job | Journey - Part 9

Tag Archives: job

Scariest Interview Ever

By leidson on Wednesday, October 30, 2013

If you think any of your previous job interviews were scary or nerve-wracking, wait until you see what applicants went through during an interview with LG Electronics. To promote just how life-like images appear on the 82-inch ‘Ultra HD’ TV, LG created a fake office that had a TV positioned to look like a window. Through this “window” applicants could view the skyline outside. As the interview proceeded, applicants saw the sky change from blue to black as a meteor fell from the sky and the city suddenly exploded. The reactions from the candidates were hilarious.

This “scary” interview has now become a TV advertisement sensation for LG, check it out here.

At Work Uncategorized Work/Life Balance

Your Job: Purpose Vs. Pay

By leidson on Friday, October 25, 2013

According to the 2013 Work Stress Survey, 83% of Americans reported being stressed about at least one thing at work, with the number one factor being low pay. With workplace stress on the rise, have you asked yourself – “am I working for the pay or the purpose?”

Working for Pay
Payscale, a research provider on salary and career topics, dove into how meaningful people found their work versus what they get paid. The highest paying and most meaningful rated job is a dermatologist. But what about those jobs that have high pay with low meaning? Business Insider released a summary of the Payscale report focusing on jobs that pay well, but aren’t changing the world. That list included job titles for senior and corporate counsel, fashion designer, credit/collections director, and network architect. This list proves that high pay doesn’t always lead to high job satisfaction.

If pay is the most common factor in workplace stress, can workplace stress be alleviated just with higher pay? The highest earners in the Work Stress Survey cited their number one work stress was unreasonable workload. But if your work was doing something you truly love and find purpose in, more work might really just be more fun, right? It’s something to think about.

Working for Purpose
What about jobs with low pay but high satisfaction? Topping that list are sign language interpreter, worship coordinator, two jobs in the water treatment field – plant operator and plant laboratory technician, and soldier. This article also clarifies that high meaning doesn’t necessarily correlate with job satisfaction. Meaningful and fulfilling work can be hard, but is there a payout in knowing your work is creating a better world?

Another reason people may turn to careers of purpose is to have work that creates something. Generations ago, work resulted in a product, whether it was manufacturing or farming, you could actually see and touch your end product. A recent article in Parade stated that Etsy’s (an online craft marketplace) one million sellers will have sales of more than $1 billion this year. Individuals have turned to crafting as a relaxing hobby and have also found a way to make money off it.

The Balance
Finding the perfect balance of pay and purpose might be the definition of a dream job. Simply, what is your goal in finding employment? Your career goal may center on purpose if you are at a point in your life where financial responsibilities are lower. On the other side, if financial responsibilities are your driving motivation, it’s probably more important how much your paycheck is – not necessarily what you did to earn it.

For some individuals, a career of purpose is being noted as a career built for the second act of their business life. The Halftime organization “helps individuals find their passion to help lead a more significant second half,” as explored last month in a story on CBS DFW.

What about you? Are you trying to find your passion early in your career or are you working for a paycheck now with hope that at some point you can chart a new course? Share your thoughts in our comments section below.

Career Options New Job Tips The Job Search Uncategorized

How to Re-enter the Workforce

By leidson on Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Many people are facing the challenge of trying to get back in the workforce. With the unemployment rate lower than it’s been since the recession, families are looking for ways to gain a much needed paycheck. President and CEO of The LaSalle Network, Tom Gimbel, shared tips with Fox Business News on how stay-at-home parents and people who have been without a job for a while can transition back into the workforce.

Be Honest About Resume Gaps
People may try to make up for their insecurities after being a stay-at-home parent by embellishing their resume. Some might exaggerate the time spent at a previous job or add false information, but what these people may not know is how easy it is for employers to verify those sources and references. It’s very important to be open and honest while writing your resume.

Use Family Connections
A family member could be very helpful in networking. There are many parents at your children’s school who may know of job leads or have a network that could potentially help you find one. Don’t hesitate to communicate your need for employment with family members. You may be one conversation away from a new job!

Be Open About Career Exploration
During your job search, remember the skills you have may not be as applicable in today’s economy as they were years ago. Be open to jobs that come your way even if it’s not in the same industry as your previous position. Being open to career exploration is about expanding your abilities and knowledge.

Lose Your Ego
Be aware that technology is always changing and if you’ve been out of work for more than a couple years, you may not have the technology savvy that many other people have. Maybe you aren’t going to earn what you think you’re worth right off the bat and may have to take a pay cut just to get started again, but don’t give up, be persistent. Gimbel said in his interview with Fox Business News, “You may have to take a step back to take five steps forward.”

For more information and tips on how to re-enter the workforce, check out this video.

At Work The Daily Grind Uncategorized

4 Ways to Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries

By leidson on Monday, October 21, 2013

Musculoskeletal disorders and injuries are the leading cause of disability in America. One in two adults report a musculoskeletal condition requiring medical attention. Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) accounts for 43% of all lost-time claims, 43% of all lost-time claim costs, and 46% of all lost-time days. Musculoskeletal injuries and disorders can affect the body’s muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Most work-related MSDs develop over time and are caused either by the work itself or by the employees’ working environment. Musculoskeletal health is dependent on strength and flexibility, but it’s also dependent on overall good health. So, how can you make a difference and turn these statistics around? Here are four ways to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

Stay Active
The musculoskeletal system, like every system in our body, benefits from a healthy lifestyle. A well-conditioned body, good nutrition, and healthy habits help strengthen the immune system. Being active helps lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels which also help fight off MSD. Stretching regularly is another good habit to pick up. Stretching keeps your muscles, tendons, and ligaments flexible.

Eat a Balanced Diet
Our muscles need vitamins, minerals, water, protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats so they can function at their best. Maintaining a healthy weight is also very important for keeping your body aligned. A lack of alignment can cause undue stress on discs, bones, ligaments, and tendons, which can lead to MSD. Your muscles are made up of around 70 percent water, so make sure you drink at least eight tall glasses of water a day to stay well hydrated.

Maintain Good Posture
Good posture reduces the amount of strain on individual muscles groups and helps keep muscles toned. Any posture that requires the body to move out of the neutral posture range is considered to be awkward posture and can be harmful to your musculoskeletal system. Keep your work within 14 to 18 inches of your body, depending on your height. Also, avoid reaching overhead or behind your back, if you can. If you can’t, return to neutral as soon as possible. Your current posture could be overworking your body. With a little adjustment, however, you can correct most posture problems.

Get Sleep
Adequate sleep protects the immune system, repairs cells, and makes us feel better. Sleep is beneficial to our bodies, but did you know it can improve skeletal health? During sleep our bodies have the chance to repair and build new tissue which can strengthen our musculoskeletal systems.

Be aware of the MSD risks in your workplace and do your part to make a difference in the statistics. How are you working to change the MSD statistics? Share with us in the comment section below.

Work/Life Balance

Three Things to Know About the Health Insurance Marketplace

By leidson on Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Now that the Health Insurance Marketplace has opened, you may wonder how it applies to you and what actions you need to take. With all the conflicting information swirling around, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But, don’t let that keep you from getting educated and making the best insurance decision for you and your family.
A good place to begin your research is by visiting Healthcare.gov. This site has an abundance of information, so here are the top three things you need to know.

How You Qualify
Anyone can purchase their health insurance through the marketplace. Those who are currently uninsured will be matched with the best type of plan based on their household size and income. These range from standard private insurance and reduced-cost private insurance to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Even if you’re eligible for health insurance through your employer, you can purchase your own insurance through the marketplace if you choose to.

How To Enroll
To purchase a plan, or even to shop for the best rate, you first have to determine if your state operates its own marketplace or if it has deferred to the federal government. You can find out by obtaining your state information from the federal marketplace. Once you’re at the right marketplace, you can proceed with the enrollment process. Some specific information is required in the application, so you will want to ensure you’ve gathered all the necessary documents before you begin. If you need help, you can contact trained local organizations or get assistance directly from marketplace representatives.

When Coverage Begins
If you enroll by Dec. 15, 2013, coverage can start as early as Jan. 1, 2014. However, open enrollment closes on March 31, 2014, and most people without health insurance after that point will be penalized and charged a fee. The fee will start at $95 per adult and $47.50 per child, or 1% of your family income, whichever is more, and continue to grow each year.

Don’t let confusion or a lack of knowledge keep you from understanding your insurance options. With the deadline only five months away, you need to begin your decision process now so you’re not too late and faced with penalty fees.

Job Interviews The Job Search Uncategorized

Three Tips for a Video Interview

By leidson on Monday, October 7, 2013

As more and more companies become comfortable with technology, video interviewing is becoming more common in the recruiting process for many employers. Video interviews allow you to have an in-person connection without meeting face-to-face. Technology is making many aspects of our lives easier than ever before, even the job search and interview processes. So how do you ensure you’re ready for a video interview? Here are three tips to make a great first impression.

1. Prepare Yourself
Preparation is key to success in any interview. Prepare yourself by researching the company you’re applying for. You need to gather as much information as you can about the job you are applying for and the company you’re interviewing with. Advance preparation will not only help you determine the right questions to ask, but it will also show you’re taking the interview seriously. The more you know, the more direct your answers will be. Remember to speak clearly and with confidence.

2. Posture Matters
Your body language indicates how focused and interested you are in a conversation, so be aware of how you carry yourself at all times. Always face the interviewer and remember to keep body movement minimal. The more movement there is, the more distractions there may be.

3. The Camera is Your Best Friend
Keeping eye contact with the camera is very important. Looking away from the camera may cause the people on the other end to wonder what you’re looking at and it will seem as if you’re not interested. Although looking around may help you gather your thoughts, do your best to look forward and remain engaged. Make sure your camera is placed at eye level and a couple feet away from your face. The objective is to present yourself from your shoulders up.

It seems obvious, but do everything in your power to make the video interview as professional as possible. Like any technology, video chatting can have some technical hiccups. Speak slowly and clearly, because sometimes there may be a delay in the audio transfer. Remember to smile, be confident, and prepare to ace your interview. Always follow up and let the interviewer know you are thankful for their time and consideration.

Do you have any additional tips on how to prepare for a video interview? Share them in the comments section below.

At Work Career Advancement The Daily Grind Uncategorized

Transform the Dreaded Employee Review

By leidson on Friday, October 4, 2013

What emotions do you associate with your employee review? Fear? Anxiety? Stress? Anticipation? The thought of an annual performance evaluation can trigger a wide-range of negative responses, but it doesn’t have to.
You can transform this once-dreaded experience into a productive conversation between you and your boss. It’s really all about how you approach it. So, before your next evaluation, try these four tips to improve your employee review.

Check Your Attitude
The number one way to ensure you have a lousy review is to have a bad attitude about it. Instead, think about why you’re having an evaluation in the first place and all the positives that could come from it. This is your chance to meet one-on-one with your boss and talk about you, how you’re performing, and what you could improve on. These types of conversations are how you’re going to grow as a person and become more successful in your career.

Clarify Expectations
Before the day of your review, make sure you know exactly how your boss wants you to prepare. Some companies have paperwork that everyone is required to fill out, while managers may have their own specific forms for employees to use as well. Finding all of this out up front will help ensure you and your boss start off the review on the same page, and it can also help alleviate any anxiety about what will be discussed.

Reflect Back
As you prepare, take some time to think through the past year. If you keep a running to-do list or project sheet, scroll back through it and think about the major tasks you accomplished. Take note of the projects or tasks that you really enjoyed and disliked, the major things you did right and wrong, and anything you would change if you could. It’s also a good idea to review any paperwork or notes you have from your last performance review so you can highlight areas of improvement or goals that you met.

Think Ahead
You also want to reflect on the year ahead. Make a list of any professional, personal, or workplace goals you’d like to accomplish. If you want a promotion, make a note to ask what you need to do to get one. Consider ways you could increase your knowledge or expand your expertise. And think about any specific things you’d like to see change over the next 12 months. Also, as you prepare, consider how you can help make your review a dialogue instead of a monologue so you can get the most benefit out of it.
You don’t have to dread your next performance review. Take matters into your own hands and do your part to ensure it’s a positive experience for you and your boss. Plus, being prepared for your employee review will not only make you look good, it will also go a long way to building your manager’s trust in you.
What ways have you found to help make your employee review a more productive experience? Share your thoughts below.