U.S. Army Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator

U.S. Army Multichannel Transmission Systems OperatorU.S. Army Multichannel Transmission Systems OperatorA U.S. Army Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer works directly on communication devices and equipment that communicate through more than one channel. They are responsible for installation, repair, operation, and maintenance check of these devices, antennae and associated equipment, according to the U.S. Army. Jobs Duties Duties performed by Soldiers in this Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) include Installs, operates, and performs unit level maintenance on multichannel line-of-site and tropospheric scatter communications systems, antennas, and associated equipment.Analyzes BIT/BITE diagnostics to isolate faults to the Line Replaceable Unit.Installs, operates, performs strapping, restrapping, preventive maintenance checks and services, and unit level maintenance on communication security devices.Operates and performs Preventive Maintenance Checks and Servic es on assigned vehicles. Installs, operates, and performs preventive maintenance checks and services on assigned power generators. Supervises operations and assists team members in the installation and operation of multichannel line-of-site and tropospheric scatter communications systems.Supervises, performs and assists team members in the performance of unit level maintenance on assigned communications equipment.Requests logistical support.Prepares eingabe for statistical and other operational reports. Training Information Job training for a multichannel transmission systems operator-maintainer requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 15 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and in the field. Some of the skills youll learn are Operating multi-channel transmission equipment and diagnostic equipment.Performing maintenance on associated transmission vehicles.As your career continues, you will take more classes and training. Helpful Skills Having already mastered the following skills will be seen as an advantage Ability to apply electronic principles and concepts.Enjoys working on electronics and fiber optics.Good at problem-solving.Interest in working with radios and transmissions. Requirements ASVAB Score Required 98 in aptitude area EL and 98 in aptitude area SCSecurity Clearance SecretStrength Requirement heavyPhysical Profile Requirement 111221 Other Requirements Normal color vision required.Must be a U.S. Citizen.Ability to read, comprehend, and clearly enunciate English.Ability to work for extended periods in a confined area. Similar Civilian Occupations Radio Mechanics.Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers.First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers. Compensation Educational Benefits Compensation for this MOS includes housing, medical, food, special pay, as well as paid vacation. In the U.S. Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Army PaYS Program Those interested in this job may be eligible for civilian employment, after the Army, by enrolling in the Army PaYS program, which is a recruitment vorkaufsrecht that guarantees a job interview with military friendly employers. These company executives are looking for experience and trained Veterans to join their organizations.

Your Resume Shouldnt Play Games

Your Resume Shouldnt Play GamesYour Resume Shouldnt Play GamesWhy unconventional resumes drive hiring managers and recruiters nuts.Steve Silberberg is into a lot of things certified Wilderness First Responder published in scientific journals and, according to his database-driven, configurable, searchable online resume, maintains a collection of over 2,100 air sickness bags.Everybody hates this resume. Only about five hiring managers over the years have refrained from requesting a standard Word resume, even though I wrote an RTF generator that allows you to create one right from the site, Silberberg said.We talked to resume professionals about precisely what is so unacceptable about an unconventional resume such as Silberbergs.Their rogues gallery of goofy resumes was astonishing scented parchment, anyone? But before you dismiss these warnings as irrelevant to your own, tamer resume, read on. Resume tricks employers reject can be as subtle as tinkering with your text size. Recruiters, resume pros and hiring managers pretty much loathe them all.They dont want to work to figure you outKevin Labick is the CEO of Empathy Lab, an e-commerce and broadband solutions provider. For Labick, as a hiring manager, Silberbergs online resume doesnt work for two reasons, neither of which is aesthetics.First, the resume has poor usability It simply made Labick work too hard. In fact, he wouldnt have bothered to click on the resume link had we notlagelage asked him to do us the favor. Silberberg has chopped up various aspects of his CV into so many niches, it becomes overwhelming, Labick said.Silberberg doesnt know which of his given skills an employer might be interested in, so he made his resume configurable and searchable. Hes making employers search to find what they need, and thats an easy way to get your resume rejected, hiring professionals said.Second, Silberbergs unconventional approach breaks the hiring managers process. Instead of the typical PDF or Word document, this is a site you have to go through, Labick said. Just to access it and look at it, they have to put some energy into it. Many people will just dismiss it out of hand. Theyll say, I dont have time to go to a URL. The old hide-the-work-gap trickThe most common trick seen by Bruce Hurwitz, president and CEO of Hurwitz Strategic Staffing Ltd., is when job seekers try to cover up work-history gaps by omitting years of employment or by submitting a functional resume that leaves out a chronological job list.It never works, Hurwitz said, because someone always asks about the timeline.Tricks dont make up for lack of experienceTerry Hanrahan, the owner of TD3 Products LLC, recalled looking for a a lower-level software/firmware programmer. One resume that stood out was printed on thick, beige, textured parchment with brown ink, three pages long and sent in a 9-by-12-inch envelope instead of being folded. Hanrahans staff noticed that one stack of resumes had a particular odor. The parchment was the culprit. Im not sure what cologne or perfume was used, but it did get our attention - though not in a positive way, he said.Still, smelly-resume guy seemed to have the requisite experience and keywords, so TD3 brought him in for an interview. During the interview, they realized he must have used a resume service but not studied his own document, since the candidate had almost no working knowledge of any of the buzzwords on his resume and likely someone else had composed most of it for him, Hanrahan said. He perhaps knew that his meager qualifications would not warrant any further attention without some sort of trick.Since then, Hanrahan has been wary of any resumes that arent on plain white copy paper, with black ink, non-scented, he said.Hiring managers are on to the big-fonts trickSome job seekers who dont have much to say try to mask it with fonts, according to Hurwitz. They use a 14- or 16-point font, he said, a trick that only highlights the lack of content on the page and the inability of the candidate to market herself.If you really, really have to be unconventionalHiring managers want something clear, concise and compelling. But if you insist on ditching the conventional, bear this in mind Youd better make it spectacular. Its got to be great, Labick said. Its got to be easy to process. Youve increased the hurdle for yourself by going outside the norm. It better hit your target.

Post-Merger, HR VPs Network Pays Off

Post-Merger, HR VPs Network Pays OffPost-Merger, HR VPs Network Pays OffRick Joers knew his HR role at JP Morgan might disappear when he finished helping the company acquire Bear Stearns. When the ax fell, Joers had to find new networks in a shrinking industry.From the time Rick Joers got the news that his employer, JP Morgan, would be acquiring Bear Stearns, he sensed that he might be working toward eliminating his own job. At the same time, he welches too busy helping to merge the two companies to do any serious work on his resume or start a job search.Joers, a vice president of human resources at JP Morgan for the past eight years, started working toward a layoff on a Sunday afternoon last year. My anfhrer called me in on Sunday, March 16. I worked until 1 a.m. that day on the acquisition. It welches the start of a six-month project. I knew even then that therbeie was a chance I might not have a job when the merger was complete. But we were working long hours there was a lot to do . I didnt have time to do my work and search for another job.Indeed, he got word by June that he would be losing his job, and on Sept. 15, he left JP Morgan. Compounding his concern about looking for a job was the fact that, at the age of 58, he had not done a job search in a very long time. Id always had headhunters calling me or someone from my network calling me about jobs, he said. I hadnt had to actively search before. So, I had to start from scratch.Joers said the outplacement firm he worked with put a lot of emphasis on networking, which, in a more sane economy, made sense, he said. But I was worried, in this market, networking would take too long. The financial-services market was quickly consolidating. The people I was talking to were also losing their jobs. I knew I couldnt just use my professional network.So, he said, he thought about different ways to attack the market and determine what he could offer employers. At the same time, he decided to open up his search to Nort hern California as well as New York.I did a lot of work in mergers and acquisitions and global organizations. I had some expertise in employee relations, he said. So I started looking at companies other than financial services that could use those strengths. And, last fall, my partner was working for a company based out of Sonoma. So my strategy was to target my search in Silicon Valley, because one of my major projects had been supporting global technology.New networking channelsHe didnt have any professional contacts in the San Francisco Bay area, but he did have a network on LinkedIn that he tapped The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender group on LinkedIn had many members who were professionals in the technology field. He was surprised at how many people were willing to talk to him. People were very responsive and helpful, he said. I met a lot of people through LinkedIn and talked to them about moving into technology.At the same time, Joers became an HRLadder member, hoping to fi nd job listings in the Bay area. I set alerts for Northern California and New York City, and targeted my search in those two locations, he said. Youve got to have a lot of quivers and a lot of arrows to hand.He went to San Francisco in late October to meet with several people he had met on LinkedIn. And, while people were eager to talk to him, he realized the Northern California market (and the technology field specifically) was going to be a tough nut to crack. I was trying to sell myself as someone with a unique skill set, but right now, if you didnt have direct experience with a technology company, most companies didnt want to talk. The job market in California had slowed to a crawl in November, and his partner realized he wouldnt be able to transfer there, so Joers decided to steer his focus back to New York.And back to financial services.While on Sept. 15, I thought there was no way I could find another job at a financial institution, it was beginning to seem like that would be the best place for me, Joers said. Those were the people that were most receptive to my resume.Traditional networking channelsIn the end, his network came through for him. A recruiter placed an ad on Ladders for a position at the Royal Bank of Scotland. I contacted the recruiter, and they called me the next day, he said. I went on LinkedIn, and a woman who had done consulting for JP Morgan when I was there was now working at RBS. I emailed her that I was applying for a position at her company she wrote to tell me that the position reports to her. Since she was the most influential decision maker, it was helpful to have someone who knew me.Several rounds of interviews beginning in November ended with a job offer in January. He is now technical partner at Royal Bank of Scotland, with oversight of employee relations. His new job, based in Stamford, Conn., requires him to commute over an hour each way, but hes happy to be working and to have found a job as quickly as he did.Looking bac k, hes glad he gave some other options a try, but in this economy, he is better off staying in something he knows. It would have been fun to take the plunge and go to San Francisco, he said. I had a six-month severance, but it was going to take more than six months for me to find something there. And I didnt want to tap into savings.And while his two-pronged strategy made sense, he said he learned to not underestimate himself or his skills, even in this tough economic market. I had the mistaken belief that there was no way to go back to a bank or financial-services firm because of what was happening in the market, he said. The power of your resume, especially if you have built a career in the market, should not be overlooked. My global experience was very helpful, and my employee-relations experience and MA experience. In the end, it worked for me.

Reduce Job Search Anxiety in 6 Steps

Reduce Job Search Anxiety in 6 StepsReduce Job Search Anxiety in 6 Steps16You need a job, but dont have one. You apply for jobs, but sometimes dont hear back from employers. The situation can leave you feeling icky and unsettled. So its natural that when youre under this type of duress that anxiety can start kicking in. Thing is, you dont have to give in to the pressure and instead can learn how to channel it elsewhere.If your hands are feeling a little clammy and youre feeling overwhelmed, learn how to reduce job search anxiety.Heres how to reduce job search anxiety in sixstepsStep 1. Maintain your perspective.When youre in the throes of a job search, it can feel like an eternity. And once frustration and anxiety rear their ugly heads, well, its easy to start feeling the stress.But its important to keep in mind thatyour job search wont last forever- even if it feels like it will. Eventually, you will find a job that puts some pep in your step and that makes you happy.So just try to hang in there and make the fruchtwein of your job searching time by finding some ways to make it interesting or fun.Step 2. Take a break.Youre taking your job search very seriously. Thats why you spend most of your workday looking for, you know, work.Thing is, its easy to burn out if you spendtoomuch time job hunting. Remember totake breaks throughout the day(its best to get up from your desk and score some physical exercise when you can), and set aside at least one day on the weekend (if leid both) where youre not scanning job listings or working on creating the ultimate job application.Depending on how long youve been job hunting, you might start to feel anxiety simply because youve been doing it too long. Set a timer if need be to remind yourself to take a break and take care of yourself.Step 3. Set goals and deadlines.A job search can feel infinite when theres no clear finish line. To give yourself something to work toward, why not try setting smaller, mora manageable goals alon g the way? After all, setting the goal of Find a flexible job can overwhelm anybody.But if you set this weeks goal to redesign your resume, and the next toupdate your cover letter, and the following one to work on your LinkedIn profile, suddenly the all-encompassing stress of finding a job seems much more doable.Step 4. Savor the success.Job search anxiety can set in when you only look ahead- and not backward. From time to time, stop to reflect on how far youve already come in your job search.It might be that youve had a fewsuccessful Skype interviewsunder your belt, or perhaps youve learnedhow to answer those troublesome interview questions that are designed to trip up any job seeker.So dont forget stop andsmell the roses once in a while and reward yourself for all the hard work youve already put in. It can give you some much-needed confidence that can help carry you through the rest of your job search- sans anxiety.Step 5. Decide what has to be done- and what doesnt.In an effort t o expedite your job search, youve tasked yourself with every imaginable to-do. But heres something to consider You might not have to do it all. Sure, there are many things that have to get done when youre job searching, but trying to do them all (and all at the same time) is an exercise in futility.A better option would be to determine how often something (say, updating your social media channels with breaking news industry info or constantly re-designing your cover letter) truly needs to be done. You might discover that youre actually overdoing it when it comes to your job search, and that you can take it a little easier on yourself.Step 6. Know when its serious.Sweating. Shaking. Chest pain. Intense fear. If youve ever suffered an anxiety attack, you know that its no joke. So if youre feeling that your anxiety is getting out of control, it might be time to talk to someone about it.Sure, you can practice coping mechanisms like deep breathing, switching up your scenery, talking to a friend or family member, or even learning ways to be more mindful. But if youve tried everything and your anxiety persists, it could be a good idea to speak to a professional about it. It might be that your job search is making your pre-existing anxiety worse.Theres no denying that a job search can be stressful. But dont let it get to the stage where youre feeling anxious every time you sit down to search. Try following some of the tips above to make it manageable and you might even be able to (gasp) enjoy your job search.Start Your Job SearchReaders, do you feel anxious when youre job searching? How have you found ways to deal with the stress? Let us know in the comments belowBeth Braccio Hering contributed to this post.

How to Become an IT Manager

How to Become an IT ManagerHow to Become an IT ManagerI am C-3PO, human-cyborg relations. If youve seen the original Star Wars films, youre familiar with this quote, and if you work as an IT manager, you might feel like it accurately describes your job. No, nobody in this scenario is a droid, but IT managers do serve as a vital bridge between the professionals and hardware that keep a companys technology in working order and the employees that rely on that technology to conduct geschftliches miteinander.As new workplace technology continues to develop, the IT managers role has evolved to keep up with the changing needs of both sides. Lets take a look at where the role of the information technology manager started and where its heading in the future.IT managers then roots in data processingThe title of IT manager (sometimes synonymous with CIO, depending on the company), has its roots in the late 1980s and 1990s. The job evolved from the electronic data processing manager and data pro cessing manager roles in the early days of computing, beginning with the mainframe era in the 1960s. End users and the impact of computer downtime on a businesss bottom line werent even blips on the radar.In the 1970s and early 1980s, IT departments were separate entities within companies and were responsible for controlling massive mainframe computers that served the entire business. The isolated nature of the IT department meant that information technology professionals rarely had contact with other employees within the company. By the late 1980s, distributed computing environments began to appear, leading to smaller IT departments organized by business division or geography.In the early 1990s, some of the first IT managers, then more likely called MIS managers, were tasked with ensuring that key management members had the necessary information systems at their disposal. When mainframe computing began to disappear in the mid-1990s and gave way to enterprise resource planning (ERP) , the role of the IT manager expanded to provide solutions to entire departments and organizations, rather than a single manager.IT managers now better integrationToday, the IT managers core duties include overseeing in-house networks, managing technology upgrades, choosing appropriate hardware/software and maintaining a companys servers and computers. IT managers may also be responsible for structuring and testing an organizations network, as well as training employees on how to use network components and coaching their own teams.Many of the functions that were important in the early days are still important today. However, IT managers must now stay up-to-date on the latest developments in technology, which, as virtually everyone knows today, changes at breakneck speed. Planning migrations to the cloud and protecting confidential information from security threats have become common tasks.Additionally, as computing becomes more and more vital to business, information technology mana gers are becoming increasingly integrated with the day-to-day operations of other departments within a company. While in the past the IT department was seen as a siloed, foreign entity, the expansion of IT within the modern company and the shift of technology to the cloud have done much to reverse this trend. The IT manager is now an integral player in business strategy, ensuring that technology helps spur business growth.IT managers must possess the technical skills to diagnose risks and gains associated with changes in a companys technology, but they must also learn to effectively communicate these to others in the company, including marketing, business development and executive teams. Doing so bridges the gap between the IT department and other teams within the company and also helps ensure that technology upgrades do not jeopardize business transactions or the customer experience.According to the Salary Guide from Robert Half Technology, starting salaries for an IT manager in th e U.S. are expected to increase in the coming year. Employers expect IT managers to possess the followingBachelors degree in an IT-related fieldFive years of experience with the firms business systems, hardware and networking servicesAppropriate technical backgroundgeschftsleben acumen and staff management skillsInterpersonal and communication skillsTodays IT managers have finally earned a seat at the big table and can impact the profits of entire companies. Theyve come a long way from simply checking on computer hardware and supporting key managers.This post has been updated to reflect more current information. Tags

What You Need to Know About Resume Exaples

What You Need to Know About Resume Exaples In addition, you always want your latest work to appear at the peak of the list and your oldest work at the base of your resume. A bulleted list is a great approach to highlight your marketable skills. Below, you will locate a list of resume examples that may assist you with your work search. Resume Exaples and Resume Exaples - The Perfect Combination Resume is necessary for the roles in all fields. You desire a resume thats simple to read and simple to follow along with. The resume summary will function as their sales pitch. The Ultimate Resume Exaples Trick Without such a section, the possible hiring manager may be left wondering why he or shes reading your resume in any respect. Everyone knows that when browsing for work, the very first task youll have to complete for an expected employer is, Send a copy of your resume. Well, regardless of what stage youre in your career, youre likely to should understand how to make a resume for a job interview and we will explain to you how Whether youre just starting your career for a librarian or are searching for a senior position, weve got a sample that will allow you to tailor your own cover letter. You have to organize your resume to assist agencies evaluate your experience. Federal jobs often need you to have experience in a special type of work for some period of time. Customer service is an essential element in many jobs and its vital that you concentrate on that in your resume. Saying fantastic customer service isnt enough. The health care industry can be quite competitive. For students that are new to the work market, interests and activities are a superior means to show employers you have skills they are searching for. Whether you would like to receive a job in nursing, dentistry, or pharmaceuticals, weve got a sample that is applicable to your career path. Distinct kinds of work in the food service industry require resumes with a number of the e xact skills. What You Must Know About Resume Exaples Crafting the ideal receptionist resume objective takes time and a good amount of thought and skill to receive it right. Should you do any one of unterstellung things above, you will stick out and find the recruiters interest. Some people might believe that fancy is better, but in the event of a thriving executive resume, easy and professional is the best way to go. Understanding how to tailor your resume will obviously offer you an advantage. Getting the Best Resume Exaples With a little bit of preparation and a deep comprehension of the local job market, youre able to easily simplify your work search. Your job (while youre attempting to find a job) is to be certain you fit what theyre searching for. Even in the event youve never held an official job, its still true that you have life experience thats applicable to the work search. Whether youre searching for your very first job or your next one, you want a resume that s hows employers that youre a skilled professional. Every trade position has a certain set of skills that are needed at work and its crucial that you highlight your technical training in your resume. Each time you put in an application for a new job, check your resume to guarantee that it isnt only targeted, but in addition current. You may also leave off any jobs that are entirely unrelated to the job which you desire. Top Resume Exaples Secrets Some people would rather put their name for a header in a bold, dark font. When youre asking for a job which relies on the strengths of the person, you require a resume vorlage you could inject a little more personality into to make it pop. Our creative templates make it possible for you to stick out from the crowd. Choose from multiple resume template options and discover the best decision to help you make your polished, professional resume. Up in Arms About Resume Exaples? Its not quite as difficult as you may think. Resume is a sort of document utilized by individuals that are seeking for employment. Resume Exaples Options Following that, it ought to impress the hiring manager with information that is related to them. If you dont supply the info needed for the hiring agency to ascertain your qualifications, you may not be considered for the job. Transportation jobs involve plenty of responsibility and your resume will want to reflect you can manage that. Hiring agencies will try to find certain terms in your resume to make sure that you have the experience theyre seeking. The Most Popular Resume Exaples You know you wish to land that interview. An interview could also be needed to land the job, but a resume is essential to begin the practice. Short, one-page resumes are perfect for fresh graduates. Writing a resume for employment in the art industry can be difficult. Regardless of what engineering track youre on, your cover letter should highlight aufgabe solving skills and the ability to fulfill quality standards. Meet with clients on a normal basis to evaluate their financial requirements and growth opportunities. If youre asking for work in marketing or sales, you will need to highlight key performance metrics. Have a look at the samples to observe the way the candidates discuss their accomplishments. Generally speaking, you will want to select the most important accomplishments, but also ensure they are related to the opening. Your resume gives you the ability to describe your finest accomplishments so employers wish to have a chance on you. As a consequence, no 2 resumes will look the exact same.

Friday Playlist Music to get you motivated

Friday Playlist Music to get you motivated Friday Playlist Music to get you motivatedPosted January 15, 2014, by Andrea Riddell If the lure of the weekend is the only thing keeping you together as you ease yourself back into reality and the working week, then rejoice Tomorrow is Saturday With less than a day between you and the weekend, weve put together a Friday playlist to help while away the time. Have you got your own favourite Friday tunes? Leave us a comment below with your favourite song to listen to at work and well add it to our playlist ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice Administrator CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Hea lth AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineAndrea RiddellRelated ArticlesBrowse moreEngineeringEngineers making the impossible possibleHave you ever had a dream that seemed impossible? Have you ever wanted to solve the energy problem, or walk on water? Even translate your dogs barks? Well, this is where Engineers Australia steps in.EducationWORKFORCE TRENDSHigher education reformA review of our higher education system is set to be released for public discussion in mid-December and it could revolutionise the way we view TAFE institutions and universities.The old and the beautiful when to retire?If youre feeling a bit long in the tooth, then there are other problems to deal with than just memory loss and false teeth. Retirement is also on the agenda.

You Shouldnt Talk About Work with Co-workers - The Muse

You Shouldnt Talk About Work with Co-workers - The MuseYou Shouldnt Talk About Work with Co-workers We spend a lot of time with the people we work with, and often in a tiny, compact space. If youre lucky, you have co-workers you actually want to spend time with outside the office- at happy hour down the street, at a team outing to a baseball game, or even at the occasional weekend meet-up.But even if you remove yourselves from the physical office, you probably find that youre still chatting about everything happening at your 9-to-5.This tendency to talk about work with your colleagues when youre bedrngnis actually there makes sense- after all, it is fruchtwein likely the first thing you have in common. However, its not in your best interest to make it your main point of discussion. Heres whyYoull Get Yourself Worked Up for NothingLets be honest. Often when were talking to our fellow employees about work, it quickly spirals in a negative direction. Especially when alcohol gets involve d. And the minute it takes that turn, the result of the conversation tends to be destructive. What starts out as a simple So, how do you like working with teddy boy? becomes Well, I like Ted as a person, but he writes the most annoying schmelzglass, and Did you notice he leaves early single day? All the dangers of gossiping about your colleagues aside, suddenly youve made Ted the focus of your happy hour- which might feel good in the moment, but wont leave you feeling great when you walk away and realized you trash-talked someone for an hour.And, if it doesnt turn into a rant about an individual, then perhaps its about the company overall. Before you know it, you and your cube-mate think you can run the business better than those currently in charge, and you spend the remainder of the night discussing everything thats wrong and how you would fix it. While you may have some decent suggestions on how to improve things, youre not going to accomplish anything in this manner. Your half-o ff beer may make you feel like youre on top of the world, but it would be much more effective to save your company overhaul recommendations for your next meeting with your manager. All this negative conversation does is exacerbate any adverse feelings you may already have about your job since youre highly unlikely to say or do anything positive or actionable in the moment. Work can be hard enough without this- no need to make it worse. Youre More Than Your Job- and So Is Your ColleagueBelieve it or not, that person you bump into by the coffee station every day is so much more than the guy who sits a few cubes away and sends you an email every so often (or 10 times a day). He has a life away from his desk and also had an identity prior to landing this gig. When we spend all of our time gabbing about work, we fail to see our colleagues as real people, just like us. Getting to know Ted for who he is- in addition to being a guy who manages product in the marketing department- will not o nly be so much more interesting, but will also help you understand him more as a co-worker. For example, did you know Ted has two kids and is responsible for picking them up from daycare every day (hence why he always runs out of the office at 545 on the dot)? Turns out he wasnt being rude when he told you that he would discuss that email with you tomorrow, he was running late to grab his daughters. Its Human Beings 101 The more you know about a person, the better youll understand his motivations- and the better you understand those, the easier it will be to work with him. Or, at least make small talk in the kitchen. Not to mention, all that non-work convo can also help broaden your world- the person you see in the elevator every day may have the coolest interests ever. And before you know it, you have a new passion all because she introduced you to it. Think about it You never wouldve discovered your love for podcasts had you spent every second venting about Ted.While talking about work may be cathartic at times, its ultimately not beneficial. So next time you and fellow team members hang out outside of work, try talking about something else. And, if worse comes to worst and you need a fallback topic of conversation, its okay to start with the weather. Especially during this balmy December.Photo of blah blah notes courtesy of Shutterstock.

How to Know When to Ask for Help at Work- The Muse

How to Know When to Ask for Help at Work- The MuseHow to Know When to Ask for Help at WorkNavigating tricky workplace decisions can be often feel just as stressful as trying to coordinate a get-together with all your friends in one email chain. There are so many (conflicting) messages about how to be a professional. Be proactive, but also measured. Take initiative, but also collaborate. Just figure it out, but also, know what you dont know.Small wonder that sometimes we dont know whether we should charge forward on our own or ask for help. Thankfully, there are some guidelines you can follow to know when you should go it alone- and when you should reach out for support.1. If Youre Capable, But a Little Afraid- Go for ItSeize these moments A little konservenbchse of fear keeps you motivated and helps you learn. If youve been given an assignment or responsibility thatll stretch your abilities, but you have a pretty good idea of how to accomplish it, take it.Are you a web copywriter bei ng given a chance at crafting your first landing page? Take it on and learn about conversions, calls-to-action, and more. Are you an administrative professional whos been in involved with every company veranstaltung for months and are now being asked to run point? Say yes and add event planning skills to your resume.Professional challenges- like projects just a bit little outside of your comfort zone - can lead to new opportunities and knowledge. While its true that you dont want to commit to something you cant follow through on, if theres only a slight skills gap from having never done something before, challenge yourself to step up to the plate. After all, thats how youll learn.2. But if You Dont Understand the Project Parameters- Ask for HelpIf you flat-out do not understand what youre being asked to do, you should always ask for clarification. Its easy to feel pressure to project independence and competence. But if you say, Got it and head off with no clue what youve even been a ssigned, everyone will suffer in the end. Whether your boss left you a cryptic memo or a client meeting was full of more cliches than clear feedback, if you dont ask for clarification, your final efforts will disappoint. So, reach out sooner rather than later. Try calmly repeating back what you think you heard What Im hearing you say is that I should pull the new dataplatzdeckchen before next Friday. Is that correct? Then, let the other person correct you and clarify if necessary.3. If Resources Abound and You Can Teach Yourself- Go for ItSo youve been given an assignment youre not entirely sure about. Is it something plenty of people have done before? Have they written about it? If yes, then do your research. A task that seemed beyond the pale for you may suddenly become a lot clearer after some time watching instructional YouTube videos and reading a few in-depth blog posts. Before you tell your boss, But, Ive never written a business plan Google how to do it. Keep in mind, if you r manager is coming to you with a new task, its likely because theres no go-to person on the team and she thinks it could be a good fit for you. You owe it to yourself to at least explore if this could be your new thing. (Bonus Having an expert niche makes you more valuable.)4. But If You Dont Know How to Do it- Ask for HelpThis one gets a bit confusing, because you just read that if youre on the bubble as to whether or not something is within reach, youre supposed to stretch yourself and consult online resources. And if you think you could maybe do something, ask your boss if you can get back to him. Then, take some time to think through how you might approach it and see if some reading will answer your questions. If after that step, you feel like you could be involved in the project, but youll need guidance, ask for help Take advantage of the people around you who may have done similar projects before. Is there someone in another department who could give you pointers? Can any of your teammates or coworkers show you how to get started?Now, if a project falls on the other side of the spectrum (a.k.a., you know offhand just asking for help wont be enough), be honest with yourself- and your manager. If youve been asked to write a code in Python and you dont know the language, its not the right assignment for you. So, rather than accepting and plan to ask for loads of help, your best bet is to suggest someone else with more experience run point- and ask if you can play a supporting role or help in some other way.5. If Only You Can Do it- Go for ItIm the only one who can do it may sound like the classic refrain of the office martyr, but sometimes, its true You could quite literally be the only person in the office who can do the task, for whatever reason. These cases will come up, and sometimes you just have to set aside all the well-meaning advice about asking for help when youre overloaded and learning to delegate. If youre it for the project, because your team mates are out sick, stuck in meetings across town, or some key position on your team was vacated and has yet to be filled youll just have to rise to the occasion.There are two things to keep in mind in this situation. First, if you do nothing, therell be zero people working on the task- and one is always better than zero Second, once you pull off your impressive one-woman show, dont be overly humble. You deserve credit for stepping up and adding this project to your list. Make sure your boss knows youre going above and beyond. The workplace can feel full of shoulds. You should develop the right skills. You should be assertive. You should be humble. You should be engaged. You should be a team player. You should be a leader. You should ask for assistance. You should take initiative and do it yourself.Truth talk Theres no one-size-fits-all answer. But a little self-awareness and a heavy dose of common sense can usually point you in the right direction when youre unsure whether to charg e ahead independently or ask for help. Photo of co-workers courtesy of Clerkenwell/Getty Images.

The Ron Swanson Guide to Job Searching

The Ron Swanson Guide to Job SearchingThe Ron Swanson Guide to Job Searching may be off the air, but our favorite curmudgeon Ron Swanson will never be forgotten. As the director of the parks department on the hit TV show, Ron Swansons disdain for, well, most everything and everyone doesnt make him seem like an inspirational source for job searching guidance. However, while an unlikely candidate, lets look at a few of Rons best quips and pick out the lessons we can learn through his cranky, yet hilarious, point of viewThe Ron Swanson Guide to Job SearchingI just want to get the work over as soon as possible so I can do some fishing. Fishing relaxes me. Its like yoga except I still get to kill something.The lesson Allow time for what you love. Job searching can be like having a full-time job. The constant searching, applying, and interviewing can feel endless. Take a cue from Ron and get outdoors or get active to release some stress. Its also not a badeanstalt idea to search for a flex ible job to allow time for what you love.When people get a little too chummy with me I like to call them by the wrong name to let them know I dont really care about them.The lesson Make sure you know the name of who youre talking to When youre job searching and writing multiple cover letters, it can be easy to write the wrong name of the HR director or hiring manager. When youre interviewing, it can be easy to forget the interviewers name, or worse yet, call them by the wrong name. Unlike Ron, you do not want a potential boss to think you dont careGive 100%. 110% is impossible. Only idiots recommend that.The lesson Dont overdo it in your job search. Think quality over quantity. Applying to every job you come across might seem like itll up your chances of getting hired, but all it will do is exhaust you. Apply to what you are qualified for and passionate about. Put 100 percent into those applications and the hiring managers will be sure to see your effort.Be proud of yourself. You de serve an award. Not this one, obviously. This one belongs to me. But some other one. Some other lesser award.The lesson Be proud of your job searching diligence. Reward yourself for small victories to motivate yourself. If others around you are getting new jobs or youve been rejected for jobs youve applied to, it may feel like youre getting the lesser award. Dont beat yourself up. Your award- a job- will come in time.Crying acceptable at funerals and the Grand Canyon.The lesson Dont get down about rejection. Wed like to think even Ron Swanson would be a little down about rejection. It hurts even the toughest of characters. Allow yourself to feel your emotions, but keep things in check. A negative or over-the-top reaction will only hinder your job search.Never half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing.The lesson Put your all into sending out quality resumes and cover letters for a select amount of jobs. Dont haphazardly send out weak applications for many jobs. Prioritize your job sea rch above other things. Sure, you want to watch a few TV episodes and spend only 20 minutes applying to jobs, but a single focus on job searching is what you need to succeed.Teamwork. Very important. Equally important, selfishness. Take whats yoursThe lesson Believe that youre the best person for the job. Sure, in your normal life you put others before yourself. Your self sacrifice would impress most and probably make Ron Swanson roll his eyes. But when youre job searching and interviewing, a little selfishness may be needed. Do all that you can to show a hiring manager that you are the most qualified and take that jobReaders, what would you add to the Ron Swanson guide to job searching? Any other pieces of wisdom you can glean from his musings?