excuses | Journey

When it comes to mistakes in the workplace we know they happen, but there are some phrases that can cause your boss to go on high alert, and question you further. Here are three phrases that don’t hold up with most bosses.

1. I didn’t get that email.
The problem isn’t usually that you didn’t get that email, it’s that you got so many emails you didn’t notice the one your boss is talking about. Rather than saying you didn’t get it be honest and say you didn’t read it. Chances are that email is in there, unless your mailbox was so full it couldn’t receive it or the attachments were so large it wasn’t received. And, if you aren’t reading emails because you’ve been focused on a deadline for a big project, let your boss know. Saying you didn’t get it just allows your boss to show a sent receipt and point out that it was sent, which is a conversation you can easily avoid, and really just distracts from the subject matter of the email in question.

2. I am sick.
You may really be sick, and if that is the case, make sure you are taking a day off to stay home and rest, not recoup laying by the pool. If you are sick, here are some tips for calling in. If you just need a day off, schedule one instead of taking an unexpected sick day. Everyone deserves to use their time off, and if you ask in advance and make sure all your lose ends are tied up at work, you manager will be more likely to be supportive of your time out of the office.

3. I’m pretty sure I turned that in.
If a manager asks where you filed a report or sent a file to a client, they are probably asking because they’ve heard otherwise. Now is not the time to use words like “pretty sure” or “thought I did.” If you don’t know the answer to the question, tell your boss you’ll need to check your files, computer, or desk, and get back to them with an answer. It’s alright to say you can’t remember, but you’d be happy to check and get back to them right away.

What’s in a phrase that makes you question the truth behind the statement? Often times a quick language shift prevents you from further accusations. If you’re vague and dishonest in your initial answer, that’s only going to come back to haunt you as you work through solving the situation.

Last month, the U.S. Labor Department reported that new U.S. claims for unemployment benefits dropped to a four-year low, which is a sign of an improving job market. While it may be improving, it’s still very competitive and will take determination and hard work to find a job that’s right for you.

With U.S. unemployment seeming to slowly trickle down with a job market that’s still fierce, many frustrated job seekers can fall into the trap of relying on excuses to justify putting their job search on the backburner or give it up altogether. To help inspire you, here are some of the top excuses job seekers make and how to avoid them.

There are no Second Chances in the Job Search…
Ok, so you might not have gotten a job offer after two interviews with the same employer, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. It may be easier to think the next time won’t be any different, but everyone deserves a second, third, or fourth chance. Don’t let your past interfere with your future. Clear that stinkin’ thinkin’ from your head, because you start with a clean slate every time. Surround yourself with supportive friends if you can’t get over your slump. Take charge and move ahead, because you deserve to control your destiny in a job that’s right for you.

This is Just Too Hard…
Anything worthwhile isn’t going to be easy, but finding work is possible with determination and a willingness to learn and adapt. Although difficult, if learning a new language or hobby can be done, so can creating a successful employment search. They both just take some time and consistent effort. Even when we keep trying, it’s easy to make the effort the same exact way without adapting, and ultimately finding the same results. We all fail, but instead of dwelling on the failures, focus your efforts on adapting and changing your strategies to be more effective.

I Can’t do This on my Own…
No one says you have to. There’s a myriad of resources available to assist you in your job search. There are countless websites, books, and other resources at libraries or stores to help you better market yourself and showcase your accomplishments. If you want more hands-on help, consider going to a staffing agency. Many local staffing offices can provide interview, résumé, and general career advice for little to no cost.

Also, don’t forget to harness the power of your network. Whether it’s friends, family, or industry peers, someone can help encourage, support, advise, or train you during your job search. If they can’t, they could find someone who can. You don’t need to feel alone in your job search.

I Don’t Have the Time Anymore…
It’s true that a job search can be a full-time job in of itself, and sometimes it’s almost impossible to devote that much time to job searching when you have to do what you can to survive. You can make a big difference by carving out 45 minutes of your day to devote to your job search. Try turning off the television or logging off Facebook and use that time for finding a job. Focus on plotting a course, writing a proper résumé, crafting a unique LinkedIn profile, researching companies, and getting your networking efforts in order.

The most important thing to remember is to never give up. The economic climate is slowly looking a little brighter, and now is your chance to find the job that’s right for you. Do you have some uplifting stories about staying determined on your job search? Tell us in the comments below.

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