Let’s Talk… Morning Coffee!

Hello everyone! We hope that this week is breezing by as quickly for you as it is for us. At Esquire, we feel as though we’ve never been busier, and we couldn’t be more grateful! After all, it’s YOU who makes this company go round and keeps us around, so thanks for all you do.

Today, we’re here to chat about morning coffee. Are you one of the millions and millions of Americans (and people all over the world!) who start your morning with a cup of joe? If the answer is yes, this article is for YOU.

Morning Coffee Chat…

According to Ladders.com,… “Caffeine is so effective because it peaks right away and then lingers in your system for hours. Typically, the half-life of caffeine is around four to six hours, meaning that four to six hours after consumption, about half of that caffeine is still in your system.”

While we all know the beneficial feeling of a caffeine rush that takes you through half of your workday, is coffee really good for us? Whether you’re drinking one or four cups a day, it’s likely that coffee may disturb your sleeping patterns if consumed too late in the day. And, if you’re someone looking to change up your routine and uptake caffeine through a different alternative, check out these options!

Caffeine Alternatives…

  • Matcha!
  • Probiotics!
  • Chai – Teas and Lattes!

and don’t forget… the importance of water! Water is a key source of your energy and consistency throughout the day. Relying on coffee to get started in the morning can easily turn into an unhealthy reliance and large influence on productivity. So make sure you’re pairing your morning brew with energizing food, nutrients, and a whole bunch of water!

If you’re currently searching for a job, check out our open jobs here!

Summer Courses…Virtually!

Many of us like to use summer to either play catch-up or get ahead of our upcoming courses map. If this sounds like something you’re interested in or something you’re currently experiencing… we’re here to offer our best tips to help you succeed in this type of learning environment!

Conquering Summer Learning…

Prepare Adequately

Remember… summer courses are often crammed into a smaller amount of time than regular semesters, so you should expect a workload that correlates to that timing. You must prepare and weigh whether or not you have enough time to dedicate to this work in addition to a professional or personal experience filling your summer. Speak with your professor or check your syllabus to see what you can expect in terms of the workload so that you can always maintain a work-life balance and enjoy yourself!

Time Management

Always carve time out of your schedule to get your work done just like you would for a normal in-person class. If you do not have set times and days that you set aside for working on the online class, you might fall behind. So, whether this is a morning or nighttime routine, time blocking (as we’ve learned!) in order to maintain accountability is a top key to success.

Limit Distractions

It’s very easy to get sidetracked when working on assignments and projects for online classes. Try to limit your social media use and web browsing when you are supposed to be getting work done. Log out of all of your accounts if you need to and make a deal with yourself to not log back in. If you get one assignment done, then you can scroll on social media for a few minutes. It’s all about balance and it can be hard to stay focused with many distractions.

Environment

Try to find a study space where you can be your best productive self. This may be a spot in the library, your desk at home, or a coffee shop. Wherever you can go to get work done without external distractions! A quiet area where you can fully think about the material you are working on is best.

An online class can have many challenges! Take into consideration all factors before deciding to take an online course. Like working remotely, online courses take determination and productivity!

If you’re currently searching for a job, check out our open jobs here!

Networking Calls 101

Welcome back, everyone! We hope that you’re enjoying the summer heat, spending time outdoors and in the fresh air, and always searching for a quick read while you’re at it. If so, keep reading here to find out how to capitalize on summer downtime by engaging in networking calls! Whether this means chatting with other employees at the company, family friends, mentors, professors, or connections in other industries, networking calls are one of our keys to success.

How to Lead Successful Networking Calls…

  • Preparation and Purpose: Before engaging in these phones calls, it’s crucial to conduct a quick search on the person’s background, and a light gauge of their current work so as to avoid taking a large portion of time dedicated solely to introductions. Make sure to prepare specific questions relating to their career trajectory, project success, company experiences, etc. If you could ask your prepared questions to anyone, that’s a sign that they are not meaningful enough for the person you’re speaking with.
  • Ask Specific Questions: As it relates to our point above, you should not be asking questions like, “How’d you get here?” or “So, what do you do?” If you’ve initiated a chat, it is likely for a specific purpose to learn more about a role. For example, if you’re speaking to someone on the public relations side of the business, focus questions around, “How have you handled our company’s relationship with X topic/company/etc.? How much of your time do you spend avoiding negative PR vs creating positive PR?” Always make the employee feel valued! After all, they dedicated a portion of their day specifically to you.
  • Thank Them for their Time! Always always always make sure to express gratitude to the person for taking up a part of their day to speak with you. Thank the person for discussing their role, opening up about a certain topic, offering advice or direction, etc. We also encourage you to follow up with a thank you note or email to wrap up the chat in a kind way.
  • Maintain the Relationship: A coffee chat might be a periodic occurrence, but communication should not be. Make sure to maintain the relationships that you’ve worked to schedule and cultivate! Whether this means a weekly check-in, email update of your recent accomplishments, or quick link to a relevant article, make sure to keep consistent contact and follow-up after your thank you note!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Engage in Exercise: Summer Workouts!

If you live in the Midwest like me, then you’ve probably already encountered a few days that feel as if we live in Arizona…. in fact, just about everyone in the country has experienced outrageously hot summer days this year. However, with the weather and heat comes a push and encouragement to spend time (safely, and with sunscreen!) outdoors and in the fresh air. If you lost track of your workout regime in quarantine or over the past year, or if you’re looking to jump into exercise, this article is for YOU! Find out some of our favorite fitness resources below…

Let’s Engage…

Self-Guided

Above all, getting to the gym and rotating around a few different machines is a traditional, basic, and effective way to get your body moving. Whether this means the elliptical, treadmill, weight machines, stair climber, bench, or any other material you have as a resource, get on there and get going! The hardest part about working out is getting to the gym, and remembering that every other person is there for the same reason that you are is a great way to decrease the nerves and start increasing your confidence.

Bicycling Outside

No matter where you live, we can almost guarantee that there are forest preserves, hiking routes, or outdoor bike paths near you. This may look like a few miles or a few hours.. anything works! Just get on, and get moving. Bicycling is a fantastic lifetime sport that does not require the same cardio exertion as would a treadmill or outdoor run. Not only is this sport maintainable and a great way to burn some calories, but is a super-inclusive activity for any aged person looking to get riding.

Find a Hill

Cardio lovers… this one is for YOU! If you live in relatively close distance to a hill (at parks, near schools, at a neighborhood recreation center, etc.), this is a cost-free and highly effective workout for individuals seeking a cardio heavy experience. Taking the side stairs or running up the face will provide equally exhausting and rewarding exercise experiences at your leisure and at a self-guided pace. Remember, getting there is the hardest part! Whether you run, jog, or walk, moving your body is a success in and of itself… and there’s always room to continually improve! Working out is a lifestyle above all else, so take it slow and steady to optimize your health.

Online Classes and Videos

Since the start of the “OG” quarantine, we’re sure just about every single one of you has heard of a friend, family member, or have even found yourself engaging with online fitness content. YouTube, IGTV, live videos, and almost every social platform have taken to fitness classes taught through the screen. If you’re like me, and 91-degree weather means staying inside and away from the heat of the sun, this is a great alternative to maintain movement! Even more, many fitness classes require no added equipment or materials to participate… so all you need is you. 

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Summer Vacation: How to Initiate

If you’re itching to take a summer vacation, a few days of PTO, or relax by the beach this summer, we’re here to help you do so. Learn below how to prepare to take time off and go about it eloquently to leave a positive impression and be able to enjoy yourself, work-free!

Communicate and Anticipate:

If you are planning to ask for time off, make sure to read any company policies in order to make sure you are following all guidelines. For example, if your company requires that you give notice of your request at least 4 weeks prior to your desired vacation, plan as far ahead as possible to be able to do so and request the dates that work best for YOU! It’s always better to ask way ahead of time so as to ensure that your manager will have time to prepare for your absence and allocate your assignments to other employees.

Tips on How and When to Ask:

  • Ask during “down” times: This may seem obvious, but make sure you are asking at a time that is both right for you and for the company. If you are swamped with projects, wait until the busy period is over and everything has cooled down (keep this in mind for your boss as well – if they are super busy, leaving in the midst may leave a negative impression on the team).
  • Prepare: If you know that you are going on your vacation soon, make sure all of your work is complete beforehand. Even if this requires some extra hours in the office, they will pay off in the future by showing your teammates that you care to leave them in a secure position to take on some of your responsibilities.
  • Communicate: On the same note of leaving minimal work to your teammates, make sure to communicate (through email or other written dialogue) to all appropriate parties that you’re leaving and when. That way everyone will know what to expect once you’re gone!
  • Collaborate with your coworkers: There will always be “popular” times to take off work. Divide these days up and work as a team with your coworkers to maximize each employee’s satisfaction.
  • Extra note for new employees: Remember that if you are new to a job, you are expected to be prepared, productive, and most importantly, present. We recommend that you do not ask for time off within the first several months of your job if you can avoid it.

Searching for a new job? Look through our open jobs list!

Organizational Strategies for YOUR Workday!

As we’ve all been attempting at integrating time-blocking techniques into our daily lives, we decided maybe it was time to introduce a few other options! If you’re still looking for ways to optimize your workday, prioritize your to-do list, and get back on a scheduling track, this article is for YOU!

Four More Organizing Strategies:

  1. The MIT Method: Standing for “most important tasks first,” the MIT method focuses primarily on the prioritization of obligations and deadlines. It’s easy to log onto your computer and feel compelled to check emails or tackle other administrative-like tasks that are looming over your day. However, we encourage you to explore a new way to stimulate the start of your workday by categorizing your highest priorities and getting to them before all else!
  2. A/B Scheduling: This technique brings me back to my days in high school, filled by “A” and “B” days splitting courses up throughout the week. In reflecting on this experience, I think that it poses a fantastic opportunity to refresh and recharge on new tasks without becoming fatigued. So, try out breaking up your priorities into two schedules, A and B. See if this allows you to recharge and come back with a fresh and rejuvenated mindset on a periodic basis instead of the repetition of one schedule for each day.
  3. Energy Flow: Energy flow is presented with its title because it signifies 50-90 minute “sprint” work periods throughout the day. Let’s be honest, we are not our most productive selves 100% of the time throughout the workday. So, to combat dips in energy and a clouded mind, try out energy flowing through tasks! If you’re the most productive and awake in the morning, after lunch, at the end of the day, or whenever, fit your flows in here.
  4. The Pomodoro Technique: Similar to a few of the other strategies, this technique utilizes 25-minute blocks of uninterrupted productivity on a single task. If you’ve been dreading an upcoming presentation, putting off a certain project, or otherwise need to sit and focus for a solid block of time, this is a great strategy for you. If you’re easily distracted by other tasks, this may be for you too!

We hope that no matter your productivity and organizational approach, you will be able to identify with one of the 4 techniques (in addition to time blocking referenced last week) above! Doing so will increase your work efficiency, motivation, and ease.

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Time Blocking Part 2: Implementation

Welcome back! We hope that you enjoyed learning exactly what time blocking is yesterday and how it can benefit your workday. If you finished reading and are thinking about implementing this technique but don’t know exactly where to start. we’ve got you covered! Keep reading here to find out the 5 steps we’ve identified to set you up to time block starting today…

5 Steps to Implement Time Blocking

  1. Prioritize

Step one is absolutely to prioritize your most and least pressing obligations to the day and week. Do you have a project due? Is an assignment deadline approaching? Is someone awaiting a reply or feedback from you? Mapping out and writing down a few of your priorities and listing them out until reaching your least pressing matters is a perfect place to begin.

  1. Map it out

Once you’ve identified all of the obligations of your day or week and listed them in order of importance, it’s time to start mapping it out! We encourage you to break off the day in 30 minute or hour blocks so as to leave yourself enough time to create meaningful outcomes and progress. We also suggest this: what if you spend an hour straight at the beginning of the day simply catching up? Replying to clients or emails instead of spacing it out and consistently distracting yourself? Creatively using the morning as an outlet to brainstorm new ideas or future endeavors? Think about the times of day in which you find most productive to optimize this step.

  1. Incorporate repetition, second blocks, and leave time for breaks!

If there are certain obligations that you know you must revisit in a day (think big projects or assignments that require much more than one hour), then make sure to repeat these blocks, add in additional time frames, and otherwise “double block.” Also, remember that you’re only human! Leave yourself time for kids, personal relaxation, lunch, exercise, breaks, or other obligations that suit YOU and not just your job.

  1. Implement

Now you’re ready to implement! Whether you’ve mapped and blocked on a sheet of physical paper or have stored this schedule online, you’re ready to go. Keep your time blocking resources near you to reference it throughout the day and make sure you’re staying on track and keeping accountable.

  1. Ongoing tweaks to perfect!

Also remember, nothing is perfect on the first try! Your schedule will absolutely require updates and new obligations integrate into your work day. Your schedule should be viewed as an ongoing tool and time management metric and should not be a fixed resource. Change it up, lengthen blocks, add in new steps, and make it your own! The more confident you are and the more you edit this schedule to perfection, the better it will work in the long run.

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Your Guide to Time Blocking

Hello everyone! We apologize for this short hiatus (I’m blaming it on a lack of access to stable Wi-Fi), but, as promised, let’s dive into time blocking! We’re trying to incorporate organizational tactics into your everyday responsibilities so that we can ease your schedule and help you out along the way. If you’ve heard that buzzword “time blocking” circulate your media, then today is your day to finally dive into the ins and outs of what it means!

So, what is Time Blocking?!

Time blocking is a strategy to attack your ability to manage your time. In doing so, you’ll avoid diving into your schedule “blindly” with a general and overarching list of to-dos and instead divide your day into “blocks”. Each block will serve a specific task, a component of work, assignment, or other “block” of obligation that you see fit. Incorporating this strategy into your organization on a daily and weekly basis will help you optimize time inside and outside of work hours! It will also encourage you to create a schedule that will force accountability and ease the overwhelming feeling that can come with an ever-growing to-do list.

While time blocking does encourage someone to plan out most hours of their day, we’re here to remind you to make it your own! Whether you want to time block your morning, your afternoon around a schedule when kids and distractions are out of the house, or personal time to clear your mind, this strategy will help you do so. Time blocking is a fantastic mechanism to protect against becoming distracted, optimize focus and productivity, and increase your time management skills.

If you’re reading this and asking yourself, how do I know if time blocking is right for me, then ask the following…. are you juggling a variety of responsibilities that don’t coincide? Do you scatter out your emails throughout the day instead of giving replies full attention for an hour or two? Do you spend too much time in meetings? Are you lacking space in your day for YOU? Are you looking to engage in creative outlets or brainstorms? If you’ve answered yes to ANY of these questions, time blocking may be a great strategy for YOU!

Make sure to tune in tomorrow to learn the 5 steps of time blocking and how you can make them your own!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Avoid Multi-tasking!

Now that many of us work behind a screen, between the office and our homes, and generally in environments with other activities occurring, it’s easy to fall off the productive wheel and into a multi-tasking behavioral approach. However, we all know in the back of our minds that this isn’t the best way to stay on track with obligations and deadlines. So, how do you avoid multi-tasking? Find out HERE!

Let’s Avoid Multi-tasking with these Steps…

  • Ditch Your Phone: First things first, your phone will almost always be your main point of distraction. Whether this is from personal calls, texts, or social platforms, our phones keep our eyes glued to screens. Whenever possible, instead utilize online work chat platforms like Microsoft Teams or Jabber, and ditch your phone! The best way to completely mitigate distraction is not to create the opportunity for it at all. If this isn’t an option for you, we recommend scheduling phone breaks throughout the day instead of keeping it next to your desk: explore 10 minutes breaks every few hours or a gap for lunch as our top strategy!
  • Create Schedules: Another way to stay accountable is through creating daily schedules highlighting goals, tasks, deadlines, and other priorities of your work, week, or even month! Doing so will help you stay in line with an organized list and also keep you from getting lost amongst a variety of tasks and ideas.
  • Be On… and Off! When you’re on… be on. And when it’s time to be off,… be off! There is nothing more important than making time spent in and outside of your job meaningful. Trying to spread yourself across both responsibilities at once will leave your productivity and final outcomes at half the value that you can truly reach! Always remember, you’re not expected to work around the clock for a reason, so put in effort when appropriate, and know when it’s time to unplug.
  • Next week we’ll dive into… time blocking! A key phrase that’s been gaining serious traction over the last few years is “time blocking.” So, what does it mean and how do you achieve this strategy of time management and optimization? Find out next Monday!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Get Back on Track After the Holiday!

Hello everyone! We hope that you were all able to take advantage of a relaxing weekend filled of memories with the ones you love. Now that Tuesday is upon us, it’s time for most of us to play catch-up at work this week. So, how do you get back on track? How do you keep up with a building number of assignments? Find out all you need to know HERE!

Playing Catch-Up!

  • Set a Routine: Above anything else, setting a routine that you can rely on to play catch-up will help you stay organized, timely, and productive. Whether this means breakfast, exercise, time-blocking technique, or setting up an array of meetings, any organizational tactic will prove to benefit you in the long run.
  • Early Wake-Ups: We know this isn’t everyone’s ideal plan, and many of us dread that 7:00 AM wake-up call. However, in the week or so (usually a time period equivalent to your break) following Thanksgiving, Christmas, the Fourth of July, etc., it will prove immensely valuable to your schedule to take back an hour of the day that you may regularly use for sleep. You’ll be surprised at your body’s ability to work hard and function even on a lower quantity of sleep over temporary time periods; this could be an especially great resource for catching up.
  • New Atmosphere: Just as it is easy to fall out of routine when you return home or to a place outside of your regular environment, it is just as easy to get all too comfortable in a place over time. Whether this is a coffee shop, your room, a specific library or classroom, or any working space that you’ve found, it’s almost subconscious that we start to become less focused and more comfortable in a repetitive space. For that reason, we encourage you to at least try out a new space one-time post-break and test your productivity. Sometimes all it takes is a new atmosphere to stimulate work and motivation!
  • Go Easy on Yourself: One last tip… always make sure to be easy on yourself after a break! There is no reason to ever regret the time you spent with loved ones or the extra sleep you caught upon. It was deserved and it was enjoyable! Allow yourself breaks and make sure to get enough sleep still so as to maintain productivity.

By allowing yourself ample time to catch up, reorganizing your routine temporarily, and supporting yourself both physically and mentally, you will be sure to catch up on any missed work in no time!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

“Random” Opportunity Benefits

Hello all! We hope that you’re equally as excited to head into the holiday weekend and relax, enjoy some BBQ, and above all time spent with loved ones. Before you go, we’re here to explore some of the benefits of “random” work opportunities with you! If you’re faced with some odd jobs this summer, seeking experience after facing challenges with obtaining an internship, or otherwise looking to stay occupied, read why that will benefit you HERE…

“Random” Opportunity Benefits…

  • Resume and Skill Builders: The experience you gain from any office or corporate setting will provide you with concrete skills to utilize in your next career exploration. Especially in regards to technological skills, it is invaluable to become immersed in any company’s operations and see how universal programs such as Excel, SPSS, SQL, etc. are utilized on a day-to-day basis. So, it’s important to first evaluate when you see new opportunities: what skills does this role require? How can I improve my professional profile by engaging with this role?
    • Extra Note: With additional experience comes, even if subconscious, a newfound level of confidence when advocating for yourself in informational or professional future interviews.
  • Identifying New Interests: In the same way that you will find yourself developing unexpected new technological and soft skills, an internship outside of your academic or career “norm” may help you to identify new areas of interest! Whether this means a new software-focused role, consumer packaged good, industry, culture, workload, creative skill, or any function of a business operation, exploring areas outside of your major and experience proves an extremely useful asset! It is crucial not to become stuck in one role throughout your life, so keep an open mind to all positions even if they seem far “out-of-the-box.”
  • Expanding Your Network and Professional Connections: We know we sound like a broken record, but we’ll take this chance to once again encourage you to always, always network! Connections are the driving force of this industry and it is essential to continue working to grow them. You never know when that one random connection from seven years ago may become your foot-in-the-door at your dream company. So remember, working in an office in a role you did not expect may lead you to achieve your dream role down the line by utilizing the network you worked to cultivate.

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs!

Unique Interviewing for RECRUITERS!

As interviewers ourselves, we know how easy it can be to fall into a routine and stick to the basics. However, the same few interview questions that you’re likely asking are those that EVERY company is relying on! So, how do you avoid the top 3 generic and over-used interview questions and stand out to candidates? Find out HERE!

Elevator Pitches and Get-to-Know-You

Instead of leaving the question so open-ended that there is room for a candidate to “miss the answer,” try instead to get to the deeper point like past experiences, top motivations for leaving past positions, alignment to company missions and value, etc. Doing so will help you target a more specific goal and get to know the candidate on a spectrum that will benefit your application process, avoiding steering away from their profession and airing on solely personal realizations.

Biggest Weakness

Another over-used interview question focuses on candidate “weaknesses.” Ask yourself, why do you need to know their biggest weakness? Is asking this specific or beneficial to your application process? Instead, focus on specific areas where your candidate would like to improve, skills they may feel like they’re still missing, programs or computer language they’d like to learn, specific qualities of the company in where they could improve, networking development, etc.

Five-Year and Future Timelines

Steer clear!!! We all know that awkward feeling on a family member or colleague asking about our 5-year plans, or essentially our future in general. While this may help you identify a long commitment and loyalty from the candidate, the truth is that these questions are more outdated than anything else. Instead, ask about future career goals like opening a personal company, growing a book of business, learning a new language, etc. Identifying how your candidate hopes to move along their career path and if their motivation is clearly portrayed will provide highly more value than knowing if they plan to start a family or move to a new city!

Remember, standing out as a candidate and as a client are equally important to your company’s success! Avoiding generic questions not only showcases a modern company spirit but will help you differentiate from never-ending interview processes.

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

How to Ask UNIQUE Interview Questions!

We all know this feeling: you’re sitting in an interview and the hiring employee asks the questions we’ve all been preparing for… “Do you have any questions for me?” If you hope to stand out as a candidate, showcase your preparation, and otherwise leave a position impression on recruiters, preparing UNIQUE questions is essential to success! So, how do you prepare unique, out-of-the-box, and productive questions?! Find out HERE!

Preparing Effective Interview Questions…

Ask with Purpose

Above all, make sure to avoid those generic questions that were all accustomed to answering and have heard 100 times. AKA: Why do you like working here? What does your day look like? Why should I want to work here? If you could ask a question you’re preparing to any interviewer, for any position, and at any company, that is a red flag that your questions lack purpose. So, how do you overcome this challenge? Think about why you’re interviewing with a company! Do they prioritize minority recognition and hiring? Volunteering? Are there horizontal opportunities for switching to new roles? How do employees work their way up the vertical corporate ladder? Find out what your priorities are in your role, and cater questions to your top desires in a new position to get to the nitty-gritty of the company culture and career progression.

Research and Ask Specifics

Make sure that your questions are specific to the company! If you’re asking about corporate responsibility, find out what organizations and initiatives your company participates in! Find out if there are volunteer days and strategies for encouraging these behaviors! If you’re interviewing for a technical role, is there a specific program or language you should begin preparing for? How does your company encourage learning and progression? Are you offered courses? Dig deeper than generics to derive the greatest value from your interview.

Leave no Loose Ends!

Finally, remember that the question component of any interview is intended to help YOU! So, make sure that you’re walking out of the interview with no questions left unanswered. Not only will doing so accelerate your timeline of acceptance if an offer is extended, but will provide you the clearest picture to help guide your decision.

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Workplace Culture, is it a Fit for You?

As we’ve adapted to WFH and virtual environments, it’s become even more clear that a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture may prove the building blocks of employee retention and success during this time. If you’ve been at your company for years, if you’re starting out for a new position, or even if you’re thinking about switching things up and pursuing a new role… this article is for you!

Keep reading HERE to decipher some crucial components that makeup workplace culture and if they align with your own hopes and desires from a work environment and position…

Aspects of Workplace Culture…

  • Vision: While stability may be comfortable at work, a company with a vision for the future, even if it may even seem impossible, is one that will succeed. Visions are meant to act as guides, and often will even set unrealistic goals to help employees maintain a strong drive and motivation. Does your work environment have a clear vision?
    • Extra tip: Before accepting a job offer, make sure that your personal mission and vision align with those of the entire organization. Ensuring this will allow you to maintain enthusiasm and true care for the work you complete.
  • Morals and Values: An organization with genuine morals and values is one that deeply cares for its employees and their satisfaction, in addition to the success of the business. Morals and values can be exhibited in a concrete manner, potentially in a manual or posted on a wall, but are often expressed in intangible ways and through behaviors. Make sure that your firm takes notable action to enact these morals and values because we all know, you can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?
    • Extra tip: We know that not every day can include a clear display of morals and values. However, does your company provide a volunteer day? Organizations to work with? Does it stand up for minority groups and make efforts to create diverse leadership? Do they partner with ethical organizations? These are all questions to ask yourself!
  • Teamwork: In your career, you will undoubtedly find yourself working on many different teams with various types of employees. Firms that monitor and encourage contribution from all team members, and from employees at all different levels are firms that exhibit true care for teamwork. In addition, an office that values teamwork will make sure that all employees are dedicated and in tune with the organization’s morals and values.
  • Support for Uniqueness and Creativity: One of the greatest aspects that help employees to feel valued is in an organization’s ability to support and even encourage individual uniqueness and creativity. Flexibility awarded to employees as they complete projects, responsibilities, and even paths to take to achieve goals is one of the greatest ways to measure the trust your company has in you.
  • Employee Retention: While many aspects of workplace culture are nonmeasurable, employee retention is something that you can actually evaluate. Retention is a great way to measure if culture is being exhibited in an effortful manner. A workplace with a flourishing, successful culture is one that employees will want to work for forever! So, are they staying with your firm?

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Improving Relations with Your Boss

It is the reality that, throughout your entire career, you will not have the absolute most positive relationship with every boss that you encounter. So, what do you do if you have the unavoidable feeling that your boss doesn’t like you or the work you’re doing? How do you improve the relationship? How do you confront the situation? Find out all you need to know HERE…

Improving Your Management Relationship…

Things to look out for: Is your boss micro-managing your every move? Are you being provided criticism at each step of a project? Do you feel like your creative freedom hasn’t increased in a long time? Do you feel as though you receive the same treatment as the rest of your team? If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” it may be time to confront the relationship head-on.

  • Consistent Feedback: As you complete your daily tasks and fulfill your roles, we encourage you to ask yourself how frequently you are receiving feedback. Obtaining consistent feedback throughout project timelines will allow you to avoid instances in which you are requested to start over and will help you reduce a great deal of stress.
  • Meaningful Conversations and Information: Although your boss may be strained between supervising several projects, they are still there to act as your valuable resource and guide. For that reason, as an employee, you deserve meaningful feedback, directions, and periodic meetings to evaluate your performance. If you feel as though your boss does not communicate in a meaningful manner, you may want to check up with a higher supervisor.
  • Accepting Failure: At some point in your professional career, we can nearly guarantee that you will be faced with failure. Whether this is concerned with not meeting goals or deadlines, or creating a project that is not on par with original ideas, it is an inevitable component of any person’s career. However, having trust in your boss to provide constructive criticism instead of consequences will lead you to become more creative and trusting in your own capabilities.
  • Appreciation and Praise: Again, your entire team puts a great deal of work and effort into each day in the office. For that reason, you all deserve appreciation for your hard work as well as praise for positive improvements and achievements. Make sure to thank your boss for feedback and individual time you are provided and praise their accomplishments when appropriate. Although criticism may feel negative, it’s embedded in work culture to help you!
  • Demonstrate Proactive Problem-Solving Skills: As the ultimate guide of the team, your boss should be capable of offering different problem-solving skills, in addition to being able to understand varying environments and structural problems. If you feel as though your communication approaches are not aligned, this may be time to take a problem-solving approach and see what other routes you can take to improve conversations. Do you prefer to chat once a day? A week? Are you a visual learner? Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is the first step to nailing relationships.

Approaching a boss about a negative relationship is obviously uncomfortable. However, tackling the discomfort and reaching a point of understanding will pave the way for positivity and productivity for years to come. So, take our advice above, and you’ll be able to enter into the confrontation in no time.

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Preparing for Background and Reference Checks

Hello everyone and welcome back from a long weekend away from our blogs! Today, we’re here to introduce you to the background and reference checks. The reality is that when starting virtually any new position, you will be expected to engage in an onboarding process, including background and reference verifications. So, how do you best prepare to make sure this process is as smooth as possible? Keep reading here…

Background and Reference Checks…

  • Communicate with your References: Throughout your career, references and complimentary letters will have a large influence on your interview and candidate success. So, make sure that you are using references that are current, that you’ve communicate with, and that are ready to verify who you are to your future employer! Whether this means a catch-up phone call, a quick text, or a formal email, giving your references a “heads up” ahead of the initiation of onboarding is a great way to prepare and stay on top of your obligations.
    • Extra Tip: If you’re looking for a reference letter, check in with professors, past managers, mentors, and other professional relations!
  • Locate Your Closest Background Resource: One thing that I did not know when engaging in the onboarding process for my internship is that there is a limited quantity of locations in which you can obtain fingerprinting and other background check elements. For that reason, prepare ahead of time by researching, asking your employer, and ultimately locating the nearest resource that you can utilize to complete your tasks! Doing so will allow you to coordinate transportation ahead of time, communicate with your employer about an appropriate deadline, and get one step closer to your first day of work.
  • Stay in Touch with Your Hiring Managers: Above all, maintaining a positive relationship with your hiring manager should be a top priority. So, make sure to be aware of all deadlines, expectations, and onboarding tasks throughout the entire process. Know that there is no such thing as too much information, and follow-up emails showcase your dedication and preparation! Make sure that you’ll be in the right city when onboarding starts, that you have the correct access to facilities, and that your employer has provided you with the full picture. In no time, you’ll be starting a new venture!

We hope that onboarding is the case for so many of you ass the economy revs up and gets back to our “pre-covid” circumstances. If you have any additional questions, make sure to send us an email or drop a comment on any of our social posts!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Prioritizing Obligations at Work

Hello everyone and welcome back to the blog! Today, we’re here to discuss the importance of being able to prioritize tasks at work. It is the reality that you will often be spread amongst several different responsibilities and expectations, and knowing when to choose a task over another is crucial to your professional success. Keep reading to find out how to prioritize obligations at work today…

Prioritizing Tasks Effectively…

  • Communicate: Step one to achieving an eloquent prioritization of tasks is keeping your team, and most importantly your manager, in the loop about what’s going on. Let’s pretend we’ve encountered an unforeseen situation (like we discussed Tuesday), which prohibits your ability to attend work the next day. First, acknowledge the impact of deadlines and due dates – what must be submitted first? Are you missing a deadline? Are you simply falling behind and can make up for lost time throughout the week? These types of questions will help you understand whether or not it’s time to talk to your team about the next step… delegation.
  • Delegate: Step two is to delegate your obligations to the rest of your team and management resources. Can another teammate begin presenting your slides will you gather yourself? Can another teammate finish a task and submit it in your absence in order to avoid missed due dates? If the answer to these questions is yes, then make sure to immediately reach out to the appropriate resources to get things moving.
    • Extra tip: This is an awesome example of why it is so important to establish open-ended and trusting behaviors with your team when you join a company! Doing so will pave the way for productive conversations like these in the future when mistakes, missed days, absences, and other mishaps inevitably come up.
    • Always remember those teammates who stepped up to help when you were in need… and always return their favors!
  • Compensate: Step three: compensate your teammates, manager, or anyone else who stepped in to help you. Whether this looks like a thank you note, treating someone to coffee, offering to make up lost time, stepping up to take on additional work in the next progress, offering gratitude will leave a lasting positive impression on those around you.

Remember, making mistakes, missing deadlines, and overcoming unforeseen circumstances are a part of life. Properly handling the situation is the most crucial aspect of preserving your professional reputation with your teammates and manager. So, make sure to follow along with these three easy steps, and you’ll effectively prioritize in no time!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Unforeseen Circumstances: Missing Work!

This past week, I encountered a crazy unforeseen circumstance. After arriving at an airport for an 8 PM flight, I was informed of 5 delays prior to cancellation, hotel voucher provision, an overnight stay, and a final plane take-off in the afternoon of the following day! I was surrounded by a friend and hundreds of strangers unprepared to be unable to attend work the following day. So, how do you handle this situation?! Keep reading below!

Overcoming Unforeseen Events…

  • Relax: Right away, take a deep breath and remember that being late to work, or missing a day and a few meetings, will not cause you to lose your job, and is absolutely not the end of the world. Take a step back, organize your thoughts, and begin the day with a calm demeanor. Maintain a positive attitude if able, and begin to compartmentalize your top priorities. Are you missing a presentation or spectating at a meeting? Are you attend a Lunch n Learn or do you have a presentation due? What are the most important obligations that you will miss?
  • Communicate: Once you identify your top priorities, communication is your key to being able to recover and move on through your day. Calling your boss or supervisor as soon as you are made aware of the situation will allow them adequate time to reorganize their schedule and accommodate you. Especially if you are scheduled for a meeting or presentation at the beginning of the day, it is crucial to notify those who will be affected as soon as possible to avoid any further challenges!
    • If there is a document you must place on someone’s desk by a certain time, a phone call to make, or any other obligation that may interfere with you being late, initiate any other communication practices to ensure that your tasks are completed as they would have been. Not only will this showcase your ability to be proactive and flexible in unforeseen circumstances, but it will help minimize any consequential damage of your absence.
  • Overcome: If this time delay caused you to fall behind on assignments, projects, or any of your responsibilities as a team member, make sure to portray your dedication and motivation by staying late (either during your break or after hours) and catching up. Doing so shows dedication, motivation to excel, and reliability to your company.

Remember, being late to work for one day will not change your career trajectory, and will not affect your current position. However, it is the way you handle the situation with etiquette, make up for a lost time, and stay true to your obligations that will leave a lasting impression!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Utilizing Weekend Time: Resumes

This time of year, and especially during weeks following days off or holidays, it’s easy to feel like you’ve fallen behind on a few responsibilities or obligations. For that reason, we’re here to help provide you some tips for how to take advantage of “off-time” over the weekend and specifically through resume upkeep. If you’re interested in improving this valuable piece of your candidate profile, keep reading here…

Resume Tips and Tricks…

  • First Impressions: Your resume is your first impression for your future employer. Because recruiters scan dozens of resumes every day, it’s crucial that yours allows you to stand out and prove that you are the most qualified applicant. Furthermore, most social media pages like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, often do not show a professional appearance; LinkedIn is the most important virtual representation of who you are for your next potential employer. Your LinkedIn profile, which showcases each of your professional experiences, must align with your resume. The jobs you include on your resume should paint a picture of who you are to your employer, and your LinkedIn profile should further extend the self-image you wish to promote. However, not all experiences shown on your LinkedIn profile will be able to fit on your resume, so make sure to pick the experiences most pertinent to the job you are applying for and customize your resume for each individual application!
    • If this sounds like you, this weekend may be the perfect time to align all of your social platforms with your application documents!
  • Content: All content included must be both relevant and recent. So, if your first job as a 15-year-old summer counselor is still included on your 24-year-old resume, reevaluate if that is the most on-topic piece of information that will help you stand out in an application pool. Additionally, make sure that the information you include on each resume you submit is in tune with what the company is looking for. For example, if you are applying for a marketing role, make sure to include an experience that illustrates your ability to think creatively, and promote a brand. If you are applying for a financial role, highlight any financial-related experiences you were responsible for in clubs (even if in college), organizations, or other companies. However, while information should be relevant and recent, do understand that there are times when crucial experience stems from several years ago –  so always be the ultimate judge of what “snapshots” will ultimately guide your employer’s decision to advance your application.
    • Extra Tip: Set a routine for resume up-keep – make sure to do so every 3 to 6-months! This way, you will constantly be adding and deleting new experiences and successes, and when the time comes to submit your resume to an organization, you will be well-equipped to provide one that is relevant, recent, and ready!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Mindfulness and Gratitude

Even though Memorial Day was yesterday, we’re here to remind you of the importance of expressing gratitude for the people around you on a daily basis. While it’s easy to forget the reasons why we can do the things we do and love each day, it is the truth and bravery of those troops who fought to preserve these freedoms that created the life we live. While remaining grateful for all of the services of our armed force, we’re also here to provide you with a few ways to express gratitude to our loved ones, our friends, our mentors, our siblings, our family, and those around us right now!

Expressing Gratitude

Remind Someone That You Care! There’s no greater way to show gratitude than by telling someone, in person, that you appreciate all that they do for you. In the midst of the digital age, it’s easy to thank people through emails, text, or even phone calls, but one of our most valued ways to express gratitude is in person.

Suprise a Coworker with Coffee: Since some of us are still working behind a screen and without the presence of others, it’s more important than ever to maintain relationships with our coworkers. While coffee may not take a physical form, surprising someone with a virtual gift card to a coffee shop is a great way to not only encourage an individual to take a breath of fresh air and get outside but to grab a treat along the way.

Pay for the Person Behind You: The next time you find yourself at a coffee or sandwich shop, double your bill for the person behind. With such a surprise and act of kindness, you are guaranteed to make that person’s day!

Clear Your Schedule for Someone Special: This may be a parent, spouse, child, close friend, or even a mentor. Regardless of the relationship, find a day to completely clear your schedule on their behalf. Although our “days” may not look like they used to, taking a long walk, binging a Netflix show, or cooking dinner with company is a great way to showcase to someone that they’re your priority.

Leave an Extra Tip: Especially in places where the bill doesn’t run very high, leave a tip larger than you regularly would! We can guarantee you that your extra note of gratitude will go a very long way. Especially during a time blanketed by job uncertainty, “donating” a few extra dollars to a server or anyone who assists you throughout the day is a great way to pass kindness forward and make a positive impact.

Searching for a new position? Read through our open jobs list!