Unfortunately, it is likely that you will eventually need to express sympathy to a colleague after they experience the loss of a loved one. You may not be called upon to attend a funeral, but as a good coworker, you should be ready to extend your condolences. Death is a sensitive subject for most, but there are number of ways you can help make the office a more comfortable place during a tragic period. Here are a few ways to offer condolences to a coworker in need. Easy Exchange The simplest way to show your condolences is to just come out and say it. Tell him or her you are sorry for his or her loss. A hug may be too strong of a gesture, but a soft pat on the back can be an easy exchange of kindness. If your coworker wants to talk about his or her experience, lend an ear. If he or she wants to keep his or her feelings private, respect his or her wishes. Either way, your coworker will feel comforted by your kind words and offerings of support. Leave a Token in Their Office Even if … [Read more...] about How to Show Condolences to a Coworker
Archives for October 2012
Important Qualities for a Health Practice Office Manager
One of the most critical positions in a health practice is that of the office manager. It is nearly impossible to calculate the value added by a good office manager. They are what can make an office work. The reverse is, unfortunately, just as true. It is nearly impossible to calculate the damage done by a bad office manager. With this in mind, the job of choosing an office manager for your health practice should be done in a well-prepared and careful manner. In this article, we will outline the most common education, skills and responsibilities required for a good office manager. Education and Certification The level of education you should require for an office manager depends on the size and individual nature of your health practice. Most practices prefer a college degree. A large practice may require a master’s degree. On the other side, some smaller or individual practices will take office managers with a high school degree if they have prior experience and be perfectly … [Read more...] about Important Qualities for a Health Practice Office Manager
From First Semester To First Job: Why Acing 1L is Paramount to Success
Law school is a different experience for anyone involved. From what to expect to how you study, law students should be prepared for a much more unique time of research. Law school is rigorous as it is long. Preparing the next generation of young lawyers isn't something taken lightly. Knowing how to prepare for your first year as a law student is crucial in moving on into the area you want to practice. Keeping It Simple & Focused Your life is about to get a little more focused with your studies. There's a reason why law schools limit outside work to its new students. Distractions will certainly show their work on your GPA and your prospects for a solid future in law may become limited. Keeping your head level and your studies your priority will keep distractions at bay. Be friendly, but don't expect college-like camaraderie. Many law schools force professors to grade on a strict curve. They may only be allowed to give five percent of students A's, while the majority of grades will … [Read more...] about From First Semester To First Job: Why Acing 1L is Paramount to Success
The Online Job Search – What You Need to Know
When looking for a new job online, there are a few important steps you should consider before applying. Doing even a small amount of research can be hugely beneficial in terms of helping you make up your mind about whether or not a particular job role is suitable for you. Simple things like the financial health of a company, as well as more detailed information about the nature of the business, are available online and while company websites can be a good place to start, there are other options for you to consider during this initial research stage. A company website may be clear and easy to navigate, but more often than not you’ll find yourself wading through pages and pages of information that simply isn’t relevant to the position you’re applying for. Concentrate on the sections that deal with careers and employment information. These may be incorporated into a bespoke job search system and application process guidelines, or they may simply point you in the direction of their HR … [Read more...] about The Online Job Search – What You Need to Know
Surviving the Holiday Season Around the Office: A Guide for Young Professionals
As summer fades into the rearview mirror, people everyone are shifting their focus toward fall, football and the upcoming holidays. A quick glance in any arts and crafts store serves as a quick reminder that staples such as Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are closer than we realize. Sure this means upcoming gathering with are friends and families, but it also means lots of awkward office luncheons, obligatory gift exchanges and the all-too-anticipated holiday party. Although most of us would prefer to go without the forced socialization imposed on us around the office during the holidays, we can't escape it and have to admit it's a necessary evil. For those of us that have experienced our fair share of these, we already have our routines down. We know who to sit with, who to avoid and what topics are and are NOT appropriate. We've perfected our grin and bear it faces and know just how much fake enthusiasm is enough. Now, those of you who actually enjoy the people you work with … [Read more...] about Surviving the Holiday Season Around the Office: A Guide for Young Professionals
Change the World: Make a Career in Battling Cancer
Being diagnosed with cancer is a horrible and traumatic experience. Undoubtedly, people who have been diagnosed with this dangerous disease face turmoil and worry beyond comprehension. While nothing can really eliminate the fear associated with this disease, modern medical treatments can help bring hope to those facing cancer. Radiology One such treatment was discovered over one hundred years ago and it has undergone a lot of research and massive improvement over the years. This particular treatment is known as radiology and it has become one of the best weapons against many types of cancer. An oncologist is a physician who treats cancer patients, and radiology is a common treatment an oncologist may elect to use to battle a patientÕs cancer. Radiology is most often used to treat cancer because of its effectiveness. The reason this particular treatment is so effective is that it has the ability to actually kill cancer cells and prevents them from spreading. There are several … [Read more...] about Change the World: Make a Career in Battling Cancer
How To Conduct Employee Appraisals
At least once a year all employees must receive a review. Doing so serves as an opportunity to reward those who perform well and gives an incentive for all to work more proficiently and to aim to meet company goals. Employee appraisals are necessary for a supervisor to determine how suitable each worker is, their strengths or weaknesses, and how each can improve. Not only do performance evaluations provide a chance to recognize the stages where employees are at, they help a supervisor focus on how an employee can progress to a higher level. Important Terms When conducting an employee appraisal the following factors must be considered: Job performance Attitude Ability to pay attention and follow directions How well an employee accepts responsibility and is liable for their own actions How devoted the employee is to her position Their ability to interact with coworkers and customers Their level of interest in growing with the company A. Job Performance To determine … [Read more...] about How To Conduct Employee Appraisals
Halloween Office Parties: Dos and Don’ts
From pumpkins to princesses, offices will be filled with unlikely characters this Halloween. If your boss is allowing an in-office Halloween party, you’re likely excited to showcase your costume creation skills. However, before creating the perfect costume, be sure to follow these office party dos and don’ts. Do Participate If your boss is allowing employees to dress up in the office on Halloween, participate. Being the only employee to not dress up will label you as dull and anti-participative. Halloween is about loosening up and adopting an alter ego for the day. Whether you go all out with an extravagant costume or keep the costume simple, participating at any level will keep you connected to the day’s festivities rather than feeling like an outsider. Don’t Dress up as Your Boss While dressing up as your boss at an office Halloween party may seem light-hearted, your boss likely won’t see it that way. Keep your costume generic to avoid any repercussions you may have … [Read more...] about Halloween Office Parties: Dos and Don’ts
Can What I Wear Affect My Promotion Prospects?
The job market gets increasingly competitive as people who have years of experience and qualifications are finding it increasingly difficult to find work and accepting job which are below their skillset. For someone who has recently graduated or in an entry level position, this can become frustrating with chances of promotion often going to people with ‘experience’. There are many ways to get noticed by your boss, but this post will focus on the psychology of the way you dress, how to do it well and if it is really possible to affect your job prospects. Dress for your industry With the digital and creative sector booming in the current economy, dressing for your industry is very important. If you are working for a design company, the dress code is often relaxed. On the other hand, this doesn’t mean that you should wear what you would on a Saturday. Wearing smart casual jumpers with shirts and smart jeans or trousers will set you apart in front of management. If your firm has a … [Read more...] about Can What I Wear Affect My Promotion Prospects?
How to Change Your Job – 10 Top Tips
Whenever you start a new job, you probably don't go in thinking about moving on, right? You want to do a good job, you want to impress your manager and you want to succeed. Yet sooner or later you'll start to get itchy feet and want to move on - it happens to all of us. As such, it's always good to be prepared - because believe it or not, unless you're approaching the end of your working life, that day is coming. However you go about it, changing your job takes time, careful preparation and a bit of luck too! Here's a few top tips from Octopus HR on how you can get the ball rolling if you want to make the leap. 1 - Your resume So, your old resume got you the job you're in now? Congratulations! Now throw it out. "Whatttt?" You cry. "Why?!" Because it's the old you. In order to make a fresh start you need a fresh resume. 2 - What do you want to do now? So you want to change your job, right? Well once you've thrown out your old resume, take the time to research your market. Research the … [Read more...] about How to Change Your Job – 10 Top Tips