5 Tricks for a Successful Interview

Interviews are a huge stressor in the job search process. Not being prepared can be a hinder to making your interview successful. It’s your first impression with the company and you want to do everything you can to make sure you ace it. Continue reading below to find 5 tricks that will help you succeed!

Interview Tips

  1. Show Confidence: Walking into your interview and owning the room will show the employer that you are confident! Show your confidence through your body language and eye contact. Maintain good eye contact when listening and speaking, being sure to talk slowly and calmly. Sitting in a power stance will make it seem like you aren’t nervous, even if you are! 
  2. Be Candid: Show that you are straightforward and truthful with your answers to the questions. Communicating candidly opens up the conversation and shows that you aren’t afraid to speak about your weaknesses or shortcomings.
  3. Showcase Your Potential: While talking about what you have already accomplished, make sure you include what you can do in the future. Employers like to see potential in candidates and hear about what you will be able to do.
  4. Effort Over Success: While you should definitely talk about your accomplishments, share about the effort it took to make those things happen. Organizations want to know that you are a hard worker, and if you discuss your efforts and difficulties, it will show them you value hard work.
  5. Say Thank You: Sending a note or email to the organization, within 24 hours of your interview, thanking them for their time is a considerable way to show your character. A simple thank you won’t get you the job, but it can help you make a great impression.

Utilizing these tips in your interview should help you make a great impression!

Feeling unprepared for an upcoming interview? Read our article here to brush up on interview questions!

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

Signs You’re About to be Fired

Are you worried that you are nearing the end of the road in your current job? Job insecurity is a fear that many have. There are signs that you can pay attention to in order to make sure you aren’t going to be fired! Continue reading below to find out!

Reduced Responsibilities

Is your workload much lighter than it normally is? Being assigned less work is sometimes a sign of getting fired. If you find yourself with a lot more time on your hands, pay attention to your workload or the projects that are being assigned to you. If you used to be really busy, and now find yourself with a lot of extra time, that can be a telling sign.

Coworkers Start to Distance Themselves

Do you feel like your colleagues are avoiding you? There might be a reason for that. Your coworkers might have knowledge that you are getting the ax, and in turn, they aren’t sure how to act around you. If people start whispering when you are walking by or stopping their conversation altogether, take notice, because they may be talking about you.

Performance Reviews

If you are suddenly put on a performance plan or are receiving mediocre performance reviews, this may also be a sign. Being constantly criticized at work can be exhausting and overwhelming. Sometimes performance reviews or plans mean that you are falling short of your duties, and it can be a last-ditch effort to help you improve.

New Employee

If someone is hired that has the same skill set as you or a better skill set, this can be a sign that you are getting fired. If you are asked to train this employee, that is also a red flag. Sometimes companies don’t want to fire someone unless they have a replacement, so you may be training this person to do some of your job duties and responsibilities.

While these are all signs that you are on the road to getting fired, they can also be taken out of context. Don’t panic or get paranoid right away, assess your work situation before you jump to any conclusions! Communicate with your bosses and always keep your options open!

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

Worried about your work performance? Check out our article on behaviors to avoid at work!

How To Fuel Your Workday

Do you ever struggle to make it through a workday? Long days in the office can be difficult and exhausting. There are some ways to better fuel your day and survive your to-do lists. Continue reading below to find out how to endure your work day!

Fuel Your Work Day

Feed your mind: Eating breakfast and eating throughout your workday is important. Food is fuel for our bodies and gives us the energy to get through the whole day. Start the day with a hearty breakfast and keep snacks on hand! Drink a lot of water and remember to breathe if you feel stressed. You’ll be able to concentrate more on the things that need to be done if you aren’t hungry.

Tackle Challenging Tasks: The most difficult tasks on your lists are some of the first that should be completed when you are working. Taking on the harder tasks first can help you be more productive and uncover potential problems early on. Handling these tasks first gives you unlimited time to work on it, as opposed to beginning it at the end of the day. Start your day with the challenging tasks first, because everything else you have to achieve will seem way easier!

Motivate yourself: Find ways to motivate yourself! Make small goals for yourself to achieve during the course of the day! This can help split up your work and make you want to get it done. Being motivated can help you increase productivity, get better results, and be more positive. Whether you are motivated through quotes, listening to your favorite music, or rewarding yourself, motivation is a great way to stay committed to the tasks you have to do!

Everyone has different ways to make their workday productive, so find what works best for you! If you have trouble making it through the workday without feeling rundown and tired, hopefully, these tips can help you!

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

Stressed out from work? Read our article here on how to relieve that stress!

 

3 Ways to Network Effectively

Networking effectively is an invaluable tool and strategy. Anyone can do it and use it to further their career! It is an essential part of a job search and can help present new opportunities. What ways can help you better your networking skills? Continue reading below to find out!

  1. Online Presence: Social networks are an integral part of today’s world. In order to effectively make connections, your social media presence needs to be strong. Keep your social media accounts like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter up to date and current. Make sure your skills and experience are updated and displayed on your social media. If you post engaging content, it will influence people to interact and share your posts.
  2. Be Yourself: If you are genuine and real during a conversation or interaction, it can make your connections and relationships more authentic. People want to feel like they are being listened to when conversing, so asking questions and understanding them will be important. As a result, they will feel that the conversation is flowing and you are attentive. Make personal phone calls or emails to stay in touch, so people know that you are genuine.
  3. Contacts: You want to evaluate your current contacts and create new ones when networking during a job search. Maintain strategic relationships with valued contacts in order to further your networking. A great way to meet new contacts is to go out of your comfort zone. Invite people to attend events with you or accept invites to professional gatherings that will help you network, even if you wouldn’t normally attend.

Don’t be afraid to get out there and network for yourself! By using these tips to improve your networking skills, hopefully, you will land that next job or succeed at the next interview!

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

Nervous about networking? Learn how to make a great first impression here!

Advantages of Moving Out Post-Graduation

The transition from college life to post-graduation life can be a stressful time for students. There are plenty of advantages to moving out that can help ease that transition. Keep reading for the benefits of living on your own after graduation and how you can make the most of it!

Financial Freedom

  • Money: Moving out post-graduation is a great opportunity to secure your financial freedom, but it is also a big responsibility. You are now solely in control of your finances and managing your money. You will be paying your own bills, buying your own groceries, and maybe even paying student loans. Take this time to set up a budget for your expenses so you can live within your means!

Independence

  • Self Discipline: Having your own independence is something you experience in college. Moving out after graduation will help you continue to achieve that independence. Living on your own can lead to a lot of self-discovery and decision making. Decision making can be a source of stress, but making the final decisions in your life is part of finding your independence. Holding yourself accountable when it comes to everyday life will be a learning process. Set goals, create healthy habits, and stay organized. These tricks will help you maintain your independence.

Community

  • Choosing your community: A great benefit of moving out is that you can choose where you want to live! There are many aspects when deciding on a place to live.
    • City or Town Size: Finding the right fit is crucial to a smooth and happy transition. Whether you want to live in a big city or rural town, it’s important to identify which one works best for your lifestyle.
    • Commute Time and Public Transportation: This is a necessary factor to consider when choosing the community you want to live in. Having accessible public transportation and a shorter commute to work will provide less stress.
    • Roommates: Living with roommates after graduation is an option! It can help save money on your rent and make the experience more fun. Selecting your roommates is a big choice because you want to make sure they are compatible.

Moving out after graduation is a fun and beneficial experience. Moving out may not work for everyone, so consider your options before you make a choice. Hopefully, you will be able to take these advantages of moving out and put them to use!

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

Think living at home is a better option? Find out the benefits of moving home post-graduation here!

 

Benefits of Living at Home Post-Graduation

The months following college graduation are quite ambiguous for most students. Many of you have become accustomed to living on your own for the past for years, and the thought of transitioning back into your old household may not appear as the most enticing choice. However, the financial benefits of living at home, as well as a few more that we will list below, may convince you to consider this option. Especially for those of you on the job hunt – it’s important to evaluate these advantages!

Saving Money!

  • Rent-Free Living: In most cases, living at home means that you will be able to avoid the costs of rent that come with cities. If you are looking to save up for your first apartment’s rent, staying at home a few months will help you set aside a substantial amount of money that you can use to create a stable, prepared future.
    • Extra Tip: Don’t just talk about saving, do it! Set a strict monthly amount to hold yourself accountable for, that way you will force yourself to “walk the walk” and take action.
  • Other Ways to Save:
    • Use your money saved from rent to invest in stocks, bonds or other investments!
    • Start paying off student loans.
    • Ensure that you have a positive, strong credit score.
    • Begin thinking about your future budget; plan out an estimate of monthly expenses so as to prepare for your future move out.

Other Home Benefits . . .

  • Utilizing Home Network: Placing yourself back into a setting surrounded by loving family members, old friends, or neighbors will allow you to utilize your network while searching for a new position. You never know which old relationship may provide you your next opportunity! Remember, it is always important to be constantly working to make connections and expand your network in the business world. Living at home is a great head start!
  • Time to Plan: It is likely that your last semester in college was filled with job applications, last minute exams or projects, and most certainly, lots of celebrations! We understand that you may feel as though you haven’t had a moment to yourself to start seriously considering your professional opportunities and hopes for your career. Settling back in at home will provide you significant time to reflect on your desires and start planning to make them a reality.
  • Try Out Something New: Maybe being at home will allow you to finally try out that new hobby you’ve been thinking about for years! Make sure you are keeping yourself busy so as to stay motivated. Other ideas include art classes, cooking classes, new workouts, or even some outdoor activities like kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding.
  • Family! Let’s not forget, you’ve likely been away from your family for years! It’s crazy how much a few months will allow you to spend quality time with those you love while doing things you love with your new found free time. While we encourage you to continue your job search throughout this time, we hope you recognize the importance of taking advantage of these priceless moments…. and especially… home cooked meals!

Graduating college is a huge transitional moment in your life, and we’re here to help ensure that you have the smoothest move-out and move-in possible. On Monday, we’ll introduce you to some of the benefits of moving out following graduation instead of staying at home.

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

Looking for a city to move to? Find out which qualities to evaluate in your search here!

Qualities to Look for in Cities

There are a truly endless number of cities to look into as you begin planning for your future career and lifestyle post-graduation. Today, we’re here to open your eyes to some of the highlights that will impact your life depending on the city you move to! Keep reading to find them out and assess your own likes and dislikes.

  • Career Expansion Opportunities: Before you accept a position in a new city, it is important to look into their competitors, and general opportunities geared towards your career path in a given city. If you set yourself up somewhere where there are several opportunities to pursues different companies and move up the “totem pole”, then you will avoid ever feeling stuck where you are!
  • General Costs: Depending on which city you pursue a new life in, you will incur different levels of daily taxes and expenses. It is important to be able to evaluate how your desired lifestyle will align with these costs. Envisioning daily or weekly costs, such as groceries, gas or utilities will allow you to decide where you best fit.
  • Climate: As a mid-west native, I can attest to how much of an impact weather has on your day-to-day life! It is crucial to be conscious of how often you may be able to be outside, in light clothing, bundled up, commute by foot, etc. If you have a preference for warm or cold weather, that will help you to narrow down your list right away!
  • Night Life and Culture: Although your job opportunity may be a driving factor of the cities you are looking into, your future social life as a result of where you live will prove to be a large factor in your happiness and satisfaction! So, looking into the volume of restaurants, activities, bars, coffee shops, movie theaters, or other social spots will help you to envision the life you will be able to create for yourself surrounded by those in the city you choose.
  • Taxes: Different cities, and more so different states and areas of the United States have different levels of income, state, and sales taxes that will make a large dent in your income. It is important to consider this when deciding where to settle down for your first career, as the lifestyle you hope to live should be able to accommodate your tax payments! Did you know… “Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon don’t collect sales tax for retail sales and some other services?” (thebalance.com).
  • Additional Aspects to Evaluate: Real estate value, safety/crime rates, education systems, transportation options, city size, healthcare, accessible airports, distance from family/friends, and distance from your job location.

Each city you view will present its own unique list of advantages, disadvantages, and your personal likes or dislikes. Remembering that your living circumstance is often only temporary should help relax some of the weight on your shoulders in making this large decision. So, sit back, use our list, and you’ll find your perfect match in no time!

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

Recent graduate? Find out how to find a job after college here!

Risk Preferences in Your Employees

The idea of risk is one that may be viewed as an abstract idea to the average business professional. How a company copes with risk, implements programs to deal with risk, and the strategies in which they may encourage risk are evolving topics that are subject to change at the blink of an eye. Each person in this world has a different perspective on what it means to deal with risk and how much they are willing to take. Find out those different types of people so that you can identify your employees here!

Risk-Averse

In the most straight forward explanation, risk-averse people are those that are most likely to buy insurance. Where paying a premium will most likely result in a loss from your point of view, a risk-averse employee is willing to undertake that loss in the hopes of protecting themselves from an even greater loss. These types of people see risk as hazardous, dangerous, and a general unpleasant idea. For that reason, these same people are less likely to take on new projects which provide great opportunities for benefit, but also the chance of a decent loss.

Risk-Neutral

Risk-neutral employees will not exactly see risk as a danger to stay away from, but more so deal with it as it comes and goes on a daily basis. Where risk-averse people may be willing to give up opportunities or spend extra resources to avoid a loss occurrence, these people are driven more directly by opportunity cost and expected value. If there is a positive expected value of a new business venture (ie: the probability of a “win” outweighs the probability of a company monetary “loss”), then these employees will likely follow up on their new opportunity.

Risk Seeking

A risk-seeking individual will view those projects will large risk as much more enticing than their counterparts. Although certain endeavors may entail opportunities for loss, the gains that may unfold in these people’s mind are “worth the risk.” It is important to gauge the preferences of these types of employees especially in an investment firm, insurance companies, or in other roles where employees are in charge of handling mass sums of money.

It is important to understand that each organization will handle risk differently, often as a result of owning and operating vastly difference assets. There is no “greatest” risk preference, and no guide that will teach you exactly which steps to take to control for risk while also making sure to secure the greatest benefits and rewards. What is important is to be aware of these types of perspectives in hiring new employees, developing your firm goals, and in assigning people to various projects.

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

Find out why summer courses may benefit YOU here!

Summer Courses in College

If you are finding yourself in a position with free time in your upcoming summer months, and if you have not yet committed to a job or professional position, now may be your perfect time to get ahead or catch up on your courses! Keep reading below to find out the top benefits of enrolling in summer classes.

  1. They’re Shorter! That’s right. More times than not, summer courses offer equivalent credits to courses that usually span throughout an entire semester. In fact, within six to eight weeks, it is reasonable to assume that you could earn anywhere from three to five credits per course. This is a great way to get some classes over with, fulfill prerequisites, or nail out some general requirements.
  2. Flexibility: Many summer courses are offered online or in person. Taking a course online will provide you with immense flexibility and autonomy in completing daily assignments. Even if you are carrying the weight of other commitments, there is a great benefit in weighing how many extra hours you have each week that you could potentially allocate to a summer course.
  3. Speed Up Graduation: By fulfilling requirements at a faster speed than initially planned, you are guaranteed to set yourself up to graduate early. If you are looking to begin working as soon as possible, this is a crucial benefit to look in to.
  4. Try Something New: If your path to graduation is pretty set in stone, then taking a course over the summer may allow you to try out a different topic, path, or even major. It is vastly important to continue solidifying your desire to pursue the career path that aligns with your major, so investing in all types of courses will allow you to build a comprehensive “mental” portfolio of all of your likes and dislikes.
  5. Popular Course Availability: Within each major, there are typically a few courses that seem to fill up immediately as each new enrollment occurs. For that reason, looking into potential summer options may allow you to enroll in courses that would have otherwise filled throughout the academic year.
  6. Greater Access to Favorite Professors: If there is a specific professor that you connected with, taking an additional course they offer over the summer will help you to maintain a strong relationship and even in some cases develop a mentorship. You never know when you may need a letter of recommendation or endorsement, so pursuing any relationship with a professor is worthwhile!
  7. Smaller Classrooms: Since most students overlook their opportunities to take courses over their “off months”, you will likely be granted a great opportunity to learn about a topic in a more intimate setting than you would have achieved during the regular school months.

As you can see, there are several benefits that come with enrolling in summer courses. So, now it’s up to you, what would you like to do with your summer?

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

Still searching for an internship? Try these strategies today!

Inappropriate Work Conversations

It’s super important to your satisfaction at work that you maintain positive, strong relationships with those who surround you. However, whether a mentor, coworker, teammate, boss, CEO, or supervisor, there are certain conversation topics that are inappropriate in any work setting. Keep reading to find out the specific subjects to always avoid!

  • Religious or Spiritual Discussions: Complex topics like these are always important to avoid. Because almost every person you meet will have a different experience and perspective of what religion or spiritual journey they’ve embarked on, you are better safe than sorry by avoiding the topic completely.
  • Politics: On the same note as above, speaking of politics is extremely difficult, as everyone views these topics in a different light, and often has a relatively strong opinion. Conversations of these type may become intense or sometimes even hostile, and your workplace is not the environment for this type of debate.
  • Weight or Physical Appearance: In order to avoid running the risk of accidentally insulting someone else, weight and physical appearance discussions should be viewed as inappropriate and personal, which does not have value within your office. Now, this does not mean that you can’t compliment someone else, just be conscious of how you impact others!
  • Speaking about Other Employees: Gossip is never, ever the answer! It is unrealistic to assume that you would never become irritated with someone else at work, however, it is extremely inappropriate to talk behind others backs. Saying negative things in secret will find its way back to bite you and alter your reputation in a negative manner.
    • Extra Tip: Also, always be conscious of the feedback and critique you deliver to others! Running the line of becoming too harsh and even hurtful is a dangerous game and should be avoided. Applying the rule of “sandwiching” negative commentary among positive notes is a strong way to avoid hurting others’ feelings.
  • Romance or Relationships: Again, there is a place and time to discuss your personal life. However, during 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, while you are obligated to be completing your professional responsibilities, is not the appropriate time to do so. Again, be aware of your surroundings and the way that you are viewed as a result of your conversations with others! There are many hours of the day where you are not working, and speaking in depth about your personal life should occur in this time, not in the office.
  • Hangovers: As we’ve noted several times, it is important to leave your details of the night before outside of the office. While you are more or less free to do whatever you want once you’re off for the day, when you return to your desk you are expected to be professional and fully present.

By avoiding these inappropriate work conversation topics, you are guaranteed to ensure your reputation will be one of a professional, essential employee to your company!

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

Curious about negative body languages which should also be avoided in the workplace? Find them out here!

Millennials in For a Surprise

We often discuss and read articles that point out facts about how the millennial generation will impact the workforce. However, how are their own beliefs and pursuits after their own lives? In fact, how they see themselves may not actually be in line with their performances. Find out about their surprise below…

Wealth Gap

A super interesting article posted on LinkedIn discusses a recent finding which shows that millennials may be in for a surprise. In fact, where more than half of this generation believes they will be millionaires by the age of forty, the truth indicates that their riches may fall far below this mark. According to The Economist, “millennials are less wealthy than people of a similar age were in any year from 1989 to 2007” and they are not saving adequately for retirement. Wealth creation among this generation is diminishing and must be noted. So in order to begin understanding the gap between how millennials see their financial success and what seems to be the true picture, it’s valuable to understand where millennials are spending their wages!

  • Food and Dining: A potential result of the push towards a healthy work-life balance can be seen among millennials as they frequent restaurants and social outings. Going out to dinner is no longer regarded as a special occasion, and may be an activity 3 or even 4 times per week! The costs of eating out add up super quickly and can comprise a large chunk of anyone’s budget.
  • Housing: The desire to purchase a household is diminishing among these young adults. In fact, they can be seen as preferring temporary living at an even greater cost than generations who came before them. The Balance Careers indicated that, in fact, “millennials spend about 35% of their annual spending on housing, while Generation X spends 33% and Baby Boomers spend 31%.”
  • Technology Fueled Expenses: Thanks to new software like Uber, millennials are spending large portions of money with just the click of a button. We may not even notice, but the way technology has impacted each of our lives is a huge result of the ease at which you can now purchase almost anything! Without having to put great effort into getting things done, it is easy for online expenses to add up and surprise you at a rapid pace.

There are many other clues which may begin to unravel the story as to why millennials are not saving as much as they should be in order to reach their financial goals. However, as we still pursue studies on these adults, it’s crucial to recognize that their behaviors may change and are constantly evolving. At Esquire, we promise to keep you up to date with all you need to know about generation-focused behaviors!

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

Curious about other generations? Find out how Gen Z may impact your career here!

5 Best Interview Questions

While it may not seem like the most important interview component, the questions you ask are an advantage that you should most definitely use in order to set yourself apart from other candidates (trust us – we interview dozens of candidates each day!). So, once you’ve conducted research and feel ready for your interview, what questions should you prepare? Find out the ones we value most here!

  1. “Why did you join this company?”: Not only will this question help you to gain insight into the daily practices of the firm, but it will allow the interviewer to talk about themselves for, potentially, the first time all day! Look out for answers along the lines of salary or benefits. The answers which speak highly of culture, teamwork, relationships or other intangible aspects of their work-life are those that will help you to gauge how well you would fit into that company on a daily basis.
  2. “What opportunities are offered for growth and career development?”: We encourage you to only accept positions that will allow you to advance your career in some way. Whether this is through trying out a new role, advancing to a higher status, taking on new responsibilities, or even working on a different type of team, the firm you work for should be able to offer concrete examples of how they will help you develop.
  3. “How does __ promote a healthy work-life balance?”: One of the largest growing desires of millennials and Gen Zs is a stable work-life balance. For that reason, you are now welcome and even encouraged to inquire about how your potential next employer supports this belief! If your interviewer cannot offer you a concrete answer, it may be worth re-evaluating the culture and obligations that this company implements.
  4. “How are you involved in ___? What role do you play in ____?”: If there are certain values that the company holds (ie: diversity, employee resources groups, philanthropy programs, charity supports, etc) that you researched and feel passionate about, ask your interviewer about how the given program impacts their experience at the company! There is no greater way to gauge how much an organization “walks the walk” than by gaining information from an inside employee.
  5. “What are the next steps? When could I expect to hear about next steps?”: Questions like these will allow you to begin planning out your next moves. Just as you have (hopefully) been punctual and on time with all of the obligations on your end, your prospective employer should be able to offer you the same information. However, you must keep in mind that these are most likely estimations and could differentiate slightly from the dates that you are initially provided!

Click here to find a comprehensive list of several additional questions to ask offered by themuse!

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

What should you do if you’re late to an interview? Find out here!

What Does Gen Z Mean for Your Career?

You may not realize it yet, but the youth of the Gen Z generation is growing up super quickly and therefore will be entering the workforce before you know it! In order to stay current and aware of how your professional environment may adapt to these new coworkers, keep reading below…

Who is Gen Z? Gen Z’s are the predecessors of the millennial generation. Growing up surrounded by even more technology than those who came before them, the youth of this generation adapted to technology and its advancements at a pace quicker than anyone. So, what does this mean for their career preferences and expectations?

  • Online Shopping Obsession: Gen Z’s did not grow up in a world where obtaining new clothing, or even items for that matter (thank you to Amazon!) required leaving the house. In fact, they may not even know a world where they could not obtain any item they wished for via a screen. For that reason, the e-commerce industry will likely grow in order to make up for increasing online shopping demand.
  • Desire for Technology Use: This may be a tad bit obvious, but due to the fact that these young adults were surrounded by endless technology as they grew up, it is reasonable to predict that they prefer work environments that adapt to new technologies and implement modern work practices. Is your firm tech-savvy? Are your work practices adapting to new technologies? Positioning your firm as a technology-driven company will attract these types of employees quickly.
  • Feedback and Growth Encouragement: Gen Z’s are driven by consistent improvement, positive change, and encouragement. For that reason, providing frequent feedback will allow these types of employees to flourish as they chase their career goals and opportunities. If you are curious as to how to implement more growth opportunities in your office, try looking into rotational programs! These types of programs are relatively quick, and allow entry-level employees to try out a few different roles before designating the right fit – ultimately allowing them to cultivate a diverse skill set.
  • Collaboration and Diversity: In order to produce the best products and projects, companies should be paying extra attention to the diversity within their employees. Whether this concerns gender, race, ethnicity, experience, or any other factor, teams that are made up of different perspectives, opinions, and backgrounds will generate the greatest outcomes. Gen Z employees are absolutely looking at the diversity within an office as they begin their job hunt, so, how diverse are your teams?
  • Work-Life Balance: Especially for experienced professionals who have been a part of the workforce for several years, the concept of a work-life balance is one that is new and evolving. However, Gen Z adults grew up with educations that taught the importance of balance and health in work, and therefore, now expect that out of their prospective employees. Showcasing your balanced benefits packages and flexibility will help you to set your firm aside while drawing these candidates towards your company.
  • Active Listening: Gen Z employees want to be heard! They grew up adapting to new ideas more frequently than did any other generation, and therefore, they are prone to curiosity and pushing the envelope. So, listen to these young adults even when their ideas may seem crazy! You never know when an unforeseen breakthrough is on their horizon.

Learning from the millennials will teach you a lot about Gen Z. However, it’s super important to pay attention to their behaviors and preferences as they join and continue to make up greater percentages of the workforce! Keeping up to date with new employee desires and expectations will allow you to increase your retention rates while simultaneously creating an even greater workplace culture.

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

Curious about millennials in the workforce? Learn more about this generation here!

Empowering Body Language

Body language is one of the most valuable components of interactions, as it often will solidify the impact that you leave on others. Now that you are familiar with which movements and expressions are important to avoid, it’s time you should learn those that are essential to express! Keep reading to find out more…

  • Eye-Contact: One of the greatest ways to instill a positive impression on others is by showing them that you value their skills and attributes, and pay attention to what they say on a consistent basis. So, how should you do this? Well, aside from enacting active listening skills, make sure you maintain eye contact in conversation! Without wandering eyes, you are sure to absorb and retain much more of what others say.
  • Straight Posture: As we’ve previously discussed, any slouching indicates a lack of confidence and even in some instances insecurity. Avoid these negative impressions by standing up straight and directly facing your audience. Whether you are speaking to a group of 100 or 5 people, showcasing a straight posture will convey confidence, preparation, and leadership.
    • Extra note: Especially when you are delivering presentations which come with a visual component, make sure you face your audience so as to not block any slides, graphs, tables, visuals, etc.!
  • Free your Arms and Hands: Standing with your arms and hands open at your sides will help you to create a much more welcoming, warm, and comfortable atmosphere. Always avoid standing with your arms crossed, on your hips for too long, gripping your arms, setting them behind your head, or in any unprofessional stance. Additionally, we encourage you to deliver presentations with energy and enthusiasm, but always make sure to limit your hand and body movements so as not to distract your viewers.
  • Genuine Smile and Laugh: Let’s be real here, no one expects anyone to be smiling and laughing 24/7, in fact, that will ultimately come across as inauthentic. However, make sure to greet each coworker, client, boss, or person you meet with a genuine smile, and laugh when it’s natural! You will find yourself impressing others without even trying to in no time.
  • Presentation Don’ts… always be cautious of checking the time, staring at the ground, looking at your phone or watch, gazing around the room, and tapping or making small noises.
    • Do’s: Maintain eye contact with the presenter and complementary slides or physical presentation elements, sit up straight and try to avoid fidgeting, and always… take notes!

One last note, always try to read the room and the environment you are placed in! A great piece of advice I was once told is in the importance of mirroring your audience. Monitoring those you are interacting with and enacting your emotional intelligence will allow to gauge and cater to a plethora of diverse audiences!

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

Missed our previous article? Learn which body languages to avoid here!

Filler Words and Expressions to Pay Attention to!

Maintaining awareness of filler words and expressions you use in your vocabulary is essential to speaking with confidence and clarity! One of the key reasons why people use filler words or phrases is out of fear of sounding controlling, condescending, or entitled. However, there are many ways of speaking that will allow you to be assertive and clear while still maintaining respectability. Keep reading about expressions to be cautious of and you’ll nail professional communication in no time!

  • “I’m not sure,… I’m not positive,… I’m not certain that…, but…”: We hope that we have reinforced the idea enough times for you to know that uncertainty and curiosity are welcome in the workplace. However, when people use these phrases, it is often a result of having actual knowledge, but fear of expressing ideas or opinions. For that reason, prepare for all meetings that you participate in and come with somewhat of a “rehearsed” game plan so that you will not find yourself stuttering or finding filler words due to nerves.
  • “Let me know…”: While this phrase may seem useful in that it offers the other person in conversation some leeway to decide about a meet time, a final decision, etc,  the end result of using this phrase negates your ability to be assertive. For example, if you are coordinating a meet time, try ending the message by offering your availability right away. Constructing a sentence along the lines of… “I’m free on Monday’s and Wednesday’s after 10 am, let me know if that works for you,” puts those words to use much more effectively.
  • “OMG, LOL, BTW, GTG”: It’s easy enough to feel intertwined between your online life and your in-person conversations. However, no matter if you are communicating through email, text, in person, facetime, or on the phone, avoid these phrases at all times when you are in a professional setting!
  • “I just wanted to… I wanted to… I’m sending this to let you know that…”: Using expressions as introductions in your memos may often come across as a bundle of extra words that will end up being overlooked. Make sure you dive right into the point you are trying to convey so as to maintain engagement from your reader or audience.
  • “I think…”: Just as we emphasized before, if you know information, don’t be afraid to show it! Using words like think or believe downplay your knowledge. We encourage you to state facts and events, instead of “believing or thinking” that they may have occurred.
  • “I’ll try”: It is not the desire to try new things that we encourage you to steer clear of. In fact, you should be trying something new as much as possible to accelerate your professional development! That being said, when you are placed in situations where you know it may be nearly impossible to complete a project or finish an assignment by the deadline you are provided, you will find yourself much better off by being honest, as opposed to offering to “try” to get it done.

By communicating with clarity and “no BS,” you will be able to complete projects, meetings, and responsibilities much more quickly and efficiently. So, don’t wait around, start implementing your new knowledge today!

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

Missed our recent article? Learn about the positive outcomes of failure here!

Body Language to Avoid at Work

Body language is a large factor in how you are viewed by others. We’re here to explain to you some of the key body language aspects to absolutely avoid when conversing with coworkers, bosses, friends, or family. Following these guidelines will ensure you to leave a positive impression and become even more likable!

  • Fidgeting with Your Hands: Holding hands behind your back, consistently playing with your fingers and generally fidgety movements cause your audience to assume you are nervous, insecure, or unconfident in the information you are conveying. Remain still, and practice power stances that will allow you to exude physical confidence! Showing your audience that you believe in yourself is one of the key aspects that will help them believe in you as well.
    • Overuse of Hand Gestures: Side note… be conscious of how often you move your hands while talking! If you are a highly animated talker, try to monitor your movements when giving presentations or leading discussions, as your hand movements will likely distract the audience from valuable information.
  • Crossing Your Arms: I’m sure we can all think back to a television or movie scene in which the “mean” character is standing with a scrunched face and arms folded in front of their chest. Remember the importance of your arm and hand placements, and avoid stances like these that cause you to come across as condescending, entitled, uninterested, or bored.
  • Bad Posture: Always maintain awareness of the way you carry yourself! It is crucial to the effectiveness of your conversations and presentations that you stand up straight, facing your audience. Without doing so, you may risk coming across as insecure, or weak. These aspects may, unfortunately, bring about doubt from your coworkers or teammates.
  • Avoid Eye Contact: While this may not directly involve your body, avoiding eye contact with the person you are talking to may once again cause you to come across as insecure, uninterested, or nervous. In the most serious cases, this may cause you to seem as though you may be hiding information or even lying. Make sure to maintain steady eye contact and look directly at who you are talking to. Doing so will allow you to avoid all of these negative outcomes and instead express your care, dedication, and listening skills. Remember… always demonstrate active listening by asking questions throughout the conversation and expressing interest!
  • Not Smiling! Always, always, always smile! Not only does this showcase a genuine persona, but it helps you to feel more confident in yourself, ultimately elevating the atmosphere of the entire room. Someone who is not smiling is someone who is not proud or satisfied with their work. So, make sure you show everyone your pride!

Body language is a powerful tool that you should use to your advantage. Mastering correct and effective body language will help you to captivate audiences and be your most persuasive, likable self!

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

In addition to body language . . . click here to learn about the top most attractive employee qualities!

 

5 Positive Outcomes of Failure

We often encourage you to embrace failure as a part of your professional growth and development. However, today, we’re here to offer you some concrete examples of success and character-building aspects that stem from initial failures. Keep reading to find them out!

Failure Helps You Display…

  • Courage: I’m sure we’ve all heard the saying… “no risk, no reward.” In embracing and following gut instincts when taking on risky projects and endeavors, you are bound to encounter failures. However, doing so means that you were willing to trust your instincts and step out of the box, which, in the end, helps you to showcase your courage and willingness to try something new and unexpected.
  • Willingness to Learn: Those who stay in their comfort zones and are unwilling to try new things will end up in a much worse off position, as close-mindedness is a huge barrier to success. Encountering failure shows that you were willing to expand your capabilities and learn new skills, strategies, or paths. Even better, once you encounter a specific mistake, it is likely that you will never make it again! Learning to break down those roadblocks will allow you to cultivate new skills and talents, ultimately helping you to advance your career.
  • Desire to Grow: A lot of the benefits of failure tie directly to your ability to grow both personally or professionally. There is no opportunity to grow once when you are staying stagnant or feel as though your skill level has plateaued. Some of the best ways to stimulate career growth are by joining employee resource groups, attending career panels or conferences, or reaching out to find new mentor support! Additionally, expressing a desire to take on greater responsibility and obtain higher involvement roles will help you to portray your desire to grow and learn, qualities that triumph over small failures.
  • Resilience: There is no better time to display your resilience than in times of challenge. To say that you will never be challenged throughout your career would be crazy! Entering the business world with a mindset that plans and prepares for failure will allow you to maintain a positive outlook and attitude when the situation arrives. Expressing resilience to your team and supervisors will leave a truly valuable impression.
  • Ambition: Encountering failure is a product of entering the unknown. Therefore, those who push their limits and test their intelligence are those who put themselves at risk for encountering difficulty. However, in acquiring new positions, achieving promotions, and advancing your career trajectory, you must be able to convey the ways in which you are able to contribute to the growth of your firm. So, we encourage you to test the unknown, as doing so will allow you to uncover new strategies and developments that even the highest levels of management may not have seen.

As scary as it may seem, failure is an unavoidable part of life. Therefore, gear up, get ready and enter each new endeavor with a positive outlook and a failure-preparation plan. Remember, not all failure is bad… these 5 reasons show you why, in fact, it’s actually beneficial!

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

What other qualities make employees attractive (and ready for promotions!)? Find out here!

What to Do if You’re Late to an Interview

On Monday, we taught you the important steps to follow to recover from being late to work. However, what should you do when you are running late to an interview? Because your tardiness may be your first impression on the company, it is even more important to follow the strategies listed below to reconfigure your image!

  1. Communicate! Just as we highlighted in our previous article, communication is your key to recuperating. Call the company or interviewer (if you have been provided contact information) as soon as you realize that you may not make it to your interview on time. You are much better off making your future employer aware of your mistakes instead of trying to beat the clock and leaving the interviewers confused without notice.
  2. Provide an ETA: It is essential to make your interviewer aware of when exactly you plan on arriving. Remember, they have several obligations aside from your interview scheduled throughout the day, and if there is an opportunity for them to reorganize and not lose their valuable time it will help you immensely (in not suffering from a detrimental first impression!).
  3. Apologize Immediately: When you arrive at the company, make sure to apologize to whoever was affected. Owning up to your mistakes showcases your ability to hold yourself accountable, which is an important quality of any employee. Maintain eye contact, awareness of your body language and tone, and convey honest feelings about your mistake.
    • Extra Tip: Do NOT make up an elaborate story about what caused you to be late! Hiring managers are not unforgiving, but they will be able to see through a lie. So, stick to your facts and explain what really happened so as to maintain honesty.
  4. Prepare to Reschedule: Now that you have, unfortunately, caused a delay in their day, it is your responsibility to prepare to reconfigure your schedule at some point in the future if you are afforded another interview opportunity. Unless the time offered is absolutely unavoidable in your schedule, reorganize any other obligations to prove that this new position is your priority.
  5. Take a Moment to Relax: Once you arrive on site, take an extra moment to regain composure and relax. Whether this means running to the bathroom to touch up, grabbing a glass of water, or sitting down and relaxing your breathing, it is better that you enter the interview with a calm and confident demeanor, instead of rushing in and appearing frantic.
  6. Thank your interviewer! We hope this one is especially obvious. However, we highly encourage you to send an extra-genuine, kind-hearted thank you letter immediately following the interview. This may be a good time to handwrite a letter and drop it off or priority-mail it to the office. Addressing your mistake one last time and reminding the hiring manager that it will not happen again will elevate your lasting impression.

More often than not, your hiring manager will be able to look past a few minutes of tardiness. It is the actions that you take following the situation that will determine your lasting impression as a reliable, caring, and dedicated future employee. So, dust yourself off and enter the interview like you would any other… with confidence and a rocking first impression!

Missed our article? Click here to learn how to nail your first impression!

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

What to Do if You’re Late to Work

It is reasonable to assume that at some point in your professional career, you will find yourself waking up to an alarm clock that reads a time much past the one you were hoping to see. Uh-oh… you’re going to be late to work! So, how should you handle this situation without damaging your reputation as a reliable employee? Find out here!

  1. Relax: Right away, take a deep breath and remember that being a little late to work 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. It is in high-stress situations that people become unaware or reckless, and the last thing your company would want is for you to jeopardize your own safety.
  2. Call the company or your boss: If you are not going to be at your desk by the time expected, then communication is your key to being able to recover and move on through your day. Calling your boss or supervisor as soon as you realize the time crunch 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 frustration, irritation, or disappointment.
  3. Communicate any other necessary information: 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 consequences of your absence.
  4. Stay until you are caught up: More likely than not, being partially late to work will not seriously affect your obligations or responsibilities. However, 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.
  5. Own up to the mistake: As we’ve previously stated, being late to work is nowhere near detrimental to your career or position (if only on rare occasions – don’t make a habit of it!). However, we encourage you to confront the situation head-on by approaching your coworkers, teammates, boss, or anyone affected by you in apologizing right away. Doing so will allow you to convey your mistake in a genuine manner, instead of trying to hide it.
  6. Make the change: Owning up to your mistake and saying that it won’t happen again is half the battle, now it’s time to put forth full effort into adhering to your promises! Show up to work early, return favors that may have been made for you, and express full engagement at all times.

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 and the intention of not allowing it to happen again that will impact the way that you are viewed by the rest of the firm. Sticking to these actions will ensure you to be able to go on with your day smoothly!

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

Aside from tardiness, what other behaviors should you avoid at work? Find out here!

Top 6 Attractive Employee Qualities

It is no doubt that being likable is the first step towards becoming an attractive teammate and cultivating relationships. In the business world, relationships are one of your key tools useful for attaining a successful career. So, what are the top 6 behaviors that will ensure you to become more a more likable person? Keep reading to find out!

  1. Exude High Emotional Intelligence: Cultivating the ability to be able to understand, analyze, and observe the behaviors of those who surround you both in your office and personal life will aid you immensely in catering to people’s needs. Doing so will allow you to be the best “audience member” you can be, and, therefore, will attract others to you. People love to be understood, as it helps save themselves the time it takes to explain how they are feeling! Think about it, how much faster could you complete projects if you could anticipate people’s reactions?
  2. Express Interest in Conversation: There is no better way to become likable them by helping others feel valued, and it is super easy to do so! Especially in conversations, always make sure that you are maintaining eye contact, holding an enthusiastic and kind tone, and expressing friendly, warm body language. Additionally, express curiosity and interest by asking questions or clarifying points throughout the conversation!
  3. Keep an Open Mind: Those who are open-minded are sure to develop higher quality relationships with their coworkers and teammates. Helping others feel safe in their work environments, without the fear of judgment, will allow you and everyone around you to be able to express yourselves and reach your greatest creative potential! Although an idea may seem funky at first, it may very well become your finishing product.
  4. Always Respect Others: No matter how you may disagree, always make sure to maintain a notable level of respect with anyone you encounter. There are several effective, appropriate mechanisms for handling disagreements or debates, and there is no reason to ever resort to a disrespectful demeanor. Showcasing consistent respect for others will elevate how attractive you are to work with and be around, causing you to become more likable!
  5. Manage Your Temper: As we’ve stated in the past, you will undoubtedly encounter frustration at work. However, you must maintain composure and an appropriate attitude. Not only will this show others that you are capable of overcoming challenges, but it will help yourself portray one of your greatest qualities, your coping skills! Someone who can maintain composure when faced with adversity is a strong leader and an attractive coworker.
  6. Stay True to Yourself, and Do the Right Thing! We hope it goes without saying that breaking the rules or finding loopholes in order to achieve success will only come back to hurt you. However, there are many other ways to always do the right thing. Whether this means returning back a coffee to someone you “owe,” taking someone out to lunch, congratulating others, giving credit where it is due, owning up to your mistakes, or maintaining honesty even in difficult situations, enforcing these actions will allow you to flourish among others.

Exemplifying these qualities will help you to build and attain endless amounts of valuable relationships and allow you to become your most likable self!

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

Missed our Tuesday article? Find out the top behaviors to avoid here!