Movin' On Up

The Express Employment Professionals Job Blog

Tough Conversations with Your Boss: Surviving the Uncomfortable
You agonize over it. You try to prepare for it. You put it off. And then you worry some more. Having conversations with your boss about sensitive subjects like admitting a mistake or requesting a raise is sometimes uncomfortable. And, gearing up for a difficult conversation can be a little bit like preparing for battle. It’s hard to know what you’ll face. See Dwight Schrute’s action packed effort to get ready to ask for a raise on The Office. But, tough conversations are an inevitable...
Thu, 07/15/2010 - 10:23

Getting to Know the C Suite – Advice for Dealing with Upper Management and Executives
When you think of working with upper management or executives in your company, does it make you feel slightly nervous or make your heart start to beat fast because they hold so much power over your career? When you get into the work world, there will be times when you have to interact with executives on projects. So, make the most of the opportunities to impress your company’s management with these tips. Be respectful of executives and their time.When it’s time for you to meet with the...
Mon, 07/12/2010 - 17:43

Saving Contacts for a Rainy Day?
Have you ever felt awkward calling someone you haven’t spoken to in months? The task can be especially daunting if you have to ask for a favor. Just the thought of it can cause your stomach to flutter with butterflies, your palms to sweat, and a large lump to grow in your throat. So you put off making the phone call or hope for the answering machine to pick it up. If you dislike the “sorry it’s been so long” phone call, the best way to avoid this is to maintain the quality relationships...
Fri, 07/09/2010 - 10:00

Is Your Morning Routine Hurting Your Career?
My mornings often begin the same way. Timed to Rossini’s William Tell Overture No. 3, I slowly wake to the sun peeking through the window. I sleepily blink my eyes several times to adjust to the light. I yawn. I stretch. I waste at least three minutes contemplating going back to sleep for five more minutes, when I wisely decide to consult my clock. And to my shock and surprise, I discover I’m late! Again! Everything after that is a frantic blur. Rushed and stressed, I get ready in a fury....
Wed, 07/07/2010 - 18:05

Dreaded Friend Requests: Who You Don’t Want to Befriend Online
With the growing popularity of social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, it’s not uncommon for friends to send you a friend request or follow your tweets. It’s OK to have be friends with your co-workers, but allowing co-workers to see your online social networking sites should be approached with caution – especially when dealing with Facebook, because it began as a site mostly for social purposes. Some employees don’t have a problem with co-workers being able to see their personal...
Tue, 07/06/2010 - 18:39

How to Excel on a Phone Interview
Have you ever had a phone interview? Every interview can be a little nerve wracking, but a phone interview can be particularly terrifying. Like calling a crush for the first time, it can put your stomach in knots. If you’re nervous about this type of interview, don’t panic. The following tips will give you a head start on how to be a success. Be prepared. The first thing to remember is you have to treat phone interviews like you would face-to-face interviews. Be sure to research the company...
Tue, 07/06/2010 - 00:36

The iPhone Versus Workplace Etiquette: Take the Poll
Smart phones are once again the talk at the water cooler as co-workers chat up the recently-launched iPhone 4's features (and bugs) and compare notes on the latest in smart phone technology – from Android to Blackberry to iPhone and beyond. According to a recent ComScore study, over 45 million people in the U.S. own smart phones, the largest-growing segment of the 234 million-strong U.S. mobile phone market. Now that mobile phone technology has advanced to the stage that people are carrying...
Wed, 06/30/2010 - 12:36

Surprising Facts About Workplace Friendships
When you’re in the workforce, a large part of your day – and your week – is spent on the job. And having friends in the workplace can help make your workday more enjoyable. When you have friends in the workplace, it gives you somebody to talk to, brainstorm ideas with, and generally helps improve your overall productivity. According to a survey in Business Wire, 70 percent of all individuals surveyed said friendships create a more supportive and friendly environment to work in, while 56...
Mon, 06/28/2010 - 18:21

Things Your Mom Didn’t Tell You About the Work World
Think back to when you were in elementary school and got jitters on the first day back from summer vacation. Maybe it was your mom or another loved one who helped calm your nerves. They probably gave you advice like, “Don’t worry, just be yourself and everyone’s going to love you.” Now, fast forward to today and your working career. Does that advice still apply? To help you gain some perspective and clarity during those times when you need it, here is some advice your mom didn’t tell...
Fri, 06/25/2010 - 16:09

Your Job Search Elevator Pitch - Communicate Your Value in these 7 Easy Steps
Imagine you’ve walked into a networking event only to meet a potential employer you’ve been dying to snag an interview with. This is your chance. You need to make a good impression, and quickly. But you’re not sure what to say. Wouldn’t it be great if you already had a short, targeted message ready to grab interest of your potential employer before he walks out the doors, taking your opportunity with him? What you need in these situations is a job search elevator speech, and not just...
Wed, 06/23/2010 - 14:24