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The Painful Truth All Job Seekers Face

HMG Success on June 21, 2019

 

For the vast majority of job seekers, landing the first opportunity they find isn’t going to be in the cards. Being rejected simply comes with the territory, as not every professional is a perfect fit for every position.

Even though rejection is part of the process, dealing with it can be a challenge. It can lead to self-doubt, cause you to lose your motivation, and may even cause physical pain in some.

Learning to deal with this painful truth more effectively is beneficial. It can help candidates keep their stress levels lower and allows them to turn the rejection into something constructive: A chance to improve. If you want to make the most of a rejection and ensure it doesn’t derail your job search, here are some tips that can help you during this stage of your career journey.

Request Feedback Whenever Possible

While you may not have many options if your resume is screened out by an automated tool, if you advanced further in the hiring process, you may be able to gather some valuable feedback that can help you during your job search. Let the hiring manager know you would appreciate their input regarding your resume, interview or overall performance, highlighting that your goal is to become a better candidate.

Make sure you stay open-minded during the conversation and avoid becoming defensive. The idea is to learn more about how you were perceived or any shortcomings you may have (such as not much experience in a particular area or a missing skill), giving you ideas on how you can do better the next time around.

Don’t Reply to Rejection Emails Immediately

As you first read a rejection email, your stress levels will rise. It is also common for job seekers to be upset, hurt, or even a bit angry, and that mindset may impact how you respond if you reply right away.

Instead, give yourself a moment – whether that be a few hours or a couple of days – to compose yourself and gain some perspective. This increases the odds you can reply strategically and that any negative emotions don’t lead you to say something you may regret down the line.

Look for the Positives

While job rejections can be hard to stomach, it is wise to look for the positives in the situation. The most obvious is that every position you apply to can serve as a learning opportunity, providing you a chance to hone your resume and interviewing skills and discover more about area employers.

However, you also want to consider whether the position was actually a great fit for you. When people receive a rejection, they often focus on what they feel they missed out on, viewing the experience through a skewed lens. This may lead them to forget about red flags or overlook indications that the job might not have been as ideal as it initially seemed.

While you don’t want to spend too much time nitpicking, realizing everything was not sunshine and rainbows can make the rejection easier to handle. In the end, you may determine the rejection wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, as getting an offer for a role you weren’t overly enthusiastic about isn’t necessarily a better outcome.

By following the tips above, job seekers can learn to deal with job rejection effectively. If you’d like to know more, the staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable recruiters today and see how our job search expertise can benefit you. Or click this link to browse open jobs in Michigan and Ohio.

 

 

How to Find a Job (Even If You’re Not Looking)

HMG Success on June 17, 2019

 

Managing an active job search is daunting. Spending hours upon hours scouring job boards takes a lot of energy, and it’s more than many professionals are willing to do unless they are genuinely trying to find a job.

For more passive job seekers, they would rather stay apprised of exciting opportunities that truly align with their goals and interests. However, they don’t want to dedicate a ton of time to the process since they aren’t necessarily dissatisfied with where they are today.

Luckily, there are ways to find out about jobs, even if you don’t want to seek one out actively. Here are some tips to get you started.

Stay Connected With Your Network

Your professional network is a job search asset, even if you’re not actively looking for new employment. Many people will reach out to individuals if they spot an exciting opportunity that aligns with their skills and abilities. However, they won’t contact you unless the relationship is strong and they are aware you might be interested.

Touch base with members of your network regularly. Discuss how things have been going and give them a chance to respond in kind by asking them questions about their life and career. On occasion, give them insights into your ideal role or career path, letting them know you would be interested if they discovered a position that aligns with your objectives.

This allows you to passively search for new jobs based on your criteria, increasing the odds your network will contact you if they spot something.

Follow Employers on Social Media

Many companies post about job openings on social media. If you have a few potential employers in sight, consider following them on Facebook, Twitter or any other platform where they have a presence. That way, when they post about an opportunity, it will show up in your feeds automatically, making the entire process more passive.

Set Up Job Alerts

Many platforms will allow you to create job alerts based on your target job title, skill set, location or other criteria. By setting a job alert up, you will be notified (usually by email) if anything is posted that aligns with your specifications.

Once set up, you don’t have to interact with a job alert unless you want to make changes. Additionally, you can skim the information in the email and decide at that point if you would like to take action. If there isn’t anything of interest, you can delete the message and move on quickly. If there is, you can click the link and dig in deeper.

Work With a Staffing Firm

Even if you’re not actively looking for a new job, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t connect with a leading staffing firm in your area. You can discuss your career goals, skills and experience with one of the recruiters, letting them know exactly what it would take for you to make a change.

Then, if the staffing agency discovers an opening that might interest you, they can present the information. You can choose to move forward or opt to pass on the opportunity, leaving you in full control while also ensuring you stay in the loop about new positions as they come available.

Ultimately, there are plenty of ways to find a job even if you don’t want to take on an active job search. If you’d like to learn more about how to find a job in Michigan and Ohio, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our experienced recruiters today and see how our hiring services can benefit you.

 

 

Your Personal Trait Employees Like Most!

HMG Success on June 13, 2019

 

As a manager, your employees look to you for inspiration and guidance. Any personal trait of yours influences how you are perceived, impacting how the workplace operates, incidentally or otherwise.

When it comes to their manager’s personal trait, there is one that is incredibly likely to help your employees thrive. Plus, it is often appreciated by your staff, making it even more powerful.

If you are wondering what trait your employees like most, here’s what you need to know.

The Power of Positivity

By and large, employees appreciate a manager who exudes positivity above all else. A positive attitude can make challenges seem less daunting and can eliminate the fear of failure, something that can actually hold your workers back by stymying the sharing of ideas or stifling innovation.

When a workplace is positive, productivity soars thanks to higher morale. Creativity can also be enhanced, and stress levels may fall. Engagement also rises in positive work environments.

When a manager has a positive attitude, it impacts their team. The employees may learn to make the most of what they have instead of pining over what they don’t. They may be more inclined to embrace their strengths as well as those of their teammates, creating an environment that is focused on cohesion and everyone working together to achieve common goals.

Communication is also easier in a positive workplace. Recognition tends to be used more often, and employees aren’t fearful of how their ideas may be received. Even views that aren’t embraced are not subject to undue criticism, making the company a comfortable place for exploring possibilities and innovating, even if the approach may be highly unconventional.

How to Be a More Positive Manager

Becoming a positive leader in your organization doesn’t have to be challenging. One easy way to begin is to be mindful of your own mood, as your employees will take cues about how they should feel from you.

Focusing on your workers’ strengths and helping build them can also be an effective approach. It allows great attention to be paid to what people are good at instead of where they fall short.

Helping your team see how their work contributes to a great purpose can lead to a more positive culture as well. When people believe their work is meaningful, beyond just impacting the company’s bottom line, they derive greater satisfaction from their tasks, improving morale.

When your staff does face a challenge, try to be a beacon of hope. Let your team know you will get through it together and remind them the future is bright, even if today feels difficult.

By using the tips above, you can become a positive influence in the workplace, ensuring your team can thrive no matter the circumstances or personal trait. If you’d like to find out more, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our experienced staff members today and see how our leadership expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Going Back to Work as a New Parent? Read This First

HMG Success on June 10, 2019

 

New parents face a range of challenges. After the birth of a child, it can seem as though your entire world has been turned upside down. Your priorities may have shifted, and your responsibilities at home may be more daunting. Then, if you are preparing to head back to work, you also have professional obligations that need to be added to the mix.

It is also common for parents to feel conflicted about going back to work after the birth of a child. Some may fear that it’s too early, regardless of the child’s age. Others may worry about missing out on big moments in their child’s life, and that can make the mere thought of coming back to the workforce hard to bear.

All of these feelings are normal. And, luckily, there are ways of navigating your new paradigm that will make it seem less difficult. If you are going back to work as a new parent, here’s what you need to know.

Be Kind to Yourself

First and foremost, you need to be kind to yourself. If you come home from a long day at work only to discover nothing is thawed for dinner and your home is messier than you’d like, don’t berate yourself for the situation. More often than not, any unkind words that run through your head are based on unrealistic expectations regarding what a person can accomplish in a single day, not the reality of being a new parent with a job.

So, instead of comparing yourself to others you believe are managing things more successfully or tearing yourself down for not being perfect every step of the way, cut yourself some slack. Whether that involves ordering takeout instead of cooking or letting a small mess sit where it is until the weekend, take a deep breath and focus on the most important things at home, like spending time with your child and handling the basic necessities.

Ask for Help When Needed

Many new parents subscribe to the idea they need to be superheroes who do it all. They need to handle their obligations at work, no matter the size of their workload, and keep everything managed on the home front all on their own.

While the thought behind this feeling is admirable, it isn’t a realistic goal. At times everyone needs help, and it’s completely okay to ask for it or accept it when it’s offered.

If a family member offers to babysit so you can grab a bite with friends and relax a bit, say “yes.” If your boss asks you for an update on your progress and you are genuinely overwhelmed, let them know you might need assistance. Whenever you truly need something, be honest and make your needs known. Otherwise, the people in your life can’t step in to make a difference.

Learn to Say “No”

As a new parent, learning to say “no” is essential. Whether it is declining a personal invitation that doesn’t align with your schedule or turning down extra assignments at work that aren’t part of your core duties, being able to politely but definitively decline is important. Otherwise, you could end up with more on your plate that you can manage.

It is okay to say “no” when you have a real reason for declining. If a friend asks you to join them at happy hour and that’s too disruptive to your schedule, ask for a raincheck. Then, as soon as you know you’ll have time available, reach out and let them know.

On the work front, if your boss asks for more than you can do, let them know taking it on could diminish the quality of your work as you are already fully or overtasked. Then, give them an overview of what is on your plate, so they can see you are genuinely stretched to the max.

By following the tips above, you can head back to work without adding too much undue stress. If you’d like to know more, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our staff members today and see how our expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Is a General Labor Job Right for You?

HMG Success on June 7, 2019

 

If you are preparing to start down your first career path or are considering making a change, wondering if a general labor job is right for you is common. Like any profession, not everyone knows the nuances of the roles until they’ve tried on themselves, which can make it hard to determine if it is actually a good fit.

Luckily, there are several features that are common in general labor positions. By understanding what they require, you can better judge if it is a path you would like to pursue. If you want to figure out if being a general laborer is the right option for you, here’s what you need to know.

General Labor Is a Big Category

First and foremost, it is important to understand the “general laborer” title can mean different things, depending on the employer. In some cases, it could involve warehouse work. In others, the job may focus more on packaging, maintenance or production.

What general labor jobs tend to have in common is that the work is physical in nature. You’ll usually spend most of your day on your feet, may need to do some heavy lifting, bending, leaning or twisting throughout the day is common.

Also, you’ll complete most of your duties with your hands. While tools and equipment may also be present, many of them are at least somewhat hand operated. How much manual dexterity is required depends on the nature of the work, as some do rely heavily on fine motor skills, while others do not.

Is a General Labor Job Right for You?

Whether you would enjoy a general labor job depends on a few factors. Since the tasks are usually physical, individuals who enjoy moving and like to stay active are more likely to excel in these positions than individuals who would rather work at a desk.

Most general labor positions are part of larger teams. If you like working closely with others and the idea of being part of a bigger team is appealing, a general labor job might be right up your alley.

Often, the environment in which general laborers work isn’t overly formal. While you may need to select attire based on safety requirements – like steel-toed boots in certain industrial companies – the dress code is typically a bit informal outside of those must-haves. If the idea of wearing a suit and tie or other similar attire doesn’t appeal to you, working as a general laborer may be a better match than an office position.

Finally, general laborer jobs can start you on the path toward a lucrative career. It isn’t uncommon to have opportunities to acquire new skills while you are working, giving you a chance to move up with your current employer or seek out exciting opportunities elsewhere. You may even have a chance to join the management team, allowing you to be a leader in an industrial environment.

While general labor jobs aren’t right for everyone, they can be a great fit for others. If you would like to learn more about existing open positions, the staff 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 make it easier than ever to find the right general labor job for you.

 

 

Yes, This Matters to Every Job Seeker

HMG Success on June 3, 2019

 

Job seekers want a lot from their employers. Usually, they hope to have a chance to advance, access to professional development opportunities, and a culture that aligns with their preferences and meets their needs. However, top talent also expects one more thing, and falling short in this area can cost you a great candidate. If you want to make sure you can secure the skilled professionals your company needs to thrive, here’s what you need to know.

A Competitive Salary Is a Must

While money isn’t everything, it is always something. If you want to recruit top performers for your open positions, offering the right salary is crucial.

When you present a job offer, if the compensation is too low, great candidates aren’t going to accept the job; it’s that simple. Most professionals are generally aware of what their skills and experience are worth to employers, so they aren’t going to accept a package that doesn’t align with their expectations.

This is especially true in fields where competition for candidates is fierce. Plus, with unemployment being low, it is decidedly a job seekers’ market. Even if they refuse your offer, there is a decent chance they can land something more competitive in short order, so they likely won’t be concerned about that decision.

When a job offer is far outside the norm, many candidates won’t even attempt to negotiate. If they assume you are too far apart to begin with, putting time and energy into a negotiation isn’t likely worth it in their eyes.

Additionally, if the salary you offer is well below that standard for the position or industry, it might even damage your reputation. Job seekers may discuss the slight openly, and that could prevent you from connecting with top talent in the future.

How to Make Sure Your Salary Offer Is Competitive

Luckily, it isn’t hard for companies to find out if their salaries are competitive. Often, you can do a few simple searches to gauge whether you are in line with industry norms.

First, you can check job postings at other companies in your area, focusing on those that publish salary ranges and that are competing for the same talent you are trying to land. Second, resources like Salary.com and Glassdoor can give you insights into competitive compensation for specific roles in your region.

The goal should be to at least align with industry standards in your area. Slightly exceeding the averages can also work in your favor, as long as the pay rate makes sense for the position.

Also, you want to make sure to research salary rates regularly to remain competitive. The norms can shift quickly, so reviewing the data every quarter is often wise.

If you would like to know more about landing skilled job seekers, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our recruitment specialists today and see how our compensation expertise can benefit you.

 

 

What Would It Take for You to Change Jobs?

HMG Success on May 27, 2019

 

 

After you have been in a job for a while, it is normal to be curious about other opportunities. Whether you are satisfied or dissatisfied with your current role, understanding what you may be able to find elsewhere can help you determine if it is enough for you to consider making a switch.

Unless you are in your dream job, being open to change is wise. Here is a look at what you may be able to find by looking for a new opportunity.

Better Pay

One of the most popular reasons for changing jobs is better pay. Even if the move doesn’t lead to new responsibilities or a higher job title, better compensation can be incredibly enticing.

Since the labor market is tight, companies increase their salary offerings and the quality of their benefits package to attract top talent. If your current employer isn’t offering competitive compensation and will not adjust your pay to align with the existing standard, then finding a new job may be a lucrative move.

Advancement

Another common reason for changing jobs is the opportunity to advance. If you have been in your current role for a while, you may have a higher-level skill set. At a minimum, you have increased the amount of experience you have in the field, and that may make you eligible for higher-level positions as well.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and there aren’t any promotional jobs available with your current employer, securing a new position elsewhere may help you advance your career. Plus, a promotional opportunity may come with new responsibilities, allowing you to increase your skill set further, as well as higher pay.

Cultural Fit

Cultural fit is incredibly important. If your goals and priorities do not align with an organization’s, you may not be fully satisfied with your current role. Similarly, if the environment itself doesn’t meet your needs, it can be challenging to be happy in a position over the long-term.

If an opportunity with a company that is a better cultural fit comes along, it could be worth exploring. When your priorities and preferences align with the organization’s vision, mission, or environment, you may feel more comfortable and happy if you choose to work there instead, making your time in the role more satisfying overall.

While you should never change jobs on a whim, all of the reasons above could make exploring new opportunities worthwhile. Plus, even if you are active in your search, you do not have to make a switch unless it makes sense for you and your career, particularly if aren’t at risk of losing your current position.

But your dream job may be just around the corner. Unless you genuinely love the job you have today, keeping an eye open for something new is always wise. If you would like to learn more or want to find out about exciting opportunities in the area, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our experienced staff today and see how our expertise and services can benefit you.

 

 

This Career Advice Might Be What You Need to Hear

HMG Success on May 24, 2019

 

 

Over the course of your career, you are likely going to receive a ton of advice. While not all of it is going to be as helpful as some words of wisdom you may hear, some of it can be incredibly valuable. The right piece of advice at the proper time can help you take advantage of an opportunity or otherwise keep things moving in the best direction possible. It may even allow you to avoid a critical mistake at a key moment.

Even though not all advice will apply equally to all people, there is one tidbit that everyone should be privy too. Here is the one piece of career advice that everyone should hear, regardless of their profession or industry.

Work Should Never Feel Like Work

While your job may require discipline and a significant amount of effort, that doesn’t mean it should feel like work. Ideally, when you head into your workplace, you should feel excited about what the day has in store. Obstacles shouldn’t seem like hardships but opportunities or engaging challenges. The occasional long day shouldn’t feel disruptive or frustrating, but just an occasional necessity to keep everything moving smoothly.

Now, this does not mean that you have to love every moment of your job. Every role has some aspects that you will not find enjoyable. What matter is that the good far outweighs the bad and that the idea of going to or being at work does not fill you with dread, but excitement or at least a sense of satisfaction.

Essentially, if you do not feel like you are learning or experiencing something valuable and engaging for the majority of your day, then it is appropriate to question whether you are in the right place. At times, it may be an environmental or cultural issue, and finding a new position might be a necessity. However, if you are not excited about your field, then a bigger change might be in order.

What to Do If Work Feels Like Work

If you are in a job that feels especially burdensome or tedious, you need to determine if it is just that position or company, or if you are not in a career that aligns with your priorities and preferences. For cases where it is the former, seeking out a new opportunity in your field may be the ideal approach, allowing you to secure a position that does not feel like work every day.

However, if it is the latter, then you need to examine where you are and how it compares to where you want to be. Identify which aspects of your job or career are enjoyable as well as what isn’t. Then, explore options that allow you to do more of what you like and less of what you don’t, including possibly transitioning into another specialty, field or industry.

Ultimately, the advice above is valuable for everyone, so consider it while you plan your career. If you would like more tips that could help you improve your job satisfaction, the staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our knowledgeable team today and see how our career planning experience can benefit you. If you are looking for a new job you’ll love, click here!

 

 

Does Your Workplace Focus on Well-Being?

HMG Success on May 20, 2019

 

 

Employee wellness is critical if you want your company to thrive, and it is not an issue you should expect your workers to address only during their off-hours. If your organization is not focused on the well-being of your staff, preventable problems may occur that harm productivity and morale.

Luckily, your company can have a big impact on employee wellness fairly quickly. By implementing the right programs and offering the proper benefits, you can enhance the well-being of your team, making them more effective both inside and out of the workplace. Here is how to get started.

Personalize Your Offerings

What it takes to maintain optimal health and well-being varies from one employee to the next. Not every worker has the same needs or priorities, so offering the ability to handpick or customize certain benefits can be ideal for promoting wellness.

Begin the process by speaking with or surveying your staff to determine what they need and want. Then, avoid one-size-fits-all options and adjust your offerings in accordance with the information you received when the opportunity to do so is there.

Consider a Range of Coaching Options

When companies think about coaching options for their workers, career coaching is usually the first one that springs to mind. While this is certainly valuable, providing other forms can enhance overall well-being.

For example, financial health workshops, stress management classes, retirement planning sessions, and similar forms of coaching can create a more well-rounded approach to employee wellness. It focuses on whole-life improvements instead of those based solely on career progression.

Don’t Neglect Physical Activity

Being physically fit and healthy has an impact on well-being. By adding health-oriented options, you can support wellness on a wider scale.

For instance, standing desks can be a great addition to the workplace. Offering exercise balls in conjunction with regular chairs can also be beneficial. Encouraging managers to hold walking meetings instead of sessions in a conference room can help squeeze activity into the day. Similarly, hosting exercise classes in conference rooms during lunch breaks or after traditional work hours can make it easier for employees to fit a workout into their busy schedules.

Reevaluate Your Program Regularly

As you add different options, make sure to gather feedback from your staff. Give them a chance to tell you what is working and what isn’t, or if something could be done to make a benefit more helpful or enticing. Not only does this allow them to have input into the company’s wellness program, but it also gives you valuable data for monitoring the organization’s progress and impact. This enables you to assess which wellness investments are generating positive results, ensuring you can justify the continuation of the program.

If you would like to know more about managing the well-being of your workers, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our experienced team today and see how our employee wellness knowledge can benefit you.

 

 

Interview Questions YOU Need to Ask

HMG Success on May 17, 2019

 

 

When you are looking for a new job, it is common to focus on the interview questions you’ll be expected to answer. After all, having strong responses ready is essential if you are going to impress the hiring manager.

However, you are also going to be given a chance to ask your own questions during the interview. And, if you don’t have something ready, you are missing out on a critical opportunity to find out more about the role, environment, and company, or potentially a chance to address points that may be concerning the hiring manager.

If you want to make sure you are thoroughly prepared for your next interview, here are the questions you need to be ready to ask.

How Did You Come to Work Here?

This question serves as an approach to bond with the hiring manager, allowing you to gain insight into their career and reason for joining the company.

What Do You Enjoy Most About Working Here?

By asking the hiring manager this question, you not only have an opportunity to find out more about what they enjoy but also their priorities. You may also find out about unique aspects of the company that you did not have a chance to hear about during the interview or through the vacancy announcement.

Plus, it lets you focus on a positive aspect of the organization and bond further with the hiring manager. Many people enjoy talking about what they like, so it makes a good impression.

Can You Tell Me About Your Most Recent Successful Hire and Why They Are Excelling?

When you ask this question, you are creating an opportunity to understand how the hiring manager defines success and what makes a person a top performer in their eyes.

Can You Tell Me About a Recent Hire Who Was Not Successful and Why It Was a Poor Fit?

This is another question that helps you understand how the hiring manager views success. By learning about someone who struggled, you can find out what traits may not align with the organization or potential struggles you may face.

What Is the Biggest Challenge the Company Faces Currently and How Will This Position Help Solve It?

When you ask this question, you are able to find out about any existing pain points the organization is facing, as well as how the role itself is involved in overcoming it. It also allows you to showcase your awareness when it comes to the company’s needs, which can make a positive impression.

How Will I Measure My Performance So I Can Make Sure I’m Having a Positive Impact?

This is a question that allows you to demonstrate your willingness to take ownership of your role and how it relates to existing challenges. Plus, it gives you insights into how your performance would be evaluated, empowering you to focus on areas they align with success.

Are There Any Additional Skills You Wish I Brought to the Table That Would Make Me a Better Fit?

By asking this question, you create two opportunities. First, you can learn about anything you may be lacking that would make you a stronger candidate, which could help you identify options for enhancing your capabilities in the right areas. Second, if you do possess the skill and didn’t have a chance to address it previously, you can speak to it now, ensuring the hiring manager learns that you do have it to offer.

What Are the Next Steps in the Hiring Process?

This question is meant to be asked last. It gives you a chance to learn about the hiring timetable and any additional efforts you may need to make along the way. Plus, it highlights your interest in moving forward, showing you are excited about the opportunity.

All of the questions above are worth asking as your interview wraps up, allowing you to assess the position further and learn more about the organization. If you’d like to learn more, or browse open jobs in Michigan and Ohio, the staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our team today and see how our interviewing expertise can benefit you.

 

 

How to Handle Unhappy Employees

HMG Success on May 13, 2019

 

 

Every workplace has its fair share of unhappy employees. In some cases, they are simply dissatisfied with aspects of their role or with their boss. In others, personal challenges are impacting their overall mood, influencing how they feel about every part of their life.

Regardless of the reason, it is still important for managers to act swiftly when they spot an unhappy employee. Otherwise, their view may spread through the organization, negatively impact productivity, or simply aggravate their team.

If you have an unhappy employee in your midst, here is how to handle the situation.

Create Avenues for Unhappy Employees to Share Feedback

When workplace or position-related issues are the core reason behind a worker being dissatisfied, the situation can only be corrected if the right people are aware of the problem. When you can address their primary concerns internally, you can create a better environment and working conditions, increasing the odds their mood will turn around.

Ideally, you want to have several mechanisms where employees can provide feedback. Along with speaking directly with their manager, offer a few alternatives (including at least one anonymous approach) that allow them to express their feelings, thoughts, and concerns. Then, make sure all feedback is reviewed regularly so that action can be taken in a timely fashion.

Offer the Right Training

Issues like workplace bullying and discrimination can be incredibly damaging to morale. In order to help prevent these problems from occurring, continuing, or spreading, offering training in appropriate workplace behavior is a must.

Make sure that you inform employees of any rules and standards governing behavior, including related laws and regulations as well as company expectations. Ideally, this should be part of the onboarding process as well as ongoing, particularly since standards can change over time.

Managers should also participate in additional training focused on learning the signs of problems in the workplace. Additionally, these educational sessions should cover expectations regarding how they should intervene and what steps need to be taken if an incident does occur.

Plan for a Sudden Outburst

At times, unhappy employees vent their frustration publicly and loudly. It may simply be a moment where they want to air a grievance, though, in worst-case scenarios, it can also lead to threats of violence or violent actions.

While this is often viewed as a rare possibility, being ready for what may occur is beneficial. Make sure the company has plans in place to respond to various situations before an incident happens, including the sending of emergency communications, when law enforcement needs to be contacted, and other crisis response planning steps.

By following the tips above, you can be ready to handle unhappy employees regardless of how the situation unfolds. Additionally, you can prevent certain issues from occurring in the first place, creating a more positive culture.

If you would like to know more about managing employee morale, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our experienced staff today and see how our expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Do You Switch Jobs Too Often?

HMG Success on May 10, 2019

 

 

Not long ago, people would secure a job with a company and stay there for the majority of their career, potentially even working for a single organization until they retired. Today, professionals approach their careers differently, and often switch jobs at least a few times as they move up the ladder.

Millennials are particularly open to changing employers. However, if your tenure with each organization is short, you may be labeled a job hopper, and that isn’t always ideal.

Figuring out how often is too often when it comes time to switch jobs isn’t always easy. Plus, each company may view your job changes differently, adding to the confusion. If you want to make sure you are not switching jobs too often, here are some points to consider.

Is the New Job Actually Better?

Before you move on to something new, it’s important to determine if that opportunity is actually better. While it may come with a higher salary or elevated job title, is it also providing more chances to advance or develop your skills? Have you really learned all you can from your current employer? Does the position remedy an unsolvable issue, like a poor cultural fit in the job you have today?

Essentially, you want to evaluate what you may be leaving behind fully as well as what the new opportunity has to offer. This will help you determine which option is likely better for your long-term career goals and not just what seems better today.

Are You Staying At Least Three Years on Average?

When a company hires a candidate, they are often looking for individuals they can invest in and receive a return for their efforts. That is why having a somewhat stable history plays in your favor.

In an ideal world, you want to stay with each employer for at least three years. If that can’t always happen, you need to be able to explain why you left more quickly in a way that can reassure the hiring manager you don’t view that as the norm for your career.

A series of incredibly short tenures – usually anything under a year – may be viewed as a red flag by hiring managers. While having it happen once won’t typically work against you, several fast moves may look like a pattern of impulsivity, so you want to avoid that whenever possible.

Before you make a move, you need to consider how the job change may look in the hiring manager’s eyes. Try to be smart about your job changes, only taking on something new when it is beneficial to your long-term career goals. Impulsivity will work against you in time, so make sure you fully consider how a short tenure may look and if the other opportunity is worth the risk.

If you would like to learn more, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak to an experienced member of our staff today and see how our career management expertise can benefit you. If you want to check out our current open positions or switch jobs, click here!

 

 

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