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Monthly Archives: July 2014

Poll: How has your education affected your career path?

By Job Journey on Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Educational paths, like college and career technical schools, can help pave the way to landing your dream job. But sometimes, the jobs we end up in aren’t directly tied to the education we received. Express Employment Professionals recently released the results of a survey conducted in both the U.S. and Canada which revealed that the least important factor when looking at job candidates was education. Instead, work ethic/integrity and attitude were the key characteristics that affected the hiring decision.

For our August question of the month, we want to know what role your education has played in your career or job search.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Job Interviews

Top Interview Traits Your Future Boss Wants to See

By Job Journey on Monday, July 28, 2014

If you think outstanding references and years of education are the top traits employers are looking for during interviews, think again.

According to a new study by Express Employment Professionals, it turns out the most important thing you need to get where you want to be is a positive attitude. The recent survey found that attitude and integrity are the two top qualities your future bosses want to see. In fact, your attitude toward a future job and employer may be the most important trait to develop if you’re looking for a job.

Developing a Positive Attitude
So, what are some ways to give your attitude a positive boost before, during, and after a job interview? Here are some tips to help you keep your attitude in check:

Make eye contact. Engage yourself with the interviewer by smiling, relaxing, and showing emotion.
Be positive. Focus on what you can do and don’t cut yourself down. If the interview asks about your greatest weakness, try to show how it has strengthened you.
Never complain. Even if your former boss was the worst boss in history, don’t complain. Employers see a bright red flag if your interview is full of criticism, complaints, or excuses.

Showing Integrity and Work Ethic
Let’s assume you have a strong work ethic – how can you show your new, future boss that? These tips can help:

Be respectful. Show respect to past co-workers and describe positive relationships in your previous job.
Make a good impression. Show you have a strong work ethic by arriving to your interview on time and prepared.
Be honest. If you are lacking in certain areas, be honest about it, but stress that you are willing to learn and will go above and beyond to provide the skills the employer needs.

Other Important Interview Traits
These findings came from the 2014 edition of the “America Employed” survey of 115 Express franchises across the nation. The survey asked respondents to rate various traits on a scale of one to five based on how important they are when evaluating applicants.

While skills and job experience were certainly important, the traits respondents rated as most important were attitude (4.53 out of 5), work ethic and integrity (4.52 out of 5), and credible work history (4.07 out of 5). Other traits included:

Culture fit (4.02)
Skills (3.85)
Job experience (3.73)
References (3.45)
Education (2.67)

In your experience, did a positive attitude during a job interview result in a job offer? Tell us about it in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Associates of the Month

Associate Spotlight: Ashlee Washington

By Job Journey on Thursday, July 24, 2014

Movin’ On Up takes pride in recognizing outstanding Express Employment Professionals associates who’ve been acknowledged by one of our Express offices. Every associate we put to work has a story to tell, and we want to celebrate the accomplishments of the individuals who come to work for us.

This month’s associate spotlight recognizes an associate who is a great example of the spirit of Express – Ashlee Washington from the Royal Oak, MI Express office.

A Serious Student
Ashlee is currently a junior at the University of Detroit Mercy where she’s studying bio-chemistry in order to pursue her dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. Despite juggling an already heavy class schedule, Ashlee still takes on regular assignments with her local Express office in Royal Oak.

The Royal Oak office often calls on Ashlee to fill a position for a client, and, as long as it doesn’t interfere with her school work, she is always up for the challenge. “Ashlee is truly our go-to worker,” Steven Davis, owner of the Royal Oak Express office, said. “She is articulate, well-spoken, and adapts quickly to new environments.”

A Hard Worker
No matter the assignment, whether it’s filling in for a receptionist, working a marketing event, or passing out promotional material, Ashlee always wows Express clients by being on time, dressed to impress, and having a can-do attitude. “Every client Ashlee has worked for has provided wonderfully positive feedback, often noting how quickly she caught on and how professionally she carries herself,” Steven said.

In a recent assignment, Ashlee filled in as the receptionist at a local business while an employee was on vacation. When Ashlee’s assignment ended, the owner of the company sent a note to Express commending Ashlee’s performance. “Ashlee is the type of person I want to work for me,” the owner said. “If she weren’t in school, she’d have a job offer today!”

A Caring Volunteer
Despite her busy school schedule and temporary assignments, Ashlee still finds time to give back to her community. She currently volunteers for GM’s Student Corps, a select group of 11 interns from the University of Detroit Mercy. The group works to mentor students in the area and organize community service projects. Ashlee has also volunteered to do beautification work on the property of the Cody School in Detroit, and she has worked with Detroit Children’s Hospital.

Ashlee’s impeccable customer service, giving heart, and contagious smile make her a great example of the Express spirit. We’re thankful to have her as an Express associate and wish her luck with her studies, the Medical College Admission Test she’ll be taking this fall, and in her future career.

If you’re an Express associate or know an associate who would be a great candidate for our associate spotlight, let your Express office know. And if you work with an Express associate you’d like to feature on Movin’ On Up, let us know in the comments below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Career Options Networking

Does Being Unemployed Make You Unemployable?

By Job Journey on Wednesday, July 23, 2014

“If I’m unemployed, is it making me less employable for the jobs I’m applying for?” It’s the question facing millions of people who struggle to find work in a weak job market.

One of the long-lasting impacts of the Great Recession is how many job seekers are continuing to have trouble starting over in a new job. For the long-term unemployed (those out of work for more than six months), a Princeton University study found that only 11 percent found steady employment. So, does being unemployed make you less likely to get a job?

It Can, But It Doesn’t Have To

When an employer is looking over a resume, they want to see not only what type of work history you have, but also what you are currently doing to improve yourself professionally. While out of work, it’s tempting to focus on applying for as many jobs as possible and getting your information to your network of friends and family to help you get an interview. But your efforts can’t stop there.

If you’re unemployed, take this time to improve your current skills or learn a new one. A recent Harris Poll survey of the unemployed found that 64 percent are not planning to go back to school to make themselves more marketable to employers. Career Technical Education locations in your community often have classes you can take to keep you up-to-date in your field, but can also provide you with the opportunity to learn a different skill or trade.

When employers are struggling to find qualified workers in the industrial, health care, and IT fields, this may be the perfect time for you to learn a new skill set. Most programs can be completed in two years or less, and tuition is much more affordable than a traditional four year degree from a university.

Keep Working

Going back to school is great way to fill in the gap in your resume, but if that isn’t an option, consider taking a part-time job to add to your resume. This will demonstrate your work ethic and show employer you’re ready for an opportunity to continue your career. And if part-time work isn’t an option, consider volunteering in a way that uses your skills.

Whether your background is in administrative work, human resources, accounting, or another field, you have something to offer to a non-profit or charity. Most of these organizations are often under-staffed and depend on volunteers with expertise in different areas to come in and do some work for them for free.

When a potential employer looks through the stack of resumes and sees that you’ve spent time serving others in the community using your skills and expertise, you will stand out and have a leg up on the competition.

Some Employers May Not Hire You

In a few places, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against job seekers based on their employment status. But for the most part, there is no legal protection from your unemployment having an impact on the hiring process, and that means you may run into this problem.

So what can you do? If you think an employer won’t hire you because you’ve been out of work, it’s a tough situation to deal with. But when you turn your focus from the gap in your work history on your resume, to the people you know, your job search could be revitalized.

Connect with People and Stay Positive

Build your network of contacts. Reach out to family and friends to introduce you to people who could have an impact on your job hunt. Help a potential employer get to know you as great candidate and not another resume in the stack sitting on their desk.

If you’ve done all you can to improve yourself since becoming unemployed, it’s likely you won’t stay out of work for long. The Harris Poll survey of the unemployed also found that 91 percent of the unemployed are hopeful they will find a job they really want in the next six months. Hard work during this time in your life will set you up for success in your future career and make this an experience you look back on with pride as you overcame obstacles that wanted to keep you down.

How do you make sure you’re still employable if you’re unemployed? Share with us in the comments section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Career Advancement

Mid-Year Check-Up: Prep for Your Annual Review Now

By Job Journey on Monday, July 21, 2014

Most companies have annual reviews with employees to help track progress and evaluate their performance. But, it can feel overwhelming to look back and remember all your accomplishments and struggles. After all, a lot can happen in 12 months. Right now, mid-way through the year, is the perfect time to do a little prep work for your future annual review.

Read Previous Reviews
The first place to start is with your previous review. Scanning any notes you took or documents your supervisor provided at your last annual review will help you recall specific goals or expectations that you set for the year. It may also help to review several of your past reviews so you have a good picture of your long-term growth.

Start Your List
Compile a complete list of your recent accomplishments and completed projects. Include information to help measure the success of your work. Also, jot down any accolades or training you’ve received so far. All of this will help you and your supervisor have an accurate picture of your performance this year.

Meet With Your Manager
If you don’t already meet regularly, explain to your supervisor that you’re doing a mid-year check-up and would like to meet with them within the next few weeks. During the meeting, ask for their feedback on your performance and accomplishments over the last six months. To avoid waiting until it’s too late, also ask if you need to change anything moving forward in the second half of the year to meet your annual goals.

Make a Plan
Once you have a good idea of what you’ve done and what you need to change, make a plan for the next six months. Write out any specific actions that you or your manager noted you need to take. If there are still training or performance goals that you haven’t met yet, outline how you’re going to accomplish them before your annual review.

Just because your employer doesn’t require or instigate a mid-year review doesn’t mean you should skip it. Spending a little time and effort this summer could make all the difference in how your review turns out at year’s-end. Plus, it can turn a dreaded experience into a positive one.

Does your employer conduct a mid-year review, or do you do one on your own? Have you found it to be helpful? Let us know what you think in the comments section.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Workplace Safety

4 Common Dehydration Myths Debunked

By Job Journey on Friday, July 18, 2014

Our bodies need water to function properly, regulate our temperatures, help us digest food, and protect our joints and organs. And, in the hot summer months, it’s especially important to drink lots of water while you’re enjoying the great outdoors, exercising, or working outside. Know the truth about dehydration can help you stay healthy, so we’re debunking four common myths about being hydrated.

Myth #1: Dehydration isn’t as serious as everyone says.
Sure, the most common dehydration symptoms include mild headaches and sluggishness. But, dehydration can become severe and require immediate medical attention. According to the Mayo Clinic, serious symptoms include swelling of the brain, kidney failure, seizures, and even death. If dehydration symptoms aren’t caught early and treated with extra fluid, you can develop dizziness, confusion, and extreme thirst. Other serious symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and irritability. Symptoms of severe dehydration should be taken seriously, and medical attention should be sought immediately.

Myth #2: You should drink eight glasses of water a day.
We’ve all heard this rule, but how much truth does it hold? There is no scientific evidence to support the well-known theory of drinking eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day. Still, your body does need a steady supply of water to operate efficiently and keep you healthy. The Institute of Medicine recently determined that men should drink around three liters, or 13 cups, of total beverages every day, and women should drink around 2.2 liters, or nine cups. These intake levels include more than just water and can apply to coffee, tea, fruit juices, and even foods like watermelon and cucumbers, which have high water content.

Myth #3: Staying hydrated means only drinking water.
Yes, drinking water is an important part of staying hydrated. But, it also takes minerals, electrolytes, and essential fatty acids to keep the water you’re drinking where it needs to be in your body. Electrolytes and trace minerals help transport water to the blood cells, where they then activate enzymes. Those enzymes help with digestion and other bodily processes. Without enzymes and essential fatty acids, cells can’t properly absorb and hold the water they need. So, make sure you’re taking in the elements you need by eating mineral-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Cook with high-quality sea salt, which can deliver up to 60 trace minerals and help manage water flow in your body. And, don’t forget to include whole foods that are high in essential fatty acids, such as flax seeds and walnuts.

Myth #4: There’s no such thing as too much water.
Typically, your body flushes out any extra water it doesn’t need. But, if you’re drinking more than 12 liters of water in 24 hours or exercising heavily, it’s possible to disrupt your body’s natural balance and end up diluting too much electrolytes. The condition, known as hyponatremia, occurs when the level of sodium in your blood is abnormally low. Hyponatremia is rare, but anyone can get in trouble if they drink water in excess without replacing essential minerals and electrolytes. Overconsumption of water is most likely to occur in long-distance runners, and can lead to serious complications. So, don’t force yourself to keep drinking water if you’re feeling full. And, if you’re drinking lots of water during heavy exercise, be sure to add adequate salts and electrolytes to balance it out.

Staying hydrated will help you avoid heat illnesses this summer, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat fruits and vegetables that are high in water content.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Social Media

Is Your Online Presence Hurting Your Job Search?

By Job Journey on Wednesday, July 16, 2014

What you put online can haunt you forever.

Sound scary? It is.

Remember those parties in college and the pictures of you and your friends doing silly, sometimes inappropriate, things? Well, those fun times may come back to haunt you when you’re looking to impress a potential boss.

Today’s employers are savvy enough to scour the web and social media sites to get a feel for potential employees. So, if your digital footprint shows information you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see, then that footprint needs to be fixed, and fast. It could mean the difference between getting the job of your dreams or missing out.

First things first. Type your name into Google or Bing and see what search results show up. If what appears doesn’t show you in a positive light, you may want to start cleaning up your image. Here are the facts and ways you can improve your digital reputation:

Digging Up Dirt

According to the HUHS Library Media Center, 45% of all hiring managers use search engines to find information on people who applied for jobs. And, 63% said that something on a job seeker’s social media site caused them to not offer them a job. Recruiters for college graduate jobs said the same thing, with 50% saying they’ve found information online that ruined a job offer.

On the other hand, only 3% of job seekers regularly check their online presence; in fact, 74% said they’ve done it only once or twice.

Do you know how you really look online?

Think Before You Post

Photos of that beach party or that outrageous stunt you pulled may be lots of fun to share with friends, but it’s a big red flag for employers.

Even worse are questionable photos or posts. A CareerBuilder.com study said the top reasons someone wasn’t hired were because:

Candidate posted provocative/inappropriate photos/info – 49%
There was information about the candidate drinking or using drugs – 45%

Candidate had poor communication skills – 35%
Candidate bad mouthed previous employer – 33%
Candidate made discriminatory comments related to race, gender, religion, or other – 28%
Candidate lied about his or her qualifications – 22%

Good Behavior

Don’t despair. Not all online searches yield terrible information that will doom you to unemployment for the rest of your life. Employers can also find the good things about you online too.

According to the same study by CareerBuilder, those good things included:

They got a good feel for your personality – 58%
You have a professional image –55%
Information found proved you were qualified – 54%
You come off as well-rounded and with a wide range of interests – 51%
You have great communication skills – 49%
You are creative – 44%
Other people said great things about you – 34%

What You Can Do

The good news is that you can start cleaning up your online image today. With a little effort, you can make your online presence work in your favor.

But, before we go any further, go to all your social media sites right now and adjust your privacy settings so only people you want can see your posts. It’s okay, we’ll wait.

Now that your sites are private, you can do a couple of other things to erase any bad press a search may turn up. These tips, provided by The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, include:

Remove any photos, content and links that are inappropriate or reveal too much information.
Be private and selective about who can access your information.
Remove inappropriate comments by others.
Post links to your work.
Don’t vent on a public domain – keep your anger or nasty comments to yourself.
Set your social networking profile to private and designate who can view your content.
Most importantly, think before you post.

Have you had an experience in which your digital profile meant the difference between getting a job or not getting a job? Share your story in the comments below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.