Career Advice

A recent Cornerstone OnDemand/Harris 2012 U.S. Employee Report indicated that only 20 percent of employees have established career goals with their manager or employer through a performance review. What’s worse is that less than half (45 percent) said the feedback they receive is a fair and accurate representation of their performance. By pairing these statistics together, we can see that workers don’t feel like they’re getting the right feedback--and not much is being done to correct the way a manager feels about an employee’s performance. So, what can an employee do on their end? Believe it or not, your manager may have no idea, or at least have little direction, in what your active goals are. So, it may be a good idea to fill them in: What are active goals? Active goals can be anything you’re working on right now. As a rule of thumb: Shorter term goals: 30 days or less Short-term goals: 45 days or less Long-term goals: several months Typically, your goals (short-term or … [Read more...] about Survive Your Performance Review By Utilizing Active Goals

Although most people assume that their boss is supposed to do all the managing in the workplace, this isn’t so. While your boss is dictating, delegating and often disrespecting, you should be reacting the correct way to control how they view and treat you. It does not matter if you are plagued with Mr. Grumpy, Ms. Annoying or the extra-friendly, always-hugging, shoulder-touching, second-glance type, there are things that you can do to manage your boss. Grumpy McGrumperson It is amazing how some people get into the position they do. How leaders expect to motivate a staff when they are always grumpy, angry or stressed, is a question no one seems to know the answer to. So, how do you handle these bosses? Do you hide in your cubicle? Never make eye contact in hopes that they won’t talk to you? Kiss up beyond belief until you are so annoying you can’t even stand to listen to yourself? The first thing to do is divert with good news. Turn the negative into something positive. Don’t let … [Read more...] about How to Manage Your Boss

I was a bit surprised when a friend told me that companies routinely check your credit history when you apply for a job and are a promising candidate. That’s a new a wrinkle to me, but I’ve been self-employed for years. Why would a low credit rating be relevant to a potential employer? I’m a bit baffled by it, especially in this economy with unemployment so high. Many people have lost their homes to foreclosure or had to file bankruptcy do to job loss, high medical bills, etc. To me, it has a very strong “blame the victim” feel to it – to get that bad credit history; you must have done something shady or used incredibly poor judgment in managing your finances. In many cases, that’s unfair thinking.How is it Applicable?I suppose if you were job hunting in the financial sector, in a position of high responsibility, your credit score or bad history could be a red flag. It might suggest that you aren’t very good at handling money or maybe … [Read more...] about Should a Low Credit Rating Jinx a Job Offer?

How do you feel about your job? Do you wake up in the morning, looking forward to see what the day brings, or do you press the snooze button four times because your stomach is turning at the thought of even one more minute there? Believe it or not, a job is not just a job. This is a place you spend a considerable amount of time at, and therefore plays a role in your overall health, whether you realize it or not. Fulfillment There is nothing worse than feeling as though you aren’t accomplishing what you had hoped in your life. When roles and responsibilities come together in the right way while doing something you love, you feel complete and satisfied. This amounts to less stress and better sleep quality, which both play roles in your overall health. If you have ever requested life insurance quotes online, then you know how important overall health is in rates and approval. Make a Difference If you don’t believe in the job you are doing, it is pretty difficult to believe in … [Read more...] about Life is Short, Love Your Job

You've spent the past four (or five) years attending classes and studying, all in preparation for receiving a diploma and entering the workforce. While graduation day is an exciting time for most college students, it may be a day you’re dreading if you’ve suddenly realized you chose the wrong major. Often, the realization of a failed major selection comes at the most inopportune time. Perhaps you realized it while studying for final exams. Maybe the realization came while being handed your diploma. Regardless, rather than freaking out, take a moment to breath and assess your options. Calm Your Nerves Often, soon-to-be graduates who are stressing about having chosen the wrong major haven’t properly pinpointed the cause of their stress. Perhaps your stress is due to worries about adapting to the workforce more so than about the field of work you’ve chosen. The working world is drastically different than college in many ways and dealing with those changes can be frightening. Rather … [Read more...] about Soon-to-be College Graduates: What to do When You’ve Chosen the Wrong Major

Growing up, you were likely told not to let little things get to you. If you are like most others, you missed that day in school when they actually taught you step-by-step, how to be successful at this. You can’t and shouldn’t turn your emotions off at work. After all, you are human! This is as ridiculous as expecting your dog to not wag his tail over a treat. It’s all natural instinct! What is Logic? You will often hear a lot about doing what is logical. Don’t make decisions when you are upset because it is not logical. Don’t react without thinking things through because it’s not local. Really, what exactly is logic, and what’s so great about it? Well, logic studies the principles of correct reasoning and valid interference. Doesn’t sound like much fun, does it? Where’s the passion? Where is the instinct? Most great moments in one’s career are made by reacting in a split second in a specific circumstance. Are you really supposed to step back, evaluate the situation and conjure up … [Read more...] about Don’t Ignore Your Emotions at Work!

At work, it’s great to get a little recognition now and then. However, being the center of attention is tough if your work team is comprised of over achievers or if you’re surrounded by employees who regularly claim the spotlight by pouting or freaking out about work projects. Since being recognized by management often paves the road for future raises and promotions, you must cleverly find a way to outshine other employees and claim the spotlight. Here are four effective ways to be the center of attention at work without having to freak out to get noticed. Claim Project Leads If the same team member always snatches project leads and claims the workplace spotlight, it’s time to end their reign. The next time a collaborative work project is announced, immediately consult with management regarding why you should take the lead. This is no time to play the waiting game because, while you’re working out a strategy, other employees will be pleading their cases. Send an email, pick up the … [Read more...] about How to Be the Center of Attention at Work (without freaking out!)

Ever get the feeling your J.O.B. is going to be the death of you? Well guess what- you might be on to something! By combining mounting evidence and common sense we finally have PROOF that holding down a steady 9-5 is the biggest risk you could ever take! Work kills. 1.       Lack of Control- It’s Worse Than You Think! Did you know feeling like you’re in control of your life is actually good for your health? It’s true! When you feel in control of your life your hormone balance changes, flooding your system with feel-good chemicals and a biological cocktail that encourages ambition and toughens up your immune system. Well, guess what? When you feel out of control the opposite happens! Your body cuts off those feel good hormones and downshifts your immune system! So- how often do you feel in control at work? 2.       Bad Jobs = Bad Health Habits Does your job stock its pantries and vending machines with health food or junk food? Do you get to exercise during the day, or are you … [Read more...] about 7 Ways Your Desk Job is Killing You

Many full-time professionals who work in the typical office environment spend more than 2000 hours a year in a cubicle. If you code or work for one of those tech firms the rest of us have been sending resumes to for the last 12 years, it's probably about twice that figure. If we can turn our thoroughly modern cubicles into positive workspaces, there's a good chance those 2000 hours will be far more productive. After some in-depth research, we've identified 7 solid ways to make your cubicle into a positive workspace. Some of these involve changing your cubicle furniture, some involve changing your attitude. 1. Feng Shui Your Cubicle The practice of feng shui dates back to 4000 BC. Its application to office cubicles and office cubicle furniture is a much later development. People spend their lives devoted to feng shui. We can't go into that kind of depth here, so let's just hit a couple of important ideas you can apply to your office cubicle. First, arrange your space so you can … [Read more...] about 7 Ways To Make Your Cubicle a Positive Workspace Without Using a Single Motivational Poster!