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How to Handle an Office Romance
Tweet Share on Facebook December 31, 2010 CommentThis year’s annual holiday company party was the best ever—because you met the person of your dreams. You never imagined that he or she would work for the same company as you. So now what do you do?
We all know office relationships are complicated. And somewhere in your company’s employee handbook is a list of policies that probably says employees shouldn’t get romantically involved.
But office relationships still happen. Even good employees find themselves wanting to make the most out of an office romance, while continuing to make the most out of their job.
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6 Steps to Enjoying Your Job in 2011
Tweet Share on Facebook December 30, 2010 Comment (4)Do you want to feel more energized by your work and life in 2011?
Of course! Who doesn’t? But turning that desire into reality is far from easy. Every new year brings intentions for positive change, and the majority of those intentions eventually go splat. Saying “I want to enjoy my job more next year” is one thing. Actually pulling it off is another.
Rather than expecting your career goals to magically shift into place with a new calendar, try this step-by-step process to create that positive change:
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10 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Career
Tweet Share on Facebook December 29, 2010 CommentA fresh new year awaits us. What better time to take stock of our careers? Last week’s post talked about looking backwards—how to conduct your own year-end career review —so this week we’re looking ahead.
When considering resolutions for 2011, try starting with these:
1. Stop procrastinating. Across the board—stop putting things off. Start with the small things. You’ll be amazed at how much simpler and more fluid your life becomes. Procrastination is a thief of time. You can’t build a life on what you’re “going to do.”
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5 Smart Career Resolutions for 2011
Tweet Share on Facebook December 27, 2010 Comment (7)It is a popular tradition to choose a resolution or two for a new year. But how do you choose a smart and achievable resolution?
Here are five practical career resolutions you can choose for 2011. Each includes a suggestion on how to turn resolution into reality.
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How to Follow Up After Applying for a Job
Tweet Share on Facebook December 27, 2010 Comment (11)Once you send off a job application, the next step isn’t just sitting back and waiting. There’s plenty you can do post-application to increase your chances of getting an interview. But following up in the right manner is crucial, because following up poorly can be an application killer.
Here are five effective ways to follow up after applying for a job:
1. E-mail your application to the hiring manager. In addition to sending an application to the e-mail address specified, which is usually an HR address or generic jobs address, you can also track down the e-mail of the hiring manager and send an application to him or her as well. If an Internet search doesn’t reveal who the hiring manager is, a simple phone call to the company’s main switchboard often will do the trick.
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5 Reasons to Refer a Friend for a Job
Tweet Share on Facebook December 24, 2010 Comment (2)Companies have long touted employee referrals as the best method of hiring new employees—and rightfully so. The old adage, “leaves don’t fall far from the tree” is true. We often surround ourselves with like-minded people, and good employees are likely to know others who are just like them.
But companies often have to go to extremes to entice employees to refer a friend or former colleague for an open position. Employees hesitate to make referrals for many reasons; maybe they don’t want to put the effort into suggesting a new hire, or they might worry about how a new employee will rub off on them. But referral programs only work when employees are willing to offer up a name to the company’s recruiter.
Even if your company doesn’t offer a referral bonus, trip, or extra vacation time to encourage staff to suggest new hires, you’d be smart to consider recommending a friend.
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How to Make 2011 the Year of Your Dreams
Tweet Share on Facebook December 23, 2010 CommentImagine looking back one year from now on 2011 and saying, “Wow! What a great ride!” You might get lucky and find the year of your dreams fall in your lap. But if you want to be sure to maximize your potential in the coming year, it will take conscious awareness. And that awareness starts by asking questions.
What would my dream year look like?
Send your internal realist out to lunch and let your internal dreamer run wild. If you could write the script for the year to come, what would it look like? Picture what a rich, fulfilling, rewarding year would look like for your career if you didn’t have that voice saying, “I can’t do that. That’s not possible. That’s not realistic.”
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6 New Year’s Resolutions for Job Seekers
Tweet Share on Facebook December 23, 2010 CommentAs the end of the year approaches, we’re all inspired to make life-changing improvements. While you're reflecting on 2010 and planning for 2011, take some time to think about your job-search strategy and include it in your resolutions.
Here are six New Year's job-search resolutions to consider:
1. I will build my online presence.
If you’re reluctant about using social media tools for your job search, let go of your fears in 2011. Building an online presence is likely to take your job search to new heights. What do employers see when they do a Google search for your name? Consider starting a blog, uploading your VisualCV, participating in LinkedIn group discussions, and making new connections with like-minded professionals on Twitter. A strong online presence raises your visibility with potential employers and could help you uncover hidden job opportunities.
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Conduct Your Own End-of-the-Year Career Review
Tweet Share on Facebook December 22, 2010 CommentYes, this is a busy season. But it’s also a perfect time to reflect on the year that’s about to close.
Did you meet your goals in 2010? What did you learn? What could you have done better? A lot of companies conduct year-end evaluations for good reason—it’s natural to look back and contemplate the old year before jumping forward into 2011. But you can take advantage of this tool on a personal level, too.
Here are a few tips for conducting your own personal year-end career review:
1. Find a quiet spot. Bring writing materials. Choose a time when you’re in a good mood and well rested. Be prepared to think clearly and dispassionately.
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Before Changing Careers, Consider Your Motivation
Tweet Share on Facebook December 21, 2010 Comment (3)As the economy begins to (slowly) improve, many of us are thinking about the work we do, and why we do it. And some of us are thinking that it’s time for a change.
Changing careers is more common than it was a decade ago. Some companies offer less employment stability and provide fewer benefits to motivate long-term stays. At the same time, job seekers have the option to consider portfolio careers (working for multiple companies at the same time) or join the sizable temporary workforce as a contract worker.
If a career change is in your future, you probably know you need to figure out which career is right for you. But what you might forget is to consider why you want that change.
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