Yes, You Can Negotiate Your Temp Job Salary

Raza Rauf on February 26, 2018

Some job seekers figure their options are limited when it comes to the salary associated with a temp job, thinking they don’t have the ability to negotiate their temp job salary. But, that simply isn’t the case.

While some companies may have a particular pay rate in mind, others are open to paying a higher wage than is originally offered, especially if your request is justified. If you want to negotiate your temp job salary, here’s what you need to know.

Learn the Going Rate

Before you approach the subject, it’s wise to do a little research to determine what salary is typically achievable for similar kinds of work. You can begin by performing internet searches related to the job title, required skills, or even the company and its competitors.

Knowing what is usually offered for similar work in your area lets you discover whether the pay rate being proposed is within the norms, a point which may make negotiating unwise. However, if it is clear they are below the average, then use your research as justification for your request.

Highlight What You Have to Offer

Even if the position typically comes with a higher salary, you need to demonstrate the skills and experience you have acquired are worth the extra money. Generally, this means being able to clearly articulate how you bring additional value to the role and how that will benefit the company for which you will be working.

Ideally, you want to be able to quantify this information, presenting hard data as to how and why you are worth the additional money. This helps solidify your case, making the company more likely to consider making a higher offer.

Work With Your Recruiter

While it may be tempting to speak to the company directly, often, when you’re in a temp position, you are an employee of the recruitment agency, and not the business itself. This means that all of your initial contact should be with your recruiter when you want to negotiate your temp job salary.

Bypassing the recruiter can have negative repercussions, including a retraction of the offer, so don’t give in to temptation and only speak with a representative of the company if the recruiter makes the introduction or receives explicit permission for you to proceed.

Additionally, the recruiter may have further information regarding why that specific pay rate was offered, providing you with valuable insight. They can also let you know if an attempt to renegotiate may be successful, as they often have a strong relationship with the companies they associate with and might have knowledge about how previous attempts were received.

Ultimately, you do have the option to negotiate your salary for a temp job, so don’t automatically assume it is off the table just because the position is long-term. You can also choose not to accept the position if the pay rate doesn’t meet your needs, and continue your search for a role that is more in line with your salary requirements.

Negotiate Your Temp Salary with the Leading Employment Agency in Toledo

Considering a temp job? The Advance Group is a proven leader among temporary employment agencies in Toledo, OH. Our recruiters can connect you with the top manufacturing, warehouse, and general labor employers in Ohio. Connect with The Advance Group to see how our temp services in Toledo can work for you and how we can help you negotiate your temp job salary.

Browse our Toledo temp jobs and apply today!

Working with Difficult People? Make the Situation Easier with This Advice

Raza Rauf on February 23, 2018

Typically, one of the most challenging parts of any job is working with other, potentially difficult people, even if you all generally get along. But, when a co-worker is particularly difficult, the situation quickly becomes more stressful, making it hard to get tasks completed or simply remain in a good mood.

While you can’t necessarily escape the situation entirely, you do have options to make it more manageable. With that in mind, here are some tips for working with difficult people you can start using today.

Make Validating Their Feelings the First Thing You Do

Most of us have encountered a scenario where a co-worker is frustratingly passive-aggressive or generally takes out their anger on those around them, regardless of whether you were responsible for their current situation. While it is easy to react to them in kind, allowing your own stress levels to escalate with theirs, a better approach is empathy.

For example, instead of reacting to their frustration, consider why they may be feeling this way and try to see things from their perspective. Then, instead of pushing back immediately, offer them some validation by letting them know that you understand their feelings.

Often, this helps you shift your attitude, moving to a place of empathy instead of anger. Plus, by feeling understood, your co-worker may also begin to calm, allowing them to change their attitude as well.

Make Your Needs Clear

If a co-worker is being combative instead of constructive during a conversation, it’s easy for tensions to mount, leaving everyone angry. However, you can prevent this from occurring by succinctly expressing your needs in relation to the situation.

For example, if your co-worker says they hate your idea, feel free to let them know a statement like that doesn’t help you improve and that you would prefer specific feedback regarding the idea so that you can reach a resolution that suits everyone.

Ultimately, this involves letting others know what does or doesn’t work for you while being assertive as you discuss your point. It also includes an explanation as to why the approaching isn’t effective, as well as a simple resolution that allows everyone to get back on the right track.

Learn to Say “No”

Some people have a tendency toward being people-pleasers and, if someone takes advantage of that, it can quickly breed resentment and frustration. However, the person who needs to act in these situations is you, by learning to say no and setting reasonable boundaries when a request is simply more than you can handle.

Ideally, you want to say now, provide a concise explanation as to why it doesn’t work for you, and potentially offer an alternative, but only if one exists that meets your needs as well. It can take time to get comfortable with saying “no,” but it is definitely worth the effort.

If you are interested in learning more or are hoping to find a new position with less difficult people, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today to see how our services and expertise can work for you.

Here’s What Your Minority Employees Need from You

Raza Rauf on February 19, 2018

Minority employees may face challenges in the workplace that other portions of your staff don’t encounter. Even as more companies work to be inclusive and put forth the effort to increase their level of diversity, certain issues for your underrepresented workers can still arise, particularly if they don’t have an ally within the management team.

There are things you can do as a manager to help your minority employees thrive. To help you get started, here are a few tips to try.

Be Available

One of the most important things you can do is to simply be available to hear their concerns. Often, it’s hard to identify the challenges your minority workers may be facing unless they discuss them with you personally.

While you don’t have to be overly forward about your availability, ensuring you are always open and receptive when they come to you with a problem can go a long way. Remind your staff, in its entirety, that any and all concerns can be presented, then use active listening to ensure you learn about the full scope of the problem before proposing a solution.

Be an Advocate

At times, minority workers are reluctant to directly discuss issues they may face in the workplace, often due to the fear of repercussion. However, that doesn’t mean that, if you see or hear something that could be creating a challenge for them, you can’t step up and be an advocate for change.

Exactly how you need to act, when functioning as an ally, may vary depending on the situation. However, if a clear-cut issue, like harassment or discrimination, occurs, review the company policy and take the recommended steps. If it happens in front of you, don’t hesitate to intervene, particularly if it’s within your purview to do so.

Support Inclusion and Diversity Initiatives

In cases where your company has initiatives related to diversity and inclusion, make sure to actively support them. Review the details of the programs and policies, and work to implement any changes that need to occur within your team or department. If such guidance doesn’t exist, then consider bringing up the topic to see if such activities can benefit your minority workforce or promote diversity objectives.

Many companies don’t have specific initiatives related to inclusion and diversity, so you can become an ally by just promoting the idea and working with upper management to begin instituting lasting change in your organization.

Ultimately, supporting your minority employees isn’t challenging, and making an effort can improve your companies culture, creating a happier and more productive environment. If you would like to learn more or are looking for a new worker to join your team, the knowledgeable staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today to learn more about our services can see how our expertise can work for you.

These “Dumb” Interview Questions Are Pretty Intelligent

Raza Rauf on February 16, 2018

Sometimes, when given the opportunity at the end of an interview, job seekers are reluctant to ask certain interview questions. They fear that they are “dumb,” making them worry that the hiring manager will form a negative perception of them simply by bringing them up.

Many of them focus on clichés, something that most people work hard to avoid. But, these questions can actually provide candidates with important information, making them wise choices in the end. If you are concerned about which questions to ask, here are some “dumb” interview questions that are actually pretty intelligent.

“What Do You Like Most About Working Here?”

Yes, this question can seem trite and commonplace, but it actually gives you a great opportunity to learn more about the company’s culture or their most exciting projects. When responding to this question, hiring managers may discuss their staff, co-workers, or the leadership team. They might bring up the work environment. In some cases, they’ll talk about an innovation that is in the works.

Regardless of their response, you’ll likely learn something along the way. And, if the hiring manager struggles to provide an answer, or resorts to a short, canned response, it could be an indication of trouble in the department or the company as a whole, giving you details about a potential red flag you may have otherwise missed.

“What’s a Typical Day Like in This Position?”

It may seem banal, asking about how a day usually proceeds, but it is actually an incredibly helpful thing to asks and suggests you are eager to envision yourself in the role. Aside from expressing a level of excitement, you get a chance to learn about common expectations and tasks, which may not be as enticing as the big projects the hiring manager used to sell you on the role. It also gives you insight into daily operations, like how many meetings may occur or which mundane tasks fall under your purview.

Generally, a realistic answer to this question isn’t going to increase your level of enthusiasm, but understanding the day-to-day makes it easier for you to ascertain whether the job is actually right for you.

“Do You Have Any Concerns About My Qualifications?”

Many job seekers shy away from this question because it seems to open the door to criticism, which is something no one typically wants to hear. But, it also creates an outstanding opportunity, allowing you to both listen to their concerns and address them.

It does require a level of vulnerability, and a willingness to discuss your weakness, but you also get the chance to address points that could potentially prevent you from receiving an offer head-on.

Ultimately, any interview questions that give you a chance to learn more about the company shouldn’t be considered “dumb,” particularly if the information isn’t available on the organization’s website and the specific point wasn’t discussed during the interview. That means you shouldn’t be afraid to ask the question if it is truly something you want to know. It may be a smarter move than you think.

If you are looking for a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can benefit you.

Employees Need Your Help with Work-Life Balance

Raza Rauf 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

Raza Rauf 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

Raza Rauf 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

Raza Rauf 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

Raza Rauf 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!

Raza Rauf 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

Raza Rauf 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

Raza Rauf 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.