Sometimes life throws you a curveball, and for about 10% of Michigan adults, that curveball results in not completing their degree in a traditional high school setting. Although the thought of re-entering a classroom setting might be scary, earning your GED credential is a big deal for you and your future.
1. DECIDE IF THE GED IS RIGHT FOR YOU
The GED, or General Education Development credential, is a series of tests that determine your proficiency in four core high school subjects. If you’re 16 years of age or older and have been out of school for at least one calendar year, you’re probably a good candidate for the GED.
While the GED might not always be a listed requirement, it will increase the number and quality of jobs you have access to in the future. Even if you’re currently employed, you may risk getting passed up for or a promotion or being hired into a permanent job without it. And if you’re looking to continue your education, the GED is critical for being accepted into a higher education program.
2. DETERMINE YOUR TESTING LOCATION AND FEES
The GED must be taken in person at an official testing center. You can browse testing locations to find the closest center to you. The State of Michigan now offers this service on the computer, so you’ll be able to know your score before you even leave the testing center.
You’re probably wondering, “how much this is going to cost?” In the state of Michigan, each test costs $37.50, totaling $150. If you’re planning to continue your education beyond the GED, you may also be eligible for the GED-to-School Program, which covers the cost of one attempt of the four different test content areas.
3. STUDY UP AND ACE THE TEST
The GED tests you on four key subjects: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. While you’re not required to take any practice tests prior to taking the official GED test, it’s always a good idea to brush up on your skills to give yourself the best chance at success.
A great, free resource for studying is always your local public library. There are also several online classes you can take to get prepared – online study guides like these are a quick way to identify where your strengths and weaknesses are across each subject so you can work toward improving your score.
With a little hard work and determination, you’ll be acing the test and enjoying a sense of accomplishment in no time.
For more success tips like this, contact us or apply now to speak with a recruiter. We’d love to meet you.
A great job is about more than bringing home a paycheck. In fact, studies show that a positive company culture is two times more likely to contribute to satisfaction in your job than money alone.
Use this guide to figure out what questions should be on your mind when seeking out your next employer. According to Motley Fool (a company recognized as a great place to work) the average American worked more than 1,800 hours per year in 2018–which is 173 hours more than the 1980 average. Shouldn’t you be happy when so much of your life is dedicated to work?
1. WHAT ARE THEIR VALUES?
Researching a company’s core values should be one of the first steps you take when vetting a potential employer. Browsing their website—or sites like Glassdoor and Indeed—will help you determine whether their beliefs align with yours. Relating to your employer on the big things (like honesty, wellness, or loyalty) helps forge a lasting relationship and delivers a fulfilling experience regardless of your job title.
2. WHAT DOES EMPLOYEE SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?
If you’re looking to advance in your career, seek out a company dedicated to employee learning and development. Your employer can play a key role in your personal growth with activities like dedicated training and coaching via check-ins and goal setting. Look for a company with development programs for workers at every rung on the corporate ladder.
3. HOW DOES THE TEAM CELEBRATE ONE ANOTHER?
A little kindness goes a long way, especially in the workplace. While you shouldn’t expect to receive perks like free lunches or break room snacks every single day, being offered support, coaching, or even a simple “thank you” shows that you’re a valued part of the team. Companies that take time to celebrate team successes nurture cultures where healthy connections between employees are valued, and positive teamwork is the outcome.
4. WHAT’S THE JOB SECURITY OUTLOOK?
The desire to work for a stable company is one thing our multigenerational workforce can agree on. While job security can’t always be guaranteed, finding an employer with a strong performance record provides an extra cushion of stability and the opportunity for you to thrive in a healthy environment.
For more help with your job search, apply now or contact EG – we’re here to help you succeed.
When you’ve decided it’s time to move on from your current job, find yourself a recruiter. You’ll land a job faster, and that new job will likely be a better fit for your skills and your life.
MATCHMAKER
A recruiter works for dozens of companies who are hiring now. This gives them the inside scoop on the kind of person the employer wants to hire, and insights about the job beyond what you’ll get in a job description. Because they’ve placed many people into new jobs, they even have knowledge of what it’s like to work for a specific company.
Your recruiter also works for you. She wants to find the right job for you and will only send your resume to companies where she expects you will thrive. She’ll also get your application in front of the hiring manager more quickly. “Most employers look at resumes they receive from an agency faster than they would if you applied on your own,” says Jodi Blanchard, EG Recruiter. “Hiring managers know that we’ve already pre-qualified you and that you’re armed with an understanding of the skills and experience necessary to be successful on the job.”
INTERVIEW COACH
A recruiter will help you represent yourself in the best way possible, both on paper and in person. Starting with your resume, recruiters will coach you with tips like adding volunteer experience or side jobs in order to emphasize your value to a particular employer. When you get selected for the interview, your recruiter will coach you with tips for talking with the hiring manager and fitting in at the company.
ENCOURAGING FRIEND
Your relationship with your recruiter doesn’t end after you land the job. Recruiters stay by your side beyond the initial hiring process and are there to help you grow into your new position after you start.
Helping people succeed is at the heart of what we do at EG, and EG’s team of friendly recruiters love their jobs. “It brings me so much joy to see people develop on the job,” says Sarah Senn, EG Recruiter. “The skills they learn also help them develop personally. It really makes me proud to have helped them.”
We’d love to meet you and help you succeed. Apply now or contact us to kick off your relationship with an EG recruiter.
As a longtime member of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, our President & CEO, Mark Lancaster, sat down with the Chamber to discuss what inspires him and the rest of the EG Workforce Solutions team to come to work every day.
CAREER PASSION
With more than 20 years in his role, Mark emphasizes the importance of training and development to support the enrichment of the communities EG serves. He supports helping people succeed in the workplace by serving on several community boards, including Talent 2025, a West Michigan initiative.
EVOLVING TO HELP PEOPLE SUCCEED
It’s no secret that employers across the country are struggling to find quality talent. In order to create fulfilling connections between candidates and employers looking to grow their teams, Mark recognizes that EG candidates are also valued EG customers. In order to grow relationships with qualified job candidates, EG has evolved its emphasis from recruitment activities to talent acquisition expertise.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
In addition to Mark’s involvement with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, CFO, Linda Miller, and Director of Human Resources, Kurt Wagner, currently serve on boards in support of the Chamber’s mission. Mark believes their involvement allows EG to act as a better advisor regarding policy changes that may impact customers.
To read the full text of Mark’s spotlight, visit Michigan Chamber of Commerce.
Origins of the Legislation
Initiated as a citizen-petitioned ballot measure, the Michigan Legislature adopted the Earned Sick Time Act as written to keep it from being placed before the voting public and as a means to modify it. Michigan is the 11th state to enact a mandatory sick-time law. After revisions that improve the legistation’s impact on employer/employee relations, Michigan’s Paid Medical Leave Act was signed into law and will take effect March 29, 2019
New Benefit Requirements
The new law impacts eligible employees at companies with 50+ employees. It will not apply to certain employee categories including exempt employees, temporary workers, private sector workers covered by a collective bargaining agreement, contractors, and certain part-time and seasonal employees.
Covered employees will accrue a minimum of 1 hour of paid sick time for every 35 hours worked, up to 40 hours annually. This time can include paid medical leave, vacation days, personal days and paid time off. The law does allow for limited carry-over of unused accrued time.
Documentation and Reporting
Employers are required to update workplace posters to include information regarding the Paid Medical Leave Act. In addition, employers are required to retain records documenting the hours worked and paid medical leave taken by eligible employees.
The final law requires employees to comply with their employer’s standard sick time notification policies and states that an employee should be given up to three days to provide documentation to support their need for leave.
Leave can be taken in increments of 1 hour, unless the employer has a different policy that is communicated through an employee handbook.
Workplace and Administration Implications
The new paid sick time law takes effect in Michigan on March 29, 2019. To prepare for compliance, employers should review their existing time-off policies for sick time, vacation time, and personal time, and assure that minimum requirements are met and procedures are fully communicated to any employee group that is impacted. In addition, verbiage may need to be added to specify that PTO includes paid medical leave.
This FAQ document from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a useful reference to help you understand the new law.
Next Steps
This legislation covers EG’s sick time policies for our corporate team, but it does NOT impact our team of temporary workers. Our current PTO policies comply with this legislation and no changes to our policies for our team of temporary workers are planned. EG’s Human Resource leadership team and our legal advisors continually monitor legislation such as this to assure full compliance. When changes are necessary, we will share our updated benefits and reporting processes with you – our employer partners, our corporate employees, and our contingent workforce; making sure each individual knows what new legislation means to them.
Contact EG to discuss this or any matter relating to human resources or candidate recruiting issues. info@eg-us.com