My Campus Chronicles
Our college blog dedicated to helping students prepare for life outside of college.
Don Boone archive
Many employees are terrified of making mistakes. Either their managers make them feel afraid of making a mistake, or workers put pressure on themselves not to make mistakes for fear that they could get fired or be looked over for raises and promotions.
It's true that some mistakes at work can be detrimental to your career, but sometimes even the biggest regrets don't have to spell doom for your career. Take it from some of the hottest rising stars in business. This article shows that even the most successful professionals can recover from making mistakes at work.
Often times, the smartest person in the room is one who has made mistakes. It may not seem that way at the time, but "screw ups" are the best ways to learn lessons, and trust me, those are lessons that you will never forget.
There will be times that workplace mess ups will result in loss of trust from colleagues or managers. However, if you establish your reputation as someone who is typically making the right decisions and solid in their work ethic, your mistake recovery time will probably be shorter than those who are error prone.
Blunders that are grounds for dismissal could include losing your temper and using profane language, making errors that result in the loss of a client or major account, saying something inappropriate to co-workers or lying to your boss, just to name a few.
The bottom line is that if you take your job seriously and are conscientious about your work product, you can make a mistake and have time to make up for it and save your reputation. If you do make an error, own up to it and take responsibility for correcting it.
A new survey recently released has some good news about the job market - more companies are planning to hire in the near future. So job seekers, get ready for the job hunt to possibly pick up the pace!
If you have decided to give up the hunt, like so many job seekers, due to an unsuccessful few months of looking, now is the time to make a to do list and get back in the game. Here's where to start:
- Start with your cover letter - even if you have not been working, you may want to let the cover letter explain what you have been doing i.e. volunteering in the community, mentoring students, taking training courses, etc.
- Update your resume - if you have been working elsewhere and it is pertinent to your career, add information about your recent experience.
- Practice your skills - take some time to refresh your interview skills and practice your interview presence.
- Sharpen your network - knowing that companies may be ramping up to hire again, now is the time to start networking with professionals who can set you on the right path to finding a job
- Prepare your networking and interviewing suit - make sure you have your interview suit pressed and ready at a moment's notice.
If in fact more companies are preparing to hire, competition for job openings will be tight because so many job seekers are in the talent pool. So take each of the tips above very seriously, and do your homework. Read all you can about jobs searching techniques, and how to stand out from other job seekers.
The new norm for many workers is looking for jobs where they can transfer skills, or having to retrain to learn new skills and earn new certifications to land a job in a different line of work.
Beware of this strategy - not because learning new skills is a bad idea, but because you have new qualifications, doesn't mean that you will find a job in a different field right away, as one article points out. The key is to stay patient, and not become discouraged.
Check out a few other stories of workers' experiences with retraining programs. How about some of our readers? Do any of you have retraining stories to tell? Was it a positive or negative experience? Did retraining help you find a new job?
Now is the time to stand out in the job market. With thousands out of work and companies flooded with resumes, it is important to make sure that your resume does not end up in the trash.
As one article explains, prospective job seekers should stick with the basics of resume writing and not be too ornate or "creative" about developing a resume. Unnecessary gimmicks or too many block letters and boxed information, could get your resume thrown into the trash.
With more workers looking for employment, recruiters and hiring managers are spending more time sifting through resumes and applications to try and find the qualified talent they are seeking. If resume set ups are too distracting, they may lose their patience and move on to the next.
Furthermore, companies are not hiring en masse right now. Chances are they are only looking for a handful, or fewer, candidates at a time. With fewer jobs and more candidates, workers can ill-afford to have their resumes tossed to the side, or thrown away without even having a chance at an interview.
Remember the day you were laid off? What was the first thing some of your friends and colleagues said to you? I can probably tell you a couple of answers: "I am sorry", "Tough break, but you'll bounce back".
Those were probably the most common comments. But I bet there was one more that you possibly heard - "Maybe when the economy gets better, they will ask you back." This is always a possibility, but according to one article, it can be a blessing and a curse.
If you want to leave the door open to come back to your former employer, don't burn any bridges as you leave. Stay in touch with your colleagues and manager while you look for another job, and mention that if the opportunity arises, you would like to come back.
Should your former employer call you back, but you are not sure if it's the right move, don't feel pressured to return just because you need to have a job. Weigh the options and potential opportunities you have in front of you, and determine if your previous employer is the right place for you to be.
There is certainly some daylight in the job market, and little by little, more job opportunities are becoming available. If you are out of work, conduct a job search as normal, and keep an eye on your former employer. You never know, there may be a chance that you could be a boomerang employer one or two years down the line.
Feeling a little discouraged by the job market news? While the economy seems to be showing signs of life, the job market is still lagging behind, with more have lost their jobs.
Even the news of the unemployment rate could play psychological games with jobs seekers, making them feel as though there is no hope. However, there are still many industries that are hiring. According to one article, those industries include health care, information technology, accounting and restaurants.
If you are looking for jobs in these areas, be sure that you have a focused search and are including niche job site such as Dice.com (technology) and AccountingJobsToday.com.
Also, don't forget to use your social media and networking connections. A different article points out that sites such as LinkedIn are the "resume of the future". If you are not up to speed on how to use these online tools, start stretching your social media wings now, and become more acquainted with the power of these communities.
So keep your resume sharp and updated, and start looking at the industries that are ready to find and hire talent.
I was surprised to read an article about the graying of the workforce, and how few companies provide for the needs of this important sector or the workforce. In the past 10 years, the major concern for employers was how to shore up knowledge gaps due to the impending retirement of the baby boomers. Now that the boomers and older members of the workforce have continued to work, employers seem to be forgetting they have needs too.
There is much emphasis on recruiting younger members of the workforce, and what employers need to do to attract these tech-savvy, philanthropic-minded, emergent workers. But older workers, who still possess the knowledge and experience that their younger counterparts don't have, are looking for opportunities for training and flexibility as well.
When you consider the boomer generation and the responsibilities they may have at home, such as taking care of elderly parents, flexibility would be a key benefit for them.
And what about training? The attitude of some companies is - "why spend money to train employees who may not be with the company for the long haul?" In reality, most workers over 50 are preparing to work well into the 70's and even into their 80's. So instead of having them lag behind, why not give them the tools they will need to be productive?
Each year, AARP publishes its list of the Best Employers for Workers Over 50. The companies listed are all representative of those that are doing their part in maintaining a healthy, happy mature workforce. So managers and executives take heed, and stay tuned into ALL of your employees' needs.
I was watching the news the other day and saw two stories in one broadcast about the economy. One story was about how the job market is struggling and many employees are still in danger of losing their jobs. The other story was about a rebounding economy and job growth being just around the corner. Huh?
With all of these conflicting stories, what are we supposed to think? It can be down right mind-boggling, and cause anxiety.
So here are my quick tips to beat recession talk burn out:
1. Take in the news, but do not hang you hat on any one story. Bottom line - it's been bad, but there are positive signs that it's getting better.
2. Keep your nose to the grindstone. Don't worry about what could happen, focus on what is happening right now and do your part to stay productive at work.
3. Go a head, have a coffee break. Stressing yourself out and staying stuck to the cubicle is going to make you less productive. Take a break by going on a walk or getting a cup of coffee.
4. Avoid the office hen house. You know, the colleagues who spend a good part of lunch or break time hashing out the rumor mill about layoffs and office closings.
5. Stay positive. Easier said than done, but having a positive attitude is sometimes all it takes to have good things come your way.
Think about the last time you had a phone interview. A recruiter or hiring manager called, asked you a few questions about your resume, wanted a little more information about your experience, and then most likely scheduled an in person interview.
If this scenario sounds familiar, it may have been a while since you had a phone interview. Today, recruiters and hiring managers are using the phone interview as a bona fide first round interview. According to one article, gone are the days when you could cruise through the phone interview and move right into the face to face with managers and executives.
This new trend of more intense phone interviews could be a direct result of the economy. Companies are being flooded with resumes from laid off workers, so to find the most qualified applicants, phone interviews are used as a weed out tool to make sure the best applicants are being invited in for the face to face interview.
So be prepared for the phone interview. Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind:
1. Conduct the phone interview in a location that is quiet with no distractions.
2. Make sure you schedule the interview when you have time to think about your answers and are not rushing.
3. Treat the phone interview as the first round instead of a preliminary necessity.
4. If it helps, dress for the phone interview. Maybe not in a suit, but make sure you have showered and dressed if you are at home.
5. Prepare by practicing your interview answers, and use all of the interviewing skills you would if this was a face to face meeting.
With the job market still iffy, and the economy limping to a recovery, when you have an opportunity for a job, don't lose out on the opportunity by taking the phone interview for granted.
Many out of work job seekers are pounding the pavement to find a job, even taking jobs that may not be the best for career advancement or job satisfaction.
To add insult to unemployment injury, now scammers are out there advertising fake jobs or scamming money out of desperate job seekers.
According to one article, the Better Business Bureau is warning unemployed job seekers to beware of job offers that may sound too good to be true.
Job scammers may try to do everything from requiring a paid for credit check before applying, to asking for money up front for supplies for work at home schemes. Also, be careful about the amount of information you divulge on resumes or job board sites to protect yourself again identity theft.
If you have any concerns about job offers or employment scams, report it to the Better Business Bureau right away, and be careful about job opportunities that sound suspicious.
Work-related stress is part of having a job, and during tougher economic conditions, that stress may be magnified. Not only is the workplace itself stressful, but colleagues (including yourself), could be dealing with personal stress as well.
So how can you handle the stress without losing your mind? Here are a couple of tips:
Take time off - Getting away from the office and having a little "me time" is the best way to beat the stress blues. Some workers are concerned about taking time off during a tough economy, but taking a day or two for a long weekend may help relieve stress.
Make lists and check them twice - Keeping organized and staying on top of your tasks can help keep stress at bay. Feeling organized can help compartmentalize your responsibilities, relieving anxiety about what's on your plate at work.
Confide in someone - "Venting" frustrations can be a great stress reliever. Most people do not want to be seen as a complainer, but confiding in a close friend or relative can unburden your mental state of mind and is healthier than keeping it to yourself.
Decompress or indulge a hobby - All employees could use a little down time. When times are tough and stress becomes overwhelming, remember to take time to unwind. Work in the garden, read a book, meditate or just take a hot soak in the bath to help you decompress from a hard day at the office.
Work-related stress can happen during economic ups and downs. Letting the stress get to you can result in losing your focus, your temper, and in most extreme cases, your job. It's important to learn how to manage your stress levels so you can maintain a harmonious work and personal life.
Technological advancements seem to be at an all time high. New tools, new Web sites, new lingo. It can make your head spin, especially if you didn't grow up in the technology age.
As one news report from NPR explains, new technology is creating a divide between the multiple generations in the workplace, especially between Gen Y and Baby Boomers, leaving Gen X to bridge the gap.
Because most upper management in a company are from the Boomer generation, it may take longer for them to understand the value of social networking and hi-tech gadgets that can keep you connected 24/7.
On the other hand, younger generations seem to be programmed to stay connected whether they are in the workplace or not.
The older generation believes this casual connecting at the work contributes to decreased workplace etiquette. The younger generation believes that their senior colleagues just don't understand.
Bottom line is that technology and social networking are not going away. So it's important for companies to create some barriers to maintain a balance, such as creating social media policies and guidelines, developing technology training so that all employees can keep up.
I was at dinner with friends this weekend when one of my friends, who works in art education, was discussing how she handles some of her volunteers. I told her how good she would have been as an HR professional and she agreed, then lamented a bit about if she knew then what she knows now.
This conversation had me thinking about how many people continue to work jobs that they may enjoy, but could be much better in other positions that they have discovered along the way.
So here's some advice - it's never too late to consider a career switch. Some employees probably never indulge their hidden or newly-found talents in the workplace because they may need different degrees or levels of training. But you can try to make a switch without it being too painful or too involved with new degrees and certifications.
First of all, check out if your company or organization offers internal internships that would allow you to job shadow colleagues in the department or position of your choice. This will provide a "real life" preview of how the job function operates, and what the responsibilities entail.
You can also speak with managers and human resources to see if there is room for you in another department. If you are willing to take a pay cut, you might be able to take an entry-level position that would give you some training, and then take advantage of tuition reimbursement to take course work that will help set your new career in motion.
In some cases, companies may pay for a new degree or certification if you give an employer a commitment to work for them for a set amount of years after you receive your degree.
So don't be afraid to discover a new career, even if it's not what you intended to do. It just might set course for you to do what you love, and love what you do.
This year, many workers are choosing not to go on vacation because of the economy. But the stress and pressure of worrying about personal financial situations and job loss, can be a lot to handle.
Even if you don't want to spend money going out of town, it is very important that you take your vacation time to relax and get away from the office.
Take the time off to do those things around the house, or around town, that you wouldn't normally have time to do while you are at work. Visit a local museum or art gallery, or go to the movies in the middle of the day.
Use the time off to try a new hobby or rearrange the furniture in your house. Think about planting a garden, or learning how to cook a new meal.
The point is, in spite of economic conditions, don't neglect your vacation time. Be sure to take advantage of the time that you have coming to you. It is important to take time away from the office and relax...just also make sure to turn off the cell phone and laptop while you take your time off.
Listen up, managers. According to one article, this year companies are cutting back on deploying employee satisfaction surveys to save money and because the poor economic environment have left companies fearful of what their employees might say about them.
If your company is not issuing satisfaction surveys, beware. In many cases these are the only outlets for employees' voices to be heard and the loss of them could be a cause for depleted morale.
You can help your team express their opinions and frustrations, without the use of a survey. If your company has suspended surveys or other opinion gathering methods, allow your team to vent frustrations or provide suggestions for improvement in staff meetings. That way, everyone on the team can be involved feel as though they have a hand in making change.
If you prefer a more intimate approach, create an employee suggestion box where workers can provide feedback and opinions anonymously and without the fear of backlash from coworkers and colleagues.
Without an official survey, workers may feel isolated from top management. So encourage your team to make regular one-on-one appointments that would allow them to speak directly with you as their manager. This will ensure that they are in a position to privately communicate any concerns or ask questions about the company, its performance and their own job status.
Employee satisfaction surveys can help shed light on how a company is performing in the eyes of workers, but it also serves as an outlet for workers to express their concerns and provide feedback in the hopes of effecting changes within a company. Without them, workers could feel that their opinions do not matter and quite possibly contribute to morale issues and eventually problems with retention.
Don't know Twitter from Facebook? Scared of using a blog or participating in online conversations? Need help navigating through the new and burgeoning world of social networks? You're not the only one.
In today's job search, social networking is becoming the name of the game. But what is this thing called social networking and how can you use it to find a job? One article offers some Q&A around the topic, and offers some practical tips in finding your way through these viral marketing tools.
One thing to remember - individual networks are tools, not strategies. Just because you use your Facebook account solely for professional purposes, doesn't mean that is the only place you should rely on to get a job.
It is very important to understand each tool and figure out which works best for you. I would recommend starting by creating a LinkedIn account, which is THE professional hot spot for staying connected to colleagues, former colleagues and industry peers. However, don't limit yourself to just one network. Take time to explore other networks, and ask your friends what they use.
One word of caution - if you do plan on using your account for your personal life and friends, I would suggest making an account only dedicated to your professional pursuits. This will keep your private and professional life separate.
When looking for a job, use a variety of tools and networking strategies. Just because it's the new buzz, doesn't mean it's the end all be all in landing your next job.
The past couple of days have produced some positive news regarding the recession and the economic recovery. Now the talk of job recovery has crept into the media. This is really good news, especially those who have been out of work for weeks and months.
If the news is true and the job recovery has begun, here is a check list of must dos in preparing for the search:
- Make sure your resume is up to date and in order, listing your most recent experience and skills.
- Start making connections by networking and meeting professionals and peers in your line of work.
- Stay in touch with those from your last place of employment - they may be able to hire you back.
- Practice your interview skills and consider taking a couple of course to refresh or learn new skills.
- Get your interview clothes in order.
- Pound the pavement. Don't just rely on job boards and web sites, make personal visits to companies and visit job fairs that will surely become more and more frequent if the job market is turning around.
Also, take a minute to make a plan of action. Outline the type of job you want and narrow in on industries or employers that most interest you.
Good luck!
"At an interview, you want to stand out for the right reasons. To do so, you'll need to leave your baggage and anxiety at the door." That's a quote from one article I recently read about how candidates should interview for a job.
Recently, The Big Time posted an entry about how important it is for candidates to go into an interview as a confident future employee, instead of a victim of economic circumstances.
Remember to stick to highlighting the positives of your experience and skills, and try to remain upbeat from start to finish. Hiring managers are well aware of the tough job market and companies downsizing, so there is no need to go into detail about how you lost your job to the economic downturn.
If you have had several interviews and still have not found a job, be sure that you are applying for the right jobs. Being turned down multiple times for jobs can be a blow to your confidence, but make sure that you are applying for the right positions to start with.
The job market may not seem to be getting any easier, but government reports show that people are in fact getting jobs. So stay confident, do your research and score that new job!
For all of those seeking a new job, it is important to make sure you have reliable references who can provide accurate information about your workplace performance.
Contacting references is generally one of the last steps before extending an offer to a prospective employee. So what happens if you have reached the point of having your references contacted, but never receive an offer?
First of all, a quick tip list of references dos and don'ts.
- Always ask if you may use someone as a reference, especially managers and former colleagues.
- Make sure you let your references know ahead of time that they will be contacted by your prospective employer.
- Be sure that your list of references includes a mixture of peers and managers. Ideally, include someone who worked for you, someone you worked with directly, and a manager.
- Stay in contact with anyone who may be a "go to" reference. It's difficult to include someone as a reference who you have not spoken to in several years.
Now that the formalities of references have been covered, let's get down to how references could be a road block to a new job.
One careers advice column mentions that some references may be out of pocket too often to be reliable. So try to avoid using those who travel frequently, or are usually involved with in person meetings.
If you find that you are getting to the reference stage, but not receiving an offer too many times, you may need to re-evaluate who your references are. Take an honest assessment of your relationship with your references, and make sure that you follow the etiquette list above.
Once you have assessed who your references are, and whether or not they are appropriate for the responsibility, but are still having problems with getting an offer, keep in mind that the job market is still on shaky ground. Some companies may think they are in a position to hire, but realize they have to wait.
Just stay patient and motivated. Good luck!
I recently read an article about candidates who have interviewed for jobs, but never heard back from the interviewer or never received feedback for why they didn't get the job. It's a good article and even includes input from Spherion's very own Rebecca Callahan, senior vice president of Recruitment Process Outsourcing.
Unfortunately, the interview and rejection process has become very impersonal, leaving candidates to wonder whether or not they were/are qualified for the job. This can be frustrating and leave candidates with a feeling of discouragement.
As the article points out, some candidates have gone on multiple interviews and still have not had any success getting hired. And even if you can ask for feedback, many interviews will not be honest with you.
So what can you do? First of all, carefully examine the opportunity and be honest with yourself about whether or not you have the qualifications and experience to apply for the job. You should re-evaluate your expectations in regards to salary and benefits. You may be scaring away potential employers with your demands.
If all else fails you still can't seem to get your foot in the door, consider meeting with a careers coach or counselor who may be able to provide you with an objective opinion about what may be going on. They can evaluate your resume, interview skills and experience to make sure that you are pursuing the right jobs.
Collecting unemployment benefits is on the rise due to the job market and economic downturn. If you are one of the many people recently laid off or if you believe that you are in danger of being laid off, be sure to learn as much as you can about unemployment insurance prior to applying.
As one article states, be prepared to do research for the state that you live in. Most workers assume that unemployment insurance is federally mandated. Although the Federal government sets some of the unemployment policies, the states impose most of the rules and run most of the programs.
Based on friends and relatives' experiences, don't assume that you qualify for the same benefits as others. Be sure you thoroughly read and understand the rules and regulations to ensure that you qualify.
Unemployment insurance is a huge help for those who have lost their jobs, but make sure you also understand the tax implications so there are no surprises on April 15th.
For the most accurate and up to date information about the unemployment insurance rules and possible changes, check out your state's workforce and labor department web sites.
Have you recently lost your job, and are having a hard time finding a new one? You are not the only one. In fact, you are in the same boat as millions of workers who have been hit hard by the economic downturn. But, there are opportunities available for part time work with benefits.
That's right, I said part time jobs with employee benefits that may include health care, vacation and retirement funds. Check out this article for a list of part time job opportunities, which range from call center customer service representatives to retail sales clerk to temporary office assistant.
What's great about these jobs are that they can easily fit into a variety of career paths, and give you the opportunity to keep your skills sharp and add to some experience to your resume. Part time jobs also offer the flexibility you need to continue searching and interviewing for a full time job.
So don't be concerned if temporary or part time work is the only readily available option. It just may be the answer to help take the pressure off of being without a job, and can offer you benefits and flexibility to boot.
For many employees, the title they receive means more than the salary they make. It is a sign of stature and significance within an organization. Some employees will even accept a title change or "increase" if salary bumps are not feasible.
Some may ask why a title is that important, but I can tell from experience, for some employees a title can be the difference between feeling stuck in the same old job, and infusing a little enthusiasm into the mundane.
Even something as simple as a "dressed up" title can motivate employees to feel better about their current job responsibilities. Although "executive office manager" is still the same job as "receptionist", it can be a morale boost to that employee.
However, some titles today are silly and can be down right confusing. "Chief Education Officer" is still probably in charge of employee training and development, and one article even mentions a "vice president of cool"...whatever that is.
The key is to not be over the top when assigning new titles. Yes, they can bring a sense of pride and stature, but be careful not to make a mockery of the job, or the person, attached to them.
Think the job market is all doom and gloom? Think again, at least for some industries. Fortune recently published its list of the top companies to work for, and along with the list came a top 20 of those companies that are recruiting the most.
Among the industries listed are those in financial services, healthcare, technology, and supermarkets.
Supermarkets might be a surprising area, but many workers overlook the fact that retail and non-retail positions are available. That means IT-related and accounting jobs, as well as in-store positions.
So if you think the job market is completely hopeless, check out employers who fall into these specific categories and you might find yourself off the unemployment line faster than you are expecting.
More and more, companies are allowing instant messaging, or IM's, as a way for workers to converse quickly in real time. Although IM-ing is not a new phenomenon on personal time, for the work environment it can be a helpful tool or full blown distraction.
Instant messaging etiquette is no different than email or phone etiquette at work. You have to remember to put your "work hat" on before engaging in any conversations. Although workplaces have relaxed their environments, it is still your place of employment and professionalism reigns supreme to guarantee that productivity is not sacrificed for relaxed demeanor.
If you are allowed to IM at work, make sure the conversation is professional and contains strictly work-related matters. Just like email, there is a record of conversations and a log for how long employees are engaged through chat, which can certainly come back to haunt you if your time card and productivity ever come into question.
You should also turn your chat off or post your away status so that the constant pop up of messages do not pull you away from the tasks at hand. Also similar to email, the need to respond immediately to messages can be overwhelming and distracting.
Keeping your professionalism and good judgment intact are key to utilizing IM, email, texting, or any other real time tools at work. Remember, the best way to lose the privilege of using them is to abuse them.
For newly graduated employees working at their first job, there are plenty of learning opportunities. Learning how to conduct yourself in meetings, when to contribute and what to contribute; learning how to interact with your boss; learning more and more about your career through experience, the list can go on and on.
But, one the most surprising learning curves may be how to get along with and work with colleagues from differenet generations. Entry-level employees will have colleagues ranging from 25 to over 60 years of age. If you are an entry-level employee, you will probably have more in common with those who have one or two years of experience, but you cannot expect to only work with those you have something in common.
So how do you bridge the gap between yourself and a colleague who may be in their 40's, 50's or 60's?
First of all, you have to remember that when you enter the workforce for your first professional job, there is a "pecking order". More than likely, your manager is going to be 20 and possibly 30 years your senior. So you will need to master the manager-employee relationship off the bat. This is a situation where you can feel comfortable asking more mature colleagues their advice. Life and work experience are a tremendous value that more mature employees can offer entry-level workers.
Secondly, take a cue from workers who have tenure at your company. Pay attention to how they interact with other colleagues and clients. Don't mimic their mannerisms completely, but do take time to understand their tone of voice, how they dress and the manner in which they conduct themselves throughout the work day.
Be sure to take their advice and not be offended if someone pulls you aside and points out behavior you could improve upon or stop altogether. If it's your first job, you are not going to know everything from the get-go. Much of the workplace is about learning as you go. Thank them for their support and appreciate the fact they are telling you before the wrong behavior can result in a big problem with your manager.
Don't forget to give something back in return. As an entry-level, younger worker, you probably have more technological skills than your more experienced counterparts. Offer to help them understand some of the newer technological advancements, and pitch in where you can, especially if you have colleagues with children who look like they could be burning the midnight oil.
We have all been there. The feeling of exhaustion and tiredness at work has crept into everyone's cubicle or office now and then. But you never want to show the outward signs of being too tired to perform your job.
Your reputation is on the line every day at the office. Whether it's the quality of your projects or the manner in which you conduct yourself in meetings, you always want to make a good impression.
But if you are dragging into the office and unable to stay focused because you feel tired, you may be giving your manager a reason to call your ability into question. And that can lead to being passed up for promotions and even termination. So what can you do to inject some life back into your work day?
A blog post I recently read specifically points out what to do when you feel too tired at work. But I think it's important to find out why you are so tired in the first place.
First, you may not be getting enough sleep or have interrupted sleep, which is common for adults. If it's more often than the occasional night when you toss and turn, you may need to consult with your doctor in case you have a sleep disorder, or need assistance with falling and staying asleep.
You should also monitor your diet. Are you drinking too much caffeine during the day or too close to bedtime? This could be the culprit to having "crashes" throughout the day, or having interrupted sleep at night.
When you feel that you are getting tired at work, take a break and go for a walk. Not only will the exercise give you an endorphin rush, but the fresh air and sunshine help pep you up as well.
Also consider the type of work you are doing. Are you stimulated and engaged, or do you find your workload boring and mundane? Talk to your manager about taking on more responsibility or tweaking some of your tasks so that you can learn additional skills. Your boss will certainly be impressed by your willingness to learn and do more, and you can be energized by new and exciting work.
Each year, everyone makes the same New Year's resolutions: lose weight, exercise, clean the house more often. The list can go on and on.
If you are tired of making the same old tried and true resolutions, take a new approach this year and try to make your resolutions apply to work. Here are my top New Year's resolutions for the workplace:
- Be more organized. Start small and then grow into a well-organized machine. Maybe now is the time to create folders for old emails, or develop a filing system.
- Conduct better meetings. Find one pet peeve that makes meetings inefficient, and work on correcting it.
- Be a better colleague. This is an easy one that everyone could use some room for improvement.
- Take your vacation. It's becoming harder and harder, but this year plan ahead and make time for yourself away from the office.
- Turn off the cell phone, blackberry and lap top. This one goes hand and hand with vacation. Technology is great, but you have to shut down so you don't burn out.
Happy New Year!
As a manager, one of the first tasks I had to learn was how to delegate assignments to other team members. This wasn't always easy for me. I tend to be a "take charge, I'll just do it myself" type of employee. But as my role continued to expand, I realized that I had no other choice but to delegate some responsibilities to others.
I came across this article that provides ten tips for delegating. These are all helpful and certainly should be taken into account when assigning duties, but here are a couple of my own that I have picked up along the way.
First, don't delegate tasks to just anyone. Some employees will be more astute and responsible than others. Whether it's attention to detail, or negotiation skills that are needed, choose the right employee for the right task.
Delegate the most important assignments to employees who are ready to "level" up. This will put them in the position of thinking at a higher level and give them the experience they need to get to the next skills set.
Don't delegate and then assume the assignment was taken care of. Yes, you want to trust that your employees have fulfilled their work responsibilities, but ultimately you are still accountable for the project's completion. So follow up, not as a micromanager, but just to ensure they didn't have any questions, or needed any additional instructions.
Finally, be sure to spread the wealth around. It will be natural to have one or two employees who you continuously rely upon to get things done, and get them done right. But you don't want them to feel that you are taking advantage them, or have other team members feel that you favor them over the others.
When employees quit a job, they are typically ready to finish their last day and get out. After all, there are reasons why workers quit and when the time comes many just want to leave the experience behind.
But if the company requests you provide an exit interview, I encourage workers to participate. Exit interviews provide HR departments the important feedback needed to address management or process issues that may be the cause of hostility for other employees as well.
The following article offers a couple of tips to help guide workers through the exit interview process. But the most important tip I can offer is to remember to be constructive when providing feedback.
If workers are angry, they will not be giving constructive feedback on their work experience. But what employees do not realize is that the exit interview is their opportunity to have the last world.
Exit interviews are the time for workers to purge themselves of the positive and negative experiences of their work environment. Whether it's a management style or department structure, letting HR know why you are leaving without bad-mouthing anyone or anything will make workers part of the solutions instead of adding to the problems.
During this time of economic and job uncertainty, workers are not necessarily feeling confident in their personal situations. But today, I came across a rare article about workers who are genuinely happy with their careers, even during rough times.
So which professions do these content employees work for? The article I found mentioned a top 10 list of the following:
1. Clergy members
2. Firefighters
3. Travel agents
4. Architects
5. Special education teachers
6. Actors/directors
7. Science technicians
8. Mechanical/repair occupations
9. Industrial engineers
10. Pilots/navigators
Talk about running the gamut of industries! But what I find most interesting is the that a couple of the professions listed may be perceived as difficult (special ed teacher) or dangerous (firefighters). With this article, however, is proof that these careers are not only viable options, but the reality is that those who work in these fields are satisfied with their job choices.
I am curious to know how our Big Time readers feel about their career field (not necessarily employer....there's a big difference), but their career field. Let us know if your industry isn't listed above, and whether you consider yourself happy. And, for those considering a new career, check out some of the suggestions above, you might just find your calling, and find contentment at the same time.
I read an article the other day about humor in the workplace, and my first thought was "what's so funny?" The economy is suffering, unemployment is going up and stress levels are at an all time high. Then I realized the point of the article - now is the BEST time to inject a little laughter in the workplace.
Going to work during stressful times usually doesn't result in high productivity and enjoyment in the workplace. So why not lighten the emotional load by keeping the workplace relaxed and fun?
It helps when managers and higher ups are involved in keeping things light and humorous. That way, other employees can take a cue from superiors about what is and isn't appropriate at work.
Humor is welcomed, but can go too far. Being cruel or making fun of people is no way to inject humor into the workplace. So make sure that laughter comes at the expense of events or situations, not co-workers.
The office doesn't have to be a laugh a minute comedy show, but it doesn't have to be solemn and serious either. Keeping your sense humor about you at work not only makes going to the office a little easier, but it can be healthy. Just remember that old saying...laughter is the best medicine.
The cold and flu season is not quite here yet, but it is quickly approaching. I can tell you that my family's cold and flu season starts at the beginning of the school year, when all of the tykes are sneezing, coughing and sniffling in the classroom.
What's interesting, is that the office isn't too different from the classroom when it comes to fighting colds. Workers show up with tissues and cough drops in hand, trying their best not to take sick time for the common cold. But what they don't realize is they are exposing everyone to their germs, jeopardizing office attendance, and morale, for a least three to four days per colleague.
You can do your best to avoid catching, and spreading colds by following a couple of tips to stay healthy. One Forbes article that I read recommends frequently washing your hands, keeping alcohol-based gel cleansers handy, and boosting your immunity.
These are all tried and true methods, and here are a couple of more to consider. First and foremost, if you have the sick time to take a day and rest, do it. Not only will you heal faster, but you won't spread germs. Also, never go to the office while running a fever. It can be dangerous, and could be the sign of a very serious illness.
You can catch a cold at any time, but especially during cold and flu season. Be sure to take your vitamins and eat healthier to boost your defenses against sickness. Consider picking up homeopathic methods of defense, which may help you from getting a full blown cold.
Bottom line is that no matter what you do, you may still find yourself fighting a cough and cold at least once this year. The key is to stay as healthy as possible throughout the year, and either limit the severity or avoid catching it all together.
We have all heard the expression that time is money. When it comes to conducting meetings at the office, time can be precious and meetings can be tedious without accomplishing much.
Everyone needs to learn how to use their time wisely, so meetings should be conducted with respect for everyone's schedule and time constraints. One article offers several tips and advice for conducting efficient meetings in the office. I find this list helpful, and have a couple more to add.
First, make sure that a meeting is necessary. Sometimes, tasks can be accomplished just by asking a few pertinent questions of key members of your team instead of gathering everyone together to go over the information.
Learn how to take efficient notes. Multiple meetings are often held because in subsequent get togethers, all information wasn't captured or retained. Learning how to take notes and get as much information at the beginning of a project will help cut back on the number of meetings that need to be attended.
My favorite meeting tip, establish rules. Parameters such as time constraints on how long each person has to present, and keeping questions until the end will help cut meeting times in half.
Meeting adjourned!
Labor Day is just around the corner, and we tend to think of it as an excuse for a day off from work. But as one article points out, Labor Day is a time to celebrate one of the country's biggest assets: the American Worker.
Labor Day is a time to remember how valuable workers are to this country. It's a time to reflect on the hard work and determination that laborers in the 1800's spent fighting for the labor laws and worker protections that we all enjoy today.
So this year, when you are relaxing by the pool or partaking in a bar-b-q with friends and family, take time to remember those who came before you, and enjoy your time off that they fought for.
Happy Labor Day!
The job market has slowed considerably, and for many workers that means having a hard time finding a new one after a lay off, or if you want a change of scenery.
I certainly would not recommend or encourage workers to switch jobs during these uncertain times. But for those who may have lost a job, now might be the time to consider a whole new career altogether.
Many private sector jobs, government, health care, law enforcement and education in particular, are still hiring at a healthy rate. Now, switching careers can be intimidating and require additional education or certification, but some employers in these industries are willing to pay for it if you commit to working for them after you receive the training and education needed.
I recently read an article about how easy/difficult it is to find a job in certain areas of the country. So you may have to do a little research about which jobs and employment sectors are strong for your particular city or region. But research shows that, for the most part, private sector jobs are still thriving in an otherwise weakened job market.
So if you have always wanted to be a nurse, or try your hand at being a police detective, now may be the time to take the plunge.
Whether you are looking for a job or making connections for business, networking is extremely important. But, it's not easy for everyone to walk up to complete strangers, introduce themselves and strike up a conversation.
I read an article that offers several tips for making networking and speaking engagements easier. Many of these are good tricks to the trade, and will instill confidence if you are nervous or unsure about how to operate in an uncomfortable situation.
What's important to remember is that practice makes perfect. First of all, be sure to set goals for yourself and what you want to accomplish at a networking or speaking engagement. Always practice how to introduce yourself and what you plan on saying to an individual or audience.You can also consider the possibility of taking a public speaking class or attend Toastmasters courses as well.
Also, the more you do it, the easier it will be. So if you stumble or things don't work our as well as you had hoped, don't shy away from going out there and trying again.
Before you know it, making those connections and standing out in a crowd will be second nature.
Several times, Spherion has conducted surveys of workers who have taken office supplies home with them for personal use, even though they felt it was wrong. But what about when you work for a retailer or manufacturer, and co-workers are stealing from your employer? You know it's wrong, they know it's wrong....do you say something?
This presents an interesting situation. On one hand, if you know co-workers are stealing from your employer and you don't report it, you might as well be stealing too, but if you do report it, you will prove to be a loyal employee looking out for the company.
My best advice is that you should absolutely report the theft, and an article I found from ehow.com lists the steps you should take to do so.
Step One: Tell a security guard or loss prevention officer if your workplace has a shoplifter, allowing a member of the security team to handle the situation.
Step Two: Report the suspected shoplifting to a supervisor. Pointing out the situation to a supervisor is another way of doing your part without getting involved in an investigation.
Step Three: Send an anonymous letter to your place of employment if you want to limit your involvement in the investigation. Detail your suspicions in the letter and mail it to your supervisor or the head of workplace security.
Step Four: Call your company's hotline, if it provides one. Many businesses, especially large chains, have a hotline you can call to report coworker theft.
Step Five: Know your rights as an employee and what you do and do not have to report. The National Association for Shoplifting Prevention is a good resource for learning about shoplifting prevention strategies in the workplace.
For some, it may be too tempting to not take from an employer, but the bottom line is that it's wrong and illegal, so make sure you aren't drawn into the habit as well. And remember, if you are aware it's going on and don't report it, you are just guilty!
When considering a career, I believe that many people choose career paths for the wrong reasons. Money, status, participation in a family business. These are all valid reasons to choose a career, but it doesn't mean that it will personally satisfy you.
I read an article from U.S. News about choosing jobs that are a fit with your personality. Now, it's not always easy to determine exactly how to describe your personality, but here are a couple of categories to think about:
- Practical, straightforward = engineers, technicians, doctors
- Investigative, analytical = professors, software developers
- Artistic, creative = interior designer, graphic artist
- Helpful, social = nursing, therapy, teaching
These are only a few areas to consider, finding your calling based on your interests and what fits your personality might be a start in the right direction for finding the perfect career, or shed some light on why your current career may not be working for you.
Have you ever felt like a small fish in a big pond of applicants? Perhaps it will help quell your apprehension if you gain a competitive edge of knowledge before entering into a corporate talent pool.
One article that I came across offers very good points about researching companies to whom you are interested in submitting a resume. It definitely offers ideas about where to focus your research, and what you should learn about a company while preparing for an interview.
But company research has evolved from the typical career fair networking and corporate Web site review. Here are a few other places to learn more intimate details about a company you are interested in applying for a job.
First, take a look at some of the social networking sites. Many companies have moved to MySpace and Facebook to market themselves to potential candidates. This would give you opportunity to ask questions about the company, its culture, and perhaps even the department you are interested in working with.
Next, visit a company's careers Web site and check out if there are options to receive information via email about company news and updates. This will give you an intimate look inside the company and provide a real time description of the goings on with the corporate culture.
Although they aren't as common as they probably should be, some companies are also developing corporate blogs with fresh content. Now, you can find those that are employee-generated such as Mini Microsoft, a Microsoft employee's blog. Here you can find useful information about the inner workings of the company, and what may be some of the "hot topics" among the workforce. However, you do have to remember that this is from an employee's point of view, who may or may not have had a good day with any given post.
These research areas, coupled with the basic Web site searches, will keep you head's above the competition. And at the very least, make you as prepared as possible for your interviews.
Good luck!
Getting ahead and making an impression is more than producing exceptional work and having a positive attitude. It's also important to stay on top of your industry and know your trade.
By showing your bosses and co-workers that you are "in the know", you are showing a responsibility towards your job and investment in the success of your company.
Sometimes, even the most senior members of your company may not be aware of some of the newest trends and news around your industry, so it's helpful to pass these articles along.
Others will appreciate your initiative, especially if you share important articles and news that may help alter the course of the company or at the very least keep upper management in the loop about a looming trend or industry issue.
One thing to keep in mind though - be selective about how many articles you send out. Everyone is inundated with email, so too many messages may become bothersome and go right to the deleted file. So evaluate what is and isn't the most important to send along. Articles, blog posts and podcasts that may be interesting but not earth-shattering, can be mentioned in staff meetings.
Staying on top of industry and business news not only gives you a leg up at your current job, but it can also help set you apart from other candidates during an interview.
Talking politics at work has always seemed taboo. I know my mother always said that there were two subjects she would never discuss in mixed company: religion and politics.
However, one column points out that politics is no longer an
off limits" topic at work.
This can still be a difficult subject, so keep in mind a few pointers when talking politics:
- Stay objective and keep a level head
- Be willing to listen to others' points of view
- Be respectful
- Keep the conversation light
- When all else fails, steer clear of the conversation all together
All in all, as in any conversation, make sure it is a two-way exchange where both sides have equal opportunity to express their views.
I was searching the Internet the other night and came across the following Quick vote poll conducted on the CNN Web site.
Considering the four answer choices:
1. Happiness
2. Satisfaction
3. A headache
4. A paycheck
How would our readers answer the question - My job gives me....?
Let us know your answer choice, and tell us why.
I wonder how many of our readers wear ties to work on a regular basis? What about pantyhose for women? No doubt that the everyday work environment has become more relaxed, but are dress codes still necessary parts of today's workplace?
An article in the Wall Street Journal explored how different generations view work place dress. Not surprising, more mature workers have a more traditional take on dressing for work than their younger counterparts.
Take for example the subject of pantyhose. The article noted that some female Gen X and Y workers admitted that they have never even owned a pair of pantyhose, much less worn them.
True, workplace casual seems to be implied now. But do some workers take advantage of the "perk"? I say yes. Casual is one thing, but slovenly or unkempt is quite different.
To make sure you understand the limits of your workplace dress code, pay attention to your co-workers and try to emulate their style and how they dress at work. If there are varieties of dress, clarify with your manager or supervisor before being too bold in your attire.
I am interested in knowing about the types of work dress codes our readers' have. Do you work in a traditional work environment with more conservative dress requirements, or does your company fully embrace business casual or less? Also, how many managers have had to discuss inappropriate dress with employees? Are dress codes for work still necessary?
I am looking forward to hearing your take on this subject!
The saying goes that it is better to give than to receive. But when it comes to giving constructive criticism, a good manager always needs to know the best way to deliver their comments without hurting others' feelings or self-esteem.
I think that one of the most difficult jobs of a manager is to give employees a critique that is helpful and can be used to improve daily work habits. I recently read a really good article that offers a few tips about how to deliver constructive criticism to an employee. After reading the article, I thought this would be a good place to add to the list and share some insights.
For starters, if your criticism isn't something pressing that effects the day to day, make a note to bring it up during the employee's review. This is always a good time to bring up areas of improvement. Not only does an employee expect it, but it will be during a meeting where both manager and employee are standing on neutral ground.
Second, try to make it a two-way conversation by asking questions. For example, you might want to consider addressing an issue by saying "I noticed you are struggling with XXX, is there anything a can help you with or giving you advice on?" This shows that you not only are you paying attention to your workers' on a daily basis, but by proactively offering support you build trust for workers to approach you when they may need assistance with their work.
Last but not least, ask your own employees where YOU could improve. By asking their opinions, you show that you are not above taking criticism yourself, and it creates a more cohesive team that is better equipped to not only work together, but improve together.
We've all had 'em...the coworker who is angry with the world, never satisfied and does their best to be a pain in everyone's neck.
Some articles refer to these "team members" as toxic. I like to refer to them as bottlenecks. The reason? Usually, productivity is delayed or stopped all together because their attitude causes an inability to work as a team member or contribute to projects in a useful manner. Not to mention their actions can contribute to depleting morale.
So what do you to counter these co-workers?
Start by realizing that some people are just unhappy and will do anything to bring others down with them. It's hard to do, but don't let their poor disposition and attitude bog you down with them.
There is also the possibility of avoiding contact all together, but this could prove difficult if you are placed on the same team as the offending co-worker. If this is the case, remember to tread lightly and don't antagonize the situation.
If all else fails, and this colleague continues to intrude on your work environment and morale, then consider speaking with a supervisor or HR. It's hard when you feel like you are reporting or "tattling" on a co-worker, but more than likely this person is affecting others too.
In the end, stay positive and try "killing them with kindness".
Gas prices are taking their toll on workers, not to mention the escalating price of food. If you are trying to cut back on the expense of fuel, talk to your boss about working from home. Not all companies have this perk, and some companies limit the type of positions that have the ability to telecommute. But, if the option is there it is worth the savings to check it out.
If telecommuting is not the answer, then ask your supervisor if it's possible to work a compressed schedule to take the edge off of having to drive to work every day of the week. It might amount to only one day a week, but it's still a slight cost savings.
One other idea is to discuss with your manager the possibility of incorporating a public transportation pass or allowance into your yearly raise to supplement your gas expenses.
Last but not least, don't forget the value of carpooling. Sharing a ride with others also cuts back on the frequency of filling up, and helps the environment.
Self-esteem and confidence are very important for your career. For some workers, this can be a detriment because too much self confidence can lead to arrogance, and arrogance can lead to conflict with co-workers and managers or even poor judgment.
However, a healthy amount of confidence helps workers succeed. Confident employees are not afraid to express their ideas, or engage in debate about strategy. Most company leaders are in their positions because they had the self-esteem and confidence throughout their career to make the critical decisions that led to advancement.
Yet, some workers have a difficult time having the self-assurance that they can make the decisions and take the chances required to propel them to the next level.
One column offers ideas about how managers can help boost workers' confidence, but what can workers do themselves?
For starters, make a list of your accomplishments and post them in your office or cubicle. This will remind you daily about your strengths and successes at the office.
When a manager or co-worker compliments your work or achievements, take it to heart. You know you work hard, and when someone recognizes it, enjoy it!
Furthermore, if you make a mistake or are reprimanded, keep in mind that no one is perfect, especially at work. So don't look at this situation as a way to crush your ego. Instead, take it as a learning experience that will help you to not make the same mistake twice.
Lastly, the best way to get a compliment and have your work recognized is to give a compliment and recognize others.
I am interested in hearing from our readers. What do you do to boost your confidence at work?
As Spring Break turns into summer vacation, many workers may find that there is a pocket of downtime at the office. One blog post talks about how the psychological aspect of downtime could affect your work day.
Springtime, summer and the holiday season, for many industries, are some of the slowest times of the year. Kids are out of school and vacation begins. These are factors that take co-workers and clients or outside contacts out of the workplace.
It can be difficult to maintain your productivity level when you could be relying on others who are out of the office for a week, to complete your work projects. But, just because there's a slowdown doesn't mean that it's time to play solitaire on the computer, or take two-hour lunches with your friends.
Downtime can be an opportunity to get organized or offer your help to other co-workers who may not be experiencing a slowdown at the same time or in the same way you are. It's also the perfect time to tackle some of those administrative tasks that may fall through the cracks during heavy workload periods.
How do you deal with downtime? Share with us some of your tips for staying active in the workplace during a slowdown.
A recent survey garnered a lot of attention in the media by reporting that nearly one-third of workers have slept on the job! That's a lot of employees catching some zzzz's when they should be working.
The survey, conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, reported that on average workers receive 40 minutes less sleep than what they need to be most effective on the job. This may be bad news, and dangerous on the job, if you are one of those workers lacking sleep.
Some companies have recognized that their workers may be punching out later and later at the end of the day. So they allow workers short naps during the day to help them catch up or revive their energy.
But what if you're not working for one of these employers? Getting caught sleeping on the job could result in a serious reprimand or dismissal altogether. So what do you do if you feel your body is too tired?
It may difficult to change your sleep patterns, but there are simple things you can do throughout the day that might help you get a better night's sleep.
For one, watch your daily caffeine intake. We all know that tired workers rely on coffee to help jump start their day and keep them going for the long haul. But too much caffeine may be prohibiting you from a restful night's sleep. Try decaf or cutting back. It may be difficult at first, but in the end you might find it's worth it for more sleep.
Second, consider exercise or yoga to boost your energy. Having more energy to burn during the day will help you sleep better at night. Also pay attention to your diet. You might be eating foods that are high in protein or sugar late at night that will prevent you from going to sleep at a decent bedtime.
Also, listen to our body. If you feel run down, you will not be productive. You could also be opening yourself up to cold and flu season. Your employer gives you time to take off. So take it. Even if it's just to catch up on some sleep!
I recently read a blog post about looking for and landing your second career opportunity. The first job you work out of college will be your entrée into the career world. A glimpse of what's to come. Although it isn't a full education about workplace, it is a stepping out of the college life and into the career life.
Your second job, however, will set the stage for future endeavors and employment opportunities. Your second job can certainly be the most critical leap for your career. So what should you do to make sure the job search yields the best options for job number two?
The blog post points out the importance of updating your resume with the experiences from your first job. So there is lesson number one. Make sure that you are squeezing as much skill development and learning out of your first employer and job experience.
Secondly, take your networking to the next level. Make sure that you are joining professional industry organizations where you can interact with experienced workers, get advice on choosing your next job, or perhaps getting a lead on a job opening.
Also, be prepared to start utilizing your own instincts and taking more of a proactive role in choosing the right next step. When you start to interview for second jobs, ask questions about the company's culture, values, and workplace environment. Would you be a good fit? You should also consider asking how employees with your same level of experience are mentored so that you can continue to grow and acquire more skills.
Your second job should be viewed as the time when you get serious about your career. It's when you take what you have learned and start applying it more independently to projects and tasks.
So, take care when choosing your next employer and get ready to jumpstart your future!
Losing your job can be a terrible experience, and the psychology behind it can throw you for a loop. If you are fired, at least you can come to terms with it by assuming some of the responsibility and changing a behavior that may be trouble at work.
But if you are laid off from your job, it may be harder to come to terms with it and you could find yourself asking nagging questions about why you were chosen and not others. Even though you know it's not because of your abilities, the fact that you were chosen to lose your job leaves you feeling helpless and out of control.
Heeding the advice of professionals who can help you land on your feet will certainly keep you motivated to stay in the job hunt, and not be discouraged.
Should you lose your job through a lay off, remember to tap into your network and stay on top of job opportunities. Seek guidance from career counselors or try a staffing firm to uncover opportunities.
You may have to be patient, so if the hunt looks like it will take longer than anticipated consider a part-time job so that you can keep your head above water financially, but also stay in the habit of working.
Best of luck job seekers!
I once worked for a manager who intimidated me to the point where I was nervous to work on her projects. She was personable, fair, well-respected and everyone held her in high esteem. So my anxiety about performing up to her standards left me intimidated and unsure about my abilities.
Then, one day we had an office lunch where we all laughed and shared stories about work and our lives, and I realized that she was just like everyone else. From that day forward, I realized that I had created most of my anxiety because I was thinking of her only as a boss and not as a person.
As a recent blog post points out, bonding with your boss can be easier than you think. Finding commonalities are as simple as listening to office banter and paying attention to how your manager or supervisor spends their free time. And remember, they have superiors too, and they know what it's like to try and develop a rapport with a higher up.
Now, don't expect to make them your best friend by sharing intimate details about your cousin's bad break-up or the painful root canal that needed extra medication. Keep conversation light and simple to ensure that you don't say too much. Losing your professionalism while developing a comfort level with your boss could be detrimental to your image or career path, so be selective about how much you are willing to share.
Once you take the first step, you might find out that you have more in common with your superiors than you think!
We all know the feeling- the end of the work day is approaching and the clock couldn't possibly tick any slower. You're exhausted from an 8+ hour work day and have a "to-do" list with never-ending errands to run. Well before you rush out the door into a sea of traffic jams and shopping cart congestion, consider this. Why not ditch your daily routine and join your co-workers and other professional colleagues for happy hour?
Not only is happy hour a laid-back place to enjoy appetizer's and drink specials, but it is also a great opportunity to chat with your co-workers in a more personal setting and to network with potential employers if you are considering a job change. Experts suggest that by simply socializing at the occasional happy hour, you greatly increase the potential to advance your career within your organization and beyond.
As a junior-level employee or job seeker, happy hours can potentially facilitate social and professional relationships with senior level executives and provide you with unique insight into the company's culture and into your industry that you may not have experienced in a more formal, workplace setting.
However, there are some important guidelines to keep in mind when casually rubbing elbows with co-workers, company executives and potential employers:
• Be sure to check your individual company's policy on social drinking. While some organizations may sponsor social work events where alcohol is present, others may seriously frown upon this activity.
• Always remember that just because alcohol is served, that does not mean it is a requirement. Keep in mind that you are at an office function and should not drink in excess.
• Maintain a demeanor that is professional, appropriate and respectful by paying attention to what you say. Save your personal problems or spreading gossip about colleagues for your friends.
Happy New Year! The mad dash to the holidays has ended the new year is beginning. Now is the time when we all make those resolutions to start 2008 off on the right foot. You know what I am talking about... lose weight, call your mother more often, shop less, read more. There are hundreds of them.
But what about turning your focus on your career? In the spirit of Baby New Year, here are my top five career new year's resolutions:
1. Learn a new skill. This is one that can not only enrich your career, but your personal life too. Better ways to communicate and team building/participation are two ideas to start with.
2. Develop new responsibilities. Many times, posts on the Big Time focus on getting ahead in your career, and that means more responsibility. This is the time of year to focus on doing it, instead of just thinking about it. No new responsbilities on the horizon? Find one that fits your expertise and go for it!
3. Become a leader. How may times have you sat in a meeting and wondered who was in charge of the project? Maybe you are that person who can provide guidance and structure to your team or company. Go ahead and take the reigns.
4. Volunteer and network. Need to jump start your career search? Get out there and find an organization or group and make new connections and friends. Not only are you developing a career network, you may be helping your community while you're at it.
5. Find that work/life balance. You know who you are. You work 12-hour days and have "Blackberry Thumb." This year, try to take time out for yourself and don't get too caught up in the rat race. Not only will you save your sanity, you might also be nurturing your productivity at the same time.
Those are my suggestions for new year's resolutions. How about our readers? Do you have a 2008 goal for your career? We want to hear about them.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could network with industry colleagues on site at a company that could one day be your employer? That's the new trend in the technology industry thanks to one industrious, former Google employee.
As one article describes, this former Googler returned to one of the Company's cafeterias for free lunch with friends. Then the idea came to him: why not check out companies while enjoying a free or reasonably priced lunch at the same time. Now, that idea has turned into a group dubbed Lunch 2.0, and they network regularly as various companies' cafeterias.
This is a bit of a radical idea, but it has transformed networking nationwide with positive results. Now if you think the only way to network nowadays is to sneak into corporate cafeterias and score a free meal think again. Networking has changes in all sorts of ways, from rubbing elbows in cyber-space to the tried and true industry organization event. Consider creating your own networking events. Here are a couple of ideas:
- Develop a "speed networking" event to be held at a local restaurant or night spot. Similar to speed dating, this would allow professionals to try out their elevator speech and develop several new contacts for jobs.
- Organize a group of professionals who share interests outside of work. Maybe a beach or parks clean up committee. The idea is to get to know people while sharing a common interest.
- Design an event with a personal touch. Maybe a bi-monthly, themed dinner event that includes a recipe and business card exchange. And encourage "regulars" to bring someone new every time so that the network continues to grow.
Networking doesn't have to be the dry, uninviting event of yesterday. Put some thought into it and make it a fun event that keeps people interested in returning.
Office gossip and water cooler talk are almost unavoidable. But when does it go too far? Some managers find the rumor mill a distraction and toxic, while others welcome the opportunity to know the inside story where their employees are concerned.
In one article I found, the owner of a small company ended gossip in his office by telling employees that any rumors being spread would be revealed to the person who the rumor was about, along with the source of the rumor.
Certainly rumors can be hurtful and gossip can decrease productivity and employee morale, but when should and shouldn't employees engage in office gossip? Here are a few suggestions:
• Avoid spreading information that starts with "you know what I heard?" or "Did you hear that...?" Usually this means it's second or third hand information and probably has been distorted or is entirely false.
• Your manager may confide in you regarding company news that may not be public. Check with you manager before sharing any information with your team.
• Remember that rumors about individuals can be hurtful and could get back to that person, which could result in low morale. Resist the temptation to join in and mention what "you heard" about someone.
• If you do hear company gossip and rumors about new hires, layoffs, or company changes ask your manager and get the story straight. They may not be able to tell you anything, but they may be able to ease your fears or correct any misinformation.
Bottom line, keep office gossip to a minimum and think twice before spreading it around.
This may be the biggest thing to hit personal branding since it's Fast Company article 10 years ago. Be sure to tune in today to this Personal Branding Summit. The Summit features two concurrent sessions for 12 hours on the topic from a host of amazing speakers. This is free to participate and an opportunity to learn the latest trends in personal branding to enhance your career. You can also find a side-by-side schedule on JibberJobber.
Employee Evolution is a blog dedicated to offering advice to millennial generation workers. A recent post on the site offers six tips for younger workers to establish them selves as professionals despite their younger age and inexperience.
Here are the tips, along with my own observations about how they may help a millennial worker succeed in their job.
1. Be a student of everyone. Don't be afraid to ask questions and learn what you can from the professionals who have come before you. This is a sign of maturity, as well as shows a willingness to be a team player.
2. Write really well. Written communications are extremely important. Emails, proposals, meeting agendas, whatever your assignment, demonstrate a high-level of achievement. Poor grammar and incorrect punctuation may leave a poor impression on a manager or supervisor.
3. Demonstrate leadership. Even participating and sharing your ideas during internal meetings will also show maturity and leadership capabilities. Leadership also means offering support and helping others to be effective at their jobs.
4. Work smarter. This doesn't mean cutting corners, but finding creative ways to do parts of your job more efficiently. Others may also benefit from your input.
5. Show up. Take advantage of those opportunities to interact with upper-management, inside and outside of the office. This will leave a positive impression on your management, and keep you from appearing as a shy, unconfident "youngster".
6. Avoid being an idiot. Dress properly or in the same nature as your co-workers, and avoid using vulgar language, telling inappropriate jokes, leaving before the end of the work day, or showing up late. This will show signs of immaturity and leave a bad impression on co-workers and managers.
Other tips to consider: actively participate in networking with colleagues, share the workload of the team, and always be willing to lend a helping hand to co-workers who may be overwhelmed.
Career change has been a huge topic for conversation. Two recent articles that I found about making a career change, "Preparing for and Making a Career Change" and "Ten Tips on Making a Successful Career Change," both offer advice and tools on how to change careers, and the topic has been discussed on 'The Big' extensively.
But what I would like to discuss is from the first article, "Preparing for and Making a Career Change," which provides reasons for why workers want to change careers in the first place. They are:
1. For some people, staying in the same job for too long of a time is unthinkable.
2. A 'career midlife crisis.'
3. Dissatisfaction with the current employer (this could be a variety of reasons).
4. Boredom.
5. Lack of feeling fulfillment or accomplishment.
While these are all sound reasons for wanting to change a job or career, I can't help but wonder if some of these reasons are areas that workers can improve at their current employer.
For example, take number four - Boredom. We all feel that our job can become stale, but this may also be a symptom that you are not stepping up and doing more to challenge yourself. Don't be afraid to speak with your manager and ask for more responsibilities, or to take on more projects. This could also be a lead in to help out with symptom #5 too.
Overall dissatisfaction may not be something that can change for the better, but a 'career midlife crisis' may be. After a few years of working, you might find yourself at a crossroads for reinvention. Perhaps now is the time to hone your skills in other areas, differing from your current responsibilities. Also, check out options for job-sharing or internal internships that cross train you for a different position.
Changing careers is certainly an option if you are unhappy with your job or employer, but having the opportunity to reinvigorate your career may also just be at your fingertips.
If you aren't already a fan of NBC's "The Office," I highly recommend that you check it out one Thursday night. The premise: hi-jinks at a branch office of a paper company. You can check out a fellow bloggers' top 10 scenes from The Office or search "The Office" on You Tube.
Some speculate the reason this show is so popular is because employees wished that their own work environment was as fun, or funny, as the one at Dunder Mifflin Inc. (the name of the show's fictional company).
Me? I think it's been a breakout hit because it mirrors some of our own co-workers (the brown-noser, the know-it-all, the prankster) and work experiences (a visit from corporate, diversity training, office birthday parties), adding funny elements, even if a bit exaggerated.
What I also like about "The Office" is that it also presents cases of what NOT to do, and how NOT to act in a real work environment. Funny as the episodes and situations are, the bottom line is that the antics that take place in the show, are completely inappropriate for a real office environment.
So how do you keep things light without crossing the line? Easy. Get to know you co-workers and their personality on a more social level. At staff meetings, suggest a monthly office lunch where everyone can get together and unwind, even for an hour. Or, periodically go out to lunch or after work happy hours to get to know your colleagues better.
Work isn't meant to be a "laugh a minute" way to spend 8-10 hours a day and collect a paycheck. But it also doesn't have to be a buttoned-up, nose to the grindstone four-walled box either.
School is back in session, and for many college students that means choosing a major that may or may not impact their potential for future career success.
There appears to be a debate as to the relative importance of a graduate's major to their career advancement. According to some in the industry, college majors are not all that important to determining whether or not you are qualified for an entry-level job. Still, others agree that college majors are very important, especially for first time job seekers.
A recent post on Secrets of the Job Hunt titled "College Kids: Your Major is Important" reveals survey results of top employers, where the number one most important consideration when hiring entry-level employees is the student's major. My take is that the importance of a student's major largely varies on a case by case basis. For example, students planning on a career in the field of medicine or electronic engineering may fare better with a related major. For others with aspirations of being in sales, a specific major may not be as important.
Although you do not necessarily have to know from your first day of college what major you are interested in pursuing, you should have a good idea by your second full year. Typically, the first year of college is focused on basic, required skills to graduate. But, once you are ready to start your sophomore year, that's when it becomes very important to choose a major and stick with it.
Usually, those who enter college have some basic idea as the type of career they are interested in pursuing. So when choosing a major, remember that in some cases, it may be the first step towards choosing your career path.
Salary negotiations can be difficult for anyone. I just saw a recent Career Solvers blog post that suggests there are differences in how women and men negotiate for increases in salary. It includes information from a Washington Post article and recent research by Carnegie Mellon on the topic. It also offers advice including how to develop relationships with the HR department, and tips for establishing a comfort level for future salary discussions.
Regardless of gender, salary negotiation can be a difficult conversation. The key is to make sure that you can reasonably show HR why you deserve a pay increase. Here are my suggestions:
- Keep a running log of all of the projects that you have worked on throughout the year, outlining your involvement and the outcomes.
- Conduct industry research for your local market and determine if you are fairly compensated for your experience and position.
- Check your job description to see if you have exceeded the responsibilities or have added to them.
- Determine a list of career goals and objectives that you would like to accomplish. This will show HR that you are planning ahead and looking forward to a future with your company.
Preparing for salary negotiation will make you feel more comfortable about setting a meeting with HR, and give you the confidence to speak about what you believe you deserve. Of course, this is a negotiation, so you will also need to be on a look out for HR to counter with their offer. Here are a couple of tips to handle the counter:
- Know what you are willing to settle for in regards to negotiation.
- Think about alternatives to salary. Maybe more vacation or a flexible schedule would be another area to negotiate for compensation.
- Have questions prepared for the end of the conversation. Some may include: What do I need to do to reach this desired salary bracket? Can I renegotiate in 6, 8 or 10 months?
Also, for more tips on negotiating total compensation packages, check out two other posts on the topic. Remember, hard work and dedication deserve a fair salary. You've earned it. Now all you have to do is ask for it!
Ahhh, the office party. When I hear office party I immediately think of the many "parties gone bad " thrown by none other than Michael Scott of The Office. We often hear about the do's and don'ts of attending an office party. In fact, I ran across a great post on College Recruiter that has some sage advice for party goers, specifically how to avoid embarrassing mishaps that can occur either sober or post alcohol-consumption. If an office party is around the corner, check out the post for reminders like make sure you attend, limit alcohol intake, dress appropriately, and don't brag or brown nose.
More interesting to me is whether or not employees actually enjoy going to office functions, such as the holiday party. Spherion conducted a survey recently on this very topic, and found that more than half (58%) of workers say it is not important to them that their employer has an annual holiday party, and 46% do not feel obligated to attend such an event.
I've often wondered how many workers would rather have their company take the budget amount allocated to such an event, and instead evenly divide that amount in the form of cash bonuses to employees. Or, instead of one big holiday party, use it for smaller "happy hour" parties throughout the year? Where do you stand?
Recently, a writer with the Detroit Free Press wrote an article about the growing trend of free-Internet cafes taking the place of office environments. The story ran in a couple of different newspapers, which is obviously a sign that many cities are witnessing this trend.
The writer points to a couple of reasons why more workers are using these cafes as their office spot. Among those reasons include free office space and the influx of coffee shops that are showing up on every street corner. But is this trend productive and cost-effective?
For starters, the coffee craze is popular but expensive. Today, consumers are paying $3 and $4 for a cup of coffee. If you are one who enjoys working in the coffee shop environment, you could be spending $20 a day out of a feeling of obligation to the barista. That's easily $100 a week! You might find that working from home is more cost-effective.
Also, you could be saving gas money by walking to your neighborhood Internet-café as opposed to driving to your office. But are you also missing out on social interaction with your co-workers? This could be a detriment when it comes to raises, promotions and reviews. Your productivity may also be called into question more so than when you are working from home.
As with most things, I think this practice is one best suited to moderation. Every now again, opting for a hot cup of Joe and a nice warm coffee shop instead of a cold commute into the office certainly isn't going to impact your career significantly. Unless of course, you're a financial planner or a lawyer conducting business that should be confidential in a crowded venue. That's a no-no.
What about some of our telecommuting readers? Have you ever stopped into an Internet café and spent your "work at home" day there instead?
Last year, Apple Co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs presented the commencement speech at Stamford University. His inspiring address to the students focused on taking risks in life, and embracing the failures and triumphs that go along with it.
After viewing his speech on YouTube, I began to think about the risks, failures and triumphs with my career, and I thought about that one defining moment when I experienced all three.
I was just out of college, learning the ropes and not all that comfortable yet with making a decision on my own. Then the day came when my manager was out of the office, and wouldn't you know, a client called needing assistance with filling an open position immediately.
The idea of making a decision about the terms of this engagement, without someone telling me what to do paralyzed me, but I had seen seasoned recruiters flawlessly handle their clients, and I desperately wanted to develop that type of insight. So, I went for it and handled this staffing engagement on my own, second guessing myself, but feeling as though I had finally earned my place and would gain the respect of my co-workers and manager.
The only problem, I had a missed a crucial part in negotiating the terms with the client. I felt terrible, and not only did I fear what my manager and colleagues thought about my abilities, but I was afraid I had lost credibility with the client.
But, at the end of the day and after beating myself up about the situation, my manager walked up to me and said how proud she was that I took the initiative and tried to handle the client on my own. It showed her that I had the confidence to try something out, even if it didn't turn out 100% correct. Now I knew what to do the next time.
It was a learning experience that I will never forget, and as a result of taking the risk, failing, but learning from my mistakes, I feel that I am not only a better employee, but a better mentor and manager too.
What about our readers? Have you ever felt that feeling of "what if I took the risk?" Maybe you felt that you should be an accountant when you really wanted to be a chef and after everyone said you shouldn't or couldn't, you took the plunge and did it anyway? Please share your experiences and insight....
An interesting new book, titled "Cinema For Managers," explores the possibility that movies can be an effective way to teach business professionals about values such as teamwork and problem-solving. Some may laugh, but if you think about it, the situations you see in movies, and in TV shows for that matter, do offer insight into the right and wrong ways of conducting yourself at work.
The book has received quite a bit of publicity in major media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal and Guardian Unlimited, listing some of the 50 movie titles that are highlighted. Some of the films suggested are The Terminal, starring Tom Hanks (strategy and entrepreneurship), and the Hollywood classic, Murder on the Orient Express (teamwork).
As a movie buff, there are a few films that immediately popped into my mind that despite failing to make the book, do offer great lessons for the business world. For example, Office Space seemed an obvious choice. It provides a hilarious look at many aspect of the working world, including how NOT to promote your people skills - as evidenced by this YouTube video reminder. What movies do you think are missing from the list? What films, if any, have helped shape your success in the workplace?
Blogging has become a mainstay for communications, especially for job candidates. A recent article in Newsday profiles several diverse bloggers, and focuses on why and how they blog. One of the featured bloggers is Deb Dib, founder of a personal branding and career coaching business called Executive PowerCoach.
Dib provided a list of reasons for why she blogs. Some of the reasons she gave included:
- Blogging is one of the best ways to gain visibility as a thought leader.
- It's a way to stay current and leading-edge within your field and related fields of interest.
- It's a way to become the hunted and not the hunter when you're looking to change or build your career.
- Blogging keeps you on your toes, hones your writing and research skills, and keeps you aware of your branded voice.
- It creates a powerful on-line presence. If you develop a "following," it helps create a vibrant community with like-minded people who become a vital network.
Another article in Employment Digest talks about how recruiters are using blogs to place jobs and find candidates. Even further, job candidates are using blogs as resumes and to showcase their expertise in a particular field.
For some, the blogsphere might be an area they are not comfortable with, or don't quite understand. Others feel they don't have the time to keep up with a blog. If you find that you fall into one of these categories, there are ways to participate in the online community without taking on any risk or taking up too much time.
Being a casual observer and just monitoring and reviewing what others say is a good way to stay involved without taking the step of adding comments in an open debate or conversation. Then you can become more comfortable with the process and maybe eventually turn into an active blogger yourself.
Creating your own blog is a great way to be noticed, but it can be time consuming. So if you don't want to develop your own blog but still want to keep current on important topics, there are plenty of community blogs that you can participate in without having the strenuous daily commitment. Or, moniture feeds of interest to you through RSS engines such as Bloglines.
Whether you want to be a regular contributor, or just a casual observer, blogging can serve as a way to connect with others in your field of expertise or to get your name out there and bring the recruiters to you!
There's nothing like a long meeting to suck the creativity and enthusiasm out of your work day. You know the types ...colleagues start by talking strategy and then somewhere between the beginning and end, the group gets sidetracked and you realize that you spent an hour talking about nothing and you walk away feeling as though you wasted part of your day.
A recent Inc.com article, focuses on this very subject. Opinion Research USA also conducted a study about the most annoying aspects of a business meeting. Here are some of the results:
- Disorganized, rambling meetings (27%)
- Interrupting peers (17%)
- Peers nodding off (9%)
- Lack of bathroom breaks (8%)
- Meeting attendees checking their emails (5%)
I admit that I have been both a victim and violator of some of the annoyances listed above. The good news is that I've not only learned from mistakes, but I'm better at knowing when my participation in a meeting may be helpful in moving it along so that we accomplish our goals.
As a professional in the business world for a number of years, I've found three golden rules for conducting an effective business meeting. They are:
- Insist on having an agenda before any meeting. It doesn't have to be formal, just a short outline of we are to accomplish and expected outcomes so that I know my intended takeaways.
- Table any other subject matter, besides what we are scheduled to discuss, and schedule a second meeting. This can happen particularly during staff meetings and can take up the time of others who may not be involved in the other subject matter.
- Keep meetings to maximum 30 minutes. Obviously, some meetings warrant more time, but if I can "get in and get out" by efficiently accomplishing my goals, then everyone will feel that their time was well spent.
What are your tried and true methods to conducting effective business meetings? I'm anxious to see what works best for others. Who knows, maybe my list of three golden rules will grow ...
Stress is a hot topic. We've written about it, studied it, and its connection to job burnout. And we're obviously not the only folks delving into this issue. One of the more interesting posts I've read on this topic appeared recently on Jobacle's blog. The contributor used research from the American Institute of Stress (AIS) that "40 percent of worker turnover is the result of job stress, and some one million workers are absent each workday because of stress-related compliants."
After taking a look at the AIS study, I also found some eye-opening data from a 2000 Integra report stating:
- 12% had called in sick because of job stress
- Over half said they often spend 12-hour days on work related duties and an equal number frequently skip lunch because of the stress of job demands.
- 19% or almost one in five respondents had quit a previous position because of job stress and nearly one in four have been driven to tears because of workplace stress
Clearly, workplace stress is a problem. So the next obvious question is why? What exactly is causing all this stress in the workplace? The AIS site points to several reasons including longer hours in the office, as well as fears about job security and discord with co-workers.
According to another survey by St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, teamwork and supervision problems were the most consistently and strongly related to burnout, health problems, and performance problems.
So how should employees cope with job related stress? Fist of all, employees are given vacation time for a reason...to take a break from the office. Too many workers have the mindset that they can't take off because their managers will frown upon it, or their job will not be completed correctly without their presence. However, if you are too stressed to complete your work competently, you aren't doing yourself or your company any good.
Also, plan your weekends around doing something you enjoy instead of designated them from household chores or running errands. Weekends should best be used to read a book, go to the beach, or for pure relaxation.
Exercise is also a good stress reliever and helps not only combat stress, but keeps you healthy both physically and mentally.
Last but not least, it is important to remember that your job is just that...a job. If you feel that job stress is becoming too much, then you need to make a conscious effort to focus on relieving stress.
Yes, I know that summer is still a month or two away, but if you're like me, I am already planning my long-awaited (and much deserved if I don't say so myself) vacation. And I feel confident that I'm not alone given Spherion's survey findings that 67 percent of workers planned to take a vacation last summer.
When I think back to my vacation last year, I can't help but also remember the stress, anxiety and frankly, dread, that seemed to hang over my head as I thought about the work that was sure to pile up and await my return. This year, I'm not going to let that happen. Here's how...
I'm going to plan ahead by scheduling my time off well in advance. This will provide me ample time to prepare both at work and at home.
Then, I'm going to alert key contacts that I work with and rely on both within my company and outside clients. I'm hoping that by giving them ample notice of my vacation plans, we can tie up any loose ends or finish any important projects before I jump ship. There is nothing worse than leaving for vacation with an unfinished project waiting in the wings. I know myself, and I'll think about it while I'm away, and dread finishing it when I return.
Using my recruiting expertise, I think I'll recruit a back-up in my department who can handle any emergencies and/or maintain key aspects of my job while I'm away. Most importantly, I will designate this person to act as my contact person, giving them exact instructions as to how and when it is best to contact me (only for true emergencies).
Finally, I'm going to prepare for my return before I even leave by writing down a list of projects or priorities for when I get back to the office. I believe this will help me avoid feeling overwhelmed after my time off. This includes cleaning and organizing my office before I depart.
With any luck this preparation will go a long way in making my retreat an enjoyable and stress-free one. Let me know if anyone out there has any other tips to help vacationing workers relax and refuel.
We've been hearing for a number of years about the knowledge and skills gap that will be left by the impending, and massive retirement of baby boomers. I ran across a recent Forbes article about the fastest growing jobs in America, many of which made the list due to this boomer phenomenon. Here are a few highlights from their article:
- Number one on the list: Home health aides, with estimated growth of 56% in their numbers over the next eight years.
- Medical assistants, dental assistants and physical therapist aides should all see growth of more than 30% by 2014.
- No finance or accounting gigs made the list, which was compiled before the private equity bonanza of 2006.
- There will be 32% more college professors in 2014 than 2004, according to the BLS, and 33% more preschool teachers.
- Technology jobs are growing rapidly. Software engineers and network systems analysts make the top 10 overall.
The exodus of baby boomers from the workforce is certainly one reason for the projected increase in these positions. In addition, the sheer size of the boomer population that is growing older and living longer is also influencing the growth of medical-related professions. Simply put, more people will be needed to take care of this aging generation.
Pursuing a career in any of these industries is a wise decision - just make sure to take advantage of working with the boomers who are still working but near retirement. These mentors will be your best resource for learning skills and knowledge applicable to your new career.
We have all had that frustrating feeling at work. You come into the office day in and day out, working on the same projects and feeling, well, stuck. You just know that other executives are busily working on exciting projects that "mean" something to the company. However, there are ways to combat this feeling and project a more "executive image."
A recent
post on Simply Hired's corporate blog provides two important suggestions on how to rev up your career growth:
- If you are feeling a blank spot in your current career, it is always possible to attempt finding new opportunities for growth within your current company or current position. Not only is this a resume builder for later, but it also shows your current boss initiative.
- Begin to give a monetary value to what you do for your company. The blogger says to consider the amount of money you SAVE your company by the work that you do.
If you are feeling that you have mastered the tasks and responsibilities of you current job, then it is probably time for you to try something more challenging. Don't be afraid to discuss this feeling with your manager. Even if a higher position is not available at the time, your manager may be able to give you higher level projects to work on, helping to calm your restlessness and give you experience in another area of the company. And don't forget the added benefit of showing your loyalty to the company by asking for new work responsibilities instead of looking for a new job that may offer different challenges.
The second tip advising employees to attribute a monetary value to the work they currently perform on behalf of the company can be difficult to do at first. Try researching the resumes of people in similar jobs as your own, they may include some creative ways of attributing monetary value to your responsibilities. Also, think outside the box. For example, you may think the spreadsheet you created to help manage project timelines is a simple part of your job, but think about how it may have saved time (and therefore money) for the company.
In my last post, I talked about a few tools to help candidates research what they are worth before negotiating a salary or a raise. I just ran across an interesting post on Career Solvers that discusses negotiating total compensation packages – meaning not just salary but also the monetary value of any other perks such as health insurance, paid time off, and performance bonuses.
It had some great information in it, including a link to another post on Compensation Blog that references a Bureau of Labor Statistics report called “Survey of Employee Benefits in Private Industry” that all candidates should review before entering a salary negotiation.
As you prepare yourself to negotiate a total compensation packages, you obviously want to address things such as paid time-off and work-life balance options like telecommuting. These are now pretty common benefits that are negotiated as part of the total compensation. But what about perks such as equipment, a car, mileage, or relocation packages?
For example, most sales professionals are on the phone or in their cars for the majority of their work day. With the high price of gas, not to mention wear and tear on your car, it wouldn’t be uncommon to negotiate a company car or generous lease package from your employer.
Furthermore, if your employer has endorsed or even mandated that you telecommute, be sure to negotiate payment for an office home line, cell phone, Internet service, and additional equipment such as a fax machine. These are imperative to complete your job, but not necessarily added expenses for you to absorb.
Think about the responsibilities and/or tools needed of your job as you prepare to discuss a total compensation package.
Salary negotiation. It's one of the most difficult parts of the interview process. You don't want to seem over eager and ask for too much, but you don't want to be afraid to undervalue your experience by not asking for a higher salary. But hiring managers expect candidates will want to try and get a bump in salary, as that is one of the top reasons for workers to seek new employment.
In a recent post on Career Solvers, a blogger offered tools and tips to guide candidates in preparing a salary history, and negotiations. The post also suggested a couple of Web sites, payscale.com and salary.com, to help you research what you are worth based on experience, education and job market trends.
Using Web site tools such as these can really give you the confidence to know exactly what your job market can hold and what a reasonable salary request entails. Being knowledgeable about your position's salary range also gives you a leg up in the negotiation by showing the hiring manager that you are well aware of what you should be making based on compelling research.
So next time you find yourself on the hot seat, in the middle of salary discussions, relax and do your research ahead of time.
A big perk to work-life balance programs is the option for employees to telecommute from their homes. A recent blog post from the organization Future of Work focuses on new technologies that keep colleagues connected from wherever they may be working. They've also written a white paper on the subject.
As a matter of fact, so many employees are used to working outside of the office that they prefer working remotely and find that utilizing the technology available to them to stay connected to the office and their workload is as easy as working in a traditional work environment.
However, there is something to be said for face to face to contact with your colleagues. Can you ever imagine a world in which employers hire workers without ever interviewing them in person at some point? Probably not. That's because in person conversations and interactions provide an important opportunity to interpret body language. At the office, face to face meetings allow for a more open conversation where more may be accomplished than several back and forth emails. Also, face to face contact is still more effective in negotiations and for brainstorming.
I enjoy telecommuting as much as anyone. You can't beat the luxury of getting up during the work week and choosing to answer email in a Virginia Tech t-shirt (ok, shameless plug) and a pair of jeans, rather than a suit. However, for me, this luxury only makes sense a few times a month. While I certainly am productive working from home thanks to an influx of collaboration technologies, I still enjoy and need the in person interaction and workplace camaraderie that can't be replaced by any technology.
I am interested to hearing others weigh in on their own experience.
In my very first post on this blog, I predicted that "blogcruiting" may change the very way we recruiters seek out potential candidates and that I have never seen a tool with such potential power for candidates seeking career advancement. A new blog called Blog for Jobs recently created by CM Russell, founder of AllCountyJobs.com and author of Secrets of the Job Hunt, is just the latest example of this trend. Blog for Jobs is all about job seekers that are blogging to stand out in the career sphere, and includes examples of candidates who have leveraged their blogs to find work. Bloggers can also post a brief description of their experience and work style, as well as the type of job they are seeking.
I believe 2007 will see a drastic increase in the number of candidates utilizing personal web pages, social networking, and blogging to land jobs. I think we'll soon see a host of new blogs that follow Russell's lead, along with more of these "blogging for jobs success stories" hitting the mainstream media. This will be particularly true among IT recruiters and candidates since these folks tend to be more technically savvy, as well as within the advertising and marketing sector. I say this because advertising and marketing candidates' views and opinions about current ads or marketing campaigns can be an important tool in gaining recruiters' and potential employers' attention. Blogging provides an excellent platform for these candidates to showcase their industry knowledge and communication skills.
Lastly, blogging no doubt will be an increasingly effective tool in a job seeker's arsenal. But it shouldn't be the only tool. Why put all your eggs in one, albeit effective, basket? Traditional approaches including networking and referrals are still good bets.
It is widely known that more and more bilingual employees are needed to fit the needs of companies in many industries. A recent Career Builder post identifies healthcare, financial services, sales and marketing, social services and public services as some of the top industries actively seeking bilingual employees.
Having the ability to speak a second language, especially Spanish, is a true attribute for job seekers. If you are not already bilingual, here are a few suggestions about how to learn a second language.
Before purchasing any foreign language materials, conduct a little research about the foreign languages that are most prominent in your market. Spanish has already been mentioned and is probably the most frequently used foreign language. But there may be other languages that are just as important to your local market, for example, Creole in South Florida, or Asian languages in California and other Western states.
Check out your local community colleges or schools that specialize in foreign language such as Berlitz. Their classes are typically very affordable, and a good place to start learning correct pronunciation and grammar usage. If you are a better independent learner, there are numerous amounts of computer software and languages CDs that are available for a multitude of foreign languages.
Once you feel that you have good command of a language, be sure to highlight your language ability under "Special Skills" on your resume.
Learning a second and maybe even a third or fourth language is not only a fun and exciting challenge, but it just may help you land your dream job!
As someone who has worked from home in the past, I read with interest a recent Workerette post about running a home office. The blogger gives some great suggestions about working from home effectively such as setting up your office so it feels like one, avoid staying in your pj's, and install a separate phone line. These were all tactics I employed when running a home office, however, I had another interesting challenge on my hands - small children. During my work-from-home stint, my two-year old son was also home, which brings me to my additional advice for those in similar situations.
- Invest in a good phone that has a "hold" button, and more importantly, a "mute" function.
- Establish rules (as best you can) for everyone in the household - if the door is closed, Daddy or Mommy is working and shouldn't be bothered. That is, unless someone needs to take a trip to the ER.
- To help make following this rule a bit easier on your child(ren), minimize your trips to the rest of the house. Make sure you grab your drinks, go to the restroom, etc. before you begin your day.
- Install a separate phone line and use it. There were a few times I inadvertently gave colleagues my home number only to have my son pick up another phone in the house to offer his two cents - something like "Me watching Wiggles."
- Try to schedule conference calls around nap times, particularly ones that you are leading or are expected to participate frequently. This minimizes stressing out if you can hear your son or daughter having a meltdown and worrying that everyone else might be unwilling witnesses as well.
After finally perfecting my home office environment, I will say that there were tremendous benefits to working from home. I was incredibly productive and at the same time, was able to swap time previously spent commuting with a little quality family time.
I got a kick out of Wendy of CareerHub's recent post about the importance of a professional voicemail. The post is quite humorous when you consider the examples of people's voicemail she includes, although the issue is a serious one. How can a job seeker expect to be taken seriously by prospective employers when their impersonating Elvis on their voicemail?
Now I'm not against showcasing your personality on your home voicemail. In fact, after the birth of my daughter I changed our voicemail to say "we're probably home right now but my best guess is we're on potty patrol or cleaning spit up so leave a message." I thought it was funny. But I also knew that I wasn't in the market for a new job, nor would any headhunters be tracking me down at home. My point is, there are plenty of opportunities down the road to showcase your creativity via your voicemail but during the job search is not one of them. Keep a professional, straightforward voicemail during any times a potential employer or recruiter may be contacting you.
After you land the job is the time to blare "We Are the Champions" in your voicemail.
We all know the interview process certainly can be nerve-wracking and can put you on edge. Not only are you trying to figure out if the job is for you and answer the interviewer's questions, but there is always the fear of making a mistake, saying the wrong thing or seeming completely overmatched for the job. What most people don't think about are the questions you should ask of a potential employer. These questions are very important for your own knowledge and understanding, but they can also come back to haunt you because they may misrepresent your intentions or your professionalism. CNN.com recently posted a Careerbuilder article by Candice Corner about this very topic and I thought they had some interesting examples of interview questions that can put you in a bad light. The article also gives practical advice about how to better ask the questions to get the information you are looking for.
My favorites:
What not to ask: "So, Bob, what do you have to do to get your position?"
What not to ask: "I really hated my last boss because he was always micromanaging. How does management work here?"
What not to ask: "What's your policy on Columbus Day?"
What not to ask: "Will I have to work overtime?"
Remember, it's always important to prepare for interview questions that you will get from the hiring manager, but also those you will be asking. How you ask them can make all of the difference.
Recently on Career Hub, an interesting debate surfaced about the pros and cons of blogging for both recruiters and candidates. I’ve mentioned in a previous post that I believe “blogcruiting,” a term I coined to describe recruiting via the blogosphere, will immeasurably change the way we recruit, in a good way. It has the same potential for candidates. And I said “potential” for a reason. As Barbara Stefani warned in the Career Hub post, job seekers must acknowledge that what you blog about will influence a hiring manager’s decision. It will either influence their decision in your favor, or against it, depending on the content and tone of your blog. You think I’m exaggerating? Consider a stat by ExecutiveCareerSuite.com that approximately 75 percent of hiring managers and recruiters conduct a Google search on applicants before interviewing them.
My advice is this: use the blogosphere to your advantage by posting information that highlights your accomplishments or talents, or to build your network of industry contacts. And while you’re at it, Google yourself to make sure there isn’t any incorrect or “questionable” content out there with your name on it.
A recent post on CareerSolvers about credit checks reminded me of a post I’ve been meaning to write about this topic. Having been in the recruiting field for many years, I can’t tell you the number of times I encountered a perfectly qualified, professional and competent candidate for my open position only to have them kicked out of the running because of their credit history. Then, one of two things happens. The candidate is either completely surprised by the result of their credit check or with a mix of anger and desperation, they beg for advice on how to get around their poor credit.
Listen, credit checks are becoming more and more prevalent as a price of entry to employment, particularly in the accounting/finance fields. Regardless of how “clean” you believe your credit score/history to be, double check it before you apply for a job. Why? Because an astonishing 79% of all credit reports contain mistakes (says U.S. Public Interest Research Group). If your credit report is one of them, it’s best to find out ahead of time and fix it before it deters your job search.
If you are struggling with poor credit score or debt issues, accept that some employers have a black and white policy when it comes to credit checks – you don’t “pass,” you won’t get hired. On the other hand, many employers look at credit history as only one of many factors when considering you for employment. These are the employers that will appreciate an honest, well-prepared explanation of your circumstances. This can go a long way in overcoming the credit history hurdle.
I recently interviewed a candidate for a job that requires extensive communication with a top client of ours. Although he had a picture perfect background for the job, I didn't hire him. Here's why - he talked too much. And it occurred to me that although I've seen quite a bit written about how to ace an interview, including a recent post on jobsearchsecrets.net, there needs to be more tips on absolute deal breakers to avoid. For example, here are my top five: 1) Talking too much. No surprise here but not only does droning on too long turn interviewers off, it also indicates you may have difficulties listening as well. Candidates who actively listen and take notes during an interview as well as deliver succinct, example-rich answers will fare better than those who try to deliver a thesis in 60-minutes. 2) Failing to have a basic understanding of the company and what it does. If I ask a candidate a basic question about how his or her skills will benefit the organization and I get a blank stare, game over. 3) No suit, no job. I know business casual has become a near norm these days, but in my opinion, that mantra hasn't seeped into the realm of job interviewing. Just be safe and wear a suit. You can go back to business casual when you've landed the job. 4) Begging will get you nowhere. Even if you've been unemployed for months or years, make sure you don't act desperate. Being overly excited or overtly needy puts a red flag in the mind of your interviewer. 5) Failing to make a case for yourself. If you haven't formulated in your mind ahead of time how your specific background and skills fit well with the potential position, just don't go. Your primary purpose in the interview is to appropriately market what you have to offer and demonstrate why you will greatly benefit your prospective employer. So, there you have it. My contribution to your job interview preparation. In my opinion, these are the basics of interview etiquette. Breaking any one of these rules are well... a deal breaker.
Having been in the recruiting business for nearly 10 years, I've seen various recruiting strategies come and go - some good, while others, not so good. Now I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that blogging may just change the very way we look for job seekers. I've never seen a tool with such potential power for candidates seeking career advancement and for recruiters to not only find qualified candidates, but learn more about them before ever speaking to them. Furthermore, I've noticed some blogosphere posts and mainstream media stories about candidates who've pursued employment leads and landed jobs through their blogging savvy. For instance, the blog Secrets of the Job Hunt recently posted the story of Carolynn Duncan, a job seeker who used her blogging skills to land a job and garnered praise for her creativity from Paul Allen, the CEO who hired her. And if you haven't looked at the blogosphere as a place where you they can actively promote yourself, you may be missing the boat. Fellow recruiter Rob Merrill recently blogged about the benefits to sourcing and qualifying potential candidates. He feels that blogs and other summarization search engines like ZoomInfo.com have untapped potential and are a growing trend among recruiters. As recruiters have known for years, the key to finding and landing a job is marketability - pure and simple. You have to get noticed before you can get hired. And few would question the power of the blogosphere in marketing oneself to potential employers, networking sources (such as recruiters - hint, hint) or friends/acquaintances with any employment leads. Spherion has seen a lot of job search and recruitment trends come and go over the past 60 years, but I assure you, blogging has staying power. This may be the first time we've talked about the "blogcruiting" trend, but it certainly won't be the last. Stay tuned -- this conversation has just begun.
