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5 Steps to Make Your Work More Challenging (Without Job Hopping)

If you’re like almost half of all workers, chances are, you don’t feel challenged enough at work. In fact, Business Week recently reported that 46% of women and 49% of men say they don’t feel like they’re being challenged in their jobs. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to jump ship and look for work elsewhere.

If you don’t feel challenged at work, here are five steps you can take to start raising the bar for yourself – and make yourself more valuable to your company.

1 – Ask for Better Work.
Start by having a conversation with your boss. Approach this conversation with respect rather than frustration. It’s not going to help your job – or your relationship with your boss – to complain about things. Be able to demonstrate your competency in your current work load, and then let your boss know you feel confident in the current tasks you’re assigned to and that you’d like to take on some additional tasks. Sometimes, simply asking for new work is all it takes to add challenge to your workday.

2 – Spur Your Own Growth.
Whether or not a conversation with your boss is successful at adding new tasks to your plate, professional development is a tried and true way to improve your work. By learning more about your field or industry, discovering how to use the latest trends in your current job roles, or observing new ways to approach old processes, you can rejuvenate your thinking – and maybe even challenge the status quo yourself. Professional development comes in many shapes and sizes these days, so try several approaches and see what works for you. Join a local professional group, befriend industry leaders on social networking sites like Twitter, or learn by teaching others.

3 – Develop New Ideas.
If you want to be the kind of employee who gets the best work, often, you have to be proactive and go after it yourself. Use the knowledge, skills, and ideas you develop through professional development and apply them to your current job role. If you have a spare hour in your work day, don’t use it to catch up on personal e-mails or peruse the Internet like most workers do. Instead, step out ahead of the pack and start something that will make your own work more challenging. Use your spare time at work to develop ideas you have that could help your department or company reach its goals, save money, or better serve customers and clients. Challenge yourself to develop innovative products, cost-effective processes, or cutting-edge concepts, and you’ll feel more energized – but don’t stop there.

4 – Propose and Present.

Simply spending time developing new ideas will help you feel more challenged at work, but to add value to your company, you have to take your ideas to the next level so you can actually implement them. Some of the best tools you can use to sell your ideas to your boss – and equip them to sell your ideas to their bosses – are the proposal and the presentation. Write a well-thought-out proposal to help you clarify your idea to yourself and sell others on its value to the company. Create a thoughtful visual presentation explaining your idea, and then set up a meeting to pitch it to your boss.

5 – Follow Up and Follow Through.
Once you pitch your idea to your boss, let them know you’re serious about moving forward by asking for their immediate feedback. Ask them to give you specific questions or ideas you can use to improve your proposal. Let them know you’d like to meet again in a week or two – to talk about moving forward. Then, follow up. If they don’t adopt the idea immediately – or at all –  that’s OK. New ideas are proposed all the time, and not all of them come to fruition. Continue developing ideas, listen to the critiques of your boss, and learn from the process. And if your ideas do get the green light, make sure to follow through with excellence.

If you feel your work lacks the challenge you’re looking for, don’t make the common mistake of waiting around for your boss to notice your potential. And don’t assume it means you need to find a new job.

Take the responsibility for making your own work a rewarding daily challenge, and not only will you beat the Monday morning blues, you’ll start adding accomplishments to your resume and building the career you’ve been dreaming of.

A Social Media Job Primer

There’s no question that social networking sites are growing in popularity over some more traditional methods to connect with old friends, find new friends, search for jobs and establish business contacts. We’ve seen social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn rise in popularity in the past few years. Even U.S. Senators were seen twittering on President Obama’s nationally televised speech.

In our current economy, there’s been a lot on the news about people using social networking sites to find jobs and meet important decision makers in the hiring process. There are countless numbers of networking sites available, and each can help you in different ways. You might be wondering, “which sites are best for my job search?”

To help you figure out which social networking site is best for your job search, here are some benefits of some popular sites.

LinkedIn – Maybe one of the more popular sites to conduct a job search, LinkedIn helps you focus on specific companies and targets your job search. You can learn all you need to know about companies. You can also search the company name to find out who currently works there or was formerly employed by the organization. Building your own professional network on LinkedIn will allow you to learn more about your contacts, communicate with decision makers of companies you’re interested in, and share your own work history online. To get the most out of your job search on LinkedIn, check out Guy Kawasaki’s Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job.

Plaxo – This social network site, popular with post-college professionals, resembles LinkedIn but has some differences. On Plaxo, in addition to a profile with a bio that includes your contact information, you can create a “pulse stream,” a list of the social media sites you’re connected to. Plaxo also has an address book that allows you to keep track of all your contact information and a map showing where your contacts live. It’s partnered with Simply Hired, a job search engine that aggregates all company and job site searches into one convenient place. It also has a calendar function to organize your meetings, events, and tasks. 

Twitter – Twitter allows you to share up-to-date information on what you’re doing in 140 characters or less. You can use this social network to talk directly to hiring managers. Make sure you fill out your profile with information relevant to your job history and mention the types of positions you’re looking for. Then, use the link section to promote your other social networking site such as your LinkedIn profile, online résumé, professional blog, or online portfolio. You can only provide one link, so be selective, and then make sure the page you select has links to all your other relevant professional online links. Because it’s highly specialized, this tool should be used primarily by people who have mastered other social networking sites.

Facebook – Facebook is growing in popularity and can be used to find a job in two main ways: searching the Facebook marketplace and joining groups or fan pages. The Facebook marketplace lists job openings in your network. You will be able to see who listed the job and then message the person directly to submit your résumé. The second way to find jobs on Facebook is to network with people through the groups and fan pages you have joined. Make sure these groups focus on the same interests and industry experience you would like to pursue. Many businesses and organizations have Facebook accounts, making it a little easier for job seekers to get into contact with decision makers and other influential people.

There are plenty more social networking sites available than these, making it a difficult process to choose which site will best benefit your job search. We’ve highlighted some of the most popular – because they are a great way to begin. While you’re building your social network presence, feel free to add Express as a connection on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn Job Search Connection to equip your career and keep you up-to-date on all our job search advice! But remember, simply using these sites alone will not guarantee you a job. Broaden your job search beyond the Internet, network with the people around you, and attend job fairs in your community in addition to online networking for the best results. 

If there are any social networking sites that have been successful at helping you find a job, let us know in the comments section below.

Making the Most of a Job Fair – Part 2

If you followed the tips in part 1 of this series, you’ve got your list of prospects, an up-to-date résumé, a tailored cover letter, an elevator speech, and your interview attire. Now you’re ready to tackle the job fair.

What to Do While You’re There

Map it out. To better utilize your time and make sure you meet all the prospective employers on your list and increase your chances of landing an interview, first find out where each employer is located. Map out your day so you’re not running back and forth between booths to meet people. Some job fairs have maps showing the location of each employer’s booth, so make sure you pick up one when you arrive.

Limit your time. Once you figure your agenda, plan to spend only five to 10 minutes with each employer. You want to spend enough time to make an impact and create a good first impression, but you don’t want to spend so much time that you wear out your welcome. Remember, you’re not the only one there looking for a job. If you extend your stay, you could be viewed as annoying or desperate and diminish your chances of receiving an interview. So, get in, make a good impression, get out, and move on to the next employer. Before you leave, remember to thank your new contact for their time and ask for a business card. If you have a business card of your own, ask if you can leave one with your résumé. 

If you mapped out your day correctly, you’ll probably have time to meet with employers that didn’t make the first cut on your agenda. If you have time, it’s a good idea to take this opportunity to learn more about other companies. They just might have the job you’ve been looking for.

The tough part is over, but you’re not quite done. After you meet with so many employers, learn how to follow up after attending a job fair in our next post.

Making the Most of a Job Fair – Part 1

With an economy that has seen better days and an unemployment rate that continues to rise, there has been a spotlight on career fairs to help job seekers find work.

Typically, you can get more information by attending a job fair than you can from surfing the Internet or making cold calls on your own. Job fairs offer a chance to meet a variety of potential employers in a single day and an opportunity to talk to them face-to-face.

To make the most of a job fair, you need to prepare before you go, have an objective while you’re there and follow up when you leave. To help you succeed, check out the first part of this three-part series on how to get the most out of a job fair.

What You Need to Do Before You Go

Know the participants. First, find out who all the participating employers are. You can find a list of attendees in your local paper in the classified job section or business section, or call the host of the fair. You can visit a job fair’s website or the host’s website for more details.

Decide who to talk to. Next, compile a list of potential employers you would like to talk to. Then, research the company. Find out all the information you would need as if you were heading off to your first interview. Then you’ll be able to talk to potential employers about your qualifications and what you can offer their company.

Prepare a résumé, cover letter, and short pitch. Finally, update your résumé, print several copies, and take them with you. Write a different cover letter for each employer you want to specifically target and tailor it to that company. Also, have an “elevator” speech prepared for when you meet a potential employer. This is a 30-90 second self introduction that highlights who you are and what you can offer to the company.

Dress the part. Now that you have prepared yourself for the job fair, pick out and press your business attire to ensure that you look your best for your first impression to potential employers.

Learn what to do at a job fair in part 2 of this series.

Three Tips to Survive a Job Loss

Losing a job can be tough, but you’re not alone. In today’s economy, more and more people are finding themselves without work. And, with the holiday season upon us, being without a job is even more stressful.

According to expert psychologists, losing a job can be as traumatic as losing a loved one. People often associate themselves with their job. If your job defines you and you’re without a job, you’re without an identity. So, it’s no wonder people become depressed after a job loss. But, there’s hope. Check out these three tips to cope with the loss of a job.

Move Forward. Instead of dwelling on your old job, look ahead to the chance of finding a new job. This can be exciting with the right outlook. Think about it as a chance to move your career in a new direction. Don’t waste time feeling sorry for yourself. Instead, pick yourself up and dust off your résumé. Take this opportunity to reinvent yourself

Create a Budget. One of the biggest stressors of not having a job is not having a steady income to pay the bills. But, this doesn’t have to get you down. There are things you can do to prepare yourself. Cut back on unnecessary spending, create a budget, and make a list of ways you can generate income until you’re employed full-time again.   

Be Calm. This is easier said than done, but experts say that being impatient leads to unnecessary stress which can lead to an even longer unemployment period. So, relax, and don’t get worked up if you don’t find a job right away. Try working a temporary or part-time position as you search for a new job. On average, it takes people months to find a job that closely resembles the one they had, according to experts. Commit to sending off your résumé to a prospective employer once a day – no matter how long it takes to find a job.

Losing a job can be rough, not only on you but your family as well. But, by keeping a positive attitude and being diligent to find a new position, you can move on.

Are You Giving Back to Your Community?

During the holiday season, many people lend a hand or spare a dollar to a special cause. But this year, giving back may be more of a sacrifice for some because of the unsteady economy. Making a financial contribution to your favorite charity may be out of the question this year, but you can still offer your time and talents to benefit an organization of your choice. Here are three reasons you should volunteer this holiday season.

Gaining Experience – Whether you’re looking to break into a new field or just want to hone your current skills, volunteering can give you the additional experience you need. Many non-profit organizations don’t have the resources to hire someone to perform certain tasks such as creating a newsletter, planning a fundraiser, or reconciling accounts. So, if you have specific talents, you can help your favorite charity by donating your time and offering to complete the projects that may otherwise go undone.

Growing Your Network – When you get to know others who work or volunteer for an organization, you’ll be making contacts in the community that can help you in a job search. Networking is reciprocal, so even if you’re not looking for a job, your contact may be able to find a job opportunity through you. Plus, if your friends or family members are looking for a new opportunity, you may be able to point them in the right direction because of the connections you’ve made.

Boosting Your Résumé – You can list your volunteer experience on your résumé to demonstrate that you’re willing to give your time and talents to help your community. Employers look for well-rounded individuals who are involved in activities outside their job, because these candidates bring more than just the required job skills to the position.

Consider volunteering for a charity in your community whether you’re looking to build up your résumé, land a better job, or give back. Non-profit organizations are always looking for extra help, and this holiday season is as great a time as ever to start. It will even add to your holiday cheer to help others in need as you’re reminded of your own blessings.