Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Tips to Beat Job Burnout
TIPS TO BEAT JOB BURNOUT
By Shelly Field, Monster Contributing Writer
One of the best ways to defeat burnout is to make your job more enjoyable.
"That's impossible," you say. Not necessarily. Sometimes you just
have to change how you think.
No matter how boring or depressing your job may be at times, you have to
find chances to laugh. Laughter breaks the tension of difficult situations. It
helps cut the stress you feel and the tension you may be under. The more you
laugh, the better you will deal with work, and the less burned out you'll be.
Many people aren't aware that laughter suppresses stress-related hormones -- so
you know what you have to do.
Try to become more social. Talk to people. Find activities to do with
coworkers, friends and family members. Feeling connected to others is a great
way to reduce stress and burnout.
Many people in my seminars tell me that by the time they get done working
for the day, they are often so exhausted that they just want to go home and be
left alone. I understand and often feel the same way.
However, a number of studies indicate that adults who have the fewest
friendships and are least active socially are most likely to die prematurely.
If that's not enough to make you want to get out and have fun, I don't know
what is.
Listen to conversations in your workplace. You might notice that a good
percentage of discussions are negative. Work on training yourself to see the
positive in situations -- see the humor and knock out negative thoughts and conversation. Negativity just makes you feel worse.
Adding fun to your day will help decrease burnout. Here are several simple
ideas you can incorporate into your workplace:
·
If you have a break
room, consider filling it with toys and games. Coloring books will bring you
back to your childhood. A puzzle will take your mind off things. Games are fun
too.
·
If you don't have a
break room, get some little toys and games and keep them on your desk. You'll
be surprised how many people stop for a moment to play with your Silly Putty,
shake a snow globe or put the magnetic beard on the man.
·
Consider putting up a
bulletin board in a break room or employee lounge. Ask everyone from
entry-level employees up to administrators and supervisors to bring in baby
pictures. Post the pictures on the board. Everyone will enjoy looking at the
photos and laughing at each other. It's fun to guess who's who. It also shows
that no matter where anyone is in the hierarchy of the facility, everyone
started out as someone's baby.
·
Create a stress-free
zone for when employees are feeling burned out. It doesn't have to be a big
space -- even just a hallway outside a conference room. Consider putting in a
hammock or a lounge chair and perhaps an inflatable palm tree and picture of
the ocean.
·
Schedule activities you
enjoy into your day and week. Buy one perfect flower, and keep it in your
workspace to view. Take a walk outside during a break. Take a mini
visualization vacation and go where you want to go, even if it's only for five
minutes.
·
Plan a visit to the zoo,
the movies, the gym, a spa or a local cafe. Go window-shopping by yourself or
with a friend. What's important is having something to look forward to doing
after work.
You can't control everything, but you can control what you are able to and
forget the rest. You can beat burnout before it beats you. You just have to
try.
By Shelly Field, Monster Contributing Writer
One of the best ways to defeat burnout is to make your job more enjoyable.
"That's impossible," you say. Not necessarily. Sometimes you just
have to change how you think.
No matter how boring or depressing your job may be at times, you have to
find chances to laugh. Laughter breaks the tension of difficult situations. It
helps cut the stress you feel and the tension you may be under. The more you
laugh, the better you will deal with work, and the less burned out you'll be.
Many people aren't aware that laughter suppresses stress-related hormones -- so
you know what you have to do.
Try to become more social. Talk to people. Find activities to do with
coworkers, friends and family members. Feeling connected to others is a great
way to reduce stress and burnout.
Many people in my seminars tell me that by the time they get done working
for the day, they are often so exhausted that they just want to go home and be
left alone. I understand and often feel the same way.
However, a number of studies indicate that adults who have the fewest
friendships and are least active socially are most likely to die prematurely.
If that's not enough to make you want to get out and have fun, I don't know
what is.
Listen to conversations in your workplace. You might notice that a good
percentage of discussions are negative. Work on training yourself to see the
positive in situations -- see the humor and knock out negative thoughts and conversation. Negativity just makes you feel worse.
Adding fun to your day will help decrease burnout. Here are several simple
ideas you can incorporate into your workplace:
·
If you have a break
room, consider filling it with toys and games. Coloring books will bring you
back to your childhood. A puzzle will take your mind off things. Games are fun
too.
·
If you don't have a
break room, get some little toys and games and keep them on your desk. You'll
be surprised how many people stop for a moment to play with your Silly Putty,
shake a snow globe or put the magnetic beard on the man.
·
Consider putting up a
bulletin board in a break room or employee lounge. Ask everyone from
entry-level employees up to administrators and supervisors to bring in baby
pictures. Post the pictures on the board. Everyone will enjoy looking at the
photos and laughing at each other. It's fun to guess who's who. It also shows
that no matter where anyone is in the hierarchy of the facility, everyone
started out as someone's baby.
·
Create a stress-free
zone for when employees are feeling burned out. It doesn't have to be a big
space -- even just a hallway outside a conference room. Consider putting in a
hammock or a lounge chair and perhaps an inflatable palm tree and picture of
the ocean.
·
Schedule activities you
enjoy into your day and week. Buy one perfect flower, and keep it in your
workspace to view. Take a walk outside during a break. Take a mini
visualization vacation and go where you want to go, even if it's only for five
minutes.
·
Plan a visit to the zoo,
the movies, the gym, a spa or a local cafe. Go window-shopping by yourself or
with a friend. What's important is having something to look forward to doing
after work.
You can't control everything, but you can control what you are able to and
forget the rest. You can beat burnout before it beats you. You just have to
try.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Recession Job Search Tips for New Graduates
By Margot Carmichael Lester, Monster Contributing Writer
Despite the high unemployment rate, college grads can find opportunities in this job market -- just maybe not the high-profile positions with nifty sign-on bonuses that may have been more prevalent in the past.
“It’s important to remember that business is still going on,” says Felicia Miller, assistant director of career services at The Art Institute of Las Vegas. “Opportunities do exist, but today’s college graduates have to be ready to modify their plans to accommodate the drastic changes to the job market…[like] a longer hiring process and greater competition.”
Getting a post-college job in this economy requires a new way of thinking about the job search and looking for work. Here’s how you can do it.
Think Broadly :
Don’t limit your job search too narrowly, counsels Nicholas Aretakis, author of No More Ramen: The 20-Something’s Real World Survival Guide. “If you’re interested in health administration, think of all the jobs related or even vaguely related to that field,” he says. “Do a brainstorming session and use the Internet for more ideas. This little activity will double, triple, quadruple your job prospects and your internship possibilities -- and may even change the way you were thinking about your future career.”
Act Globally :
If you can’t find the job you want here, consider working abroad. “It shows a breadth of knowledge, willingness to learn, adaptability and desire for personal growth,” says Scott Burroughs, director of operations at the US Air Force’s Osan Air Base in South Korea. “Working abroad seems to attract the personality that not only wants to know more about the world, but to experience it.”
In today’s world of increasingly globalized activities, being cognizant of other cultural differences and being able to operate efficiently in them is key. “Having language and managerial skills that go across countries can only help those businesses looking to expand markets in other countries, as most businesses are doing today,” Burroughs says.
Do Your Research :
Your best chance at standing out among a pile of resumes is to show that you “get it,” Miller says. “Most employers are most concerned with recent grads…understanding how their area of study fits into the larger picture of business. Can they comprehend the importance of the work they do as it relates to the mission and objectives of the company? Are they eager, not for pay, but to contribute, and to learn? Are they compatible with the company’s current team, and do they understand that school was their first step in a career-long education?”
Doing a little homework about the company is a start. Then figure out how your skills will benefit the bottom line and put that in your cover letter.
Be Productive :
If you can’t get a paying gig, take an unpaid internship or volunteer. “It’s important for a young person, particularly at the beginning of his or her career to use time productively,” says Andrew Yang, CEO of Manhattan GMAT, a New York City-based test-preparation company. “Employers don’t like the image of a college grad hanging out at home or doing odd jobs; it suggests a lack of engagement.”
Instead, he advises, “strive to appear to be progressing and challenging yourself at all times, even if it’s not a conventional position of employment.”
Get Help :
Your college’s placement office is a great place to start for leads, but don’t overlook off-campus resources like the local chamber of commerce. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, for instance, has the Greater Grads program. “We help employers start internship programs, and we help connect interns with potential employers,” explains Drew Dugan, the chamber’s vice president of education and workforce development. The program started in 2006 and by summer 2008 had 270 interns in 67 companies.
Stay Positive :
Don’t forget to remain positive, adds Kristen Fischer, author of Ramen Noodles, Rent and Resumes: An After-College Guide to Life. “The only thing that’s different for graduates coming into the job market this spring is that the economy is in worse shape than in years past,” she says. “If grads limit the amount of news they watch or read and [put] their energy into solid job-hunting, resume-writing and interviewing skills, they stand as good a chance of landing a great job as any class of new grads.”
Despite the high unemployment rate, college grads can find opportunities in this job market -- just maybe not the high-profile positions with nifty sign-on bonuses that may have been more prevalent in the past.
“It’s important to remember that business is still going on,” says Felicia Miller, assistant director of career services at The Art Institute of Las Vegas. “Opportunities do exist, but today’s college graduates have to be ready to modify their plans to accommodate the drastic changes to the job market…[like] a longer hiring process and greater competition.”
Getting a post-college job in this economy requires a new way of thinking about the job search and looking for work. Here’s how you can do it.
Think Broadly :
Don’t limit your job search too narrowly, counsels Nicholas Aretakis, author of No More Ramen: The 20-Something’s Real World Survival Guide. “If you’re interested in health administration, think of all the jobs related or even vaguely related to that field,” he says. “Do a brainstorming session and use the Internet for more ideas. This little activity will double, triple, quadruple your job prospects and your internship possibilities -- and may even change the way you were thinking about your future career.”
Act Globally :
If you can’t find the job you want here, consider working abroad. “It shows a breadth of knowledge, willingness to learn, adaptability and desire for personal growth,” says Scott Burroughs, director of operations at the US Air Force’s Osan Air Base in South Korea. “Working abroad seems to attract the personality that not only wants to know more about the world, but to experience it.”
In today’s world of increasingly globalized activities, being cognizant of other cultural differences and being able to operate efficiently in them is key. “Having language and managerial skills that go across countries can only help those businesses looking to expand markets in other countries, as most businesses are doing today,” Burroughs says.
Do Your Research :
Your best chance at standing out among a pile of resumes is to show that you “get it,” Miller says. “Most employers are most concerned with recent grads…understanding how their area of study fits into the larger picture of business. Can they comprehend the importance of the work they do as it relates to the mission and objectives of the company? Are they eager, not for pay, but to contribute, and to learn? Are they compatible with the company’s current team, and do they understand that school was their first step in a career-long education?”
Doing a little homework about the company is a start. Then figure out how your skills will benefit the bottom line and put that in your cover letter.
Be Productive :
If you can’t get a paying gig, take an unpaid internship or volunteer. “It’s important for a young person, particularly at the beginning of his or her career to use time productively,” says Andrew Yang, CEO of Manhattan GMAT, a New York City-based test-preparation company. “Employers don’t like the image of a college grad hanging out at home or doing odd jobs; it suggests a lack of engagement.”
Instead, he advises, “strive to appear to be progressing and challenging yourself at all times, even if it’s not a conventional position of employment.”
Get Help :
Your college’s placement office is a great place to start for leads, but don’t overlook off-campus resources like the local chamber of commerce. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, for instance, has the Greater Grads program. “We help employers start internship programs, and we help connect interns with potential employers,” explains Drew Dugan, the chamber’s vice president of education and workforce development. The program started in 2006 and by summer 2008 had 270 interns in 67 companies.
Stay Positive :
Don’t forget to remain positive, adds Kristen Fischer, author of Ramen Noodles, Rent and Resumes: An After-College Guide to Life. “The only thing that’s different for graduates coming into the job market this spring is that the economy is in worse shape than in years past,” she says. “If grads limit the amount of news they watch or read and [put] their energy into solid job-hunting, resume-writing and interviewing skills, they stand as good a chance of landing a great job as any class of new grads.”
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Seven Job Search Mistakes New Grads Make
Seven Job Search Mistakes New Grads Make
By Caroline M.L. Potter
For the last few years, college seniors have been graduating into a soft job market. A weak economy means fewer opportunities -- and greater competition for every single opening.
"In today's employment environment, there is less room for error when looking for your first career opportunity," says Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps.
Don't let one of the following seven missteps cost you the career of your undergraduate dreams.
1. Keeping It to Yourself When you're looking for work, you want your burgeoning network to know it. "Spread the word about your job hunt to everyone you know, including family members, friends, professors and former coworkers," says Messmer, author of Job Hunting for Dummies. "Make use of online networking sites and reach out to your local business community and staffing firms."
2. Treating Every Opportunity Equally One resume does not fit every job opening, so don't use the same document or stock cover letter when you apply to different companies. "Tailor each resume and cover letter to the particular opportunity, and try to obtain the name of the hiring manager so you can personalize your cover letter," Messmer says. "A little detective work can go a long way in helping you stand out."
3. Making Careless Errors Proofread, proofread, proofread. Every document you send to a potential employer must be error-free. Go through your resume, cover letter, emails, thank-you notes and any other communication with a fine-tooth comb to make certain they don't contain typos or grammatical errors. If you're not a grammar guru or lack an eagle eye, "ask a detail-oriented friend to review all of your job search materials," Messmer suggests.
4. Skipping the Due Diligence When applying for a position, go beyond the job description to find out about the company as a whole. A little company research can go a long way, according to Messmer. "Applicants who uncover beyond-the-basics knowledge of the job and the company…are better able to communicate specific ways they can contribute to the organization's success," he says.
5. Airing Your Dirty Laundry Before you meet someone in the flesh, online image is everything. Pictures of you goofing around with friends may seem funny, but they also may lead a recruiter to question your judgment, especially if the photos are salacious in nature or show you doing things that are illegal. "Don't post anything that would appear unprofessional [think spring break photos, rants about a former employer, etc.] to a hiring manager or recruiter," Messmer says.
6. Acting Casual Once you begin your job search, make certain that you're acting like the professional you aspire to be. "Keep land-line and cellphone voice-mail greetings clear, professional and succinct," Messmer says. "Likewise, avoid using off-color or overly cute email addresses or signatures."
7. Forgetting Your Manners You probably won't get every job you pursue, but it is important to be gracious to everyone you encounter on your journey to employment. "Express appreciation to everyone who helps you in your job search, whether or not their efforts on your behalf are successful," he says. "Also be sure to send thank-you notes to every hiring manager you meet."
By Caroline M.L. Potter
For the last few years, college seniors have been graduating into a soft job market. A weak economy means fewer opportunities -- and greater competition for every single opening.
"In today's employment environment, there is less room for error when looking for your first career opportunity," says Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps.
Don't let one of the following seven missteps cost you the career of your undergraduate dreams.
1. Keeping It to Yourself When you're looking for work, you want your burgeoning network to know it. "Spread the word about your job hunt to everyone you know, including family members, friends, professors and former coworkers," says Messmer, author of Job Hunting for Dummies. "Make use of online networking sites and reach out to your local business community and staffing firms."
2. Treating Every Opportunity Equally One resume does not fit every job opening, so don't use the same document or stock cover letter when you apply to different companies. "Tailor each resume and cover letter to the particular opportunity, and try to obtain the name of the hiring manager so you can personalize your cover letter," Messmer says. "A little detective work can go a long way in helping you stand out."
3. Making Careless Errors Proofread, proofread, proofread. Every document you send to a potential employer must be error-free. Go through your resume, cover letter, emails, thank-you notes and any other communication with a fine-tooth comb to make certain they don't contain typos or grammatical errors. If you're not a grammar guru or lack an eagle eye, "ask a detail-oriented friend to review all of your job search materials," Messmer suggests.
4. Skipping the Due Diligence When applying for a position, go beyond the job description to find out about the company as a whole. A little company research can go a long way, according to Messmer. "Applicants who uncover beyond-the-basics knowledge of the job and the company…are better able to communicate specific ways they can contribute to the organization's success," he says.
5. Airing Your Dirty Laundry Before you meet someone in the flesh, online image is everything. Pictures of you goofing around with friends may seem funny, but they also may lead a recruiter to question your judgment, especially if the photos are salacious in nature or show you doing things that are illegal. "Don't post anything that would appear unprofessional [think spring break photos, rants about a former employer, etc.] to a hiring manager or recruiter," Messmer says.
6. Acting Casual Once you begin your job search, make certain that you're acting like the professional you aspire to be. "Keep land-line and cellphone voice-mail greetings clear, professional and succinct," Messmer says. "Likewise, avoid using off-color or overly cute email addresses or signatures."
7. Forgetting Your Manners You probably won't get every job you pursue, but it is important to be gracious to everyone you encounter on your journey to employment. "Express appreciation to everyone who helps you in your job search, whether or not their efforts on your behalf are successful," he says. "Also be sure to send thank-you notes to every hiring manager you meet."
Friday, April 6, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
College Grads - Land that First Job!
COLLEGE GRADS – LAND THAT FIRST JOB!
As posted on: CNNMoney
There is some good news for college grads looking for that first job. Employers report they'll hire 19% more new college graduates this year than last year. Average salary offers in North Carolina will range between $35k and $45k.
That said, if you're looking to land a great post-grad gig, there are few things you need to do to get your foot in the door.
Tip 1. Network, network, network
First, make sure you're ready to network -- online and in person.
Hiring managers may look up potential employees on their social media sites, so get rid of any photos online showing you in any unflattering light.
Moreover, give your contact information a mature makeover by changing your e-mail address and voicemail greeting so they're professional and appropriate.
Also, stay in touch with your school's career center as well as their alumni office, who can help match you up with contacts in your desired field.
Tip 2. Fill in the blanks on your resume
Now, with some employers taking 30 seconds or less to review a resume, highlight your accomplishments and work in-and-out of the classroom,especially if you're light on professional experience.
Hiring managers want to see you've been active and not just slacking off in school.
List your internships, part-time jobs, volunteer and class work,involvement in clubs, Greek life and sports -- all things employers told CareerBuilder count as relevant experience.
And your prior internship may pay off for you. A recent NACE survey showed hiring managers recruited more than half their interns for full-time positions last year, so check-in with your former employer too.
Tip 3. Mind your manners
Grads, first impressions count. When it comes to the interview, CareerBuilder says some of the biggest mistakes employers report are college grads coming in with no knowledge on the company, acting entitled, dressing inappropriately, and not turning off their cell phone during the interview.
Finally, don't forget to send a thank-you note. More than one-in-five hiring managers say they're less likely to hire someone if they don't send a thank-you letter, according to CareerBuilder, e-mailing your thank-you note is generally accepted these days, and it's a quicker way to keep yourself fresh in the mind of your interviewer. But if you feel the job calls for a more formal approach, send a letter via snail mail.
Keep all these little things in mind, and you could hear the phrase "you're hired!" sooner than you think.
As posted on: CNNMoney
There is some good news for college grads looking for that first job. Employers report they'll hire 19% more new college graduates this year than last year. Average salary offers in North Carolina will range between $35k and $45k.
That said, if you're looking to land a great post-grad gig, there are few things you need to do to get your foot in the door.
Tip 1. Network, network, network
First, make sure you're ready to network -- online and in person.
Hiring managers may look up potential employees on their social media sites, so get rid of any photos online showing you in any unflattering light.
Moreover, give your contact information a mature makeover by changing your e-mail address and voicemail greeting so they're professional and appropriate.
Also, stay in touch with your school's career center as well as their alumni office, who can help match you up with contacts in your desired field.
Tip 2. Fill in the blanks on your resume
Now, with some employers taking 30 seconds or less to review a resume, highlight your accomplishments and work in-and-out of the classroom,especially if you're light on professional experience.
Hiring managers want to see you've been active and not just slacking off in school.
List your internships, part-time jobs, volunteer and class work,involvement in clubs, Greek life and sports -- all things employers told CareerBuilder count as relevant experience.
And your prior internship may pay off for you. A recent NACE survey showed hiring managers recruited more than half their interns for full-time positions last year, so check-in with your former employer too.
Tip 3. Mind your manners
Grads, first impressions count. When it comes to the interview, CareerBuilder says some of the biggest mistakes employers report are college grads coming in with no knowledge on the company, acting entitled, dressing inappropriately, and not turning off their cell phone during the interview.
Finally, don't forget to send a thank-you note. More than one-in-five hiring managers say they're less likely to hire someone if they don't send a thank-you letter, according to CareerBuilder, e-mailing your thank-you note is generally accepted these days, and it's a quicker way to keep yourself fresh in the mind of your interviewer. But if you feel the job calls for a more formal approach, send a letter via snail mail.
Keep all these little things in mind, and you could hear the phrase "you're hired!" sooner than you think.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
How To Be Successful In Any Job
HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN ANY JOB
By: Keith Rawlinson, Volunteer Budget Counselor
Whether you are starting a new job, or you have been in the same job for quite some time, you can be successful in that job. Now understand that I'm not saying you will become rich or will be promoted to a high position in the company, I said you can be successful. Most jobs sort of have a built-in limit to how much money you will be paid and how high up you can be promoted, so those aren't the things I'm talking about when I say 'successful.'
What is success in a job?
To me, success in any job means:
• Being able to do that job well.
• Feeling some sense of accomplishment .
• Attaining the highest pay and position that job allows.
• Being noticed and respected by your boss.
• Being one of the last employees your company would want to lay off.
The key to success on the job is to stand out and be noticed.
As in many other areas of life, success at work is not an easy thing to attain, but this actually works to your advantage. If being successful at a job were easy then everyone would be doing it and that wouldn't leave much room for you to stand out. Doing the things needed to be successful in your job is hard work, and since most people shy away from hard work, the opportunity to stand out is yours for the taking!
"The successful person has the habit of doing the things failures don't like to do." E.N. Gray 'The Common Denominator of Success'
So, what are the things that need to be done to be successful in any job? Well, first you need to realize that right now there is a crisis in American businesses. That crisis is trying to find conscientious, hard-working, loyal, dependable employees who are willing to work and take their jobs seriously. Finding good, hardworking employees is very, very difficult to do these days. I personally know, and talk with, a lot of people who work in management or who own their own businesses and I have yet to find even one who disagrees. So, all you have to do to stand out and be successful in your job is to be a solution to the problem instead of being part of the problem. It is very likely that you will be considered a "brown noser" by your fellow employees. Co-workers may see you as a 'goodie-goodie' trying to make them look bad. Just keep in mind that you are there for you and for your employer. Always be polite and try to get along with co-workers, but don't worry if they become angry or dislike you because you are willing to do the things that they are not willing to do to be successful at work. Okay, here we go, here's how to be successful in any job--these guidelines apply whether you are working at a fast-food restaurant or a Fortune 500 corporation.
Attitude
First, and most important is your attitude. You have to be pleasant and act like you want to be there. If you are one of those employees who constantly complain about your work or your company, you are not going to stand out. You may think that you are just grumbling under your breath or talking to someone in private, but believe me, word gets around and your boss knows who has a good attitude and who does not. Here's a good rule to follow: never say anything about your job, your boss, your company or your co-workers that you would not want getting back to them--chances are very good that whatever you say, will get back to them. So, when your fellow employees are standing around complaining about their employer, making fun of the boss, or gossiping about co-workers, don't get involved. Don't make the same mistake they're making. Just by not being one to constantly gripe, you are already standing out from the crowd. I don't mean you can never have a complaint, I'm talking about petty griping. If you have a legitimate complaint or problem, follow your company's procedure for making it known, and do it respectfully. Also, if it is something that really doesn't matter, then you might want to consider just letting it go. Save your complaints for important things so you will be seen as a problem solver instead of a complainer. A good rule to follow when it comes to complaining is this: try to only complain about things that directly and significantly affect health, safety or your ability to do what is required of you.
Always be respectful to your employer, your co-workers and your boss. Even if your boss is a jerk (I've known a few of those) you have to show respect. You don't have to like your boss and you don't have to be friends with your boss, but you do have to respect your boss. Besides, if your boss really is a jerk, the more likely he will be to make things hard on you for being disrespectful. Being respectful to co-workers is just as important. You have to be around these people every day and that can be a miserable thing if everyone is being nasty with each other. As with the boss, even if a co-worker is a jerk, you can still be respectful. That doesn't mean you agree with everything they say, it means that you don't get into arguments, you don't call them names, you don't sabotage their work and you don't gossip about them. And please think very hard before getting into any kind of argument with your boss. You may be the one who's right, but you have to ask yourself if it is really worth the possible consequences? If a promotion or opportunity comes up, do you think the boss is going to want to give it to someone who argues with him? There may be times in business when a disagreement with your boss is necessary; but, before you openly disagree with your boss, ask yourself if it's really that important? Is it something you can possibly just overlook and let it go? Is it something that is truly worth the risk of getting on the boss's or company's bad side? If it really is worth it, then of course go ahead; otherwise, it may be best to just let it go for the sake of your employment and your future.
Don't brag about your accomplishments, just wait for them to be noticed. If you brag about your accomplishments, you may be seen as a showoff, and appear to be insincere and trying too hard.
Don't pretend to know things you don't. Just be honest and say that you don't know. If you pretend to know things you don't, you may think you are fooling people, and at first you may be, but sooner or later others will start to see right through it. After a while, you will likely be seen as an annoying know-it-all by both your co-workers and your boss. When you do know something, show it by doing it. When you don't know something, just come right out and admit it, then go learn it so you will know it for next time.
Don't express false humility. When someone pays you a compliment don't try to be modest by saying things like "It was nothing," or "It really wasn't that great." or "I could have done better." For one thing, your accomplishments may not seem like a big deal to you, but may be quite impressive to others. When someone tells you that you did a nice job and you deny it, you are basically calling them a liar and making their compliment worthless--not to mention possibly hurting their feelings. When someone pays you a compliment, just smile and say a sincere "thank you." That's all you have to do. They feel good about it, you feel good about it and everyone wins. Plus, just saying a simple thank you when you are paid a compliment makes you appear to be a more honest and sincere person.
Work hard
One of the first things you'll likely see in people who just don't seem to get anywhere in their lives is laziness. Just take a look at most companies: people try to avoid work, they extend their breaks, extend their lunches, come in late and leave early. You may think they are getting away with it, but usually the boss knows who these people are. You need to be the one who comes in a little bit early and occasionally leaves a little bit late. You need to be the one who comes back from break and lunch on time and works consistently throughout the day. I'm not saying you have to wear yourself out until you collapse in exhaustion, but you do need to do the work that is expected of you and you need to be working consistently all day long. Trust me, this is unusual in most places of employment and will, sooner or later, be noticed.
"Effective people do two things: they strive to do excellent work, and they prioritize." Stephen Covey 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People'
Don't just do your work, but really strive to do your work well. I can promise you that quality work is important and will, eventually, be noticed. Why? Because it is so unusual. Most employees just want to do the least amount of work possible. They make it fast and easy on themselves by sacrificing quality. Take pride in your work. Whether you are designing spacecraft for NASA or flipping burgers at a fast-food restaurant, put your best effort into it. Make your work count. Let your work show that you care and that you are good at your job. When your work is presented to the boss or to the customer, feel proud that they are getting a quality product because you cared enough to do excellent work. Your co-workers may make fun of you for making the extra effort to produce quality work, but they are average and you are standing out from the crowd.
The most important person in any business.
The most important person in any business is the customer. Without the customer, there is no business. There isn't a single business on the planet that would make it without customers. I'm sure you've heard the saying "the customer is always right," well, it isn't true. The customer is not always right; but, the customer is always the customer! What this means is that you have to treat customers as if they are the most important people in the world whether they are right or not. And why should customers be treated as if they are the most important people in your business? Because they are! Smile when dealing with customers. Make the customer feel like you are truly glad that they are there (as you should actually be). Try to put yourself in their place. How would you want to be treated? Try to make that customer want to come back even if they have a complaint. And whatever you do, don't take it personally when a customer is rude or contentious. Be polite, be calm, be professional and take care of that customer as best you can. Even if the customer is wrong, try to be calm and polite when dealing with it. If at all possible, let the customer have their way. A repeat customer is a very valuable thing to a business. If you deal well with customers, they may even start to ask for you by name when coming into your business. Now that's something that will get you noticed by the boss!
Above and beyond.
Don't be afraid to go a little above and beyond the call of duty. In other words, be the employee who is willing to do a little extra work when needed. I don't mean that you should do other people's work for them or that you should let yourself be taken advantage of, but be willing to do a little extra to help out your boss or to help out your employer. Let your co-workers be the ones saying "that's not my job, that's not my responsibility, I don't have to do that." You will be the one saying "sure, I can take care of that for you." And maybe it really isn't your responsibility, maybe it is something you shouldn't have to do--but because you want to be successful and get ahead, you're willing to do it anyway. That's something that stands out and gets you noticed. Don't ever forget that while you are on the job, your time is not your own. Your employer bought that time from you and it belongs to them--that's why you get paid. So, as long as you aren't being asked to do something illegal or unethical, and as long as your employer is making a reasonable request, be willing to step in and help out.
Knowledge truly is power.
Now here is some workplace advice you won't see very often: once you learn to do your own job well, start taking the time to learn other jobs at work--especially jobs that are the next step up from your position. If you ask in the right way, many of your co-workers will be happy to show off their skills and show you what they do. Sometimes, depending upon the situation, the boss may even be willing to help you learn some other jobs at work. This doesn't mean you have to actually start doing these extra jobs, but what it does mean is that when the boss needs someone to fill in for another position, and there is no one available who knows the job, you can step right in and take care of it. It makes sense that if a promotion becomes available for a job you already know how to do, you would be the natural choice to fill that position. That is exactly what this suggestion accomplishes--helping you to move up and get promotions. Another thing it accomplishes is making you one of the last people your employer would want to lay off. Why lay off someone who can already do several different jobs?
Conclusion (This is important so please read it)
Is doing all of the things we just discussed easy? Absolutely not! It is very difficult; but, that is why most people don't do it and that is why you stand out when you do. I'm not naive enough to think that you can do all of these things perfectly every single day. There will be days you mess up. When that happens just pull yourself together and get back on track.
It is very important that you be realistic in your expectations when it comes to employment. Don't expect to start in the mail room at the age of 18 and be CEO by age 21. It is not realistic to expect to move up that much in just three years. You should first just concentrate on being the best mail room employee you can be. You also need to be aware that your level of training and education also puts a limit on how far you can go in any particular job. If you dropped out of high school, it's not fair to expect the same pay and opportunity that high school graduates get. If you graduated high school but don't have a college degree, don't get your heart set on moving into a job that requires a degree unless you are willing to first go out and get that degree.
Don't fall into the trap of saying "I work as hard as the people with degrees do so I deserve the same pay they get." To be perfectly honest, pay is most often more about the training, education and skills you have than it is about the work that you do. So, quite honestly, you don't deserve as much pay as someone who has training or a degree that you don't have. If you refuse to admit to yourself that your level of education and training puts a limit on how much you can accomplish in the job market, you will never be satisfied on the job. You will always feel like you are entitled to the same things as people with a higher education when you aren't. That is why the goal at work isn't to become rich or move up to top management. The goal is to go as far as you can, and earn as high a wage as you can, for your education, training and skill level. If you want a better position or more money, then by all means go out and get that additional education and training; then, apply the things you've learned here to your new job when you get it. It is true that when it comes to opportunities in the world of work, education is important.
Above all, be patient. This all takes time. Sometimes, quite a bit of time. If you really make an honest effort to do the things you have learned in this article, you will be noticed by the management at work--it may take a while, but you will be noticed. I can say that because I know how rare a good, loyal, polite, respectful, hard-working employee really is. They are hard to find, and employers like to hang onto them. If you are such an employee, you will be given opportunity that others aren't, you will be able to earn more pay than your peers can, and you will get more respect and leeway from your boss. When it comes to being successful at work, just remember this one thing...
The secret to being successful in any job:
Strive to be the best employee your company has ever seen!
By: Keith Rawlinson, Volunteer Budget Counselor
Whether you are starting a new job, or you have been in the same job for quite some time, you can be successful in that job. Now understand that I'm not saying you will become rich or will be promoted to a high position in the company, I said you can be successful. Most jobs sort of have a built-in limit to how much money you will be paid and how high up you can be promoted, so those aren't the things I'm talking about when I say 'successful.'
What is success in a job?
To me, success in any job means:
• Being able to do that job well.
• Feeling some sense of accomplishment .
• Attaining the highest pay and position that job allows.
• Being noticed and respected by your boss.
• Being one of the last employees your company would want to lay off.
The key to success on the job is to stand out and be noticed.
As in many other areas of life, success at work is not an easy thing to attain, but this actually works to your advantage. If being successful at a job were easy then everyone would be doing it and that wouldn't leave much room for you to stand out. Doing the things needed to be successful in your job is hard work, and since most people shy away from hard work, the opportunity to stand out is yours for the taking!
"The successful person has the habit of doing the things failures don't like to do." E.N. Gray 'The Common Denominator of Success'
So, what are the things that need to be done to be successful in any job? Well, first you need to realize that right now there is a crisis in American businesses. That crisis is trying to find conscientious, hard-working, loyal, dependable employees who are willing to work and take their jobs seriously. Finding good, hardworking employees is very, very difficult to do these days. I personally know, and talk with, a lot of people who work in management or who own their own businesses and I have yet to find even one who disagrees. So, all you have to do to stand out and be successful in your job is to be a solution to the problem instead of being part of the problem. It is very likely that you will be considered a "brown noser" by your fellow employees. Co-workers may see you as a 'goodie-goodie' trying to make them look bad. Just keep in mind that you are there for you and for your employer. Always be polite and try to get along with co-workers, but don't worry if they become angry or dislike you because you are willing to do the things that they are not willing to do to be successful at work. Okay, here we go, here's how to be successful in any job--these guidelines apply whether you are working at a fast-food restaurant or a Fortune 500 corporation.
Attitude
First, and most important is your attitude. You have to be pleasant and act like you want to be there. If you are one of those employees who constantly complain about your work or your company, you are not going to stand out. You may think that you are just grumbling under your breath or talking to someone in private, but believe me, word gets around and your boss knows who has a good attitude and who does not. Here's a good rule to follow: never say anything about your job, your boss, your company or your co-workers that you would not want getting back to them--chances are very good that whatever you say, will get back to them. So, when your fellow employees are standing around complaining about their employer, making fun of the boss, or gossiping about co-workers, don't get involved. Don't make the same mistake they're making. Just by not being one to constantly gripe, you are already standing out from the crowd. I don't mean you can never have a complaint, I'm talking about petty griping. If you have a legitimate complaint or problem, follow your company's procedure for making it known, and do it respectfully. Also, if it is something that really doesn't matter, then you might want to consider just letting it go. Save your complaints for important things so you will be seen as a problem solver instead of a complainer. A good rule to follow when it comes to complaining is this: try to only complain about things that directly and significantly affect health, safety or your ability to do what is required of you.
Always be respectful to your employer, your co-workers and your boss. Even if your boss is a jerk (I've known a few of those) you have to show respect. You don't have to like your boss and you don't have to be friends with your boss, but you do have to respect your boss. Besides, if your boss really is a jerk, the more likely he will be to make things hard on you for being disrespectful. Being respectful to co-workers is just as important. You have to be around these people every day and that can be a miserable thing if everyone is being nasty with each other. As with the boss, even if a co-worker is a jerk, you can still be respectful. That doesn't mean you agree with everything they say, it means that you don't get into arguments, you don't call them names, you don't sabotage their work and you don't gossip about them. And please think very hard before getting into any kind of argument with your boss. You may be the one who's right, but you have to ask yourself if it is really worth the possible consequences? If a promotion or opportunity comes up, do you think the boss is going to want to give it to someone who argues with him? There may be times in business when a disagreement with your boss is necessary; but, before you openly disagree with your boss, ask yourself if it's really that important? Is it something you can possibly just overlook and let it go? Is it something that is truly worth the risk of getting on the boss's or company's bad side? If it really is worth it, then of course go ahead; otherwise, it may be best to just let it go for the sake of your employment and your future.
Don't brag about your accomplishments, just wait for them to be noticed. If you brag about your accomplishments, you may be seen as a showoff, and appear to be insincere and trying too hard.
Don't pretend to know things you don't. Just be honest and say that you don't know. If you pretend to know things you don't, you may think you are fooling people, and at first you may be, but sooner or later others will start to see right through it. After a while, you will likely be seen as an annoying know-it-all by both your co-workers and your boss. When you do know something, show it by doing it. When you don't know something, just come right out and admit it, then go learn it so you will know it for next time.
Don't express false humility. When someone pays you a compliment don't try to be modest by saying things like "It was nothing," or "It really wasn't that great." or "I could have done better." For one thing, your accomplishments may not seem like a big deal to you, but may be quite impressive to others. When someone tells you that you did a nice job and you deny it, you are basically calling them a liar and making their compliment worthless--not to mention possibly hurting their feelings. When someone pays you a compliment, just smile and say a sincere "thank you." That's all you have to do. They feel good about it, you feel good about it and everyone wins. Plus, just saying a simple thank you when you are paid a compliment makes you appear to be a more honest and sincere person.
Work hard
One of the first things you'll likely see in people who just don't seem to get anywhere in their lives is laziness. Just take a look at most companies: people try to avoid work, they extend their breaks, extend their lunches, come in late and leave early. You may think they are getting away with it, but usually the boss knows who these people are. You need to be the one who comes in a little bit early and occasionally leaves a little bit late. You need to be the one who comes back from break and lunch on time and works consistently throughout the day. I'm not saying you have to wear yourself out until you collapse in exhaustion, but you do need to do the work that is expected of you and you need to be working consistently all day long. Trust me, this is unusual in most places of employment and will, sooner or later, be noticed.
"Effective people do two things: they strive to do excellent work, and they prioritize." Stephen Covey 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People'
Don't just do your work, but really strive to do your work well. I can promise you that quality work is important and will, eventually, be noticed. Why? Because it is so unusual. Most employees just want to do the least amount of work possible. They make it fast and easy on themselves by sacrificing quality. Take pride in your work. Whether you are designing spacecraft for NASA or flipping burgers at a fast-food restaurant, put your best effort into it. Make your work count. Let your work show that you care and that you are good at your job. When your work is presented to the boss or to the customer, feel proud that they are getting a quality product because you cared enough to do excellent work. Your co-workers may make fun of you for making the extra effort to produce quality work, but they are average and you are standing out from the crowd.
The most important person in any business.
The most important person in any business is the customer. Without the customer, there is no business. There isn't a single business on the planet that would make it without customers. I'm sure you've heard the saying "the customer is always right," well, it isn't true. The customer is not always right; but, the customer is always the customer! What this means is that you have to treat customers as if they are the most important people in the world whether they are right or not. And why should customers be treated as if they are the most important people in your business? Because they are! Smile when dealing with customers. Make the customer feel like you are truly glad that they are there (as you should actually be). Try to put yourself in their place. How would you want to be treated? Try to make that customer want to come back even if they have a complaint. And whatever you do, don't take it personally when a customer is rude or contentious. Be polite, be calm, be professional and take care of that customer as best you can. Even if the customer is wrong, try to be calm and polite when dealing with it. If at all possible, let the customer have their way. A repeat customer is a very valuable thing to a business. If you deal well with customers, they may even start to ask for you by name when coming into your business. Now that's something that will get you noticed by the boss!
Above and beyond.
Don't be afraid to go a little above and beyond the call of duty. In other words, be the employee who is willing to do a little extra work when needed. I don't mean that you should do other people's work for them or that you should let yourself be taken advantage of, but be willing to do a little extra to help out your boss or to help out your employer. Let your co-workers be the ones saying "that's not my job, that's not my responsibility, I don't have to do that." You will be the one saying "sure, I can take care of that for you." And maybe it really isn't your responsibility, maybe it is something you shouldn't have to do--but because you want to be successful and get ahead, you're willing to do it anyway. That's something that stands out and gets you noticed. Don't ever forget that while you are on the job, your time is not your own. Your employer bought that time from you and it belongs to them--that's why you get paid. So, as long as you aren't being asked to do something illegal or unethical, and as long as your employer is making a reasonable request, be willing to step in and help out.
Knowledge truly is power.
Now here is some workplace advice you won't see very often: once you learn to do your own job well, start taking the time to learn other jobs at work--especially jobs that are the next step up from your position. If you ask in the right way, many of your co-workers will be happy to show off their skills and show you what they do. Sometimes, depending upon the situation, the boss may even be willing to help you learn some other jobs at work. This doesn't mean you have to actually start doing these extra jobs, but what it does mean is that when the boss needs someone to fill in for another position, and there is no one available who knows the job, you can step right in and take care of it. It makes sense that if a promotion becomes available for a job you already know how to do, you would be the natural choice to fill that position. That is exactly what this suggestion accomplishes--helping you to move up and get promotions. Another thing it accomplishes is making you one of the last people your employer would want to lay off. Why lay off someone who can already do several different jobs?
Conclusion (This is important so please read it)
Is doing all of the things we just discussed easy? Absolutely not! It is very difficult; but, that is why most people don't do it and that is why you stand out when you do. I'm not naive enough to think that you can do all of these things perfectly every single day. There will be days you mess up. When that happens just pull yourself together and get back on track.
It is very important that you be realistic in your expectations when it comes to employment. Don't expect to start in the mail room at the age of 18 and be CEO by age 21. It is not realistic to expect to move up that much in just three years. You should first just concentrate on being the best mail room employee you can be. You also need to be aware that your level of training and education also puts a limit on how far you can go in any particular job. If you dropped out of high school, it's not fair to expect the same pay and opportunity that high school graduates get. If you graduated high school but don't have a college degree, don't get your heart set on moving into a job that requires a degree unless you are willing to first go out and get that degree.
Don't fall into the trap of saying "I work as hard as the people with degrees do so I deserve the same pay they get." To be perfectly honest, pay is most often more about the training, education and skills you have than it is about the work that you do. So, quite honestly, you don't deserve as much pay as someone who has training or a degree that you don't have. If you refuse to admit to yourself that your level of education and training puts a limit on how much you can accomplish in the job market, you will never be satisfied on the job. You will always feel like you are entitled to the same things as people with a higher education when you aren't. That is why the goal at work isn't to become rich or move up to top management. The goal is to go as far as you can, and earn as high a wage as you can, for your education, training and skill level. If you want a better position or more money, then by all means go out and get that additional education and training; then, apply the things you've learned here to your new job when you get it. It is true that when it comes to opportunities in the world of work, education is important.
Above all, be patient. This all takes time. Sometimes, quite a bit of time. If you really make an honest effort to do the things you have learned in this article, you will be noticed by the management at work--it may take a while, but you will be noticed. I can say that because I know how rare a good, loyal, polite, respectful, hard-working employee really is. They are hard to find, and employers like to hang onto them. If you are such an employee, you will be given opportunity that others aren't, you will be able to earn more pay than your peers can, and you will get more respect and leeway from your boss. When it comes to being successful at work, just remember this one thing...
The secret to being successful in any job:
Strive to be the best employee your company has ever seen!
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