the environment, feel free to ask questions about it. Most interviews come with the obligatory “do you have any questions for me” section, so now is a great time to get the answers you need. For example, you can ask about how the organization approaches team building or if co-workers tend to get together after hours. You can also ask if you will have an opportunity to meet potential co-workers as part of the interview process.

Since cultural fit is being stressed by more companies, it is possible that team introductions are already on the schedule for top candidates.

Be Yourself

Since organizations understand the value of a strong cultural fit, it is also important that you be yourself throughout the process. Most candidates are in the habit of not just putting their best foot forward, but in restraining their personality to fit someone else’s mold. While this may increase a person’s odds of landing a position in some cases, it doesn’t give the company a chance to really consider whether you will fit in culturally.

Now, this doesn’t mean you should let it all hang out, but don’t feel pressured into hiding every quirk or idiosyncrasy.

Have a Life (and Talk About It!)

Another habit of old involves presenting yourself as if you are a work-oriented robot who lives and breathes all things office-related. Just as restraining your personality can give hiring managers the wrong impression about your cultural fit, neglecting to present yourself as a whole person who isn’t solely focused on your career can lead to a poor fit.

When discussing anecdotes and experiences during the interview, feel free to open up a bit about who you are outside of your work hours. You aren’t going to find your ideal set of co-workers if people aren’t getting insights into the real you from the beginning.

Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

If after the interviews and the meet-and-greets, the cultural fit doesn’t seem right to you, don’t be afraid to say no if a job offer comes along. You will be spending a significant amount of your life at work and, if you can’t imagine yourself fitting in with the people you have met, then it may be wise to keep looking.

Settling for a less than ideal work environment won’t create long-term happiness, so take that into consideration before accepting a position. If you are looking for new job opportunities or a chance to find your ideal workplace, The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact our professional staff today and see what may be on the horizon.

What Are the Best IT Employees Looking For?

Raza Rauf on February 24, 2017

A business is only as good as the people it hires. So, it’s no wonder that every company wants to find the best IT employees available. But what exactly attracts the best IT professionals to an organization? The answer may surprise you.

A Challenge

The best and the brightest IT employees want to solve challenging problems. It keeps them engaged in the workplace and gives them an opportunity to flex their creative problem-solving muscles.

One of the biggest factors that lead talented employees to look for new opportunities is boredom. While every day isn’t going to be laden with the troubles of the world, having regular opportunities to think outside the box will keep them interested long term.

However, it is important that the challenge not be solely an issue of volume. Having more work than any person can reasonably keep up with will just breed frustration. Creating a challenge isn’t about working your IT professionals to death, it about letting them use their skills in new or unconventional ways.

Flexibility

Flexible schedules are becoming more common, especially as potential employers work to lure in the best IT employees. Nontraditional hours, compressed weeks, remote worker options, or a combination of all three can help attract candidates that value work-life balance as much as their career. Flexibility is becoming a new standard in the workplace, and failing to get onboard could lead skilled employees to look for opportunities elsewhere.

Training and Education

Your most driven employees have big plans for their careers and, if you choose to be a part of that plan, you can retain top performers longer. Whether you offer traditional training options, educational incentives, mentoring and job shadowing options, or simple cross-training opportunities, giving them a chance to grow in their career will give them the incentive to stay with your organizations. Superstar workers likely don’t see their current position as the endpoint of their career, so it’s better to work with that then fight against it.

Updated Technology

You won’t keep the best IT workers if your tech isn’t up with the times. While you don’t have to embrace every new tool or technology that comes around, it is important that your current solutions are reasonably modern. Cloud-solutions, mobile technology, and updated software options are all critical to when you are looking to hire the cream of the crop. So, if your office computers still feature Windows XP or your idea of mobile technology is limited to a source of email on the go, you might find it hard to attract younger professionals in the current job market.

Competitive Compensation

Regardless of what else you have to offer, if you don’t have a competitive compensation package, you are going to miss out. Do some research and see what similar employees are being offered by your competitors and then make sure you are operating in the same ballpark. While salary isn’t the only factor in deciding whether to accept a job offer, it is always a factor.

If you are looking to hire a new IT professional for your business, The Advance Group has the industry knowledge and hiring expertise to find you ideal candidates for your needs. Contact us today and put us to work for you.