This Is No April Fools!
You could really win a 43″ Smart T.V. just by referring your friends and family to The Advance Group!
This One Thing Can Make a Big Difference to Your Employees
Employees look to their manager for guidance, and not just in regards to their daily duties or critical projects. They often see them as role models and mentors as well, and they want your input to help them shape their careers.
However, figuring out how to approach the topic can seem daunting. After all, you do not want to give them advice that does not pan out, potentially leading them down the wrong path.
Luckily, there is one thing you can do that can make a massive difference in the lives of your employee and those around you. Here’s what you need to know.
Encourage Them to Think Big
Most professionals have a basic plan of where they want to be in the future. However, they may be limiting themselves, even if they are fairly ambitious, partially because they have never considered certain paths viable or within reach.
You can inspire your employees to overcome these barriers by encouraging them to think big. For example, if a team member has a career plan that involves new skills, but they do not mention moving into leadership roles, ask them how they feel about the idea.
The purpose is to challenge them with something that is more ambitious than their current goal. Get them to consider more than just what they have their eyes on today, as it may broaden their horizons and help them realize their potential.
Plus, if you genuinely believe they are capable of what you are proposing, your faith in their abilities will further inspire them. This is especially true if they view you with respect and as an authority on the matter, increasing the odds they will take the question seriously.
It only takes a moment for you to spark an idea in the mind of a talented professional, so it is worth sitting down with your employees individually and helping them explore what is possible.
Offer Concrete Steps When Possible
If you can go further than just presenting an idea by also offering them an opportunity to take a step forward, do it. Often, even those with big ambitions do not always know how to begin or where they can find the opening they need to make progress. If you have it within your power to provide a concrete plan that can make that new goal a reality, you are not just inspiring them to strive for greater success; you are enabling them to achieve their dreams.
Ultimately, these small conversations can be very powerful, increasing the odds your employees will reach their full potential. If you would like to know more, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us for a free staffing consultation or to discuss your questions with a member of our skilled team today and see how our expertise can benefit you and your employees today, tomorrow, and well into the future.
This One Thing Can Make a Big Difference to Your Employees
Employees look to their manager for guidance, and not just in regards to their daily duties or critical projects. They often see them as role models and mentors as well, and they want your input to help them shape their careers.
However, figuring out how to approach the topic can seem daunting. After all, you do not want to give them advice that does not pan out, potentially leading them down the wrong path.
Luckily, there is one thing you can do that can make a massive difference in the lives of your employee and those around you. Here’s what you need to know.
Encourage Them to Think Big
Most professionals have a basic plan of where they want to be in the future. However, they may be limiting themselves, even if they are fairly ambitious, partially because they have never considered certain paths viable or within reach.
You can inspire your employees to overcome these barriers by encouraging them to think big. For example, if a team member has a career plan that involves new skills, but they do not mention moving into leadership roles, ask them how they feel about the idea.
The purpose is to challenge them with something that is more ambitious than their current goal. Get them to consider more than just what they have their eyes on today, as it may broaden their horizons and help them realize their potential.
Plus, if you genuinely believe they are capable of what you are proposing, your faith in their abilities will further inspire them. This is especially true if they view you with respect and as an authority on the matter, increasing the odds they will take the question seriously.
It only takes a moment for you to spark an idea in the mind of a talented professional, so it is worth sitting down with your employees individually and helping them explore what is possible.
Offer Concrete Steps When Possible
If you can go further than just presenting an idea by also offering them an opportunity to take a step forward, do it. Often, even those with big ambitions do not always know how to begin or where they can find the opening they need to make progress. If you have it within your power to provide a concrete plan that can make that new goal a reality, you are not just inspiring them to strive for greater success; you are enabling them to achieve their dreams.
Ultimately, these small conversations can be very powerful, increasing the odds your employees will reach their full potential. If you would like to know more, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us for a free staffing consultation or to discuss your questions with a member of our skilled team today and see how our expertise can benefit you and your employees today, tomorrow, and well into the future.
Does Your Resume Do You Justice?
Modesty is often considered a virtue, but it doesn’t always serve you well when you are looking to land a new job. Selling yourself short on your resume can cause you to miss out on opportunities, including an amazing new position.
At its core, a resume is a marketing document, so you need to treat it as such. By using it to sell your experience, skills, and achievements, you increase your odds of standing out in the eyes of the hiring manager, making it more likely that you will be called in for an interview.
If you don’t know if your resume is going you justice, here’s what you need to consider.
Is Your Resume an Attention-Grabber?
Researchers have long said that a hiring manager only reviews a resume for a few seconds initially. This means you just have a couple of moments to grab their attention. Otherwise, they are going to move on to the next candidate.
Ideally, your resume needs to be filled with short statements that pack a punch. Strive to highlight your accomplishments and relevant skills, showcasing exactly why you are right for that particular role.
Are You Overly Modest?
Your resume is an opportunity to politely brag about what you bring to the table. Often, job seekers fear that, if they are too assertive, the hiring manager may assume they are arrogant.
While this can certainly happen if you are overly aggressive, there are ways you can brag that comes off as confident, not arrogant. For example, embracing active instead of passive voice when you discuss your accomplishments is a great way to start. It makes your resume engaging and highlights your trust in your abilities without arrogance.
Using strong action words – like “achieved,” “identified,” “generated,” “solved,” and “upgraded” – also helps your resume pack a punch without going too far.
Did You Include Numbers?
Quantifying your accomplishments is always the best approach. Not only do numbers visually stand out, drawing the hiring manager’s attention, but they also provide valuable context about your achievement.
For example, “Increased sales” is not nearly as impactful as “Increased sales by 20 percent.” Dollar amounts are similarly powerful, so add them whenever appropriate.
Can You Back It Up?
You can’t just tell the hiring manager you are great; you have to prove it. On your resume, make sure to include clear examples that highlight your achievements. Let them know about the situation, the tasks you needed to perform, the challenges you encountered, how you reached success, and the results of your work. Also, discuss any of the relevant skills involved in achieving the resolution, especially if they align with your target role.
By following the tips above, you can ensure your resume is doing you justice. If you would like to learn more about running an effective job search and finding open jobs in Michigan and Ohio, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our staff members today and see how our resume writing expertise can benefit you.
Changing Careers? Keep This in Mind!
Preparing for changing careers can be an exciting time, but it also comes with some challenges. After all, you are altering your life in a big way, and there may be some rough waters to navigate before you reach your destination.
Luckily, with a little preparation, you can smooth the transition. Here is what you need to keep in mind before changing careers.
Having Anxiety About Changing Careers Is Perfectly Normal
When you change careers, some anxiety is part of the experience. Even if you are happy about the switch, you will also have some doubts you need to conquer.
You may wonder whether you have made a mistake or if you are up to the challenge; that’s to be expected. This is a monumental change, but it is still important to trust that you are on the right path and focus on the potential successes that lie ahead. There may be a lot of learning involved, but you will pick it up. Remember, you did this when you started your last career, so don’t sell yourself short.
Mourning Your Old Job Is Also Normal
Changing careers means leaving something behind, and it is normal to have mixed feelings about the transition. You may miss aspects of your old job or wish you could still enjoy the company of your former co-workers. Even losing some of your sense of self is common, particularly since so much of a person’s identity is tied to what they do.
However, it is important to realize these feelings of sadness do not mean you have made a mistake. Inevitably, they will pass as you get more comfortable in your new role; it is just part of the transition process.
You Are Not Stuck in Your New Career
With any luck, you will adore your new career. However, if you don’t, that doesn’t mean you are stuck here or you made a mistake. Plus, if you did not give it a try, you might have regretted not going for it, and that is not something you could get over quickly.
Remember, just because you left your old career does not mean you can’t go back if that is what you want to do. Additionally, just because you have transitioned into something new doesn’t mean you can’t change careers again if it is not a great fit.
In the end, you will have a valuable learning experience no matter what. You will gain new skills and have a better idea of what you want, and that can make it easier to find an opportunity down the road that is genuinely a great fit.
Just make sure you do not give up on this new career too quickly. It will take a little time for you to get comfortable in your new role, so make sure you give it a fair shake before moving on.
If you are interested in learning more about changing careers, the staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members today and see how our career transition and planning expertise can benefit you.
Use These Tips to Make Safety Training Engaging
Engagement is critical for the learning process. If the material or approach do not capture the attention of your employees, your safety training will not be as effective. This could result in knowledge gaps, injuries, or worse, simply because your team was not giving the training their full attention.
Finding ways to make your safety training engaging is essential if you want to protect your workers and the company. If you do not know where to begin, here are some tips.
Find Your Priorities
Your training program should align with your safety priorities. Often, this requires a full risk assessment, ensuring you understand your biggest threats as well as which employees are most at risk.
Examine workspaces, tasks, equipment, processes, and anything else that can shine a light on potential issues within your company. As you perform your review, also look at any near misses that could indicate a problem even when there is not an actual injury associated with the event.
Then, you can target these points specifically during your training, ideally at the beginning of the session when everyone is most alert. This increases the odds your priorities will be addressed at a time when recall and retention capabilities are at their peak.
Select the Right Approach
Using the best training approach based on your employees’ preferences is a must. While some workers may be able to tolerate a long lecture, others will start to tune out fairly quickly, so it might not be the best option if you want to increase engagement. Similarly, not everyone thrives if you use computer solutions for independent learning, especially if they are distracted by their duties, face constant interruptions, or are not particularly tech-savvy.
Research different training options and see which one (or ones) best align with your company goals and your workers’ preferred learning styles. That way, you can select an approach that is more likely to engage your staff, increasing their recall and retention.
Make Safety Training Part of Your Culture
When workplace safety is an aspect of your culture, you do not have to rely on formal training to increase learning. Instead, make every accident, near miss, or issue a training opportunity, encouraging people to explore solutions and learn how they can avoid the problem in the future.
Inadvertently, this approach also promotes bite-sized training, which may be more digestible. Instead of long sessions, you are focusing on single topics for a short period, making it easier for employees to stay engaged during the discussion.
While this may not substitute for formal training, it can increase safety awareness quickly and efficiently, ensuring your workforce always has safety on their mind.
If you would like to know more about effective safety training options, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us for a free staffing consultation and see how our workplace safety expertise can benefit you.
Click for 5 Forklift Jobs Today
If you are looking for forklift jobs and need one quick, there are opportunities available today. Here are five forklift jobs worth exploring.
1. Warehouse – Temperance, MI
A rapidly growing company that focuses on the steel industry is looking for a warehouse worker with forklift experience. Along with forklift operation, you will also need to use an overhead crane, handle some light welding, and complete various other duties relating to the steel processing industry.
Positions are available on all three shifts, including 1st (7:00 am – 3:00 pm), 2nd (3:00 pm – 11:00 pm), and 3rd (11:00 pm – 7:00 am), Monday through Friday, giving you the ability to apply to the one that works best for you.
2. Forklift – Monroe, MI
If you enjoy a high-energy environment and prefer a four-day workweek, this forklift position may be ideal for you. You will load and unload trucks, handle materials, package products, and stage shipments.
The role is temp-to-hire and comes with a competitive pay rate. 1st and 2nd shift opportunities are available with a 4-10 schedule, though the ability to work overtime and weekends as necessary is a must.
3. Warehouse – Swanton, OH
An equine fence manufacturer is looking for a well-rounded warehouse candidate with forklift experience. The selected job seeker will pick and pack orders, so accuracy and attention to detail are a must.
You also need to be able to stand and walk for a full shift and lift up to 50 pounds regularly. Heavier lifting may also be a necessity as well as the opportunity to operate a forklift during the day.
4. Forklift – Monroe, WI
If you prefer a fast-paced, deadline-driven, rewarding team environment, this forklift opportunity could be just what you were hoping to find. The position begins as temp-to-hire with a competitive pay rate. Plus, if you are hired on permanently, you will get a raise.
There are current openings on the 1st and 2nd shift, Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 12:00 am, respectively. You may also have a chance to cross train into other areas, allowing you to broaden your skill set while on the job.
5. Warehouse – Bedford Township, MI
If you want to work for a great company that offers excellent benefits and growth potential, a fast-growing company is looking for warehouse professionals with forklift experience today. You will also need to use an overhead crane, handle some light welding, and assist with steel product production.
The ability to lift up to 50 pounds is also essential, and it’s important to note that the job can be physically demanding. The pay rate is competitive and is temp-to-hire, with the ability to land a raise when you go permanent.
All of the positions above are currently open and looking for the right forklift jobs. If you are interested in any of these roles or are seeking out other opportunities, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us to learn more about our vacancies and see how our services can make your job search easier than ever before.
5 Signs You’re Ready for a New Ohio Job
Let’s face facts; it isn’t always easy to figure out if you should initiate a job search and seek out new opportunities. You want to make sure you are making a smart decision and, even if your current position is not great, feeling conflicted about leaving your current Ohio job is common.
However, there are some signs that suggest finding a new Ohio job is the best option. If you are toying with the idea of landing a new role, here are five signs making the transition is not a bad idea.
1. Heading to Work Fills You With Dread
While everyone has a few days from time to time where heading into work is the last thing they want to do, constant feelings of dread are never a good thing. If you are constantly telling yourself that you are just having a bad week, month, or year, but the situation never improves, finding something that does not make you feel that way is probably best if you want to preserve your well-being.
2. Your Boss Lacks Critical Knowledge
It is true that no one knows everything, and managers are no different. But, if your manager seems to have a knowledge gap in a critical area (one that relates to their department and their team’s jobs), then that is only going to breed frustration. When you do not trust that your boss has the ability to make a sound decision, you will likely be filled with doubt, anxiety, or feelings of anger. If you frequently question your manager’s competence, then moving on may be a wise choice.
3. The Company Is Poised to Fail
While no company is guaranteed to succeed year after year, once the writing is on the wall, sticking it out can be a horrible decision. Hanging on to a failing employer doesn’t just increase your stress levels; it can also lead to unemployment for a period. If you genuinely feel the business is going to crash and burn, you need to set aside your feelings of loyalty and seek out a new opportunity. Otherwise, you may face more competition when you and your co-workers are out of a job, making it harder to secure something new.
4. You Hate Your Duties
Loving every minute of your job isn’t usually possible, but hating all of your work is a sign you should start a job search. Being passionate about what you do increases job satisfaction and makes it easier to perform at your best. Whether you need to find a new opportunity in your field or completely change careers may depend on how you feel, but exploring your options is a good idea.
5. You Can’t Move Forward
Having chances to learn, grow and advance are critical for the health of your career. If your current employer has you stuck in a dead-end role, you need to take action if you want to move forward. The only exception is when you hit a career peak, when it would be okay to not have some of these opportunities. Otherwise, do your career a favor and see what else may be available.
Ultimately, any of the signs above could indicate that you are ready for a new Ohio job. If you want to explore your options, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to learn more about our current vacancies and see how our career management expertise can benefit you, or browse our open jobs today.
Why Great Candidates Aren’t Applying to Your Jobs
Hiring is one of the most crucial parts of operating a company. Without the right employees, the business may struggle or fail to thrive, harming productivity and profitability.
Figuring out how to attract high-quality candidates can feel like a challenge, especially if your job postings aren’t garnering the expected level of attention and you don’t know why. Luckily, some simple fixes could help you land great job seekers. Here’s what you need to know.
Ineffective Job Posts
Your vacancy announcements play a critical role in the hiring process. If the job description is vague or, in contrast, is a laundry list of requirements, top talent may just pass you by. Similarly, if the post only discusses what they can do for you, and not what you can offer them, genuinely skilled professionals aren’t going to be interested.
Instead of listing a ton of must-have skills and highly restrictive experience requirements alone, work to sell the job as an opportunity. Discuss exciting upcoming projects, chances to learn and grow professionally, or anything else about the role that is legitimately enticing.
Also, highlight why your company is a great employer. Showcase your amazing culture or admirable mission. Just make sure to pepper it all with keywords job seekers may use to find positions, and you are all set.
Long Application Process
Let’s get one thing straight; highly skilled professionals aren’t going to go through a lengthy application process. If you request a resume, then make them put that information into an application, then ask them to answer multiple essay questions, most top talent are going to bail out well before the submit button even appears.
The application part of the process is not the time to learn every detail about the candidate. Instead, you simply need to find out who has potential in this employee-driven job market, so keep your application process short and simple.
Limited Reach
Not long ago, job seekers flocked to major job boards to find available positions. Today, that just isn’t the case. Instead, they use niche job boards, scan social media, and reach out to their network. That means, if your job posting is only on your company recruitment page or one major job board, a ton of candidates don’t even know you are hiring.
If you aren’t getting the ideal response from your job postings, then branch out. Find niche job boards and list your opportunity, post about the job on social media, and ask your employees for referrals. This gives you access to a larger talent pool by increasing visibility, making it easier to find the highly skilled professionals you need to succeed.
By following the tips above, you can find amazing candidates with greater ease. If you are looking for great candidates for your vacant positions, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with skilled job seekers quickly and efficiently. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive and flexible hiring services and see how our recruiting expertise can benefit you.
Take This Advice Home from Work
In some cases, career advice can actually apply to more than your job. When viewed through the right lens, it can actually be great guidance for life in general, allowing you to derive more value from the information.
Whether you are looking to improve your professional or personal life, here is some advice that can apply in either case.
Clear Communication Is Necessary for Relationships
When it comes to your personal and professional relationships, clear communication really is the key. Miscommunications can lead to serious hardships, so strive to avoid being vague or ambiguous when you speak with anyone in your life. Similarly, don’t withhold critical details if you have the ability to share them.
By communicating with confidence and being direct and open during discussions, you can make sure you are well understood. Then, just make sure to give everyone else involved in the conversation your full attention when they speak, and you can improve nearly any relationship, both inside and out of the office.
No One Is Prepared for Every Possibility
At some point, life will throw you a curveball; it’s just the way it is. No matter how far ahead you plan or how organized you are, you are going to have to wing it occasionally.
However, when this occurs, don’t get down on yourself. No one is prepared for every possibility all of the time. Being ready for everything just isn’t realistic, so don’t hold yourself to that standard.
Ultimately, life is unpredictable by nature, and you won’t always know what you’re doing. And that’s okay. Give yourself a break and do the best you can.
Just Because You Receive Advice, Doesn’t Mean You Have to Follow It
While being open to feedback is a must if you want to improve professionally or personally, you aren’t required to implement every piece of advice you get. Each person you encounter is going to have a different perspective, and there’s a reasonable chance they don’t understand the full picture.
All you actually need to do is consider what they have to say. If their advice doesn’t align with your goals, preferences or reality, you can set it aside if that feels like the best call for you.
It’s OK to Change Course
Sometimes, the idea of something is more attractive than the reality. Once you give the activity a whirl, it becomes clear it doesn’t align with your interests. And, when that happens, it’s OK to let it go.
There is nothing wrong with changing course on occasion. If you tried something and you don’t love it, feel free to leave it behind. Similarly, if you used to enjoy something but you don’t anymore, setting it aside might be a smart move.
Ultimately, we only have so much time in work and life, so making sure you can pursue the stuff you enjoy and limit things you don’t is just smart. If you’d like to learn more about advice that can apply to both your personal and professional life, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our recruiters today and see how our career management expertise can benefit you, or browse our newest job openings on your own time.
There’s a New Safety Priority at Your Workplace
If your work environment is loud, noise-induced hearing loss is a possibility. Companies across the country are striving to limit these risks by providing employees with suitable amounts of protection and working to reduce high decibel levels.
One OSHA report shows organizations have had to pay out around $1.5 million in damages for failing to provide sufficient noise protection equipment to their staff. Workers’ compensation claims focused on hearing loss also come in about $250 million each year, showing just how costly neglecting noise levels can be for businesses.
How Much Noise Is Too Much?
When sound intensity is measured, it is done in decibels (dBA). The unprotected ear can only tolerate extended exposure to noise that is at 85 decibels or lower. Once you cross the 85 dBA threshold, permanent hearing loss can occur.
However, many workers aren’t required to wear hearing protection when in noisy environments or when they are around loud equipment. In some cases, companies mandate protection should be used, but fail to provide sufficient options. In others, the businesses don’t properly enforce procedures.
At times, the issue is an underestimation of the sound intensity associated with specific equipment. For example, some would be surprised to hear that a nail gun can emit sounds reaching 100 dBA, and being exposed to one for just 30 minutes could result in permanent damage.
What Can Companies Do to Protect Workers?
First and foremost, companies need to educate their staff regarding the risks associated with noise exposure and the potential for hearing loss. Let your employees know which pieces of equipment can cause damage and how quickly it can occur.
Next, develop procedures and protocols for both operating and being in the vicinity of noisy equipment. Include clear guidelines that list which equipment must be worn and when, ensuring everyone understands the requirements for every scenario.
Then, make protective gear highly accessible to your staff. Make sure all of the options are readily available and that all provided equipment is in good repair and working order. Ideally, you want more than you need on hand. That way, as pieces breakdown, you have replacements at the ready and can order new equipment to keep your supply up.
Finally, create a noise-monitoring program that can keep tabs on your environment and your employees. Track the decibels when multiple pieces of equipment are in use in one area or whenever a new piece of equipment is added to the environment, even as a replacement for something that was already available. If your reports show that adjustments to the protection procedures are necessary, make them as quickly as possible and distribute the information to your staff.
It’s important to remember that, once an employee suffers hearing loss, those changes are permanent. By taking action today, you can help keep your workers safe, ensuring they don’t enter into or work in noisy environments unprotected.
If you would like to learn more about protecting your employees, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members today and see how our workplace safety expertise can benefit you.
How to Find New Michigan Jobs Today
When you need to find a job quickly, it’s hard to figure out where to start. While scanning large-scale national job boards is a tried-and-true approach for learning about opportunities, it isn’t always the speediest way to go. Luckily, there are alternatives that can provide you with faster results. If you want to find new Michigan jobs today, here are some tips that will help you on your journey.
Make Social Media Work for You
Social media is more than a way to connect with friends and family; you can also find out about employers and their current vacant Michigan jobs. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter can all be exceptional resources, allowing you to learn about new job postings and companies that are hiring.
When you prepare to use social media in your job search, take a few moments to make sure your profile reflects well on you as a professional. Remove any pictures or posts that might not be appropriate, and add some details to highlight your skills and background.
Then, you can search posts to see if there are any Michigan jobs you want to pursue. Plus, you can tap your own professional network to see if they have any information that could help you secure a coveted role. Together, those activities make social media incredibly powerful, so make sure to include it in your job search.
However, you might even be able to do more. Though sites like LinkedIn and Facebook, you can sometimes even apply for jobs using your profile. If you are looking to run an efficient job search, it’s an excellent option.
Connect With a Staffing Firm
Local staffing firms are exceptional resources when you are looking for a new opportunity. By connecting with The Advance Group, we can help you find your ideal role with a leading Michigan employer quickly and efficiently thanks to our extensive connections in the community. Plus, we know about Michigan jobs that aren’t advertised anywhere else, ensuring you have access to the most exciting positions available.
You can also find out about the vacancies they are filling by heading online. Check out The Advance Group’s job listings to see if any positions interest you or complete an online application to make sure your information is ready when the right role comes along. In either case, you can accelerate your job search, ensuring you can land a new job in Michigan as quickly as possible.
Sign Up for Job Alerts With The Advance Group
If you want to make sure you don’t miss a single opportunity in Michigan, signing up for job alerts with The Advance Group can ensure you always stay informed. You can craft your ideal job search, save the information, and have details about new jobs sent to you automatically. Then, with a simple click, you can check out the job ad and apply.
With job alerts from The Advance Group, you never have to worry about missing out on your dream Michigan jobs. If you’d like to learn more about what The Advance Group can do for you, including taking your job search to the next level, contact us today.
