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Is Your Job Busier During the Holidays?

SavvySugar — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0800

Now that Thanksgiving is almost here, it’s official - the holidays have begun. Whether you plan to take advantage of Black Friday deals and start your shopping now or you tend to wait until the last minute, your post-work schedule is bound to ramp up for the next several weeks.

But, what about your work life? Some industries - retail, for one! - get exponentially busier during the holidays, while others tend to slow down until after the New Year. Which category does your job fall into?

Tough Feedback to Swallow? Try a Compliment Sandwich

SavvySugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:00:06 -0800

Whether you manage a team of people or work solo, chances are you’ll have to give feedback at some point in your career. And when that feedback is less than positive, things can get awkward fast. Next time you find yourself in the position of giving someone else - an employee, co-worker, customer, or even just a friend - the cold, hard truth, try serving up a compliment sandwich instead. To see how, read more.

Start positive. No one responds well to criticism when it’s the first thing they hear. Butter up your subject with at least two pieces of positive feedback first (the more the better, if you’ve got it). The catch: it must be honest, and it must be substantial (i.e., “Way to put one foot in front of the other this morning!” doesn’t count).
Ease into the negative stuff. Now that your feedback recipient has had a little ego boost and is no longer on the defensive, it’s time to get to the issue you want to address. Remember, it’s called constructive criticism for a reason - keep it positive and productive. To make sure your comments are as well-received as possible, try to limit it to one piece of negative feedback at a time.
Finish strong. Once you’ve gotten the unpleasantness out of the way, don’t just let the recipient walk away. Circle back to at least one more positive piece of feedback to end your conversation on a high note.

Source: Flickr User Ingorrr

How-To: Step Up Your Game at Work

SavvySugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:09 -0800

Spinning your wheels at the office might earn you a paycheck, but it's unlikely to put you in line for a raise or give you much satisfaction. Fulfilling your responsibilities is good; trying harder can make you great. Step up your work game by putting in more effort in subtle ways that may just get you noticed.

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Grind Tip: Catch Up on Tracking Your Accomplishments

SavvySugar — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:30:55 -0800

The majority has spoken, and 87 percent of you plan on looking for new jobs when the economy takes a turn for the better. Be prepared for a stronger job market by taking stock of your accomplishments now.

Keeping an up-to-date resume is the best way to stay on your toes during any job market. Besides making sure your resume is current, you should keep detailed notes of specific projects you worked on, your individual contributions, instances when your problem-solving, leadership, or intuitive skills shined, etc. Your resume will quantify your accomplishments, but you'll need to discuss them in detail with a potential employer and this exercise will save you from having to rely on distant office memories.

Ask Savvy: How Should I Critique My Co-Worker?

SavvySugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:00:38 -0800

Dear Savvy,

Today, my manager called me asking me to write up a report about a fellow co-worker. I had mentioned that she was having some difficulties adjusting to the workplace, that she was rude to us, and where she was getting better but that she still often isn't on task. I told her that I would, but I just sat down to write it and have no idea what to say, how to say it, etc. Any suggestions?

Savvy says: Your manager is essentially asking you to put your spoken criticism in writing. See my thoughts on this situation when you read more.

Your manager is taking your co-worker concerns seriously which means they need to be added to her employee file. It's not a test for you; it's simply your manager's job to make sure that all complaints are recorded appropriately, and it's more legitimate to have the report coming from the person that has witnessed reportable behavior.

You obviously had enough to say about the situation when you originally presented the complaints, so just expand on what you've already told the manager. You say that she's having difficulties adjusting to the workplace, so you should state that along with a deeper explanation of why you feel that way. Each judgment should be paired with a real-office observation to illustrate what's going on with your co-worker - this will keep your report sounding professional.

You don't need to go off on tangents about the co-worker, just write enough to get your point across. Also keep in mind that you don't have to include every little imperfection you've seen in the individual. It's better to focus on the big things (like the fact that she's often off-task) rather than her habit of taking an extra five minutes at lunch (or something equally minimal).

Have a question for me? Ask away by posting your questions in my Ask Savvy group and I may answer it on the site!

Does Your Occupation Fit Your Personality?

SavvySugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:45:04 -0800

Chances are you’ve taken a personality test at some point in your life - a Myers-Briggs for fun, a Caliper or other employment test for a new job - but have you ever thought about how the results might impact your career choices?

Nancy Ancowitz, author of Self-Promotion For Introverts, recently wrote an article in the New York Times about how her introverted personality affected her career path. Ancowitz had always assumed her need to work alone and her aversion to large meetings were character flaws. But once she realized they were just aspects of her personality, she was able to make them work to her advantage and find a career that better suited her.

I definitely consider myself an introvert. I love being around people and I can turn on my social side when I need to, but I really do my best work and feel the most recharged when I’m alone. My job, happily, strikes the perfect balance for me. How about you? Does your role at work mesh with your personality? If you’re curious as to what your personality type is, check out this simplified Myers-Briggs test.

Photo courtesy of NBC

Your Two Cents: How Often Do You Feel Nervous at Work?

SavvySugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:28 -0800

A good friend recently admitted she gets nervous and clammy whenever her boss schedules a meeting with her, which is quite often. She's never been given a bad review or stern talking to, but there's something about being called into a one-on-one that makes her panic.

When I asked her why she couldn't explain her fears, except that, like most SavvySugar readers, the recession and layoffs at her company have left her particularly uneasy and chipped away at her confidence. Do you ever get shaking on the job or you stay steady and self-assured?

Ask Savvy: My Interview With a Plastic Surgeon Ended Abruptly

SavvySugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:00:32 -0800

Dear Savvy,

I applied for a receptionist job at a plastic surgeon's office (I have experience in this field). Yesterday, I was called back and interviewed on the phone for about 15 or 20 minutes with the office manager. She asked if I'd come in to be interviewed by the doctor. I went in this morning for my interview. I met and spoke with the doctor for a while before he called the office manager and other receptionist to come and speak to me.

It seemed to be going well until the doctor came in and asked to speak to the office manager. I could hear them in the hallway saying something about "she's here early." They came back in and said, "I'm sorry, but I have to cut this interview short. We'll get back to you (or we'll be in touch, I can't remember verbatim)." So, I went and got my coat from the closet. As I was walking out, the doctor and office manager were greeting what seemed to be an important patient - judging from her Chanel jacket. The receptionist was even rushing coffee over to her.

Now, I'm confused. The interview seemed to be going well and I'd understand if something came up, but it seemed very odd and that I was being abruptly shuttled out. I'm not sure if it was just the circumstances or if I was being brushed off. If it was a brush off, it was a very unprofessional way to go about it. I'm disappointed because I felt a good vibe coming in and they were initially very nice. I just wrote and sent out a thank you note, I guess it's all I can do. Any insight into the situation?

To see my answer, read more.

Savvy says: Now I'm dying to know the identity of the woman in the Chanel jacket! Kidding, kidding. But important client or not, the interviewers handled the situation unprofessionally. How could you not leave asking yourself, "What just happened?" Your seemingly positive interview was cut off without explanation except for the small pieces you could put together, and it's just enough to leave you both frustrated and confused.

From your description of the way events played out, it doesn't seem like you were simply brushed off, but I can't say for sure. I think you did the right thing by sending them a note right away, and hopefully you included something along the lines of, "I really enjoyed speaking with you and our interview was unfortunately cut short; if there's anything else you'd like to know about me please feel free to ask." You've left the door open, and now it's in the employer's hands to knock again.

Have a question for me? Ask away by posting your questions in my Ask Savvy group.

Should Hooters Waitresses Have to Pay For Their Own Uniforms?

SavvySugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Hooters is one of the rare establishments where the workers' uniforms are more famous than the food. In some states, employees are required to cover the bill for their orange outfits, but New York isn't one of those places. That's why two New York women are suing Hooters for forcing them to buy their own work wardrobes.

Gina Rosati and Amy Frederick say Hooters required them to buy the getup, and their lawyer says it's against state law to make employees purchase anything other than street clothes. The total for each uniform is $19.45, broken down below. What do you think; should the ladies be responsible for the job-related expenses?

$5.45 for orange hot pants
$6 for the Hooters embellished tank top
$3.25 for a pouch
$2.50 for "suntan" pantyhose
$2.25 for thick white socks

8 Successful Companies That Are Still Hiring

SavvySugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:45:36 -0700

Personal experience and news reports might tell us that nobody is hiring right now, but Fortune says to think again. The magazine recently released its 40 Under 40 - a list of the hottest rising stars in business - and many of them are looking to expand their teams. To see who these entrepreneurs are and what they’re looking for, read more.