May 12

5 Tips for a Successful First Day

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It’s your first day on the job – a daunting experience. You are the new kid on the block and you may feel that all eyes are upon you. New surroundings, people, processes and unknown expectations have butterflies swimming amuck in your stomach. This is all normal, but there are things you can do to relieve some of the stress.

Here are five tips to ensure you have a successful first day on the job:

The First Impression.
First impressions set the tone for your future workplace relationships. Be aware of your actions, comments and non-verbal behavior. When in doubt, dress conservatively. Try to relax and speak confidently. Make good eye contact and smile. Avoid talking about religion, politics or sex with coworkers you just met. Be an active listener. Make an effort to remember names.

What to Expect.
Your first day will be filled with the logistics of finding your office space, getting an e-mail address and passwords, filling out forms, meeting people and maybe sitting through an orientation. People may ignore you or go out of their way to welcome you to the company – be prepared for both reactions. Discuss your responsibilities and if there is any confusion about what you should be doing on your first day, get clarification.

It Is Okay to Ask Questions.
When you ask questions, no matter how silly you may think they sound, people know you are eager to learn and understand the material. If you keep questions to yourself, you may get confused or look like you don’t know what you are doing. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you don’t understand everything or can’t remember everyone’s name.

Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open.
Observe what is going on around you in the workplace so you have a clearer definition of the way things work.

Arriving and Leaving.
Showing up early lets people know that you’re excited to be there. It also tells them that you’re committed to working there and doing your best. Don’t rush out the door when your day is over. Wait around a little bit, and ask if there is any work that needs to be done before leaving. You’ll fit in much faster if your boss and coworkers see you putting forth an effort.

Being nervous on your first day is natural. Ease your anxiety by trying everything in your power to have a positive start. Introduce yourself and be nice to others first – don’t wait for them to be nice to you. Remember that everyone you meet that day was once the “new person.” You will survive.

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May 08

Tips to Reduce Workplace Stress

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Work will always create stress. No matter how much you may love your job, coworkers and your boss, it’s still a job and they are still your coworkers and your boss.

Recognizing that stress is a normal, though unwelcome aspect of life is the first step to properly managing it so that your life both inside and outside of work does not go skidding out of control. But what else can you do to manage your stress level? Here are a few ideas.

Organize your day.
Prioritize your tasks by importance. Once you have your schedule, your deadlines will look much more manageable and you will find your “to do” pile shrinking faster than you imagined.

Learn to say no.
We all want to help out our bosses and coworkers, but sometimes you have to say no to extra tasks. If you are stressed out already, adding to your workload will only make it worse. Finish your main priorities first before taking on anything else.

Use your vacation time.
Your company gives you vacation time and personal days for a reason. If you feel like you cannot handle your stress level, take a long weekend and get away with friends or family to unplug.

Walk it out.
Regular exercise doesn’t just keep you fit, it also helps relieve stress. So whether you walk around the parking lot, play golf on the weekends or get up early a few days a week and jog before work, getting your blood flowing through exercise will reduce tension and help you focus.

Eat better.
Skipping breakfast and working through lunch will have you snacking on foods that don’t fill you up and are not nutritionally valuable. Think about the difference it makes when you sit down on the weekend and eat a balanced healthy breakfast, and when you skip breakfast in the morning or get fast food on the way to work. You probably feel sluggish after the latter. When you don’t get the food you need, you won’t handle stress as well or fight off illnesses.

Get enough sleep.
It seems silly to say, but most people don’t get a sufficient amount of sleep. Studies show that not sleeping enough negatively impacts alertness and productivity. The average adult needs about eight hours of sleep a night. If you are sleeping less, this will contribute to your stress load.

Remember that stress is a normal part of everyday life. You even need some stress in life because you need that push to get things done. If your daily stress on the job is overwhelming, sit back and take stock of the situation. If it is completely unmanageable, you may need to consider other career opportunities.

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May 04

How Important is Networking?

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How important is networking? Enormously. The most successful individuals maintain networks inside and outside their companies or fields of expertise. They know that networks are an essential source of information, support and opportunity. Networks produce the references and referrals that can make the difference in your career development and employment opportunities.

To begin building your network consider creating and practicing presentation statements–brief summaries of who you are, your strengths and your career direction.

If you feel you lack the skills to connect to people, take heart. Anyone can learn to network effectively. Here are some tips to help build your network of professional support.

Find Opportunities to Build Your Network
Lacking opportunities to meet interesting people? It’s time to take action:

  • Join professional organizations & attend business events.
  • Take up a new activity, volunteer, attend a class or join a club.

All of these activities offer ways to meet new contacts while doing something that interests you.

Grow Your Network Strategically
Concentrate on building a small network of people with whom you can build mutually beneficial relationships. Quantity is not as important as the quality of the people in your network. Consider the following:

  • Are they in a position to help or teach you?
  • Do you have shared interests and values?
  • Do you have something to give back?

Build a Diverse Network
As you build your professional network, look for variety. While your network should include peers and leaders within your profession and industry, a diverse group of contacts introduces you to new ideas and opportunities. Besides, you never know how and when the right contact can help you grow or learn.

Always Give Back
Reciprocity is the key to successful networking. Remember that when someone becomes a part of your network, you become a part of theirs. Be ready and willing to help friends and colleagues. The support you provide today will help you secure the support you need tomorrow.

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Apr 30

Tips to Get Noticed at Work

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Do you work with people who make you wonder exactly what they do for the company? Would anyone notice if they stopped showing up? Do people wonder the same things about you?

While doing a good job is certainly satisfying, it can be frustrating when hard administrative or clerical work goes unnoticed or your contribution is not acknowledged. It’s a quick leap from being unnoticed to feeling unappreciated. Here are five tips to make sure you aren’t just part of the décor—and that your superiors know you are doing great work!

Don’t get lost in the crowd—especially at a large company or location. Greet people you know, and make an effort to get to know others. Smile. Spend time talking about positive things, new ideas and plans. Keep complaints to yourself.

Build a network.
Interacting with the same colleagues everyday won’t increase your exposure, but working with new people will. By joining a committee or task force, or volunteering for a special initiative, you’ll have the opportunity to show your talent and skills to other people who matter in your company. Behave like a leader and you will be thought of as one. Volunteer to work on a project no else wants to do. Succeeding where others have failed is a great reputation to have, and even if you’re only half successful, you’ll still be recognized as a person willing to take on a tough task.

Avoid over-extending yourself.
Choose your activities carefully and focus on doing them well, rather than trying to be all things to all people. Your goal is to be seen as someone who is capable and successful, so don’t over-commit yourself. You won’t get noticed with mediocre performance, regardless of how many other positive steps you take.

Be helpful.
If you’ve used the last piece of paper in the shared copier or printer, fill it up again. If you’ve poured the last cup of coffee, take a minute to make another pot. Offer to mentor a new employee, or help a co-worker with a project. Small gestures can help you build relationships and show your team spirit. And the people you help will be more inclined to support you when it matters most.

Keep growing.
Continuously improve your skills. Learn a new technology, read industry publications, reports and magazines, and be aware of market trends. Use this knowledge when you communicate with colleagues and take on new tasks. Diplomatically make your boss aware of what you are doing, and be sure to track your accomplishments for performance reviews.

While you may be uncomfortable with the idea of “tooting your own horn,” it is important to distinguish yourself, so don’t shy away from self-promotion at work. If done well, it can add to your job satisfaction—and help get you noticed!

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Apr 26

Tips for Moms Re-entering the Workforce

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Any woman who has been a stay-at-home mom has had to juggle more than a calendar, a team, a project or a workload. You’ve juggled babies, made feeding decisions, chose schools, managed the logistics of getting them to all their extracurricular activities, attended PTA, mediated arguments, instilled values, bolstered confidence and generally prepared your child or children for whatever life might throw at them. Your re-entry to the workplace is going to be a breeze by comparison!

Multitasking in an office or an assembly or warehouse facility has nothing on raising a child! The skills required to do most of these mothering things transfer to many different jobs and industries, and they deserve a place on your resume under “skills and expertise.” Following are some tips and tools other women have found effective in helping them successfully re-enter the workforce.

Kick-start a network.
It’s really true that networking pays off. Tell everyone you know that you are re-entering the workforce. Find out who they know. Consider developing a profile on a professional networking site, such as LinkedIn, to find the “six degrees of separation” that may help you get your foot in the door. Look up former coworkers who have remained at work while you have been home raising your family. They can provide current insights into trends, who is hiring, what technology is hot and more.

Research prospective employers.
In today’s global village, it’s easy to put your finger on the pulse of companies, current issues and trends. Before you go on the first interview, go on the Internet. Whether on a home computer or one at the local library or copy outlet, go online to find out everything you can about employers who are hiring in your area of interest.

Prepare questions for the employer. It’s surprising how many people don’t do their homework before they show up for an interview. Sure, it takes time, but you can do it after the kids go to bed or while they’re at school. And your research will not only position you as a knowledgeable, informed candidate during the interview, but also after you land the job, by enabling you to ramp up quickly.

Brush up on what’s happening in your industry.
Before you start the interviewing process, sign up for free or nominal-cost online newsletters in the industry you specialize in. Basic skills and competencies probably haven’t changed much, but the issues and technology have.

Be sure you know what current challenges are facing your profession, as well as the technology and tools in use. Many technology vendors offer fee demonstrations of their software for potential buyers; but if they think you can help them because you have seen their product, chances are they’ll be happy to give you a demo. Sign up for an e-learning course to refresh your computer and software skills, too. Not only will these actions update your knowledge, they will also boost your confidence!

Focus on what you have done, not what you haven’t been doing.
Believe it or not, most employers are not going to get hung up on what you haven’t been doing. Rather, they’ll want to know what you have done. Past behavior and successes are the best predictors of future performance.

Conduct a mental inventory to remind yourself of things you’ve done that you are proud of; tell the stories, know the details, show your passion. Time away from the workplace will only become an obstacle if you appear to be out-of-date or disconnected from current issues—or you’ve completely forgotten what it was like to go to work. Help yourself remember what was great about your former job, and tell stories about it to your mate, your kids or even your pet to revive your passion!

Update your resume.
Be prepared to answer certain inevitable questions, such as “Why do you want to come back to work at this stage of your life?” or “How do you anticipate you will handle the dual challenge of career and family?” and “Do you think you can come up to speed quickly?” Catalog the things you have done since leaving the workforce that use key skills employers are always looking for: organizational skills, time management, event planning, community involvement, ability to meet deadlines, multitasking, teaching, mentoring and others.

Let a professional do the looking for you.
Leverage every resource available to you. In addition to your network of friends, neighbors and former associates, engage a recruiting and staffing firm to help you. They are paid by employers to find and hire qualified candidates—there’s no cost to you. By taking the time to register with a respected recruiting firm, you’ll gain an extra pair of eyes and ears looking for work on your behalf. And be open-minded as you make the transition back to the workplace. While you may be aiming for a full-time or permanent position because it’s what you were doing before, consider short-term project work or a part-time position as an interim step in your re-entry process. It will also add some valuable, current experience to your resume, and make you an even more attractive candidate for any employer!

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Apr 23

Changing Jobs Mid-Career

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So you’re in the middle of your career, and you have decided to move to a different company. But as you begin your search you find you’re having difficulty getting calls back. Why? You have a strong resume,
good references and solid work experience.

Don’t be discouraged! This may be a candidate’s market, but recruiters and hiring managers are bombarded with resumes for desirable positions like the one you want. You may be the perfect candidate butyou need to find a way to pop out. Here are some tips on how to market yourself better:

SWOT yourself.
Run a situational analysis on yourself pertaining to the position. A SWOT is a four-quadrant box that lists your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Once you have this down on paper you know how to write your resume and cover letter to stand out. You also get an idea how to turn your weaknesses into strengths and how to combat threats.

Be trendy.
Don’t walk into an interview or a meet-and-greet session straight from the pages of Vogue or GQ, but do make sure you know the trends going on in your industry. If you have your finger to the pulse, you will know what hiring managers want in their employees.

Get involved.
You may be a member of professional organizations, but if you never attend meetings or events you’ll never have a chance to build a network. View these as recruiting opportunities. People always feel more comfortable hiring someone they know or on recommendation.

Be proactive.
Call up the recruiter and tell them you are interested in the company. If there’s nothing available in your field, send your resume for future consideration. If you have interviewed with the company, be proactive about following up afterwards.

Showcase your achievements
You have enough experience to have a strong portfolio. This is not the time to be modest. Show off those projects you spearheaded, all the revenue you brought into the company and other accomplishments.

Research.
Why do you want to work for this particular organization? Is it just name-value? Research the corporate culture, if this is truly the place you want to work, but there’s nothing open, look for sister or parent companies that may have similar positions available.

With these tips in mind, your job search should become easier. Instead of sending off resumes blindly into the night, find a way to market yourself and create a more personal connection with that hiring manager. You’ll find this approach to be less frustrating and more productive.

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Apr 20

Should You Be Judged by What You Wear?

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In any business setting, impressions are critical. Should you be judged by what you wear? Perhaps not, but the reality is, of course, that you are judged. A person wearing jeans and flip-flops may be as competent and intelligent as the one wearing a formal suit, but we may not think so simply based on their appearance.

What you wear actually sets the tone of how you are perceived at work on a daily basis. You want your personality, drive, commitment to profession, and understanding of the business world to make you stand out, not your appearance.

Here are some hints on how to dress for success whether you are venturing out on job interviews, seeking a new position in your company, or plan to remain in your current job:

Neatness counts
No matter what you wear, your clothes should be neat, clean and fit well. Keep your shoes in good condition. Have cleaned and trimmed fingernails, well-brushed teeth and fresh breath. No body odor. Use minimal cologne or perfume. Dress as you want to be seen – serious, professional, upward-bound and ready to meet clients. If you show pride in yourself, it shows you care for your work.

Less is more
Keep your look simple and successful. Try to fit in with the organization and be aware of the company’s dress code or culture. Use simple or minimal jewelry, and remove facial and body piercings. Make sure your hair is clean, neat and professionally styled. Avoid styles that cover your face or one that you have to constantly brush back. For women, make-up should be subtle.

Women’s attire
It’s always best to keep your outfit on the conservative side. Skirts that hit just above the knee, slacks, a tailored dress with a jacket and pantsuits are the traditional business look. Select blouses or sweaters that provide visual interest but avoid those that are transparent, tight fitting or have low necklines, revealing waistlines or details that detract from you. Do not wear overly high heels or too many accessories. If pantyhose are office standard, carry an extra pair in case of runs.

Men’s attire
A button-down shirt, polished shoes, a white or light blue dress shirt and a suit or jacket with dress slacks is traditional business wear. Selecting a subtle or simple patterned tie enhances credibility. Wear socks. Select a leather belt that visually blends or matches your shoes.

Making choices
Choose professional apparel that you like and for which you receive positive feedback from people who are knowledgeable about the industry standard or specific company policy. The overall rule of thumb is to dress for the task at hand – if you’re heading to a construction site, dress differently than if you are part of an office presentation. For dress-down days, ‘casual’ does not mean sloppy.

Remember that no matter what position you hold, you are being judged all the time. Little things do count, so attention to detail is crucial. How you dress will tell the boss how you see yourself and how you approach your job.

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Apr 17

Tips to Negotiate a Pay Raise

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Sure, your boss may call you in and offer you a raise. However chances are overwhelming that they won’t. So, if you want to earn more money this year than last, it’s up to you to initiate the process. Be prepared and keep an open mind.

 

Here are some key tips to help you successfully negotiate a salary increase:

Do your homework.
Planning and preparation are keys to the success of any negotiation. Know where you stand relative to your peers in the administrative and clerical industry. Research salary ranges on the Internet, look at job postings, and talk to peers in the industry to determine your actual worth and to build a strong case for the figure you are targeting.

Phrase your request assertively, not aggressively.
Base your request for a raise on a set of clear and objective criteria that include industry salary standards and your recent performance. Communicate honestly and directly about the value of your recent contributions to the company, and gather documentation to support your cause.

Define your goals.
Have a clear and well supported set of objectives. Start the conversation with a figure above what you are aiming for and be prepared to negotiate back to a figure closer to your minimum acceptable raise. Leave yourself leeway to compromise without having to be priced out of your target range.

Aim for a win-win.
Realize that both you and your boss need to walk away feeling you have gained. Your boss needs to be aware of what the company is getting in return for your higher pay. Ask your boss if you can assume more responsibility or redefine your role to justify the raise. Consider taking a training course to broaden your skills to expand the boundaries of your role.

Prepare yourself for all possible scenarios
Anticipate all the concerns and possible objections your boss may have and prepare your responses. Concerns may include department downsizing or that you are already overpaid for your role in the company.

Listen.
Don’t feel pressured to do all the talking. Listen to what your boss has to say and make every effort to understand what his/her needs and concerns are so that you can tailor potential solutions accordingly.

Don’t get emotional.
Keep your tone professional and be prepared with logical rational arguments to counter any issues. Don’t say anything you will later regret or make ultimatums.

Get it in writing.
To ensure there is no question of commitment and no room for ambiguity or retreat, get the
terms you reached in writing with the right signatures.

Take time.
Don’t make any hasty decisions. Request time to think over the final terms offered. If needed, revisit the terms with a new set of information or a more realistic agenda. Your boss may also need time to think, but set a time limit for getting a response.

The final step.
Give your boss all the supportive documentation needed to make a solid case should he or she have to justify the raise to even higher management. Always keep track of your accomplishments for future.

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Apr 13

Great Interview Tips

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Your performance during a job interview is a preview to how you will perform on the job.

The interview is also a way for prospective employers to study demeanor, speech, manners, energy level and more. You can demonstrate what a catch you are with a top-notch interview, beginning with these basics

Timing
Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to give yourself a margin of comfort in the event of unexpected delays such as traffic jams, parking difficulties or missed turns. If you arrive early, ask not to be announced until a few minutes before your scheduled interview time.

Attitude
Maintain a friendly demeanor. Be gracious and respectful to all you meet, from the receptionist to the interviewer and everyone in between. You may not know who they are, and they could be important in the decision to hire you.

Positioning
Only sit when the interviewer offers you a chair or is seated. Take a seat directly opposite the interviewer. Do not place handbags or briefcases on the desk or table between you.

Eye Contact
Direct eye contact demonstrates confidence and sincerity, and shows you are interested in what the interviewer has to say. Avoid nervous habits such as pen-clicking, foot-swinging, gum-chewing and so on.

Questions
Make note of any questions that occur to you during the interview, and ask them before you close. This is a final opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the organization and enthusiasm for the job—and to show how organized you are.

Strategy
If asked about a skill or process you’re not familiar with, answer positively by describing a similar skill or process that you do have experience in. Emphasize your capacity to learn quickly, and provide an example if possible.

Assuming that you want to go to work for this employer in this position, end the interview by letting the interviewer know you are interested in the job and would like to be selected. Shake their hand, exit gracefully, and don’t forget to follow-up with a thank-you note!

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Apr 10

Is Telecommuting Right for You?

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It’s 7:45 and you’re stuck in traffic – again. It’s like a bad version of Groundhog Day. You got up at 5, rushed yourself and your family out the door and here you are, foiled again! As you seethe through yet another teeth-grinding, stress-causing delay, you think, “This is not a good use of my time. There has got to be a better way.”

And there is, for many people. Depending on the demands of your job and your personal circumstances, flextime, telecommuting or another option could be just what you need to help balance your work life and home life.

OK, that was the easy part. Now comes the challenging part; explaining to your boss how a flexible schedule makes sense from a business standpoint. Luckily, that task is easier than ever. Smart employers understand that retaining good employees makes good economic sense. They also know that happy workers are more productive and help boost morale and performance across the organization.

Larger social and economic trends are also in your favor. Today’s worker is likely to have family obligations, such as children or aging parents. Commutes have become longer and more congested. And technology has fundamentally changed the way we live and work.

Put it all together and the future of work is clear: It’s in your home or done during non-traditional work hours, fueled by a high-speed Internet connection and a newly flexible attitude about work.

So, where do you start in your personal quest to maximize your time, restore balance to your life and simultaneously become a more valuable employee and a more attentive parent or caregiver?

Start by analyzing your job, breaking out tasks that require face-to-face collaboration and those that can be done remotely, through e-mail or by phone. Once you have that analysis, determine how many days a week you must be in the office and what hours are most critical. Research your company’s policies on flexible schedules and investigate how other employees have negotiated similar accommodations.

Next, establish which of the available options works best for you and your employer. Full-time options include flextime, telecommuting or a compressed workweek. Part-time options include job sharing or reduced hours.

Now create a written plan for your boss that details how your job can be done as well – if not better – utilizing one of these options. The plan should emphasize how you will accomplish all your essential tasks and should anticipate concerns, such as attending meetings and working with clients and customers. Arrange a time to discuss the plan with your boss and be sure that the meeting emphasizes practical solutions rather than personal issues.

Once you get the go-ahead, understand that you are only partway to your goal of work-life balance. Now, you must do a thorough overhaul of your physical, intellectual and emotional environment. To make your new arrangement work, you must be organized and efficient. Take whatever steps are necessary to ensure this, from a well-appointed home office that is off-limits to family members to a time-management coach.

Now, good luck and get to work. You have joined the future of the workplace and it’s up to you to be successful – in all areas of your life.

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