Getting a job with Michigan First Credit Union is now just a click away.

The Lathrup Village, Mich.-based credit union recently revamped its careers website (www.MichiganFirstCareers.com) to serve as a one stop online resource. Job seekers can not only learn about the latest career opportunities but also find helpful tools and tips, ranging from building effective resumes to preparing for interviews.

“The site provides a snapshot of who the credit union is to help potential team members see if Michigan First is the right place for them,” said Monica Horger, vice president of human resources at Michigan First. “We want to attract the best talent and you can lose people with a complicated application process.”

The new website features a listing of open positions, complete with responsibilities and required qualifications, online resume submission and information about Michigan First's culture and benefits. The site also allows visitors to create a “job agent,” which helps identify potential opportunities at Michigan First. Those interested in becoming an employee can create a personal job agent by entering information about themselves, uploading their resumes and selecting the frequency with which they would like to be notified regarding new positions.

“It's helped streamline the hiring process while we continue to draw qualified diverse talent to ensure we have the right people in the right positions,” said Horger.

She added that from an administrative perspective it has also made it easier to control candidate flow.

“We can rank onscreen questions and responses and a percentage is applied,” said Horger. “So, for example, we can look at only the top 80% of candidates who have the right qualifications and ensure we'd be a good match for them to start. We can even schedule interviews directly through the system, making the process an administrative piece of cake.”

The site is just part of the over $562 million credit union's overall approach to anticipating and meeting the needs of its employees. That strong commitment to its staff seems to have paid off as Michigan First has been named one of metro Detroit's best companies to work for three consecutive years. In addition to comprehensive health and wellness benefits, Michigan First provides its team members with unique educational opportunities and regularly rewards success with established incentive programs.

Recognizing the importance of a positive on-boarding experience and retention efforts, a new 30-day teller mentor program was created to provide new tellers with coaches beginning the first day they arrive at their branch. Michigan First also created an internal certification program that monitors the consistency of sales and service. Within the first two weeks of being hired, staffers attend a two-day advanced interviewing skills training, which offers additional skills on interviewing, clues and advanced sales techniques. To be certified, within the first six months of hire, financial service representatives must have a minimum of four observations of member interactions that are 5's on a scale of 1 to 5. Team members who are not certified received extra coaching and special attention during their observation sessions.

“Throughout the economic hardship Michigan has been facing, Michigan First has managed to remain strong and stable. Our team members are our most valuable asset,” said Horger. “We believe that if we treat our team members well, they will in turn provide great service to our members and maintain a high level of excellence.”

More than providing a generous benefits package and continuing to offer salary increases and bonuses, Horger said having over 50% promoted from within has also helped retention and recruitment efforts.

“Current and potential team members see that there are real career development opportunities here,” said Horger.

Team success is also celebrated with monthly reward programs, with incentives including cash bonuses, gift cards and tickets to local sporting and concert events, for employees who achieve specific milestones.

Horger added that open communication has also helped keep employees engaged and motivated. In addition to an open door policy, team building days and CEO lunch chats, an internal intranet allows employees to provide confidential feedback and suggestions.

Some other human resource initiatives that have made a positive difference include a team member volunteer program where full- and part-time staffers are paid to volunteer at a charity of their choice during work hours. An emphasis has also been placed on improving the health of its team members.

A fitness center and recreation room, complete with gym equipment, weights, pool tables and foosball is located at headquarters. Also available is a quiet room where employees can read, take a quick nap or just enjoy a short getaway. This year the credit union launched a “biggest loser” and walking contest that will run through Nov. 30. Employees form their own teams and rely on one another to help stay on track to lose weight while winning prizes along the way.

“It's our first year doing this, and it's been a big hit so far. Over 60% of our team members are participating,” said Horger. “The way benefit costs are rising, we see this as a great opportunity for us all to be healthier.”

Never satisfied with the status quo, Horger said Michigan First will continue to work hard to attract and keep the best people in the industry.

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