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Warehousing is just one of the many moving parts of the highly-intricate manufacturing and logistics industries. Each day, warehouses everywhere process, receive, and send thousands of shipments, each of which are valuable contributors to the greater economy. Shipping and receiving clerks are in some of the most crucial positions in a warehouse's day-to-day operations. So what is a shipping clerk, and what do they do?  What does a shipping and receiving clerk do?A shipping and receiving clerk is responsible for a number of tasks, though specifics will depend on the type and scale of the operation. Generally speaking, a shipping and receiving clerk is responsible for:
In some operations, shipping and receiving clerks may have additional responsibilities such as setting workers' schedules, assembling packaging, operating equipment/machinery, and estimating shipping costs. How do I become a shipping and receiving clerk?Shipping clerks carry many responsibilities in warehouses; their decisions can impact efficiency throughout the warehouse and overall business. Employers want to ensure their shipping clerks are exceptional employees. Because of this, the best way to become a shipping clerk is to demonstrate your value in the warehouse environment. Here are a few tips to show you're ready for the position. 1. Demonstrate an attention to detail As you probably guessed from the list of responsibilities above, the job is very detail-oriented and requires attentiveness, detailed knowledge of logistics, as well as a firm grasp on the larger scope of operations. Proving yourself as a reliable, focused employee will go a long way in demonstrating to your employer that you have the necessary skills to be a shipping clerk. 2. Be a team player While shipping and receiving clerks regularly manage and process orders on their own, they're almost never working alone. Great communication skills are critical for shipping and receiving clerks, as they often need to gather information or share it with clients and others in their workplace. By being an effective communicator and contributor to the warehouse team's efforts, you show that you possess the qualities of a successful and competent shipping clerk. 3. Be reliable Shipping and receiving clerks are vital to keeping warehouses running smoothly and on time, so employers need to be able to rely on their shipping clerks. Being punctual, communicating with your coworkers and employer effectively and courteously, and getting your work done on time illustrates to your employer that you're someone they can count on to handle more responsibilities. Find shipping and receiving clerk positions in your areaOne of the best ways to get your foot in the door to become a shipping and receiving clerk is to demonstrate your value on the warehouse floor. Fortunately, there are lots of opportunities to get started. With the continued rise in e-commerce and the upcoming holiday season, warehouses are hiring. In fact, the warehousing and transportation sectors added roughly 53,000 jobs in August alone.
Summit Staffing’s extensive employment network can help you find warehouse jobs in your area. Want more information? Contact us today!
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Why Should You Become a Forklift Operator?Did you know that the forklift operator position is one of the highest paid in the warehousing industry? This is because it’s a position that requires certification, which results in the starting wage being much higher than other roles due to the upfront work. Not only does a forklift certification set you apart on the job hunt, it can also provide job security. With last year's increase in e-commerce sales, forklift operators have been and will continue to be in high demand, meaning you'll always have work, or be able to find work. Tip: due to the fact that forklift jobs are higher paid, consider starting as a warehouse associate and make it known that you are interested in forklifts. If you show reliability as an employee (on time, no missed days, good performance, great safety record, etc) it will open the door to new opportunities.  What Are The Steps to Becoming a Forklift Operator?Obtaining your forklift operator's certification takes time and effort but pays off in the end. To become a certified forklift operator, your first course of action is to complete an OSHA-approved certification course. These are offered by many vocational colleges and private companies. Courses usually take about 6-8 hours, and usually cost less than $200. There are typically four parts of a forklift operation course.
Obtaining a forklift operation certification doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be driving a forklift on your first day, though. Companies are required by OSHA to verify your skills, as forklifts are powerful pieces of equipment that can damage facilities or lead to serious injuries. As a result, each company will usually provide additional training to ensure everyone’s safety and acclimate you to operating in their specific location. What Does a Forklift Operator Do?As a forklift operator, you can expect to move heavy materials using powerful industrial equipment and machines. This might take place in a factory, at a construction site or in a warehouse. In fact, because there are so many different uses for forklifts, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has categorized seven classes of forklifts. The 7 Classes of ForkliftsClass 1: Electric Motor Rider Truck This type of lift is very versatile. Its tires are intended for use in a warehouse with smooth floors, and Class 1 lifts with pneumatic tires can be outside in dry weather. Class 2: Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Truck Class 2 forklifts are primarily used in warehouse settings. When a company is looking to save on storage space, they might utilize the narrow profile of Class 2 forklifts to minimize the area needed to navigate the vehicle. Class 3: Electric Motor Hand or Hand-Rider Truck These forklifts are primarily used for unloading pallets and other large, heavy items. Their controls are mounted on the tiller, which helps lower, lift, and steer the forklift. Class 4: Internal Combustion Engine Truck - Cushion Tires Class 4 forklifts are for transporting pallets indoors. Because their cushion tires are smaller than their counterparts, they're better suited for low-clearance operations. Class 5: Internal Combustion Engine Truck - Pneumatic Tires These forklifts are both incredibly powerful and versatile. Pneumatic tires allow for them to be used indoors or outdoors, and their high lift capacity allows them to handle loads as small as a single pallet to as big as a fully-loaded 40-foot container. Class 6: Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors These vehicles, which can be outfitted with either an electric or gas engine depending on the job. Battery-powered vehicles tend to be better for indoor environments, as it improves air quality and is quieter, whereas the robust internal combustion engines are more suitable for outdoor use. Class 7: Rough Terrain Forklifts These forklifts, which are equipped with large tires, are most commonly used at construction sites where the terrain is less predictable and subject to the elements. It's important to consider what kind of work you want to do as a forklift operator. When you look for a certification course, do research to know whether they'll be equipped to train you for that kind of forklift. Summit Staffing: Find Forklift Jobs in the MidwestForklift operating jobs are currently in high demand and offer competitive pay. So, once you have your forklift operator's license, check out our latest job listings for forklift operators in the Midwest.
Additionally, becoming a warehouse associate is a great first step toward becoming a forklift operator. When you demonstrate your value to a company through outstanding work and reliability, they’ll be willing to train and invest resources in you. Let Summit Staffing help match you with your next warehouse job in Illinois, Indiana or Wisconsin for a prosperous future! We specialize in the light industrial market, so whether you are looking for general labor, forklift, machine operating or more, we'll work one-on-one with our associates to make sure we have the right fit. Check out our office locations or contact us to learn more! You’ve probably been reading the wild stories about the job market in the US right now. While the US is experiencing the largest economic recovery in the world, there are still a large number of job-seekers that are delaying their reentry into the job market for a number of reasons. But it’s important to note that a massive opportunity exists right now for those who want to change careers or find a new job. Our advice: beat the rest of the crowd and get started now. Get Ahead of the OthersIt’s no secret that the pandemic created a crisis of job losses, furloughs and other unfortunate events surrounding employment for millions of Americans. As vaccination rates increase and unemployment benefits expire, the number of people job hunting is growing exponentially every day. The good news is that it’s still early in this growth period and the early bird gets the worm, so to speak. If you haven’t started your job search yet, now is a good time to start your search, before the job market becomes slim pickings once again. Companies Are Rewarding Strong Individuals More Than EverAs companies continue to compete for new talent, many workers are enjoying higher wages and more benefits. If you have a strong track record of delivering good work to previous employers, it’s possible to leverage that for a new role with higher pay. Some common benefits that employers are currently offering could include:
Increased Flexibility in the Workplace is TrendingMany company leaders agree that in-person collaboration and physical offices will never be fully replaced by remote work. However, companies are currently re-thinking how workplace flexibility improves the lives of employees. Many job opportunities are allowing for a hybrid form of work or increased flexibility of hours. Be sure to talk to a recruiter about finding an opportunity that suits your needs. They are here to help you thrive! Employment Opportunity is Rapidly EvolvingAccording to the Wall Street Journal, “employment has bounced back beyond pre-pandemic levels in many sectors. Compared with February 2020, there are now 100,000 more warehousing and storage jobs, along with 39,000 more jobs in management and technical consulting, and 25,000 more jobs in insurance and finance.” The truth is that opportunities exist in nearly every industry right now and more people will be looking for jobs as we move further into the summer and fall seasons. Now is the time to get started! Let Summit Staffing Help Find Your Next Dream JobWith offices in most major cities in the Midwest, our team of recruiters is here to help you land your next dream job! Give us a call to learn why we are the best staffing agency in the midwest. We are excited to help you grow your career!
 Oak Brook, IL, March 12, 2021 – Summit Staffing, Inc., a leading staffing agency announced today that they have won the Best of Staffing Client Award for providing superior service to their clients. Presented in partnership with presenting sponsor CareerBuilder and gold sponsors Indeed & Talent.com,ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing® Award winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients. On average, clients of winning agencies are twice as likely to be completely satisfied with the services provided compared to those working with non-winning agencies. Summit Staffing, Inc. received satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 out of 10 from 68.2% of their clients, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 38%.
“Summit Staffing has worked very hard in the last year to maintain a high level of service, and continue to provide employment to our wonderful loyal workforce. We have just celebrated our 35th anniversary, and in all those years I have never witnessed such unforeseen and evolving challenges. I am more grateful than ever for our incredible staff, and very proud of the hard work and dedication everyone displayed. This is our fourth consecutive Best of Staffing award, and absolutely the hardest earned!” Summit Staffing’s Owner, President and CEO Fiorella Auriemma “After one of the most turbulent years in modern history, winners of the 2021 Best of Staffing award have proven their commitment to go above and beyond in support of their clients and placed talent," said ClearlyRated's CEO and Founder, Eric Gregg. "These service leaders have demonstrated their capacity to be agile, to be precise, and to prioritize the client and talent experience above all else. It is my honor to celebrate and showcase the 2021 Best of Staffing winners alongside feedback from their actual clients and placed talent on ClearlyRated.com!” For more information about Summit Staffing please contact Analisa Gutierrez, information is listed below. Contact Analisa Gutierrez, VP of Client Services p. (630) 819-5313 analisa@summitstaffing.net  As the world grinded to a halt in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and mitigation measures aimed towards stopping the spread, headlines have revolved around displaced jobs in the service industry. While there is truth to the number of lost jobs in the service industry, the national narrative is ignoring a resurgence of high-paying jobs in the manufacturing and warehousing industry. In fact, an ‘epic US factory jobs boom is on its way’ according to Bloomberg. Jobs and opportunities do exist right now; and with the rollout of vaccines across the country, the situation has a chance to improve dramatically. Here are some of the best opportunities in the warehousing industry to keep tabs on. The Rise of E-Commerce in the MidwestIt’s no secret that the events of 2020 have dramatically reshaped shopping habits. The rise of e-commerce shopping has taken hold in the midwest, especially in the Chicago area, which happens to be a very strategic shipping and distribution hub for the US. With the rise in e-commerce comes a plethora of new job opportunities from logistics to warehousing and distribution. Take a look at the following warehouse jobs and reach out to our team with any questions! What are the Best Warehouse Jobs in the Midwest?
Find the Best Midwestern Warehouse Jobs ASAPLet Summit Staffing help match you with your next warehouse job in Illinois, Indiana or Wisconsin for a prosperous future! We specialize in the light industrial market, so whether you are looking for general labor, forklift, machine operating or more, we'll work one-on-one with our associates to make sure we have the right fit.
Check out our office locations or contact us to learn more! This past year was a volatile year for many industries starting in March with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The staffing industry was able to step in and help with a major shift in labor in the United States and around the world. Here are a few updated statistics for 2020 with regards to the staffing industry.  Employee staffing statistics in 2020There are plenty of reasons for employees to seek out temporary work but the top ranking reasons in 2020 are:
 Employer staffing statistics in 2020The staffing industry creates thousands of jobs each year and significantly contributes to the GDP in the United States. This year was no exception as multiple industries were disrupted due to the pandemic. Staffing companies were able to achieve the following this past year:
Industrial Staffing Services in the Midwest Our team of recruiters is here to answer any other questions you may have about manual labor. In fact, Summit Staffing has more than 30 years of experience finding the right candidate for the right position and a variety of manual labor positions around Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, contact us!
 What jobs are considered manual labor?Manual labor is defined as work that requires physical skill and energy, but some people are a little loose with their descriptions of manual labor jobs. For instance, some might consider a cashier or checkout position in a retail store to be a manual labor job even if it really doesn't require as much physical energy as an inventory warehouse worker in the back of the same store. Here are a few examples of manual labor jobs that we regularly hire and place for:
How should I dress for a manual labor interview?The age-old saying "look good, feel good" definitely applies to all interviews - even for manual labor jobs! You should plan to dress nicely no matter what the job is. It’s always better to be overdressed than under. When you look good, you’ll feel good and you’ll naturally be more confident. It also signals that you're serious about getting to work which will increase your chances of getting hired. Read our 8 Interview Tips to Help you Land the Job Does manual labor make you stronger?Yes! The most obvious benefit of working a manual labor job is getting more exercise. It makes sense that being on your feet, moving, lifting, and doing general physical activity all day will burn calories and contribute to muscle growth. Make no mistake, working a manual labor position will not replace regular exercise or cure you of all ailments, but physical work definitely offers more opportunities for burning calories than sedentary desk jobs. As with any physical activity, injuries can happen. Be sure to do daily stretches before and after your shift and follow all safety guidelines to keep you out of harm's way. What are the differences between manual labor jobs and office jobs?Office jobs typically require sitting at a desk for 8-10 hours a day leading to a more sedentary lifestyle that can even negatively affect your health in some cases. It's also common for office workers to have thousands of dollars of debt from certifications and college tuition that must eventually be paid off. Manual labor jobs also require long hours and can be more physically taxing. Manual labor allows you to learn new skills that strengthen the mind and body. Oftentimes these skills are also applicable to both professional and personal life. Specializations and training certifications can also help further your career and boost your paycheck - for example forklift drivers are a skilled position typically earning more than general labor jobs. Both manual labor jobs and office jobs have their pros and cons. Each option is valid -- it just depends on what type of person you are. If you like to stay active and have tons of energy, then perhaps opting out of the 9-5 office life and getting a manual labor job is the right move for you. How can I protect my body when working in manual labor?Most manual labor or contractor jobs involve loading, unloading and heavy lifting. It's important to know how to keep your body in tune. A few suggestions include:
Can a manual labor job help improve brain cognition?It's no secret that lifting, walking, carrying, and other activities that come with manual labor work builds muscles through exercise. But manual labor generally also requires unique cognitive functions, which will improve over time, such as interpersonal skills, situational awareness, contextual application of tools and procedures, and depending on the job, innovation. The Summit Advantage: General Labor Staffing in the MidwestOur team of recruiters is here to answer any other questions you may have about manual labor. In fact, Summit Staffing has more than 30 years of experience finding the right candidate for the right position and a variety of manual labor positions around Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, contact us!
While technology has allowed for tremendous advancements in warehouse supply chain efficiency, there are also other factors that make or break a business -- most importantly, a motivated, hard-working staff. Top warehouse businesses around the world still depend on hiring the right people for the right job in order to maintain productivity. Because a business is only as efficient as the workers they hire, and many warehouse opportunities are so niche, it's often difficult to fill the necessary positions. In this guide, we’ll illustrate four tips designed to help employers find and hire the right candidates for important, hard-to-fill warehouse jobs so you operate at maximum efficiency. 1. Include as much detail in job descriptions as possible Warehouse jobs can vary a lot from business to business. For example, the duties of a forklift driver for one company may not necessarily require the same skills as driving one for another. When you are creating a job posting, be as specific and up front as possible about expectations and qualifications necessary to perform the duties. Bullet point format works well in job descriptions because it acts as an easily digestible checklist for applicants. You can then create long-form explanations underneath the bullet points if necessary. Including as much detail as possible in your job descriptions can be a major time saver because it helps to ensure that only qualified candidates apply. 2. Know the Red Flags to Look For in the Hiring Process The hiring process isn’t particularly fun for anyone. Hiring managers and decision-makers are tasked with the time drain of conducting interviews and reviewing resumes in addition to their normal job duties. It’s important to know which red flags to look for so the team doesn't have to repeat the hiring process.
Read our 5 Commonly Asked Interview Questions for Temporary Positions for more interview ideas. 3. Ask Detailed Questions in Online Applications Some warehouse jobs have very specific requirements that may even be regulated by law. It’s important to ask detailed and specific questions in online applications to avoid sifting through unnecessary details. Some example questions include:
Oftentimes, asking these specific questions can be better than asking for a resume when hiring warehouse employees for hard to fill jobs. 4. Focus on Brand & Culture for Hard-to-Fill-Jobs The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has a few interesting case studies that focus on recruiting and retaining warehouse workers. They argue that “brand and culture” play a major role in hiring warehouse employees. The case study includes an interesting example of a company, Romark, that offers competitive pay for its warehouse jobs. The company saw employee retention and hiring skyrocket after implementing two policies: air conditioned warehouses and allowing employees to remain on the clock while at lunch. Read more about How to Create a Desirable and Productive Work Environment for more ideas surrounding good work culture. Summit Staffing’s Team of Expert Recruiters Can Staff Your Hard to Fill Jobs.
Summit Staffing has the experience and expertise to develop a custom staffing solution to meet your needs. We work on projects ranging from customers that require a single temporary associate, to managing a 24/7 onsite operation with over 1200 temporary employees. By combining work ethic with state of the art technology, Summit Staffing has become the supplier of choice for hundreds of companies, large and small, throughout the Midwest including many publicly traded and international corporations. Contact us to learn more. Top 5 Summer Temp Jobs For Extra Income in 2020 Summer is the perfect time to take on more hours working to bolster your annual income. Demand for work tends to rise in the summer months with more people wanting to take time off for vacation and to spend time with family and friends. Even during these uncertain times, demand for temporary work will still be expected during the summer months. Whether you’re looking for work in Administrative & Clerical, Accounting & Finance, Skilled Manufacturing positions, or other areas, our team of dedicated recruiters can help point you in the right direction. 1. Warehouse PackerWarehouse packers, sometimes called pickers, are in charge of getting packages ready for shipment from the storage warehouse. The number one duty of pickers is to retrieve the items on the invoice from the inventory, check that they are in good condition, wrap them securely, and pack them for shipping. You would also be updating the inventory to reflect items removed and weigh packages. Warehouse packing jobs do require physical strength and stamina to lift and pack heavy boxes and items. 2. Assembler/Assembly Line WorkerIt’s always nice to have the opportunity to work indoors in the air conditioning - especially in the blistering hot summer months. An assembler is responsible for piecing together parts and following a set of instructions or schematics to achieve the goal. The assembler is also responsible for making sure that the correct quantities of components makes it to the final destination. Lastly they are responsible for checking completed items for quality, and managing parts inventory. There are various different types of assembler jobs but our team of dedicated recruiters can help you navigate that. 3. Warehouse OperatorWarehouse Operator jobs typically require you to be able to handle and balance many different tasks all at once. Some warehouse operator jobs are responsible for managing the supply chain process, handling vendor orders and interactions, enforcing safety regulations, and checking all packages for quality assurance. That can sound like a handful so typically individuals who are organized and have some experience are the best candidates. It should also be noted that it may be required to operate a forklift or other warehouse machinery. Regardless, warehouse operator jobs are excellent for summer temporary work! 4. Temporary Clerical WorkTypically temp clerical work can be perfect for the hot summer months, since it usually takes place indoors and in an office setting. Clerical work usually includes some combination of the following tasks:
5. WelderWelders are responsible for fabricating and assembling metal structures/ equipment through the use of welders, cutters, shapers and measuring tools. Welding jobs can be a bit more complicated because experience and certification requirements vary between jobs, but our team of expert recruiters will work with you to identify your skill set. Summit Staffing - Your Local Midwest Temp AgencyLooking for seasonal summer employment or a new career altogether? Let Summit Staffing, your local Midwest temp agency, match you with one of their promising clients in Illinois, Indiana or Wisconsin for a prosperous future! Summit Staffing specializes in the light industrial market, so whether you are looking for general labor, forklift, machine operating or more, we'll work one-on-one with our associates to make sure we have the right fit.
5 Commonly Asked Interview Questions for Temporary PositionsTemporary employment is the ideal way to find work for extra cash on the side, seasonal employment (especially during the summer and holidays), and for supplemental income between jobs. In fact, many companies use temporary work to explore the best talent so later they can fill full-time positions. Regardless of your motivations for seeking temporary employment, hiring managers are looking to fill positions with individuals who are dependable and who possess the necessary skills to get their project(s) done. It’s important that you understand the industry that you are applying to and begin thinking about long-term goals related to it. Here are a few commonly asked questions for temporary positions with reasoning behind them to help you craft original answers and land the job. What is it about temporary work that interests you?This question is designed to help hiring managers understand your motivations for seeking temporary employment: a very important detail in their eyes. You should use this opportunity to explain that you are looking for opportunities to prove yourself in order to land the job of your dreams. It’s okay to explain that you are treating it as a way of evaluating if the job/company is right for you. Employers typically like to hear that candidates are taking the opportunity seriously. This is also a chance to showcase that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete the job. What are your long-term career goals?Interviewing for temporary positions can be a bit trickier than applying for permanent positions. Decision-makers are looking for candidates on whom they can depend to complete the assigned job and not quit to pursue other long-term career goals. Any “long-term goal” questions should be approached with caution. It is ok to acknowledge that you do indeed have an ideal career path, but try to reiterate that the job has value for both yourself and them; after all, they're the ones looking for a worker. Do what you can to position yourself as a dependable person who is focused on helping them, rather than just gaining experience for your own sake. Would you be interested in a permanent position if it became available?Do keep an open mind when asked about potential direct-hire opportunities in the company. If you prefer to stick with temporary work, then focus on keeping your answer general and vague. Explain that you are open to any mutually beneficial possibilities in the future if the situation is right. This is another opportunity to reinforce that you have the skills and knowledge to get the job done and would prefer to focus on that. Can you tell us about a time when you had to adjust to a new work environment?Telling stories is one of the most powerful tools in your belt during the interview process. Everyone knows that starting a new position comes with a period of learning and adjustment. We can all but guarantee that you will encounter a question that will ask you to reflect on the past and how you adapted to something out of your control. Plan ahead for this question and focus on showing them that you are resourceful, flexible, and able to work with new people in new places. What specific job skills do you have that will help with this position?This may seem like a no-brainer but it is a very important piece when being considered for temporary work. Be sure to project confidence when answering this question. Make sure the decision maker knows your skill set and how you can effectively apply it to the position. Feel free to tell another brief story about your past experience and how it can help you. It’s best to keep your answers short and direct on this one. Summit Staffing Can Help You Find WorkIf you're looking for a temporary position or a career change and feel confident to interview in a certain industry, get in touch and submit your resume. Summit Staffing has worked with companies around the Midwest for over 30 years, placing the right candidates in the right positions. We'll help you hone your skill set and find ways to market them to businesses that would be the right fit for you. Get in touch today!
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