January, 2015 | Journey

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Monthly Archives: January 2015

Do You Have What It Takes to Play On A Championship Team?

By Job Journey on Friday, January 30, 2015

Excitement is growing each day as we get closer and closer to the kickoff of the big game. Friends are planning parties and fans are picking sides. And in the spirit of one of the world’s largest sporting events – it’s time to put your game face on and attack your job search. Here are five tips to help you become a champion in the job search competition.

Develop a Game Plan
Research companies you would like to work for and develop a plan of action to be part of their team. The most obvious search would be the company’s website to see if the company culture aligns with your values. Consider asking friends who might work at the company or individuals you might know through professional networking organizations. Execute your plan daily with determination, drive, and passion.

Fundamentals are Key
In football and in life, fundamentals are key. You need to practice your skills to make sure you are sharp and ready for any assignment. If you are just entering the workforce and don’t have the experience yet, consider volunteering with a nonprofit to gain some valuable skills like organization, time management, and team building. Or, if you are in the workforce and are looking for a change, you may need to think about career technical school or night school to acquire a new set of skills.

Outplay Your Competition
After you’ve practiced, sharpened your skills, and executed your plan, you’re set to outplay your competition. Here are some suggestions that can set you apart from the competition: dress appropriately for the interview, know what employers may ask in an interview, and be on time. Once you have an interview, make sure you follow up with a thank-you note to the interviewer.

Go Long
It’s 4^th down and inches and you are faced with a choice: do you go for it or punt. If you are willing to take a risk on a new job opportunity, but still have questions, it’s okay to ask the interviewer questions. You may consider asking what does a normal workday for this position look like or what is the biggest challenge someone in this position typically faces.

Leave Everything on the Field
You’ve prepared for that dream job and got an offer, now what do you do? Make sure you are on time for work and for meetings, work hard to hit your deadlines, and contribute solutions to projects at hand. Above all, work hard and celebrate with your new championship team.

What are some ways that you attacked your job search with a game plan and landed on the championship team? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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

Reader Surveys

Poll: What Causes Communication Breakdown in Your Job Search?

By Job Journey on Monday, January 26, 2015

When it comes to your job search, many factors can make or break your chances of landing the job. Your resume, the interview, and how you follow up with potential employers can be positive or negative aspects to your search. Another factor that is sometimes overlooked is communication.

In the workplace or during a job search, clear and concise communication is important for success. Tony Robbins, life coach and self-help author, said, “The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives.”

We want to know what you believe is the biggest cause of communication breakdown when it comes to your job search. Let us know by voting in our poll!

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

Workplace Relationships

National Have Fun at Work Day

By Job Journey on Monday, January 26, 2015

These days there’s a national holiday for just about everything. On Wednesday, Jan. 28, it’s National Have Fun at Work Day.

Work is usually a place where we’re serious and focused on deadlines, meetings, and the hustle and bustle of work life. But, having a little fun is good for the soul and productivity. Here are a few ideas to shake stress off and make the day fun!

Dress up.
No, not in your typical business attire. Pick your favorite TV show or movie characters to dress up as. Maybe don your best 1950s gear. Get creative and clever with it, because this is a day to be silly.
Have a potluck or go out for a long lunch.
What better way to have fun at work than with a potluck? Each person could make their favorite dish and then there could be a contest for the best recipes. The winners could be featured on Facebook or in the employee newsletter. Or, how about the entire team picks a new restaurant to visit? Take time to really sit and chat. Relax and enjoy getting to share time with your co-workers.
Host games throughout the day.
Make a day of it with your very own office Olympics. Different departments can compete against each other to see who earns a trophy and bragging rights. And if playing all day is not possible, maybe every hour or every other hour there could be an activity. Get creative and encourage teamwork!
Give back.
Why not do some volunteer work on this national day of fun? Spend the day with your co-workers giving back and making a difference in your community. Many nonprofits rely on volunteers to help fulfill their missions and would gladly accept the help.
Take pictures.
Who doesn’t love a photo booth? Plus, they’re very cost effective to create. Usually all you need is a flat wall or doorway and some streamers. Throw in some hats and various props, grab someone who can snap some pictures, and you’ve got a fun way to document the day!

National Have Fun at Work Day doesn’t have to cost a fortune or consist of elaborate activities. A little bit of creativity can go a long way! Let the good times roll!

How do you celebrate National Have Fun at Work Day? Let us know in the comments section below!

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

Events

Thanks for Joining Us for Our Online Educational Event

By Job Journey on Friday, January 23, 2015

new_year_new_job_thank_you_web Our “New Year, New Job” online educational event was held on Wednesday, Jan. 21, and we want to thank everyone who participated!

We had more than 1,500 people register for the event!

Guests were able to view informational videos, download helpful job search materials, and check out available jobs at Express. There were also chat features available, including live chats with recruiters and leadership experts.

If you missed the event, you can still check out the virtual environment through February. You can watch videos and download material, but please note that the chat functions are no longer active. Check out the virtual job fair online here.

Did you attend the online job fair? What did you enjoy most about the event? Let us know in the comments section below!

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

Events

New Year, New Job – Today Is the Day!

By Job Journey on Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Are you ready for that new job and perfect career? If so, today is the day you’ve been waiting for.

The new educational online event by Express Employment Professionals, “New Year, New Job,” is an exclusive, free event designed to help you learn everything you need to know about job hunting, resources for your job search, leadership lessons, and best practices.

The “New Year, New Job” online event is today, and you can sign up right now from the comfort of your own computer to gain skills and enhance your chances of getting hired.

Besides learning all about the job hunt, interviewing, career development, and more, you also have the chance to win exciting prizes all day long. Click here to learn more!

Sign Up Now!
This is a one-day seminar, so don’t miss out! You’ll hear from experts like former NBA player Walter Bond, author of the ebook “Think. Execute. Dominate. 31 Truths to Boost Peak Performance” and star of the DVD “No One Can Stop You, But You.” Walter will speak at noon EST.

David Lewis, author of “The Emerging Leader,” will host leadership lessons during his online chat at 3 p.m. EST, and Express Employment Professionals will have job openings posted for attendees.

Advice from recruiters will cover topics like:

Resume Questions – 11 a.m. EST
Interview Questions – 2 p.m. EST
Compensation Questions – 5 p.m. EST

It’s not too late to register, so sign up now!

Win Prizes!
You can also win cool stuff during the “New Year, New Job” online event to help you with your search. For instance, those who download resources, participate in chats, and watch videos will have the chance to win:

A Power Bank Rechargeable Battery Smart Phone/Tablet Charger
An eBook download of the eBook “Think. Execute. Dominate. 31 Truths to Boost Peak Performance,” by motivational speaker and former NBA player Walter Bond
A DVD presentation “No One Can Stop You, But You!” featuring Walter Bond
A copy of “The Emerging Leader,” by Express vice president of franchising David Lewis

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

Career Advancement

Be a Leader on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

By Job Journey on Monday, January 19, 2015

One of the greatest leaders in American history was Martin Luther King, Jr. His leadership, influence, and impact on the civil rights movement was so memorable that he has a day dedicated in his honor – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Observed on the third Monday of January, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a federal holiday marking the birthday of the fallen leader and offering a way to honor his contributions to American society. To date, King is the only non-president to receive a national holiday dedicated in his honor.

Martin Luther King, Jr. remains famous for his role in the modern American Civil Rights Movement in the 50s and 60s. He stood for nonviolent resistance and worked to end poverty and international conflict until his assassination in April of 1968.

A powerful leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired people across the world with his relentless spirit and tenacity. But, King’s influence did not end in the 60s. In fact, today’s job seekers can still take advice from the famous activist. As King himself showed, you don’t have to be in a leadership position to make a difference and enact a positive change. With determination, a strong work ethic, and an end goal in mind, you too can have a very powerful dream.

As King said, “Whatever your life’s work is, do it well.”

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

Workplace Relationships

Be a Mentor at Any Age

By Job Journey on Friday, January 16, 2015

Did you ever have a teacher or a friend who – no matter what happened – believed in you and wanted you to succeed?

Did that person give you advice, encouragement, and guidance? Did you look up to that person and become better thanks to the attention they gave you?

If so, you are probably one of many people who had a mentor!

Mentors are invaluable, and many people have had one at some time in their life. The best part is that you’re never too young to be a mentor. High school students, middle-school students, college-aged youth, and young professionals can be a mentor to someone else.

What is a Mentor?
A mentor is usually someone older than the person being mentored, who takes a personal interest in the success and well-being of another. They not only share knowledge, skills, and experience, but also discuss new ideas and help the mentee work out solutions on their own and with guidance.

A mentor challenges, protects, offers support, shows patience, and is enthusiastic about helping their mentee grow and be successful.

While those qualities may seem a bit overwhelming, it’s important to know that anybody can be a mentor, no matter what the age. Even students still in high school can start mentoring by reaching out to someone younger. The mentor should ask questions about what is important to the mentee, and above all, should be a cheerleader for that person by boosting their confidence and leading them to success.

What Does a Mentor Do?
Some examples of what a mentor does include:

Provides the same type of help that you do in everyday life. If you naturally “help others,” you can use those same practices in a mentorship role.
Provides information and advice based on your own ideas, successes, and experience.
Encourages others to take positive risks and have a positive and healthy outlook.
Offers honest and constructive feedback.
Helps with planning or thinking through a problem or challenge.
Listens to the concerns, points of view, and dreams of the mentee.
Shares different views and ways of thinking.
Introduces that person to others who can help and advocate on their behalf.

Why Be a Mentor?
Being a mentor doesn’t just help the mentee. It is also a chance to look at yourself more closely and explore your own opportunities.

You have the chance to become more successful and confident as you instill those qualities in another person. You’ll also become more open to reaching out to your own mentors who can help you succeed in school, college, or your career.

By mentoring, you improve your personal and professional responsibilities as you learn, grow and become more accountable to others. As you model the professional and personal values that others admire, you will teach them how to live up to those values.

In terms of leadership, you can’t go wrong with becoming a mentor. Talk to your school’s counselor or company’s HR department about how to become a mentor. It’s a move that can help you – and someone else – succeed!

Have you ever been a mentor? Did you have someone special who helped you? Share your stories in the comments section below.

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