Archive for March, 2010

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A Peek at the Job Market, and Hope From Washington

Monday, March 29th, 2010

According to a current Bureau of Labor and Statistics report the unemployment rate is still hovering around 10%.  Even the harsh winter season is shouldering blame for the some of the recent negativity due to a significant amount of missed work.  The construction and information sectors posted some losses while there was an increase in the temporary help industry.  To break it down a bit further, February unemployment rates for people 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree or higher held at around 5%, while rates for high school graduates in the same group increased from January’s 10.1% to 10.5%, and for those with less than a high school diploma also increasing slightly to 15.6%.

All in all the job market looks about the same as it has for the past several months, and it can be a little discouraging checking in on it, but as stated here recently, it’s important to stay positive during times like these as things are bound to improve.  And it appears as though some improvements might be on the way if the recent news from Washington is any judge.

Two weeks ago the Senate passed the roughly 18 billion dollar jobs bill that had been making its round in Washington, and on Thursday, April 18, President Obama signed the bill into law.  There is some doubt whether the bill will be effective in spurring the economy.

It is hoped that the new jobs bill will usher in a wave of hiring by giving employers significant tax breaks for hiring previously unemployed workers and credit if they can retain those employees for at least a year.  Small businesses also stand to gain with tax incentives for new equipment. Another major facet of the bill, and one that is hoped will create many jobs is a provision for road and bridge construction projects, which will also encompass infrastructure and transportation improvements.

The President was quoted as saying that though the jobs bill, “is absolutely necessary, it is by no means enough. There is a lot more we need to do to spur hiring in the private sector and bring about a full economic recovery.”  It is comforting to know that the President acknowledges that while there are some indications that the economy is beginning to climb out of recession, those effects may not yet be felt by average Americans.

Hopefully this bill will be just a part of a greater effort on the part of Washington and the Obama administration to help bring this economy back onto more solid ground.

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5 Bad Work Habits You Can’t Get Away With

Friday, March 26th, 2010

We all have them, little (or big) annoying things that we do without evening thinking about them.  Bad habits.  It could be anything, like the common ones of biting your nails, or smacking your chewing gum.  Sometimes we become aware of them and think that maybe one day we’ll try to stop, but usually that one day never comes.  Many of these little things don’t harm anyone, they’re just quirks that we develop and they take on a mind of their own.  Bad work habits however, can hurt someone.  And that’s you.  Listed here are five work habits that can potentially hurt your reputation and/or ultimately derail your career.  If you see yourself in any of these, you might want to change your ways!

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1.  Badmouthing the Company:  This has generally never been a good idea, unless you’re talking to yourself;  depending on where you do it, it could really come back to haunt you.  However, today with the ubiquity of social media in the workplace these days it’s even easier to have a slip of the tongue.  You should be careful about complaining about the workplace, and doubly so online.

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2.  Careless Emailing:  Workplace email can be an accident waiting to happen.  Don’t be careless with the content of your emails at work; it’s all too easy to mistakenly add recipients or worse, copy the whole company on an email you intended for a specific person, and probably shouldn’t have been sending anyway.  Keep it professional while on the job and you’ll have nothing to worry about.  Remember, just because it’s email doesn’t mean it’s not permanent.

3.  Skating By:  Always doing the minimum amount of work required can be bad for your work image and maybe even your job.  It never hurts to do the job right, and that usually means doing it fully.  Statements like, ‘It’s not part of my job’ can earn you some frowns.  If you feel extra efforts on your part often go unnoticed and you find yourself glossing over work, it might be time to have a conversation with your boss about feeling unrecognized.  Be sure to approach it with some tact; don’t go in with a whiny nobody-pays-attention-to-me tone, that just looks, whiny.

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4.  Using Inappropriate Humor:  It’s great to keep things in perspective and have a sense of humor in life and work, but it can go too far.  This really should just be a matter of common sense and respect, but some people seem to be lacking in those.  If you find yourself encountering questionable humor at the workplace, you might be wise to distance yourself from it as best you can.

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5.  Gossiping:  We know, this happens everywhere humans work, it’s inevitable, maybe.  The thing is, it’s bad form, and can earn you a reputation for having loose lips which could have an effect on how you yourself are treated at work.  If your superiors know you’re a talker, they might not trust you with that next big project.  Have you ever thought about what people might be saying about you behind your back?  Yikes.

What’s your bad work habit or one you can’t stand others around you doing? Let us know in the comments.

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Learning to Love Your Job

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

It would be nice if we could all say that we loved our jobs, but that is unfortunately not the case.  Regardless of where we fall on the job love spectrum, we could all do with a little advise on learning to love what we do for a living.  Here are a few suggestions.

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Passion and Personal Work Ethic

A job without passion is like a loveless marriage.  Sometimes drumming up passion for our work can be as difficult as getting a straight answer out of a politician.  Often though, it’s all a matter of attitude.  You may not have the most glamorous job in the world, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done right, and done well.  No matter how mundane, take pride in your work and set goals for yourself.  Goals can give us a sense of purpose, not to mention accomplishment when we can say that we’ve met, or exceeded them.

Make Connections

Your boss and coworkers are people too, regardless of any deeply held suspicions you might have.  Talk to the people at work, even if you don’t work with them directly.  Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation and make a connection with people, you never know when that workplace acquaintance might turn into a valuable contact, not to mention that you just might make a few friends.

Get Involved

Find what’s interesting in your job and learn more about it, you may find that you learn more about your company as well.  See if you can get involved in a project that you find interesting.  Often we can simply become bored with our work; you might talk to your boss about landing some more substantial projects.  Not only will that potentially make your work more interesting, it might serve to demonstrate to your boss that you’re willing to…get involved.  Everybody wins!

Pay Attention

Last week we talked about how mindfulness can help you at work by keeping you in the present moment, and trying to enjoy the process of your work instead of just the end results.  By being fully present for all aspects of the project you happen to be working on you find that you have the time to take pride in what you’re doing, making the end result that much more satisfying.  Also, don’t forget to breathe, nothing anchors us in the present moment like being aware of our breath.

Have a Life Outside of Work

Make sure that you’re not all work and no play.  We recently discussed balancing our lives and our work, and much of that wisdom can help us to get more pleasure out of our day to day jobs, and our lives outside them.  Be sure to unplug from the daily grind when you can.  Take a vacation, even if it’s only for a day.

Of course it’s possible for you to try all of these things and more and still find yourself unfulfilled and wishing for more.  If that’s the case then it may be time to face up to the possibility that it is indeed time to move on.  And in that case it’s time to lay out a game plan and start taking the necessary steps toward work you enjoy.

Do you love your job? What are your strategies for bringing more joy and fulfillment to your work?  Share them with us in the comments section!

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Strategies for Balancing Work and Life

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

We’re hearing a lot today about balancing work and life, an historically divisive topic.  On the one hand, we have staunch, old-school management types who feel that the only way to control the amount and quality of work they get from their employees is to have them right there in the office, ostensibly where they can keep an eye on them.  On the other hand we have the next generation of younger workers who feel stifled in such a closed environment, especially knowing that the old model of working long hours and staying with a company for 30 years has gone the way of the Dodo.

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Just this week NPR began a series on this very subject exploring the ins and outs of more flexible schedules and looking at businesses that are allowing their employees more telecommuting options.  According to the article Phyllis Moen, a University of Minnesota sociologist, thinks we may be in the middle of a ‘work time revolution’ as more employers are realizing the benefits of less rigidity when it comes to work schedules.

We thought we’d add to the discussion by collecting a few strategies that might help you balance your work and personal lives.  If you’ve been struggling to find some equilibrium in your life and work we hope you’ll find something here to help.

Figure Out Your Priorities

Take some time to figure out what really matters to you in life, and find ways to put more focus on those things.  Such an exercise often overwhelms people, but there are tons of aids and advice online for helping you do this and a Google search will provide you with plenty of options.  Here are two links you might find helpful:

Protect Your Personal Time

One of the issues contributing to the current problem of balancing life and work is the level of connectivity in today’s world.  With our smartphones, laptops, and netbooks we’re plugged in constantly.  We try not to let personal matters impinge on our working hours, and by the same token we need to keep our personal time free of work.  Stop checking email every 15 minutes.  Don’t take work-related calls or texts.  Learn to compartmentalize and enjoy your time.

Learn to Rely on Others

Work with your family, friends and/or partner to get things done.  You don’t have to do it all alone.  If you have children have your partner watch them while you take care of business, and be sure to do the same thing for him or her.

Plan Fun and Relaxation Time

Many people simply cannot function without a planner, calendar, or some type of organizational tool.  They’re great for helping you remember your next meeting, or that new deadline, but they can also be useful for blocking out some time for fun.  You Time.  Try reserving a couple of hours in the evening to read a book, play with the kids, or watch a movie.  It sure beats going over some mind numbingly dull report.

Manage Your Time Wisely

Planning for relaxation time is just a natural extension of time management done right.  Block out time for specific tasks and stick to your schedule whether it be work or household chores.  Split big jobs into smaller more manageable tasks.  Delegate if possible.

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Learn to Let Go

You can’t do it all.  Be willing to let some things go.  Leave the dirty dishes for once, and try not worrying about the laundry.  Sometimes projects at work come in overdue, sometimes you simply can’t take on one more bit of work.  Do your best and get on with life.

Get Plenty of Sleep

We’ve all heard this time and time again, but it’s true.  Getting an appropriate amount of sleep is essential to a healthy, well-balanced life.  Make adjustments to bed time if necessary, but make sure you’re getting the rest your body and mind need.

If you have any other strategies you’d like to share on balancing life and work feel free to post them in the comments section!

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10 Mind Blowing Infographic Resumes

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

With unemployment at nearly 10%, you need to do everything you can to stand out in a crowd.

Question is, how far should you (and are you willing) to go? One such suggestion we have, if you are artistically inclined, is to create an infographic based resume format.

Recruiters, hiring managers and the like need to plow through a pile of resumes that all have the same basic information, so why not kick things up a notch and wow them with some incredible visuals?  That’s exactly what the following brave souls did.

It is important to note that:

  1. You should know what you are doing graphically or have someone help you that knows what they are doing.  Go first class all the way.
  2. Consider the audience – a creative director position is probably a better fit for an infographic resume than a Vice President of a Bank
  3. Consider the type of company – this tip is a bit of a toss up but it stands to reason that a start up may be a better fit than a fortune 500 for this type of resume.
  4. If a hiring manager is using a program to scan for keywords in your resume and your infographic is completely image based, you may be tossed even before the visual effects could get you over the top.

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The black background makes this one really stand out, even among other infographic resumes! The downside on here would be a poor looking printout on a black and white printer:

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Jordan’s got a unique perspective, putting his experience out on a map of the United States.  A potential downside here is that volunteer and short-term experience appears to have equal weight as longer-term work experience:

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The multidimensional view of this one is incredible, almost as if its a fusion of computer circuitry and resume in one:

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How to be More Mindful at Work

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

Most days we can probably be found running around on autopilot.  Dragging ourselves out of bed, mindlessly making coffee for that first hint of life in the morning then scarfing some breakfast all while worrying, planning and scheming about our day ahead. When was the last time you had a morning cup of coffee you really enjoyed? What about work? Whether you love your job or hate it, how often are you really aware of what you’re doing?

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It could be said that we spend much of our time in a state of mindlessness.  That is not to say we’re not thinking or using our brains as we go about our daily tasks; more that we are not truly experiencing our lives as they unfold.  Our minds are constantly running through past mistakes and future scenarios which might not even come to pass.  How much time does that leave for the present?

One way we can improve our experience is to practice mindfulness, which is often associated with Eastern philosophy and meditation.  But mindfulness is not some esoteric spiritual practice as much as it is, or can be, a way of life.  One simple definition of mindfulness is simply paying attention on purpose.  It is being fully aware of the present moment without judgment.  It’s about opening up as completely as possible to your present experience as it happens minus the constant and automatic flow of judgments and proclamations of worth.

How does this apply to work you ask? By paying full attention to what we are doing in the present moment we can bring our full talent to bear on the situation or task.  Mindfulness can help us to enjoy the process itself and stop worrying about only the end result.  All too often we begin a task only to rush through it to get it done, to get on to the next task, as if what we are doing at any given moment isn’t really worth our time and full attention.  It is at times like these that we would do well to remind ourselves that we only have our present moments.  All of those future scenarios we worry about on a daily basis are simply present moments that haven’t happened yet, and those past memories that constantly worm their way into our minds as we go about our days are present moments that are long gone.  We actually live in present moments; it is only the habit of our minds to attempt to be somewhere else.  Or, as is common in today’s high speed culture, many places at once.

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There is a case to be made for avoiding attempts to do too many things at once.  Studies have shown that single tasking, rather than multitasking can actually prove more effective.

Mindfulness can help bring our awareness to what is really happening in our lives, and our work.  When we can see clearly what is before us, we are better equipped to deal with whatever arises.  We don’t have to fly off the handle at our boss or a coworker; we don’t have to succumb to an anxiety attack at the seemingly impossible tasks given to us. If we can plainly, and mindfully see what it is we experience as we experience it, then we can determine our best course of action.

The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, whether at work or not, stop.  Try to see the situation without automatically characterizing it as bad or good and just notice.  Notice how you automatically react, how you might tense up and get upset.  Try just noticing, and not just reacting.  You may find your stress levels going down, and your appreciation of the moment increasing.  That just might help carry you right into the next moment, and one after that.

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The Vicious Education / Unemployment Cycle: It is Escapable

Monday, March 15th, 2010

“I can’t get a job because I need an education. I can’t get an education because I need a job”

This is one of the most common conundrums murmured by the unemployed as well as those who are employed in a lower level job. It’s the feeling of being trapped in the position you’re in and being unable to get out because you don’t have the means to do so. However, you may be happy to know there is a way out that won’t require years of your time or a huge investment.

I Can’t Get a Job Because I Need an Education

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No one knows the value of a high school diploma like someone who didn’t finish. They often find themselves stuck to minimum wage, hard labor jobs simply because they don’t have the education or skills to get anything else. But they’re not the only ones who experience this problem.

Whether you’re a professional, working in a large corporation, or a small business, education still comes into play. You might get passed over for promotion because someone has a more degrees than you, fail to get the job you really wanted because you don’t have the right education, or find your business loses a number of contracts because someone else has attended more schools than you. And while we know there’s always someone better than us at something, there always seems to be someone better when we really want and need the job!

I Can’t Get an Education Because I Need a Job

In many instances, it’s not that we don’t want to improve our education and get ahead, but lots of times, we just can’t afford it. And that kind of an investment only gets bigger the higher you go up the scale. Not to mention the time investment! It’s pretty tough to go back to school for a degree when you’re working full-time and have family obligations.

For some, it isn’t a matter of affording the education. It’s figuring out what kind of education to go for. Which degree will really benefit us and get us the most ‘bang for out buck’ in the industry? Is this really what we want to do? That’s a lot of pressure!

How To Get Out Of the Circle

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While the root of the problem appears to be a lack of education, it isn’t (unless you’re a high school dropout applying to be a brain surgeon). It’s how you’re presenting yourself to others. Often times, when going into these types of situations, we know we’re going up against some pretty stiff competition, and no matter how hard we try to hide it, it shows. The employer or client senses this on some level, and it ultimately taints their decisions.

Think of yourself like a business with a comprehensive marketing plan. Your resume is a brochure for you, so be sure it reflects you adequately including the presentation. You are the product, so show confidence in yourself and your skills. Don’t be afraid to state your opinions and show how you can really be an asset to the company.

Think of it this way: You’ve got something your worthy opponent doesn’t. You!

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10 Habits That Might Get You Fired

Friday, March 12th, 2010

This being Friday and all we thought we’d end the week on a funny note while providing you with some pointers on losing your job.  After all there’s no shortage of advice on workplace success; a quick Google search will get you tons of information.  But what if that’s not what you’re interested in? Forget the promotions and the raises, you’re done with all that.  What you want is out!  Well, this article is for you; if you’re looking to get canned then read on as we present 10 ways to rid yourself of that pesky job of yours and embark on a new journey.  The exciting field of unemployment.

  1. Name calling:  While on the phone—this should be often—and your boss comes by to see you, say that you have to go because the jerk just walked up.  This can be very endearing and will likely win you a special place in their heart.
  2. Inappropriate pranks:  Hankering for a fresh grilled burger or dog during the week? Go ahead and throw an office barbeque. Inside the office. That charcoal grill scent might just liven up the atmosphere around an otherwise dead office setting.

  3. Social media ignorance:  Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to post incriminating or inappropriate things on Twitter or Facebook. Nobody ever looks at that stuff anyway.
  4. Unchecked honesty:  Remove the mental filter most of us are born with and start talking.  Bosses and supervisors love to hear that they couldn’t manage their way out of a pile of newborn kittens, or that they have the personality of gravel dust.  Say it like you mean it too.
  5. Unwise Internet usage:  There are some who feel this is should be avoided, but in many places surfing for adult content at work is perfectly acceptable way to spend your workday.
  6. Casual punctuality:  Arrive and leave work on a whim; no one will question you on what really should be considered a basic worker’s right.
  7. Office imbibing:  When the bartender asks if you’ve decided on that third lunch martini you say, ‘Hit me!’ It is widely known that alcohol can make the rockiest of office settings as smooth as silk.
  8. Inordinate chattiness:  Closely related to #3 and #5 above, chat room usage while on the clock can aid in developing social interaction skills highly prized in any work environment.
  9. Bringing napping supplies:  Setting up primo napping space at work can go a long way toward improving your productivity.  Think about it, after a big one hour lunch there’s nothing better than a good 30 minute power nap to help you get through the rest of the day.
  10. Running commentaries:  Whether live during a meeting or through lengthy company-wide emails, making known your opinions on company policies, or management decisions is a sure fire way way to win the hearts and minds of your boss and coworkers.

Sources

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Infographic: The 30 Best Jobs in America

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Yes, the economy is tight.  And yes, the unemployment rate is still hovering around 10%.  You have no doubt heard that you’re not to worry because there are still jobs out there, but let’s be honest—some of those jobs have to stink.  Fear not, loyal reader—we bring you 37 of the best jobs in America!

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And just look at some of our latest chumbonus.com jobs:

There’s 7 or 8 Sales Director positions—#10 on the list of best jobs by the way— listed right there on our front page, not to mention a juicy VP of Business Development posting which pays a $2500 referral bonus!  Recommend your friend for a job and if he or she gets hired you could pocket some coin for yourself or your favorite charity!

Take some time to look over the infographic above—notice the numbers in parentheses?  Those are the total number of positions of that type available in the U.S. so this should show you some promise for your career.  See something you like? Find out what it would take to get you there.  Maybe you need some new training, maybe you just need to update your skill set, or maybe you need a brand new career.  Regardless, the jobs are out there.  Go get one.

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Staying Positive During a Job Search

Monday, March 8th, 2010

A job search, especially when your stint of unemployment stretches from weeks into months, can be a hard thing to bear.  But it’s important to try to stay positive during your search.  There are several things you can do to help yourself.  You’ll find no shortage of great articles on the subject and they all have some excellent suggestions.

One thing they usually have in common is the advice to take care of yourself.  Unemployment, for any reason, can be a major hit to your self-confidence and the seeming hopelessness of your situation can be easy to succumb to.  This inspiring blog post serves up several good points.  One of them being that all too often we judge ourselves and our sense of worth by what we do for a living, and when that rug is pulled out from under us it can often leave us feeling less than useless.  But you are not your paycheck.  You are not your title.

Be gentle with yourself.  You can use this time, not only for finding other and better work, but to take some time for you.  Recharge your batteries.  Do some things that you enjoy, something that  makes you happy.  Get caught up on projects you’ve been meaning to do for the house.  Spend more time with your friends and family.  Try to gain some new perspective on your life and maybe reevaluate your goals.  Read.

There are many things you can do to ease the burn of unemployment, but giving in to despair is not one of them.  Share with us your advice for staying positive during your job search.

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