These Welding Jobs Are Available Today!

 

If you enjoy working with your hands and seeing the results of your efforts at the end of the day, then being a welder can be a great career option. This skilled trade requires significant attention to detail, a strong skill set, and the desire to produce high-quality results.

Throughout the area, welders are in high demand. If you have the skills and abilities to excel in the welding field, here are some welding jobs that are available today.

Steel Mill Welder – Delta, Ohio

A steel mill in Delta, Ohio is seeking a skilled welder to join their team. Predominately, the work involves welding mild steel, up to 1.5 inches thick, based on AWS D1.1 standards. Both stick and flux core wire welding are used to complete tasks, though the selected candidate will also perform a minimal amount of stainless steel pipe welding.

You’ll need to acquire additional certifications before you can begin welding on steel ladles though, initially, you will perform steel ladle maintenance tasks including cleaning, testing, and valve repair and replacement.

The position starts on the day shift, though open availability is required, and will typically involve a 48-hour work week, with four 10 hour shift and one 8 hour shift each week. It’s also a temporary to permanent opportunity, meaning you can be hired on by the company if you excel in the role.

Welder for a Manufacturing Company – Dundee, Michigan

A manufacturing company in a highly specialized industry is looking for a welder with a variety of skills. The job includes MIG, TIG, and Arc welding to weld steel components based on provided blueprints. You’ll also be responsible for inspecting and correcting welds, as well as a variety of other duties as assigned.

Top candidates will need to be able o weld out of position, handling thick plate welding tasks, and operate power tools as required. The job is on the day shift, Monday through Friday, and includes the opportunity to cross train into other areas.

Manufacturing Welder – Petersburg, Michigan

A Petersburg manufacturing company is looking for welders to assist in the production of a variety of goods ranging from carts and step stools to complex shipping racks and containers. MIG, TIG, and Arc Welding skills are required, as well as the ability to prepare surfaces for welding.

Successful candidates will have blueprint reading experience as well as the ability to weld components in flat, vertical and overhead positions. The position has the possibility of being permanent and is currently going to be assigned to the Monday through Friday day shift with optional Saturday hours.

All of the positions listed above are currently available. If you are a welder looking for a new job, the professionals at The Advance Group want to hear from you. Contact us to speak with one of our recruiters to learn more about these welding jobs and other exciting opportunities, and see how our services can help you take the next step in your welding career today.

 

 

Stop Looking for Work at Work (And Start Looking Here!)

 

Looking for work while you are currently employed is inherently challenging. After all, you dedicate a significant amount of time each day to your employer, giving you less time to hunt down an amazing opportunity.

When faced with time constraints, some job seekers consider researching potential options while at work, but this can be a dangerous move.

Why You Shouldn’t Look for Work at Work

Conducting a job search while you are at work creates a certain amount of risk. First and foremost, your activities may be discovered by your manager or co-workers, increasing the odds word will get around that you are interested in leaving the company. Depending on your employer’s attitude, this could quickly put you on the chopping block.

If you try to use business resources, like a company computer or phone, the risk increases substantially. Your activities could be viewed as using the organization’s assets for personal gain, and many companies ban these actions in their employee policies. If your activities are noticed, either by an eyewitness or IT professional monitoring network traffic or incoming/outgoing calls and emails, you could face stiff penalties, including possible termination.

Ultimately, conducting a job search while at work could lead to backlash, so it’s best to avoid that approach, even if you are using your personal smartphone, tablet or another device to find new opportunities.

The Better Way to Conduct a Job Search

Even if you pull long hours with your current employer, that doesn’t mean you can’t conduct an effective job search. However, it does mean you need to take the right approach when you’re looking for work.

One of the best ways to proceed is to work with a local recruitment agency, like The Advance Group. Experienced recruiters understand the challenges you are facing and will work with you to ensure your current job isn’t put at risk unnecessarily.

For example, they can meet with you after work hours to discuss your needs and preferences. They can also ensure your activities are confidential, decreasing the likelihood a manager or co-worker at your workplace will find out you are interested in leaving.

Additionally, they can search for opportunities for you. Not only will you benefit from their placement expertise and connections, but also from the time they are able to dedicate to the process, making it easier for you to manage tasks like resume submissions and interviews with your busy schedule.

Ultimately, a skilled recruiter functions as a job search resource and advocate, allowing you to accomplish more in less time, all while being discrete.

If you are looking for work and are interested in finding a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with exciting opportunities at some of the area’s most coveted employers. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members today and see how our services can make your job search manageable, even if you are currently employed.

 

 

3 Easy Ways Manufacturers Reduce Turnover

 

Employee turnover is something every manufacturing company must manage. The cost of an employee leaving is often quite high, so focusing on retention can help businesses craft a strong workforce for the long haul and limit the amount of time, energy, and money that must be committed to finding replacement workers.

Luckily, there are things manufacturers can do to reduce turnover that are relatively easy to implement. Here are three easy ways manufacturers minimize turnover and how you can get started.

1. Offer Competitive Compensation

If your salary and benefits offering don’t measure up to your competitors, you will inevitably struggle when it comes to retention. Employees want to be paid fairly for their work and, if your business doesn’t step up, they will seek out opportunities with competitors who will.

Now, you don’t necessarily have to go far above industry norms. Instead, make sure your total compensation packages are at least in line with other manufacturing businesses in the area. That way, your employees will feel they are being treated fairly.

It may take some research to determine if your offerings are competitive. But there is a significant amount of information available online that can help get you started.

2. Acknowledge Their Efforts

Showing your employees appreciation for all that they do can go a long way. Anything from a simple, but specific, “thank you” to an employee appreciation event to merit-based pay raises can help show your workers that you recognize their accomplishments and value their contributions.

You don’t necessarily need to praise your staff for everyday tasks for this approach to be effective. Instead, look out for significant accomplishments, like exceeding production quotas or wrapping up a major project, and intentionally acknowledge what it took to get there.

3. Hire the Right Candidates

If you want to reduce turnover, then you need to make sure you are bringing the right people onboard in the first place. Selecting candidates that aren’t a proper match increases the odds they won’t stay for the long-term.

For example, a new hire who is destined to conflict with the company’s culture, regardless of whether they are suitable skilled, likely won’t fit in with their co-workers or enjoy the environment. And unhappy workers are more likely to harm overall productivity and ultimately quit.

Similarly, a candidate who doesn’t possess the right skills will struggle in the role, which could lead to them quitting or the need to terminate their employment.

However, by choosing a right-fit candidate, you are more likely to end up with a happy and productive employee. Plus, if they enjoy their time at work, they probably won’t be interested in heading out the door too quickly.

If you are seeking top talent for your vacant positions, and want to reduce turnover at your company, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with some of the area’s most skilled job seekers. Contact us today to discuss your hiring needs and see how our services can help your retention goals.

 

 

Better Work. Better Pay. Secrets to Finding and Landing a Job You’ll Love

 

For many job seekers, the idea of finding a job you love feels like an epic quest fraught with challenges. You explore opportunities, hoping to find the perfect match, only to discover something about the position doesn’t actually meet your needs.

Maybe the work comes with duties you despise, or the pay rate doesn’t measure up to industry standards. Maybe you’re new to the field, and you aren’t entirely sure which career path will lead you to your ideal role.

And risking selecting the wrong job can seem especially daunting, particularly if leaving would increase your odds of looking like a job hopper. Luckily, there are things you can do to improve your chances of landing a position you’ll love. Here’s how to get started.

Define Your Match

Before you begin job hunting, you need to understand what qualities make a position perfect in your eyes. Does it need to provide a particular salary? Are you passionate about specific project types or tasks? What about the environment and culture?

Ultimately, this step involves some serious soul searching. If you need some guidance, consider taking some career quizzes to narrow down the field or kind of work. You can also consult with a career coach to see if they can help you discover what matters to you.

Once you understand what you need to find, you can search for a job that meets those parameters, making it easier to sort through your option.

Gather Information

When you find a role that has potential, you want to do more than just apply. Perform some internet searches to locate reviews from employees or reach out to your network to get the inside scope on the environment.

Often, key aspects of a company’s culture aren’t easy to ascertain from a vacancy announcement alone. Plus, details on the position’s manager may be scarce in public postings. But, by digging in, you might be able to find information that isn’t readily available, helping you determine whether it is an ideal workplace.

Prepare Your Questions

Interviewing is a two-way street. Not only does the hiring manager have a chance to discover more about what you have to offer, but you also get to find out more about them and the company.

At the end of nearly every interview, you’ll have a chance to ask a few questions, so choose options that help you explore whether the job as a whole is right for you. This can include inquiring about the management style, opportunities for professional growth, or even the physical layout of the workspaces (such as whether the company uses an open office design).

You can also request additional information about the duties associated with the job. For example, asking what a normal day in the role looks like can be beneficial as well as what percentage of your time would be allocated to specific tasks. This helps you get a clearer picture of what it is like to work in the role, making it easier to determine if it is a match.

With a little bit of self reflection and diligence, you can find and land a job you’ll love. And, once you do, you’ll be happy you put forth the effort.

If you are looking for a job you’ll love, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you to exciting opportunities with some of the area’s most coveted employers. Contact us to learn more about our open positions and see how our services can benefit you.

 

 

The Right (And Wrong!) Way to Cancel Your Industrial Interview

 

After landing an interview, few job seekers imagine needing to cancel their appointment. However, there are plenty of situations where that may occur.

For example, you might land another job right before another industrial interview or may end up with an unexpected scheduling conflict.

Typically, canceling an interview seems like a daunting task, regardless of the circumstances. However, it’s important you handle it properly, particularly if you want to potentially reschedule or maintain a positive relationship, should another opportunity arise in the future.

The Wrong Way to Cancel Your Industrial Interview

Just as failing to show up at your job without calling in isn’t a wise move, the absolute worst thing you can do is simply not show up to an industrial interview without contacting the hiring manager. Skipping the interview without letting them know you won’t make it will likely be perceived as rude and disrespectful, harming your chances of securing a position there in the future.

Similarly, intentionally waiting to make contact until right before your interview appointment isn’t ideal, especially if you have known for some time that you didn’t intend to make it. This prevents the hiring manager from calling someone else in to discuss the opportunity, so it also possibly harms another job seeker.

Sharing too much detail regarding why you are canceling can also come with repercussions, particularly if your reasoning may harm their perception of you. For example, canceling because you “forgot the interview was today” or “you don’t have enough gas in your car to make it” may make you seem irresponsible. Gloating about landing another job can come off as arrogant, especially if you imply it is better than what they were offering.

Ultimately, if you cancel the wrong way, it hurts your reputation. And it may extend beyond that hiring manager, particularly if they share how you handled the situation with their network.

The Right Way to Cancel Your Industrial Interview

First and foremost, it’s important to reach out as soon as possible. This gives the hiring manager the opportunity to make changes to their schedule and potentially bring someone else in to interview for the role.

Typically, you want to reach out by phone or email, depending on what information you’ve been provided. However, if you are giving less than 24 hours notice, a phone call is usually the best method since, even if you have to leave a voicemail, it is more likely to be received quickly.

Regardless of your approach, you want to keep things clear and concise. For example, begin the conversation or message by expressing your appreciation for being invited to interview. Then, extend your regrets and state you will not be able to attend.

If you’re hoping to reschedule, provide them with a very general explanation regarding your request. You could say, “I need to reschedule due to an unexpected work obligation,” or something similar, like a family emergency — as long as it’s true. Consider suggesting a day and time that would work for you, but don’t be forceful in your wording. In some cases, they’ll accommodate your needs but, in others, they may choose to cancel entirely.

When the goal isn’t to reschedule and, instead, simply cancel, you don’t need to provide a reason. Just let the hiring manager know that you are withdrawing your application and thank them for their consideration.

By handling the cancelation the right way, you don’t burn any bridges with hiring managers or employers. This is beneficial in the long run, especially if you may want to apply for another position with that company in the future.

If you are seeking new industrial job opportunities, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members today and see how our services can benefit you.

 

 

Faster. Cheaper. When Temp Is a Smarter Hiring Option Than Full-Time

 

Managing the size of your workforce can be a challenge. Whether it’s navigating employee vacations or other forms of leave, adjusting to seasonal shifts in demand, or handling a large-scale project, having the right skills available is a necessity.

Often, companies default to seeking out new full-time, permanent workers when they require additional staff. But, there are some situations where bringing in temporary employees is a smarter, faster, and cheaper hiring option.

If you are wondering whether you should hire a full-time or contract worker, here are some signs that choosing a temp may be the right hiring option.

Covering Absences

Companies often have a wide range of duties that must be covered at all time. This can make it challenging if your permanent employee needs to take some time away from the workplace, especially if you rely on them for critical tasks and their workload can’t be easily covered by existing staff.

When this occurs, bringing in a temporary worker can be an excellent choice. You get access to a high-quality employee for the duration of the absence, ensuring that must-do tasks can be managed. Plus, once your permanent employee is ready to return, you can release the temp from the assignment without concerns like unemployment.

Seasonal Demand

A wide variety of industries are affected by seasonal demand. Workloads can increase dramatically for a specific portion of the year then return to a low point once the season is over.

If you hire full-time, permanent team members to cover seasonal upticks, you’ll inevitably have to consider layoffs once the workload decreases during the slow season. But, if you choose to supplement your workforce with temps, that burden is eliminated.

Contract employees understand that their time with your organization is limited and, since they never officially join your payroll, you don’t have to worry about the financial impacts that generally accompany a layoff.

Project Hires

At times, companies need to complete projects that require a specific set of skills that aren’t necessary for daily operations. Luckily, you can find temporary workers that specialize in nearly any field.

By choosing a contract employee, you gain access to the skills you require for a project for the duration of the tasks. Then, once the project is complete, you can respectfully part ways. This approach is incredibly common when it comes to finding someone with expertise for tech projects that aren’t part of your core business.

Working Interviews

In some cases, bringing in a temporary worker gives you a chance to effectively host a working interview. You can see if their skills meet your needs, evaluate their attitude, and judge whether they fit into the workplace.

If they aren’t a great match, you can release them from the assignment and seek out a new candidate. However, if you find that they’re a perfect fit, you can extend a permanent job offer, officially making them a long-term part of your team.

Ultimately, temp employees can be an incredible asset to businesses looking to manage costs, hire quickly, or evaluate a person with potential. If you are interested in learning more, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you explore your hiring options. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members and see how our services can benefit your company today.

 

 

The Flawless Sales Cover Letter You Need to Use

 

Your sales cover letter is an essential part of your application, serving a vital role when it comes to making a positive first impression. When you craft your cover letter, you want to make sure it discusses the right information in the best possible way. To help you create a flawless sales cover letter, here are some tips worth following.

Put Key Skills Front and Center

Hiring managers are busy individuals, so you need to catch their attention within the first couple of lines of your sales cover letter. One easy way to do just that is by highlighting your most relevant skills quickly, using them to draw the reader in and make them want to learn more.

Which skills you present needs to be based on the vacancy announcement. However, it’s always wise to quantify these details whenever possible, as numbers often catch the eye and help provide the hiring manager with valuable context.

If an educational requirement or mandatory certification is listed in the job posting, you can also include those details early in your sales cover letter to show you have the necessary credentials.

Discuss Your Accomplishments

Once you’ve covered the most important skills, it’s time to dive into your accomplishments. Choose achievements that are particularly relevant to the role, and quantify the information as much as possible. Numbers and metrics help you demonstrate your potential value to the company in a way that is more concrete than simply using your words.

Close With Enthusiasm

Hiring managers often seek out candidates who are passionate about their field and the opportunity itself. When you write the closing paragraph to your cover letter, make sure your enthusiasm is clearly on display.

Let the hiring manager know why you think you are a great fit, as well as why the position interests you. Thank them for their time, but also express how excited you are to learn about the next steps or hear back from them.

Also, make sure your contact details are easy to find in your cover letter. For example, list your email address and phone number immediately after your name at the end of your letter, ensuring the hiring manager knows how to contact you if they want to schedule an interview.

Pay Attention to Formatting

Ideally, your sales cover letter needs to be both easy to read and generally pleasing to the eye. This typically means you need to pay special attention to your stylistic choices when constructing the document.

For example, choosing a font that is clear and without unnecessary flourishes ensures the hiring manager can easily review the content. Plus, it makes it easier for automated screening technologies to scan through the information. Similarly, you need to make sure your text is an appropriate size, with 10pt generally being considered the minimum.

When it comes to paragraph sizing, try to limit the length of each paragraph. In most cases, a long block of text is more difficult to read than several smaller sections, so break up your content to incorporate whitespace and improve the visual flow.

By following the tips above, you can craft a stellar cover letter that is almost certain to catch the hiring manager’s attention. If you are interested in learning more or are seeking out new job opportunities, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today to discover how our expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Check Out These 5 Available Production Jobs!

 

Leading employers throughout northwest Ohio and southeastern Michigan are hiring workers for production jobs of all levels to help them reach their goals. Many of the opportunities have the potential to go permanent, meaning you could become a long-term employee of the company.

If you are looking for work, here are five available production jobs worth checking out.

1. Production Worker

If you’re looking for a temp-to-hire production position, this opportunity could be for you. An area company is growing rapidly and needs to add workers to help support increased production. The hours are Monday through Thursday, 6:00 am to 4:30 pm, with some overtime, which can help boost your earnings potential.

Most of the work is on an assembly line, though you’ll also take part in quality inspection, packaging, and a range of warehouse duties.

2. Screw Machine Operator

If you have experience as a screw machine operator, a fast-growing company is looking for candidates like you. The job involves running machines, inspecting materials, and reading blueprints. The hours are Monday through Thursday, 6:00 am to 4:30 pm, though overtime and weekends may also be required.

Plus, the position also has the possibility of going permanent, giving you a chance to officially join the team long-term.

3. Assistant Machine Operator

A local production facility is looking for an assistant machine operator. You’ll get a chance to hone your production skills in a fast-paced environment on either the first or second shift. If you have good measuring skills and a willingness to learn, this could be an ideal opportunity to get your foot in the door with a company that provides room for advancement and an excellent benefits package if you are hired on permanently.

4. Press Operator

If you have previous experience or are mechanically inclined, then you may qualify for a press operator position at a local manufacturing company. The job includes operating a press and other forms of machinery. Plus, you may get a chance to train on an overhead crane, allowing you to increase your skill set.

The position is Monday through Friday, 4:30 pm to 3:00 am, with an opportunity to become a permanent member of the team.

5. CNC Operator

A local company is looking for an experienced CNC operator to join their team. Along with two years of CNC experience, candidates must be skilled with a variety of tools, such as micrometers and calipers, have a working knowledge of math involving decimals and fractions, and the ability to operate a 4-inch grinder.

The opportunity is full-time, and could go permanent, on the company’s swing shift.

If you are interested in learning more about any of the production jobs above or the wealth of other job opportunities available in northwest Ohio and southeastern Michigan, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us to speak with one of our skilled recruiters today and see how our services can benefit you.

 

 

5 Ways Employee Wellness Benefits Your Company

 

From the company perspective, employee wellness programs are an investment. After all, there’s usually a financial burden that comes with administering such benefits, so knowing you’ll reap the rewards for managing the program is a must.

On the surface, it may be hard to see how employee wellness benefits your company. To help you understand the value, here are five ways employee wellness helps your bottom line.

1. Reduced Absences

By having a robust employee wellness program, you can reduce health-related absences. Healthier employees typically require fewer sick days and may be less inclined to take “mental health days” as a way to manage stress.

Plus, the length of absences may also decrease. Employees who are in good health usually don’t take as long to recover from an illness or injury, ensuring they are back to work faster.

2. Lower Medical Costs

Medical costs, such as healthcare benefits, are usually a substantial line item for every business. But, if you offer an employee wellness program, you may be able to reduce these expenses, helping you save more than you spend on the program.

Healthier employees don’t require as many medical visits or treatments, which can make it easier to achieve lower rates on your plans. Not only does this benefit the company, it helps your employees as well, keeping costs down for everyone.

3. Improved Retention

Offering an employee wellness benefit can improve your retention rates. When employees feel their employer cares about them, they are more likely to feel satisfied on the job. This decreases the urge to seek out new opportunities, particularly if your competitors aren’t offering a similar program. Ultimately, it can set you apart as an employer of choice, something that isn’t always easily achieved.

4. Attract Top Talent

When word gets out about your employee wellness program, this can help you cement your reputation as a great employer. Then, when you need to attract top talent for your vacant positions, you may discover you are having an easier time finding high-quality applicants.

Many job seekers consider a company’s reputation before applying for a job, so ensuring that yours is positive can go a long way when it comes to bolstering your recruitment efforts.

5. Increased Productivity

When employees know the company cares about their well-being, morale can improve, and productivity may rise. Plus, healthier employees may also be happier, especially if their employer is helping them achieve their health-related goals. This can provide an additional boost to productivity, allowing them to accomplish more during their day than their unhappy counterparts.

Ultimately, employee wellness programs are powerful benefits that can help you save money, increase productivity, improve retention, and even assist with recruitment. If you are interested in learning more or are seeking skilled job seekers for your vacant positions, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your company’s goals today and see how our expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Already Regretting Your College Degree? Don’t Sweat It!

 

Many students assume that, by the time they have their college degree in hand, they’ll know exactly where they want to take their career. While this is true for some, a surprising number of newly minted college graduates don’t know where they want to go next, and others may even regret getting a degree in a particular field.

After graduation, joining the workforce is typically the next step. But, for those who are now questioning the value of their college degree, this can be an anxiety-inducing time.

Luckily, even if you regret your college degree on some level, you do have options for moving forward. Here’s how to get started.

Make Research Your Ally

The vast majority of degrees create a wide variety of opportunities. At times, this includes career paths that aren’t necessarily obvious, and one of those might be right for you.

Before you discard the value of your degree, research what career options or jobs seek out people just like you. Contact your school’s career center or alumni association for assistance, get online and search job boards using your credentials as criteria, or check out resources like WhatCanIDoWithThisMajor.com to see if it can provide insight.

By digging in with some research, you might find jobs that didn’t initially come to mind when you were earning your degree. And one of them may be the ideal choice for you.

Explore With Internships

Just because you have a degree doesn’t mean you can’t use internships to explore various career paths. Some internships look for new graduates and not current students, so you may be able to find an opportunity that can help you gain experience while you figure out your next steps.

Most internships are short-term by design. This means you can explore a position or industry without any long-term commitments or expectations from your employer. They also let you use your skills in the real-world and may help you discover which tasks interest you the most.

As a bonus, internships can be excellent resume builders, giving you valuable experience you can list on your resume. Plus, they are wonderful networking opportunities, letting you make professional connections and possibly helping you locate a mentor who can guide you.

Consider Working as a Temp

If you need to start bringing in a paycheck and can’t locate a paid internship, consider working in a temporary or contract position. They don’t come with long-term commitments, giving you another method for exploring your options, and also function as learning experiences.

You can complete a series of short-term assignments to try different roles and see where your education can take you. This can provide a substantial amount of peace of mind too, since you’ll clearly be able to see the value in your degree.

Even if you aren’t entirely sure about your college degree, that doesn’t mean you can’t take valuable steps down a career path. If you’re ready to explore opportunities that your degree can help you land, the professionals at The Advance Group can make finding exciting options easy. Contact us to speak with one of our skilled staff members today and see how our services can benefit you.

 

 

Keep Your Michigan Workplace Engaged This Summer With These Tips

 

When it comes to managing productivity, summer can be one of the most challenging periods. Many employees begin heading out on vacations, or are at least planning them, and it isn’t uncommon for thoughts about spending time out of the office to dominate the workplace, especially on beautiful summer days.

During the summer, focusing on engagement is a must. This can help keep morale and productivity high, ensuring the company can meet its goals and that your workforce is happy. If you need to keep your Michigan workplace engaged this summer, here are some tips that can help.

Host a Recognition Event

Acknowledging the achievements of your staff can go a long way, especially when you need to boost engagement. It lets your team know their efforts are appreciated and the company recognizes all they do to help everyone achieve success.

Summer is a great time for a recognition event, especially if you have not held one recently. Gather teams together (or the entire company) and show your appreciation.

Give a Mid-Year Rundown

Employees generally want to know how the business is doing, as this can give them a sense of both security and satisfaction, particularly if the first six months were good.

If you haven’t made your workers aware of the status of the company, consider providing a mid-year rundown. Share information about the triumphs and challenges the organization has faced, including relevant details that give context to the situation.

Additionally, make sure to be open to questions if some of the news isn’t great. That way, you can hear the concerns of your workforce and address them, giving them additional confidence in the health of the company.

Have Some Fun

Stress can be the enemy of productivity, even over the short-term. If your employees have been burning the midnight oil to meet goals or simply cover for summer vacation absences, organize some fun activities to help them de-stress.

Team-building activities can be both a great distraction and a wonderful learning opportunity. Plus, they can bring people together, making times of strife easier to manage. While it may take a few hours out of the workday, the rewards often offset the inconvenience.

Provide Work-Life Balance

Offering telecommuting or flexible scheduling options can make a significant difference during the summer, helping your staff achieve greater work-life balance. It gives them a level of freedom that can be incredibly valuable during the summer. Plus, it ensures productivity can remain high as employees will still be fulfilling their duties, even if it is in a nontraditional fashion.

By using the tips above, you can keep your Michigan workplace engaged this summer and beyond. If you are interested in learning more about what you can do, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members about your business needs today and see how our expertise can make this summer a great one for your Michigan workplace.

 

 

Start Volunteering This Summer to Boost Your Resume

 

When you want to catch a hiring manager’s attention, having relevant experience on your resume is often a must. But, if you are a recent graduate looking for their first position, working to shift into a different field, or are rejoining the workforce after a hiatus, you may be limited when it comes to applicable experience.

Luckily, there is something you can do. By seeking out volunteering positions this summer, you can boost your resume. Not only can this help you land a coveted spot, but it also helps ensure your skills are current and fresh. If you are ready to start volunteering this summer, here’s how to get started.

Locate the Right Organizations

Every organization that uses volunteers has different needs. By understanding which skills they could use to help them meet their objectives, you can locate potential opportunities that can also boost your resume.

Look for groups that could benefit from your skill set or could help you gain experience in the right areas. Don’t restrict your search to organizations that are advertising volunteer positions, as many would happily take a volunteer, even if they don’t announce the opportunities.

Prepare an Elevator Speech

In many ways, landing a volunteer position isn’t unlike getting any other job. You’ll need to speak with the individual who oversees the organization’s volunteering, and pitch why you would make a great addition to the team.

Drive the conversation by discussing applicable skills as well as how your accomplishments can help the organization excel. Then, ask if they have space for a volunteer in an area that can benefit your career.

The idea is to make a connection with the volunteer manager to create a mutually beneficial situation. They get a hardworking professional to assist with their objectives, and you gain valuable experience in key areas, creating a win-win.

If space is available, you may be asked to submit an application or resume, just as you would for any other job, so make sure to have the right information gathered and documents at the ready.

Then, if you get the position, strive to excel and learn as much as possible along the way. This ensures that you make a positive impression, which can lead to strong professional references, and that everyone derives value from the arrangement.

Boost Your Resume

Once you’ve worked in the volunteer role for a while, add the details to your resume just as you would with a paid job. Provide information on the organization, discuss your accomplishments, and cover your relevant skills.

In most cases, hiring managers view volunteer work positively, particularly if it provided you with valuable experience that can help you become a top performer in their company. Additionally, references from a volunteer role can be used when you apply for a new job, so don’t discount this option when you seek a paying opportunity.

If you are interested in learning more about how volunteering experience can boost your resume, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your career goals with one of our skilled team members today and see how our services can benefit you.