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How to Excel in Communication at Work

Posted by aostler on Mar 11, 2011 in Advice, Careers

Have you ever found yourself feeling like you aren’t in the loop at work? Maybe you have a hard time understanding what your duties are at your job, or perhaps you just have a hard time dealing with coworkers and seem to always run into conflicts at work.

If any of these problems happen to you, you may need to take a look at how effectively you are communicating in the workplace. Communication is vital to any job, and without good communication, a lot of bad things can happen. Dealing with conflicts is a part of any job, and keeping yourself in the loop and knowing what’s going on is essential to excelling in any job or career. How can you improve your communication skills you may ask? There are several ways, of which I’ll name a few:

Remember to listen to people instead of trying to talk over them, especially when it comes to your boss or manager. If you don’t listen, you may miss critical information about how you’re doing, what your assignment is, or other critical knowledge that will really hamper your work performance. Take notes if necessary when listening, but make sure to learn this very important skill if you want to succeed in your job.

When you face a conflict in the workplace, resolve it with humility and honesty. Remember that conflict, like communication, is a two-way street, and both sides usually have something that they can improve on. If you’ve done something wrong, own up to it, apologize once if necessary, and then move on, resolving to do better the next time. Avoid apologizing too much, as that just makes you look like you want pity or attention. Also remember that everyone makes mistakes and no one is perfect, no matter what they might say. Be prepared and ready for conflict, so that when it happens, you’re not caught with your pants down.

Another thing to remember is that it’s not good to communicate too much or not enough, and there is a balance that needs to be met in your communication with your boss. If you don’t communicate enough with your boss, he or she won’t know what’s going on with you and may question what you’re doing, as well as if you really care about what you’re doing. On the flip side of that, if you communicate way too much, then your boss may become annoyed and want to flick you out of his or her face like an annoying fly. In general, it’s better to communicate with your boss whenever an important question comes up and you really need help with it, or if you are low on work and need another assignment to work on. Use your own best judgment though, as every situation is different. Go with your instincts, and you should be able to tell with body language and verbal responses from your boss if you’re communicating too much or not enough.

Of course there are many other aspects of communication in the workplace that I haven’t gone into here, but one of the most important things to remember is that effective communication is essential to every job out there, whether you’re working from home, a part time job, or are in your full time career. Stay positive in your job, listen, and make yourself heard where appropriate, and you will be off to the right start when it comes to effective communication in the workplace.

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Be Innovative

Posted by Todd on Nov 3, 2010 in Uncategorized

In today’s tough job market, you can bet that every job you’ve applied to has been applied to ten times over. Maybe more!

Well, then, what’s going to set you apart? How are you going to be a shining star? How are you going to shine at all?

In this day and age, you have to use your creative juices to establish yourself as someone who is both compelling and hardworking. There are many ways to do this, but it’s going to take some… dun dun dun… HARD WORK!

1) Start A Blog

Almost everybody has a blog these days. Having a blog that has at least one entry a day shows that you are willing to commit yourself to a cause. Employers want to know that they’re hiring someone who is going to commit to their cause.

2) Network

Go out and socialize! However, while you’re socializing, talk about yourself. Talk about what you do, and pump yourself up. Let others know that you are a good worker. They might just be the person to offer you a job!

3) Resume Building

Make sure your resume is tip top and outstanding. Make sure you put everything that would identify you as a good and solid employee on there. When your future employer reads it, he won’t be able to put it down!

4) Apply Now!

Being the first person to apply for a job is never a bad thing. The employer’s eyes are fresh and he’s ready to hire. Be there when he does!

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10-A-Day

Posted by Todd on Aug 9, 2010 in Advice, Employment, Job Search

If you’re on the hunt for a new job, in this economy, with unemployment looming above 10%, you’re going to have to put some elbow grease into your search. Everyone’s vying for the perfect job, and you’ll have to consider that you won’t get every job you interview for. On top of that, you won’t get an interview for every job you apply for. So, you need to step you’re hunt into high gear.

While you’re not working, consider it your job to be finding a job. That’s where “10-A-Day” comes in. Every day, you should be applying for 10 jobs. Does that seem like a lot? Good!

Some estimates say that you’ll get 1 out of every 10 jobs you interview for. Well, how many jobs that you apply for will you get an interview with? You might not like those numbers. So think about it like this: If you’re applying for 50, or let’s say 70 jobs, per week, you’ve just significantly increased your chances of finding one.

If you’re applying for one job a day, that’s only 5-7 per week. Let’s look at those numbers again: 50-70 and 5-7. Need I say more?

Hop onto Employment Crossing today and search for jobs all over the United States. If there’s opening available, then it’s on Employment Crossing.

The people over at Employment Crossing are doing half of the work, searching for the best jobs, and the best opportunities in every sector. Whatever your skills are, Employment Crossing has the best jobs for you.

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How’s That Screenplay Coming Along?

Posted by Todd on Apr 3, 2010 in Advice, Careers, Employment, Job Search, Jobs, Uncategorized

At least one of you reading this, I will endeavor to say, is an unemployed writer working on the first thirty (if you’ve been really productive) pages of your future award winning screenplay. If you’re at home, across from you, on the desk, or dining room table (wherever your workspace is) is your cell phone bill… not paying itself.

You’ve maybe just barely paid off your rent for the month and it’s left you without much more than money for 79 cent tacos from one of those fast food establishments you’ve been relying on for survival.

You and I both know that reality has set in and it’s time to face the facts:

YOU NEED A JOB!

Not only do you need a job, but you need Employment Crossing to find you that job. After all, you’re a writer. You want to make that B.A. in Enlgish or Journalism proud. You’re passionate about the written word and you won’t compromise yourself working behind the counter of the local coffee shop.

“No, sir. You cannot get half-caf. And no, sir. You cannot get a scone with that.”

Listen to me. Jump onto Employment Crossing and find that job that allows you to use your talents, your skill set, and take one step toward that ultimate goal of being a professional writer.

Don’t waste time, my friend. Get started today. You’re phone bill is begging you.

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Let It Begin In 2010

Posted by Todd on Jan 1, 2010 in Advice, Careers, Employment, Job Search, Uncategorized

Attention world: Let it begin in 2010!

Let what begin? Your career, your attitude, and the rest of your life. Put it in your head that this is your year. Allow yourself to succeed beyond your wildest dreams and reach heights yet unseen. How are you going to do this? Remember this phrase: It’s all in your head!

Your outlook on life will determine the quality of your mood, the company you keep, and most definitely your career. If you’re unemployed: change it! You might say to yourself, “But there are no jobs!”

THAT IS NOT TRUE!

Check out sites like Hound and Employment Crossing today. Don’t wait. The longer you allow yourself to go unemployed, the more problems you are likely to have.

There is no need to fear, log on and find a job that suits your expectations. If you are currently in a  job you can’t stand, cross over to a job you love with Employment Crossing.

You can have the life you want. Let it begin, in 2010!

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The Founding Fathers Also Had to Work for a Living

Posted by Erik Even on Jul 4, 2009 in Careers

Part of celebrating Independence Day is to remember the brave men (and women) who risked their lives to found this country and create the first democratic nation in 514 years.

Since this is an employment site, and Founding Father is not a paying gig, I thought I’d take a look at what some of the more familiar founders did for a living.

John Adams (1735 – 1826) was a schoolteacher and a lawyer. Later he would be the first US vice president, the second president, and an ambassador.

Samuel Adams (1722 – 1803) worked as a brewer (duh), publisher and failed entrepreneur. Later, he was Governor of Massachusetts.

Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790) was an popular author, and a printer and inventor. He invented the lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, a carriage odometer, the glass harmonica, the public library and the fire department. Later he was an ambassador and Postmaster General. Somehow, he finagled his way onto the C-note.

John Hancock (1737 – 1793) was an importer, exporter, slave owner and large-writer. Later he was Governor of Massachusetts.

Patrick Henry (1736 – 1799) was a failed planter, a failed entrepreneur, and a successful lawyer. He was Governor of Virginia — twice.

Thomas Jefferson (1743 – 1826) was a lawyer. He also dabbled in horticulture, architecture, archaeology, paleontology, inventing, and being the third President of the United States.

James Madison (1751 – 1836) was a lawyer, although he never gained admission to the Bar. He was secretary of state to Thomas Jefferson, and was the fourth president.

George Washington (1732 – 1799) was a planter, by which I mean he sat on his butt and the slaves did the planting. He was an officer in the British Army, and then Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Of course, he was the first president.

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Interviewing? Don’t Worry About What You Can’t Control

Posted by Erik Even on Feb 12, 2009 in Job Search, Uncategorized

Worried woman.So you’ve got that big interview for a great job.

You know exactly what to do — research the firm, dress appropriately, bring with you everything you need (including a pen and extra resumes), show up on time.

The interview goes great. You’re confident and have answers prepared for the toughest questions. You’re able to show off your knowledge, your skills and your personality. You get a great vibe from the interviewer(s). The meeting is actually fun.

It’s your best interview ever!

You go home, send a thank you note, and then wait. You worry — did you come across as confidently as you felt? Did you say anything foolish? Did they really like you?

Then the bad news comes — they gave someone else the job.

The worries turn into self-incrimination. Obviously, you did screw up, right? Or you would have gotten the job!

Wrong. You gave a great interview. You couldn’t have done any better. The fact is, when it comes to getting a job, there are far too many factors outside of your control.

Maybe it was a so-called “courtesy interview,” and they never had any plans to hire you. Or they might have already chosen someone internally, but company rules require a certain number of outside interviews.

The position might be canceled, or delayed. And of course there’s office politics. Mr. Smith wanted to hire someone last year, but got shot down — so now he’s sabotaging Mr. Jones’ attempt to hire you.

The truth is, you have no way of knowing what’s going on behind the scenes. All you can do is give a great interview and hope for the best.

It’s hackneyed but it’s true: accept the things you cannot change, have the courage to change the things you can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

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The Perfect Storm?

Posted by PRGUY222 on Feb 4, 2009 in Employment, Jobs

Wednesday, President Obama made an ominous statement warning that the current recession has the potential to rise to the level of a catastrophe if certain measures are not put into effect immediately. He has postulated that if Congress fails to act swiftly in passing his economic plan, the recession will be both exacerbated and made more lengthy.

Obama’s statements were made in response to the continued debate over amendments to the stimulus package being discussed in the Senate. The debate is expected to last through the end of the week, with a potential vote coming as early as Friday.

While Obama claims that he wants Republican ideas incorporated into the final version of the stimulus plan, he also continues to contend that tax cuts alone are not enough.  Rather, in his view, we cannot afford to ignore fundamental challenges like energy independence and the cost of health care.

Obama says his plan will create or save up to 4 million jobs. However, a preliminary analysis by the Congressional Budget Office shows that the jobs created by the plan currently under debate in the Senate, would cost taxpayers between $100,000 and $300, 000 each. The cost for each job, when not under the proposed economic stimulus plan is around $100, 000.  There is a potential for three times the cost to taxpayers for each job created.

According to many Republicans the problem is not that there is disagreement over whether there should be a stimulus plan or not. Instead they assert that there is complete agreement on the need for one. Consequently, the debate has been focused around the size  and cost of the stimulus package. Much of the $550 billion in spending is divided among these areas: $142 billion for education, $111 billion for health care, $90 billion for infrastructure, $72 billion for aid and benefits, $54 billion for energy, $16 billion for science and technology, and $13 billion for housing.

Whether or not a pared down version or a the bigger version that Obama is pushing for is eventually passed, the economy should receive a boost.  Whatever version ultimately passes, jobs will be created.  So why not find those jobs using EmploymentCrossing. Make sure not forget about our free trial.



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Will Your Past Come Back to Haunt You?

Posted by PRGUY222 on Feb 3, 2009 in Employment, Jobs
Former Senator Tom Daschle withdrew his nomination as head of the Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday, February 3, 2009. The resignation comes following, and as a result of, controversy over Daschle’s tax record and allegations of lobbying activities.

While he explained that he was honored by the nomination, he also explained that he understood that he could not reform the nation’s health care system without the full faith of Congress and the American people.  Because of the controversy revolving around him, the degree of faith held in him is uncertain at best. He feared he would be a distraction, preventing Obama from getting both his economic and his health care agendas passed.

A New York Times editorial called for Daschle’s resignation on Monday. The issue which most injured his nomination for many Americans, was the fact that while he identified his unpaid taxes in June, he only paid them after being nominated to the top post at the Department of Health and Human Services. Despite this, a number of prominent Democratic senators, such as, Sens. John Kerry of Massachusetts, Charles Schumer of New York, and Patrick Leahy of Vermont, rallied behind Daschle before he announced his resignation.

Regardless of whether Daschle was in fact the right person for the job, or if he was simply not trustworthy enough to either get enough support for reform of the health care system or to avoid  influence from the private sector, his resignation does bring into question the prudence of Obama’s appointments.

With one other appointee resignation already under his belt, and with controversy still lingering around his appointment for Secretary of the Treasury, it appears that whoever Obama chooses to fill posts in his cabinet, will be subject to the strictest of scrutiny.  Any past discretions will come to light and be cause for great controversy.

But whose past doesn’t come back to haunt them?  There will always be a record of your past job performance–whether or not that performance is good or bad. That’s why you need access to the most jobs out there. You need to have options.  Maybe something you did in the past might be an asset to one employer and the same thing might a negative for another.  Either way, if you don’t have as many options, you might never find the employer that is a perfect fit for you.

That’s why you need to take advantage of all the job listings at EmploymentCrossing, and make sure you don’t forget out free trial while you’re at it.

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Waiting to Exhale–What Will Become of Obama’s Stimulus Package?

Posted by PRGUY222 on Jan 29, 2009 in Employment, Jobs

President Obama’s stimulus plan has cleared it’s first hurdle, with it’s passage in the House.  However, it was nowhere near a bipartisan victory.  The victory in the House is primarily attributable to a Democratic majority. And what’s more is that eleven Democrats actually voted against the $819 billion package.

As the bill prepares to be evaluated by the Senate, it’s fate is still not certain. Perhaps the bill with pass with some modification or with the addition of raised taxes, but regardless, the bail out is still only a proposal at this point. The Senate will vote on it’s version next week. Whatever the outcome, and whatever version is ultimately produced, it cannot be argued that the economy needs some kind of stimulus.

In mean time, while both parties and both houses sit on Capitol Hill trying to figure out how to fix the current economic situation, you can do your part to fix your own economic situation by using EmploymentCrossing to find your next job. And since not many of us are traveling around with a full wallet these days, make sure you take advantage of our free trial.

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