Tag Archives: summer

Check In on Your Summer Job Performance

goal_setting_2020_webWe’re now about halfway through summer in the United States, and for many that means reaching a halfway point in their seasonal job. With a few more weeks to go before summertime wraps up or you head back to school, now is a great time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished in your summer job so far.

To help you check in on your summer job performance, we’ve compiled a few tips below.

Look back
If you set goals for the summer, now’s the time to see where you’re at on those. Do you think you’ll accomplish them by the end of your summer job stint? Do you need to adjust the goals at all? Take time to evaluate yourself and determine how to best move forward.

As you look back, also take note of the things you accomplished! Did you hit any goals sooner than you planned? Was there a project you took the lead on? Keeping track will come in handy as you interview for jobs in the future and will also help you identify strengths and weaknesses you may not have focused on before.

Focus forward
As you continue your mid-summer self-assessment, make plans for the remainder of the season. If you haven’t achieved the goals you set at the start of the season, focus on how you’re going to accomplish them in the coming weeks. If you have already achieved your goals, set more! Now is not the time to slow down or become complacent. You can continue to focus on your goals, build important relationships, and develop your skills.

Finish strong
For the remainder of the summer, as you think about heading back to school or start looking for a more permanent position, do your best to stay committed on the work at hand. A summer job can be a great stepping stone toward a more permanent position within that company or industry and you don’t want your hard work from the first half of the summer to be tainted by a lack of effort in the second half. It’s important, now more than ever, to keep pushing forward with tenacity and commitment to delivering your best work.

How is your summer job going? Do you have any tips for assessing your own job performance? Share with us in the comments section below!

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

Summer is Here – Do You Have a Job?

cool_impression_summer_job_webToday is the first official day of summer in the United States, which for some, means an increase in both temperature and free time. Every summer, many students look for temporary work while they’re on break from school.

To help you make the most of your summer job, we’ve dug through the Movin’ On Up vault to bring you valuable tips and resources this season.

Know the benefits.
Summer jobs are very valuable, and not just because they generate some extra cash. They can also help benefit your future by leading to full-time work, adding experience and skills to your resume, shaping your career path, and introducing you to important network connections. This Movin’ On Up article breaks down the benefits even more, so check it out if you’re on the fence about finding summer work.

Discover the hot jobs.
Finding the right summer job is essential. To get started on your job search, check out this infographic that introduces four jobs that are popular during the summer months.

Ramp up your search.
If your summer job search has stalled, don’t give up. It’s important to treat your job search as if it is your full-time job by being diligent in hunting for work, sending in applications, enhancing your resume, and preparing for interviews. You never know where a seasonal or temporary job can lead, so always remember to put your best foot forward. To help you ramp up your search this summer, take a look at this article.

Make a good impression.
In order to help your summer job lead to bigger and better opportunities, you must show value to your boss and make a good impression in the workplace. Adjusting your routine, taking on additional projects, learning from your mistakes, networking, and paying attention to your work wardrobe are all ways you can make a positive, lasting impression on your supervisor. Check out more tips in this Movin’ On Up article.

Learn from Hollywood.
Summer brings big hits to the box office, and often, those movies feature valuable lessons job seekers and employees can take away. If you’re wondering how Hollywood stories can help you land a job, and keep it, take a look at last summer’s blockbusters and see for yourself.

Clean up your social media.
Many of us take advantage of social media and its ability to help us stay in touch with friends and family. But, have you ever wondered what your social media presence may be doing for your job prospects? Just as much as your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or other profile may be entertaining, it can also be harmful. To make sure your accounts aren’t hurting your chances of landing a job this summer, check out this Movin’ On Up article.

Are you working this summer? What tips do you have for finding a summer job? Share with us in the comments section below!

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

Don’t Let Your LinkedIn Profile Go On Vacation

linkedin_vacation_webThe season for summer vacations is here! Many people are packing up their suitcases, lathering on the sunscreen, and hitting the hottest vacation spots while school is on a break and the weather is nice. Although it’s important to get away and take time to relax and unwind from school, work, or your job search, you don’t want to let your vacation get in the way of your networking abilities.

It’s true that our culture is suffering from a bit of social media overload, and some online users are so overwhelmed by their social networks and email accounts that they have considered taking a short break from them. In fact, 50% of online users in a recent survey reported that they’ve thought about taking a vacation from social media. While stepping away from Facebook or Twitter for a few days might be a good idea, you may want to take a different approach with your LinkedIn profile. Read on for more tips to keep your LinkedIn profile working while you’re relaxing.

Understand the purpose.
LinkedIn is a very useful network for job seekers, students, and those in the workforce. If you have a LinkedIn profile that you only update on occasion, you’re missing a big opportunity to be seen by recruiters and potential employers. The network allows you to research companies, find connections, and use your friends’ experiences to connect with people you may not be able to reach otherwise.

Write a catchy headline.
Much like your resume, your LinkedIn headline needs to represent you and your career goals. The headline is located just below your name on your LinkedIn profile and is one of the only things, aside from your name and profile photo, someone sees before deciding whether or not to click on your profile. So, make your headline count by spelling out what you’re looking for on LinkedIn. You can use your headline to state that you’re searching for a job, or just looking to network with those in your industry. According to Forbes, an administrative assistant found a job in two weeks after using the clever headline, “Office Manager/Business Air-Traffic Controller Looking for Overstressed CEO to Make Sane.”

Make a list of dream jobs, and network with them.
If there are specific companies you dream of working for, find their company pages on LinkedIn and follow them. When you follow those company pages, you’ll be in-the-know about what’s going on with their company. You may even be able to see job postings or other updates before the rest of the competition does. Plus, when you interact with the content companies share, you put your name in front of potential recruiters.

Do your homework.
If you land an interview, whether through LinkedIn or other means, don’t forget to do your research before the big day. Thankfully, LinkedIn can help with that. Try to find the profile of the person you’ll be interviewing with and learn what you can from it. For example, you may be able to find out where your interviewer went to college. Better yet, it may be the same school you attended. Automatically, you have something to talk about and a way to break the ice during your interview. Checking out their LinkedIn profile will give you a look at who the person is, what their experience consists of, and any community causes that are important to them. Knowing these bits of information can help you feel more comfortable during your interview while also showing you did your homework.

Use LinkedIn for more than networking.
Although being able to connect with potential employers is an important element to LinkedIn, there is more to the social network than simply adding friends. Give your profile substance by adding links to presentations, videos, or other projects you’ve completed. And don’t forget to share any articles, blog posts, or content you write by using the status update feature on your page. Sharing your own content is a great way to encourage interaction and also helps you get noticed faster.

Summer is a great time of year for relaxing, heading to the beach, or just taking some time off. While you’re busy soaking up the sun, don’t forget to keep an eye on your LinkedIn profile so you won’t miss out on important opportunities. During the summer months and holidays, you can easily make networking a part of your vacation by meeting new people and keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date.

How do you make your LinkedIn profile stand out? Share your tips in the comments section below!

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

Holiday Weekends Are a Great Time to Network

holiday_weekend_networking_webWith the Fourth of July holiday right around the corner, many Americans will find themselves traveling, camping, enjoying cook-outs, and gathering with family and friends. While it’s a great time to make memories and enjoy a firework show, it’s also a prime time to make sure you’re thinking about your career.

How can a holiday weekend make an impact on your job search? It’s all about networking. Whether you’re planning to attend a neighborhood pool party, barbeque with friends, or participate in a community event, there’s always an opportunity to network and make connections that could help you on your career path. Take a look at these tips for enhancing your summer holiday through the power of networking.

Be friendly.
You never know who you may run into at a social gathering, so it’s always important to put your best foot forward. In fact, it’s a commonly held belief that people will form an impression of you in the first seven seconds. When you meet someone new, consider it an informal job interview. Be friendly and positive and don’t be afraid to talk about your hobbies, what you enjoy doing for work, or your career goals. Even if the person you’re meeting doesn’t seem to possess any direct connections to a new job or company you want to work for, they may know someone who does. And, the first impression you give them could make or break your chance at that relationship.

Give yourself value.
When you meet someone for the first time, it may be easy to talk about yourself and share your career goals with the other person. While it’s important to introduce yourself, make sure you also allow your new connection time to speak. And don’t forget to give yourself value by explaining what you can do for the relationship. If you have experience, certain skills, or training that could benefit the other person, make it known. For example, if you’re an experienced welder and you find out your cousin’s friend owns a machine shop that’s looking for welders, be sure to introduce yourself and make your skills known.

Share your contact information.
If you happen to meet someone with connections or a job they’re trying to fill, make sure you get their contact information so you can follow up with them after the holiday weekend. You may want to consider carrying around business cards with your name and contact information for networking purposes. Keep a pen handy so you can write a note on the back of the card, like “Jim’s BBQ” or “Sarah’s Firework Stand” so they will remember where you met when they find your card after the holiday weekend. You may also consider sharing your LinkedIn profile with any new connections. If you have a smart phone or tablet handy, you can even look up the profile of those you network with and add them as a connection before you forget.

Don’t forget to follow up.
After the holiday weekend has ended, consider sending your new contact a handwritten note thanking them for their time or interest and asking if there’s a convenient time for you to meet and further discuss the open position or your career goals. Sending a quick note through email is another way to make a memorable impression and keep your name at the forefront of your new connection’s mind.

How do you plan to network during the holiday weekend? Have you made a job connection through a social event? Share your tips in the comments section below!

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

4 Hot Summer Jobs

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s a great time to start searching for a job to fill your time off. Since summer jobs are important to build your resume and help you network, finding the right fit is essential. To get started on your job search, check out these four jobs that are popular during the summer months!

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

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4 Common Dehydration Myths Debunked

dehydration_myths_webOur bodies need water to function properly, regulate our temperatures, help us digest food, and protect our joints and organs. And, in the hot summer months, it’s especially important to drink lots of water while you’re enjoying the great outdoors, exercising, or working outside. Know the truth about dehydration can help you stay healthy, so we’re debunking four common myths about being hydrated.

Myth #1: Dehydration isn’t as serious as everyone says.
Sure, the most common dehydration symptoms include mild headaches and sluggishness. But, dehydration can become severe and require immediate medical attention. According to the Mayo Clinic, serious symptoms include swelling of the brain, kidney failure, seizures, and even death. If dehydration symptoms aren’t caught early and treated with extra fluid, you can develop dizziness, confusion, and extreme thirst. Other serious symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and irritability. Symptoms of severe dehydration should be taken seriously, and medical attention should be sought immediately.

Myth #2: You should drink eight glasses of water a day.
We’ve all heard this rule, but how much truth does it hold? There is no scientific evidence to support the well-known theory of drinking eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day. Still, your body does need a steady supply of water to operate efficiently and keep you healthy. The Institute of Medicine recently determined that men should drink around three liters, or 13 cups, of total beverages every day, and women should drink around 2.2 liters, or nine cups. These intake levels include more than just water and can apply to coffee, tea, fruit juices, and even foods like watermelon and cucumbers, which have high water content.

Myth #3: Staying hydrated means only drinking water.
Yes, drinking water is an important part of staying hydrated. But, it also takes minerals, electrolytes, and essential fatty acids to keep the water you’re drinking where it needs to be in your body. Electrolytes and trace minerals help transport water to the blood cells, where they then activate enzymes. Those enzymes help with digestion and other bodily processes. Without enzymes and essential fatty acids, cells can’t properly absorb and hold the water they need. So, make sure you’re taking in the elements you need by eating mineral-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Cook with high-quality sea salt, which can deliver up to 60 trace minerals and help manage water flow in your body. And, don’t forget to include whole foods that are high in essential fatty acids, such as flax seeds and walnuts.

Myth #4: There’s no such thing as too much water.
Typically, your body flushes out any extra water it doesn’t need. But, if you’re drinking more than 12 liters of water in 24 hours or exercising heavily, it’s possible to disrupt your body’s natural balance and end up diluting too much electrolytes. The condition, known as hyponatremia, occurs when the level of sodium in your blood is abnormally low. Hyponatremia is rare, but anyone can get in trouble if they drink water in excess without replacing essential minerals and electrolytes. Overconsumption of water is most likely to occur in long-distance runners, and can lead to serious complications. So, don’t force yourself to keep drinking water if you’re feeling full. And, if you’re drinking lots of water during heavy exercise, be sure to add adequate salts and electrolytes to balance it out.

Staying hydrated will help you avoid heat illnesses this summer, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat fruits and vegetables that are high in water content.

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