Tag Archives: poll

Poll: How Do You Track Your Goals?

MOV_POLL-ICONAt the beginning of the new year, you may have made resolutions to improve your professional and personal life in 2017, and hopefully, you are well on your way to success! It’s important to mark milestones along the way and celebrate the little victories as motivation to reach the finish line. So we want to know how you track your goals. Share your thoughts by voting in our poll!

Climb the Ladder: 5 Ways to Get That Promotion in 2017

ThinkstockPhotos-120488598Earlier this month, we published a post revealing what our readers predict the job market holds in store for the coming year. For the most part, responses were optimistic with 28% of respondents predicting that the job market will improve and they “will definitely get a job offer or a promotion in 2017.” So we thought we’d offer a few suggestions to snag a promotion and climb the company ladder in the coming year.

Be Dependable

This one seems obvious, but a lack of dependability is one of the top complaints of many bosses. So show up on time. Call or text if you realize you’re going to be delayed. If you’re too sick to make it to work, give the boss as much advance notice as possible so he or she can make arrangements to cover your absence. Complete your assignments and tasks on time. Don’t schedule personal days during particularly busy times or in the middle of time-sensitive projects. Want to really make a positive impression? Be the go-to person for your boss or supervisor. Volunteer to take on additional responsibilities.

Be Coachable

Learn from the wisdom of people who have “been there, done that.” A good coach dispenses guidance and feedback to help you improve, not to ridicule you and point out your flaws. Condition yourself to accept constructive criticism, and don’t take it personally. Make it your goal to become a better listener. When someone gives you instruction or advice, give your full, undivided attention. Don’t try to formulate your response until the person speaking finishes their thought and you’ve taken a moment to process the information. Ask follow-up questions to show that you understand and to clarify anything that may be unclear. Seek advice and guidance from trusted sources. Learn more about being coachable here.

Think Like a Boss

While you’re on the job, take on a corporate mindset. Consider how your job fits in to the big picture. How does what you and your department do affect the other employees and departments in your organization? Be proactive. Try to anticipate situations that may affect your job or department. Be mindful of when particularly busy periods occur in your workplace and recognize the challenges that come along with it. You don’t have to be the first person to raise your hand when the boss needs someone to work an overtime shift, but at least you won’t be surprised when she asks.

Speak Up

Voicing your opinion shows your boss and co-workers that you’re engaged and interested in solving problems. There are many reasons people are reluctant to make their voices heard. Maybe you’re an introvert or you’re afraid your ideas will be rejected. Whatever the reason, if speaking in front of a group stresses you out, you’re not alone. When it comes to gaining self-assurance, remember to project confidence, make eye contact, and keep your comments short and to the point. Read these tips for building your speaking muscle.

Read More

First, learn everything you can about the company you work for. Hopefully your employer has a website. Refresh your memory by reading the About Us section to brush up on company history, their mission statement, and corporate leaders. Be aware of the products and services your employer provides and of the types of customers your company serves. Second, keep up with the news and trends that affect your line of work. Read books, blogs, and websites that focus on your industry or business. The ability to intelligently discuss the state of your business or industry will definitely set you apart from the competition.

How will you stand out in the coming year? Do you have any tips or secrets for rising above the rest? Tell us in the comments section below.

Poll – What Are Your Career Goals for 2017?

MOV_POLL-ICONThe new year is just two days away! As you prepare for 2017, have you thought about your goals or made a list of what you’d like to accomplish? So that we can better help you reach those goals, we want to know what you’re setting your career sights on in 2017. Share your thoughts by voting in our poll!

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

A Review of Your 2016 Job Market Predictions

job_market_predictions_2015_webEach year, we ask Movin’ On Up readers to share their predictions for the job market in the coming year. With 2016 coming to a close, we want to review your answers and analyze this year’s economy.

Your Predictions
For 2016, the majority of readers (34%) answered that the market is “good enough to test the waters and see what else is out there.” The year before, readers felt the same way. In fact, take a look at just how similar the past couple of years have been:

“It’s good enough to test the waters:”

  • 2014: 35%
  • 2015: 34%

“Things are going to get worse before they get better.”

  • 2014: 27%
  • 2015: 25%

“I’m definitely getting a job offer or promotion this year.”

  • 2014: 17%
  • 2015: 18%

“I’m staying where I am. I don’t expect things to get better.”

  • 2014: 11%
  • 2015: 11%

Analyzing the Results
In November, the national unemployment rate in the U.S. was 4.6%, a decrease from 4.9% the month before. This time last year, the rate was 5%. A year before that, it was 5.8%, marking a clear trend toward lower unemployment rates. Additionally, Fung Global Retail and Technology predicted a retail sales increase of 3 to 4 % this holiday season, up from a 2.5% average over the past decade. Furthermore, the National Retail Federation expects retail sales at the end of the year to exceed $626 billion.

Given these predictions and trends, it seems as though readers’ belief may have been right that the 2016 economy would be strong enough to allow them to look for a new job.

Will next year’s results be similar? Vote in our poll and let us know how you think the 2017 job market will shape up.

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

Poll: What Are Your Job Market Predictions for 2017?

MOV_POLL-ICONThe year is almost over, which means it’s time to reflect on 2016 and look forward to a new year.

Last year, we asked Movin’ On Up readers what they predict the job market will look like in 2016, and 34% believed the market would be stable enough to try for a new job, followed by 25% who thought the market would get worse before it got better. Readers who were confident they’d get a job offer in 2016 made up 18% of respondents, and 11% planned to stay where they were in their career paths.

This year, we want to know if your expectations have changed. Do you think the job market will grow, remain the same, or plummet? Do you feel the same way as our readers did last year, or did your year affect your outlook on 2017? Let us know by voting in our poll!

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

Poll Results: What Job Search Obstacles Have You Overcome?

overcome_tough_job_search_webEveryone’s career path is different and often filled with unexpected twists and turns. Whether it’s a lay off or voluntary career change, it’s important to evaluate the situation and come up with a game plan for your job search.

In October, we asked our Movin’ On Up readers what job search obstacles they have overcome, and what we found was telling. Not having a network and concern about age took the top spots in our poll at 14% each. A total of 11% of respondents said they have fear/anxiety in a job search, while 10% have faced an outdated resume.

Other results include:

  • Lack of experience – 8%
  • Economy – 7%
  • Stereotyping – 7%
  • Outdated or lack of skills – 5%

In addition, 5% of readers selected “other” and cited the following reasons:

  • Low pay, no benefits
  • No college degree
  • Over qualified
  • Relocation
  • Job hopping resume
  • Lack of transportation

Make an Action Plan
After you have identified an obstacle or two that is keeping you from getting that next job, make an action plan with realistic and achievable goals. If you struggle with an outdated resume, sit down and work on one section at a time. If you don’t have a reliable form of transportation to get to job interviews, research local organizations to see if any offer assistance to job seekers.

What are some other ways that you can overcome obstacles in your job search? Let us know in the comments below!

Poll- How Do You Wish Your Company Showed Appreciation?

MOV_POLL-ICONWhy wait for Employee Appreciation Day or a generic pat on the back with a scripted, unenthusiastic ‘great job’ one-liner?  The truth is employees enjoy being appreciated year-round. In fact, those who are recognized for their work feel valued and part of the company.

Some companies have gone above and beyond the norm to recognize and reward their top performers and overall staff. Consequentially, they gain employees who have a personal interest in the success of the company. These companies understand a few basic ideologies concerning employee retention and motivation, and recognize the extra effort that people voluntarily invest in work—simply by saying, thank you.

The Business Daily News recently asked owners for their best tips on how to show appreciation to employees. Their advice ranged from small gifts, group outings, giving employees more responsibility, and allowing their input on company decisions.

Whether a company has displayed gratitude to an individual or the entire staff for exceptional work, we want to know what you’ve personally experienced or witnessed when a company has shown employee appreciation. Let us know by voting in our poll.

How Do You Wish Your Company Showed Appreciation? (Select all that apply.)

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