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tiffany monhollon

At Work Workplace Safety

Just How Safe Are You?

By on Friday, June 20, 2008

It’s national safety month during June, so now’s a great time to start thinking about how to be safe – both at home and at work. But what exactly do we mean when we talk about safety? Is it simply knowing how to be prepared in case of an emergency? Or is it understanding how to prevent an injury?

If you check out the National Safety Council (NSC) website, you’ll see that when it comes to safety, there is no one answer. Safety issues range from driving safely to disaster preparedness to slips and falls and beyond. Plus, safety issues vary and broaden over time, and the same safety guidelines for home may also apply at work.

You might be wondering why safety matters to you. Well, according to the most recent NSC report on U.S. injuries, over 26 million people experienced disabling injuries in 2006, and the cost of all classes of injuries that year was $652.1 billion. To help you protect yourself from the physical and financial toll of an injury, this series will provide safety tips you can use on the road, in the office, or out in the heat this summer.

poll by twiigs.com

Want more? Check out these 3 First Aid Tips for the Workplace, and be sure to check back for the rest of this series. Have a safety at work question? Leave it in the comments below.

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Reader Surveys The Daily Grind Workplace Goofs Workplace Relationships

Do You Have a Work Spouse?

By on Thursday, February 14, 2008

These days, most of us spend as much or more time with our co-workers as our friends and family. That may be one reason why so many people are favorable toward office romance.

Harris Interactive recently released a report showing that over one third (36%) of workers surveyed said they’d consider an office romance. According to the 2008 Harlequin Romance Report, 57% of men and 61% of women in the workplace have had a crush on a co-worker, and well over half of both men and women who’ve experienced workplace crushes say they’ve gone beyond a crush to a relationship with a co-worker (Hat tip: HR World).

But for many, it’s not clear what to do about the deep bonds or constant flirtations that frequently arise between co-workers even when things don’t turn into actual romance. There’s even a terminology that has sprung up to describe this relationship – a “work spouse.”  When you spend most of your time at work – or during your lunch hour – with a co-worker, think about them while at home, or look forward to the next time you’ll get to see or talk with them, you may just have what some call a “work husband” or a “work wife,” even if things are platonic. 

Though general camaraderie and good will among co-workers is a good thing, it can be difficult to draw the lines and keep work relationships in check, unless you have some guidelines to follow.

How can you know if things have gone too far in a co-worker relationship? Experts say taking stock of your on-the-job relationships with these questions in mind can help you know if you’re crossing the line into dangerous territory with a co-worker.

  • Are you obsessing over your co-worker when not at work?
  • How would you treat your work spouse if your significant other were with you?
  • Do you compare your real romantic partner with your work spouse?
  • Do you cross the lines into physical contact with your work spouse, even if it’s just as simple as touch on the shoulder?
  • Are you treating your work spouse the same way you would treat other friends?

What do you think about office romance? Have you ever known anyone in a “work marriage”? Let us know in the comments section, or vote in our online poll.

more at twiigs.com…
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Resumes and Cover Letters The Job Search

Five Things No Résumé Should Ever Say

By on Tuesday, February 5, 2008

It’s hard to know exactly what to say in a résumé, much less how to say it. A great résumé will highlight your experience, skills, qualifications, education or training, and community involvement. A well-written resume will also leave out certain details that are either best left for the interview or best left unaddressed altogether. Check out this list of things to avoid on your résumé.

1. “I”
Along with “me,” “my,” and “mine,” this word is off limits in résumé writing. The document has your name on it, so recruiters will know who it’s referring to. Putting too much of this self-focused language in your résumé will make you sound inexperienced at best and self-absorbed at worst. Instead of saying “I exceeded the goal by 30%,” simply put “Exceeded the goal by 30%.”

2. “Failed”
Your résumé should honestly represent your work and accomplishments, not dwell on your failures. Focus on the positive when writing your résumé, and describe actions, results and improvements you made. Employers may ask questions about strengths and weaknesses in an interview, which gives you a chance to elaborate in person, so save stories of failure and triumph for when you’ve already got the employer’s attention. 

3. “GPA”
Unless you recently graduated and had a grade point above 3.5, don’t put your GPA on your résumé. A high GPA is not usually relevant to employers, and a low GPA can actually take you out of consideration, so save that space to describe community involvement instead.

4. “Fired”
Stating explicitly on a résumé that you were fired from a position, even if you go into detail and explain your side of things, is an absolute no-no if you want to land another job. You may (or may not) have been on the side of right in a termination situation, but bringing it up on your  résumé  that you were fired not only demonstrates that you could be a difficult employee to work with, it also makes you appear naïve to the hiring process.   

5. “Hate”
It doesn’t matter how much you despise something – a task, a company, a political stance, a policy, a person or a former employer. No matter what, avoid saying you hate anything in your résumé. Negative language makes you appear to be a negative person, a trait which isn’t looked upon kindly by recruiters.

Take a glance at your résumé and see if any of these no-nos made their way into it. If so, it’s time to update it. And while you’re at it, you might enjoy these related posts.

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Career Advancement

What Super Bowl Ads Can Teach You about Your Career

By on Monday, February 4, 2008

Whether you caught the Super Bowl or are just catching up on the buzz, you’ve likely already seen or heard about all the commercials. So if you’re looking for an excuse to check them out again, why not learn something in the process? Here’s what some of the ads from this year’s Super Bowl game can teach you about your career.

  • Budweiser Dalmatian Spot – What’s better than a Rocky-style story of a Dalmatian training a down-on-his-luck Clydesdale and helping him make the hitch? This No. 1 favorite of the night can do more than bring a tear to your eye, it can also teach you something about persistence and the value of  mentors.
    Career Moral: Don’t give up if you miss that promotion. With hard work, you can improve your career. And don’t underestimate the value of a workplace mentor who believes in you and will help you achieve your ambitions.
     
  • Carrier Pigeon Fed Ex Commercial – An employee showcases a cost-saving innovation to his boss, but it turns out to be a disaster.
    Career Moral: We all make mistakes at work. When you do, it’s important to do what you can to remedy the situation and improve things. Also, don’t hide mistakes from your boss, learn to communicate bad news instead. They’ll find out eventually. It’s better to face problems head on.
     
  • Tide Talking Stain Spot – A qualified-sounding candidate’s job interview is derailed by an unsightly (talking) stain on his shirt.
    Career Moral: In the interview, first impressions are everything, so don’t forget to check your appearance and hygiene before your interview. Make sure your clothes are unstained, pack some breath mints, spit out the gum and take a glance in a mirror. The little things can make the difference between landing the job and inspiring a Super Bowl commercial like this one.
     
  • NFL True Story with Chester Pitts – Ephraim Salaam discovers Chester Pitts in a San Diego grocery store. The oboe-playing grocery bagger was drafted in the second round and now plays for the Houston Texans.
    Career Moral: This inspiring story of success, dreams and the power of having someone believe in you shows us never to underestimate the power of networking. You could find your next career-making relationship anywhere.
     
  • Coca-Cola Ad with Bill Frist and James Carville – The two politically differing figures stop arguing for a minute through the shared love for Coke and end up sharing some quality time in Washington together.
    Career Moral: You can get along with people you don’t see eye to eye with in the workplace. The trick is finding commonalities and giving them a chance.
     
  • Taco Bell Fiesta Platter Ad – Two employees rush to a meeting with their lunch in hand. They’re encouraged to take time to savor their lunch instead.
    Career Moral: Win at work life balance – take a lunch break!
     
  • Follow Your Heart CareerBuilder Spot – A woman at boring job watches her heart jump out of her chest and speak the truth to a horrible boss.
    Career Moral: Sometimes, change is necessary. Listen to your heart to see if you need a change.
     
  • Gatorade Ad with Derek Jeter – Everywhere he steps, Derek’s surroundings are influenced by the game. He notes that for him, “… the next game begins when the last one ends.”
    Career Moral: When you’re passionate about your work, it’s visible.
     

In case you missed them, USA Today has a rundown streaming all this year’s Super Bowl ads.

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Job Interviews The Job Search

Top 10 Go-To People for Good Job References

By on Monday, January 28, 2008

When you’re looking for a job, it’s a great idea to have a few references in mind in case you’re asked to list some during the application process. But, depending on your work history and what type of position you’re applying for, it can be difficult to come up with sources for references. Here are 10 great types of people to look to for references.

1. Former employer. The most obvious person to look for to get a job reference from is a former employer. Make sure this person is someone who knew of your work. Depending on the size of the company, this may be your direct supervisor or manager, or it could be the company owner. If you use a former employer, don’t use one who fired you due to performance or other job-related issues.

2. Current employer. Depending on your relationship and status with your current employer, this can be a good place to find a reference. If you’re subject to downsizing, are on a temporary assignment, or serve as an intern, it’s perfectly fine to ask your boss for a reference, because they know you’ll be looking for work. You can also ask your current boss to be a reference if you’ve simply grown beyond the current job you have and your employer supports this decision and knows you are looking.

3. Volunteer supervisor. If you volunteer for a civic, social or charitable organization, a supervisor or other high-level member of the organization can serve as a terrific reference and speak to your work ethic, attitude and willingness to go the extra mile.

4. Teacher or professor. Also consider people who have played a part in your education, personal or professional development, or job search. If they can speak highly of your work ethic, knowledge and application of job-related concepts, they could be a great source for a reference.

5. Business acquaintance. Sometimes, acquaintances you know through networking or professional development groups can be a good source for a reference, especially if they know of your work, have seen you in action or have a relationship with a customer or client who speaks highly of you.

6. Customer or client. Depending on the type of work you are pursuing, a current or former customer or client can serve as a reference. They can speak directly about your professionalism, timeliness and value to them, along with your ability to interact and form relationships. Sometimes, clients and customers will even take their business to the organization you join. When a customer or client speaks that well of you, it demonstrates your value to the organization beyond your ability to get the job done.

7. Former co-worker. In some situations, it’s appropriate to use a co-worker as a job reference, especially if they were on a team with you and you don’t think your employer or supervisor would make a good reference. But, tread carefully when considering a current co-worker as a reference, because you don’t want to create gossip, hard feelings, jealousy or maliciousness over the fact that you are considering leaving your job, because that never makes for a positive reference.

8. Teammate or group member. People you’re played with on sports team or fellow members of a hobby club or special interest group can make good references, especially if you have played a leadership role on a team or group outside of work. Those you’ve interacted with there will able to highlight a different element of your personality and demonstrate that you are a well-rounded person.

9. Fellow volunteer or board member. If you volunteer with a group or organization, fellow volunteers can make excellent references, particularly if they are in the same field you are pursuing. If you serve on a board with other business people, they can be an excellent source to demonstrate your professionalism and leadership.

10. Personal acquaintance. Depending on the type of job and the type of references requested, you can use a personal acquaintance as a reference to speak about your character and personality off the job. This type of reference can show how well-rounded, consistent, responsible and personable you are.

When you’re looking for references, select people who can speak to some aspect of your work abilities, character, leadership, work ethic or knowledge. Don’t forget to ask as a courtesy before you list someone as a reference. And always double-check that you have the most up-to-date contact information for every reference you select.

Who have been your best job references? Or, who have you thought about asking but aren’t quite sure?

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