The Daily Grind

5 Spring Cleaning Career Tips

spring_cleaning_webSpring has sprung, and with longer days, more sunshine, and warmer weather, it’s time to shake those winter blues! The best way to start embracing the new season is with some spring cleaning. It’s time to de-clutter, throw away, and organize for a more productive and efficient workday.

Whether you’re feeling less engaged with your job, looking for a new career, trying to advance to the next level, or just need a little push when it comes to tidiness, here are some tips everyone can use to add some pep to your step!

  1. Tidy up your workspace.
    Your desk or work environment is where you spend a lot of time, so tackle it first. Feeling swamped with papers? Create a filing system for your current projects, articles to read, invoices, and other documents. Organize them in a way that works best for you and set a day of the week to go through each folder and do maintenance. Also, keep in mind that less is more. Don’t clutter your desk with stuff you don’t use regularly. A clean and simple desk allows you quick and easy access to what you need.
  2. De-clutter your e-mail and desktop.
    Many people feel overwhelmed with their computer and email organization, or lack thereof. Instead of letting your inbox grow to an overwhelming amount, create a digital filing system. Categorize the emails you need to keep, and delete what you don’t. Also, it’s easy for your computer desktop to become a catchall for items you need fast access to. Try to organize these things into a reasonable amount of files. A clean computer will help prevent you from feeling panicked when you need to look for a file or important email.
  3. Pay attention to your calendar.
    Feel like you’re always on the go and never have enough hours in the day? If so, it’s time your calendar becomes a proactive tool in your life rather than an enemy. Look at your calendar daily to see what you’ve got going on. Be sure to not overload yourself to the point of exhaustion or burnout. Learn to say no to some requests that come your way or suggest a time that works better for you. Also, set reminders on your calendar to alert you before an event so you’re not rushing from one thing to the next.
  4. Clean up your social media accounts.
    This is a perfect time to go through your accounts like LinkedIn and Facebook. On LinkedIn, it’s a good idea to keep your profile current, even if you love your current job. Pay attention to any new people you should connect with or groups you should delete. The same rules apply to Facebook. Are there groups that are sending you way too many messages you don’t want? Do you have any pictures or posts you need to remove? Is there anyone you need to connect with? Although many people see social media as tools just for fun, they can have a big impact on your professional life too. Be mindful of what yours says about you.
  5. Perfect your resume.
    Spring is a great time to ensure your resume is up-to-date. Whether you are looking for a job, seeking a promotion, or applying for a volunteer position, it’s important to do regular maintenance on your resume. Add any new skills you’ve learned or projects you’ve taken on, ensure all dates are correct, and update your contact information if necessary. Also, do a quick look over your reference list. Is there someone listed that you haven’t talked to in a while? Give them a call or schedule a lunch to catch up. It’s important to keep these contacts current so you can take advantage of networking.

In addition to these tips, there are many other ways you can spring clean for your career. What are some of your favorites? Share them in the comments section below.

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

Are You Stressed Out? Tips for Living a Peak Performer’s Life

walterbond_webTime management is your ability to allocate time to each task you need to accomplish. According to former professional basketball player and motivational speaker Walter Bond, effectively practicing time management is extremely important to your success and mental wellbeing. By not managing your time, you may put yourself in stressful situations in your job search, workplace, or personal life.

“We all have 24 hours in a day, so why are some people more successful than other people? Simple answer: they managed their time better,” Walter says. “It’s not that they’re smarter – they just figured out how to manage their time.”

As part of his year-long series of motivational messages, Walter Bond discusses the importance of tracking your time, managing projects, keeping on track, avoiding stress, and more. Check out the full message below.

When it comes to your job search, how do you manage your time to avoid stress? Let us know in the comments section below.

About Walter Bond 
A former professional basketball player, Walter Bond’s NBA career included 153 games with the Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, and Detroit Pistons. Now, Walter takes what he learned from his life on the court and translates it into motivational and educational messages for thriving businesses and careers. With entertaining and dynamic messages, Walter has spoken to companies and associations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe.

For more information about Walter Bond, visit WalterBond.com.

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

How To Love Your Job, Even On Mondays

how_to_love_your_job_webDuring the month of February, there is a lot of talk about love. But anyone who’s been in a relationship for a long period of time can tell you that there is a point where love becomes a choice. When the butterflies and honeymoon phases fade away, that’s where the work begins. And loving your job is no different.

The idea of someone loving their job can seem like a far-fetched dream. But the good news is that it just requires a person to keep working at it. “You don’t have to quit,” encourages a Fast Company article. “It is possible to rekindle that old spark.” Here are three helpful tips to keep your love for your job alive, even on Mondays.

Make a List
Every job has positive aspects to it, even if they don’t immediately come to mind. Take a few minutes and list out the good things about your job. Do you have fun co-workers, bring home a paycheck, have health insurance, or enjoy your projects? If the answer is yes, write it down. What about a flexible schedule, holidays off, travel opportunities, or an up-to-date computer? Those are all positives too.

Once you have some items on your list, post it where you can easily see it. You can always add more to it whenever you discover another aspect of your job you love. Then, when you’re having a tough start to the week or just struggling with liking your job, you can read through the list and give your attitude a boost.

Discover What You Can Change
As a Forbes article about loving your job pointed out, “boredom is often at the root of unhappiness at work.” It’s up to you to discover what areas you’re dissatisfied or bored with, and then map out a way to make some changes. “Challenge yourself to look for one area that would give you more joy at work and then make it happen.” It could be as simple as rearranging, decluttering, and decorating your desk space. Or perhaps it might be training yourself to do one of your tasks more effectively. Another aspect of this is seeking out new responsibilities. Forbes recommends that you “keep your ear to the ground to get the scoop on positions opening up or emerging projects — even if they’re short-term. Then throw your name into the hat.”

Remember Your End Goal
In the day-to-day distractions, it’s easy to forget your bigger purpose. But think back to when you first took this job. Most likely you were excited, and that’s probably because the job was a step toward a goal. Whatever that goal was – money to buy a house, getting your foot in the door at a great company, learning more about an industry that interests you – try and remember it. You’re at your job for a reason, and while this particular stretch of your journey may not be your favorite, take joy in the fact that you’re at least working toward your goal.

No one wants to be in a job they hate. After all, if you’re going to spend the majority of your waking hours at work, life will be much more enjoyable if you love your job. And that’s not an unrealistic dream. “Loving work is not as much a pipe dream as winning the lottery – it’s something far easier to achieve,” the Inc. article explains. “Loving your job is a skill and a practice,” so all you have to do is work at it.

What tips do you have for enjoying your job? Let us know in the comments section below!

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

Fall Fashion Tips for Your Work Wardrobe

stk325045rknAs summer draws to a close, it’s time to think about what to wear to the office during the cooler fall months. Staying stylish while watching your wallet can be a challenge, but looking your best for the office or on job interviews is important. So, how can you take your existing wardrobe and transition it into new fall styles?

To answer this question, we sat down with Grace Gordon, fashion correspondent for Savoir Flair fashion magazine, to get her advice. Here are three tips to look your best for job interviews and in the workplace this fall.

Go With the Flow – Women’s Wardrobe Tips
While blouses and sweater dresses are big this year, going with the flow is key. According to Grace, “This fall, everything has a flowing, casual feel.” Women’s fashion will incorporate a nice, loose flow to formerly structured suits. Suit and skirt ensembles will be more relaxed, and while the style is loose, it’s also trendy. “We’re looking at wide-legged trousers, but no high waists. Everything sits low on the hip this year,” Gordon said.

Women’s fashion is all about feminine accents this fall. Turtlenecks and layering are back in a big way, and pairing a soft sweater dress with a colorful jacket is a comfortable yet professional look.

According to Gordon, jewel tones are the color of the season. Try pairing emerald blouses with neutral skirts or jackets for color that stands out. “If you are at a desk for most of the day, look for knit-wear and looser shapes for comfort,” Gordon said. “For interviews, a loosely-tailored suit with a metallic blouse will show power.”

Statement necklaces are still in, and Art Deco is coming back in style. “Sculpture jewelry looks like art,” Grace said. And, handbags and purses reflect the jewel tones of fall with lots of hand beading in vibrant colors and even colored feathers. This fall, little details pack a big statement.

Trendy Tailored Look – Men’s Wardrobe Tips
Mix fabrics like wool with embellished trim or find unique color blocking patterns to stay trendy this fall. And, don’t forget the importance of tailored clothing. Instead of getting stuck with an ill-fitting dress shirt, invest in custom-cut work shirts. Though they can be pricey, companies like ShirtsMyWay let men create their own shirt designs and measurement profiles so that they can get exactly what they need.

Gingham shirts are always a popular choice for fall and can be used at smart, casual work environments,” Gordon said.

If your workplace requires ties, or you just like to step up your wardrobe, go for knit ties this fall. And, classic leather accessories like messenger bags add that extra touch of class to any work outfit.

Remember the Dress Code
As with every season, the set guidelines for dress in your office are the ultimate say-so in choosing a nice fall fashion. If your office is more traditional, you may want to stick with neutrals and classic cuts even if the runways are all abuzz about leather and loose-fitting suits. Just because it’s listed in this article doesn’t mean your boss will agree.

Always strive to look your best and represent your workplace the way it intends to be represented. There are ways to look good, no matter what the policies dictate! And, since trends tend to change year-by-year, the more timeless you can keep your outfit, the more money it will save you in the long run. Stay modest, stay colorful, and stay professional!

Do you have any tips for transitioning into a fall wardrobe? Are there more fall trends that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below!

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

Five Painless Ways to Save Money While Job Hunting

SaveMoney_June2014_webWe’ve all been there – looking for a job, lacking a paycheck, and searching to find ways to cut back on spending. That’s why Movin’ On Up has compiled a list of five simple and painless ways to save money while you continue your job hunt. These money saving tips will not only help your pocketbook, but will assist you in your job search as well.

Money Saving Tip #1: Dress for Success Without Breaking the Bank
It’s not a secret that dressing for the job you want, and not the job that you have (or don’t) is one of the most touted tips for success. This can be hard to accomplish on a tight budget, but it’s important to look your best when going to an interview. If you don’t feel your current wardrobe is suitable for a first impression with your potential new boss, check with a friend to see if they would be willing to lend you an outfit. Another way to solve this problem would be checking local secondhand or consignment stores, such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or online stores like eBay. Browsing through these shops for the beginnings of a professional wardrobe can yield some unexpected and worthwhile results.

Money Saving Tip #2: Avoid Eating Out
Eating out often is not easy on your wallet. Instead of going out to dine, take a trip to the grocery store and buy ingredients for meals you can prepare throughout the week. There are multiple websites at your disposal for recipe ideas that are fast and low-cost. For example, at www.eatingwell.com, you can sign up and receive a free printable dinner plan for a month of easy weeknight meals for busy families. For similar meal plans, just use your preferred search engine to look for inexpensive meal options.

Money Saving Tip #3: Strategically Plan Your Search
When on the hunt for a job, it’s easy to simply drive around aimlessly and hope you come across a place you’d like to work. Instead of using this approach, hop online the night before and choose a specific section of your city or town to travel to. Visit different sections on different days and you can strategically visit every part of your city without driving back and forth past the same business repeatedly. This method will save you money spent on gas, which we all know can be a drain on your pocketbook.

Money Saving Tip #4: Build Your Resume for Free
Volunteering and continuing your education aren’t just ways to feel good about yourself; they are also valuable opportunities for adding skills and experience to your resume. Check with your local Regional Food Bank, Boys and Girls Club, and various other non-profit centers for volunteer openings in your area. This can also prove to be an effective networking opportunity and a place to meet future employers, so don’t forget to work hard and introduce yourself to as many people as possible. For education, check out Duolingo to learn a new language, learn to code at Code Academy, or even learn about web development at W3 Schools. These specific skill sets are at very high demand and can be learned for free over the web.

Money Saving Tip #5: Write off Your Job Hunting Expenses
Many of your job searching expenses are tax deductible, including resume preparation fees and traveling expenses. Check out www.moneycrashers.com for a list of four ways to deduct job hunting expenses. Of course, make sure to also go to the IRS website for a complete list of details and restrictions.

A vast majority of job seekers are learning ways to cut costs. And, implementing these five simple tips can put you on the fast track for not only a fuller bank account, but a job as well.

Do you have any other tips for cutting back on spending? Have you had success with any of these techniques for saving money and getting a job? Let us know in the comments below!

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

Poll: Is Business Ownership for You?

MOV_POLL-ICONRecently, the Creative Job Report found that 55% of employed U.S. adults would choose to be self-employed if they could still pay their bills. The numbers were even higher for the Millennial generation, age 20 to 34-years old, with 67% saying they want to start a business. But taking the leap from wanting to start a business to actually being a business owner can be an overwhelming and thrilling process. With more than 500,000 businesses created monthly, we want to know if our Movin’ On Up readers are planning an entrepreneurial rung on their career ladder. Let us know by voting in our poll!

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

Poor Leadership Top Workplace Stress

StressPollResults_May2014_webApril was stress awareness month, so we checked in with our readers on the top workplace stress triggers in our monthly poll. Topping the list with 21% of the results was “lack of/poor leadership,” followed by 15% responding that “long hours/increasing workloads” are the biggest trigger of stress. Tied for the third spot with 10% of the votes were “inadequate pay/benefits” and “poor working environment/company culture.”

Here is how the remaining responses ranked:

  • Concerns about job security: 9%
  • Poor work-life balance: 9%
  • Work is uninteresting/not your chosen career: 7%
  • Poor relationships with co-workers: 7%
  • Inadequate job training: 5%
  • Lack of opportunities for advancement: 4%
  • Other: 3%

Top Causes of Stress for Leaders and Managers
Leadership challenges plague both employees and those charged with leading a company. Express Employment Professionals also asked the same questions about workplace stress to the readers of Refresh Leadership, a blog for managers and leaders, and “lack of/poor leadership” topped their list with 17% of the votes. “Long hours/increasing workloads” came in second place with 15% of the votes, ranking the same spot on the list as top causes of stress for the Movin’ On Up readers.

If you’ve thought being the boss would solve all your stress at work, this may crush your hopes of an easier life when you move up the corporate ladder. However, it can be comforting to know that you’re not alone in facing challenges with leadership. A search for leadership books on Amazon returns over 20,000 results, a testament to the true struggle leading a team and working with others can be. As a point of reference, there were only 10,000 weight-loss books on Amazon, even with the constant diet fads.

Leadership is often about communication, and your manager may be better served in helping you if you find an effective and efficient way to share your challenges and successes. It may not solve all your workplace worry, but it could be the start of less stress.

Ways to Cope
Check out these related blog posts with suggestions on managing workplace stress and improving relationships at work:

What have you found to be the most efficient way to manage workplace stress? Share your ideas in the comments section below.