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Planning to Go Back to Your Workplace? You’ll Need These Three Things First

HMG Success on August 17, 2020

Many states are well into their reopenings, and professionals are heading back to their workplaces in increasing numbers. While this can be a positive sign economically, it also means introducing a health risk into your life. If you are about to head back, being prepared is a must if you want to stay safe. Here are three things you need to do before your first day.

1. Know the Signs of Infection and What to Do

You can’t help stop the spread of COVID-19 if you don’t know how to recognize a possible infection. Learn about the outward signs and symptoms, as well as how the virus could make you feel. That way, you can spot a potential infection quickly, ensuring that the proper steps are taken if you or a colleague become ill.

Also, take a moment to review any procedures your company has in place regarding infections. This can include policies for when to stay home, who to notify if someone may be ill, how workplace disinfection will occur, and more. By learning them now, you’ll be able to act appropriately should you or anyone else get sick.

2. Understand PPE Needs and Availability

Before you go back to your workplace, you want to evaluate your personal protective equipment (PPE) needs. Each position may have different requirements, so it’s wise to consider any risks that may come with your role and how to protect yourself against them.

Additionally, you need to consider PPE needs for staying safe from the coronavirus while at work. For example, are mechanisms in place that allow for social distancing, or will you need to wear a mask all day because staying apart isn’t an option?

Finally, you need to know who is responsible for providing various kinds of PPE. Your employer may make certain types available, though they may not handle others. Ideally, you want to speak with your manager before you head back. That way, you’ll know what they will have on-hand and what you need to bring in yourself.

3. A Plan for Keeping Others Safe

When you head back to your workplace, your chances of being exposed to the virus are higher than if you remained at home. As a result, you could represent a risk for other household members.

Ideally, you want to have a plan that allows you to ensure the safety of other people in your life. This could include not just taking certain precautions at work – like frequent handwashing and mask-wearing – but also steps you handle while on your way home.

For example, changing clothes before coming inside the house may be part of it. You may also want to take a shower right away.

Exactly what steps you need to take could vary depending on your unique situation. However, it’s best to figure these out in advance. That way, you’ll know what to do once you head out on your first day back at your workplace.

If you’d like to learn more about how to return to your workplace safety, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today.

 

 

Critical Soft Skills You Can Bring to Any Job

HMG Success on August 14, 2020

Landing a job requires more than hard skills. While your technical prowess is undoubtedly critical, without the right soft skills, you may not thrive in a work environment. And, since soft skills are so vital, hiring managers often seek certain ones out.

Luckily, soft skills are highly transferrable. Where you acquire and hone them matters less than having them. If you are wondering which soft skills you should bring to the table, and why they are so crucial to your career, here’s what you need to know.

Why Having the Right Soft Skills Matters

Often, your soft skills are a reflection of various personality traits. They outline how you navigate the professional world, making them critically important to your long-term success.

That’s why hiring managers prioritize soft skills when screening applicants. They understand that candidates who possess these characteristics are typically better equipped to flourish, so they favor these job seekers.

Additionally, hiring managers recognize that choosing a new hire with the right soft skills is a better approach. In most cases, training soft skills is especially challenging, as they can be a bit subjective and are more commonly learned through experience instead of direct instruction.

At times, hiring managers may explicitly list soft skills as must-haves in job ads. However, that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes, candidates need to read between the lines or do additional research to find out which ones are most valued. For example, reviewing the company’s mission and values statements can give you clues if there aren’t any soft skills including in the vacancy announcement.

Worst case, specific soft skills are universally desirable. By focusing on those, your odds of impressing the hiring manager go up substantially.

Critical Soft Skills You Can Bring to Any Job

Particular soft skills are almost always priorities in the eyes of hiring managers. They ensure you can collaborate with others, exceed expectations, and otherwise perform your duties with a reasonable amount of ease.

By having them, you check off many must-have boxes. If you want to make sure you’re on target, the following soft skills are usually considered crucial:

  • Honesty
  • Accountability
  • Teamwork
  • Positive attitude
  • Self-motivation
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Communication
  • Willingness to learn

When a candidate possesses all of the traits above, their odds of excelling in the workplace rise dramatically. Generally, they will be active collaborators, hold themselves to high standards, and strive to improve their capabilities at every opportunity. As a result, they learn and grow on the job, becoming a top performer over time.

When you apply for a position, make sure to showcase your capabilities in those areas. Highlight accomplishments where those traits ensured your success, and discuss their importance during your interview. Even if they aren’t explicit requirements, the hiring manager is likely looking for them, so it’s worth drawing attention to these capabilities.

If you would like to learn more about how soft skills can help you thrive, the team at The Advance Group wants to hear from you. Contact us today and see how our job search expertise can benefit you.

 

 

4 Tips for Hiring Remote

HMG Success on August 10, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic made traditional hiring approaches inappropriate, if not wholly impossible. As a result, companies often had to turn quickly to different methods, converting their usual process into a remote one.

Often, vetting candidates without getting together in-person is challenging. It may be harder to gauge culture fit, for example. Additionally, you can’t evaluate how the person interacts with a receptionist or any potential colleagues, as there aren’t any encounters.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t hire successfully. If you are wondering how you can improve your processes and capture better results, here are four remote hiring tips that can help.

1. Create Instructions

Just as many companies had limited experience with remote interviewing when the COVID-19 pandemic made it the only option, the same can be said for candidates. Many professionals have only dabbled with online video conferencing, and they may not have used the same solution your company prefers at all.

Ideally, you want to make sure that candidates can present their best selves. One way to increase the odds of that happening is to create a set of instructions that can help them prepare for the experience.

Along with telling them how to download or access the client, including other helpful tips. Let them know how they can test their camera and microphone quality. Give them insights about perfecting the lighting in their interview space. Remind them to choose a quiet area that they can control.

These simple gestures improve the meeting for everyone. As a result, you’ll have an easier time evaluating the job seeker, and the candidate will have a better experience.

2. Adapt to a New Pace

Previously, not all candidates could come in for a short-notice interview. Arranging time away from the office or being able to take a phone call discretely was a common issue. At times, this led to process delays or having to bypass a candidate entirely because of the mismatch.

Today, many of those barriers aren’t an issue. Companies need to recognize this, ensuring they adjust the pace of their hiring process accordingly.

For example, make space for same- or next-day interviews. If you want to conduct quick screenings over the phone, be ready to handle that immediately if you call the candidate instead of emailing them, as they may have time right then.

Ultimately, this speeds everything up, which can be a positive. However, do recognize that not all candidates will move this quickly, so make more traditional timelines available as well.

3. Maintain Hiring Standards

Even if your hiring process is different, that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice new hire quality. Perform all of the standard vetting steps you usually would, tweaking your approach when necessary to fit the current paradigm.

Additionally, don’t just hire for today, but tomorrow as well. For example, while employees may not be communicating in-person now, they could be in the future. Make sure you find candidates that can thrive while working remotely but will also do well if there is a return to the office.

4. Showcase Your Culture

Culture fit is essential for hiring managers and candidates alike. Since this can be hard to assess during a remote interview, use other mechanisms to make it easier. Share links to your company’s social media pages. Create videos or slideshows showcasing the office. Get them in touch with their potential future teammates.

While adjusting to a remote process can be challenging, it is worth the effort. If you’d like to learn more about how you can be effective when hiring remotely, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today.

 

 

Don’t Wait Any Longer to Find a New Job!

HMG Success on August 7, 2020

When the COVID-19 pandemic first led to widespread shelter-in-place orders, many businesses had to shutter their doors. Millions of Americans found themselves unemployed as a result, as many companies couldn’t afford to keep their employees on staff when they weren’t fully operational.

In the case of layoffs, the vast majority of impacted professionals qualify for unemployment. As a result, at least some will think that delaying their job search is a smart move. After all, they have access to this financial safety net.

However, waiting to find a new job isn’t typically a great decision. It introduces a range of risks, some of which can be financially devastating. If you are wondering why you shouldn’t wait any longer to find a new job, here’s what you need to know.

Hiring Processes Take Time

The biggest reason to launch your job search today is that hiring processes take time. While the CARES Act extends how long benefits are available, unemployment payments do come to an end after a period.

Before the pandemic, hiring processes took an average of about 24 days. That’s more than three weeks spent waiting to find out if you got one job, which you may not land.

Ultimately, by starting earlier, you are increasing your odds of finding a new position before your benefits run out. It gives you the space to make smart choices, instead of having to take the first thing that comes along so that you can maintain an income.

Competition Will Only Get Fiercer

Millions of Americans were laid off in rapid succession. This means many people triggered their unemployment benefits at the same time, or relatively close to one another.

As the clock ticks along and large groups get closer to the end of the benefits, this creates a greater sense of urgency. Competition for positions will become fiercer as professionals become concerned that they won’t find a job in time.

By starting a job search now, you may avoid some of the competition. You essentially get moving before that sense of urgency arrives, allowing you to miss the crowd.

Job Opportunities May Be Limited

Reopening efforts have been a bit stop-start in many parts of the country. Additionally, with new resurgences in some states and a possible second wave on the horizon, the end picture still isn’t abundantly clear.

As a result, many companies are being cautious. They are keeping their operations a bit scaled back and are only hiring when necessary. This means that new jobs aren’t coming available as fast as the old ones disappeared. Overall, opportunities may be fairly limited, especially in hard-hit niches.

Since there are fewer openings, starting your job search as soon as possible is a smart move. You’ll increase your odds of finding suitable options, as you’ll be keeping your eyes open earlier than some other professionals.

Ultimately, waiting to find a new job isn’t going to work in your favor. It’s best to get ahead of the curve, especially since the future is a bit uncertain. If you’d like to learn about opportunities in your area, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with a recruiter today and see how our services can benefit you.

 

 

Healthy Ways to Cope with COVID Stress

HMG Success on July 27, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a stressful event. For many people, their life changed fundamentally, practically overnight. Additionally, job losses were widespread, schools suddenly closed, and it isn’t clear when “normal” will once again be achieved.

Finding ways to deal with the uptick in stress is a must. Otherwise, there can be short- and long-term health repercussions. If you want to know what you can do to cope, here are some healthy ways to deal with your stress during the pandemic.

Have a Plan in Case You Fall Ill

Sometimes, simply having a plan in place can provide a degree of relief. This can include having medications available to lessen your symptoms, knowing how to reach a medical professional, or being able to quickly self-isolate to protect loved ones. It may give you a sense of control. Plus, be able to take action fast if you do get sick.

Practice Self-Care

Making time to unwind and practice self-care is a must. It will give you opportunities to relax and make sure your body and mind are being looked after.

Whether this involves a short daily meditation, making time for bubble baths, or anything else will depend on your needs and preferences. However, everyone should do their best to make time for quality sleep, as that is often the foundation of improved well-being.

Focus on Exercise and Nutrition

Eating right and getting enough exercise is critical for maintaining health. While it may be tempting to let this fall by the wayside during a pandemic, resist the urge. Well-balanced nutrition and physical activity help your body stay at its best, ensuring it has what it needs to thrive.

Disconnect from the News

Today, people are being bombarded with bad news. Whether it’s reporting on television or articles (or opinions) being shared on social media, repeatedly hearing that the situation is bad can be hard to bear.

If you find yourself struggling with all of the negative information, consider taking a break from television, social media, or websites that share news or opinions about the pandemic. While you don’t want to disconnect to the degree that you don’t know when rules or laws change and aren’t adequately informed about emergencies, taking a step back can be healthy.

Stay Connected to Loved Ones

Thanks to technology, staying in touch with loved ones is easier than ever before. By reaching out and having conversations with friends, family, and community members, you can limit feelings of isolation that many people are battling due to social distancing requirements and stay at home orders.

Video calls are particularly beneficial, as they allow you to hear and see the person to whom you’re speaking. However, any contact is better than none, so explore every option available and make use of them regularly.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can manage your physical, mental, and emotional well-being during the pandemic, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today and see how our stress management expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Improve Internal Communication with These Tips

HMG Success on July 24, 2020

Internal communication is more critical now than ever. Many professionals are working remotely, a paradigm that can make disseminating information challenging and may limit opportunities for connecting. Luckily, by taking the right steps, internal communication can occur unimpeded. If you don’t know where to begin, here are some tips that can help you improve.

Be a Top Communicator

Many employees take their cues from company leaders. If their manager isn’t communicative, they may feel that reaching out is unnecessary or, in a worst-case scenario, discouraged. This can hinder the sharing of information, creating a culture where silos and secretiveness end up thriving.

However, if you step up and become a top communicator, you’re showcasing its importance. Other employees may be more likely to engage with each other as they understand that reaching out and sharing is the norm, not the exception.

When new details become available, disseminate the information quickly. Let your team know that they can ask questions or express their thoughts, encouraging the start of a dialog. In a relatively short amount of time, everyone will become more open to being communicative.

Use a Multi-Channel Approach

Critical information shouldn’t be shared through email alone. While email can be a great way to reach your entire workforce, the platform is regretfully flawed. New messages that come in push older ones down the list. As a result, an important update can incidentally get buried, which is less than ideal.

While you shouldn’t abandon email entirely, it’s wise to incorporate a multi-channel approach. Embrace collaboration software with messaging capabilities, use text messaging solutions, and pin critical updates on your internal website’s homepage. You may even want to make use of social media, such as by creating a closed Facebook group or something similar for sharing and discussing information. This increases the odds that your message will be seen promptly.

Focus on Timely, Constructive Feedback

Feedback is a powerful tool, mainly when employees aren’t working in an office together. Without it, your team may not know whether they are on target or if there is an issue they need to address, allowing problems to linger longer.

Ideally, managers should make regular feedback part of the paradigm. Make sure to reach out regularly to let employees know how they are doing, even when everything is going fine. This creates opportunities for conversation and shows that you are engaged in their performance.

If something isn’t right, speak up quickly. That way, the issue can be addressed before it has a chance to worsen, shortening correction times.

Additionally, request feedback from your team. Ask if there’s anything you can do to better meet their needs, giving them a chance to air their thoughts and get help if it’s needed.

Ultimately, by following the tips above, you can improve internal communication at your company. If you’d like to know more about how to enhance your operations, the staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our highly skilled team today and see how our workplace communication expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Conducting a Safer Job Search from Home

HMG Success on July 20, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is a major health concern. While people are being encouraged to stay home, many professionals still have to conduct job searches. Whether they were part of a coronavirus layoff or simply need a new opportunity, they may not be able to delay.

Luckily, it is possible to conduct a safer job search from home. If you don’t know how to begin, here are some tips.

Embrace Online Job Search Resources

Most professionals are used to handling their job search online. With the COVID-19 pandemic still being an issue, that approach should be the primary way you search for opportunities.

Along with major job boards, look for niche job boards that focus on your specialty. You may find opportunities that aren’t listed elsewhere using that method, so it’s worth exploring.

You can also explore company career pages. If you have a specific organization in mind, that can be the perfect way to learn about their open positions fast.

Additionally, conduct searches on social media as well. Along with LinkedIn, the quintessential social media platform for professionals, you can learn about openings on Facebook and Twitter. For creative professionals, Instagram may also be a worthwhile resource.

Request a Phone or Video Interview

If you are invited in for an interview by a hiring manager, ask if there are phone or video interview options available. By keeping your interview remote, you can avoid having to head to the job site, take public transportation, or cross paths with people who may be infected with the coronavirus.

In most cases, companies are using video or phone interviews as their first choice now. However, if the hiring manager doesn’t offer that approach immediately, don’t be afraid to ask if it’s available. If not, then request details about how they will maintain safety and align with social distancing requirements during the meeting. Then, you can decide if you are comfortable with their approach before you agree to attend.

Work with a Recruiter

By connecting with a recruiter, you can secure a job search ally who can help you explore your career options, all while you remain comfortably at home. The Advance Group accepts applications online, and the recruitment team will happily communicate with you over the phone, via email, or using another approach that makes coming into the office unnecessarily.

Plus, you can take a look at our open positions through our website. If you find a great match, you can apply directly. Once your resume is received, our recruiters will review it quickly to see if the fit is right and contact you regarding any next steps.

Ultimately, there are a lot of options for conducting a safer job search from home, allowing you to reduce your risk of being exposed to the coronavirus. If you’d like to partner with The Advance Group to get yours underway, our team wants to hear from you. Contact us to speak with one of our recruiters today and see how our services can make finding a position as easy and as safe as possible.

 

 

Is COVID-19 Affecting Some Workers More Than Others?

HMG Success on July 17, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone, at least to some degree. Whether it’s adapting to stay-at-home orders, being part of a coronavirus layoff, or adjusting the children suddenly being home when school was canceled, nearly everyone felt an impact.

However, it’s possible that not all workers are being affected equally. If you are wondering how here’s what you need to know.

Age and the Risk of Severe Illness

Generally speaking, older adults are at higher risk of developing severe illness than younger people. They could have higher chances of requiring hospitalization or a ventilator and could be more likely to end up in intensive care.

Adults over the age of 65 make up about 80 percent of the COVID-19-related deaths, an indication that their illness was more severe than their younger counterparts. At times, this may be due to their bodies having a harder time fighting off the virus. However, underlying health conditions can also play a role, and older adults are more likely to have one.

In some cases, this means that older workers are at higher risk of catching COVID-19 should it make its way into their workplace. Additionally, their chances of getting extremely ill are higher. As a result, if they do get sick, they may be away from the workplace longer, as it could take them more time to recover.

Finally, if hospitalizations are required, older workers may be feeling more of a financial burden. Even if they have sick leave and insurance, the cost of treatment can add up quickly. This could lead some older adults to have to shoulder a significant financial burden for some time as they work toward repayment. At times, that may impact their career or retirement choices moving forward.

Protecting Yourself From COVID-19 at Work

Regardless of your age, it’s wise to take precautions if you are working during the COVID-19 pandemic. If telecommuting options are available, they may be your best choice. By working from home, you don’t have to commute, spend as much time on public transportation, or otherwise interact with others in-person, reducing your odds of being exposed.

If you do have to report to your workplace, focus on limiting your exposure. Follow social distancing principles whenever possible, and wear a face mask. Wash your hands regularly using soap or turn to hand sanitizer if that isn’t an option. Clean surfaces frequently, especially those that many people touch during the day.

Finally, if you believe you may have been exposed, monitor your health and consider getting tested. Additionally, let your employer know immediately and self-isolate as much as possible.

Ultimately, COVID-19 is potentially dangerous to everyone, particularly older workers. It’s critical that you take care of yourself and exercise caution during these unprecedented times, allowing you to limit your odds of infection and slow the spread of the virus.

If you’d like to learn more about navigating the pandemic, the staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today.

 

 

Health Screener: The Person Everyone Is Looking to Hire Right Now!

HMG Success on July 13, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased demand for a range of medical professionals. However, one such position has gained a significant amount of prominence due to its importance in the current landscape.

Health screeners are the professionals that companies are looking to hire right now, allowing them to check and see if a person may have the virus. If you would like to know more about what a health screener is and how to become one, here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Health Screener?

Health screeners are medical professionals that collect specific health-related information on behalf of a medical facility, company or another kind of employer. Precisely what a health screener checks may vary from one role to the next. However, they are usually tasked with checking basic vital signs, such as a person’s body temperature and blood pressure. Additionally, collecting samples for laboratory analysis, such as cheek or nasal swaps, is a standard part of the role.

After collecting the data and samples, health screeners have to take accurate records of what occurred. Often, they have to make sure the information is filed correctly and that samples are logged and submitted for processing.

Why Is Demand for Health Screeners Rising?

Health screeners are in-demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic for several reasons. First, they can be a critical part of COVID-19 testing locations. When employed there, health screeners collect data and samples from individuals who believe they may have the virus, a crucial role in tracking the spread of the disease, and giving vital information regarding whether a person’s been infected.

Second, they may find opportunities with companies who need to monitor the health of their employees or any facility visitors or customers. For example, many organizations have begun screening their staff members regularly so that anyone who may have the virus can be sent home, limiting the chances that they’ll infect their colleagues.

How Can You Become a Health Screener?

The steps you need to take to become a health screener can vary. Often, the exact nature of the duties and any local laws, regulations, or requirements play a role. The more complex the responsibilities, the more education or training you may need before you can land a health screener job.

Typically, your path to becoming a health screener begins with some medical education. At times, paramedic or emergency medical technician (EMT) training can get you started. In most cases, that takes at least six months to complete. After that, you’ll need to pass an exam to become certified in your state.

However, you may need a nursing certification in some instances. That may require a college degree or vocational training. And, like paramedics and EMTs, you’ll have to pass a state exam to get certified.

After that, you should have the base credentials for an entry-level health screener role, allowing you to launch your new career. If you’d like to learn more about how you can enter the medical field, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today.

 

 

Laid Off? Now Might Be the Right Time for a Career Change!

HMG Success on July 10, 2020

Millions of Americans lost their jobs due to the pandemic. While many may have the opportunity to return as states begin to reopen, not all professionals will be enthusiastic about that prospect. When this happens, it could be a catalyst to move onto something better.

If your last position wasn’t ideal, the period after a layoff could be a perfect moment to make a switch. If you are wondering why now is an excellent time to make a career change, here’s what you need to know.

A Clean Break

In many ways, a layoff is a clean break. Usually, you weren’t let go due to performance issues or another reason that could hinder your prospects. Instead, the end of your employment was purely based on circumstances outside of your control.

Additionally, you will be launching a job search while you are unemployed. You don’t have to worry about your boss or colleagues finding out that you want to move in a new direction. It’s a good idea to clue them in. Then, not only can they serve as potential references, but they may also be able to refer you to opportunities.

Time to Explore

Those who were laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic typically qualify for unemployment. Along with the usual benefits, the federal government provided additional funds, increasing the number of program participants received each week.

Since your income level isn’t as harmed currently, you have more time to find something new. You won’t have to rush out and accept the first offer that comes along. Instead, you can explore your options to figure out what path may be best for you.

This is a critical part of the career change process. Unless you already know exactly where you want to head, you may need to spend some time researching roles, identifying your transferable skills, and determining what steps you need to take to qualify for your preferred job. After a layoff, that time may be available, making it easier to consider a significant switch.

A New Perspective

The COVID-19 pandemic incidentally taught everyone about the stability of their last industry. In some cases, it was a rude awakening, highlighting how a single incident could derail specific niches.

On the other end, it also showcased roles that become critical during a crisis. This is essential information. If you were in a job that practically disappeared during the pandemic, something more likely to survive might be a more attractive option. Essentially, your perspective has changed, and that’s something you shouldn’t necessarily ignore.

Ultimately, a layoff can be an excellent time to head in a new direction. If you would like to learn more about opportunities that may work for you, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable recruiters today and see how our comprehensive services can make a career change easier to manage than ever before.

 

 

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