Career Advices

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Dressing For Success

Professional image consultant Lauren Solomon discusses how to compile your business wardrobe and being able to dress for success even on a tight budget.

Written by Jeff Bosco with no comments.
Read more articles on Career Advices and Video and General.

Early Career Advice

In a May 10, 2007 post on Career Ramblings there was mention of how recent college graduates can have a successful first year on the job. The blogger, Jane May, notes that all young professionals go through the awkward stage of no longer being a student, neither being quite a professional yet either. Check out the post for some helpful advice to help you through your first year.

But what about your first day on the job? This is no doubt a very daunting experience. You’re the new kid on the block and you may feel that all eyes are upon you. New surroundings, people, processes and unknown expectations have butterflies swimming amuck in your stomach. This is all normal, but there are things you can do to relieve some of the stress. Here are some tips I give to my candidates to ensure they have a successful first day on the job:

1. First impressions set the tone for your future workplace relationships so be aware of your actions, comments and non-verbal behavior. When in doubt, dress conservatively. Try to relax and speak confidently. Make good eye contact and smile. Avoid talking about religion, politics or sex with co-workers you just met. Be an active listener. Make an effort to remember names.

2. Your first day will be filled with the logistics of finding your office space, getting an email address and passwords, filling out forms, meeting people and maybe sitting through an orientation. People may ignore you or go out of their way to welcome you to the company - be prepared for both reactions.

3. When you ask questions, no matter how silly you may think they sound, people know you are eager to learn and understand the material. If you keep questions to yourself, you may get confused or look like you don’t know what you are doing. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you don’t understand everything or can’t remember everyone’s name.

4. Observe what is going on around you in the workplace so you have a clearer definition of the way things work.

5. Showing up early lets people know that you’re excited to be there. It also tells them that you’re committed to working there and doing your best. Don’t rush out the door when your day is over. Wait around a little bit, and ask if there is any work that needs to be done before leaving. You’ll fit in much faster if your boss and coworkers see you putting forth an effort.

Most importantly, remember that everyone you meet that day was once the “new person.” You will survive.

Originally
from Spherion Career Blog - The Big Time

by Brent Short

Written by Jeff Bosco with 1 comment.
Read more articles on Career Planning and Career Advices.

Switching Gears

I saw an interesting article on the Career Journal site yesterday that got me thinking. The article provided relevant advice for workers who wanted to change careers or fields. I am sure we have all thought about the “what ifs” when it comes to our jobs and careers.

What if I had chosen a better major or studied harder in college?

What if I went back to school?

What if I took the plunge and started my own business?

What if I pursued a contract, temporary or part-time engagement?

What if I made the switch to a career where I could work at something I’m passionate about?

The good news is that it really isn’t as hard as you may think. By working for one year or 30, you have experience which can translate to other fields or professions. I always say you should never feel stuck in your current job, your industry or career path. The reality is that we will be working for a good portion of our lives and no one should have to endure ‘30 years to life’ in something they hate doing. What a horrible prospect.

I know a lot of people who’ve made big changes in their lives, and for the most part, they’re very happy they finally did it and wondered why they waited so long. So if you’ve been thinking about making a change, there’s no better time to step up to the plate and do it. The job market is still hot, good talent is hard to find and I bet you’ll find yourself in the driver’s seat (and a lot happier too).

Originally
from Spherion Career Blog - The Big Time

by Kip Havel

Written by Jeff Bosco with 1 comment.
Read more articles on Career Advices and Career Change.

Graduating from College to the World of Work — Don’t Panic

I graduated from college more than 10 years ago. Some time around then was the last time I saw the band Too Much Joy (one of my favorite bands ever!) before last Friday. You see, last Friday, the band had a reunion to celebrate the drummer’s retirement from the NYPD. And because of the band’s reunion, a few friends from college and I had a reunion, too, when we went to see the show.

I’m not sure if it’s because of springtime and the city of Boston empties out as the school year comes to an end. Or it could be because I was sharing memories from college or maybe it was revisiting the song lyrics that defined so much for me. But I’ve been thinking a lot about the transition from college to the real world. I remember anticipating graduation with middle-of-the-night panic attacks. I had so much trouble sleeping, instead staying up and wondering what it would be like to just not go to school. After 16 years of education, what would life be like as a working adult?

For all you new graduates out there, I can tell you this: It’s wonderful. Now don’t get me wrong; I loved college and learning and all that jazz. But it was so nice to not have to do anything except go to work, which I recall right after college likening to school without the homework. Sure, you will work hard. You may work crazy hours (and you thought all-nighters were just for students). But you will be working so you can start your life the way you want it. You’ll likely need to pay some dues, and you may make some wrong decisions, but it will work out.

Need some help mapping your way? Check out these articles: