Applying and interviewing for jobs is enough to make anyone sweat. We understand the struggle and want to make our process as easy (and comfortable) as possible. Ready to be the most prepared person in the interview waiting room? Here’s exactly what to expect when applying for a job through WSI.  

Phone Screen

After you apply for a job, a phone screen is the first step. A WSI Staffing Coordinator will reach out to you for a quick chat about the job, shift, and pay rate you’re looking for. This lets us know exactly what you’re looking for so we can make sure we have openings that fit your needs. We don’t want to waste your time, so the initial phone screen reduces the risk of coming into the office only to find out we don’t have any job opportunities you’re looking for. 

Interview

Congrats! You’ve made it to the interview phase. (Don’t be nervous.) When you arrive in the office, you’ll be asked to fill out paperwork (a questionnaire and tax survey) and then it’s off to the races!  During your interview, our Staffing Coordinators will go more in-depth about the positions they think you’d be a good fit for. They’ll ask questions about your job history, your skills, and why you left your last position. Sometimes we may not have the perfect fit for you, but don’t worry – we’re always growing! We’ll keep your information on file and give you a call when we’ve found the perfect match.

Orientation

You made it! Once you’re offered (and you hopefully accept) a position, you’ll be required to go through orientation. This involves a drug screen, background check, paperwork, an overview of your new position, and a start date. 

HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND: 

1. Our conviction policies vary from client to client. It’s important to be honest with your Staffing Coordinator before we get to this step, so they can accurately assess where we can send you. 
2. Just because marijuana is legal in Michigan, our clients still require that we test for THC.

Don’t worry – we’ve got you. Just think of us as your job search wingman (and wingwoman). If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to your local branch for any clarification.

Ready to get the ball rolling? Click here. 

Let’s face it – not all staffing firms are created equal. That’s why when it comes time to enlist the help of a temp agency  – you should pick one suited for your unique needs.

As a job seeker, check these seven things off your list when choosing a staffing agency to work with: 

They have openings in your field of interest

There are many staffing firms to choose from, so choose one with expertise in your field. If you’re in search of clerical work – choosing an agency like WSI that specializes in industrial positions probably won’t pay off for you in the long run. Double-check with your agency before coming in for an interview to make sure you’re both on the same page. 

They have an onsite representative

When navigating between your employer and agency, there can be some disconnect. It’s important to look for a staffing firm that has a representative onsite at your company (Hint: WSI does). These representatives coach, counsel, and assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. They also are a huge help when it comes to onboarding and orientation procedures. 

They don’t charge for their services

Never sign with a staffing firm that asks you to pay for job placement. Reputable staffing firms don’t charge job seekers for their services.

Fun Fact: Reliable agencies charge the employer for their services, not job seekers. Curious about other staffing agency myths? Head here. 

They offer the option to be hired-in

If you’re looking for long-term work, choose an agency with temp-to-hire opportunities. This means there’s a greater chance you can be hired in permanently with good work performance and attendance. 

Fun Fact: In addition to temp-to-hire, WSI also offers direct hire opportunities when available. 

They offer benefits

Weekly pay, Medical benefits, vacation days, etc. These are all benefits you should look for in your job search. 

Fun Fact: WSI offers all of these, plus incentive programs! Check out our latest Free Rent Referral Program. 

Applying is a cinch 

Besides the guidance, coaching, and connections working with an agency comes with, a streamlined process is one of their biggest advantages. Your agency should be doing everything in their power to make the process fast, easy, and relatively painless. Ask your Staffing Coordinator what the process will look like beforehand to ensure you’re prepared for the next steps. 

The reviews speak for themselves

The proof is in the pudding… or in this case, the Google Reviews. You can easily get a feel for other people’s experience with the staffing agency by looking at the reviews left on the company’s Google page. These reviews will give you perspective on the good, bad, and ugly from current and past associates. 

Extra points if the company responds to reviews! Like this one from WSI 😉

Choosing a staffing agency isn’t rocket science, but it’s a smart idea to give it some thought. 

Any questions about what WSI offers? Head here.

When you get a job through WSI, one of the pieces of paperwork you’ll fill out is IRS form W-4. The purpose of a W-4 is so that WSI can withhold the correct federal income tax from your pay. 

Why is the W-4 important?

It’s extremely important to fill out this form correctly because the IRS requires people to pay taxes on their income gradually throughout the year. If you don’t fill out the form properly, it could result in owing a surprisingly large amount in April. Additionally, you could also face penalties for underpaying your taxes during the year (and nobody wants that). 

On the contrary, if you withhold too much tax, your paychecks will be smaller than what you’re used to. 

When determining how much to withhold, the IRS Online Withholding Calculator can help provide an accurate depiction based on your current situation. 

When should I file a new form?

Starting a new job is one situation where you would need to fill out a new W-4. Other situations that might warrant a change to your W-4 include having a child or picking up a second job. It’s also important to note that you may change your form at any time, not only when you have a life-changing event. If you identify that you are having too little or too much in taxes withheld, it’s not the end of the world – you can still make a change!

The Bottom Line

It’s important to take the time to calculate your withholdings properly. By doing so, you’ll avoid having to pay penalties at tax time and will keep as much of your earnings as possible. 

At the end of the day, we don’t know your full tax situation. If you have questions about your withholdings please refer to the IRS Online Withholding Calculator. Happy calculating!

It’s performance review season, and for many, this is a cause for panic.  Although they get a bad rap, annual performance reviews can provide valuable feedback and are a key driver for one’s professional growth. 

Here are several tips to help you prepare (and rock) your performance review: 

Preparation

Preparation is the key to your success. Give yourself at least an hour to reflect as you fill out your form and take into account the accomplishments you’ve had throughout the year. Be ready to discuss new goals, areas for growth, and examples of the value you brought to the company. 

Address Your Shortcomings

Look, no one is perfect – even your boss. So if you had any failures, be prepared to talk about them and explain why you fell short. Then, make a plan on how to avoid those shortcomings next time (and don’t be afraid to ask your boss for advice)!

By addressing your faults, it signals that you’re taking your performance seriously, and gives you a chance to craft your message before discussing difficult topics. 

Prepare Questions in Advance

Take advantage of the conversation and ask for feedback. Questions like “What could I do to improve?” and “Am I on track relative to my peers?” are great ways to demonstrate your commitment to the role. 

Be on Offense (Not Defense) 

There’s a fine line between offering excuses and explaining yourself. If you go into the review on the defensive without providing evidence – this sounds like a game of he-said-she-said. Instead, gather evidence for the shortcomings you need to address and be open to suggestions. 

Listen

Keep in mind – the goal of the performance review isn’t to make you feel bad. Rather, it’s intended to bring out the best of your abilities. By actively listening to your manager, consider how you can apply what they’re saying to your responsibilities. 

That’s it! At the end of the day, these meetings are intended to be a conversation to help you improve. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be sure to walk away from your review refreshed and ready to rock your role throughout the rest of the year. 

“That’s not my job.” We’ve all heard this phrase in the workplace before – heck, we’ve maybe even said it a time or two. It’s become a common phrase, but that doesn’t mean it should be. Ever heard of “All other duties as assigned?” 

Let’s think about a scenario for a second:

Your co-worker comes to you, frantic, because she’s running behind and needs help cleaning at the end of the day. Is it your job to clean up at the end of her shift? Probably not. You have two options: Help her out, or mutter “That’s not my job.”

Obviously, it would be easy to avoid extra work at the risk of being labeled as someone who is lazy and unaccommodating.

But that doesn’t mean you should automatically pick up the slack for others, either. Consider other ways to say yes or no in a more productive way: 

If you do have time to help out: 

Instead of, “Yes, I’ll drop everything I’m doing right now.” 

Consider: “How can I help [within this time frame]?”

If you don’t have time to help out: 

Instead of “Cleaning the kitchen isn’t  my job.”

Consider: “I’d like to help you out, but I don’t have the capacity to right now.”

If you can, offer a compromise:

“I’m really pressed for time so I can’t help clean the whole kitchen, but I’d be happy to take the trash to the dumpster on my way out.”

At the end of the day, it’s ok to say no. But, next time a co-worker requests your assistance, think about whether or not you want “That’s not my job” to be your tagline. 

While the skills gap continues to plague the global workforce, this is a perfect opportunity for job seekers to learn and develop skills in order to shrink the gap. By knowing the types of skills hiring managers are looking for and how to obtain them, it can give you a leg up on the competition.

Here’s how to stand out as a candidate in today’s job market:

Think Outside the Box

One of the biggest concerns we hear is that when baby boomers retire there won’t be anyone left who knows how to do industry-specific, skilled jobs. One of the best ways to combat this issue is to think about alternatives to a traditional 4-year degree, such as:

• Technical/Trade Schools
• Skill/Industry Certification Programs
• Apprenticeships
• Online/Distance Learning

WSI Tip: Consider researching the job market in your region to better understand what industries have the best outlook.

Tailor Your Resume

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – Tailor. Your. Resume.

When applying for a job, it’s important to tailor your resume for the specific job or industry you’re looking to get into. No specific experience? No worries. Show recruiters how your past experiences will transfer to this new role. (P.S. At WSI, many of our entry-level positions aren’t looking for experience, but a culture fit.)

Don’t Underestimate Soft Skills

Speaking of experience – soft skills count. Were you a dependable team-player in your last role? Do you have a positive attitude? These are skills that can’t necessarily be taught. Many companies would rather train specific skills than hire someone who already has them but has a bad attitude.

Work With a Staffing Firm

Research shows using a staffing firm is a great way to get your foot in the door and get hands-on experience in a new industry. At WSI, a majority of our manufacturing and light industrial jobs come with the opportunity to be hired in, with potential for career growth. (For a list of current openings, head here.)

Luckily for you, the tight labor market means you have an upper hand in today’s job market. Use that to your advantage!

Some people have developed a habit of flopping on the couch after work to binge-watch their favorite Netflix series while eating dinner at the coffee table until it’s time to go to bed. (It’s us – we’re some people.) As it turns out, the most productive people have unique strategies to rest and recharge after a long day of work. Here are a few things you can do after work to go from being “some people” to “productive people”: 

Read

Avoid turning on the TV. It’s time to tackle that stack of books or magazines that’s been on your nightstand for weeks…or months. Catch up on your favorite blog or news website. Peruse your local news stories.

Play

Grab a friend, family member (or dog) and head to the park. Go for a walk. Ride your bike. After all, playtime isn’t only reserved for children. 

Try a New Recipe

Been dying to make that new pasta recipe you saw on Pinterest? Riveted by the mouthwatering macaroni and cheese video Tastemade posted? Pick up the ingredients on your way home, blast your favorite music, and get to work in the kitchen! 

Start a Hobby

Whether it’s gardening, woodworking, or that goat yoga class you’ve been wanting to try – go for it! There’s no time like the present.

Get Outside

Chances are, you’re inside for most of your day. Get out and enjoy some sunshine and fresh air. You don’t have to go far- even if it means sipping your favorite drink on the front porch.

Volunteer

Maybe you love animals – animal shelters are always looking for volunteers. Maybe senior citizens are your cup of tea – there are ample opportunities to volunteer at retirement centers and nursing homes. Love kids? Become a mentor or donate time to your local children’s hospital. Whatever your jam, pick an organization that aligns with your passions and set aside time to contribute to them. It doesn’t have to be every day or every week, but whenever you’re feeling up to it.

Journal

Get out a notebook and start writing. Unclog your brain by writing down things you’re grateful for, things you’re worried about, or anything else that comes to mind. Journaling is a great way to recharge!

Finish a DIY Project

Is there a project around your home you’ve been wanting to finish? Stop putting it off and get to it! Make it fun by playing your favorite music or inviting a friend over to help. You’ll feel so satisfied when you’re finished.

Pamper Yourself

Whether it’s taking a long shower/bath, using a new facemask, indulging in a bag of M&Ms, or working out to your favorite music, spoil yourself a little. 

Listen to a Podcast

Podcasts are a great way to relax while learning about something you’re interested in. (Here’s a list of the top 10 podcasts right now: https://jamesclear.com/podcasts/top) 

Criticism: whether it’s intended as constructive or not, many of us react with defensiveness and anger. How dare they tell me how to do my job! you might think. Constructive feedback not only increases perspective and bonds, but it also cultivates a trustworthy workplace.

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Life is known to throw us a few curveballs (or twenty). During those times, it’s beneficial to know what resources are at your disposal. WSI has researched a few helpful programs to keep on your radar for when life decides to, well, happen. 

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