Whether it's waiting for a call from an interview for your dream job, the 4-1-1 follow-up on an audition for your awesome band, or an acceptance confirmation on a creative piece you've penned, the wait can be hell.You know the script...You check your emails several times a day in eager anticipation. You wait by the phone constantly checking to make sure the phone is on the hook. You second guess whether or not you've made a good first impression.Sound familiar?It seems like every day plays out like dog years.Unfortunately, it's a necessary evil that comes with seeking better opportunities and broadening our horizons. But there's an art to waiting gracefully and making the best use of those endless hours. And if you do it well, you won't grow weary, you'll grow wiser.Here are a few pointers to help you keep your peace and proper perspective, without pulling your hair out.1. In the famous words of Robert Deniro of the Sopranos, “fuhggetabout it!” … [Read more...] about How to Master the Waiting Game
Archives for December 2010
The Illusion of Control at Work
What percentage of your work style would be called "control freak?" Not something that you find on a job description. But admit it, there’s at least a bit of control freak in all of us. The word “controlling” has a negative connotation, but a lot of people with that label are simply take-charge types who get the job done. The others are, well, control freaks.An article in the Wall Street Journal, “She Talks a Lot, He Listens a Little” got me thinking about controlling behaviors. She discusses communication in personal relationships, but you can apply it to business, too. She makes a point when describing the talker vs. the non-talker - the non-talker has control over any conversation; when one party is done listening, the conversation is over.Think about how many times when someone has presented an idea, someone has dismissed it, either by “tabling” it for later or just moving on through the agenda. If this is your style or you’re the … [Read more...] about The Illusion of Control at Work
The Importance of Virtual Resumes and Online Portfolios
Obreanna McReynolds is a guest blogger for Pounding the Pavement and a writer on technical schools for Guide to Career Education. In today’s competitive job market, standing out from the crowd has become at once more important, and more difficult, than ever. As desperate as many job-seekers may feel, employers are just as eager to find that one superstar hire buried in the thick stack of cover letters and resumes. Luckily for both parties involved, the tools for building a polished, marketable and most importantly hirable personal brand have exploded in recent years thanks to the rapid expansion of online networking technologies. For the job hunters of the twenty-first century, submitting a paper resume is just one piece of a much larger equation. The most competitive candidates supplement, or even replace, their printed materials with virtual resumes, online portfolios, and social media profiles. Especially for those interested in telecommuting, online credentials … [Read more...] about The Importance of Virtual Resumes and Online Portfolios
Noisy Office? 10 Tips to Help You Cope
Trying to concentrate in a noisy environment can be a very difficult task. Whether it’s chatty co-workers, loud machine noises, or a neighbor who insists on having long conference calls on speaker phone, noisy distractions can have a significant negative effect on your productivity. However, there are some simple methods that can help you deal with the noise and focus on your work. #1. White Noise Machine - A white noise machine generates a sound that is random but soothing like running water or wind. It is capable of blocking out distracting noises. Use of a white noise machine is also dependent on the policies of your office. Another option that can produce a similar effect is to run a small fan on your desktop. If the fan is noisy enough, it can also block out distracting noises. The best one on the planet is... #2. Listen to Music - Depending on the policies of your office, you may be able to listen to music with headphones while you are working. If this is the case, then … [Read more...] about Noisy Office? 10 Tips to Help You Cope