The Job Search

Start Your Workday Right: 7 Silent Tips to Get You Focused

Worday Morning StrongWhether you’re spending your time in an office, on a
construction site, or hitting the pavement looking for work, how you start the
day will set the tone for what you do, and how you handle situations that
arise.

That’s why it’s important to take a few minutes
at the start of each day to focus and prepare yourself for what’s ahead.
So, use these seven tips to find focus in the silence of the morning, before
the hubbub of work pulls your attention away.

1. Listen – Turn on your favorite song, or find another
sound you find soothing. Before you begin talking and engaging with the world,
listen to it.

2. Meditate – Before work, chances are your mind is
running over all the tasks, meetings, and projects you need to tackle. It can
be difficult to focus in the morning when your thoughts are all over the place.
So, take a few moments, perhaps on your commute to the office, to pray, think,
or meditate on the things to come. Clear your mind of all the distractions,
worries, and expectations you have, and find a place of calm where you can
settle for a few moments before you get into the activity of the day.

3. Stretch – Taking just a few minutes to stretch before
you start to work is a great way to prepare your body for the day ahead.
Whether you’re active or sitting at a desk, you need a chance to warm up
your muscles and energize your mind. There are many quick and easy stretches
you can do, so take just a few minutes and stretch.

4. Breathe – Simply closing your eyes, relaxing your
neck, shoulders, and face, and taking a few deep breaths is a great way to
clear your mind so you can focus.

5. Smile – It may sound silly, but research shows that
simply smiling can enhance your mood. So smile every morning, and remind
yourself of all the good things the day holds. Smiling in the morning will
energize your face and help you feel happier and keep you smiling you
throughout the day. If you need a little smile inspiration, check out the
Happiness Project, a photo group that’s collecting pictures of a million
unique smiles.

 

6. Play – Perhaps you have a child or pet you can spend a
few moments of quality time with before you head to work. Or, find a brain
teaser or puzzle you can work on before heading out the door. Get your mind
engaged in a fun activity early in the morning, and wake up your brain.
Don’t wait for your workday to finish before you find time to enjoy life.
Awake your creativity by finding ways to play before you start the daily grind.

7. Plan – Set one goal for yourself daily. A goal you can
reasonably accomplish. Choose the most important contribution you can make at
this moment in time. Of course, you’ll probably accomplish more than that
one thing, but set your focus early by knowing your top priority. This will help
you cut through the clutter and noise of the workday and set you up for
success. Because when you accomplish your day’s goal, you can celebrate
and enjoy the satisfaction of that accomplishment.

Before you start work, be intentional about taking some time
to find your focus. Spend a few minutes engaging your mind and your body so you
can get the most out of the potential in each day. You’ll find yourself
ready to take on the challenge of the day with energy, focus, and purpose.

Do you have a favorite part of your morning routine that
helps you get ready for the workday? Share your ideas and tips in the comments
section.

Seeker or Sleeper: What’s Your Job Search Style

Have you ever thought about the differences between superstars and slouches? We usually think about separating the high achievers from the low performers on the job, but it pertains to job seekers as well.

The three indicators discussed in The Key Differences between Superstars and Slouches can also relate to the different styles of people searching for jobs.

First, people who find jobs understand that finding a job is a full-time position. They devote an 8-hour workday to the process. They wake up in the morning, get ready for the day, and start their job search bright and early. They filter through employment opportunities, compiling a list of prospective employers to submit their résumés to. They don’t allow past failures or a sluggish economy to get in the way of finding a job.

Second, successful job seekers usually are relentless in their job search process. They pound the pavement looking for employment opportunities wherever they can find them. They don’t limit their job search to certain hours of the day. After they submit applications and résumés, they follow up with phone calls to ensure that potential employers have received all necessary documents and request a time for an interview. They don’t wait around with fingers crossed.

Third, job getters are the ones who don’t make excuses for the lack of employment opportunities. They understand the obstacles that stand in their way. Whether it’s a down economy, a competitive job market, or a lack of qualifications inhibiting their job search success, they reevaluate the situation and determine solutions.

The job search process may take longer than would have a year ago, but there are still jobs available. The difference is the job seeker. Successful job seekers process these three key elements, and the sleepers, well um, they sleep. So, don’t give up and fall into a job search slumber.

Check out your local Express office today for help in the job search process.

Recession Checkup: How’s Your Career?

Well over a year into one of the steepest recessions in decades, reports say things are beginning to look up for the economy. But, as the economy struggled, so did the workforce with rising unemployment rates, rocking the world of work from the inside out. Everyone has a different career story, and situations impact people differently, depending on personal motivations and financial situations. So, we want to know what this recession has meant to your career. Has it been a time of struggle or of success?

Your career may have been affected by several factors, but which has had the greatest influence on you – not just on your current job or financial situation, but on your whole career story? Let us know by voting in our online poll, and share your recession career stories in the comments below.

Poll Says Degrees Still Valuable, but Readers Share Frustrations

In our July monthly poll, we asked readers if they thought that this year, with high unemployment rates and a highly competitive job market, higher education is still worth the cost.

The results were mixed, but 50.3% of readers said that yes, they did think higher education is still valuable in this economy. At the same time, 32.9% of readers said that they did not think higher education is worth the cost, and 16.8% responded that they were not sure.

Comments on the poll illustrated that mixed feelings run deep when it comes to the value of higher education, especially in this economy. Some shared frustration, bitterness, and even anger about attaining college and advanced degrees but still struggling in a difficult job market.

Others offered insight into the value of work experience. One shared, “I just wouldn't recommend going from undergraduate to graduate school without any real work experience. It will be even harder in my opinion when you graduate.”

Another said, “A degree doesn't provide anyone with a guarantee. It does tend to open more doors than those who don't have a degree, but that is about it.”

So, as the summer wraps up and universities prep to welcome a new wave of students, will you be joining them? If so, are you planning to work to gain experience while you go to school? Are you looking for a different way to learn about your industry? Share your higher education plans for this upcoming semester in our comments section.

Not Sure About College? 3 Ways to Further Your Education

GuyWLaptopAs the next school year approaches, many are talking about whether or not to return to school. Some are considering another bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree to land a better job, get ahead at work, or even change careers. But, that’s not the only way to go. If you’re thinking about going back to school this fall, check out these three different ways to continue your education without hitting the books in a university setting.

Vocational School

If you’re interested in learning a new trade or switching careers, check out the vocational schools in your area. These schools offer specific training and first-hand experience for a variety of occupations, including electricians, culinary artists, and emergency medical technicians. Plus, many classes are offered in the evenings or on a short-track, making it more convenient for working adults to complete the coursework over an abbreviated time period.

Online Courses

If you have Internet access and are fairly self-disciplined, consider registering for an online class or two. Many universities and technical schools offer a wide variety of online classes, whether you want to learn another language, improve your computer skills, or increase your knowledge about an industry. These courses are great for individuals who need a flexible schedule to complete their coursework.

DIY Learning

Studying on your own gives you the most flexibility with your schedule and the materials you cover, but you have to create your own regime. If this is your preference, start by checking out your local library, industry- or topic-specific magazines, and online publications to find credible information on subjects that you’re most interested in. Then, simply begin reading. Also, look for workshops, seminars, and training courses at little to no charge in your community through civic organizations, libraries, churches, and professional associations. You may not gain a degree or certification, but at least you’ll be able to stay up to date on the latest news for your occupation and industry.

Continuing your education doesn’t have to be a daunting task or limited to a higher-education degree. By focusing on your goal and considering your options, you can quickly be on your way to furthering your knowledge and enhancing your career, whether you choose to go back to school, take a few online courses, or study on your own.

Top 10 Job Search Tips of All Time

No.10Sign A successful job search is definitely not easy. First, you have to find a job you’re interested in. Next, you have to apply and wait for an invitation to interview. After that, you have to prepare for the interview, and then you have to follow up. And, that’s just the basics – there are many more small steps along the way that make things complicated and sometimes overwhelming. So, we put together our top 10 job search tips of all time – to keep you from forgetting an important step along the way.

1. Broaden your job search

2. Build a network

3. Write a top-notch résumé

4. Submit a cover letter with your résumé, every time

5. Research your potential employer’s company

6. Practice answering common interview questions

7. Prepare to ask the interviewer questions

8. Be sure to dress for success

9. Bring the proper items to an interview

10. Follow up after an interview

Landing the job you want takes time and effort. Rarely does the perfect opportunity just fall in your lap. But, you can make your job search process simpler by following these top 10 tips of all time.

Tell us what you think – did we miss one? Share your job search tips in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you.

This Year, Is Higher Education Worth the Cost?

Summer may be at its peak, but just around the corner, another school year waits. Not just for children to return to class from summer vacation, but for a growing number of people in America, from the unemployed to those with newly minted degrees. 

This year, a rising number of unemployed Americans are returning to school to improve their knowledge and skills in an increasingly tough job market. In fact, many community colleges reporting their largest enrollment spikes ever attribute the increase to the need to meet the demands of a highly competitive job market.

To cope with the monetary strain of higher education, many high school graduates are simply opting for a low tuition option such as in-state or community colleges, rather than ivy league, gold sticker institutions.

Many new college grads, who faced a dreary job outlook upon their recent graduation, are opting to go straight into grad school, fearing uncertain immediate employment future. In fact, the National Association of Colleges and Employers reported that 26% of new grads planned to go on to graduate school, up from 24% in 2008 and 20% in 2007.

So, with all this emphasis on going back to school, we want to know what you think. Is it worth it to get a college or graduate degree in this recession? Let us know by voting in our poll below.

 
Are you struggling with the decision of whether or not to enroll in higher education? Looking to increase your skills, or hoping a degree will help you earn a higher paycheck? Share your thoughts on higher education in our comments section.