Handle a Sabotaging Coworker Effectively
We would all like to get along with our colleagues. It makes for a better work environment and boosts the business as well. Sadly though, this is not always the case. Office politics can be a tricky business and it is not unusual to find yourself dealing with a coworker who seems out to sabotage you rather than help. If you are faced with this situation what should you do? Some tips:
Cover yourself – Taking precautions to protect yourself against a coworker with less than good intentions is a wise move. Keep written records for yourself of the work you do and the ideas you contribute. If a nefarious office mate should try to take the credit for something you did to get ahead, or worse tries to blame you for something you did not do, you have proof to back up your protests.
Will Going Back to School Really Help your Career?
College is four of five (or maybe even twenty) years in the past now but you have been thinking about returning to school to pursue an advanced degree to boost your earning potential even further. This however is a bigger decision than you might think and there are some points you should consider before you return to the academic world:
Why – Exactly what are your motivations for returning to school? Do you want to earn more money in your current profession or change gears altogether? Either option can be a good reason for resuming your education, as long as you have thought it through. If you are pursuing an advanced degree to further your current career make sure that the program you choose will actually translate into a real job in the future. Ask the admissions counselor about previous graduates, how many of them did land the kind of position you are looking for?
Pros and Cons of Probationary Periods
With unemployment still high, probationary periods – short-term periods employers use to try out job candidates before rewarding them with full-time status and associated benefits – are becoming increasingly common. Those workers who agree to being hired on this basis are often recent college grads or people who have been out of work for a while and are simply desperate to get back into the world of work.
This is a great scenario for the employer as they get to “test out” an employee before having to commit to investing in them, but often not so good for the employees involved. Before you agree to take a job on a “trial basis” there are some things you should consider:
10 Resume Mistakes
There are several schools of thought on the best way to write a resume that is right for today’s business climate but there are some things that the vast majority of hiring managers from all industries agree should not be on a good resume. The top ten?
- Spelling and grammar errors – Do not be careless enough to send out a resume with spelling errors and grammar faux pas. Attention to detail is essential!
- Canned opening objectives – Using a generic objective will most likely be ignored – the hiring manager has seen it already.
- Listing personal attributes – Some people still insist on including things like their height, weight and other personal information. Unless you are a model or an actress such things should never, ever be on your resume.
- Interests and hobbies – Unless they pertain to the job you are being interviewed for leave these off.
- The minute details of every job you ever had – Hiring managers are looking for a brief synopsis of your experience not a blow by blow account of your days as a cashier.
- Too much bragging – Listing your accomplishments is important but if the wording goes over the top and starts to sound like you are bragging it can be a huge turn-off.
- Outdated information – If it has been more than 15 years since you left a job you should might wan to leave it off your resume. Assuming it is not very relevant to the position you are seeking now.
- False information – Stating you have a BS when it is really an Associate’s degree may seem like just a little white lie but making false statements on your resume can blow up in your face. Most employers these days do background checks and if you are exposed as a liar you can instantly kiss the job goodbye, even if you have already received an offer letter.
- Unexplained gaps in work history – Many people have these but they are something that most hiring managers notice right away. Choose your words carefully in explaining them on paper though. The hiring manager does not need to know specifics right now. If you state “left for personal reasons” they can then ask for more detail later if they need to.
- Lack of professionalism – Brightly colored or patterned paper, cutesy fonts and silly childish email addresses all turn hiring managers off right away. The chances of it getting read all the way through are slim.
Is Working From Home Right for You?
Over the last several years the world of telecommuting has exploded. More and more businesses are offering their employees the chance to work from home (at least part of the time). Additionally, some companies are simply looking to the growing pool of home based virtual assistants to outsource tasks to. If you have been offered the chance to telecommute, or are considering becoming a virtual employee you do have to be aware of the pros and cons before you take the plunge:
On the Upside
Freedom – No boss looking over your shoulder, no one criticizing your choice of outfit today, no one is monitoring your coffee breaks.
Decoding Business Casual Dress Codes
Many things have changed across the business landscape of America over the last several years. The way we dress for the office is definitely one of them. For the ladies, gone are the days of the Linda Evans in Dynasty power suits with the football player shoulder pads. Guys are no longer forced into a three piece suit and tie. The phrase “business casual” is used a lot these days but what does that really mean? A few pointers:
Consider what day it is – If you are meeting with clients err on the conservative side as a mark of respect. Save the khakis for another day when you will be chained to your desk rather than in the spotlight.
Fighting Workplace Negativity
Over the last year or so a great many companies, large and small, have been forced to make some changes to keep their heads above water and ride out the recession. Unfortunately it often means inflicting a certain level of “pain” on employees. This can mean layoffs or reassigning duties, titles and tasks in order to try and keep the business on an even keel. Doing so can be a difficult balancing act for managers. The changes have to be made but you still need to keep the goodwill and loyalty of those staff that remain.
This is often where negative energy begins to creep into the work environment. It commonly displays itself in one of four ways:
- Sheer fear amongst employees that their jobs may be gone tomorrow, even this afternoon, and that fear becomes all they are focused upon.
- Employees feeling helpless because although they know how to do their jobs properly some of the resources they are used to have disappeared.
- As resources and staff are cut people on the team begin to fight with each over jobs not being done properly.
- People are unhappy in their jobs but feel they cannot leave because the poor economy limits their choices.
As a manager it is up to you to counteract this negativity so that the whole department/company/team stays together and pulls through the bad times in the best shape possible. Some tips:
Easy Ways To Get Yourself Fired
Most people head into a new job full of vigor and enthusiasm, not thinking about the job ending one day. Getting fired is not something that would happen to them. However, there are a lot more reasons for you to be shown the door than you might think. Here are some of the most commonly made mistakes that have employers rethinking their hiring decision.
Tax Time Tips for Job Hunters
Job hunting can be a strenuous and sometimes downright depressing but, it does have its advantages when it comes to tax season. Knowing what you can (and cannot) deduct when it comes to filing is important. Here are a few pointers:
Travel Expenses – Traveling to interviews can take a real bite out of your budget but, much of it can be claimed back on your taxes. There are some rather confusing IRS rules you have to keep in mind though. If the sole purpose of your trip is to obtain new employment then everything – flight, meals, hotel rooms – can be deducted. However, if you went to Hawaii on vacation and decided it was so wonderful you cannot imagine leaving and then decide to look for a job, none of the expenses are deductible. Reason being the original purpose of your trip was pleasurable in nature. However, you can still deduct the cost of actually getting to the interviews (bus, rental car, etc.)
New Year’s Resolutions For Job Hunters
It’s that time of year again; time to make New Year’s Resolutions. For those in the job market there might be more important things to add to the list than “I will give up chocolate”. A new year is a fresh beginning for everyone, and a great time for job seekers to re evaluate their game plan. Here are some resolutions that can really help.
- I will ask my friends and relatives to give me an honest critique of my resume and cover letter, and listen to their feedback, even if it stings.
- I will ask those same people to “mock interview” me, and ask them to be as critical as they can.
- When I find an attractive job opportunity I will apply immediately, no more procrastination.
- I will do more research about the industries I want to work in, and the companies that appeal to me.
- I will spend more time networking, both online and off.
- I will be brave enough to make that follow up call after I have interviewed for a position.
- I will open my mind to avenues beyond the obvious in an attempt to find the best and most interesting opportunities.
- I will really examine my finances and see if I can consider a lower paying position that could be a stepping stone to something bigger.
