Jennifer Kenley

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Jennifer Kenley

Using Temp Jobs to Quick Start Your Career

By Jennifer Kenley on Thursday, March 6, 2008

People typically think about temporary jobs two different ways. Some like the flexibility and variety temp jobs offer, while others simply view temporary positions as fillers until they can find a permanent job. Whatever the case may be, temp jobs provide great opportunities to make money, learn new skill sets and engage with different types of employers and businesses which can help jump start your career.

If you currently have a temp job or are considering temporary work and would like to turn that temporary position into a full-time gig, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

1. Work like you’re full-time. Even if you’re just filing papers or distributing mail, it’s important work, or you wouldn’t be there. So make sure you work hard and show your employers that you take pride in your job – no matter what it is. Your quality of work should be just as good or better than any permanent employee if you want to turn your temporary position into a permanent one.

2. Keep working long after you’re done. If you finish your work assignment before the day is done, find something else productive to do. Ask your supervisor for additional work, or offer to help co-workers with their projects. Even if it’s just busy work, showing others and your employers that you’re willing to pitch in no matter what the task will increase your chances of receiving an offer of a permanent job.

3. Dress to impress. Just because you are a temporary worker and may only be doing odd jobs around the office, make sure your attire is appropriate. Your clothing should reflect the attire of your co-workers. If you aren’t sure what the dress code is, make sure to ask before your first day at work. Showing that you value the workplace norms will go far in the eyes of your supervisors.

4. Personalize yourself. Whether you’re on a job for one day or three months, letting co-workers get to know you and learning about them will help supervisors and employees differentiate you from other temporary workers. However, make sure you socialize during appropriate times and not while you should be working. Spending too much time socializing can give employers a bad impression and will result in termination of your assignment.

If you want your temp job to lead to something more, try using these ideas. You just might land the right temp job that will quick start your career.

The Daily Grind Workplace Relationships

Tips to Improve Your Attitude – Even When You’re Having a Bad Day

By Jennifer Kenley on Monday, February 25, 2008

I recently attended a conference in Nashville and had the privilege to listen to an exceptional speaker, Christine Cashen. One of the things she spoke about was having a positive attitude, not only at work, but everywhere – even on bad days. It got me thinking about how often our attitudes determine the outcome of our days. Think about it – if you’re already in a bad mood, chances are, anything else that doesn’t work in your favor will make your mood even worse.

To help you start out each day on a positive note, try following some of these tips.

Pretend you’re happy. According to Abraham Lincoln, “most people are about as happy as they decide to be.” So if you wake up in the morning and you know it’s going to be one of those days – choose not to let that ruin your attitude. Tell yourself that you’re in a great mood and thankful to be alive. Look yourself in the mirror and say, “This is going to be a great day.” Say it all day until you actually believe it. Be enthusiastic about it – after all, every day you wake up is a gift! Eventually, all that enthusiasm – even if it starts out forced – will turn your negative attitude into a positive one.

Add humor to your day. Laughter is truly the best medicine, and people who can find humor in any situation are usually pretty positive individuals. If someone cuts you off on your drive into work, imagine them driving the Oscar Mayer Wiener mobile and wearing one of those funny hats instead. Trying to find humor in things will help relieve stress and turn your frown into a smile.

Prioritize your worries. Many people spend hours worrying about things that can’t be changed or aren’t really that important. If a mistake has been made that can’t be reversed, accept it, and move on. Make sure you spend your time and energy on things you can control. This will not only help eliminate unnecessary stress in your life, but it will also make you feel better about the things you can accomplish.

Take a break. If you find yourself spiraling downwards into despair, take a break. Whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour, do whatever you need to do to remove yourself from the situation that’s causing you to have a bad attitude. Once you take a step back from the situation, you might just find the solution to the problem that was causing you such turmoil in the first place.

Remind yourself of positive things. Everyone should have a little box on their desk with nice thoughts or sweet comments written by friends or family. When you start feeling low, simply pull out a piece of paper and read its contents. A nice comment or a happy thought will put a smile on your face and remind you what really matters.

Remember, you’re the only person that can control your attitude; you can’t depend on someone else to make things better. So stay positive, and when you feel yourself getting down, try using these tips.

The Daily Grind

4 Reasons to Recruit, Hire and Retain Mature Employees

By Jennifer Kenley on Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Over the next 10 years, it’s anticipated that nearly 76 million Baby Boomers will reach retirement age, and there will be less than 50 million workers to fill the void. A recent study conducted by Strategy One, a marketing research firm, learned Baby Boomers wouldn’t consider themselves “old” until 74. The study, U.S. Boomers Insights and Implication Study, concluded that 78% feel they still have opportunities in life once they reach retirement age. And according to a blog post by Baby Boomer Insights, 80% of boomers plan to continue working well past retirement.

Though employers may feel that it’s essential to focus mainly on fresh faces to ignite new ideas and stir things up, it is important to realize that recruiting, hiring and retaining mature employees can also help your business. Below are four reasons to keep older employees in your workforce.

Experience – Mature workers possess on-the-job experience. They’re detail-oriented, focused and attentive. And these qualities, which have been perfected over time, can trickle down to younger workers, making older workers excellent mentors for younger generations.

Loyal – Employees in the Baby Boomer generation don’t feel the need to job hop or look for better opportunities. They’re socially and economically stable. They know the value of a good employer, and a loyal and dedicated employee is more productive and more likely to stay with the company longer, which reduces turnover costs.

Mature – They’ve been around for awhile, so workplace drama doesn’t rattle them. They have work and life experience and typically know how to handle complicated situations and understand workplace politics. Their maturity can help ground your entire workforce.

Strong Work Ethic – Older employees take pride in their work. Boomers may not burn through deadlines, but you can be sure that they’ll take the time to do their jobs right and put in the extra hours to make sure it’s quality work, resulting in fewer mistakes that can be costly for your company.

Before you start thinking it’s time to throw out the old for the new, remember the attributes maturing employees have to offer, and your business will reap the benefits.

Career Options

9 Tips to Safeguard Your Job

By Jennifer Kenley on Wednesday, February 6, 2008

It’s always a good idea to perform well for your employer and be prepared for possible career bumps in the road, but with economic indicators pointing toward a possible recession, it’s more important now than ever to safeguard your career.

Here are nine tips to help secure your employment, or help prepare you in case you find yourself without a job.

1. Be in the know. Make sure you know what’s going on in your market. Read the newspaper, conduct online research or simply ask your boss what’s happening in the industry. Knowing what’s going on in your field and company will keep you from being blind-sided by potential layoffs.

2. Self-assess. Take a look at yourself and determine if you’ve grown in your current position. Make sure you have skills that set you apart from your co-workers. If you find yourself lacking in these two areas, put career development at the top of your priorities. Volunteer for more projects, or assist your co-workers on some of their tasks so you can grow beyond your current role.

3. Be a leader. Take the lead on projects if you don’t already do so. Be the one who others come to for career advice or the one they ask tough questions. Showing your boss that you can be a leader in your department will demonstrate your strong work ethic and dedication.

4. Vocalize your success. Sell yourself to your boss. Make sure they know what projects you’re working on and the successes you’ve achieved. This will show your boss how valuable you are to the company and that you’re capable of producing results.

5. Know top management. Make sure you’re aware of who the decision makers are and get to know them professionally. Getting in with top management who have the ability to protect your job will prove valuable during troubled times.

6. Be flexible. Don’t be so dead set on keeping your current position that you don’t see other job opportunities in your company. During times of recession, most job cuts happen in areas that cost the company money. Your willingness to transfer to a different department will increase your chances of keeping a job during possible layoffs.

7. Update your résumé. Be proactive. Make sure your résumé is reflective of your current capabilities and accomplishments in case your company starts handing out pink slips. Keeping a current résumé on file will help you get a head start on your job search in case you find yourself looking.

8. Network, network, network. Don’t wait until you’re out of work before you start joining organizations or contacting old friends for help finding a job. Get involved now in professional or social organizations and start making contacts sooner rather than later.

9. Continue your education. Learning new skills is always a good idea. It not only shows employers your willingness to improve and grow in your career, but it’s necessary when marketing yourself to other companies.

Economic downturns can be unsettling, especially when the job market takes a turn for the worse, but by following these tips, you can potentially safeguard your career and be prepared in case you need to search for a job.

The Daily Grind

Making the Most of a Job You Don’t Love

By Jennifer Kenley on Thursday, January 17, 2008

Whether you work for a Fortune 500 company or dry cars at a car wash, when you’re no longer satisfied, you’re not going to be happy. Your job can start to feel like a dead end when you no longer know what you’re working for, you’re under stimulated, there’s no room for advancement or the tasks you use to enjoy no longer excite you. If you find yourself counting the minutes until you go home, or you sit around daydreaming about finding a better job that best utilizes your talents, there are a few things you can do while working at your current job that will prepare you for new opportunities when they arise and help you focus on something other than not liking your job.

Evaluate and Improve. Take this time to look at yourself and honestly assess who you are as a person and your work ethic. Evaluate how you react in certain situations. See how others treat you and how you treat others. If there is tension between you and the rest of the staff, try approaching your co-workers and addressing the situation so you can better understand what it is that might need improvement. Often times, there is a common denominator and if you keep running into the same problems all the time, chances are it’s you. By taking this time to evaluate yourself and correct your own faults, you’ll be better prepared for opportunities when they arise.

Be Positive. You never know who you might meet that can advance your career, so try to stay positive even when confronted with negative situations or people. If you’re dealing with a dilemma or an angry co-worker, instead of complaining or lashing out, turn the situation around by challenging yourself to correct the problem. Learn to recognize problem areas and practice working things through to create a positive outcome. Optimism is contagious, and eventually you will begin to impact other people’s attitudes while creating a positive image of yourself.

Take on New Challenges. It doesn’t matter what new challenge you take on, just take on something different than your normal everyday tasks. Learning to do new things, no matter how small, stimulates your mind and boosts your self confidence. According to a report written by Helen Fisher, PhD, learning new things increases brain levels of dopamine, which increases feelings of pleasure. So, no matter how bored you are in your current job, try stepping out of your everyday routine and learn what your co-worker or someone down the hall does. Challenge yourself to come up with a new idea that can benefit you or your company. Offer to help a co-worker with a project, or ask your boss if there is anything you can do to increase your workplace knowledge. Keeping your brain active will ensure you’re ready when a new job opportunity comes your way.

If you feel dissatisfied in your current job, try following these tips and take this time as a learning experience to better yourself for your next job opportunity.

Work/Life Balance

Finding Time to Workout at Work

By Jennifer Kenley on Wednesday, January 9, 2008

As you head back to work after all the holiday festivities, do you find yourself moving at a slightly slower pace? Are the pants that you wore before the holiday celebrations fitting just a little bit tighter than before? If so, then it’s time to start thinking about shedding some of those extra pounds and regaining some energy for the new year.

Many people want to get back in shape but don’t have the time because of work, family and other activities. There are, however, some simple exercises that you can do while you work that will help you increase your energy and health and decrease your waistline.

By following some of these tips, you can jump into the new year energized and healthy.

Instead of taking the elevator, try taking the stairs. Just taking those few extra steps will increase the number of calories you burn each day.
Try taking a brisk walk around the building a few times during your breaks instead of lounging around talking with co-workers. Walking increases energy levels and helps reduce stress.
Stretch your back, legs and arms several times throughout the day to help increase circulation and prevent muscle fatigue. Stretching your body helps relieve muscle tension and increases blood circulation to various parts of your body giving you more energy.
Lift small hand weights while sitting at your desk, talking on the phone or walking around the building. Lifting weights helps increase your muscle mass which in turn helps your body burn fat.
If you work in a cubicle, try sitting on an exercise ball while at your desk. This will help strengthen your abs and help your posture.
If you live close to work, you might want to try riding your bike or walking to the office. Or, if you have to drive to work, park further away from the entrance.

Trying to get back into shape after the holidays can be overwhelming, especially when you have to work every day. Following these tips can help jumpstart your exercise routine, increase your energy and lose those unwanted pounds.

Workplace Relationships

Showing Respect at Work – Not So Common Courtesy

By Jennifer Kenley on Friday, December 14, 2007

Common courtesy is becoming more of a pleasant surprise in the workplace than a common occurrence. With meetings, never-ending e-mails and deadlines to contend with, it’s no wonder that individuals are finding it more and more difficult to think of anyone besides themselves at work. And, some co-workers are so busy with there own objectives they don’t even seem to notice the lack of so-called “common courtesy.”

“I need this.” “Make sure you send that on time.” “Did you get my e-mail?” With so little time, courtesy in the workplace has taken a back burner to productivity. However, what most employers and employees don’t realize is that courtesy, or a lack there of, directly impacts productivity, satisfaction and retention. According to a recent article, Stop Workplace Incivility, studies show that 53% of employees’ surveyed who have encountered rudeness in the office lost time at work worrying about the problem, 46% thought about leaving the company to avoid the rude co-worker, and 94% described the incident to someone else or engaged in workplace gossip about the issue.

It’s up to each employee to take the necessary steps to stop the reign of rudeness. Here’s what you can do to help.

Say “please” and “thank you.” It’s as easy as that! By simply saying “please” and “thank you” to people, you’re not only showing respect for that individual but you’re also showing that you value their time and input and who they are as a person. Try adding these two phrases to your conversations, and see the reactions you receive.
Treat others how you want to be treated. If you like to be talked to with respect, chances are, so do the people around you. It can be hard to remember to always treat others respectfully, especially when you are in a hurry, but by approaching any situation in a calm, understanding state of mind, you will not only get more things accomplished but you will establish good rapport with your co-workers.
Take a look at yourself. Many times people think they are acting in a courteous manner, but it isn’t so much how you view your actions that matters, but rather how your actions are perceived by others. That’s why it’s important to consider how your actions and comments might be interpreted by those around you. It takes just a few extra moments to show the courtesy that let’s others know you respect them and value their feelings.

By following these few tips, you can help change the dynamics of your workplace. A little common courtesy can help increase your productivity and job satisfaction, and it might just make you want to stick around for a little while. Try implementing these actions into your everyday work habits and see how your efforts make a positive difference in those around you.