Tag Archives: job

Summer is Here – Do You Have a Job?

cool_impression_summer_job_webToday is the first official day of summer in the United States, which for some, means an increase in both temperature and free time. Every summer, many students look for temporary work while they’re on break from school.

To help you make the most of your summer job, we’ve dug through the Movin’ On Up vault to bring you valuable tips and resources this season.

Know the benefits.
Summer jobs are very valuable, and not just because they generate some extra cash. They can also help benefit your future by leading to full-time work, adding experience and skills to your resume, shaping your career path, and introducing you to important network connections. This Movin’ On Up article breaks down the benefits even more, so check it out if you’re on the fence about finding summer work.

Discover the hot jobs.
Finding the right summer job is essential. To get started on your job search, check out this infographic that introduces four jobs that are popular during the summer months.

Ramp up your search.
If your summer job search has stalled, don’t give up. It’s important to treat your job search as if it is your full-time job by being diligent in hunting for work, sending in applications, enhancing your resume, and preparing for interviews. You never know where a seasonal or temporary job can lead, so always remember to put your best foot forward. To help you ramp up your search this summer, take a look at this article.

Make a good impression.
In order to help your summer job lead to bigger and better opportunities, you must show value to your boss and make a good impression in the workplace. Adjusting your routine, taking on additional projects, learning from your mistakes, networking, and paying attention to your work wardrobe are all ways you can make a positive, lasting impression on your supervisor. Check out more tips in this Movin’ On Up article.

Learn from Hollywood.
Summer brings big hits to the box office, and often, those movies feature valuable lessons job seekers and employees can take away. If you’re wondering how Hollywood stories can help you land a job, and keep it, take a look at last summer’s blockbusters and see for yourself.

Clean up your social media.
Many of us take advantage of social media and its ability to help us stay in touch with friends and family. But, have you ever wondered what your social media presence may be doing for your job prospects? Just as much as your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or other profile may be entertaining, it can also be harmful. To make sure your accounts aren’t hurting your chances of landing a job this summer, check out this Movin’ On Up article.

Are you working this summer? What tips do you have for finding a summer job? Share with us in the comments section below!

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

What to Do If You Don’t Have a Holiday Job

holiday_job_find_webThe holiday season is a busy time for everyone, especially the retail industry. As the holidays approach, many businesses begin hiring additional employees to help with the extra workload. Since much of that hiring takes place before the holidays kick off, it’s important to secure seasonal work early. If you haven’t landed a seasonal job, check out these tips for finding temporary work this year.

Think Outside the Box
Retail isn’t the only industry in need of extra staff during the holiday season. Restaurants, catering companies, and event planning businesses also recruit extra staff during this busy season, so reach out to companies in your area to find out if they’re hiring.

The season’s increase in shopping also creates thousands of part-time jobs in other industries. Shipping companies need mail sorters and packers. And, grocery stores may need additional staff, especially during the week leading up to a major holiday. Because children are out of school, home care and day care are also in higher demand.

Check with family and neighbors to see if you can help with baking, wrapping, dog walking, running errands, or other tasks that people may be willing to pay for during this busy season.

Don’t Give Up
If you are struggling to find a holiday job, don’t give up. Keep sending your resume to companies you’d like to work for, or calling businesses you think may need extra help this season. Don’t forget to check out a staffing company like Express Employment Professionals for help finding a temporary job this season.

If you do score a holiday job, remember to work hard and showcase your skills so your part-time job might just transition into a full-time opportunity.

What was your favorite holiday job? Let us know in the comments section below.

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

A Guide to Declaring Freedom From Your Job

break_free_quit_job_webOf course, we all want to find that perfect job that makes us happy, pays the bills, and offers a lifetime’s worth of job security. Unfortunately, those jobs are often hard to find. Author Seth Godin explains that there is a difference between a “dip” and a “cul-de-sac” when it comes to your job. Dips are really difficult periods of time that are full of opportunity to be the best. Cul-de-sacs, on the other hand, are periods where repeated effort and time only lead you back to the same spot.

If you’re struggling with your current job and it doesn’t seem like anything you try is going to make it better, consider the following tips on recognizing when it’s time to move on and break free from your job.

Assess your on-the-job happiness.
It’s important to find enjoyment out of what you do. Feeling accomplished when you complete a project or knowing that your work is benefiting someone else can help you stay happy on the job. But, if you’re not experiencing those feelings, it may be time to cut ties. If you absolutely dread going to work, so much so that you’re sick or find yourself depressed, do what’s best for you and try to find a job that will make you much happier.

Recognize your worth.
When it comes to proper recognition at work, there are a few ways you may be getting the short end of the stick. If you find out your employer is paying you far less than the market rate for your job, and professional discussions about raises and promotions aren’t resulting in any adjustments to your pay, there’s a good chance your current employer isn’t going to offer you more pay any time soon. If that’s important to you, you may want to shop around for other work.

Determine your supervisor’s level of support.
Likewise, feeling recognized by your supervisor is important to your overall job satisfaction. If you run into challenges at work, does your supervisor support you? Do you feel comfortable telling them about your challenges? According to Dale Austin, director of the Career Development Center at Hope College, “If you’re constantly experiencing problems with your manager, it might be a signal to look elsewhere.”

Evaluate your career path.
Do you have a set path for your career? Is advancement in a company a high priority for your work life? If you have big plans to move up in the company but there is little chance of advancement, it may be time to reconsider your position. Even if you love where you work, you may be missing opportunities to grow your skills if you’re stuck in the same role. “After you’ve learned all you can in your position, it is best to move on to a place that offers a clear path to work your way up,” said Chaz Pitts-Kyser, author of Careeranista: The Woman’s Guide to Success After College.

Go out on a positive note.
If you decide that breaking free from your job is the best step for your career, there are right and wrong ways to quit. Offering your workplace a two-week notice is customary, so try to give your supervisor advance notice that you plan to leave. You may need to train your replacement or tidy up loose ends on projects. Also, make sure you tell your supervisor that you’ve decided to resign before you tell anyone else. You don’t want your boss hearing the news from a gossip chain instead of directly from you. Remember to be thankful for the job and express gratitude to your employer, even if you’re excited to be leaving. You may have gained skills, experience, or friendships that will last far beyond the job, so be grateful for the things that did go well.

Before you decide it’s time to quit, try resolving your issues with your supervisor first. If pay is an issue, talk about your salary openly with your boss. If you feel stressed about your workload or a particular project, co-worker, or other workplace issue, go to your supervisor or the Human Resources department to let them know. If you can’t reach a resolution, or if you find the job just isn’t the right fit for your career path, it may be time to move on.

How did you know it was time to break free from a job? Let us know in the comments section below!

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

4 Hot Summer Jobs

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s a great time to start searching for a job to fill your time off. Since summer jobs are important to build your resume and help you network, finding the right fit is essential. To get started on your job search, check out these four jobs that are popular during the summer months!

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

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Moving On After a Job Break Up

movin_on_after_job_breakup_webGetting fired, laid off, or quitting a job can be a very rough time. If this happens to you, chances are you’ll be faced with some negative emotions and anxiety about your future. Starting a new job search while you’re under so much stress can be difficult, but there are steps you can take to lessen the blow. Check out these tips to help you move on after a job break up.

Give yourself time to let it sink in.
Often, leaving a job comes with negative emotions. These emotions are normal, but you can’t bounce back and find a new job if you’re still focusing on negative thoughts and memories. You need to be positive and enthusiastic about new opportunities in order to land your next job, so make sure you allow yourself time to work through the feelings that come with being let go. Go for a walk, take up a new hobby, or lean on family or friends to help you cope before you take the next step.

Learn from your mistakes.
If you were let go from a job because of something you did – or didn’t do – take some time to think about what went wrong and how you can stop it from happening again. Try to find lessons you can learn from the situation. If you were let go because of company problems, like financial troubles or a change in management, those lessons can be harder to find. But, there are always things you can do to improve your future employability. Remember to think of the positives this change may bring. Perhaps now you can explore a new career path, reassess your strengths and weaknesses, go back to school, or find a company that will allow you to move up in your career.

Start planning.
Starting a new job search can be intimidating, and you may not be sure where to begin. According to Amy Shouse from LearnVest, a financial planning company, start by writing down every place you’d like to work. Regardless of where these companies are located or if you have the education or experience to work there, put them on your list of dream jobs. Then, do at least five things every day that will work toward landing one of those dream jobs. Research companies, make calls, submit applications, and find places to network.

Be ready to talk about the job in interviews.
Although it’s not always easy to talk about former employers, you need to be prepared when an interviewer asks the inevitable question: “Why did you leave your last job?” Remember to avoid badmouthing your previous boss, always remain honest and open with your answer, and try to show your strengths to the interviewer. For more tips on answering this question, check out this Movin’ On Up article.

Remain professional.
Regardless of why you are leaving the company, remember to exit gracefully. Since networking and references are an important part of the workplace, you don’t want to burn any bridges you may need down the road. And don’t broadcast your feelings on social media either. While it may be tempting to let your Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn friends know how upset you are, it’s best to avoid saying anything negative about your previous job. These social accounts are easily searchable by potential employers, and you don’t want to air any dirty laundry that could prevent you from landing an interview. If you have to get all of your negative emotions out, rely on a friend you can trust instead of social media.

Consider volunteering.
Looking for your next job may take longer than you expected. Since you don’t want long gaps on your resume that show you were out of work, consider volunteering to an organization in your community during your job search. In addition to giving back and feeling good about your part in the community, volunteering also offers many benefits to your job search. When you volunteer, you have the opportunity to network and meet new people, learn new skills, and gain experience to add to your resume.

Although moving on from a job break up can be tough, it doesn’t have to be. How have you bounced back from losing a job? Let us know in the comments section below!

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

Poll: How Soon After Graduation Did You Get a Job?

MOV_POLL-ICONWhich is more important: education or experience? It’s an age-old question that has been researched and debated for decades, but one that doesn’t necessarily have a clear-cut answer. While the results from Glassdoor’s recent 2014 Employment Confidence Survey suggest that 82% of U.S. college graduates who were employed on a full or part time basis believed that their level of education has been an asset to their careers, 72% believe that specialized training outside of a traditional college degree is more valuable when it comes to the workplace.

Last year, we asked Movin’ On Up readers how their education has affected their career path. While the results of this poll were illuminating in the education vs. experience debate, we want to know how quickly recent graduates are being added to the workforce. To help determine how long a graduate typically spends looking for a job after going through the higher education process, we want to know how soon after graduation you landed a job. Let us know by voting in our poll!

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