New Job Tips

What to do With Your References After You Get the Job

By Job Journey on Friday, May 13, 2011

Now more than ever, having positive references to cite during your job search is invaluable. With job markets becoming more and more competitive, potential employers will look to your contacts as testaments of your work ethic, personality, and ability to perform. However, once you achieve employment, it is important to show your gratitude to those who helped you along the way.

Send a thank-you note.

Although you may be tempted to send a thank-you via e-mail, don’t. Take the old fashion route and send a handwritten thank-you card to those who served as a reference. Spending the extra five minutes to write a note will show your appreciation in a personal and memorable way. Be sure to thank your contact for serving as a reference and assure them you will continue to work hard in order to reaffirm their praise of you. Your new job will keep you busy, but remember to show your gratitude in a prompt manner.

Exceed expectations.

Perhaps the greatest way to repay a reference is to perform well in your new position. This is especially important if your reference used personal or professional connections to help you secure an interview and job. Excelling in your job will not only make you look good, but will also reinforce your reference’s trust in you. Think of your reference as an endorsement on your behalf. In order to keep a positive, professional relationship, it is important to excel in your new position and prove yourself to both your new employer and your reference.

Keep your contacts updated.

Updating your contact on your success and growth is another thoughtful way to include them in your endeavors. Sending information regarding your job development or a recent promotion every now and then will make your reference feel involved and appreciated. This will also help keep you in contact for any future recommendations you may need.

The reality is most of us get our foot in the door based on who we know. Showing gratitude to your contacts is a great way to maintain a professional relationship that will continue to benefit you throughout your career.

New Job Tips The Daily Grind

The Future of Your Career

By Job Journey on Friday, May 6, 2011

Entering the career world is an exciting yet scary time. Numerous unknowns, like job success, meeting deadlines, and understanding your role, can cause new job seekers and new employees to experience doubt, concern, and stress. The better prepared you can be during the on boarding process, the better your end results will be.

Network.
Networking is an invaluable skill that comes with time and produces countless benefits. While seeking employment and even after landing your new job, take time to get to know other professionals in your area. Utilize local networking groups, social media, and people you’ve met along the way to make the most of your time. Networking is a fabulous way to learn from others in your desired field, establish contacts that you may work with in the future, and develop confidence in a professional setting.

Set Goals.
The goal setting process allows you to consider all that you want and need in life and requires thought on how to achieve it all. Set goals for your immediate, near, and distant future that can be realistically achieved and maintained. Setting goals will better help you learn how to plan and organize your accomplishments.

Follow the Leaders.
Each industry has established leaders who have paved the way. Look to those leaders in your chosen field and follow their example. These leaders can vary from the CEO of your company to an established co-worker you’ve befriended. Study their work ethic, relationships with co-workers and clients, and business habits. By adapting similar characteristics you can begin establishing a career path that resembles theirs.

Starting out in your career can be a little scary and intimidating. But, by surrounding yourself with positive leaders and goals, you will be able to focus on what is most important rather than what is most frightening.

At Work Career Advancement Leadership New Job Tips

Five Tips to Make Your Boss Adore You

By Job Journey on Tuesday, April 26, 2011

In today’s economy, great careers can be tough to come by – and sometimes even more difficult to keep. Once you’ve landed your dream job it is imperative you continue to impress your employers with work ethic and ability. And these 5 tips are a terrific place to start!

Be a great listener.
Being an active listener is a trait that for some comes naturally, while others must work to learn it. Hearing directions from your employer is quite different than intentionally listening to what your boss has to say. Company leaders don’t always have a lot of time so be sure to soak up all the direction and information you can. Take notes during meetings so you won’t have to ask the same questions repeatedly. Star or mark specific tasks you’ve been assigned. When your manager presents in team or project meetings listen for ways you may be able to help.

Apply the things you learn.
After learning a new technique or principle, apply it as soon as possible. Whether your boss informs you of something simple or more meaningful, put their direction to use as quickly as possible. By incorporating your boss’ instructions and advice in your tactics, you’ll demonstrate a willingness to learn and accept feedback.

Take the initiative.
If you notice something that can be improved upon in your office, say so. Employers will respect the fact that you are working to better your work environment and showing interest in what’s happening around you. Look for opportunities to suggest ideas that will positively impact your company as a whole, and potentially your career as well.

Focus on the task at hand.
Remember, time spent in the office is not your personal time. While there, your time belong’s to your co-workers, employer, and clients. It’s key you dedicate your time to work rather than distractions. Spending time on projects rather than talking on the phone with your friend will not only improve your work experience, but also the opinion others hold of you.

Reliability.
To be reliable, practice following up on projects, meeting deadlines, and applying what you’ve learned on a daily basis. Combining these characteristics with great work will exemplify your dedication to your field. Keep in mind, the more consistent your behavior is in the office, the more responsibilities you will gain.

Gaining and retaining a career you love is no easy feat, but it is possible. Applying specific and beneficial traits to your daily work schedule can make the employee your boss adores.

Career Advancement New Job Tips The Daily Grind

Three Things to Do When You Land Your Career Job

By Job Journey on Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Individuals entering the workforce for the first time share similar ideas about what a new job will mean to their life. Most hope for competitive pay, meaningful work, and independence. While all that is obtainable, it is difficult to gain immediately. But by keeping a few thoughts in mind, young professionals can enter their first year in a new career with as much ease, and success, as possible.

Spend Wisely.
First things first, realize that although you may be making more money, you don’t have to act like it. Remember that with your new paycheck comes a great opportunity to spend the money you earn wisely. Work toward paying off loans, investing in a suitable work wardrobe, and saving. Practicing discretion with your cash flow from the beginning is a great step in your future financial planning.

Prove Yourself.
Secondly, understand that although you are now in the workforce, you still have a long way to go. Young professionals must continue to prove themselves to employers and coworkers, even after they’ve been given a job. Persevere despite others questioning your ability. Challenge yourself, and your coworkers, by sharing ideas, being proactive, and offering others help when you can. Once you show your boss you are reliable, you will be well on your way to gaining more respect and responsibility from those around you.

Prioritize.
The biggest surprise many young professionals face is the amount of time a new career can take. If your job has traditional 8 to 5 business hours this can be quite a change from a flexible retail or school schedule. The first year in a career often demands more time and energy than your schoolwork or entry-level jobs required. Learning to prioritize can be a challenge. You must learn your own limits and not be afraid to share those boundaries with your leader. Although it is important to be dedicated to work, it is also important to take time for yourself. Finding a balance between work and life outside of it will take some time, but is important to keep you from burning out.

The first year in the real world is undoubtedly tough. Learning how to manage money, balance time, and prove yourself is no easy feat. However, the first year can be pivotal to your career’s journey. Remember that we’ve all made mistakes, especially during our first year, and that every wrong move provides ample opportunities to learn valuable lessons for the future.

Career Advancement Job Interviews My Entry-Level Life New Job Tips The Daily Grind The Job Search

How to Succeed at Your First “Real” Job

By Miranda Wilson on Monday, March 28, 2011

You’ve pulled all nighters studying for mid-terms and finals. You’ve labored over group projects and read dozens of textbooks. Now you’re finally about to graduate and enter the real world. Prepare for your new career by learning what it takes to successfully transition from student to full-time employee.

Arrive for work on time. It sounds simple enough, but punctuality can often be a challenge for younger workers. Set yourself apart by making it a priority to always arrive at least five minutes early. You’ll also score major points by sticking around a few minutes past quitting time each day.

Come well-rested. Gone are the days where you can roll into class bleary-eyed and half-awake. Getting enough sleep ensures you’ll be alert and ready to contribute your full potential. That means going to bed early enough each night to get at least seven to eight hours of rest.

Dress professionally. Once you start your career, your wardrobe may require a little sprucing up. Remember, a good rule of thumb is to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Take note of how leaders at your organization dress, and follow their example.

Limit your consumption of digital media. While texting and checking Facebook and Twitter are great ways to keep in touch with friends, those habits won’t help you make a good impression at a new job. While you’re at work, keep your focus on the task at hand. Resolve to only text, make personal calls, or check social networking sites during breaks or before and after work.

Make sure you understand your role. It’s hard to succeed at something if you don’t know the purpose behind what you’re doing. Is the core of your job increasing sales, improving customer relations, or reducing expenditures? Find out why your company needs you and then focus on doing those tasks to the best of your ability.

Be proactive about requesting additional assignments. Starting out at your new job, you may have periods where you don’t have much to do. Instead of being bored or just trying to look busy, seek out opportunities to help others and learn new things. Let co-workers or your supervisors know that you’re eager to pitch in and take on new challenges.

Be willing to serve others. When you offer your help, be prepared to give it – no matter the task. Don’t be offended if the boss asks you to do seemingly insignificant jobs like make copies or prepare coffee. Instead, consider it an opportunity to show others that you’re a team player.

Find a mentor. To learn the ropes, seek out an individual who excels within your company and ask them if they’d mind sharing a few pointers. They’ll most likely be eager to assist you – people are flattered to be asked for their advice. Co-workers who’ve been around awhile can help you get into the groove at a new job by teaching you the “unwritten rules” at your place of employment.

By preparing yourself for success, you’ll make a great first impression at your new job. Your supervisors will be wowed by your “can do” attitude and professionalism. You may even impress yourself with how much you can achieve when you put your mind to it.

New Job Tips The Daily Grind The Job Search

3 Reasons Why You May Not Be Getting Hired

By Miranda Wilson on Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Recruiters and employers have seen their fair share of résumés in the last few years due to a highly competitive job market. So, do you feel like you’re working 8 to 5 trying to land an interview?

Employers are taking numerous factors into consideration when considering job applicants. Let’s take time to focus on three small ways you can improve your chances of getting a job.

Update your contact information. Do you have your most recent contact information listed on your résumé? Yes, it’s a small detail, but without the correct information, it can wreak havoc on your job search. It’s frustrating for a potential employer to try to reach you when the number you gave them doesn’t work. They won’t be able to contact you. So, be sure to include a working phone number on your résumé or job application because a call about a job offer is one that you definitely don’t want to miss.

Give an appropriate email address. You might not think that a potential employer will pass you over for a job because of your email address, but they might. A manager wants to know that you’re professional, and an e-mail address like partyharty@emailaddress.com may not present you in the best light. Ere on the side of caution and choose a safe email address that includes your name – for example, first name.last name@emailaddress.com.

Share your relevant skills. In order to decide if you would be a good fit for a job, a hiring manager needs to know about your work experience. What are your skills and areas of expertise? Employers don’t want to just receive an email from you with your name and a brief paragraph outlining how you’re interested in the job. They want to know what you can bring to their business, so be sure to include your skills that are relevant to the job opening.

It’s important to keep in mind that employers are looking through job applications with a fine tooth comb. Be sure that your information passes the test and gets you through the company’s doors and into the interview seat. Knowing that even the smallest of details are being considered will help you be better prepared with your career search.

At Work Career Advancement Job Interviews My Entry-Level Life New Job Tips Resumes and Cover Letters Teamwork The Daily Grind The Job Search