Jennifer Kenley

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Jennifer Kenley

What Every Job Seeker Needs for their Next Interview

By Jennifer Kenley on Friday, June 4, 2010

Recently on “Hired,” a new MTV documentary series that follows college graduates in their pursuit to find their dream jobs in a difficult job market, one prospective candidate designed a shoe for her interview for a design assistant job at Steve Madden. She didn’t get the job, but the shoe design for Steve Madden did get her a second interview.

It seems pretty brilliant when you stop and think about it. Why wouldn’t you bring an example of your work or create something specific to the company that ties in the requirements of the job you’re applying for? In addition to a great résumé highlighting your skills and accomplishments, visually showing the interviewer the value you can bring with a tangible example of the work you could do for the company can put you at the top of the list for the position.

If you’re in the communications field and interviewing for a job that requires public relations work, create a scenario for the company and present a press packet on how you would address the objective. If you’re applying for a journalist position, provide writing samples like news stories, feature stories that publications could feature, in addition to samples from other publications you have written for. For those in graphic design, create a design for a product that the company you’re applying for could sell. You will find that in creative fields like these, you can create something that will show your value and what you can bring to the organization.

For fields like finance and accounting, job seekers will want to bring documentation on how they saved their past employer money. It’s a little more difficult to research a company’s financial status and present a solution for accounting practices than it is to create a design portfolio due to finance confidentiality, but you should still be able to present knowledge about the company’s specific accounting needs. For positions in clerical, administrative, and industrial work, you can highlight your skills by bringing an example of your work. Just think of a project or task you completed at your old job. Apply the concept and relate it to the new position you’re applying for.

Even with the job market showing signs of improvement, there are still many people competing for every open job. So, before your next interview, take the initiative to create something that will impress a potential employer. Learn more about their needs and be ready to sell how you can help them. This will not only showcase your talent but will also show that you researched the company, demonstrating your initiative, your work ethic, and desire to work for them.

At Work Cube Life The Daily Grind

Four Tips to Fitting in at Work

By Jennifer Kenley on Friday, May 21, 2010

No matter who you are or how likeable you claim to be, everyone at some point in their life has had trouble fitting in. And, it has nothing to do with if you’re shy or outgoing, or whether or not you were prom king or your high school’s chess champion. Fitting in is a struggle we have all encountered and it doesn’t end in high school. It can be just as difficult to fit in at work. No matter where you are in your career, if you’re feeling like an outsider at the water cooler or in the cube, try these tips to click with your co-workers.

Be a Team Player. Nobody likes to work for or with someone who is not a team player. So, make sure you volunteer to help on projects at work or take some tasks off someone’s plate. If one of your co-workers has to stay late to complete an assignment, check to see if there is something you can do to help them get out of the office faster. Your co-workers will appreciate your willingness to help out and may even return the favor one day. Letting your co-workers know you’re on their team will help build camaraderie and trust between you and your teammates.

Go to Lunch. Instead of going home for lunch everyday or eating out alone, ask your co-workers to go to lunch at least once or twice a month. If you eat in the break room, invite others to share a table. Getting together to learn about your fellow colleagues gives you time to find common likes, interests, and hobbies. And it shows you care about them as a person, not just as a co-worker. It can be intimidating, but be the first to take the initiative and ask a co-worker to lunch. You won’t just be building team relationships, you could be building great friendships too!

Don’t Gossip. People don’t want to hang out with someone who is always talking about other people. So, make sure you keep your opinions about others to a minimum and don’t talk about co-workers who may rub you the wrong way. Even when co-workers entice you to join in on salacious gossip about the boss or another employee, don’t take the bait. Employees who don’t gossip about co-workers will be trusted and respected by the whole team!

Be Happy. It takes more muscles to form a frown then it does to smile, so try to come to work every day with a great attitude. People enjoy being around those who have a good outlook on life and who can make them smile, so be the one who makes someone else’s day brighter and be happy while you are at work.

While it may seem that some people just naturally fit in with others in the workplace, the truth is, everyone has had difficulties feeling comfortable with their co-workers at one time or another. So, don’t take it personally if you find yourself struggling to fit in, and follow these tips to make your day a little easier.

Career Options New Job Tips The Daily Grind The Job Search

New Job on the Horizon? 4 Ways to Make an Easy Transition.

By Jennifer Kenley on Friday, May 7, 2010

The global economy is improving, according to the chairman and chief executive of Monster Worldwide Inc. in a recent article on The Wall Street Journal. And that means the job market is on the rise. Job postings across every industry, from professional to occupational sectors, are increasing on the popular job search engine website, giving experts hope that the economy is beginning to stabilize, allowing job seekers to breathe a sigh of relief.

As the job market loosens and employers start to hire again, job seekers and those looking to change professions may find themselves in a transition – moving back into a full-time career or starting a new one. This can be overwhelming, exciting, nerve racking, and stressful. If you’re about to embark on a new journey on your career path, make your transition easier with these four tips.

Know your industry. Whether you’re jumping back into the job market after some time off or just changing careers, make sure you’re up to speed on the desired industry you want to work in. Research the latest trends by attending workshops, conferences, or education seminars that are geared for the career you’re searching for. This will help you be prepared when opportunity comes knocking.

Identify your transferable skills. Once you’re updated with the latest industry trends, identify the transferable skills you need to be successful in that line of work. All transferable skills fit into five broad skill categories: leadership and management, professionalism, communication, research and planning, and relational. To help you organize and clarify your skills, check out Secrets of the Job Search: Identify Your Transferable Skills.

Update your résumé. Now that you have researched your industry and identified your transferable skills, it’s time to update your résumé to reflect the career you want. Create a standout résumé that showcases you and your skills, helping you transition from one type of job to another.

Network. Your next step is to attend every possible networking event. You can even join organizations that don’t directly align with your industry, just as long as you get out there and meet people. Focus on building strong relationships with your contacts. Use networking opportunities to your advantage.

No matter if you’re changing jobs, just starting out, or starting over in the workforce, the time has come to prepare for the job search again. And, using these four tips will help you transition from one to another. So, stop dragging your feet. Get out there and start searching for your next adventure.

At Work The Daily Grind

Feeling Stressed? The Easy Way to Simplify

By Jennifer Kenley on Thursday, April 22, 2010

Americans are stressed out! And the nation’s economy is not helping. According to an annual survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), 80% of Americans polled between April and September of 2009 are stressed about their personal finances and the economy. Top contributors to stress in past surveys include work- and child-related issues. But, no matter what the causes are, stress – in large doses – can be harmful to your mental and physical well being.

To help you simplify your life and relieve some of the overwhelming obstacles that cause you unnecessary stress, I have one simple word of advice…DELETE!

Now, you may be wondering what that means and thinking that you can’t get rid of the things that may cause you the most stress at times, like your bills, your job, or even your children. But, you can delete things from your life that add fuel to the fires of stress so you can focus more on the issues that require more of your attention. So, delete unnecessary e-mails. Delete old, unused contacts from your phone. Recycle expired products in your garage, bathroom, pantry, and refrigerator. From simplifying an overflowing e-mail inbox at work to cleaning a clutter-filled room at home, getting rid of what you don’t need will help simplify and de-stress a hectic, full life.

Before you start tossing out the old and unnecessary, ask yourself these questions. When was the last time I needed this? How old is this? How will my life change for the better if I keep this? If your answers sound like this, “I don’t know; more than a year; and I’m not sure;” then chances are, it’s OK to delete these items from your life. Get rid of the things that cause you to worry, stress, or feel overwhelmed. Things can become an unnecessary burden that we must deal with every day.

Life is stressful. And, for many people, that’s just the way it is. Stress has become a way of life for many. But, it doesn’t have to be your way of life. By deleting what you can and should from your life, you may just start to live and love a life that you control, not one that controls you.

At Work Career Advancement The Daily Grind

From Good Employee to Great Boss – 9 Tips to Get You Promoted

By Jennifer Kenley on Friday, April 9, 2010

You’ve been called a great employee. You show up to work on time every day, you complete your work by the deadline, and you never, ever complain. Shouldn’t this be enough to get you to the next level?

In the minds of some employees, the answer would be “yes!” But, in the real world, if you’re showing up to work on time, finishing projects efficiently, and you have a pleasant attitude, then you’re just doing your job!

It takes going above and beyond to get to the next level. So, check out these nine steps to get promoted.

Work where there is opportunity to grow. You can’t move up quickly if there is nowhere to go. So, before you accept a job offer, make sure you find out if there are advancement opportunities. If you already have a job, talk to your supervisor about creating a career path that will lead you in the right direction.

Be the best you can be. After you have accepted a position with an employer, don’t immediately bombard your supervisor with questions about being promoted. Serve your time, pay your dues, and be the best employee you can be. Coming in on time and staying until 5 p.m. does not make you an overachiever. So, ask your co-workers if they need help with any of their projects once yours are completed. Offer assistance when your manager’s load gets too heavy. Show that you are a team player, and be flexible with your work schedule.

Speak up. Don’t be afraid to take ownership on projects you’ve completed or to present your ideas and solutions. You don’t want to have a “look at me” attitude, but it’s OK to keep your boss informed of the projects you’re working on and the ideas you have. This shows initiative and demonstrates you have the abilities, skills, and drive you need to get ahead.

Network with co-workers. Networking doesn’t stop simply because you have a job. Make it a point to meet as many people as you can in your company. Don’t limit yourself just to the people in your department. Many companies offer career paths in multiple areas and departments. And, “who you know” can be important at work when it comes to decisions involving promotions.

Schedule meetings with your boss. Once you have put some time in at your job, consider scheduling some one-on-one times with your supervisor. Take this opportunity to proactively discuss how you are doing in your current position and possible career paths for your future. This is your chance to build a relationship with your boss, address your desire for a promotion, and find out what you need to do to make it happen.

Continue learning. Whenever there is an opportunity to learn a new skill, regardless of whether it’s included in your current tasks or assignments, sign up and attend a conference, webinar, or night class that could benefit you and your team. Continue to build to your skills repertoire. This will build your value to you as an employee and show your employer that you’re willing to put in the extra effort to be the best at your job.

Volunteer for new projects. If your boss asks for volunteers to work on a new task, raise your hand. But, make sure you have time to complete the assignment on top of your normal deadlines first. You don’t want to over promise and then under deliver. If you have time to complete the task, offer to work on as many extra projects as you can. This is a great way to broaden your skills.

Search for a mentor. It’s always a wise decision to search out people who you would like to emulate in your career and ask them to be your mentor. But, before you approach the subject of a mentorship, make sure you’ve established a relationship with your prospect. This is beneficial to you and your prospective guru. It gives you both an opportunity to find out if you’re compatible and allows you to determine whether or not you’re asking the right person to advise you.

Find other employment. If you’ve exhausted all the steps above, growing your skills, expressing interest in advancement and becoming an indispensable member of the team but still have not received a promotion, then it might be time for you to look for other employment opportunities. But, before you jump ship, make sure you’re not just being impatient. After all, timing is everything! If you still feel it’s time to move on, make sure you have another job lined up before you go.

Climbing the career ladder can be difficult at times. There are bumps and snags along the way, but if you follow these nine steps and keep a positive attitude in the process, you could just find your way into the corner office sooner than you think.

At Work The Daily Grind

Jump into Spring with These Top Tips

By Jennifer Kenley on Friday, March 19, 2010

Spring is in the air, and everyone is feeling the anticipation of sunny days and warmer weather. But, if you’re feeling the effects of losing an hour of sleep due to Daylight Saving Time and waking up before the sun rises, check out these top tips to help put the spring back in to your step.

Start Your Workday Right – It’s important to begin each day with a positive attitude. This will affect how others perceive you, your productivity, and your overall well-being. So, check out these seven tips to get you headed in the right direction.

Go on an Inexpensive Vacation – With the weather showing signs of spring, thoughts of a get-a-way are not too far off. But, with financial stresses and a heavy workload, a lengthy vacation may not be possible. But before you toss out the idea of a well deserved break, try these inexpensive ways to rejuvenate yourself just in time for spring.

Find Inspiration in Your Day – Let’s face it. The past year has been tough, but the recovery has started. If you’re trying to find some inspiration in your day, check out these four places to look.

Change Your Mood with Color – There’s a reason spring weather puts a little skip in your step. The green grass and blue skies are just two examples of what the changing landscape can do for your attitude. But, you don’t have to be outdoors to increase your positive behavior. Paint your destiny with these vibrant colors inside the workplace.

Re-energize at Work – Working out after the holidays isn’t the only time you should focus on your health. Spring weather is the perfect time to get out and get some exercise. Don’t have time to workout? No problem. These helpful tips can get you back into shape while you’re at work.

With a change in the temperature just around the corner, it’s time to shake off those winter blues and jump into spring with enthusiasm, a new attitude, and a fresh start.

At Work The Daily Grind Workplace Relationships

4 Work Habits to Save Your Career

By Jennifer Kenley on Friday, February 26, 2010

There are conflicting opinions on whether or not the recession is over. But, the nation’s economy is definitely seeing signs of a recovery and experts believe America’s jobless rate is improving. According to CareerBuilder’s 2010 Job Forecast, 20 percent of employers plan to add to their payrolls in 2010, up from 14 percent in 2009. So, what does this mean for the employees who held on to their jobs during the worst of the economy?

If you were one of the so called “lucky” ones who weathered the countless rounds of layoffs, you’ve probably been overworked and underpaid, leaving you exhausted and in need of a much deserved vacation. You might even be feeling a little frustrated and overwhelmed about the mounds of work lingering on your desk. But, don’t let your work ethic slip. With employers increasing their plans to hire again in 2010, they could just as easily find someone else who is refreshed and excited about the opportunity to have a job, no matter how much work it entails. So, check out these four work habits to help keep you safe in your career.

Be Flexible. No matter how slammed you are in your current position with a heavy workload, stay flexible. Be willing to rearrange your schedule to allow for new tasks that may be more important, even when you can’t find a minute to spare. If your boss is a good manager, they will see when your plate is full and will adjust accordingly. Also, don’t be afraid to schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss what projects can be put on the back burner for a while so you can focus on top priorities

Be Positive. Make sure that you always have a pleasant attitude, even if you want to pull your hair out. It’s imperative that your superiors don’t see you sweat the small stuff, or the large stuff, and that you exhibit a can-do attitude even in the worst case scenarios. Having a positive mindset will go far in your boss’s eyes and will help you get through stressful days a little easier.

Be Accountable. It’s easy to lose track of projects when there is so much going on and no one to hold you accountable. So make sure you hold yourself responsible for your tasks. You don’t want to be assigned a project and not get it completed because you assumed your boss would get with you on it later. Upper management is doing more with less time as well, so be accountable for your own assignments and don’t expect your boss to micromanage your workload.

Be Assertive. If you see something that needs to be done, don’t wait to be tasked with the project. Take initiative and tackle the assignment before you are asked. This will show your boss how valuable you are to the organization and that you are willing to work on tasks without being told to.

As the economy continues to improve, employers are strategizing to make a comeback by hiring more employees. But, don’t let the notion that your job is safe keep you from having a strong work ethic. With many job seekers ready to take your place, your employers may only be a big résumé stack away from finding someone who would be happy to fill your shoes. You’ve worked hard for so long, so don’t give up! Keep your career on track with these four work habits.