At Work

Job Security in Tough Economic Times

By on Wednesday, November 12, 2008

According to recent reports, the unemployment rate has risen to 6.5% in October as employers cut another 240,000 jobs. With this being the highest unemployment rate since March 1994, many employees are starting to feel anxiety that they could be next on the unemployment line.

No matter what industry you’re in, it’s important to focus on your performance now to increase job security. Here are four tips to help you navigate an uncertain job future.

Show your value. Whether you work in an office pushing papers or in a warehouse moving boxes, show how much value you can bring to your company. Show up early, stay late, and ask for extra projects. Make sure you work well with other employees and never, ever complain. Keep a positive, can-do attitude, and be a joy to work with.

Increase your knowledge. Show your boss that you’re a valuable asset to the company by increasing your knowledge and skills. Ask your boss if you can cross train so you can gain more experience and knowledge about the business and increase your productivity.

Network with others. Some people think that just because they have a job, there’s no longer a need to network. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Networking within your company and industry can keep your name top of mind when executives are thinking of who to keep during layoffs. Make sure you keep a great attitude and focus on building a good reputation too, because this affects how others perceive you.

Be the best. Whatever your job title, show that you’re the best person for your position. Protecting your job also means being a person who others know they can come to when they need help. Make sure you’re doing quality work because this shows employers that you can do your job well without much supervision.

Unfortunately, in times like these, many Americans face the reality of a job loss – whether it’s deserved or not. But, by focusing on being the best employee possible, you’ll not only increase your chances of keeping your job, you’ll be in a better position to land a new one should the once unthinkable pink slip happen to you.

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At Work Career Advancement The Daily Grind Workplace Relationships

3 Ways to Learn From Others at Work

By on Monday, November 10, 2008

Learning as much as you can on the job is important to your personal and professional growth. Most of your co-workers probably have different strengths and weaknesses than you do, which makes your team function well when everyone pulls their talents together. So, take the opportunity to learn from your co-workers and sharpen your skills. Here are three informal ways to increase your knowledge in the workplace by working with your peers.

Pay attention. Watch how your colleagues act and react to certain situations at work, whether it’s how they handle a customer complaint, the way they treat their supervisor, or how they complete their work on time. Observe how they’re received by others and what other co-workers’ reactions are. You can learn from both positive and negative behaviors by imitating good examples and learning not to mimic poor behaviors.

Ask for a demonstration. If you’re on the job and need or simply want to learn how to complete a procedure, ask a co-worker who is knowledgeable about the process. Ask if you can watch them the next time they complete that task, and ask them to explain their strategy during each step.

Request guidance. Sometimes you might come across a task that you’re somewhat familiar with but need a little guidance and reassurance along the way. In this case, ask a knowledgeable co-worker if they can watch you as you perform the task yourself and correct you if you miss a step. Make sure to ask questions for clarification as you complete your task so that you’ll understand the process.

Every day is a new opportunity to learn something. So take time to learn from your co-workers and improve your skills to grow personally and professionally. These opportunities will help you build relationships with your co-workers, creating value for both you and your entire team.

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The Daily Grind

Are Lower Gas Prices Having Any Impact?

By on Thursday, November 6, 2008

gas prices and jobsDuring the summer, increasing fuel cost increases seemed to be a daily occurrence. It often felt like there was no end in sight. But, gas prices have steadily fallen every day since Sept. 17, according to CNN, and fuel costs haven’t been this low since August 2005.

An August 2008 survey showed that 35% of workers changed their commute and driving habits due to increased fuel costs this past summer. But, cooling weather might make it difficult to ride your bike to work this time of year, and holiday expenses are just around the corner.

We want to know how lower gas prices are affecting your driving habits. Are you still concerned with finding a job close to home? Does a longer drive for a new job seem more manageable now? Is this newly found relief in gas prices having any effect on your commute or job search? Or are those costs just being diverted elsewhere? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

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Express in the News Inside Express

Express is now on Facebook!

By on Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Express on FacebookIt’s an exciting day at Express – we’re happy to announce we’re now on Facebook! Please check out our page and let us know what you think. We’ll be posting videos, contests, and more, so don’t miss it!

Become a Featured Fan
One thing we’ll be doing is featuring some our fans by posting their story and photo here (on our blog) and on Facebook. For your chance at being featured, first you’ll have to become an Express fan on Facebook. Then, leave us a comment on our Facebook wall telling us a little bit about your Express story. Then, we’ll contact fans to find out more.

Not on Facebook?
To become a fan of Express, you have to have a Facebook profile. If you don’t have one, you can sign up for your own profile as long as you have a working e-mail address.

Send Us Your Suggestions
Have a suggestion about what you want to see on the Express Facebook page? Leave us a comment or write a message on our wall, and we’ll get back with you. We’re on Facebook for you, so let us know what you want to see!

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Reader Surveys

Tis’ the Season for Second Jobs

By on Monday, November 3, 2008

Last year, in our November poll, we asked our readers to tell us why they’d consider taking a seasonal job. Most people said they wanted to get their foot in the door at a company with the hopes of getting hired full time after the holiday season.

This year, as the economic landscape worsens and the holidays are yet again upon us, we’d like to know where you stand on the idea of taking a second job as the holidays approach. Let us know by voting in our poll, and feel free to share your stories and comments in the comments section!

poll by twiigs.com
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Job Interviews

4 Job Interview Musts

By on Friday, October 31, 2008

Job seekers worry so much about preparing for the big things before a job interview – the résumé, the research, the qualifications – that they forget about the basics. Simple job interview etiquette can be the factor that makes or breaks an interview.

So, here are a few “small” things that you need to remember before heading into an interview.

Don’t chew gum. Chewing gum is definitely a no go. The interviewer can’t concentrate on what you’re saying if you’re smacking your gum obnoxiously.

Do dress appropriately. Wearing clothes that are too tight or too baggy will distract you and the interviewer during the interview. Make sure you wear something that is comfortable, yet professional. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to dress up than to dress down.

Don’t forget your manners. “Please” and “thank you” are not a thing of the past. When going on an interview, remember to be courteous to everyone in the building. You could have a great interview, but if your manners are lacking to even one individual, you could lose your chances at landing the job. You never know who can influence your desired boss’s decision.

Do be professional. Whether you have a loud voice or tend to go into a shell when you’re nervous, make sure to adapt your mannerisms to the personality style of the person you’re interviewing with. You don’t want to go to extremes, so don’t overpower or close off during an interview.

The next time you go on a job interview, don’t assume you have all your bases covered. Remember that sometimes the little things make all the difference

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Reader Surveys The Daily Grind

How Do You Get to Work?

By on Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The way people get to work and back home every day varies and depends on location, the distance to work, and the availability of public transportation. So, we want to know how you get to work every day. Vote in our poll and then leave us your feedback in the comments section below to let us know what your preferred method of transportation is and if you get to use it.

poll by twiigs.com
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