In the current economic climate, public sector jobs are being cut at an alarming rate. For many employees who have worked in this sector all their lives, the idea of moving over to the for profit- private sector, is quite a daunting prospect. But don’t worry there is a third way out there which is often overlooked and that is the aptly named the ‘Third Sector’. So what makes the third sector worth strong consideration? Firstly, the third sector is made up of nonprofit organizations. Like in the public sector, these organizations are there to offer a public service for its own sake, not to make money. This sometimes fits better with what people moving from the public sector are familiar with. In addition many people from both the private and public sectors find the idea that by going to work they will not just be able to pay their mortgage but potentially can make a positive difference to someone else, a powerful ethos. It is a great contributor to job satisfaction. Secondly, … [Read more...] about Need a New Job? Consider the Third Sector
Career Advice Blog
Proper Email Communication Tips When Managing Telecommuters
Telecommuting is now common in many of today’s workplaces. While this flexible work option offers benefits for employees, it often requires major management changes. In particular, if you’ve recently begun managing telecommuters, you may find your communication patterns with them differing from those with traditional in-office workers. Since the bulk of communication between telecommuters and their managers happens via email, it’s essential for you, the manager, to understand how to use this communication medium effectively. To avoid miscommunications during your venture into managing telecommuters, here are three tips for using this communication medium in the most effective manner. Tend to Subject Lines An email subject line should briefly summarize the intent of an email message. If an email is urgent and should be read immediately, include the word URGENT at the beginning followed by the topic of the message. While this may seem like common sense, many professionals misuse … [Read more...] about Proper Email Communication Tips When Managing Telecommuters
8 Reasons I Hate Wearing a Necktie to Work Everyday
I’ve already told you that wearing a suit everyday to work sucks. Big time. And the biggest problem is the necktie. Born several hundred years ago thanks to Louis XIV’s eye for haute couture, the necktie fashion trend crossed over to England, where gentlemen displayed their status with colorful cloths hung around their necks. Thanks for nothing guys! (Read more about necktie history) While many industries and companies have relaxed their dress code, some businesses, like mine, have held on to the notion that dressing up is part of playing a professional. I know they have their reasons, and some of them I get, but overall, if you’re sitting in a cubicle all day with limited interaction with the outside world, it all seems a bit pointless. Here are eight reasons why dressing up in a necktie is a royal pain in the ass. - It's uncomfortable. Having something pressed up against your neck and putting pressure on your trachea, just isn't normal. - … [Read more...] about 8 Reasons I Hate Wearing a Necktie to Work Everyday
Interviewing an Interviewer: The Importance of Comparisons in Job Searches
Sweaty palms and underarms, racing heart, dry mouth – these are the ailments of a typical job interviewee. When it comes to interviews, most potential employees are concerned only about impressing their interviewer, desperate to be offered employment. However, in their race to be the chosen applicant, many interviewees overlook the importance of comparing the potential workplace against any ideals they have for a career. This is unfortunate because, if selected for the job, a new employee may very well realize the new workplace environment is less than ideal. This results in an employee struggling to make the most of a new job and an employer wondering why the latest hire isn’t living up their initial expectations. If you’re currently applying for jobs, keep in mind the importance of interviewing your interviewers. While you may be desperate to find a new job and get out of your current workplace, the situation likely won’t improve with the new employer unless you’ve assessed whether … [Read more...] about Interviewing an Interviewer: The Importance of Comparisons in Job Searches
How to Minimize Conflicts in an Intergenerational Workplace
Employers are facing an unprecedented challenge in today’s workplace – managing multiple generations of employees. From veteran workers volunteering with organizations to generation Y now entering the workforce in droves, this mix of attitudes, work ethics and life experiences sets the tone for intense workplace debates if not managed properly. Addressing the generational demographics of your employees is essential for operating a functional business in today’s diverse workforce. However, avoid approaching the management of an intergenerational workplace in a negative light. Too many employers attempt to change the inherent workplace mentalities of each generation – manipulating generation Y workers into accepting a 9 to 5 schedule or in making veteran workers become more computer literate. Ultimately, these employers are setting themselves up for failure. To truly be successful in managing an intergenerational workplace, you must adopt policies that cater to all generational … [Read more...] about How to Minimize Conflicts in an Intergenerational Workplace
Personalize Your Job Hunt
Most people who are job-hunting use career sites, other online resources, head-hunters, networking and send out zillions of résumés. With so many out of work it seems like those who find a job have hit on some magic formula. If you aren’t one of the lucky few, maybe it’s time to shake it up a bit. Why not try the old-school 1:1, in-person approach? Personal Touch A recent WSJ article described how 97-year-old Lillian Brownstein landed a job in 1938 by knocking on doors in an office building in New Jersey. One company she spoke to had just fired their secretary and hired Brownstein after a typing test. Now I’m not suggesting you just drop by companies and ask to speak to someone about a job. These days, the receptionist would probably call security. But try to make the job-search more personal. According to the article above, only 9% of people looking for job opportunities think to contact relatives and friends. Instead 51% are opting for looking at ads and sending in applications. … [Read more...] about Personalize Your Job Hunt
Caffeine Nazi Says: Roast National Coffee Day 2011
September 29, 2011 is National Coffee Day. Ahead of the highly-anticipated day, CareerBuilder and Dunkin’ Donuts have released their second annual list of professions that "rely" on coffee the most to get through the work day. Considering the negative affect caffeine has on our bodies, the findings are pretty alarming. In fact, I'm kind of frightened that the educators teaching our children, the physicians scanning us for cancer, and the politicos trying to fix our economy, are all addicts. But wait, the word caffeine is conveniently absent from the press release. I'm sure these folks are all drinking decaf. Not!Am I calling for a ban on caffeine in the workplace? Of course not. While I admit I am a tea snob, and someone who is hyper-sensitive to caffeine, I am also a huge proponent of all things in moderation. I don't like the fact that people feel they need to "rely" on anything other than oxygen to get through the work day. And if you think the … [Read more...] about Caffeine Nazi Says: Roast National Coffee Day 2011
How to Quit Your Job: 50% Off Book
With an exciting new Jobacle book in the works, we've decided to offer a temporary price reduction on How to Quit Your Job: The Ultimate Guide to Leaving a Job Gracefully.In less than 30 minutes you will discover...* How to put in your two weeks notice* The secrets of your final days at a job* A plan to resign from a job* Secret exit interview traps* How to stay calm when under work stressUse special code "FALL" upon checkout and the book is yours for only $3 -- that's 50% off! Hurry, this discount expires after 100 copies are sold. BUY NOW! Makes a great gift for that unhappy coworker! … [Read more...] about How to Quit Your Job: 50% Off Book
Enhancing Communication Skills at Work
Good communication skills are vital for us to thrive in (most) work places, but how well do we really communicate? Answering this question and working on the areas that need attention can pay big dividends. Self Assessment If you would like to enhance your communication skills, take some time to honestly assess yourself. This can be a difficult task and may involve a lot of soul searching however getting honest with yourself will give you the opportunity to transform the way you communicate at work and in other areas of your life. Some questions you could consider are: How good are you at really listening? (Note: Real listening is not just waiting for other people to finish talking so you can say what you want to say) Do you ask for what you want or do you complain instead that you can’t get what you want? Do you answer other people’s questions directly or ramble off topic? Do you use positive or negative language? Do you over explain or give limited information to others? Do … [Read more...] about Enhancing Communication Skills at Work
6 Rules to Break at Work
If you’ve read my posts, you know that I've always had trouble following the rules, especially rules in the workplace. I discovered in some recent reading that many workplace experts agree with me. Wow, I never thought that would happen! So here are some rules I suggest you break: 1. Don’t say “I don’t know” or “I made a mistake.” – We learn early on at work that it isn’t viewed positively if you admit you don’t have the answer. But the problem with faking it is that invariably it will catch up with you later. So own up to it and say you’ll research the issue until you have an answer. Confessing that you made a mistake is also really risky. As we all know, blame has to be assigned somewhere. Step up and admit you made a bad call. Do what you can to make it right and learn from it. 2. Don’t go out on a limb at work – Tell me if this has happened to you. You and your colleagues go into a meeting where you can tell your boss about an issue that’s causing you all problems. … [Read more...] about 6 Rules to Break at Work