About Career Blog

First Week Faux Pas

How exciting! It's your first day on the job and you’re ready to take on the world. Well, hold on there, dude. Believe it or not, you literally have just seconds (or if you are lucky, a few minutes) to convince the entire office that you are a terrific addition. Yes, even before your first cup of coffee, you’ll be the object of lots of office gossip about your wardrobe, confidence, education, economic and relationship status. Even if you do everything right that first day, the rest of that first week you’ll be sized up by colleagues and managers as they try to figure out whether you are a great hire… or not.

Don’t dismiss those first few days believing you'll be given a break because you’re “the new guy.” People aren’t that nice. Instead, be on top of your game because there are a few things that can sour the early impressions people have of you.

Don’t be late. If you show up late to work, you’re doomed. Being on time is a basic expectation that should not be taken lightly. To be safe, do a test run to work and allow extra time for emergencies. Better yet, plan to arrive a few minutes early.
Don’t dress inappropriately. Choosing your work wardrobe– especially during the first week – can be challenging if you're not familiar with the company’s culture. No matter what, stay away from visible tattoos and piercings, unusual hair styles or colors, and any clothing that is too tight, short, baggy, wrinkled or low-cut. Ideally, take a look at an employee manual prior to your first day or contact human resources for guidance.
Don’t forget names. People admire people who remember and use their names. So, try hard to remember the folks you're introduced to during your first week. Associate a person's name with someone or something you know to help jog your memory.
Don’t cuss. You may be comfortably fowl-mouthed with friends or family, but in the workplace such language is considered offensive. Instead, choose your words carefully and avoid phrases like "that sucks" or "that bites." They’re simply unprofessional.
Don’t over-use your cell phone. The hard truth is this: cell phones can become a nuisance in an office setting. If you must use your cell phone, do it privately and quickly. And, if you must bring your cell phone to meetings, be sure to explain why you must have it with you, and put it on vibrate.
Don’t disregard orientation. Training and orientation can be dull – or overwhelming. Don’t create the perception that you are not engaged in your new responsibilities. Instead, ask questions that can give you an advantage during your first few weeks on the job.

So, make an effort to present yourself as favorably as possible right out of the gate. If your co-workers have a good first impression, it will have a positive affect on how they view you in the months and years to come. Remember, you will be sized up every day by everyone you meet. No pressure though. Just be the best you can be. Good luck!

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Posted by Seymour Jobs on 10/26/2009 10:51:00 AM
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How to Cope when a Co-Worker is Laid Off

When your best water cooler buddy gets laid off, it can be really upsetting. The rumors start flying and then the grapevine confirms that, yes, a close co-worker has been laid off. You suddenly find yourself coping with an uncomfortable situation. On the one hand, you must provide support for your friend. On the other hand, you begin to wonder about the security of your own job.

First of all, when a layoff is announced and you see a friend quietly packing his desk, don't hide behind your cubicle wall. The worst thing to do is nothing at all. React as quickly as you can or else you'll look like an insensitive jerk. Offer your co-worker a sympathetic ear, but whatever you do, don’t say things like "I'll probably be next" or "You're better off anyway...you’re getting off a sinking ship." These comments are negative and not helpful. More importantly, do not encourage defeatist or vengeful behavior. The best thing you can do is be honest. Simply saying, "I just heard the news and I don't know what to say" and listening while they vent is support enough.

But what about you? Sure, you still have your job but things won’t be the same. In fact, you, too, may become discouraged. You may even start to wonder when the next shoe will drop and if you'll be next. Very often the overall work environment changes too. Without your best office pal, it’s just not as fun as it used to be. So, what should you do?

First, you both need to change your mindset. Remember, your destiny is ultimately in your own hands. Whether you’re still employed or not, you should consider alternative ways to earn extra income. Freelance jobs are a great way to earn extra cash and gain greater financial freedom. The point is – always have your hand in another cookie jar. This helps soften the blow of being laid off. If you have a few jobs on the side and some extra income coming in, if you are suddenly laid off you’ll be less freaked out about how to make ends meet. And, in the end, you may be able to continue with your side projects, but at a full-time pace instead.

Another way to become empowered is to further educate yourself – even if you’re completely comfortable in your current job. If you continually and proactively sharpen your skills and expand them, you will be less likely to lose your job because you’ll be a more valuable employee. Not only that, if you do happen to get laid off, you will be considered more desirable if you can demonstrate you are up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technology.

Ultimately, you and your friend can turn the devastation of a lay off into a positive thing for both of you. Don’t let fear get the best of you. Rather, let it inspire you. Take classes. Volunteer in a completely different industry. Immerse yourself into an alternative job you wouldn’t ordinarily consider. Remember, a layoff isn’t the end of the world. It’s the start of a new one. Good luck!

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Posted by Seymour Jobs on 7/31/2009 09:28:00 AM
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Use Your Resources Wisely

One of the hardest transitions you may come across in your place of work is transitioning from a position in sales to a managerial job. This change is usually a bit unnerving at first, as you may feel like you are not meeting your now lower-ranking employees' expectations.

When making any transition, keep in mind that there will be mistakes made. Nobody is perfect and you just have to keep working hard to make sure that any problems that you do have are met with a solution, as well as a preventative measure for the future.

It is also key to talk to others in similar positions. Anyone who has worked within the company and taken the same steps up the corporate ladder should be able to help you out in guiding you along the right path. Don't be afraid to ask questions, as they can only lead to your benefit and ultimately, your successes.

The job market is scary enough as it is, so ensure your future at your company by being a go-getter and making a step upward as smooth as possible. Good luck!

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Posted by Amanda on 6/04/2009 07:54:00 PM
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Desk Drama

I write this from a cubicle. Granted, I don't get paid to sit at this one, but I feel like I can still speak from experience when I say that being approximately five feet away from your neighbor is rough stuff.

Think of the movie "Office Space," where the main character Peter struggles through day after mundane day listening to his cubicle neighbor Milton mumble and ramble and listen to outdated music. Space is important when working in any environment and the key to keeping your sanity is R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

You and your surrounding neighbors should try to establish a set of ground rules, if there aren't ones already provided by your company or if they are not concrete enough to keep you happy. Some simple suggestions include limiting lunch options [because, who wants to smell spicy curry all afternoon?] and keeping personal calls to a minimum.

It shouldn't be too difficult for you to establish a working relationship with those that surround you and keep everyone in good spirits. And when all else fails, take a hint from Milton and keep your red stapler handy. Good luck!

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Posted by Amanda on 2/05/2009 04:13:00 PM
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Corporate Stress Relief Or: How To Shoot Up Your Office and Get Away With It

Seymour told us that office culture can be a huge adjustment. It naturally follows that during such a great adjustment comes a commensurate amount of stress, and that stress must be relieved if you wish to go corporate without going crazy. I've found that a great way to relieve stress on the job is by devising games to play with the office staff, if they seem receptive to the idea. How to approach this? It's my humble opinion that the best way to create a healthy, stress-free work environment is by peeking over the edge of your cubicle, taking aim, and shooting a suitable target -- with a rubber band gun. 

You're probably familiar with the basic rubber band gun, and if you're not, here's a primer. Once you've gotten the technique down and you're sure that opening fire won't get you fired, steady your hand, look down the sights, and blow your worries into oblivion. Obviously, this sort of behavior won't fly in many situations, so exercise your best judgement when engaging in any sort of office horseplay. But if you're operating in the appropriate environment, your co-workers will join in, alliances will be forged, enemies will be defeated, and stress will be vanquished -- at least until your supervisor rounds the corner. 

Have fun, and don't shoot your eye out. 

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Posted by Brian on 1/31/2009 07:45:00 PM
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