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Workplace Lessons From Popular Love Songs

By Job Journey on Monday, February 22, 2016

February is the month of love, which means it’s a time for Valentines, roses, and love songs. Do you know that love songs are more than just sappy lyrics or heart-wrenching vocals? In fact, some of the most popular love songs today have a message that can apply to your job search or career as well.

Here are five workplace lessons you can learn from popular love songs playing on the radio today!

“Shut Up and Dance” – Walk the Moon

The lyrics say, “Oh don’t you dare look back. Just keep your eyes on me. I said you’re holding back. She said shut up and dance with me.” This song has many timely messages for the workplace. Like the lyrics suggest, don’t look back on past jobs, failures, or mistakes. Keep your eyes on the present and the ways you can succeed. When you look back, you lose track of your future, so ignore the voice that constantly reminds you of your past, and dance into making your career the best it can be. Stop procrastinating and holding back.

“Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars

Are you “too hot” and you know it? This song is perfect for you. Learn to accept your victories at work and do not be afraid to let your superiors know when you have succeeded. Letting your boss and co-workers know that you’ve achieved a milestone lets them see your talents, but also shows off the skills of the people on your team. And if someone thinks you can’t finish a project or deadline, just borrow the line, “Don’t believe me? Just watch!”

“Stressed Out” – Twenty One Pilots

Yeah, we’ve all been there. We remember “the good old days when our momma sang us to sleep,” but now “we’re stressed out.” This song helps us remember that stress can be detrimental to not only our health, but our work quality as well. If you find that you are overwhelmed at your job, find ways to deal with that stress, like getting regular sleep, exercising to burn off energy, or talking with a supervisor about ways to lighten your load.

“Like I’m Gonna Lose You” – Meghan Trainor featuring John Legend

This song is a great reminder to be grateful for your job every day. With the confusing economy, lots of workers have been laid off and are desperate for a job. Never take for granted that your position is not invincible. Work at all times to make yourself valuable and irreplaceable so you won’t have to worry about losing your job.

“Sorry” – Justin Bieber

Guess what? Even rock stars make mistakes. In this song, Bieber says, “You gotta go and get angry at all of my honesty. You know I try but I don’t do too well with apologies. I hope I don’t run out of time, could someone call the referee? ‘Cause I just need one more shot at forgiveness.” If you make a mistake at work, own up to it. Honestly confessing that something went wrong and then finding a way to make it right works much better than covering up the mistake or blaming someone else. Sometimes, everyone needs one more shot. Likely, if you are honest and have a plan to correct your mistake, you’ll get that shot to redeem yourself.

Do you have any love songs that motivate you at work too? Share your favorites in the comments section below!

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

My Entry-Level Life

Take It From Abe: Advice From President Lincoln

By Job Journey on Friday, February 12, 2016

Abraham Lincoln was the 16^th President of the United States. He served from March 1861 until he was assassinated in April 1865, leaving behind a legacy that has stood the test of time.

Today, is President Lincoln’s birthday, and to help celebrate his memory, we’ve compiled some of his best advice. Take a look at the quotes below to discover what you can learn about your job search and career path from one of the United States’ most famous leaders.

“Whatever you are, be a good one.”
When it comes to being successful, it doesn’t matter what field you want to work in, what school you want to attend, or what companies you want to be a part of. What matters is how you improve and motivate yourself to become better at everything you do. Take it from Abe and strive to be the best in your career or personal life.

“I walk slowly, but I never walk backward.”
Making mistakes is part of life. We all mess up from time to time. But, how you handle those mistakes and recover from them can impact your life both personally and professionally. Instead of dwelling on the past, try to move forward. If you lack a certain skill that caused you to make a mistake, improve that skill. If you accidentally hurt a relationship, mend it. If you don’t do well at an interview, learn from your mistakes so you can do better at your next one. As Lincoln advises, always move forward.

“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.”
Procrastination affects a lot of people. Sometimes, it’s just easier to put things off than accomplish them right away. If you’re avoiding working on a certain project, updating your resume, cleaning up your social media accounts, refreshing your references, or brushing up on your interview skills, take some time to face your obstacles today instead of putting them off for another day. The more you accomplish now, the less stress you’ll have tomorrow.

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

New Job Tips

Make a Cool Impression at Your Summer Job

By Job Journey on Friday, July 17, 2015

Every summer, many students look for temporary work while they take a break from school. Summer jobs are a great way to make money, meet new people, and enhance your resume. They’re also an important stepping stone in your career path, whether the job you choose is part of your overall career goals or not. According to Nicole Williams, a business owner in New York City, “You want to impress your boss. You want to do everything in your power to make this job a great opportunity for you.”

So, how do you impress your boss and make sure your summer job leads to bigger and better opportunities? Check out the tips below to stand out from the competition this summer.

Adjust your routine.
Staying healthy and rested makes you a better employee. Instead of staying up late or spending hours watching television before the lights go out, create a bedtime routine that will allow you to get the sleep you need for better job performance. If you like to unwind before bed, consider reading a book instead of spending time in front of the screen. According to Reuters, using a technological device before bed dramatically increases the likelihood that you’ll need more than 60 minutes to fall asleep. Getting better sleep can make you less drowsy, which in turn can up your creativity and efficiency. Plus, walking in the door on time or a few minutes early helps show your boss that you take the job seriously.

Go above and beyond.
While your current role may be perfect for you, if you have plans to move up in the company, you may want to consider taking on additional projects to show your initiative. According to career author Dan Schawbel, “If all you do is what is listed in your job description, it’s impossible to get ahead.” So, keep an open mind when you’re asked to take on additional projects or roles and see if your can-do attitude helps you get noticed.

Learn from your mistakes.
It’s impossible to be perfect all the time. Once you accept this fact, you can learn to embrace any mistakes or failures you experience on the job. If you receive a performance review or other feedback that is less than perfect, try to recognize the constructive criticism as a way to improve. Look for the lessons in your mistakes and use them as a chance to grow both personally and professionally. “If you aren’t afraid to learn, then you’re going to be in a position for more success in your second, third, and fourth jobs,” Williams said.

Network, network, network.
We talk a lot about networking on this blog, and for good reason. Networking is an important way to connect with people who can help you land a job, find a new opportunity, or expand your list of references. Even if you only plan to work at your summer job for a few months, you can use the opportunity to meet as many people as possible. You never know what connections they may have or how they can help you with your future career goals.

Pay attention to your wardrobe.
If your summer job requires a professional wardrobe, don’t skimp on quality. Looking professional is important in the workplace and can make a positive impression on your boss, co-workers, and customers. Luckily, there are cost-effective ways to achieve a professional look. Check out clearance sections at department stores, or consider looking at local second-hand stores for professional attire without breaking the bank. If your job requires a uniform, always keep yours clean, ironed if necessary, and professional. Showing up to the job with a uniform that isn’t up to par can make you seem uninterested or unmotivated–two qualities you don’t want a potential reference to mention with your name.

Whether your summer job is part of your career path or just a way to work while taking a break from classes, your workplace performance matters. Make connections, learn new skills, and use learning opportunities as a chance to grow and be better prepared for your next job.

How do you plan to make a great impression at your summer job? Let us know in the comments section below!

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

Leadership

Leadership Lessons from Popular Songs

By Job Journey on Monday, February 9, 2015

Every day, the radio plays the hottest songs of the season, and while these songs entertain, they can also teach us a thing or two about leadership.

Leadership lessons from popular songs? Why not? When it comes down to it, everything can be a way to improve leadership skills. Some of these tunes have a deeper underlying theme that can help you find your steps and improve your life.

So, without further adieu, let’s find our leadership lessons in these popular songs.

1. “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift manages to shake off the naysayers and bounce back bigger and better every time. You too can follow this example. You’ll have people trying to cut you down, hold you back, and make you feel less than perfect, but it’s your choice how to react. Everyone makes mistakes. Success comes from how you handle that mistake, and great leaders don’t let others bring them down. Concentrate on doing the best you can, learn from your mistakes, and strive to move on.

2. “I’m Not the Only One” by Sam Smith
This song is about listening to your instincts when something doesn’t feel right. In today’s world, the art of listening to your inner voice is sometimes nonexistent. However, knowing what’s in your heart can lead you on the right path. If something doesn’t feel legitimate or if you can’t trust who you are dealing with, you might want to keep your guard up. If you come across an opportunity, like a job posting, that feels good, explore it further. Research the company and learn about its culture, goals, and history. But, remember the age-old wisdom – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

3. “Ghost” by Ella Henderson
Sometimes we make mistakes or go through a bad time, and we can’t seem to let that mistake go. We keep “going to the river to pray” because we need something to wash the pain away, but it keeps haunting us. Ella makes a good point. She’s losing sleep, she’s dealing with the devil, and she’s still hurting. Maybe it’s time for you to give up the ghost. What has happened in the past cannot be changed, but dwelling on those destructive feelings can only cause more harm. Maybe you’ve had a bad job experience, or your interviews aren’t always going perfectly. Find a way to make peace with your past and enter the future with a bright, positive outlook.

4. “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5
The first line of this popular song is “just shoot for the stars, if it feels right.” The boys from Maroon 5 have the right idea. If you have a dream and it feels right to you, then go for it. Consider what you want to accomplish and start making progress to reach your goals. If you want to start a side gig, switch careers, or go for a big promotion, you have to be the one to make it happen. Having dreams and goals are important, but so is believing in them. Every day, do something that helps you reach your goals.

5. “Superheroes” by the Script
As the lyrics say, “When you’ve been fighting for it all your life, you’ve been struggling to make things right, that’s how a superhero learns to fly, Every day, every hour, turn the pain into power.” This song teaches us to never give up and to always keep fighting for what is important. Challenges, victories, defeats, and experiences give us the tools to become superheroes, especially if you learn to turn pain into power. No matter what happens, you can overcome the difficulties and become a super leader to others. Take all your experiences and become stronger because of it.

Next time your favorite song comes on the radio, listen hard. You may learn a life lesson from simple lyrics.

Do you have a favorite song that inspires you as a leader? Share with us in the comments section below.

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

At Work Workplace Goofs Workplace Relationships

Own Up to Your Mistake

By Jared Cole on Monday, March 26, 2012

Has anyone ever told you that if you aren’t making mistakes at work you probably aren’t blazing any new trails either? While you shouldn’t throw caution to the wind in the effort of progress, there is a chance that no matter how prepared and organized you try to be you’re going to make a mistake at work. But it doesn’t have to ruin your day or your career. You just need to handle it properly.

Be honest and quick.

Nothing good will come from covering up your mistake, so it’s best to admit the error as soon as possible. And, unless running around screaming about the problem will save lives or dollars, you need to alert your manager and those impacted in a cool, calm, and collected manner. Depending on the timeliness of the error you may be able to schedule a meeting with everyone in a few hours or you may need to circle up in the next 15 minutes. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, try not to interrupt other meetings, it can just create more chaos

It’s important to remember that you need to admit your mistake and provide some explanation as to why it occurred. Clearly explain what happened and providing any additional support, research, or correspondence to clarify the mistake is a good first step in communicating the situation. Questions will arise around your mistake, so remember to answer honestly and, if you don’t know the answer, resist the urge to make something up. It’s better to say you don’t know rather than to lie. Now is not the time to lay blame elsewhere or dwell on elements outside of your control.

Have a solution prepared.

Be ready to move forward with a proposed solution. When you’re focusing on calmly presenting your mistake, take a moment to think through the problem you’ve created and what solutions you can offer. If you have time, check into details like availability times of others you may need to inform after you’ve discussed the problem with your manager, any expenses that may arise from the error, or past protocol if this error has occurred at the company before. Don’t stall gathering information and solutions, but try to be as prepared as possible so that you can have a productive discussion on a solution. Spending a few extra minutes to get answers to the questions you know your boss will ask is better than rushing ahead and having to go back in a second time with the answers.

The first steps you can take to rebuild trust within your workplace after a mistake is handling the situation professionally. As you’d expect, trying to cover up your mistake or redirecting blame will not serve you well. Do you have any examples to share on effectively moving forward after a mistake?

By Rachel Rudisill