-
Shoddy Employee? You Could Be an Entrepreneur
Tweet Share on Facebook May 24, 2012 CommentBeing bad at your current job might just be your cue to start an entrepreneurial career.
At a recent meeting, I heard the story of someone who announced that she was "smarter than everyone else in the company" and that she had been fired because the boss was jealous and insecure. While the room laughed at the perceived arrogance, I couldn't help but wonder, "Is this visitor delusional, or is she an undiscovered entrepreneur?"
-
How to Move From Hourly Employee to Salaried Worker
Tweet Share on Facebook May 24, 2012 CommentWhile hourly positions have their perks, many employees prefer to move into a salaried role for more stability. If you're getting paid by the hour, you may earn less overall than your salaried counterparts, and you may not get as great of a benefits package.
Why Do I Want a Salary?
Typically, a move from hourly to salaried work comes with a promotion and additional responsibility. As long as you're up for the extra work, there's no reason not to take the raise. But realize that if you work more than 40 hours in a week (which many salaried workers do), you won't get any extra money. Salaried employees are expected to get their job done in whatever time it takes.
-
4 Steps to Boost Your Personal Energy Reserves
Tweet Share on Facebook May 23, 2012 Comment (3)Resiliency requires energy—mental, emotional, and physical. But many of us spend our days, weeks, and months feeling drained. Daily life can tap our energy reservoir dry, leaving us at great risk when we encounter unexpected or major setbacks.
-
7 Ways Bosses Annoy Employees
Tweet Share on Facebook May 23, 2012 Comment (8)Even good managers frustrate their employees now and then—while bad managers, of course, do it regularly. Here are seven of the most common complaints about the things bosses do without even realizing it:
-
11 Quick Tips to Earn a Stellar Performance Review
Tweet Share on Facebook May 23, 2012 Comment (3)It's never too early to start earning a superior performance review. When you set goals and take steps to meet initiatives, you have a better chance of driving your own career. If you want a stellar performance review next year, start thinking about how you can make a positive impact at work.
In his book, Better than Average: Excelling in a Mediocre World, Todd Brockdorf offers 11 suggestions (because 10 is average) for making an impression:
-
Should You Take the First Salary Offer?
Tweet Share on Facebook May 22, 2012 Comment (3)If you've been looking for a job a while and have finally gotten a nibble in the form of a job offer, you may be inclined to jump at the chance. But experts say you should hesitate, no matter how good of a salary you're offered. Employers don't tend to lay all their cards on the table with that first offer, so you're pretty much guaranteed wiggle room.
-
10 Simple Tricks for Improving Your Communication Style
Tweet Share on Facebook May 22, 2012 Comment (1)Are you getting interviews but few callbacks? Chances are you have a great resume, but you might be missing that extra oomph to help you stand out during the interview. The truth is employers are on the hunt for stellar candidates that are as great in person as they are on paper. This is especially true for recent grads.
Millennial Branding, a Generation Y research consulting firm, teamed up with entry-level job portal Experience Inc. to survey more than 200 employers, to figure out exactly what they want most in young professionals right now.
The number one coveted skill among Gen-Y applicants is—you guessed it—communication. In other words, communication skills can make or break you. Consider these tips:
-
5 Ways to Balance Workload And Still Impress Your Boss
Tweet Share on Facebook May 21, 2012 CommentAre you too worried about the threat of nuclear war to notice that your own house is burning down? Too often, people spend more time at work concerned with things they have no control over, to the detriment of competently dealing with the things they do.
While it may be true that rapid changes in the marketplace have kept many on edge for what tomorrow may bring, it's important to stay focused on what's happening now.
This, of course, doesn't mean you shouldn't plan for tomorrow. It just means that the best way to prepare for tomorrow is by taking care of today.
-
How to Juggle Multiple Job Offers
Tweet Share on Facebook May 21, 2012 CommentA job offer is usually welcome news—unless it comes while you're waiting to hear about a different job you really want with a different employer.
While many job-seekers might see this as a good problem to have, it's a tough spot to be in. And most job-seekers aren't sure how to navigate it well. After all, can you put the first company off, and if so, for how long? What should you say to the first company in the meantime? And can you take the offer but rescind your acceptance later if the other job comes through?
-
How to Handle an Employment Gap
Tweet Share on Facebook May 17, 2012 Comment (6)Many of us have had periods in our work history when we were not employed. That might be due to going back to school, raising children, illness or job loss. While it might not seem like an issue from the job-seeker's perspective, it can send up red flags to employers. Gaps in your employment history without explanation make potential employers question those periods before having the chance to meet you.
Here's how to handle an employment lapse:
