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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.

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.

Career Options The Job Search Uncategorized

Poll Summary Results: Managing Millennials

By leidson on Monday, October 14, 2013

In our most recent poll, we asked how you think Millennial employees want to be managed. The results showed that Millennial employees are positively impacting the business world.

With more than 45% of the votes, the most popular answer was, “with the freedom and flexibility to do their work on their own terms – as long as deadlines are met and with high-quality results,” followed by “with a critical role in building the company’s innovative edge and the freedom to take full advantage of their tech-savvy and forward-thinking personality.”

Coming in at 18.3%, “through constant praise; this is the generation that grew up with trophies and awards for everything” placed third in the poll.

Another 4.92% of respondents believe, “Millennial employees need to be managed like all the other employees, because special treatment isn’t awarded to anyone else.”

For more insight on Millenials and other generations in the workforce, check out these articles:
•   It’s Awesome Being a Millennial Job Seeker
•   Baby Boomers – a Chance at a Second Career After Retirement
•   Generations and the Job Search: Who’s Having a Harder Time?
•   4 Reasons To Recruit, Hire and Retain Mature Employees

New Job Tips The Job Search Uncategorized

Is It Time for a New Job?

By leidson on Monday, September 23, 2013

Earlier this year, Inc. Magazine reported that 86% of employees plan to search for a new job in 2013. Maybe you’re in that 86% majority. Or maybe you’re in the 14% who aren’t actively seeking other employment but wondering if you should be. Either way, before you commit your time and energy to a new job hunt, you need to know if it’s the right time for a change.

Any time you change employers, there are a lot of factors involved. Changing jobs means you’re entering into a brand new environment with new people, new expectations, rules, responsibilities, and a new culture. You’ll want to make sure you’re leaving your current job for the right reasons.

You’re Ready for Career Growth
When it comes to your career, you should be in the driver’s seat, so it’s important to know when you’re on the right path and when you’ve taken a detour. If your desire is to move up into a management position and you feel you’re ready to go to the next level, try having a conversation with your current manager or boss and let them know your goals. Remember, communication is key. Before leaving any company it’s important to understand your options. If you are unhappy and stressed out all the time maybe some things need to change. Don’t mistake being stressed out for being burned out. Here are a few scenarios to help you determine the difference. If you find there is no room for growth, it may be time to find something new. As you’re looking, just remember to continue to find ways to grow your knowledge and skills no matter where you are. The same goes for when you want new responsibilities, to move into another area of work, or receive a fair compensation increase. Always be sure you’ve communicated with your employer about your desire, and not just assumed something’s not possible.

You’re Experiencing Toxic Relationships
The people you work with every day can make or break a job. No matter where you work, there may be conflict from time to time, so you shouldn’t decide to leave just because you don’t get along with someone. But, if the overall attitudes of your coworkers are negative, or you have a bad boss, it may be time to consider moving on. Relationships play a big role in how engaged, fulfilled, and happy you are in your workplace.

You Don’t Feel It’s a Good Culture Fit
How you mesh with your employer’s culture, including their values, work pace, and expectations, is another important factor in charting your career plan. If you’re finding yourself constantly at odds or frustrated with your company, ask yourself a question. Have you changed, has the employer changed, or has it always been this way? If something has changed recently, like a shift in what you value in an employer or a change in direction from corporate leadership, then you need to weigh the pros and cons of leaving. If nothing’s changed, and you came on board with the company knowing about your differences, then try thinking back and remembering why you took the job in the first place. This will help you make the best decision, whatever it may be.

Changing jobs can be exciting, rewarding, and a great step for your career, but breaking up with your employer isn’t something to be taken lightly. You should always check your motives. If you’re sure that you’re doing the right thing, go ahead. Just remember to not burn any bridges along the way because you never know where they can lead, stay classy.

How did you know it was time to change jobs? Share your story below.

At Work The Daily Grind Uncategorized Workplace Relationships Workplace Safety

Workplace Violence: Three Measures To Stay Safe

By leidson on Friday, September 20, 2013

Occupational violence is a scary subject. We spend a majority of our time at our job and being safe is something many take for granted. This isn’t to say that it is inevitable that a violent uprising will overtake your place of employment, but being prepared or aware of the potential is important.

According to OSHA, more than two million American workers are victims of some form of workplace violence ranging from verbal abuse, bullying, and more serious physical assaults. Workplace violence also doesn’t necessarily mean it has to occur at the workplace; conflicts between co-workers outside of the office also fall into the definition. So, how do we avoid or at least curb the potential threat? Below are three measures you can take to stave off the danger.

1. Read up on the policies and procedures.
Many employers have sections on workplace violence in their handbooks. These policies protect employees from liability and are almost always enforced without prejudice. If you are unsure of your company’s policy or procedures on handling occurrences, ask your supervisor or a representative of your HR department. Following these procedures can ensure your safety as well as that of your co-workers.

2. Be aware of your surroundings.
Look for signs of distress from your co-workers. If a co-worker seems to be struggling with their day-to-day life, makes threats or mentions getting back at their employer, or exhibits irregular behavior out of the ordinary, these could be signs of instability. If you are concerned for a co-worker, don’t attempt to console them, instead notify a supervisor in private of your concern.

3. Avoid danger.
If you’re placed in a situation with a hostile individual, don’t panic. Respect their personal space and don’t exhibit any body language or tone of voice that makes you seem like a threat. By placing obstacles between you and the person, and staying four to six feet away from a point of exit, you have the opportunity to flee if the circumstances require you to remove yourself from the situation. Never use physical force unless it is for defense against an assault. Once again, notify your supervisor if such an event occurs.

No one is immune to workplace violence, but a little bit of preparation and being aware of measures to prevent such occurrences just may protect you from harm in the event you are placed in an undesirable situation. Share your practices to avoid workplace violence in the comments section below.

Guest blog by: Mike Smith

Career Options The Job Search Uncategorized

Staffing Week – The Role of Staffing Companies and Employment

By leidson on Monday, September 16, 2013

Did you know 11.5 million temporary and contract employees are hired by U.S. staffing firms over the course of a year? Sept. 16-22 is National Staffing Employee Week and we think it’s a great time to look at the impact of this industry. Temporary and contract work can lead job seekers to the possibility of full time employment, because workers can try out a prospective employer and showcase their skills for a full time job. Many people choose temporary and contract work as an employment option. They can select their work schedules and choose among a variety of diverse and challenging assignments. The staffing industry also provides free training for millions of temporary and contract employees to help meet today’s demand for skilled workers. Express also celebrates this annual week by announcing our Employee of the Year recipients.

Staffing Statistics

In a year-over-year comparison of the payroll period Aug. 19–25, 2013, the American Staffing Association (ASA) reported that staffing employment is up 4.5%! Since the beginning of 2013, staffing employment has increased 11.7%. In 2012, staffing companies employed an average of 2.91 million temporary and contract workers per day, according to the ASA. Not only do staffing companies offer jobs in virtually all fields of work, from day labor to executive placements, staffing companies also provide scheduling and occupational flexibility, an opportunity for full time employment, choice of assignments, and training. For more information on the role of staffing companies and employment check this out.

Career Options The Job Search Uncategorized

Millenials and the Job Search

By leidson on Friday, September 13, 2013

Out of all the generations in the workplace, the Millennial generation seems to be the most talked about and researched today. Those born between 1980 and the late 1990s have shocked and awed the professional world, earning themselves a variety of titles, including “the most innovative generation” and “the most entitled generation.” But, love ‘em or hate ‘em, Millennials are changing the workplace and causing business leaders to question just about everything. What do they want in a job? How do they approach the job? How do millennial employees want to be managed?

Turnover and Retention
Last month, Beyond.com, a career network for advancing professionals, and Millennial Branding, a research and consulting firm, provided new data that could help answer these questions. Their national survey, “The Cost of Millennial Retention,” specifically looked at Millennials, also known as Gen Y, turnover and retention from the employer’s view. Here are a few conclusions about Millennials, based on their findings:

• Millennial workers are on the move – 30% of companies surveyed reported losing 15% or more of their Millennial employees in the past year.

• They aren’t afraid to change jobs if they aren’t getting what they want – companies are implementing programs to entice Millennials to stay, including workplace flexibility (48%), mentoring (40%), and internal hiring (37%).

• Millennials will do what’s best for their career – the top reasons for Gen Y employees to leave their jobs were that they had received a better job offer, their career goals didn’t match with their employer, and the company didn’t offer career growth opportunities.

• Millennial professionals use a variety of tools for their job search – recruiters connect with Millennial candidates on job boards and corporate websites (62%), as well as LinkedIn (9%).

Share Your Thoughts
These stats provide some good insight into how Millennials approach their career, which affects everything from their job hunt to what they need to stay with an employer. With these findings in mind, share your opinion on how Millennial workers want to be managed in our monthly poll.
If you’re a Millennial, do you think these statistics accurately portray you? How do you think any job seeker, no matter their age, could use this information to help them in their job search? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.