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Ask a Recruiter: When to Disclose a Disability

By Job Journey on Monday, October 24, 2016

When it comes to the workplace, we know there’s a lot to learn. We want to help by answering your questions, so our very own industry experts at Express Employment Professionals have offered up helpful answers right here on the Movin’ On Up blog. Here’s our next installment!

Question: When should you disclose a disability?

Answer: The simple answer is— you are under no legal obligation to disclose a disability. In many cases, it may never be necessary to do so.

The best time to disclose a disability is at the point that you see a need for accommodation. Your resume or cover letter is not the place for this information, unless it is central to the organization or to illustrating your benefit to the company.

If you will need an accommodation during the interview, such as an American Sign Language interpreter, wheelchair access, or other assistance, it’s best to inform your interviewer prior to meeting for the first time.

During the interview, you may wish to disclose if your disability is visually obvious or explains a gap in your employment history. If your disability is not immediately visible, you might wish to inform your employer after you’ve been hired and had some time to build rapport.

When you do let your new employer know, be prepared to propose an accommodation, focusing primarily on benefits and solutions. Just as with any conversation with your employer, be sure you have prepared yourself with information and a plan.

Thank you to Amy from Express for providing the above answer!

Do you have a question about the job search, hiring, or recruiting process? Now’s your chance to have your question answered by industry professionals who find, interview, and hire people every day. Ask your question in the comments section below and check back soon to read what our experts have to say!

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

At Work

Overcome Your Job Nightmare

By Job Journey on Wednesday, October 19, 2016

In 2016, the average working American will spend eight hours a day at work for 249 days. With a good portion of your day spent at work, why would you continue to stay in a miserable environment?

Lea McLoud coaches people in their jobs when the going gets tough. The more she works with clients, the more convinced she is that challenges we face in the workplace are of our own making.

Liza, a client of McLoud’s, was miserable in her job because her boss often publically called out her mistakes. But she was terrified to confront her manager about the situation.

Or Teresa, another client, who found herself in a tough position after feeling overwhelmed in her new job. She assumed she’d made a big mistake by accepting the position.

“Each one of them was in severe pain—pain so bad they were ready to walk away from what were frankly great jobs! The pain of those situations kept them frozen in one of the biggest workplace adversaries: fear,” McLoud said.

So how do you confront that fear and overcome your job nightmare? Start with following this easy three-step plan.

Step 1: Analyze

It doesn’t do any good to stuff your fears in the back of the closet until you are ready to confront them head on. They will just continue to be a weight on your shoulders and cause anxiety throughout the day.

To start conquering that fear, grab a journal and complete these sentences:

I’m afraid of: (ex. Losing my job, not having any income)
This fear is caused by: (the need to provide for my family)
As a result of not dealing with this fear, I am: (miserable and anxious)
If I take constructive steps to address this fear: (I will not dread going to work)

Step 2: Make a Plan

McLoud recommends exposure therapy to rewire your brain around your fear and move past it. In Liz’s case, she should take small steps to tackle the larger issue and start by asking her manager for a weekly meeting. Then, she determined that the meeting should include a recap of her accomplishments and any guidance Liz may need from her manager.

Finally, there should be a designated time to exchange feedback in the meeting where she could work towards addressing the issue of being called out in public.

“By using concepts from exposure therapy, you can drop the ultimatum-making (‘I’ve got to quit that job’) and instead, design your own exposure therapy regimen to confront your fear and take action,” McLoud said.

Step 3: Execute

Once Liz acted on her plan, she was able to resolve the issue, which was a much better plan than running away.

What job nightmare is keeping you up at night, and how do you plan to overcome it? Let us know in the comments below!

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

Reader Surveys

Poll: What Job Search Obstacles Have You Overcome?

By Job Journey on Friday, September 30, 2016

You’ve reached the crossroads of your career, but there are a few things standing in the way of career mobility. The truth is, most people will at some point encounter roadblocks that get in the way of pursuing career goals. Whether in the workplace or your personal life, these obstacles must first be identified before an action plan can even be developed. Examine your bottom line, whether that is to land a job, increase salary, obtain a better work environment, or work life balance. then write your plan accordingly.

It’s important to stay focused so that obstacles won’t get in the way of your goal.

Whether it’s a complete change in industries, lack of experience, or simply figuring out where to get started in your search, we want to know how you’ve overcome obstacles while job searching.

How have you met some these challenges while job searching? Let us know in the comments section below.

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

Career Advancement

Your Attitude Could be Costing You the Job

By Job Journey on Friday, September 16, 2016

You have the skills, the experience, and the willingness to tackle a new job, but despite having the qualifications, you find yourself coming up short when it comes to job offers. One thing that might be costing you the job could be your attitude. Attitude plays a large role in determining how your co-workers, boss, or future employer views you.

Top Articles on Attitude

We searched our Movin’ On Up archives and compiled a helpful list of articles pertaining to attitude that will help you see things from a different perspective:

Dependability Also A Top Trait

When it comes to finding a job, there are a lot of factors that make or break your chances. In addition to attitude, employers rank dependability and work ethic as top traits they like to see in employees.

According to a survey by Express Employment Professionals, for the third year in a row, 72% of employers indicated dependability/reliability was at the top of their list of traits, followed by motivation (48%), verbal communication (44%), teamwork (39%) and commitment (39%).

When you combine a good attitude and demonstrate dependability, you will likely be that much closer to your next job offer.

How have you been able to present a positive attitude at work or in interviews? Let us know in the comments section below.

Dress for Success Uncategorized

Clean Up Your Fall Wardrobe

By Job Journey on Wednesday, September 14, 2016

As the summer heat fades away and the chill of fall fills the air, you’ve likely already started adjusting your wardrobe to match the weather. While it’s necessary to change up your clothing choices for different seasons, it’s important to first take stock of what you have, reorganize, and have a plan for cooler days.

If you’re a college student in your final year of school, fall is also a great time to start building a professional wardrobe before entering the professional job search.

Regardless of whether you’re just starting out or well into your working years, here are a few tips to help you clean up your fall wardrobe and make a strong impression in the workplace.

Store, donate, or toss.
With summer in the rear view mirror, it’s time to take stock of which warm-weather pieces can transition appropriately into fall. Store things like short-sleeved items and lighter jackets, and bring out heavier jackets, long-sleeved blouses or shirts, scarves, etc. For those still in school, this is a great time to shop after-season sales. Look for work-appropriate summer attire at discounted rates. Shopping a season “behind” can help you build your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Assess options.
Think about where you were last year during this season. Are your wardrobe staples still appropriate in your current position? Over the course of changing seasons, perhaps you, too, have transformed professionally. Fall is a great time to re-evaluate your wardrobe and make appropriate changes to better fit your current role or company culture.

Make a shopping list and budget.
Which pieces do you need for this new season? How much are you willing to spend? One of the best ways to build a solid collection of work clothes—regardless of season—is to save a set amount of money each month solely for wardrobe purchases. On your shopping list, make sure you include versatile basics that can go with multiple other pieces.

If you’re a college student, think strategically about what you want to buy. If you can only afford one or two items, start with key items like dress pants, pencil skirts, practical shoes, etc. Again, versatile pieces that can be paired with various other items can allow you to build a great foundation for your fall wardrobe.

What other tips do you have for cleaning up your fall wardrobe? Let us know in the comments section below.

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

Events

Celebrate Grandparents Day With Lessons From the Wise

By Job Journey on Friday, September 9, 2016

In the United States, National Grandparents Day is Sunday, Sept. 11. It’s a day designated to honor grandparents for their love and sacrifice. Grandparents are often associated with wisdom due to their years of experience and adventure. There have been countless wise leaders in the history of the world, and we want to share lessons from some of the most famous as we celebrate the wisdom of our elders.

Wisdom About Teamwork
Mother Teresa was a nun and missionary who founded the Missionaries of Charity, a worldwide religious congregation that runs hospices and homes for those in need. In 1979, she won a Nobel Peace Prize for her work. Mother Teresa lived to be 87 years old, and was admired by many for her charitable works. She once said:

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot, together we can do great things.”

Mother Teresa’s wise words are a reminder of the value of teamwork. While being your personal best is important, so is working well with those on your team. Most likely, there’s someone in your workplace who has a skill you don’t have. Likewise, you may know how to do something your co-workers do not. By working together and helping each other use your talents, you can create something you wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. Take the time to get to know your co-workers and find out what skills and talents they have so you can be better prepared to take on team projects.

Wisdom About Pride
Known for his spiritual wisdom and teachings, Mahatma Gandhi was the leader of the Indian independence movement in British-ruled India. Gandhi became famous for his non-violent movements and lived to be 78 years old. Gandhi once said:

“Nobody can hurt me without my permission.”

There is a great lesson to be taken from Gandhi’s words of wisdom. You have power over your emotions, and only you can decide how you let yourself feel. If a supervisor, customer, or co-worker says something that is hurtful, you can control how you let it affect you. While it’s true that some criticism can be constructive, not all of it is meant to help you grow. Decide for yourself what you will listen to, and remember that you are in control of your reactions.

Wisdom About Goals
Writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is often referred to as the most intelligent man in history. According to Business Insider, Albert Einstein himself is said to have called Goethe “the last man in the world to know everything.” When it comes to wisdom, there’s no doubt Goethe had it. He founded the science of human chemistry and developed one of the earliest known theories of evolution. His estimated IQ score ranged from 210 to 225, on a scale where genius intelligence is measured at 145. Goethe once said:

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”

Those wise words serve as a reminder that you can’t accomplish your goals if you don’t try first. Whatever your goal is—whether it’s to land your dream job, get an interview, or receive a promotion—it’s time to start on your path. There’s no better day than today to dust off your resume, submit an application for the job you want, or take on a new project. If you don’t start, you can’t reach the finish line.

What wise words do you live by? Share yours in the comments section below!

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

Events

Happy Labor Day!

By Job Journey on Monday, September 5, 2016

Monday, Sept. 5, is Labor Day in the United States and Canada, and we want to thank all of our Express associates for their hard work and dedication. At Express, we know how much of an impact a job can have on someone’s life. We take pride in helping our associates find great jobs, and you’re helping us reach our long-term goal of putting a million people to work annually. We hope you have a great holiday!

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