holidays | Journey

2014 Holiday Hiring Starts Now! Why Job Seekers Should Take Notice

By Job Journey on Wednesday, September 17, 2014

It’s the time of year when companies everywhere start gearing up for the holidays by hiring seasonal workers. From the retail industry to hospitality and manufacturing, employers are stocking up on good employees who can help get them through one of the busiest seasons of the year.

Macy’s for example, has a website decked with holiday job opportunities, inviting jobseekers to “Be a part of the Magic.” And, just this week, the United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) announced plans to hire up to 95,000 seasonal employees, nearly double the amount they hired in 2013.

Seasonal Jobs Really Can Lead to Full-Time Employment
For many years, career advice blogs and media outlets like Movin’ On Up, CareerBuilder, and Forbes have shared information and tips with job seekers on how a seasonal, temporary job can lead to full time employment. Now, businesses are openly acknowledging the importance these jobs can have on future hiring decisions.

In their announcement Tuesday, UPS shared that “seasonal jobs have long served as an entry point for permanent employment.” Last year when Amazon announced they planned to hire 70,000 workers for the holidays, they also stated that thousands of those workers were expected to go on to become regular staffers. In fact, a 2013 CareerBuilder study found that nearly half of all U.S. employers surveyed said they planned to transition some of their seasonal workers to full-time permanent staff, up 10% from the previous year.

Seize Every Opportunity
A seasonal job really can lead to permanent employment, but even if it doesn’t, it’s still an opportunity filled with endless possibilities. It can be an opportunity to grow and learn, a chance to add to your resume, a way to earn a paycheck or a little extra money during one of the most financially stressful times of the year. Maybe it’s an opportunity that will lead to a life-long friendship or maybe it helps you decide what you want to do with your life. For comedian David Sedaris, his two-time stint as a Christmas elf may not have been glamorous or even a fun experience, but the stories he walked away with helped launch his career as a humorist and best-selling author.

Embrace the opportunities that come your way today; you never know what they will bring you, or where they could take you.

Have you worked in a seasonal job that led to something bigger? Share your story with us in the comment section below!

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

Reader Surveys

Poll: Do You Plan on Looking for Seasonal Work this Year?

By Job Journey on Friday, August 29, 2014

The holiday season is the busiest time of year for many businesses. With shopping at its peak, some employers look to staffing companies to help handle the extra workload. While the holiday season is still a few months away, many businesses are already starting to hire seasonal workers. So, we want to know: are you planning to take a seasonal job this year?

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

At Work Leadership

Counting Down: A New Year’s Checklist for the Office

By callie collins deroldan on Thursday, December 23, 2010

10…9…8… The end of the year countdown is here, and many workers are looking forward to a little time off before 2011.

The year may be coming to a close and hopefully, you’re getting to take a holiday break, but business never comes to a complete standstill. And it can be a bit overwhelming to return to work after time away.

Monday, Jan. 3 is the first business day of the new year, and the end-of-the-year countdown can actually feel more like “Ready, set, go!,” as you turn the page to another calendar full of business objectives, projects, and meetings.

Before you close the door on 2010, give yourself some peace of mind this holiday season by preparing for January at work. Even if you’re not planning to take a break this year, every worker can benefit from a fresh start. So, take advantage of the last few days of the year to develop a different perspective.

Follow this checklist to help tie up loose ends and get the new year off to a productive start.

Clear up clutter: Come back to an organized office. Sort through stacks of paper to recycle or throw out unnecessary items. Dust and sanitize your work station. Take home seasonal decorations before you leave. Minimize distractions by eliminating those items that would otherwise delay your fresh start.

Archive your files: Look through that filing cabinet, drawer, or desk organizer. Separate out projects that are finished and store them in another area. Label new files for 2011.

Write detailed action lists: It’s easy to forget exactly what you were working on after some time out of the office. Create a list of action items to complete upon your return. Also jot down the last steps you took in the project’s process. You’ll know exactly how to pick up where you left off.

Manage email: Don’t forget to set your out-of-office message and include whether or not you’ll have access to email. Co-workers will be less likely to send or forward emails if they know you won’t be reviewing them immediately.

Finish up: Consciously decide to finish what you’ve started. You’ve heard it said: “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” It’s easy to postpone projects that you don’t feel like working on, especially right before a break. Prioritize finishing up your projects so you can truly enjoy your free time without the dread of returning to incomplete tasks.

Bring business to a successful conclusion and make 2011 your year by starting it in a prepared way. Do you have other tips that help you transition back to work after the holidays? Share in the comments section.

At Work Dress for Success The Daily Grind Workplace Goofs

Office Party Don’ts You Do Need to Know

By Miranda Wilson on Thursday, December 9, 2010

The Christmas season is in full swing and office holiday parties are rocking. After a long, stressful year with heavier workloads, you may be planning to release some steam and have a grand-old-time at the office party. Go ahead and have a ball and enjoy time with your co-workers, remember to keep the fun workplace-appropriate. So, here are three important tips you should know before you head to your company’s shindig.

Don’t vent about work. Even though being at a holiday party after traditional work hours can make you feel more comfortable and free to speak your mind, be sure you leave work at work. Don’t bring ill feelings to the holiday party because doing so could put a damper on the evening for you and your fellow co-workers. And, if a co-worker starts sounding like the office Grinch, try to change the subject to a more positive subject, such as family, friends, or plans for the holidays. Use this time to learn more about what your co-workers enjoy beyond the workplace, and you’ll be sure to leave the party feeling a little jollier.

Keep it professional. Human resource policies are still in effect at after-hour work events, so be cautious about what you say and do. Be on your best behavior. It takes time to build up a good reputation in the workplace, and you don’t want to ruin it in a matter of seconds by doing something inappropriate. To keep regret from following you like the Ghost of Christmas Past, be sure you maintain a professional demeanor at the holiday office party.

Be aware of the dress attire. Even though a party may be happening at a local restaurant or facility, it’s important to know what’s acceptable and not acceptable to wear for the occasion. It’s always best to err on the side of caution. Since co-workers and probably their guests will be present, keep your dress more conservative and professional, but more casual than everyday office attire. For example, a nice pair of dress slacks or a skirt with a nice dress shirt. But some Christmas parties are more formal. To be sure of what to wear, check with management and your co-workers to determine what is appropriate.

It’s important to attend your holiday work parties, and they are intended to be a time of enjoyment. Network, mingle, laugh, and have fun, but just keep in mind that it’s still a work function, with managers and co-workers present.

At Work The Daily Grind Work/Life Balance

Giving Thanks!

By Miranda Wilson on Wednesday, November 24, 2010

It’s that time of year again. The holidays are upon us. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s time to focus on all that we have to be thankful for. Family, friends, health, a job, the possibilities of a new job, and the excitement of an upcoming year full of new opportunities are just a few to name. When I stop to think about it, I really have a lot for which to give thanks.

As you gather with family and friends tomorrow, take some time to stop and reflect on this year. Also, dream about what you want to accomplish in 2011.

So, what are you grateful for this year? Take a minute to share your thoughts with us!
From all of us at Express Employment Professionals, we wish you a very happy and joyous Thanksgiving.

At Work Career Advancement Dress for Success The Daily Grind Work/Life Balance

You Wore What to Work? Worst Winter Wardrobe Choices Around the Office

By callie collins deroldan on Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Rain or shine, snow or sleet, business continues. And so does corporate culture.

Dressing for a day at the office can be complicated by the seasons, but bad weather is no excuse for dressing inappropriately: with few exceptions, you’re still expected to follow the dress code.

Casual vs. cozy

It’s tempting to dress solely for warmth and comfort in winter, as the days grow shorter and chilly temperatures have you reaching for mittens and scarves. But, depending on your industry, there’s a definite limit to how cozy you can be around the office.

Your company may have a business casual policy or allow for bending the rules in particularly treacherous conditions, but neither is likely to last all season long.

What not to wear this winter

Avoid turning heads for all the wrong reasons by steering clear of these winter wardrobe snafus:

Sweatpants and shirts: These ultra-casual hybrids between day clothes and pajamas are purposely devoid of all professional qualities. Nothing says, “My alarm didn’t go off,” like a rumpled pair of cotton sweats at the office. Even with holiday prints and whimsical graphics, they’re better left to weekends and sick days spent at home.

Jogging suits: If your outfit is more suited to the locker room than the board room, it’s probably not appropriate. Velour, spandex, polyester – the variety of synthetic fabrics available in coordinating colors still doesn’t bring them up to business casual status. Bottom line: your co-workers shouldn’t see you in yoga pants and a hoodie, at least not at your desk.

Outdated holiday sweaters: You remember them: red and green panels, kissing reindeer, candy cane stripes. They may still be kitschy cute, but in case you haven’t heard, these once-popular knits are now passé. Argyle or solid cardigans that coordinate with a tailored look are in style again this year and can help pull any outfit together.

Snow boots: Hefty boots and galoshes are great for crossing the parking lot. However, they’re not a substitute for loafers or heels once you’re safely inside. Check your company’s dress code for its policy on dress boots; they’re not always considered appropriate either.

Parkas: Oversized winter coats aren’t meant to be worn indoors all day. Even the fur-trimmed variety are no substitute for business jackets. If you’re cold at your desk, chances are you’re not the only one; speak to maintenance about adjusting the building’s temperature. Meanwhile, a pashmina, scarf, or discreet lap blanket can help you relieve the chill without making you look as though you were just leaving.

In general, a good rule of thumb is that if a piece of clothing is more casual than business, it’s probably not suitable for work. Ask your employer if you have doubts about what’s appropriate at your office. Classic styles , after all, trump cozy any business day of the year.

At Work Cube Life The Daily Grind Work/Life Balance

Giving Thanks this Holiday Season

By Miranda Wilson on Tuesday, November 17, 2009

With the holidays in full swing, it’s time to celebrate and reflect on all we’re thankful for. Although 2009 has been a rollercoaster year, we each have many reasons to be joyful. This holiday season, take time to think about all the things you have in your life, rather than what you don’t. Focus on family, friends, good health, a home, a job, etc. If you look closely, you’ll find you have a lot to be thankful for.

Another thing to be grateful for is the start of a new year. The year 2010 will bring with it a new beginning and a fresh start. Each day is a new opportunity, full of possibilities and hope. So, start dreaming big and reaching for the stars as the new year approaches.

We want to know what you’re grateful for this year. Share your thoughts in the comments section below. From all of us at Express, we wish you a happy thanksgiving.

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