How to Cope with Stress in the Workplace April is stress awareness month. Those of us in the workforce probably don't need a special month to be aware of the stress we face each day. However, awareness and acknowledgement of the issue is usually the first step to fix the problem. Here are some tips to help you cope with stress in the workplace: Silence Your Mind One of the most effective ways to deal with stress is to silence the mind. Try your best to focus on one thing at a time, and turn off other thoughts, especially negative ones. Try practicing mindfulness or meditation to clear your mind and enable you to focus on one task at a time. Lean on Your Support Network Whether it's a team member, your boss, a close friend, or family member, it can [...]

Support Women’s History Month at Work March is Women’s History Month; which means it's time to celebrate the women in your office! As employers are finally starting to adopt more diversity and inclusion programs, it’s important to show your support of workplace equality. Women have come a long way over the last 50 years. It’s hard to believe that women only began to enter professions like medicine, law, dental, and business in the 1970s. Take this time to celebrate women’s accomplishments! Here are 3 ideas to show your support of Women’s History Month at work this year: Let a woman know she inspires you! Reach out to a woman you admire or look up to and let them know how inspirational they are and what you’ve learned from them. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in the workplace. This is also [...]

March Madness Checklist for your Job Search It’s that time of the year, when most companies receive updated budgets and sales forecasts. That usually means new job opportunities!  If you’re in the job market, now is a great time to look for a new job! But first, complete this checklist to make sure all your ducks are in a row! Make sure your resume is up-to date. In addition to making sure your personal information is current, the format for resumes has changed a lot over the years. Unless you are a professional writer, you may need help writing your resume. If you choose to go with Platinum Resumes, your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed with our services. Write a Cover Letter. A cover letter will help you stand apart from the competition, as this is often an overlooked step in the [...]

5 Things I Wish I Had Learned Earlier in My Career 1. Don't be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. It’s scary to go outside of your comfort zone at work. But, when you learn new skills and push yourself, you prepare yourself for your next role. To expand your skillset and marketability, you must have the courage to try new and difficult tasks that you aren't comfortable with to grow in your career 2. View everything you do and everyone you meet as an opportunity. You never know how a project, presentation, or person can add to your life professionally or personally. The people you meet, the things you learn, and the connections you make will make all of the difference in your future career moves. View everything you do as valuable and worthy endeavor, and always try [...]

5 Strategies to Boost Motivation During the Cold, Slow Season Amidst a Pandemic It’s hard enough to get through the slowest month of the year for most businesses (February) under normal circumstances; let alone during a pandemic. After nearly a year of adapting to this “new normal” way of life, many of us are secluded at home and in front of a screen for hours at a time. Working in this environment with little to no contact with coworkers, no team building events, group meetings, etc. has surely taken its toll on all of us. On top of that, many people are facing challenges with mental and physical health due to these circumstances.  All of these things add up and can really affect our ability focus and stay motivated. Here are 5 strategies to boost motivation during the cold, slow season [...]

I hear people say they are skilled at multitasking all the time. However, according to neuroscientists, our brains are not wired to multitask.  The ability to work on two two complex activities simultaneously is simply an illusion. People who believe they are multitasking are actually doing individual actions in rapid succession. Our brains cannot perform two cognitive functions at the same time. But, why does this matter? This matters because “multitasking” only hinders our success. Trying to complete more than one task at a time compromises our ability to complete the tasks without mistakes. Repeatedly switching back and forth from project to project prevents you from functioning at your finest. In reality, you are dividing your attention; not truly focusing on  anything. This can have negative effects on our attentiveness, increase your stress, and decrease your overall productivity. Choose to do [...]

Selecting the right a job means so much more than securing a paycheck. Here are some top tips on selecting the right job for you. Remember, compensation is more than base salary The base salary is just that, the very base. On top of that, there is total compensation and benefits. Make sure to consider these all together. Consider what your taxes will be if you’re working out of state. Add up your total time and gas spent commuting. Is there a 401k match? Will you be eligible for bonuses or commission?  Is there room for career advancement opportunities; do you have a chance to receive a higher compensation in the future? Is the work-life balance suitable for your lifestyle? How many hours of paid-time-off will you be eligible for? Does the company offer tuition reimbursement for continued education? Consider the [...]

It's Time to Set 2021 Career Goals As we enter a new year, it’s a great time to reflect and plan for the year ahead. The simple act of setting goals will help motivate you throughout the year, give you a sense of accomplishment when completed, and help you maintain your focus. Here are some tips to help you set 2021 career goals. Reflect on 2020 First, Take time to reflect on 2020. Examine how the year has gone, what you’ve achieved over the last 12 months, and how you have advanced (or not) in your career plan.  Consider what you’ve learned over the past year, what objectives you’ve met, any new responsibilities you’ve taken on, skills you’ve developed, and any feedback you’ve received this past year. Try to be as honest and realistic with yourself as you reflect on the [...]

How to be Successful While Working from Home this Holiday Season While a vaccination and a promise to return to normalcy are in sight, we still need to get through this holiday season during a pandemic.  While you are likely already used to the technology for a remote holiday experience, this holiday season could present some unforeseen hiccups with a work from home environment. Here are some tips to help you get through the holidays while working from home this year. Plan ahead. You may have kids at home, or other additional responsibilities over the holidays. Make sure to plan ahead, and set aside time for your personal obligations that may come up during your workday. Plan whether or not you need to take time off work, or block out time on your calendar to take care of your children at [...]

Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals The end of the year is fast approaching, and it’s time to start thinking about creating goals for the New Year. A tried and true strategy for setting career goals is the S.M.A.R.T. approach. Specific: Be as specific as possible when you set goals. Address an issue that is important to you and consider what exactly you want to accomplish, why it matters, who is involved, and what resources are required. Measurable: A measurable goal means that you can track its progress, and you can check a box once it’s completed. To set a measurable goal think, “How much?”, “How many?”, and “How will I recognize when I’ve accomplished my goal?” Achievable: Make sure that your goals are realistic and achievable. Make sure it’s within your abilities and time constrictions to achieve. An achievable goal is something that [...]