Boundaries at Work

Interacting with coworkers is, for the majority, highly encouraged by any individual that is a part of a firm. Building relationships with others in your office will increase productivity and help work to feel a little less like work each day… You know what we mean. However, where should you set boundaries? Find out here!

Boundaries at Work:

  • Assess Yourself: In what areas do you feel you need boundaries? This may be… 1. At your desk: limiting interactions with others, 2. During lunch or breaks: needing time to relax without interruption of others, or potentially 3. Outside of work: understanding the importance of unplugging from your phone. Once you understand your own limits, you will be able to communicate them. And remember… these boundaries may change over time.
  • Evaluate Others: There will be coworkers who you immediately hit it off with. Those who match your personality, humor, and appear to be instant friends. Make sure to analyze whether these people are helping you complete work, or are merely a distraction. There are also employees who may appear as frequent interruptions. It’s easy to set boundaries with both of these people! Try something along the lines of, “I’m happy to chat later but am super crammed right now. See you at lunch?” With this wording, you are not discrediting the importance of someone else, but instead adjusting the relationship by encouraging it during free time, instead of interfering with your productivity.
  • Prepare: It is extremely important to actively set boundaries once they are identified. If you hold in irritation, this will only decrease the work you complete and add bottled up emotions. Practice the confrontation you will initiate beforehand, instead of waiting until the day you accidentally explode. Once you have adequately rehearsed a general message you wish to convey, plan a time to address the specific person.
  • Remember, Boundaries are Okay! As long as you are speaking to others and setting restrictions with respect and patience, there is no reason to feel bad or nervous! At the end of the day, you enter your office each day with a goal of completing work. There is no reason someone should hinder you from doing so.

Boundaries Outside of Work:

  • Know Your Limits: It is far too easy to begin a new job and feel the need to overachieve. Limit yourself! There is no need to engage in excessive overtime solely out of fear of disappointing your boss. Understand the importance of a good night’s sleep and a work-life balance. 
  • Set Them Clearly: Once you have identified your own need for boundaries, set them distinctly and stick to it! If your boundary is turning your work phone off by 10:00 p.m. make a strong effort to stick by your own rule. There may be a few exceptions, but you should for the majority stick to what you set!
  • Use Your Time Off: Another way that many workers become exhausted is by allowing themselves to build up all of their time off for some point in the future where they can cash it all in. However, we encourage you to use your days off! The more you allow them to add up, the more you will fall into the routine of never rewarding yourself. Let yourself have a “you day” when you get the chance! You deserve it.

Always remember…you must implement a work-life balance. If your company does not allow you to do so, it may be time to search for a new position!

If you’re looking… check out our open jobs list!

Read our article to learn how to stay well-rounded while working!

Confidence: Your Key to Success

In order to nail an interview, you must exude confidence. To complete projects and collaborate with others, confidence is key. In almost any situation, confidence will aid your ability to sell yourself, and, in turn, sell others. Read more to learn key mechanisms to help you appear confident!

  • Dress: Whether we are conscious of it or not, almost all people note first impressions by solely judging how other’s present themselves. Dress for success and you will likely achieve it at a much quicker pace. Dressing professionally will also help you to feel more confident in yourself and your appearance!
  • Tone: It seems as though many people become confused when differentiating how to speak with confidence and the border between sounding arrogant. Implement a “you view” when you speak with others, making sure to note why your opinion, suggestion, or assignment will benefit them. In each conversation you lead, your listener should be able to walk away with a heightened understanding of a topic or project, that way they will feel you benefitted them and offered valuable insight. 
  • Honest Understanding of Yourself: Being confident is not to be confused with being perfect! Even the most confident, successful business leaders have flaws and imperfections. Where true confidence is to be exhibited is through showcasing honesty about achievements, mistakes, and even failures. Being able to showcase this honesty with your team, friends, partner, or boss will help you to show that you have a true understanding of who you are, where you excel, and where you could improve.
  • Attracting Attention, Not Demanding: A truly confident individual will attract attention in group settings through the points they offer, instead of demanding it by heightening their volume and interrupting others. Attract attention by utilizing interpersonal skills, and catering to the needs of your audiences and their qualities.
  • Challenge Yourself: By showing that you are not afraid of failure, you will show those around you the confidence you have in your own ability to achieve success. Do so by engaging in challenging projects and assignments, or attempting new tasks. Even if you do not succeed at first, with persistence you are guaranteed to gain a new skill.

Improving Confidence:

  • Practice Social and Interpersonal Skills: Set up coffee dates with others, make an effort to eat lunch with a new co-worker, build relationships with new people, and expand your professional network. There is no better way to appear confident than to understand how to successfully interact with others.
  • Fake it ‘Til You Make it: Seriously! Don’t be afraid to fake your confidence, eventually, once you believe it you will truly see it! One great way to do this is by always making an effort to make eye contact with who you are speaking to and stand up straight.
  • Exercise: Feeling confident in your body will help you feel much more confident in who you are. If you do not feel that your health is at the best of its potential, make a conscious effort to keep your body active and workout.
  • If you’re looking for more… check out socialtriggers.com’s amazing article!

Showing confidence will provide you with a lifelong advantage! Implement these skills into your daily lifestyle to help achieve permanent personal and professional success.

Looking to learn more? Read our article to find out how to nail your first impression and sell yourself!

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

Being an Invaluable Asset at Work

There is no doubt about the importance of being a great, helpful employee. However, if you want to truly stand out to your boss as an invaluable asset to your organization, there are some strategies you should begin implementing ASAP! Read more about them here…

  • Attitude: In combination with every obligation your boss must complete within any given day, the last thing they want to encounter is a grumpy employee. Be super conscious of the way you greet your boss, offer consistent eye contact, be aware of your facial expression and body language, and make sure you heighten the mood of the office.
  • Go Above and Beyond: This seems like an obvious aspect of achieving any promotion or recognition within your position, but it is a crucial aspect of showcasing your value an as important asset. If you notice a coworker or neighboring department struggling to complete a project, generate an idea, or attack a task, be the person who offers support and help. Although being the “go to guy” may provide you with additional work, it is guaranteed to be beneficial for your future.
  • Client Favorite: If you work in a position that requires interacting and building relationships with clients, always make an effort to be remembered in a positive way. You never know when a client may speak with your manager or boss, and the way they speak about you will largely influence the way you are viewed. Treat clients with patience, positivity, and productivity!
  • Be Well-Rounded: It is easy to get caught up in a routine and focus solely on your own obligations. However, by gaining a general understanding of all of the varying positions of your coworkers, their obligations, and their responsibilities, you will become a much more well-rounded employee and an asset to all staff in the firm. Being knowledgeable about your company will also help you show your boss that you are invested for the long run, a trait that all managers will appreciate greatly.
  • Open-Minded: Keep an outwardly open mind about all assignments, tasks, and responsibilities. Let’s say you were placed in a different team for a future marketing project, but your product-focus is one that you are not as passionate about. Maintaining a positive outlook and open mind about new opportunities will show your boss that you are dedicated to all aspects of the company, not just areas where you are usually placed. We all know how easy it is to make initial judgments, but taking an extra moment to allow the benefit of the doubt will aid you immensely, especially in showing your boss your character.
  • Be Proactive: Don’t: wait until your boss or manager assigns a task for you to begin working. Do: Be proactive about work you assume you will be assigned, get a head start when possible, and always be prepared (for interactions with coworkers, deadlines, and especially in group meetings!). By showing that you have prepared for meetings, completed research on upcoming projects or company current events, and began brainstorming ideas to contribute to teamwork, you will exhibit that you are an employee who values the success of the entire company, not just yourself.
    • Extra Note: Many employees see meetings as a chance to “get ahead”, brag about their work, and differentiate themselves by emphasizing their achievements. Make sure to give credit to others where it is due, collaborate with team members, and be conscious of the famous saying… “there is no I in team.” If you have achieved a certain success or goal, chances are your boss is already aware of it!

With a combination of these practices, you are sure to make yourself stand out as a permanently valuable asset to your organization!

Read our article to learn how to achieve a promotion and when to expect one!

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

First Impression: Selling Yourself

By now, it’s likely that you all understand the true importance of a first impression. However, how do you nail your first impression, sell yourself during an interview, and manage not to sound arrogant? We have a few tips to teach you, so keep reading to find out!

Nailing Your First Impression:

  • Dress: Your physical presentation will almost always be the first thing your interviewer sees. Make sure that your clothing fits well, is appropriate for the interview, is relatively dark in color, and is ironed. Monitor jewelry, accessories, tie design, makeup, and hairstyle. A clean, simple look will help you appear professional without being overbearing.
  • Tone: The tone you exhibit to the person interviewing you is a key component of your first impression. Express enthusiasm, excitement, confidence, and no arrogance! On a separate note, make sure that the tone you use when speaking about yourself and your own accomplishments helps you appear prideful, but still humble.
  • Warm Body Language: Offer a firm handshake, maintain direct eye contact, greet with a smile, and be mindful of the way you say hello (positive, upbeat tone). Be conscious of posture, arms (folding in front appears cold and secretive), and subconscious habits (ie: foot tapping).
  • Audience Focused View: Remembering staff members names, contact information, or personal information about the interviewer that you have been previously provided showcases your dedication, enthusiasm, and care.
  • Active Listening: Always listen to your interviewer! This rule applies to any professional, personal, or academic setting. Most of us are focused on ourselves, however, it’s time to start focusing on someone else. Remember key information, advice, stories you are told, or any information you are provided on the other end. Make your interviewer feel as valued and important as you possibly can!
  • Timeliness: As we’ve said in the past… if you’re on time, consider yourself late! Always arrive early to an interview. Not only will this showcase respect, but it will allow time for you to collect yourself and prepare for a few extra moments.

Sell Yourself with Modesty:

  • Stories Instead of Scripts: While we firmly believe that each interviewee should come prepared with a few key stories in their back pocket, you must avoid sounding scripted. It is obvious to any interviewer when a candidate is repeating stories they’ve rehearsed in the mirror one hundred times; doing so will damage your first impression. We encourage you to remember a story “outline”, but elaborate and add details during the interview that will help you come across as your truest self.
  • Focus on Yourself… AND Others! Celebrating your own accomplishments is equally as valuable as crediting others. This showcases your modesty, collaborative skills, and value in teamwork.
  • Honesty: We all have imperfections! There is not an interviewer in the world who expects their candidates to nail every qualification and interview question. With that being said, always maintain honesty in your answers. Slightly fibbing up a story to boost your qualifications and experiences will only work against you. A key component of selling yourself is being honest with yourself, knowing who you are, and knowing what you need to work on.
  • Natural Body Language: It is easy to nervously try and appear super confident, often by leaning in too close to an interviewer, speaking too loudly, or overusing hand gestures. Be mindful of the way you hold yourself; sit up straight, lean in slightly, and use gestures if truly valuable in illustrating an experience.
  • Do Your Research: Having a general understanding of the company culture before entering an interview will aid your success immensely! Sell yourself by catering to the needs of the organization, their mission, and their values. Try to identify the ways employees interact with each other, with their bosses, and the formality (or lack thereof) of the firm.

At Esquire, we consider ourselves interview pros! Check out our article to learn about the most commonly asked interview questions.

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

How to Eliminate “Quitting” In Your Company

Employees are quitting their positions now more than ever before. In fact, Bloomberg.com wrote an article depicting that “quit rate” has reached its highest point in 17 years! Keep reading to find out why some of the key reasons why employees are quitting, and how to keep them around.

Key Reasons for Quitting:

  • Lack of Support: In several articles prior, we have emphasized the importance of managemental positions recognizing their employees’ success, and providing opportunities for them to grow and reach higher internal positions. Now, we cannot encourage this enough! You must support your employees in order to retain their enthusiasm and dedication to the firm.
  • Lack of Relationship: Company atmosphere is undoubtedly a vital component of any workplace. It is vastly important for CEO’s, and company heads, to facilitate employee-to-employee relationships, and their own relationships with staff. Many employees will leave if they feel their boss does not care, does not value their work, or is overly demanding.
  • Lack of “Work”: If an employee feels that their work lacks meaningful value, or that it does not contribute to the overall goals of the corporation, they will likely begin searching for new positions. How to avoid this? Trust your employees! Even if you are working with an entry-level member, remember that you hired this person for a reason, and they are capable of the assignments you give them.
  • Lack of Culture: Each company varies in value, culture, and mission. However, the culture that you promote must be authentic. Employees accept job offers not only because of the position but because of company culture. So, if your “culture” does not align with the way it is expressed, reevaluate.

Keeping Your Employees!

  • Respect! Although this seems obvious, there is no better way to show that you value an employee than to always treat them with respect. You can do so by offering support, communicating quickly and with a positive tone, and providing opportunities to grow and “work up the ladder”.
  • Have Faith: Each employee you hire within your company has, in some way, expressed their qualifications and reasons why they would be a fantastic candidate for your firm. For that reason, let them be! Offering help is always encouraged, but make sure you are allowing for independence, and not breathing down their throats.
  • Interpersonal Skills: At Esquire, we believe that excelling in interpersonal skills is nearly required to be a successful business leader. Take a class to teach you how to do so, do some research, and continue improving yourself so that you can become the most personable leader you can be!
  • Allow Participation: All staff members should feel included in company decisions. Emphasize their importance by encouraging participation in meetings. Allowing for staff members to offer their own ideas and contribute to company projects will increase their motivation and loyalty to the company.
  • Rewards: As we noted in the last article, being a truly fantastic boss does entail some incentivizing. Whether this means allowing your employees to come in late one day or leave early on occasion, offering incentives for hard work is proven to increase satisfaction and work ethic.
  • Listen: An additional component of interpersonal skills is being an active listener. Listen to your employees at all times. Don’t look down at your phone, lose eye contact, roll your eyes, interrupt or switch topics. An employee who feels listened to is an employee who feels their ideas are important, who therefore feels valued.

With these strategies in mind, you are guaranteed to improve your rate of employee retention and avoid quitting!

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

Learn about how to maintain attention as a boss here!

How to Obtain and Maintain Attention at Work

Whether you’re the CEO of a company or an entry-level employee, being able to obtain and maintain attention from the rest of your team and firm is an invaluable trait. There are several ways to do so, and we’re here to teach you them today!

Tips for Company Leaders:

  1. Set the Atmosphere: There are many ways to create a positive atmosphere in your office for the rest of your employees (and yourself). Let’s all be honest, no one wants to sit in a boring firm from 9-5, Monday through Friday. For that reason, help your employees to be able to look forward to entering the office. You can do so in several ways, potentially by using decorative, light wallpaper, purchasing a coffee machine or offering a light breakfast, or simply greeting each employee with a smile and question about their day.
  2. Switch Things Up: Within any position, it is extremely easy to fall into a routine and feel stuck. We encourage you to switch things up by allowing your employees to leave early one day, or come in late on an occasion. You may also organize social events or company get-togethers outside of work hours so that your employees can get to know you and each other on a personal level. Try a happy hour once in a while! Personal relationships between employees highly increase the likelihood of them paying attention to one another, and to you!
  3. Be Involved! If you are in a position of leadership, take time to evaluate how often you are contributing to projects versus how often you are solely ordering them and leaving it completely up to the rest of your staff. Check in on the status of completion, or even offer ideas on a weekly basis to show your employees that you care. Not only will doing so help your staff to appreciate your investment in their time, but it will motivate them to reach the best of their potentials.
  4. Be Supportive! There is a multitude of ways to support your employees and, in turn, maintain their attention. Some include: encouraging participation, supporting ideas, offering constructive criticism instead of rejection, or setting up group brainstorming sessions so that everyone can contribute to projects and ideas. Always remember, no one is perfect! Make sure you admit to your mistakes when you are wrong, just like you would expect your employees to.
  5. Decorate Physical Workspace: Some affordable, quick ways to redecorate your office space may entail repainting, incorporating “fun walls” or light wallpaper, replacing outdated furniture (cushions, chairs, desks), and keeping up generally modern office trends. Maybe even consider creating a relaxation or lounge room to allow employees to decompress!

Tips for Employees:

  1. Be Conscious: Just as you are running on a busy schedule, so are the rest of your coworkers. Make sure the speeches you give and insights you offer are clear, concise, and direct.
  2. Explain Why They Should Care: Why should they listen? What can they take away, how will they be benefitted? In connecting with your colleagues and building engagement, be aware of “I” language. Focus on your audience more than yourself, how can you meet your own needs while also reaching theirs?
  3. Timely: We cannot stress enough how important it is to always be on time! Timeliness expresses care, dedication, and an awareness of the people around you. If you are on time to lead a meeting, consider yourself late (always arrive early)! Each moment wasted elicits attention lost.
  4. Incorporate Positivity: If you are in charge of bearing bad news, explaining criticism, or instructing your coworkers to restart a project, remember the importance of positivity. Start with a positive comment, incorporate the negative downfall, and end on a positive note. This way, you will not come across as demanding, controlling, or unsympathetic.
  5. Be Clear: The outcome of your meeting may require certain steps taken by all employees to accomplish a general solution. Be clear in exactly what your coworkers should do after leaving the conversation, what they are responsible for individually and in groups, and any relevant deadlines. This way, you’ll receive fewer emails and decrease the chance of miscommunication!

Working towards a promotion? Read our article to determine how to get one and when you should expect it! 

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

Resume Tips From Our Very Own Recruiters!

At Esquire Recruiting LLC, we use LinkedIn every day as we scout out new candidates. If you are someone who uses LinkedIn, Indeed.com, or any professional platform, today is your lucky day! Why, you ask? Because today, you will find out exactly which qualifications we look for right off the bat on a candidate’s resume!

  • Years of Experience: Experience may focus on a certain industry, or in a current position. When hiring, companies may only consider candidates who have had a certain number of years of experience in a given field. On the other hand, employees who have maintained their position at a company for a number of years showcase their loyalty and dedication to any organization. These people appear as more liable hirees who are motivated to work for a company for years into the future.
  • Location: Location helps recruiters to see if potential candidates are within a commuting distance of a new position, or if they are willing to travel and even relocate. Since this component may entail a variety of answers, recruiters will not weed out any candidates solely based on their current location. However, it is important to note if you are willing to relocate, commute, and how far.
  • Title: Arguably the most important and telling sign of any resume is a person’s current job title. A candidate’s current job title will immediately inform a recruiter of where they can place this person in the future, their level of expertise, and often their experience in a given field (as more experience often entails higher positions).
  • Education: This aspect is highly variable. Few positions will completely overlook a candidate solely based on their level of education, although this is often considered an important qualification. Exhibiting your degree on your resume may very well help you get ahead in an application pool.
  • Presentation: Although this is not a “filter” that our recruiters can plug in when on the hunt for a candidate, the presentation of a prospective hiree’s resume is highly important. If your resume is too colorful, overly “bold,” disorganized, or unprofessional in any way, a recruiter is likely to pass it by. With the magnitude of LinkedIn users, it is too risky to present an unconventional resume when applying to a position through this platform.

Important Note!

Although these resume components help us to quickly weed out applications and narrow in on candidates, that does not mean your resume will be overlooked simply because you are missing one qualification. It is always important to submit your resume, elaborate on experience, and apply to all positions that pique your interest. Where you may lack in one quality, you may excel in another. So don’t sweat the small stuff! And remember, we’re here to help!

Searching for a new position? Submit your resume to any of our open jobs!

Looking to update your current resume? Learn how to here!

Interview 101: The Questions You Should Prepare For

There is no better way to improve your chances of securing a future job than by being prepared and qualified for your next interview. If you’re looking to learn about the most common interview questions you may get asked or the ones you should be asking, keep reading!

Questions For You:

No matter which organization you are interviewing for, there is guaranteed to be similarities between their interview process and another company’s. All interviews base their questions off a group of general topics. Even though you may not be aware of them, we’re sure you’ve encountered these types of questions before. For a full list of job interview question categories, check out this fantastic article from thebalancecareers.com!

  • Qualification: Questions in this category focus on basic qualifications that will help a hirer deem if a candidate should move forward. Although these facts may be answered by a resume, prepare to explain your past work experience in the field you are interviewing for, your degree of education (ie: Bachelor’s, Master’s), technological experience (ie: Outlook, Microsoft Office), or any basic skill that will solidify your position in a candidate pool.
  • Behavioral: As they continue to gain popularity and value, these types of questions will help your employer understand how to may handle challenges or obligations based off of your past experiences.
  • Personal: In addition to your elevator pitch, you should, by now, have an idea of how you want to present yourself on a personal level to your employer. What are your main values? What do you look for in a company?

Questions Provided by Esquire’s Employees!

  • What are the reasons you are looking for a new position?
  • Have you explored opportunities at your current firm?
  • What are you seeking in your next role (in regards to the type of position, growth, size of the company, etc.)?
  • Are you ready to make a move or is there anything that would prevent you from giving a 2-week notice?
  • If discussing a particular position, what are your strengths as they relate to this specific position?

Questions For Employer:

Whether you are being interviewed by your future employer, boss, hiring manager, staff recruiter, or any employee of a company, you should come prepared with questions. Questions not only showcase your interest in the company, but they often are the key component of proving that you’ve done your research. Here are a few questions to help you construct your own before entering your next interview!

  • When can I expect to hear back about the next steps?
  • What helped you choose to pursue a career at this company?
  • What aspects of this company sets it aside from the rest?
  • What can I expect of a typical day within the office?
  • What are the strongest values/morals of this organization?
  • Where are areas of growth within this position?
  • Who will I be reporting to?
  • Looking for more? Themuse.com has created an amazing list for you!

If you are left with any lingering questions, feel free to reach out to any member of our team!

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

Resume Problem: What Not to Include

I’m sure many of you have read blogs which help you navigate components and attributes to include on your resume. However, the problem with these types of articles is that they likely will not tell you what not to include on your resume. Keep reading to find out how to avoid common mistakes made on resumes!

  • Over the Top: Due to the fact that almost all recruiters, hiring managers, and employers scan through hundreds of resumes on a weekly basis, they are constantly looking for easy reasons to weed out the application pool. One way that a resume may be tossed off the bat is by the physical presentation. If a resume is covered in colors, outrageous fonts, or an elaborate layout, a recruiter will likely overlook it immediately. Make sure to keep your resume user-friendly by utilizing softer colors (greys, dark blue, black), universally recognized fonts, and an easy-to-follow layout.
  • Keyword Loss: Another way recruiters narrow in on prospective candidates is by using resume filters. If you do not emphasize key components of your resume (education, location, job title, contact information, etc.), you will make it a lot more difficult for a recruiter to stumble across your page! Make sure to exhibit all important information on your profile and resume.
  • Disorganization: In relation to stylistic elements, a layout of a resume also includes the appropriate organization. You must showcase your most recent accomplishments first, followed in chronological order, or else recruiters will have a problem understanding your professional timeline. 
  • Lack of Personality: Although it may appear difficult to “tell your story” on your resume, make sure to include some sense of personality. Whether this entails the experiences you incorporate and their brief explanations, a user-friendly font, or the overall “tone,” make sure your resume displays who you are enough for a recruiter to pursue you as a candidate. If a resume appears overly formal, unfriendly, or “boring,” it will likely be eliminated.
  • Jargon: Make sure you don’t over elaborate! Using “sophisticated” words, extending sentences, and elongating bullet points to appear experienced will, in fact, create a burden for anyone reading your resume. Get straight to the point with each note of experience, and let your interview be the time to elaborate and truly explain why you’re the best candidate.
  • Vagueness: Many job seekers fear that gaps in employment, breaks throughout education, or other interruptions may interfere with their chance at a future position. This is incorrect! The only problem comes with being vague, telling white lies, or trying to deceive your recruiter or prospective employer. It is acceptable to include gaps in your resume, just be prepared to explain them.
  • Unprofessional Contact Information: Although it seems obvious, it is super important to utilize a professional email address and your full name (no nicknames) on your resume. Another note on this subject, there is no need to include a picture on your resume. Especially if your resume is linked to your LinkedIn profile, there is a high chance that the person contacting you has already seen a picture of you.
  • Tense and Pronouns: If you are still employed by any company listed, make sure to write in the present tense. As for past experiences, past tense. Additionally, it almost always comes across informally when a person uses “I, she, he” on their resume, avoid it to make sure you don’t appear unprofessional.

We hope that by avoiding each key problem we’ve listed, you will be able to craft a beautiful, effective resume!

Ready to submit your own resume? Check out our open jobs list!

Find out here what recruiters are truly looking for!

Company Benefits: All You Need to Know!

With all companies continuing to expand their benefits packages, it is extremely important to understand what they mean and why they are so important! Learn about several of the many benefits a company may offer here!

  • 401K: It’s never a bad time to begin thinking about your future, especially your life upon retirement! Firms may offer a “match” to your 401K, meaning that they will match some portion of the money you put into your 401K throughout the year (up to a certain limit). This benefit will impact your future immensely and is vital to check for before accepting a position!
  • Vacation and PTO: I’m sure we can all agree that no one wants to spend every day of their year in their office! For that reason, look into the number of vacation days your organization will allow, and if they offer paid time off (PTO).
  • Amenities: As a company employee, you are nearly guaranteed to be spending a great portion of your time in your office building. For that reason, look into potential amenities that your firm or office building offers. Do they provide a gym for exercise? Are there coffee shops or a cafe?
  • Office: An x-factor of any office is there atmosphere and physical appearance. A great benefit of any building is their updated supplies (whether this is their computers, copy machines, chairs, etc.). How does your potential new office choose to present themselves?
  • Transportation Vouchers: If you are considering accepting a new position and it is relatively far from your home, take time to research the opportunity to receive a transportation voucher. Organizations provide their employees with an allowance to cover a portion of their transportation to and from work each day. Will this change your perspective and willingness to accept a position?
  • Sign on Bonus: If a company is not offering you your target salary, will they provide a bonus upon signing? This may be a largely altering factor over an employees decision to accept an offer. Check into this and don’t be afraid to ask your recruiter.
  • Short Review Period: If you are accepting a position that may be slightly lower than your target standing, look into an opportunity to engage in a short review period. Some firms may offer the opportunity for an employee to receive review and potential promotion after a short period (around 6 months). Will this change your opinion about accepting a position?
  • Hours and Flex Hours, Working Remote: With the infinitely differentiating lifestyles of people, it is crucial for companies to consider offering flexible hours and remote positions. If this is a consideration for you (whether this concerns child care, education commitments, or other conflicts), look into your companies hour policy. Instead of working 9-5, will they offer you an 8-4 position? Is there a potential of splitting time as a remote and in-office worker?
  • Additives: A great benefit that companies offer to their employee is additional supplements in order for them to complete their work most efficiently. This may entail a company computer, cell phone, or even a car. If there is a need for any of these utilities in your life, make sure to look into this policy!

While a company benefits package may not be the deciding factor in your acceptance, they sure do help! We hope you will take these components into all future considerations!

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

If you’ve read through this article and are starting to think your current position does not offer enough benefits, check out our blog to learn how to leave your job the proper way!

Entry-level Salary: Careers that Make the Most

As a college student, it is easy to consider and highly value the salary of each career when deciding what major to pursue. However, is there truly a difference between each career and its entry-level salary? I’ve always wondered this as a student of my University’s business school, so I hope this idea has crossed some of your minds as well! While we are mainly focusing on business professions, we are here to supply you with several “well-ranked” entry-level positions. Find out by reading more!

According to GlassDoor, Graphic Designers, Financial Analysts, Customer Service and Sales Representatives, Software Engineers, and Marketing Associate are paid well upon entry. However, if you would like to see the remainder of this list click on the link above!

As stated by GlassDoor…

  1. Graphic Designer – $43,550
  2. Financial Analyst – $62,277
  3. Customer Service Representative – $54,177
  4. Sales Representative – $46,800
  5. Software Engineer – $86,391
  6. Marketing Associate – $48,571

However… as a college student, I tend to analyze a career’s entry-level salary through my University’s website. So, here’s what the University of Wisconsin-Madison has to say about average starting salaries!

  1. Accounting – $58,326
  2. Actuarial Science – $62,242
  3. Finance, Investment, and Banking – $61,779
  4. Information Systems – $67,300
  5. International Business – $51,616
  6. Management and Human Resources – $52,804
  7. Marketing – $52,556
  8. Operations and Technology Management – $60,455
  9. Real Estate – $61,343
  10. Risk Management and Insurance – $60,599

As you can see, there is not a drastic differentiation between any two majors, as they all provide fantastic entry-level compensations. If you’d like to learn about any more of these majors click here to be forwarded to UW’s website!

Additionally, I thought it may be interesting to research another Big-10 University in hopes of comparing and drawing similarities between entry-level salaries for majors with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. According to PayScale.com, here are the median salaries by career for students who graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign…

  1. Financial Analyst – $57,189
  2. Staff Accountant – $48,064
  3. Human Resources Manager – $63,636
  4. Operations Manager – $63,363
  5. Financial Controller – $81,088

While these are specific careers and not overall major statistics, it is interesting to see the variation between salaries. However, we hope you understand that money is not at all everything, nor should it be your deciding factor! Above all, passion, presence, and persistence should guide your desire to pursue a career path. In which industry do you see yourself achieving the highest level of fulfillment and success? After all, we all know the famous quote, “money cannot buy happiness.”

Not sure yet what you want to do in life? Figure it out by reading our blog!

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

Mentor: A Must-Have

No matter what point you are at in your life, having a mentor to influence and guide your decisions and outlook is extremely important! A mentor will not only supply you with valuable, meaningful guidance, but they will help you discover who you are both personally and professionally. Keep reading to find out more about the importance of a positive influence!

Relationships:

Above all, keeping relationships and connections to those who have positively influenced your life is a significant component of achieving success. Whether you are a student, graduate, employee, or any adult, there is always room to learn more about the world. There is an endless number of potential mentor figures who you will encounter throughout your life. This may include a professor, boss, hiring manager, recruiter, family member, guidance counselor, or someone you cross paths with while pursuing and expanding your professional career. Keep these people in mind, as it may become easy to overlook someone who could end up being your lifelong mentor. Always feel confident and encouraged to reach out to those you feel are an influence or role model in your life! As we’ve said before, people love to talk about what they do. If you reach out, you are nearly guaranteed a coffee date or quick meeting to learn more about your next potential mentor. Don’t hesitate! Not only is this a networking experience, but the email you send or conversation you initiate may be the key to opening a gate for a relationship that will benefit your life for years to come.

Support:

An extra plus of your relationship to your mentor is the support you will receive! This person is always on your team and ready to be your personal cheerleader. As we all know, it’s a great feeling to know that someone is on your side, cheering you on, and available at any given time to offer a few words of encouragement. 

Knowledge:

In addition to creating a meaningful and lasting relationship, having a mentor will provide you an enormous amount of knowledge you may have never known before. A mentor is often someone who’s status is relatively superior to your level of expertise (whether a professor-student relationship, boss-employee, etc.). For that reason, this person has likely built their career over a number of years and has acquired a surplus of knowledge to help guide you to one day reach the same status as they have. Additionally, in building their career, it is likely that they have built an enormous network of connections for you to potentially take advantage of. Even more so, a mentor is someone to bounce your own ideas off of and receive constructive criticism from. We like to think of this person as a “professional brother or sister.”

Tough Love:

An aspect of having a mentor that can be easily overlooked is their version of “tough love.” Mentors may often set deadlines and specific requirements to help you reach your goals. While this may seem like a burden, there is no better way to ensure that you will complete your work and reach your best potential!

We hope that by reading this you now understand the importance of having a positive influence in your life. And remember… mentors are free! If this article has not yet convinced you, hopefully, the price tag has. Now go out there and find your own mentor!

Inspired by Esquire Recruiting? Read more about our team (and your potential new mentor) here!

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

Staying Well-rounded While Working

Regardless of your professional position, it is always important to maintain a well-rounded life outside of work. In order to lead a fulfilling lifestyle and achieve true happiness, a person should become involved and engaged in several aspects of life outside of their career. Keep reading to learn about what we’re referring to!

  • Professional Organizations: Yep, you heard it right! Clubs and organizations don’t end after college! In fact, there is just nearly an endless number of professional organizations offered to adults. No matter what profession you are a part of, or what industry your job categorizes into, there is an organization for you. The American Marketing Association provides us a quick step-by-step set of instructions to get you started!
  • Giving Back: At Esquire Recruiting, we are strong believers that giving back to the community helps individuals increase their overall sense of satisfaction, as well as generate genuine gratitude. For that reason, we encourage all people to participate in volunteer work, charity organizations, and in any establishment that could use some help. It’s as easy as donating a few hours of your week to a local YMCA, food pantry, soup kitchen, etc.
  • Taking Classes: If you are someone who hopes to expand their education, possibly by attaining an additional, higher degree, now is the time to do it! If you feel you are in a stable working position, don’t hesitate to take advantage of your stability and begin expanding your education! There’s never a bad time to try a new class. If you have an interest that you are willing to explore, try taking a night course at a neighboring college. These courses are extremely accessible and guaranteed to benefit your professional career by providing you with well-rounded intelligence.
  • Staying Current: Although you may feel that you are comfortable and proficient in your current position, we assure you that there is always room to grow! Continue working to expand your professional network (as well as personal), as each person you connect with has valuable knowledge to offer. Just as you likely did in college, keep engaging in coffee dates, quick meetings, and phone calls with those who inspire you and interest you in their career.
  • Health: If you take one thing away from this blog, understand the importance of your health. Prioritize your exercise, diet, and overall physical health. If your work interferes with your ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it may not be the correct position for you. Be conscious of your diet, level and amount of exercise, and overall self-care to maintain well-rounded health. This may also include mediation and mindfulness practice.
  • Hobby: Make sure you’re not a one trick wonder! Take up a new hobby, dedicate time for yourself and your own enjoyment, and make sure you value you! Try a new cooking class, art course, restaurant, activity (sport), exercise (cardio, rollerblading, paddle-boarding, etc.!), or any of the “fun inexpensive hobbies” provided by MoneyPeach.com!
  • Relationships: Finally, always be mindful of your relationships with others. As we previously stated, work should not interfere with a healthy lifestyle, and a huge component of a healthy lifestyle is your relationships with others. Make time for family, friends, coworkers, bosses, children, and all of the people who help make you, you!

Always remember… although it may feel like you’re always at work, you’re not! We hope that each of you has a well-rounded life outside of your profession and that by incorporating these activities into your lifestyle, you will all achieve genuine satisfaction and happiness.

Does reading this make you second guess your job? Read more about how to know when to change jobs!

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

References: You Should Ask For Them!

Recruiters are always looking for a tell-tale sign that will allow them to understand how a candidate will fit in at a company, and there’s no better way to find out than through their references. For that reason, it is vital to keep potential references in mind as you expand your network through your educational and professional lives!

How to Ask:

  • Plan Ahead: If you know you need a reference letter by a certain date (ie: by the time you apply for your next position), make sure to ask the person ahead of time. That way, they will have ample time to create a meaningful, valuable letter highlighting all of your expertise. By asking last minute, you risk the chance of a rushed, insufficient letter.
  • Think it Through: If it comes as a surprise to the person you are asking, you may be asking the wrong person. Make sure your references come from those who have strongly impacted your life. These relationships may be built throughout a duration of months or years, and may very well extend years into the future.
  • In Person or Formal Email: It is always meaningful for an employee to ask for a reference in person. Unless your location permits you from doing so, you should try to take the time to visit the person you are asking and have a face-to-face conversation. In addition to showcasing that you care, you will have the ability to explain exactly what your reference letter is for, and what it should entail, without risking any miscommunication. However, if you cannot do so, as we all have busy schedules, send an email! Make sure your email is formal, polite, and sufficient. 
  • Explain Why You Chose Them: Just as your professor, boss, or mentor is highlighting all of your fantastic qualities, you should do the same for them! Explain exactly why you chose this person, how they have positively affected you, how they have helped shape you, and why they would be the best person to vouch for you. When you make them feel valued, they will make sure to explain why they value you in return!
  • Help Them Out: In order to receive your letter quickly, make sure to supply whoever you’re asking with whichever materials they may need, information they may seek, and guidelines they must follow. This will help you avoid future questions, email chains, and the chance of a reference letter that you may not be able to use.

Showcase Gratitude:

We cannot stress enough how important it is to thank the people who write your references! They are taking time out of their schedules to help you secure your next position, strengthen your LinkedIn profile, and add to your reference portfolio for the future. Make sure they know the extent of your appreciation. An additional way to thank this person is by maintaining relations. Aside from the benefit of maintaining a network, you may even want to return to this firm someday. Whether you meet with this person on a monthly or yearly basis, exchange phone calls, or email back and forth every so often, this will show them that you care and value their relationship.

Pass it On!

Always remember, if you were once in the position of seeking references, so is someone else! As you climb up the professional ladder, attain a management position, achieve a career as a professor, or one day become a mentor to someone else, pass on your gratitude by writing references for others.

Not sure what to include on a reference? Find out here what recruiters are looking for!

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

How to Know When to Change Jobs

It is easy to get stuck in a position where you are comfortable, consistent, and ultimately proficient at what you do. However, there are many aspects of jobs that people overlook, often components that will help them realize it may be time to change positions. Read more about them here and figure out if your current work is right for you!

  • Growth: Arguably the most important aspect of any career, job, or project is the growth generated from the experience. From day to day, month to month, and year to year, you should be able to recognize the growth your job has helped you achieve as a professional employee, leader, or overall person. If you do not feel as though you have been able to accelerate your skillset in your position it may be time to consider a different path.
  • Company Change: As a spectator of your company, it is crucial to be aware of the way your firm may be beginning to expand, downsize, or shift directions. Especially if your company appears to be downsizing, start your search for a new firm or job so that you are able to completely avoid a potential layoff. This is also a great time to evaluate your current position. Do you enjoy what you do? Are you interested in returning to school to expand your education and achieve a higher degree?
  • Attitude About Work: While we all know that work may not be the place where you find your greatest enjoyment, there is no reason to dread going to work each day! After all, a workspace is where the majority of people spend the majority of their time, so make sure your job provides you with happiness and an overall level of satisfaction.
  • Passion: If you no longer feel an inner spark, sense of passion, or enthusiasm about what you do, this is no longer the position for you. A stronger indicator of when to search for a new job is the way you feel about the work you complete. You should feel pride in your work! If you don’t, begin looking for something that will reignite your passion.
  • Learning: Throughout your entire life, there is always more to learn! Although you may no longer be in school, you should always be learning more through your career. Whether you are increasing your understanding of the industry you work in, yourself and your passions, or the correct strategies to heighten your potential, you should always be expanding your knowledge! If you do not feel like you are learning anything new through your job, consider changing positions.
  • Lifestyle: Although this last aspect does not exactly tie into the work you are engaging in on a day to day basis, it is still an extremely significant component of your overall fulfillment. If you are pursuing a family, looking to move far away from your current home, or considering a large lifestyle change, your work location should not hold you back for your entire life. It is super important to maintain a career, but equally as important to love your life outside of your work.

After evaluating your contentment through each of these “tests,” are you considering a job change? If so, read through our open jobs list!

Debating if your career truly suits you? Figure it out by learning how to find out what you want to do in life, and how to identify your strengths and weaknesses!

Identifying and Utilizing Your Strengths and Weaknesses

One of the most important and differentiating aspects of any candidate is their ability to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses. Someone who understands where they excel and, in turn, what aspects they could improve about themselves, is someone who will be an efficient and capable employee and an asset to any company. For that reason, it’s time you figure out your own strengths and weaknesses! Read more about how to identify them here…

Personality Tests:

Generally a free and accessible resource, personality tests continue to gain popularity and value in the professional workplace! There are dozens of personality tests available on the internet for you to take that will help you identify your personality type, and therefore your strengths and weaknesses. This is a vastly important test to take before applying to jobs and even identifying which type of career will suit you best. Check out some of the most useful personality tests provided by Forbes here!

Reach Out:

When searching for your strengths and weaknesses, reach out to those who you spend the most time with. Whether this includes a family member, coworker, friend, or partner, these people are nearly guaranteed to know more about you than anyone else. Ask them what they believe your strengths are and where they think you could improve. After all, these people spend the most time with you and are able to see you shine in all aspects of life (when you’re having fun, working, relaxing, etc.). This is another free resource for you, so use it!

Activities and Education:

Another way to identify where you excel and, in contrast, where you may struggle is by analyzing your performance in school and in activities. In which subject have you found true enjoyment, and which courses did you dread going to each day? In turn, through which assignments did you find success, improvement, or growth? If there are areas of education where you have encountered improvement, growth, or naturally excel at, identify them as your strengths. This is another way to help you understand which careers would match most closely with your personality and performance. Additionally, if you are a naturally gifted athlete, or excel in another activity, think about the value of this interest to you in your daily life. Do you want to incorporate this pursuit into your future career?

Use It!

The awareness you’ve gained of your strengths and weaknesses is only as useful as you make it. Include experiences that showcase your strengths on your resume, and make sure to incorporate them into your interview conversation. Showcase that you understand yourself, your passions, and your desires in order to present yourself as the best candidate for any job. Additionally, don’t be afraid to acknowledge your weaknesses! We all have them! Be transparent with your interviewer, explain the exact, specific steps you are taking to improve, and you are sure to appear motivated and prepared.

Hopefully, you will use these strategies and ultimately figure out all of your strengths and weaknesses. Remember, all people excel and struggle in various areas, it’s normal. Good luck!

Need some help? Read our blog to find out what recruiters are looking for!

Understand your attributes but struggling to figure out what you want to do in life? Find out here!

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

Budgeting: How and When to Start

Budgeting is an aspect of life that almost all people encounter. Whether you are a recent college graduate saving up for an apartment or new car, a couple looking to purchase a home, or any person looking to save up some money, there are many ways to do so! Read about the many strategies here and figure out what works best for you.

  • Prioritize: Before you can figure out and customize your budgeting strategy, you must evaluate what activities, hobbies, or materialistic components of your lifestyle are most important to you. This may entail your monthly gym membership expense, the number of times you hope to eat out at restaurants in a given week, or a certain amount of money you are willing to spend on new clothing or accessories monthly. Whatever it is, make a list of the most important things you are not willing to give up.
  • Plan: To beginning planning out a budget, write down your goal for each month. That way you will have a concrete number to designate success and work up to. Additionally, write down your income for each month. Include your job salary and any other work obligations (for college students this may include babysitting, house-sitting, pet-sitting, or any other part-time commitments).
  • Create: With a plan in mind and a list of priorities set, you are ready to begin budgeting! When listing out monthly expenses, differentiate those expenses which are fixed (ie: rent, student loans, car payments) from expenses which differ on a monthly basis.
    • Extra Tip: Be Realistic! If you are dining out 2-3 times a week, make sure to leave a larger budget for that category. However, you must begin to consider sacrificing some expenses in order to be able to save money at the end of the month. If you are dining out 2-3 times a week, think about cutting back on the money you spend on home decorating, clothing, or other “elective” expenses.
    • Extra Tip: Use Past Expenses! To get an idea of where your money is spent each month, utilize a past credit card bill, or create a document of all your expenses for any given month. That way, when the next month begins, you will have a true picture of how you spend your money and your estimates will be based on facts instead of assumptions.
    • Extra Tip: Categorize! Make a list of all expenses. Consider each category you spend money on. When budgeting, be aware of grocery costs, clothing costs, “fun” costs, drink costs, laundry costs, gym/exercise costs, etc. Never overlook expenses just because they are necessary, include everything in your budget plan.
  • Consider:  Be aware of times during the year where expenses appear to skyrocket. These expenses may include birthday presents, holidays, vacations, tax month, wedding presents, etc. Set aside enough money to utilize during the year instead of having to dig into your income each time you encounter one of these payments.

Helpful Strategies:

  • Applications: There are several budgeting applications available to you on your smartphone. These will help guide your budget plan and track your expenses. Use them!
  • Bank: Many bank accounts will allow you to set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings account on a monthly basis. Set an amount of money, and begin automatically transferring it to your savings account each month. The money will add up rapidly without any effort from your end required!
  • Update: Keep up with your budget! Your priorities will change from time to time, and accounting for these changes in expenses is super important.

With these tricks in mind, you’ll have money saved in no time!

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

Looking to apply for your next job? Find out the best time to do so here!

Working from Home: Everything You Need to Know

Many people argue that it’s more enjoyable to work from home. However, we’re here to help you form your own opinion! Here are some pros and cons to help you figure out … is it truly the “most enjoyable” work method?

Pros:

  1. Appearance: When working from home, you are no longer expected to dress professionally, wear makeup, do your hair, or even wear shoes for that matter! The walls of a home bring a comfort that no firm will be able to.
  2. Unlimited breaks: Another benefit of working remotely is your ability to allow yourself a break at any moment. After all, you’re no longer being watched, so you can work at your own speed!
  3. Atmosphere: A great component of having your own personal workspace is your ability to create the perfect atmosphere to allow you to be productive. Whether this entails a certain type of music playing, the lighting within your space, or even the color of the walls in your home office, you get to set everything up by yourself!
  4. No Commute: Arguably the greatest benefit of working from home is the money you save on gas and transportation costs, as well as the time you save from commuting.
  5. Independence: Working from home allows you to be independent in a way that no firm can. You work when you want, at the time you want, in the increments you desire, and in the amount that works for you. Even more, you are nearly guaranteed that no one will be looking over your shoulder and monitoring your progress.
  6. Working Around Your Clock: In relation to the independent aspect that working from home provides, you are surely granted the opportunity to work around your own clock. This allows you to incorporate errands into your day, exercise, free time, a coffee run, or other activities that working 9-5 in an office setting will not allow.

Cons:

  1. Communication: Communicating with your boss and a team from home will definitely require more time and effort. Emailing back and forth can often become tedious, and losing the face to face value of conversation will sometimes bring about miscommunication and mistakes.
  2. Home Distractions: Although you’ve escaped the distractions that come with your office, you must remember that there are plenty of distractions within your home (whether it’s kids, the TV, the refrigerator, or even your own bed!).
  3. Less Discipline: It can be pretty easy to become too comfortable in your own home, so don’t let yourself! Without constant supervision from your manager and other co-workers, it can become harder to focus and complete your tasks.
  4. Working Too Much: In a home setting, you no longer have a set schedule. However, as an employee, you are nearly required to set your “work schedule” as you would in an office, although this can become greatly hard to do.
  5. Workspace: Creating a workspace can become super expensive, but it is almost a necessity. Without a space to work, it becomes extremely easy to get stuck working from your bed, or in an environment with heavy distraction (ie: kitchen). Working in a space that is too comfortable will negatively impact your productivity.
  6. Less Professional: Although you are likely working just as much as the employees who are in the office full time, it is easy for you to fall off the radar of your superior because of your physical absence. This can lead to a lesser chance of promotion, recognition, or raise.
    1. Extra Tip: To avoid this, make sure that you showcase your care for the company by meeting with your boss on a consistent basis. This will help you stay in the loop, communicate more clearly, and avoid time spent video-chatting, calling, or emailing.

After reading these pros and cons we hope you have a better understanding of what it is like to work outside of an office setting! So… what do you think is better?

Searching for a new position? Read our article to find out exactly what recruiters are looking for!

Also, check out our current open jobs!

How to Get Back on Track After the Weekend

If you’re sitting in your office right now and can’t seem to escape your “weekend mode,” we’re here to help you get back on track! We’ve all experienced a weekend that seems to push into the week (especially on Monday!). However, if you follow these strategies and tips, you are guaranteed to be ahead of your work in no time!

  1. Hydrate – One of the best ways to stay awake and help your body get back into the swing of a healthy week is to keep yourself hydrated at all times. Keep a water bottle by your desk and try to drink the entire thing multiple times throughout the day. If you are someone who often forgets to drink water, try setting an alarm on your phone to remind you.
    • Extra tip – Many nutritionists recommend drinking apple cider vinegar, and cutting out as much sugar as possible at the beginning of the week (especially after an indulgent weekend). Give it a try!
  2. Eat Healthily – As enticing as it is to snack on chips, morning sweets, or any junk food, try to stay away. Starting off the week with healthy meals will rejuvenate your body and ensure that you are feeling energized and prepared for the week’s obligations.
  3. Workout – Starting your Monday, and even ending your Monday with a workout is a guaranteed bonus to your day, and also a great way to set the tone for the rest of your week. Because this is often considered the toughest day to get yourself to the gym, show yourself you can do this and get moving!
      • Extra tip – Bringing workout clothes with you to work will heavily encourage you to hit the gym at the end of the day (and will also save the time of having to stop back home).

     

  4. Stay Organized – Making a to-do list, filling out a daily planner or calendar, or even using a sticky note and writing down what you need to complete is proven to help individuals accomplish their daily tasks and goals. This will also keep you organized and decrease your chance of forgetting a meeting or assignment.
  5. Check-In – If you don’t check your work email on the weekends, make sure to get that sorted out too. Try creating a “priority” folder to move all of your most important emails from the weekend into. That way, you will at least be able to get back to your most important messages, even if you are unable to reach all of your emails in one day.
  6. Let Yourself Breathe – Schedule breaks into your day as you would any other obligation. Letting yourself have time to relax is equally as important as completing your work.

If you are worried that you won’t be able to complete all that is listed above, try to modify activities in order to fit everything into your day!

Examples:

  1. No time to exercise? Try a short abdominal workout in your room before you go to bed.
  2. Need time to relax? Schedule breaks into your schedule and practice a few minutes of meditation or mindfulness during each. There are free applications on your cell phone to guide you!
  3. Craving junk food and can’t seem to shake it? Allow yourself one small portion of your craving as an incentive after you have completed your days worth of work!

Completing these steps will ensure you get back on track in no time!

Stressed out? Read our article on how to relieve it!

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

Learn more about our company and what we do here!

Recovering From a Layoff: How to Get Back on Track

Recovering from being laid off of a job can often be a large challenge for any individual. However, we’re here to show you the best ways for you to focus on yourself, move past this struggle, and ultimately ensure that you are ready for your next position! Remember, almost any negative situation comes with hidden silver linings.

The Most Important Lesson We Can Teach . . . Focus on You!

  • First and Foremost – Let yourself feel all of the feelings. Let yourself be sad. Let yourself be relieved. Let yourself grieve so that you are, in time, ready to pursue future endeavors with a clear, determined mind!
  • Take Time and Work to Become Your Best Self – Use your temporary break from work to take time for you! Whether this entails taking time to revise and improve your resume, updating your LinkedIn profile, or cleaning out your social media channels, utilize your freed up time to ensure that you will be the best candidate for your next position.
    • However, remember, you don’t have to jump back into work right away. Begin these practices once you are rested and ready.
  • Outside of Work Self-Reflection – Aside from perfecting the aspects that make up your professional profile, take time to reflect on who you are outside of work. What do you enjoy? Have you taken time for yourself and personal fulfillment outside of the workplace?
    • This is a fantastic time to pursue a new hobby. If you need a few ideas, we encourage you to practice yoga, meditation, try a new food, spend time with friends and family, take a cooking class, or engage in any form of exercise! All of these activities will help you relieve stress and reach genuine happiness.
  • Help Others – It is proven that one of the best ways to achieve happiness is by helping others. And luckily, you can do this in an endless amount of ways! Volunteering through homeless shelters, animal shelters, community service opportunities, or any charity organization will increase your sense of fulfillment, purpose, belonging, and overall feeling of happiness on an exponential level. 
  • Reach Out to Your Network – Contacting those who are a part of your network can help you in a multitude of ways! You can utilize these (free!) resources for means of advice, guidance, or a potential new job opportunity. This is the most important time to take advantage of the connections you have built throughout your professional career. Don’t hesitate to connect with those who you have built a relationship with, especially because they may help you re-enter the workplace!
  • Re-evaluate Your Career – Many people fear the common question: are you happy? Well, are you? Did you truly enjoy the work you were executing in your past position, or are you ready to potentially pursue a new career path? If so, now is the time to explore new opportunities, fields, or industries. In fact, some people even take this time to return to school and expand their educational career through achieving a Master’s degree, new certification, or even just to explore new fields and courses.
  • Reach Out – Once you are prepared to enter the job hunt, be proactive on all professional channels. Utilize LinkedIn, Indeed.com, and other professional resources during the entire duration of your search for a new position. Job opportunities are opening up each day, and applying as soon as possible will help you get ahead in the application pool!

Above all, remember that you are not alone! There is an endless number of people in the same situation as you. There is nothing to be ashamed of. You can get through this!

Looking for some extra tips on how to be the best candidate? Read our article about what recruiters look for!

Check out our blog to find out the best times to apply for your next job!

On the job hunt? Read through our open jobs list!