Employees Need Your Help with Work-Life Balance

HMG Success on February 12, 2018

Today’s workforce has put a greater emphasis on work-life balance than ever before, seeking out methods for managing both their personal and professional lives more effectively. However, their ability to achieve the desired level of balance is often at least partially in the hands of their employer, as they have to adhere to the standards and expectations set forth by the organization.

However, when employees are able to achieve a better work-life balance, it often enhances their level of success within the company, increasing productivity and improving morale. That means that supporting these needs is beneficial for everyone, so finding ways to help is a wise business move.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are some tips to get you started.

Be an Advocate for Self-Care

Tending to our own needs can be challenging, particularly if we are overwhelmed by other obligations. But, taking care of one’s physical and mental well-being is important, allowing a person to be more productive throughout their life.

Instead of leaving these tasks in the hands of your workers, consider instituting programs and providing opportunities that can make self-care easier. Anything from on-site massages and gyms to meditation classes to flexible leave policies can help, so explore what can be reasonably provided and encourage your workers to take advantage of what’s there.

Create a Guilt-Free Workplace

When a person is overwhelmed by the amount of work currently on their plate or just can’t imagine squeezing in one more project, they should have the ability to express their feelings without guilt or fears or reprisal. By empowering your employees to openly admit when they are maxed out, you can ensure no one is pushed to the point of frustration, extreme stress, or burn out.

Everyone has limits when it comes to stress, so crafting a workplace where staff members can voice their concerns when they are reaching their breaking point keeps things from crossing the line. This allows people to keep their workloads manageable, ensuring they are able to perform at their best while managing everything they take on.

Lead by Example

Often, your team looks to you for clues about what is and is not acceptable behavior, so sacrificing your own work-life balance in the name of the company will lead many of them to assume they must do the same. If you want your workers to be comfortable using some time for self-care or setting limits about their workload, you need to set the example, ensuring you act in a manner that supports these objectives.

In the end, helping your employees achieve a better work-life balance doesn’t have to be a challenge, and even small changes can allow things to move in the proper direction. If you would like to learn more about how you can assist your employees with their work-life balance goals or are seeking a skilled professional to join your team, the knowledgeable staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today to see how our expertise can benefit you.

All Ohio Engineers Need These 5 Skills

HMG Success on February 9, 2018

Engineers often have a broad range of duties, and their contributions are typically deemed critical for daily operations. Without competent engineers, a company may struggle with their equipment and technology, harming productivity and even potentially creating dangerous situations.

While each engineering role will differ, creating nuances in the required skill sets, certain skills are essential for nearly every engineer. With that in mind, here are five skills engineers need to be successful in their career.

1. Attention to Detail

Many engineering roles require meticulous concentration and an appreciation for the smallest details, including while working to solve an equipment problem or when helping determine what is needed for a new project. Even minor errors can have catastrophic results, and this makes attention to detail particularly important for all engineers, regardless of the industry in which they operate.

2. Problem Solving

When something goes wrong with a piece of equipment, engineers are often tasked with identifying the issue and finding a suitable solution. While some malfunctions are fairly cut and dry, others require strong problem-solving skills to address, particularly when under pressure.

3. Creativity

Whether used as a supplement to problem-solving skills or a method for streamlining operations, improving performance, and innovating new solutions, creativity is a valuable asset for engineers. Sometimes, an easy answer isn’t available, making ingenuity necessary to reach a point of resolution. Additionally, being able to develop new options is incredibly helpful, especially if they can increase profits or reduce costs.

4. Communication

Most engineers work with other professionals on projects, so they regularly encounter others who don’t have the same level of specialized knowledge. It isn’t uncommon for engineers to have to convey complex information in a way that those who are less savvy can understand, and this requires strong communication skills. Additionally, they need to update stakeholders on any progress made on issues as they occur, something that makes the ability to communicate coherently a necessity.

5. Mathematics

While the precise nature of the math can vary, most engineers need a solid understanding of mathematics based on the duties they perform. This can include calculations involving fractions to ensure enough materials are acquired to handle a repair to complex formulas to create solid performance estimates.

This doesn’t mean all engineers need high-level math skills, such as an understanding of calculus or trigonometry, but being competent in algebra and geometry isn’t an uncommon requirement.

Ultimately, every engineering role is different, so a variety of specialty skills are also often necessary to be successful in a particular job. However, those listed above are common for most engineers, no matter what industry in which they work or the company that hires them.

If you are interested in finding an engineering position or are looking to add a new engineer to your staff, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to learn more about what we have to offer and to discover how our services can benefit you.

Candidates Not Interested in Your Perks? Offer This Instead

HMG Success on February 5, 2018

Offering perks is seen as a great way to entice top talent into applying for your open positions as well as to keep your best and brightest on staff. But, not every offering is valuable in the eyes of employees, so choosing the right ones is essential.

For example, while an option like unlimited vacation seems wonderful on the surface, it rarely translates into something helpful to your workforce. Instead, you need to focus on offerings that help them eliminate certain stressors in their daily lives, creating the kind of value they crave.

If your current perks aren’t working, it could be time for a change. Here are a few to offer instead.

Meaningful Gifts

While a lot of companies hand out swag coated in their corporate logos, these aren’t the types of items that actually improve the lives of your workers. However, a well-thought-out gift that speaks to them as an individual can be incredibly powerful, particularly if it fulfills a need they have.

Precisely what you can offer varies from person to person, so you will need to get to know your team for this approach to be effective. But, when done properly, it is incredibly impactful, boosting morale and demonstrating to your workforce that you care.

Helpful Services

Most professionals juggle a lot of responsibilities throughout the day, and not all of them are related to their work. Concerns about personal situations, like the need for high-quality childcare or maintaining a home, can weigh heavily on their minds, so perks that help relieve these pressures are especially valued.

For example, offering your employees access to a weekly cleaning service for their home, discounted childcare, or access to discounted meal delivery services can be very effective. So, if you have the room in your budget to offer these perks, it is certainly worth exploring.

Work-Life Balance

While unlimited vacation might not be useful, flexible scheduling and telecommuting options are excellent methods for creating a greater sense of work-life balance. This allows employees to keep up with their tasks while still being able to manage other parts of their lives, like doctor’s appointments or car maintenance. As a perk, these can be particularly empowering and are likely to be widely appreciated by your staff.

Ultimately, a perk is only going to make employees happy if it provides them with a clear benefit, so make sure to select options that are designed to make their lives easier and demonstrate that you care about their well-being, both inside and out of the office.

If you would like to learn more or are interested in finding a skilled professional to join your team, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members today and see how our services can help you hire and retain the top talent you need to succeed.

10 Open Jobs in Michigan Today

HMG Success on February 2, 2018

If you are interested in finding any open jobs in Michigan, there are certainly plenty of them available. Here are just a few of the positions that we are working to fill right now.

1. Machine Adjuster

Mechanically inclined job seekers may enjoy a position focused on machine setup, operation, cleaning and maintenance, ensuring the facility remains functional and productive.

2. Welder

If you have welding experience, then you may qualify for a welder position in the Dundee area. The company manufactures automotive tracks and is interested in finding a skilled worker who can join their team for the long-term.

3. Warehouse Worker

Multiple opportunities are available for experienced warehouse workers, including positions in cities like Monroe and Dundee. Common job duties include loading and unloading trucks, assisting with inventory, product assembly, and home deliveries.

4. Press Operator

For job seekers with machine operating experience or who consider themselves mechanically inclined, a Dundee company is looking for press operators who want to be part of their team. The position has the potential to be long-term and even result in permanent employment. Plus, opportunities to train on other equipment, such as an overhead crane, may also be part of the job.

5. Production Workers

A recycling company in the Belleville area is looking for production workers to help with tasks like sorting scrap metal. Ideally, applicants should have at least one year of experience in a manufacturing environment, and be interested in possibly being hired on permanently.

6. CAD Programmer

A reputable company in Temperance is hoping to find a skilled CAD Programming Specialist to draw nest blanks for 2-D CNC equipment, ensuring the maximum utilization of each plate and that the proper sheet is selected. CAD experience is requirement for the role, as well as strong communication and organizational skills.

7. Manufacturing Engineer

If you have extensive knowledge and experience with manufacturing equipment, as well as an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, then a company in Lenawee County would love to hear from you. Three to five years of experience is required, and relocation assistance may be available to someone with the right expertise.

8. Industrial Cleaning

A company in Monroe is looking for a teamwork-oriented professional to join their team of industrial cleaning professionals. The position is considered entry-level, so no prior experience is required, and it also has the potential to go long-term.

9. Field Service Technician

If you live near the Wixom area and have mechanical knowledge and problem-solving skills, you may qualify for a field service technician position. The company is very customer-oriented, and you would have an opportunity to help them maintain a superior level of customer service with each and every interaction.

10. Customer Service

A manufacturing company is looking for customer service representatives to join their team, helping to track shipments, communicate with carriers, resolve delays, and handle customer issues. The position is part-time and all interested applicants must have at least one year of experience in the logistics field to qualify, along with computer experience, particularly with Microsoft Excel, and strong phone skills.

If you are interested in any of these positions or would like to learn about other open jobs in Michigan, the team at The Advance Group want to hear from you. Contact us today to see if you qualify for any of these open jobs in Michigan and to learn how our services can work for you.

No, It’s Not Hard to Find Good Millennial Employees

HMG Success on January 29, 2018

Millennials may have gotten a tough rap since they’ve entered the workforce, but not all of it is justified. Yes, they may have a tendency to voice their opinion when they don’t like a particular business practice and aren’t willing to stick in a job that isn’t helping them progress, but those aren’t necessarily bad things, particularly when they reflect the employee’s passion for success.

Learning how to identify and cultivate good millennial employees is becoming a necessity, especially as baby boomers continue to exit the workforce and Gen X-ers take on more leadership roles. If you’re struggling to find good millennial employees, here’s what you need to know.

Millennials Don’t Have Nonstandard Expectations

Generally, good millennial employees don’t have unreasonable expectations from their employers. In most cases, they desire the same things that previous generations want, including work-life balance, a respectable salary, and opportunities for advancement.

The primary difference is millennials make up the largest part of the workforce, so they have a greater ability to make their desires heard, decreasing the need for them to just conform to a company’s expectations. This is a strong contrast to previous generations, where fitting into the workplace was a burden placed on them, and not the other way around. So, if you listen to their needs and adjust, such as by offering onboarding processes, career planning services, and a robust benefits package, you too can access top millennial talent.

Engagement Is Important

Millennials aren’t just looking to earn a paycheck and go home. Instead, they want to be a part of a broader mission and community, allowing their personal and professional lives to blend seamlessly. This means these workers are particularly interested in activities that take place outside of the traditional workday, especially networking opportunities that can help them learn additional skills, connect with other professionals, and possibly find a new position.

These employees also value culture along with compensation, so finding ways to engage millennials can help entice them to consider your company and remain over the long-term.

Ultimately, millennials aren’t the mystery they appear to be. Typically, they desire the same things every other professional hope to find: A solid paycheck, substantial benefits, enticing perks, work-life balance, and an ability to connect with a grander mission they can share with their co-workers. By understanding they aren’t that different from any other worker, it’s easy to see there are plenty of excellent millennial employees out there, as long as you’re willing to look.

If you are interested in finding some top talent to join your team, the recruitment specialists at The Advance Group can streamline your search for top talent and connect you with some of the area’s most highly skilled job seekers. Contact us today to see how our flexible approach to hiring can help you meet your recruitment and retention goals.

Want to Land an Administrative Position? Read This!

HMG Success on January 26, 2018

Many job seekers like the idea of working in an administrative position. Typically, these roles are office-based and can help you build a strong foundation for a professional career. However, how to get started in this profession isn’t as clear as some others, particularly since entry-level jobs may list very few requirements. If you are interested in landing an administrative position, here’s what you need to know.

Education Requirements Vary

Many administrative roles are considered entry-level, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be some educational requirements listed in the vacancy announcement.

Some administrative assistant or secretary positions require only a high school diploma, as this generally shows that you have the knowledge necessary to write professionally and operate a computer. However, competition for these positions can be high, so having additional training, like an associate degree or diploma from a secretarial skills program, can help set you apart from the pack.

Other positions may list an associate’s degree as a requirement, and some even require a bachelor’s degree, especially if the role is focused on a specialty, like legal secretaries or medical administrative assistants. You may also need to have knowledge of specific software programs, like QuickBooks, or have skills in areas like web development, which may require applicable coursework or prior experience.

Ultimately, it is possible to land an administrative position with just a high school diploma, but going above and beyond that will likely be beneficial to your career.

Make Sure Your Resume and Cover Letter Are Perfect

Administrative professionals often create communications in writing, ranging from emails and newsletters to presentations and marketing material. Since written communication plays such a large role in an admin’s daily duties, having spelling or grammar mistakes on your resume or cover letter can hurt your chances of being invited in for an interview.

Before you submit a resume, make sure to review it carefully. This can include proofreading it yourself and using software, like spelling and grammar checks, to identify errors that need to be corrected. It’s also smart to have someone else review your application, as a fresh set of eyes may spot mistakes that you overlooked.

Similarly, if you have a LinkedIn profile, you should take the time to make sure that it is also well written and error free. Otherwise, the additional effort you put into your resume and cover letter may not have the desired impact if your LinkedIn profile is riddled with mistakes.

Highlight Your Value

Many administrative positions focus on making other professionals’ lives easier at work, so showing that you are capable of supporting the manager, executive, or team is crucial. Ultimately, you want to demonstrate your skills and experience will contribute to the accomplishments of others, as that is something that a hiring manager will likely deem valuable.

If you are looking for an administrative position, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us today to learn more about our available jobs and see how our services can work for you.

Who Should Manage Your Gen Z Employees

HMG Success on January 22, 2018

Generation Z is beginning to integrate itself into the workforce, representing a new source of candidates for companies interested in securing incoming talent. As with any new generation, many organizations are wondering how best to manage Gen Z employees, particularly since tension still exists between millennials and Gen X, as well as baby boomers.

Gen Z doesn’t have the same priorities as Gen Y, and many of these younger workers are fairly optimistic about their futures. But, like many millennials, technology is an ingrained part of their lives, and that can create challenges for managers who aren’t as device-centric. If you want to make sure these employees feel welcome and ready for success, here’s what you need to know about who should manage Gen Z workers.

Millennials Are the Best Match

While Gen Z may be more focused on inclusion than Gen Y, the two generations also have a lot in common. Both were raised with technology, making them more open to the advances that are on the horizon. In fact, Gen Z sees technologies like AI and machine learning not as threats to their job security, but as opportunities that will improve how people work. This can be a stark contrast to the positions many Gen Xers and baby boomers hold, but millennials will likely connect with the perspective.

Additionally, both Gen Y and Gen Z value workplace flexibility, including alternative work arrangements like nontraditional schedules and remote work. They also support the fluid nature of their professional and personal lives, promoting the agile culture that many millennials have worked to build. Since Gen Y and Gen Z see eye to eye in this area, millennials may be particularly well-positioned to manage Gen Z workers.

Gen Z Prefers Millennial Managers

Since Gen Y and Gen Z have similar values, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the newest working generation would prefer a millennial manager. Both generations prefer to find employment opportunities that provide them with purpose and allows for some level of personalization. Additionally, neither group considers their salary as the most exciting part of securing a particular job, prioritizing other perks like flexible scheduling, opportunities for advancement, and progressive maternity and paternity leave policies over higher pay.

The shared set of values makes it easier for millennial managers to relate to Gen Z employees and vice versa.

Now, this doesn’t mean that a Gen X or baby boomer manager can’t successfully lead a Gen Z worker, especially if they have effectively managed millennials during their career. However, Gen Y managers may be particularly well-positioned to take on the challenge as we learn more about what the newest working generation desires in the workplace.

If you are looking for more information and need to add a new professional to your staff, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members today and see how our services can work for you.

Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired This Year with One Tip

HMG Success on January 19, 2018

At the end of nearly every interview comes the inevitable question from the hiring manager: “Do you have any questions for me?”

While some job seekers hesitate to ask anything, this should actually be viewed as an opportunity, and one that shouldn’t be passed up, particularly since failing to do so can seriously hurt your chances of getting hired.

Asking a smart question at the close of an interview can help you stand out as a candidate and make getting hired simple. How do you craft an intelligent inquiry? Here are some tips to get you started.

Focus on the Right Points

A strong question is going to tap into one of four areas: Connection, culture, challenges, and closing in on the next steps. Ultimately, you want to bond with the hiring manager over your final ask, work to understand what working for the organization is like, identify any challenges the company is facing, or gain additional information about what comes next.

You don’t have to cover all of those points in a single question, but any inquiry that touches on one of those points can be a valuable one to ask.

The One Question to Ask

If you find yourself struggling to come up with a suitable question, there is one that almost always makes a great impression. When in doubt, ask, “What is the organization’s biggest threat to success currently, and how can I help you overcome this threat in this role?”

By asking this question, the hiring manager has an opportunity to discuss how the job can add the most value to the business, giving you critical insights into how to excel in the position. Plus, it starts a dialog where you can provide additional input, including references to how your past experience can make overcoming the challenge easier.

This allows you to talk about points that truly matter to the hiring manager and organization in the moment while increasing their level of confidence in your abilities.

You don’t have to limit yourself to this single question, as it generally works well in conjunction with other inquiries that allow you to gather important information about the company’s priorities, what the culture is like, and how the role fits into the bigger picture.

However, it is essential to be mindful of the time when you begin asking questions, as you want to make sure that everything is finished up within your allotted appointment time. This means you should start with the questions you (and they) view as the most critical, so you can wrap things up in a timely manner.

If you are looking for a job this year, the professionals at The Advance Group can assist you in preparing smart questions while connecting you with top employers in the area. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can work for you. You’ll be getting hired in no time.

Need Better Candidates? Stop Doing This!

HMG Success on January 15, 2018

Most companies recognize that their employees are their most valuable assets, but this point is only valid if you hire the right people and find better candidates. Selecting the wrong candidates can set your business back, lowering productivity and harming morale.

So, how do you make sure the best job seekers ultimately join your staff? By avoiding certain mistakes. Here are some tips to help you find better candidates today.

Using Antiquated Recruitment Methods

Technology is ever-changing, and it has a significant impact when it comes to hiring. Using old recruitment methods means you aren’t taking advantage of everything today’s systems have to offer and can lead to a less-than-ideal candidate being selected.

Instead of ignoring technological advances, do your best to embrace them. Everything from automated screening process to mobile applications to seeing social media as a resource can broaden your horizons, allowing you to connect with top talent and better candidates based on their expectations.

Relying Only on Major Job Boards

While some of today’s biggest job boards can be ideal for finding candidates for entry-level or general positions, they aren’t the best choice for niche roles. If you need a highly specialized set of skills, you may achieve better results by finding a job board that focuses on a particular field, industry, or kind of professional.

Candidates who use niche job boards are more likely to possess the types of skills you’re seeking, and automatically limits the number of applications that will be submitted from those who don’t have the competencies you hope to locate. This can be a serious timesaver, especially for highly technical roles.

Posting Vague or Uninspiring Vacancy Announcements

If your job posting is too vague or doesn’t elicit excitement in the applicants, you’re not likely to find the kind of passionate and skilled job seeker you are hoping to locate. In contrast, if the job description is enticing and well-thought-out, you increase your odds of finding qualified candidates who are excited about the role.

The way your vacancy announcement is written plays a large role in your ultimate success, so taking some extra time to make it interesting and thorough is worth the effort.

Limiting Your Search

Some companies rely on one or two recruitment methods to help find candidates, particularly if they had a reasonable about of success in the past. However, not all job seekers use the same resources, so, by limiting your options, you could be missing out on top talent.

Instead of sticking with the sources you’ve used in the past, consider branching out, especially if you are struggling to find quality applicants. By using this approach, you may gain access to a new candidate pool, allowing you to connect with professionals who may have otherwise not become aware of your vacancy.

If you are looking to add new talent to your team, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you find today’s top candidates. Contact us to see how our services can connect you with the better candidates you need to succeed.

Looking for a Career in IT? Here Are Ones to Aim For (And Avoid!)

HMG Success on January 12, 2018

One estimate by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics says there will be 1 million more available IT jobs than applicants by the year 2020, showing just how smart a career in IT can be. But, like any field, not every role is created equal, and choosing the right one today can mean the difference between having a long and lucrative career or being considered obsolete in a short time.

If you are looking at a career in IT, here are the specialties to aim for, and a few you should avoid.

Analytics Is Hot

As companies collect more and more data, many are struggling to process the information fast enough to gain valuable insights in a timely manner. This has put an increased focus on the field of data analytics, making it a wise choice for those interested in pursuing a career in IT.

Like many tech jobs, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is often required to get started, and some positions require specialized skills in areas like IoT, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, so additional certifications can also help you get ahead.

Silos Are Disappearing

Not long ago, professionals were highly focused in specific areas in IT, often operating somewhat autonomously. Now, these silos are disappearing as pros who concentrated on areas like infrastructure, application development, network operations, and security begin to work more closely together.

While you may still end up with a somewhat specialized skill set, IT workers must not be willing to cross the lines that once kept them separated. Otherwise, their careers could come to an abrupt end as technology continues to intertwine these roles.

Security Skills Are a Must

Cybersecurity continues to be a major concern for companies, and that has led security to play a part in nearly every position. While security-oriented professionals will still have their place, every IT employee is having to acquire skills related to their roles.

However, since some of the training one would need isn’t commonly available, and the coursework is often missing from degree plans focused on areas like computer science, those who get onboard early can position themselves to move forward in their careers with greater ease.

Vendor-Specific Security Certifications Are Out

Since security is so important, many IT pros may consider acquiring vendor-specific security certifications. But, these aren’t as in-demand as they used to be, especially since the associated training tends to be highly feature focused and doesn’t always account for the myriad of challenges businesses face today.

For those interested in bolstering their security credentials, choosing training that is more all-encompassing instead of vendor-specific is the wiser approach, particularly if you want to impress today’s employers.

If you are interested in learning more or are seeking a new career in IT, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with information and opportunities. Contact us to see how our knowledgeable staff can help you take the next step in your career in IT today.

2018 is the Right Time to Quit That Job You Hate

HMG Success on January 8, 2018

Sometimes, you know that you aren’t in the right job. Maybe the idea of showing up every day feels almost intolerable, or you spend your days bored. But, even if you know you’re in a position you hate, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to walk away, especially if it seems like you are abandoning everything you’ve managed to accomplish there. The right time to quit can be hard to understand.

It isn’t uncommon to fear change, no matter how tough your current situation happens to be. But sticking in a job that you hate isn’t doing you any favors, particularly if it keeps you from advancing in your career. If you’ve felt trapped in your position, 2018 may be the perfect time to quit and make a change. To help you get in the right mindset, here’s what you need to do.

Acknowledge What’s Changed

In some cases, your first step to moving on is to recognize that a choice that was right for you yesterday might not be what you need today. Few professionals choose a job expecting it to outlive its usefulness, but it happens all the time.

Start your preparations by recognizing how you’ve changed over time, creating the psychological distance you need to head in a new direction. Once you understand that it’s okay to begin something new, leaving a bad job will become easier.

Understand What You Aren’t Giving Up

Part of the fear of leaving a job has to do with the shift to your identity that comes with making such a change. But, it’s important to remember you are more than your current role, so reminding yourself of what will remain intact can be beneficial.

For example, think about your family and friends who will remain by your side, or the hobbies and passions you’ll continue to pursue. By reviewing everything that won’t change, the idea of taking your career in a new direction will seem less intimidating.

Recognize That Life Doesn’t Always Follow a Linear Path

While the idea of following a straight path through your career is enticing, it isn’t worth it if you’re miserable every step of the way. Sometimes, we have to deviate from the original plan to reach a point of fulfillment, and that can mean making a job switch.

Yes, deciding to make a change is scary, representing a range of uncertainties, but choosing to allow yourself to pursue something that will provide you with a sense of satisfaction can be the right move, especially if you hate your current job. In the end, making a switch could be the best decision you make, letting you take your career to a better destination in 2018 and beyond.

If you are interested in securing a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with Michigan jobs and Ohio opportunities. Contact us today to see how our services can help you find the kind of role you need to experience the job satisfaction you deserve, and figure out when the right time to quit your old job comes.

Should You Bid Farewell to Your Cover Letter This Year?

HMG Success on December 29, 2017

Many job seekers have heard statements alluding to the idea that the cover letter is dead. Often, these take the form of suggesting that hiring managers don’t actually read them, making them useless to those looking to secure a new position.

But, this isn’t necessarily true. Cover letters can still be a valuable tool, depending on how you are managing your job search, whether you have certain unique goals, and if you need to provide details that a resume doesn’t cover.

Here’s why you shouldn’t say farewell to your cover letter just yet.

Connect with the Employer

A cover letter can play a crucial role in your job search if you see it as an opportunity to connect with the employer. Ultimately, hiring managers are looking for candidates that understand what the company is about and the function they serve within the larger community. If you can use your cover letter to show that you “get” the business, you can use it to stand out from the competition.

Being able to convey your respect for what the company has accomplished and why you admire the business is almost guaranteed to make a positive impression. Then, if you can couple that with examples as to how you can help them further their goals or fit into with their priorities, you significantly increase your odds of being able to advance in the hiring process.

Career Changes

Some job seekers aren’t pursuing a job in their original field, and making a career change often requires more effort and additional explanation. A cover letter can be an ideal platform for explaining your goals as well as relaying how your skills and experience apply to your new target field.

Without a cover letter, a hiring manager may assume that a resume full of experience in another field isn’t worth their time as they may believe it was either submitted in error or that the person isn’t actually serious about landing the position. Your cover letter allows you to provide the context they need to understand your motivations and clearly picture how your skills apply in an environment that differs from those you worked in previously, making it incredibly valuable to your job search.

Employment Gaps

Many people have gaps in their employment history, but you don’t get the opportunity to explain what happened in a resume alone. A cover letter gives you a chance to provide some additional details that can help put the hiring manager’s mind at ease, especially if the gap is recent or substantial. So, in this case, forgoing a cover letter could leave the hiring manager with doubts, so adding one can make a real difference.

While a cover letter isn’t always necessary when you apply for a job, it is still important in many situations and shouldn’t be abandoned just yet. If you are interested in learning more or are seeking a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today to find out more about what our services can do for your job search.