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Portraits of Hope: Administrative Professional Helen Simmons

By Job Journey on Tuesday, April 25, 2017

With Administrative Professionals’ Day taking place on April 26, we thought it would be appropriate to spotlight one of our own incredibly talented associates. Meet Helen Simmons — a truly exceptional administrative professional. In fact, Express selected her as the Administrative Employee of the Year in 2012 due to her various talents, flexibility, and strong work ethic.

Helen began working for Express Employment Professionals in 2010 after the economic downturn forced her to close the custom painting business she and her daughter owned in Skagit County, Washington.

Sadly, she eventually lost her home, as well as her business. Desperate for work, Helen remembers calling Express when she realized she had to do something just to cover her basic living expenses.

“They called me back right away and within a few days found me a job,” she said. “I went to work for Express, and I haven’t looked back. Of course, I hope to find that one dream job, but in the meantime, I like the challenge of taking on different positions.”

Some of the other jobs Helen has held include working at a local firehouse as a receptionist and administrative assistant, organizing a dinner and auction which raised $150,000 for a local nonprofit organization, and working for an interior design firm.

What is Helen’s favorite part about being an administrative professional? The people. As Helen says, “I am a relationship person and so one of the things I enjoy most is getting to meet new people.”

Interested in reading more about Helen and our other incredible associates? Check out Portraits of Hope online.

Portraits of Hope is a book inspired by and dedicated to jobseekers, the hard working, and the individuals who believe that every job, no matter how big or small, is an opportunity to rise above and be more.

Leadership

Super Bowl Leadership Lessons

By Job Journey on Friday, February 3, 2017

With the biggest game of the year upon us, many this weekend with focus on the matchup between the two teams, the legacy of the players who end up on the winning side, the commercials that will win the day, or the number of Buffalo wings they’ll consume.

But the Super Bowl also offers many lessons for people pursuing success in their professional lives. Throughout the years, many players who have shined on the biggest stage of professional football have gone on to lengthy and successful careers.

Troy Aikman

In 1990, if you asked any football fan or expert about the prospect of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman becoming a Hall of Fame player and Super Bowl champion, it’s unlikely you’d find any who would think there was a chance of that happening. The Cowboys didn’t win a game with Aikman as the starting quarterback, and he threw twice as many interceptions as touchdowns.

So what happened over the next two years that would lead to the Cowboys winning Super Bowl XXVII and Aikman being named the MVP?

Over those two years, Aikman grew and matured while the Cowboys organization surrounded him with a talented offensive line and future hall of famers in Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith.

If you’re just starting your career and gaining experience in your work, don’t give up. Understand that success takes time and that as you learn more about your career field, you will experience more wins.

The other lesson to remember is that nothing is accomplished on your own. A successful career is often the result of teamwork, so make sure to learn from those around you and thank them along the way.

Hines Ward

Known for his toughness, resiliency, and big smile, Hines Ward’s story is one of perseverance through tough circumstances.

Ward was a highly regarded wide receiver coming out of college in 1998, with many expecting him to be one of the top five receivers selected in the pro draft. But before the draft, it was discovered that Ward was missing an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee from a bicycle accident during his childhood.

This news made many teams wary of his health, and Ward fell from being one of the top receivers in the draft to being the 12^th receiver taken when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the third round.

Over the next seven seasons, Ward and the Steelers found success but came up short of their ultimate goal, a Super Bowl trophy. Then, in 2005, the Steelers won Super Bowl XL and Ward was named the MVP.

Throughout his career, Ward was known for his willingness to block for teammates and make the catches that would leave him vulnerable to big hits. This sacrifice for the good of the team towards a common goal is a lesson we can all take to heart in our professional lives.

Von Miller

The most recent Super Bowl MVP, Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller has played the majority of his young career with a spotlight on his efforts and an expectation of success.

Drafted second overall in 2011 by the Broncos, Miller was anticipated to be a highly successful player who could lead the rebuilding of the team’s defense. While he saw success early on and the Broncos became a contender, toward the end of the 2013 season, Miller tore his ACL and watched as his team made it to Super Bowl XLVIII. From the sidelines, he watched the Broncos suffer one of the worst losses in Super Bowl history, falling to the Seattle Seahawks, 43-8.

Two years later, Miller helped lead his team to another chance for a championship as the Broncos made another appearance in the Super Bowl. Instead of standing on the sidelines, Miller was instrumental in the Broncos victory, forcing two fumbles and winning Super Bowl MVP.

Just like Von Miller, many of us have expectations set on us for success, whether from leaders at work or friends and family members at home. Those expectations may put a heavy weight on our shoulders, but they can also move us to work harder knowing that others have confidence in our abilities.

And when setbacks happen, we know from the stories of each of these Super Bowl MVPs, they don’t have to define us. We can grow, learn, and reach new heights if we’re willing to put in the effort and fight to see success.

What other prime-time performers from past Super Bowls can teach us career lessons? Let us know in the comments section.

At Work

Lessons From the Sports World: Part Two

By Job Journey on Friday, August 12, 2016

When it comes to teamwork, dedication, or even defeat, the world of sports is full of valuable lessons you can apply to your job search and career path. To help you learn from sports history, Movin’ On Up is bringing you lessons from the sports world to help up your professional game and gain real-life applications for the workplace.

Muhammad Ali’s Lesson on Effort
American boxer Muhammad Ali is widely considered one of the most significant sports figures of the 20th century. The late heavyweight champion shared more than just the athletic spotlight. He also gained fame for his activism and inspiring persona. Muhammad Ali once said:
“I would have been the world’s greatest at whatever I did. If I were a garbage man, I’d be the world’s greatest garbage man! I’d pick up more garbage and faster than anyone has ever seen. To tell you the truth, I would have been the greatest at whatever I’d done!”

When it comes to your profession, it’s important to give it your all. If you want to be the best and advance your career, you must put 100% of your energy and dedication into your work. Take a moment to consider how much effort you’re making to reach your goals every day. Are you investing all of yourself into your job search? Are you aiming to be the best employee in your workplace?

If you haven’t set your sights on being the best at what you do, there’s no better time to start than right now.

Muhammad Ali’s Lesson on Vision
The famous boxer also said, “Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision.”

Why do you go to work every day? What drives you to find the perfect job? What is your dream? Your goal? Your ultimate career path? Stop for a moment and ask yourself what motivates you to succeed. If you don’t know why you do what you do, you likely won’t have the inspiration to reach your goals. You must have a vision in mind if you want to succeed, so take a moment and solidify what that vision is for you.

What’s your dream, and how do you plan to be the best? Share with us in the comments section below!

Keep an eye out for more Lessons from the Sports World, a series brought to you by Movin’ On Up. A new article will be posted each Friday through Aug. 19.

Networking The Job Search

Love Your Job Search

By Job Journey on Wednesday, February 18, 2015

We’ve talked about how to overcome a tough job search before, but can you actually have fun while searching for a job?

A seemingly endless job search with little success can be frustrating and upsetting. Hiring managers aren’t calling you back. Rejection letters come as often as the bills do. And, you have to keep telling friends and acquaintances that, no, you still haven’t found a job.

With all this stress, how do you stay sane during a tough job search? Try to have some fun. Below are tips on staying sane, upbeat, and happy when the job outlook seems anything but.

Stay Social
Being unemployed has the unexpected benefit of allowing you a lot more free time to reconnect with friends, family, and loved ones. Schedule coffee dates or go to networking parties. Rekindling past friendships can be rewarding on an emotional level, but you’re also likely to find someone who can help you in some way with your job search.

Take a Class
Learning a new skill not only benefits your job search, but boosts confidence too. By taking a class in a new hobby, a career-centered skill, or just for fun will help keep your mind active and your self-worth soaring. The U.S. Department of Labor even has job training programs available for those who qualify. In addition to learning a new skill, you’ll also meet new people and maybe even find a new career.

Stay Healthy and Active
If you aren’t working right now, why not use that free time to improve your health? Remember when you had to work long hours and couldn’t spare any time for the gym? Now you can. Countless studies show that exercise is vital to maintaining a positive outlook in life. According to the Mayo Clinic, “physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.” You may also feel better about yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem, traits you’ll need during your job search.

Volunteer
According to a recent article in Psychology Today, “providing assistance to other people helps manage stress, provides greater relationship satisfaction, reduces depression, and can even reduce risk of mortality.”

Volunteering also puts you in the spotlight in front of decision-makers who can help you with introductions and referrals. You’ll feel needed, accomplished, and grateful for what you have, which boosts your sense of self worth.

Do Something for Yourself
Believe it or not, pampering yourself isn’t a frivolous indulgence. Consider it an investment in your job-hunting efforts. A new haircut, a quality manicure, or a new suit can do wonders for your mood, but also for your appearance in job interviews. A simple thing like a new scarf or a bright tie may be what you need to add that little spark that makes all the difference.

The truth of the matter is that most worthy quests are tough before they get easy, and your job search is no different. But, the more time and effort you take to keep positive, motivated, healthy, and realistic, the better your chances are.

Do you have any advice on having fun during a tough job search? Share your tips in the comments section below.

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

At Work Career Advancement

Want to Know How to Get Others to Support Your Idea?

By Rachel Rudisill on Friday, March 15, 2013

So you’ve got a great idea, a wonderful plan to act on and, you’re on your way to success. But you can’t do it alone. You’re going to need the support and approval of your manager and colleagues. Here are some tips for getting the help you need.

Making an Idea a Reality
While your experiences can result in great ideas, it’s best not to work in a vacuum. It will be easier to get others to support and take action on your idea if they can be involved early in the process. This can be as simple as asking for advice and feedback on your idea from a few peers and a mentor, or as formal as holding a brainstorming session to explore your idea and possible alternatives. Perhaps your idea won’t be the final solution, but it could be the catalyst to coming up with the perfect plan. Be open to letting others take hold of your idea and contributing to the overall success.

Gaining Your Manager’s Support
Often working on the front line can give you the experiences and perspective to come up with a great idea. Whether it’s a new product, process, or growth strategy, knowing how to effectively pitch your idea to your manager and leadership team can make all the difference. When sharing your idea, be respectful of the processes currently in place and the people managing those processes. If your idea addresses a challenge or focuses on the technology of the future, make sure you don’t dwell on the shortcomings you see in the current situation or process. Remember that your leadership team has invested time and talent into taking the business to this point. It’s key to demonstrate how your idea builds on their successful history.

Including Your Team
When it comes time to put your plan into action, recognize the impact it can have on your teammates. If your idea leads to a change in processes or implementation of new technology, try not to take it personal if there are some bumps along the way. Additionally, as others help implement your idea there could be changes to your plan. It’s important to stay focused on the overall success of the business without getting caught up in the details. And while celebrating your accomplishment is certainly deserved, don’t keep the spotlight on yourself. Share your success with your co-workers, those who helped formulate the plan, and those who put it into action. Remember, “Teamwork makes the dream work.”

Do you have a great story to share on how one of your big ideas came to life? Include it in the comments section.

At Work Workplace Relationships

Complain About a Co-Worker Without Being a Tattletale

By Jared Cole on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Everybody has that one person in mind. It feels like there’s almost always that one employee who never comes to work on time, eats their smelly food at their desk , or tends to make offhanded remarks while at work. While you should always strive to build strong working relationships with your fellow co-workers, sometimes those workplace relationships can’t grow without resolving the inevitable conflicts that arise when working with other people.

While complaining at every turn may not be the best way for you to resolve the situation, there are several things you can do to ease the tension without gaining the reputation of being the workplace crier. Here are some ways you can let your co-worker know how annoying they are without getting them in trouble or you looking like a squealer.

Make it Better Before it Gets Worse
More often than not, problems or issues that are ignored and unaddressed can build up until they explode into a less than professional situation for you. It’s far better to address the difficult person while maintaining some objectivity and emotional control. Take the time to understand why you feel this way and how your co-worker’s behavior can affect productivity.

If you don’t handle it on your own and go straight to management with your issues, it can tarnish your image of being promotable. Managers will wonder why you’re not able to resolve the issue, which will make them wonder if you have the ability and understanding to lead and make difficult decisions for the company.

Go Mano-a-Mano
One of the easiest ways to resolve an issue with a co-worker is to be a friend. After all, you are trying to look out for your employer and your co-worker’s best interest. Pull your co-worker aside and mention that they’re breaking a rule. If a colleague is using foul language in the workplace, tell them that their manager is bound to hear it at some point. This kind of method helps you communicate a minor complaint without putting the spotlight on yourself.

Sometimes you have to be direct, but with a pleasant and agreeable attitude when talking to your co-worker. Try discussing how their actions make you feel. If a co-worker keeps coming in late, explain why you have to put off your lunch breaks to cover for them. Unfortunately, some difficult people just don’t care. During the discussion, try to reach an agreement about positive and supportive actions going forward. Then, make sure to follow up with the co-worker to see if any progress has been made.

When in Doubt, Reach Out
If you’ve done all you can on your own, it might be time to call for some help. Consider rallying other employees who might also have an issue with the annoying co-worker. But be careful with this approach. Other employees might not have put the same tact and effort into their confrontation with the co-worker. Sometimes, a group approach can make your manager think that the impact of the behavior is wider and deeper than originally determined. Be careful with this approach, however. Know what works with your boss.

If you have to go to a manager, try going to the co-workers direct supervisor so the situation won’t escalate too far. If you do go to upper management, make sure your complaints are valid and it is a serious enough offense that disciplinary action should be taken. When talking to the manager, make sure you include a good amount of praise for the co-worker. Explain how you tried to work things out, but it didn’t get anywhere.

Make it Productive
Before talking to management about the situation, figure out if there are any flaws or areas of improvement in your employer’s policy and procedures. Maybe better training or scheduling is needed to avoid situations. Focusing on the root of the problem and offering ideas to fix the situation can make a great impression on your boss and is more effective than complaining. It turns you from a whiner into a problem solver. No boss on the planet is going to be upset when you go to them with a solution.

Sometimes it can be difficult to address conflicts in the workplace, but they don’t have to be as dreadful if you keep a positive attitude and put the focus on improving the situation and not on your complaints. What are some ways you have dealt with annoying co-workers? Let us know in the comments below.

Career Advancement Career Options The Job Search

Trying to Find a Job When You’re Shy or Introverted

By Jared Cole on Monday, February 20, 2012

Last month, I posted a blog about networking for the shy and introverted. It seemed to strike a chord with several readers, and I’ve received many requests for further information and advice on different aspects of the job search for the shy or introverted job seeker.

Luckily for us introverts and shy people, those who aren’t afraid to or find energy in getting themselves in the spotlight tend to create their own clutter and static out of their own messages. That’s when we use our greatest strengths: our patience and brains. Here are some ways you can use your shyness or introversion as an advantage when looking for a job.

Blame Is Not a Game

First things first; don’t blame yourself. If you are introverted, you are normal. There is nothing wrong with you, so don’t use it as a crutch. For many people, it’s easy to say, “I won’t go there today. My energy level is a little low and I just don’t think I can make it the whole time.” It’s time to stop blaming your condition and use it to your advantage.

For those who are shy, it’s much easier to blame any social shortcomings on their shyness. Like any skill, finding jobs and following up after sending a résumé will get better over time. It’ll be difficult, but you won’t succeed at all if you keep telling yourself, “I can’t. I’m too shy.”

Have a Plan, Stan

Introverts generally have acute attention to detail. Those details can help you make a more efficient job search. Go the extra mile and find the hiring manager at a prospective employer and do some research on this person before calling the employer at random. You will become a strong, valid, and desirable candidate when you appear prepared and interested, just by using your strengths.

It’s important for shy job seekers to be prepared. Being ready can give you the boost you need to go out on a limb when finding a job. This means breaking out of your comfort zone and asking others for input. Shy people tend to be more self-critical than others, so having second or third opinions can give you an idea of what really works and a boost of moral support.

Write With Might

A friend once told me, “Writing is something for shy people who want to tell you a story but don’t want to make eye contact while telling it.” Those who are introverted are often good writers. This is where the power of social media can play to our strengths.

Try starting your own blog about your industry. You can get your thoughts and opinions out if you are a better writer than speaker, and you can use it to connect with other industry-related bloggers who can help you with your career.

You can also engage with specific people who can help you find a job instead of building a large personal brand following. Find someone who works for an employer you are interested in and start a conversation.

Some of the most influential people in history have been introverted and dealt with shyness every day, like Steve Martin, Albert Einstein, Julia Roberts. Even Thomas Jefferson, was said to have only spoken publicly during his presidency at his inauguration and while delivering legislative proposals. Don’t let the grandeur and flare of extroverts get you down. What issues of introversion and shyness have you dealt with and used it as a strength?