Career Advice Blog

Many of us go to college with the assumption all our hard work will eventually lead to a high paying job.  For some graduates, that is the case.  They land their dream job – sometimes even before graduation – and seem to live the ideal life.  On the other hand, there are plenty of individuals with college degrees who flounder, unemployed, for months and months. Why do some graduates find success and others don’t? Employers See Recent Graduates as a Risky Investment You are a freshly minted college graduate.  You have boundless energy and endless enthusiasm.  Why can’t you get a job? There are a myriad of things an employer must consider when interviewing a potential candidate.  Sometimes, assumptions are made before you even sit down in the hot seat.  Other times, your non-verbal communication is shouting so loudly you can’t get a word in edgewise. Here are the things an employer is assuming or interpreting during your interview. You have an unprofessional attitude – and you don’t … [Read more...] about Hiring Fresh Graduates: What Makes a Professional

For many, the only time to meet people is at work. Many of us work long hours, and have little time or interest in drunken bar encounters or the challenges of dating websites. Having an office relationship can be exciting, with the stolen glances and secretive liaisons in the stationary cupboard. The secrecy and fear of being caught can add to the sexual tension, but the downside is they office romances can also cause resentment, gossip, and bring up questions of favoritism. So how do we conduct an office relationship while staying on the right side of our employer and colleagues?  Be Aware of Company Policy.  Check in with human resources and read the company's policies on having relationships with co-workers (or a relationship with your boss). Be aware of what you are heading into and if it's worth gambling your career for if there is a strict rule against dating your colleagues. Discretion is the Word.  Try and keep the intimacy away from the workplace and stay … [Read more...] about How to Conduct a Romantic Relationship at Work

Considering the damaging consequences of stress, the question, “How to relieve stress?” should be on everyone’s mind.  According to research by the American Psychological Association in April 2012, job pressure is the top cause of stress in the United States.[1]  By reducing your stress levels, you can boost your productivity and even feeling more energetic! Relieving stress is important for a myriad of reasons that go well beyond workplace productivity.  High levels of stress produce hormones, such as cortisol and adrenalin.  These stress hormones are necessary to make it through life, but if you are under the influence for too long of a period of time, rather nasty negative health outcomes can ensue.  In fact, 77% of people surveyed in the study mentioned above said they regularly experience physical symptoms due to their high levels of stress.  This all underscores the great importance of tackling stress head on in whatever way works best for you personally.  In this article, we … [Read more...] about How to Relieve Stress: 3 Clever and Effective Ways

Making a request of your boss can be a daunting prospect. You want something in your job; maybe a pay rise, an extra assistant to work on a large project you are managing, or it could be some time off for a family function. In order to achieve that "something" you need to ask your boss.  Know how to ask.  Knowing how to ask can make the difference between achieving your aims or coming away rejected. Firstly, decide what it is you really want. Be clear and concise so your boss fully understands what he/she is being asked to say yes to. You can't expect a yes from your boss to a request they don't understand. Make it clear for them.  Show you've done your homework. Don't undermine yourself by lacking in facts. Prepare yourself with information that support what you are asking for.  Look at it from your bosses perspective. Approach the request in a way that works for your boss too. If you know your boss is a stickler for staff having a good work/life … [Read more...] about How to Get Your Boss to Say "Yes"!

There are many effective ways to get a pay raise increase.  People frequently have a good deal of fear and apprehension regarding the topic of getting more money in the workplace.  But with the right approach, you can get that raise you want and still sleep soundly at night. 1. Make the Right Preparations Waking up one morning and deciding that you will go after a pay raise later that day can be risky business.  Like so many large undertakings in life, preparation is essential.  This means that you absolutely must formulate a strategy well in advance.  Successfully landing the pay increase you are seeking means planning. 2. Highlight Your Productivity Do you feel that you are productive?  Do you feel as though others realize just how much you are getting done each and every day?  Most importantly, does your boss know how productive you are?  If your employer doesn’t understand or notice your level of contribution in the workplace, then you … [Read more...] about 5 Savvy Ways to Get a Pay Raise Increase

While plenty of people move to a new city as the result of a change in their employment, there are lots of others who feel compelled to move without having a new job lined up. Finding work in your own town can be difficult, and when you’re looking for work in a far-off location, you might find yourself at a disadvantage. Consider putting the following tips to use to make your job search as easy as possible. Consider a Temporary Address Many employers are reluctant to give priority to candidates who aren’t already located in the area. You can avoid this entirely by setting up a temporary address with Kinko’s, or even the UPS store. They’re typically inexpensive, and offer mail-forwarding services. If you’re on a budget that doesn’t allow for this expense, you could always consider using a friends address until you get the job and move into your new place. Research Your New Town in Advance By spending a bit of time researching the area you’re moving to, you’ll give yourself an … [Read more...] about Job Hunting Tips for Your New Town

The most important people in your business are your employees. Why? Their happiness does two things: gauges your success and, assuming that they respect you and your mission, grows your business. By having faith in your people and giving them the autonomy to complete their duties without micro-managing, they will feel that respect and offer it right back to you. Foster the People Employees need to feel special. For the most part, they want to grow and develop. There is a world of ideas, ones you have never thought of, right in front of your eyes. The faces you see everyday want to have their voices heard. Sometimes what they say could be your next big break. To have their support, you must give them a culture of purpose and hope. They, of all people, must trust and believe in your brand ... your mission. Keep in constant dialogue with them. Involve them in the growth. Allow them to shine. Recognize their accomplishments. By fostering your people, they will feel wanted and needed. If … [Read more...] about Breeding Happy Brand Ambassadors In Your Office