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Celebrate Your 2017 Successes

By Job Journey on Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Reflect on your accomplishments this year

2017 is almost over. You’ve followed all our blogs this year, prepped as hard as you could, and now all your tools are sharp. Your resume is rockin’, your network is newsworthy, and your industry knowledge is incredible. You’re ready for the job search in 2018.

And that’s worth celebrating. Looking for a job isn’t easy—getting everything up to date is a job in and of itself, albeit a job that doesn’t pay anything at first. And you’ve done it! Let’s take a look at all of the things you’ve checked off your list this year.

Your Resume Is Ready

Your resume is the most important tool in your job search arsenal. It gets you in the door with recruiters, can be passed out at networking events, and is a one-stop summary for everything that is you. Your resume isn’t just a list of the jobs you’ve held. It’s a monument to your achievements, filled to the brim with data showing how you’ve helped each and every company you’ve ever worked for succeed.

You’ve chosen your words carefully and analyzed job postings to find out what the industry lingo is. Each bullet uses new action verbs to show what you’ve done—no word is used twice. Your formatting is beautiful. Everything fits on one page, the margins are perfect, and the spacing isn’t distracting.

You update your resume regularly and have had friends and peers review it to make sure everything made sense. You even sent it off to a local recruiter to get their thoughts on it.

Your Network Has Grown

When you first started looking for a job, your network was relatively small. You had a few previous co-worker as connections on LinkedIn, as well as a few family members. But since then you’ve grown leaps and bounds. You’re active in your community, hold a position in a professional group, and keep up to date on all the latest industry trends. You receive email newsletters from your favorite blogs, and never miss a beat.

People like you for you. You haven’t run around begging for a job, but they’ve let you know about opportunities because of your relationship. That’s what networking really is. Becoming friendly (on some level) with people in your industry and sharing time with them. Then showing them how great you are at what you do. Leave it to them to put 2 and 2 together to realize you’re the perfect person for their job opening.

You’ve Developed Your Skillset

You’ve realized that some job listings mention skills you don’t have, or familiarity with programs you’ve never encountered. Not one to shy away from a challenge, you’ve found local or online classes that provide the training those companies crave. You haven’t let your existing skills dull as you’ve job searched either. You’ve found gig work where you can, and researched the latest trends in your industry to ensure you don’t fall by the wayside.

And for those of you who still have a few things left on your job search checklist? There’s still time! Read the articles linked in this blog to get started, and you’ll be ready in no time.

Have questions about how to get your job search kicked off in the new year? Let us know in the comments below!

The Job Search

Poll Results: What are Your Career Goals for 2017?

By Job Journey on Friday, February 10, 2017

The start of a new year is a perfect opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to take inventory of what you want to accomplish for the year. In December, we asked our Movin’ On Up Readers what their career goals were for 2017, and they are ambitious.

Twenty-two percent said they want to learn a new skill this year, while 18% said they are going to get a job. A total of 14% aim to change jobs, and “get a raise” came in just under that at 13%.

Other results include:

Join a professional organization — 10%
Get a promotion — 9%
Go to school — 7%
Graduate — 3%

In addition, 5% of readers selected “other” and cited the following reasons:

Open my own business
Do what I love to do
Become a great leader
Grow my team to the next level

Learn a New Skill

Whether you are looking to get a promotion this year or change careers, learning a new skill can really impress your boss or the hiring manager. Luckily, there are plenty of free resources online that cater to a wide range of careers, so there’s something for everyone.

If you don’t have the time for a class, there are also some other creative ways to weave learning a new skill into your daily life, such as subscribing to industry blogs and newsletters and meeting with the leaders of your company.

Land That New Job

Before you start filling out applications, take the time to optimize your resume. Do you have the right keywords to match a job description? Are there grammatical errors? Check out these five resume tips to help you land that job.

And don’t get discouraged if you don’t get your dream job right away. The job search is different for everyone and it’s important to take care of your health during that time. Remember to take breaks from writing cover letters and do something you enjoy, like going for a walk or working in the garden.

What are some other career goals you’ve set for 2017? Let us know in the comments below!

At Work

One Month In: Time to Check Up On Your Resolutions

By Job Journey on Monday, January 30, 2017

If you’re like millions of people, as 2017 loomed, you felt compelled to plan some life changes in the coming year. Your New Year’s resolutions. It’s an annual ritual which typically consists of an ambitious goal following a year of discontent or excess, encouraged in part by peer pressure and tradition. So, now that we’re a month into the New Year, it’s time for a resolution check-up. Below are three categories that most people fall into. Read on to see which group you identify with.

You didn’t make any resolutions.

This is the category that I fall into. Not because there aren’t any aspects of my life that I’d like to change and improve. Far from it. Personally, I’ve found that making a life change based on the calendar just doesn’t work for me. When I decide to make a change, the motivation has to come from within, not from the calendar. I believe it’s always a good idea to seek ways to improve, not just at the end of the year. So after some reflection, I decided to put more thought into the gifts I give my wife. She’s really great at picking out presents for me. I, however typically fall somewhere on the other end of the spectrum. I manage to produce gifts for all the appropriate occasions, but rarely come up with an awesome idea that she hasn’t already suggested. So how will I turn around my dismal gift-giving ways? It’s going to take planning and a lot of consideration, paying attention to hints she periodically drops, making notes, and devoting the time and effort she deserves, to show her how much she means to me.

You made resolutions, but feel like you’re failing miserably.

First, give yourself a break. Now take a step back and ask, “What’s holding me back?” Did you set your sights too high? Set an unrealistic timeline? Or are you just being too hard on yourself? Try to think of your quest for improvement as a marathon, not a sprint. You’re in it for the long run. Analyze the steps you’re taking toward your goal. Are they leading toward the results you desire? Big changes don’t happen overnight. Having a goal is admirable, but your chances for success will be much greater if you make a reasonable and attainable plan to reach your goal.

Suppose, for instance, that you’ve resolved to lose 10 pounds. Here it is, almost February, and you’re still hovering around the same weight as when you rang in the new year. Don’t beat yourself up. Sensible, sustainable weight loss takes time, most effectively achieved by lifestyle change rather than a crash diet, juice cleanse, or other quick-fix. Eating smarter and being more active are the keys. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have good, common sense advice for weight loss.

And remember, there’s nothing wrong with altering or revising your resolutions. What sounded like a great idea a month ago, may in fact turn out to be a bit over ambitious in reality. Altering the plan doesn’t make you a failure, it shows that you’re able to adapt to changing conditions. We change plans all the time, at work, at home, and socially. It’s part of reacting to the ebb and flow of life. Maybe you resolved to hit the gym every day, but can only manage to get there a few times a week. There are plenty of ways to get a workout at home, or even at work.

If you’re still dedicated to making a change, but struggling to make it a reality, don’t give up. Take a step back and look for different or additional ways to achieve your goal.

You made resolutions and are making progress

If you fall into this category, you’re probably in the minority of resolution makers. Congratulations on sticking with your plan! Keep up the good work. Take a moment to celebrate and share your progress with others. It will give you the motivation to continue and may inspire someone to begin their own journey of self-improvement. If you feel there is still more you could do on your quest for personal growth, consider additional ways to change your life for the better. Check out this great list of 50 resolution ideas and how to achieve them.

No matter what path you take toward self-improvement, the rewards are worth the effort.

Remember, it’s never too late to start. It doesn’t matter whether you’re motivated by the time of year or by your personal timeline. Make a plan or revise your plan, stick to it, and work on making a better version of yourself in 2017.

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? Why or why not? What tips and advice do you have?

Share with us in the comments section below.

Article author David Harper is a video script and content writer at Express Employment Professionals.

At Work

Climb the Ladder: 5 Ways to Get That Promotion in 2017

By Job Journey on Friday, January 13, 2017

Earlier this month, we published a post revealing what our readers predict the job market holds in store for the coming year. For the most part, responses were optimistic with 28% of respondents predicting that the job market will improve and they “will definitely get a job offer or a promotion in 2017.” So we thought we’d offer a few suggestions to snag a promotion and climb the company ladder in the coming year.

Be Dependable

This one seems obvious, but a lack of dependability is one of the top complaints of many bosses. So show up on time. Call or text if you realize you’re going to be delayed. If you’re too sick to make it to work, give the boss as much advance notice as possible so he or she can make arrangements to cover your absence. Complete your assignments and tasks on time. Don’t schedule personal days during particularly busy times or in the middle of time-sensitive projects. Want to really make a positive impression? Be the go-to person for your boss or supervisor. Volunteer to take on additional responsibilities.

Be Coachable

Learn from the wisdom of people who have “been there, done that.” A good coach dispenses guidance and feedback to help you improve, not to ridicule you and point out your flaws. Condition yourself to accept constructive criticism, and don’t take it personally. Make it your goal to become a better listener. When someone gives you instruction or advice, give your full, undivided attention. Don’t try to formulate your response until the person speaking finishes their thought and you’ve taken a moment to process the information. Ask follow-up questions to show that you understand and to clarify anything that may be unclear. Seek advice and guidance from trusted sources. Learn more about being coachable here.

Think Like a Boss

While you’re on the job, take on a corporate mindset. Consider how your job fits in to the big picture. How does what you and your department do affect the other employees and departments in your organization? Be proactive. Try to anticipate situations that may affect your job or department. Be mindful of when particularly busy periods occur in your workplace and recognize the challenges that come along with it. You don’t have to be the first person to raise your hand when the boss needs someone to work an overtime shift, but at least you won’t be surprised when she asks.

Speak Up

Voicing your opinion shows your boss and co-workers that you’re engaged and interested in solving problems. There are many reasons people are reluctant to make their voices heard. Maybe you’re an introvert or you’re afraid your ideas will be rejected. Whatever the reason, if speaking in front of a group stresses you out, you’re not alone. When it comes to gaining self-assurance, remember to project confidence, make eye contact, and keep your comments short and to the point. Read these tips for building your speaking muscle.

Read More

First, learn everything you can about the company you work for. Hopefully your employer has a website. Refresh your memory by reading the About Us section to brush up on company history, their mission statement, and corporate leaders. Be aware of the products and services your employer provides and of the types of customers your company serves. Second, keep up with the news and trends that affect your line of work. Read books, blogs, and websites that focus on your industry or business. The ability to intelligently discuss the state of your business or industry will definitely set you apart from the competition.

How will you stand out in the coming year? Do you have any tips or secrets for rising above the rest? Tell us in the comments section below.

Workplace Goofs

17 Tips for an Outstanding New Year

By Job Journey on Monday, January 2, 2017

The new year has officially begun, which means it’s time to make sure you’re focused on your goals for the year. Since this is the 17^th year of this century, here are 17 tips to help you have an outstanding year:

Don’t procrastinate. If you put off the things you need to accomplish, you may realize 2018 is right around the corner before you’ve even started.
Invest in your wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for a job, or you’re already part of the workforce, owning a quality outfit can set you apart from the competition. Consider investing in a suit for interviews, or durable shoes for the workplace.
Learn a new skill. It’s never too late to learn something new, and there are countless ways to add to your skillset. Think of the skills you’d like to learn, then take advantage of the Internet’s many educational resources.
Clean up your social media profiles. When’s the last time you looked back at your Facebook or Twitter posts and photos from years ago? Chances are, there may be photos, statuses, or tags that don’t paint you in the best light. And since potential employers often look at your social media accounts when considering you for a job, be sure to represent yourself in the most professional way possible.
Learn from your co-workers. There may be times when your company could benefit from allowing you to cross-train or shadow someone on the job. Consider asking your supervisor for the opportunity to learn from others.
Take a class. Many communities offer courses in subjects like computer programs, marketing tips, and interview techniques. Check out opportunities available in your area, and sign up for a class today.
Join a professional organization. Depending on your career path, there may be a professional organization you can join. These organizations are designed to help you network and further your skills, and they’re also a great addition to your resume.
Create a LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, what are you waiting for? There are thousands of recruiters on LinkedIn right now, and they may be looking for candidates just like you!
Gather your references. Maintaining an updated list of references is a good practice, even if you’re not actively job searching. Since you meet new people every day and relationships often change, ensure that your list is up-to-date before you need to use it.
Send a thank-you note. If you are in the job search process, you know it’s important to send a thank-you note after an interview. But, what if you’re not currently looking? You can still send notes of appreciation to those who make a difference to you. Consider sending a thank-you note to your supervisor, an old friend, or a co-worker who helped you on a project. Everybody likes to feel appreciated.
Make a plan for stress relief. Sometimes, stress is unavoidable. But, you can take steps to lessen the impact stress has on you. Think of ways that help you manage stress when it hits. Maybe it’s meditation, yoga, or exercise. Perhaps reading is relaxing for you. Find what helps you through tough times before they happen.
Do something for yourself. Life moves quickly, and everyone has busy days. In all of that busyness, you may find that you haven’t taken any time for yourself. Stop for a moment and do something just for you. Go for a walk, buy yourself a coffee, read a book, or watch a movie.
Get active. We all know how important exercise is to our overall health, but many of us can’t find the time to make it a priority. Even if you sit at a desk all day, there are still ways to be active. Try simple desk exercises, or go for a walk on your lunch break.
Give back. Volunteering is great for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s an excellent way to give back to your community and help those in need. It makes you feel good, helps you meet new people, and network. Often, you can learn a new skill, and of course, volunteering looks great on your resume. Find causes that matter to you and explore how to volunteer your time this year.
Become a planner. Some people are planners, others are more spontaneous. Whether or not you like to structure your day beforehand, make it a habit to get your plans on paper. If you have goals you want to accomplish, write them in your calendar. Jot down important appointments, and keep track of your successful days so you can look back at them later.
Start a budget. The term “budget” often comes with a negative association, but the truth is, being financially responsible is important to your success. Having funds available in an emergency is essential, and you can start on that path today. Review all of your debts and payments, calculate how much you need to save to reach financial goals or start an emergency fund, and begin the process of saving.
Become (or find) a mentor. If you’re new to the workforce, you may feel overwhelmed. There’s certainly a lot to learn. Thankfully, there are millions of others who have gone before you, and it’s easy to find a mentor who can guide you on your career path. Likewise, if you’re experienced in a certain subject, you may seek out mentees to take under your wing.

These are just 17 of the many ways to help make your new year outstanding. Get started today and good luck in 2017!

What additional tips do you have for starting the year off right? Share with us in the comments section below!

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

Reader Surveys

Poll: What Are Your Job Market Predictions for 2017?

By Job Journey on Wednesday, November 30, 2016

The year is almost over, which means it’s time to reflect on 2016 and look forward to a new year.

Last year, we asked Movin’ On Up readers what they predict the job market will look like in 2016, and 34% believed the market would be stable enough to try for a new job, followed by 25% who thought the market would get worse before it got better. Readers who were confident they’d get a job offer in 2016 made up 18% of respondents, and 11% planned to stay where they were in their career paths.

This year, we want to know if your expectations have changed. Do you think the job market will grow, remain the same, or plummet? Do you feel the same way as our readers did last year, or did your year affect your outlook on 2017? Let us know by voting in our poll!

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