Check Out These 5 Available Production Jobs!

HMG Success on July 6, 2018

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

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

1. Production Worker

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

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

2. Screw Machine Operator

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

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

3. Assistant Machine Operator

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

4. Press Operator

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

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

5. CNC Operator

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

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

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

The Flawless Sales Cover Letter You Need to Use

HMG Success on June 29, 2018

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

Put Key Skills Front and Center

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

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

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

Discuss Your Accomplishments

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

Close With Enthusiasm

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

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

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

Pay Attention to Formatting

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

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

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

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

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

HMG Success on June 25, 2018

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

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

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

Covering Absences

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

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

Seasonal Demand

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

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

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

Project Hires

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

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

Working Interviews

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

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

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

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

HMG Success on June 22, 2018

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

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

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

The Wrong Way to Cancel Your Industrial Interview

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

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

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

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

The Right Way to Cancel Your Industrial Interview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HMG Success on June 18, 2018

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

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

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

Define Your Match

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

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

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

Gather Information

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

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

Prepare Your Questions

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

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

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

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

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

3 Easy Ways Manufacturers Reduce Turnover

HMG Success on June 15, 2018

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

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

1. Offer Competitive Compensation

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

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

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

2. Acknowledge Their Efforts

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

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

3. Hire the Right Candidates

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

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

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

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

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

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

HMG Success on June 11, 2018

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

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

Why You Shouldn’t Look for Work at Work

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

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

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

The Better Way to Conduct a Job Search

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

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

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

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

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

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

These Welding Jobs Are Available Today!

HMG Success on June 8, 2018

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

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

Steel Mill Welder – Delta, Ohio

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

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

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

Welder for a Manufacturing Company – Dundee, Michigan

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

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

Manufacturing Welder – Petersburg, Michigan

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

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

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

This Summer is the Right Time to Kick-Start Your Wellness Program

HMG Success on June 4, 2018

When it comes to selecting or choosing to remain with an employer, professionals are putting more emphasis on the organization’s culture than ever before. This means that providing benefits and perks, like a wellness program, can work in your favor.

While the idea of creating a wellness program seems challenging, there are a number of offerings that are fairly easy to implement. This means, with a little effort, you could kick-start your wellness program this summer.

If you are ready to bring this valuable benefit into your workplace, here are some potential features of a well-rounded employee wellness program.

Healthy Food Options

It isn’t uncommon for workers to have limited options when it comes to picking up a lunch or buying snacks. Most employees stay in or near the workplace, so having healthy food options available can be a wonderful perk.

Whether you introduce these items to a cafeteria, bring in a health-conscious vending machine, or provide the food at no cost, your staff will appreciate that there are options available beyond fast food or most forms of delivery.

Napping Spaces

While companies like Facebook and Google have gone the extra mile in this department, bringing in napping pods for their workers, not every company has that kind of budget. However, you could take small offices or large storage areas and convert them into relaxing spaces, giving your employees somewhere quiet to go to decompress, meditate, or even nap.

Even a little bit of sleep can be incredibly beneficial for productivity, allowing your workers to get some rejuvenating shuteye without having to leave the office.

Fitness Centers and Classes

Physical fitness is critical for well-being and health, so having an on-site fitness center can be an excellent perk, particularly if your employees are typically pressed for time. You could convert a conference room into a gym, filled with common equipment like treadmills and bikes, or simply offer up a larger space in the evening as a place for group fitness classes like yoga.

If there is a fitness center near the workplace, consider partnering with the location and securing discounted memberships for your workers. You can even shoulder the entire cost, if your budget allows, giving employees access to everything that gym has to offer.

Wellness Sessions

Mental health is also a key part of overall well-being. If you want your employees to thrive in their professional and personal lives, consider hosting wellness sessions on a variety of topics. Everything from stress management to personal finance can be covered in these discussions, as long as attendees are given the support and tools necessary to help them reach their goals and live their best lives.

Ultimately, adding any of the above options can help you kick-start your wellness program this summer, so examine your budget and see which ones would best serve your workforce. If you are interested in learning more about wellness in the workplace, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members today and see how our expertise can benefit you.

Need Cash for Summer Fun? Here are 10 Amazing Part-Time and Temporary Jobs

HMG Success on May 28, 2018

Summer is an exciting time. Families head out on vacations, professionals and students plan activities that help them relieve stress, and kids of all ages are typically out of school.

Most people look forward to a bit of fun during the summer months, but some activities come with a price tag. And, if you don’t have the cash available, you may wonder how your summer dreams can come true.

Luckily, there are a variety of amazing part-time and temporary jobs available. If you are looking for a little extra money this summer, here’s what you need to know.

Available Part-Time and Temporary Jobs

The area is filled with part-time and short-term employment opportunities, allowing you to gather the necessary funds without the same level of commitment required for a full-time or permanent position.

Here are some of the exciting opportunities you may find:

Assembly Worker
Production Worker
Automotive Warehouse Worker
Extrusion Operator
CNC Operator
Press Operator
Packaging
Janitorial
Shipping/Receiving
Entry-Level Machine Operator

The list above has something for just about everyone, meaning entry-level or experienced professionals might be able to secure a position that meets their needs.

The Benefits of Choosing a Part-Time or Temporary Job

If you want to enjoy your summer, that usually means you don’t want to spend it trapped at work. In those cases, a part-time position may be ideal. You work a limited number of hours per week, usually well below the standard 40-hour schedule that is associated with a full-time role, giving you more time to take on the activities you prefer. Plus, you still get to earn a bit of money along the way, helping you finance your fun.

Temporary jobs can be an ideal option for anyone who doesn’t want to become a full-time member of the workforce at this time. For example, high school and college students might benefit from a short-term position, giving them the ability to earn a paycheck while they are out of school and complete the assignment prior to the start of the next academic year.

Ultimately, part-time and temporary jobs provide you with additional flexibility, allowing you to manage your summer in a way that suits you. Plus, you’ll have access to a reliable source of funds and have a chance to gain experience in some of the area’s leading industries, depending on the role you take on.

Then, as fall arrives, if your circumstances change, you don’t have to worry about the impact of a full-time or permanent position. Some part-time jobs can continue to adapt to your changing schedule, while many temporary summer jobs wrap up near the start of the school year.

If you are interested in finding part-time or temporary jobs, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our knowledgeable team today and see how our services can benefit you.

How to Turn Employees into Brand Ambassadors

HMG Success on May 25, 2018

Most companies recognize their employees are their greatest resource. Not only do they ensure daily operations run smoothly, they can also be some of your company’s most effective champions.

Having your staff act as brand ambassadors can do wonders in the area of recruitment. Job seekers often look for information shared by workers to learn about a company’s culture, something that has become increasingly important to highly skilled professionals.

If your employees aren’t serving as brand ambassadors, here is how you can encourage them to step into that role.

Seek Out Referrals

Most employees have robust networks and interact with other skilled professionals on a regular basis. When you request referrals to help fill vacant positions, you can tap into these networks, giving you access to potential candidates who might not otherwise apply.

For example, passive job seekers aren’t typically scanning job boards daily. Instead, they are keeping their eyes open for particularly enticing opportunities. When they hear about a vacant position from someone they know and trust, they might be more open to taking the leap.

Additionally, this approach gets your employees talking about your company, particularly if they love where they work and want others to have a chance to enjoy what they’ve found. If you’ve built a strong culture, they’ll be happy to discuss it, getting the word out about what you have to offer.

Avoid Scripting

When you tell your employees what to say, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter some level of resistance. Usually, the wording you choose isn’t what they would naturally select, so your workers may fear their efforts will seem artificial and salesy.

If you want them to function as brand ambassadors, encourage them to discuss your company in a way that feels natural. Don’t try to force the use of specific taglines, descriptions or phrases. Instead, let them extol your virtues from their perspective. Generally, this will result in more honest communications, making it more likely that, when they sing your praises, people will feel it is genuine.

Don’t Overlook Swag

When a company has a great product and treats their employees well, many employees would proudly wear branded t-shirts, use coffee mugs emblazoned with the company’s logo, or bring swag items into their daily rotation.

Often, swag doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. However, it needs to be of reasonable quality, generally attractive, and useful. When those points come together, you may discover your workers are happy to don their swag items in public, increasing brand awareness in unexpected places. Plus, it can function as a reward for a job well done, especially if the items are well made and handy.

Ultimately, turning your employees into brand ambassadors doesn’t have to be challenging as long as you give them the proper tools and the necessary amount of flexibility to personalize their approach.

If you are interested in learning more or are looking to expand your workforce, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members today and see how our expertise can benefit you.

Rejected? These Experts Might Know Why!

HMG Success on May 21, 2018

Getting rejected for a job can be tough to swallow. After all, you might not be entirely sure what went wrong, making it difficult to reconcile the result of your actions.

Usually, this leaves you questioning every move you could make, especially since there can be a large number of variables involved. But, there are certain mistakes that may cause the hiring manager to send your resume to the discard pile, and not all of them are easy to spot.

If you’re battling against multiple rejections, here are some reasons experts say you might not be getting offered the position.

You Aren’t Completely Qualified

One of the most commonly cited reasons for passing on an applicant, especially during the earlier screening phases, is that the candidate wasn’t actually qualified for the job. Having the right combination of experience and skills to succeed in the position is a must in the eyes of employers. So, if you appear to come up short, they aren’t likely to move forward with you.

If you typically stretch your qualifications or apply to vacancies that don’t align with what you have to offer, you probably aren’t going to land an interview. Instead, you need to make sure your target role falls within your capabilities and appropriate supporting details are clearly visible on your resume and cover letter.

You’re Less Than Enthusiastic

From the hiring manager’s perspective, a passionate candidate is going to be more desirable than an applicant who seems to be lacking enthusiasm, even if the latter is more qualified on paper. Without clearly showing your excitement for the opportunity, the hiring manager may question whether you are genuinely interested in the role or simply going through the motions.

While you don’t need to be over the top, showing the hiring manager you are passionate about your profession, the industry or the job itself helps you make a better impression, increasing your odds of being selected for the role.

You Neglected to Follow the Directions

Some job seekers fail to thoroughly read the job postings before they apply. At times, neglecting to read every line means you’ll miss critical instructions regarding how to send your application or what materials are required.

Generally, if a hiring manager sees you didn’t follow the directions, your application is automatically rejected, regardless of what you have to offer. In fact, many hiring managers won’t even read your information if it’s clear a mandatory document is missing.

Before firing off your resume, make sure to read the vacancy announcement from beginning to end, keeping an eye out for any special instructions you may have overlooked initially. Then, if you spot any directions, follow them to the letter. Not only does this ensure you provide everything necessary, but it also demonstrates you are detail-oriented, and that can play in your favor.

While there can certainly be other reasons as to why your application is being rejected, those listed above are common missteps that are almost guaranteed to send your resume straight to the discard pile. If you are interested in learning more or are looking for new job opportunities, the skilled professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our experienced team today and see how our expertise can benefit you.