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3 Ways to Get Noticed on LinkedIn

By leidson on Friday, December 20, 2013

Are you a job seeker wondering what it takes to get noticed on social media and LinkedIn? You need to ask yourself, “How can I stand out from the crowd?” To answer this question and help you get off to a great start, here are three tips to remember.

Stand Out by Staying Up-to-Date
First and foremost, keep your experience and skills updated. It’s also important to have an up-to-date profile and picture. Whether you’re looking for a job or getting ready for an interview, a recruiter or possible future employee could be searching your name to find out more about you. If someone were to find an out of date or empty profile page, that could be a deal breaker. It’s important to have a profile to reference so people can gain information about you. Staying up to date is also beneficial for your job searching process because it gives you a better chance of being noticed by recruiters.

Stand Out by Customizing Your Profile
To attract the attention of recruiters, customize your profile to reflect the criteria recruiters are seeking. Recruiters often search LinkedIn to find people with skills and qualities they’re looking for in an employee. Use specifics in your profile to show quantifying examples of your work abilities.

While customizing your profile, be sure to fill in every section of your profile so your profile will be more attractive to a recruiter. Don’t leave a category blank or unfinished on your profile, because the more information, the better and take advantage of the opportunities LinkedIn gives you to share about yourself and don’t forget to share your professional experiences and awards.
You can see how easily searchable you are by the keywords that exist on your current profile. First, sign in to LinkedIn, click the drop down menu next to “sort by” and choose “keywords.” Then, search your desired keyword. As your online presence grows so will your ranking on LinkedIn.

Stand Out by Engaging with Others
Staying active on your profile will boost your visibility and allow others to see how active you are in your industry. Whether you’re speaking at an event or attending a seminar, post about it. Just remember LinkedIn is a professional social site, it’s not a place to share personal updates like Facebook or Twitter, so keep it work related.

It’s also a good idea to comment on news and updates your connections have posted. Every time you update your profile, join a group, “like” a business, or post something, it shows in your connections newsfeeds and brings more visibility to your profile.

LinkedIn is a great tool to use when you are in the job market. Have you had any luck using LinkedIn? Share with us in the comments section below.

3 Tips for Working with a Younger Boss

By leidson on Monday, December 16, 2013

As more baby boomers are delaying their retirement and working later in life, it’s likely they’ll eventually find themselves working for someone that is younger than them. Working in an environment full of people of different age groups can make it difficult to connect and relate. Here are three tips to keep in mind when working for a younger boss.

Confidence
Having confidence in yourself will not only help you advance in your company and career, but it can also make work more enjoyable and fulfilling. Walk with caution, as there is a difference between confidence and arrogance. Confidence is important when working for a boss that is younger than you, so believe in your abilities.

Communication
Communication is a key to getting to know your boss no matter their age. Ask how he or she likes to stay in touch, whether by text, phone calls, email, or face-to-face meetings. As you learn how to communicate with each other, you’ll figure out how to get along with them as well.

Understanding
Although you may have more experience in the company than your young boss, understand that what he or she brings to the business is new and that they have unique insight to offer. Change is needed to grow and further businesses, even if it means you may be learning new areas you’ve never thought about.

Keep in mind the relationship between you and your boss is probably the most influential and important relationship at your workplace. Do you work for someone younger than you? If so, share with us in the comments section what you’ve done to bridge a positive relationship across generations.

Career Advancement Career Options New Job Tips The Job Search Uncategorized

The Express Hiring Process

By leidson on Friday, December 13, 2013

Over the past few years, Express Employment Professionals has put more than a million people to work. And we’re on a mission to help a million more. Finding the right jobs for the right people is what we do best.

How It Works

After you’ve applied with us either in person or online at ExpressPros.com, you can be scheduled for an interview. Following the interview process, Express will try to find a job that fits your skill set and qualifications. Our staffing consultants will get to know you and seek to make the hiring process quick and easy. Express works hard to find new employment opportunities for applicants on a daily basis. To hear real life experiences from associates, check out this video about how Express has helped get them to work.

Career Options Job Interviews New Job Tips The Daily Grind The Job Search Uncategorized

Interviewing at Express

By leidson on Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Searching for a job on your own can be very time consuming. Going through numerous applications and trying to find a job that fits your skill set can take a while. Not to mention the added stress of the interview process. Express Employment Professionals is here to help. Finding the right job for the right person is what we do best. Throughout the past few years, Express has put more than a million people to work. And we’re on a mission to help a million more.

After applying at an Express office or online at ExpressPros.com, you may be scheduled for an interview. If you have any questions about what to wear, bring, or how to prepare, we have the answers.

To help you better prepare for your next interview, check out this video for some quick and easy tips.

At Work Work/Life Balance

Do’s and Don’ts for Dirty Santa

By leidson on Monday, December 9, 2013

As the Christmas season quickly approaches, many people are preparing for holiday parties and events. Preparing for Christmas parties can be stressful, but choosing which games to play, or which gifts to give, shouldn’t be. If you’re thinking about exchanging gifts at your work Christmas party, keep in mind that everyone may not have the same budget or allowance for gifts. Dirty Santa, White Elephant and Secret Santa are fun and easy options that won’t break anyone’s piggy bank. It allows people to get creative with gift ideas and it’s interactive so everyone can join in on the fun.

If your office is planning on playing games at your Christmas party this year, here are some do’s and don’ts that you should keep in mind:

1. Do bring a gift within the price range. Don’t feel obligated to spend the exact amount at the upper end of the limit, but be reasonable so no one feels cheated.

2. Don’t forget that Christmas parties are company events, so you should act accordingly, even if others aren’t being professional. Keep in mind your company culture and workplace etiquette.

3. Do go to the Christmas party! Make an appearance, spend time with your co-workers, play games, and have fun. Remember your leadership has planned the party and worked hard to make you feel appreciated.

4. Don’t bring a questionable gift. (Anything that could embarrass you or a co-worker isn’t a good idea.)

5. Do thank the people who hosted the event. Let them know you appreciate them taking the time to plan everything.

If you’re new to your workplace, ask around to see how things have gone at previous Christmas parties. For more Dirty Santa rules, check out this great article from CareerBuilder.

What are some rules you play by with work-related gift giving? Share with us in the comments section below.

Career Advancement The Job Search Uncategorized

The Express Application Process

By leidson on Friday, December 6, 2013

If you need assistance finding a job, we can help! Applying at Express Employment Professionals is quick and easy. You can apply in person or online at ExpressPros.com.

What We Do

Express offers a variety of work assignments from part-time to full-time in a variety of industries.

All Express offices are individually owned and serve businesses in their local communities. With a network of more than 650 locally owned offices, Express will help discover jobs in your area that fit your skills and qualifications as well as your availability. Whether you apply online or in person, your information is only seen by the office that you submit it to.

Don’t fall through the cracks. It’s important to follow up with an Express representative once you’ve submitted your application to make sure it was received and to find out if they have any initial questions.

It’s Free and Easy

During the past few years, Express Employment Professionals has put more than a million people to work. And we’re on a mission to help a million more.

Want to know if Express has a job that’s right for you? Contact your local Express office today. It’s free and easy.

Check out this video to learn more.