New year, new you 10 tips for becoming a better employee

New year, new you 10 tips for becoming a better employeeNew year, new you 10 tips for becoming a better employeeWhether youve made your career a new years resolution, are starting a brand new job or just want the next 12 months to be the best they can be at work, aiming to be a better employee is always a good idea. Not only will it help you grow in your career, it could lead to a promotion, new experiences and an overall happier life. Make those 40-plus hours per week count with ansicht tips and tricks to becoming a top-notch employee.1. Ask for more feedback.Feedback and communication is the key to improving yourself at work. If you arent already meeting with your boss or manager for a weekly or bi-weekly one-on-one meeting, schedule it ASAP. The 30 minutes that you get alone with them could be life-changing. Youll be able to ask questions in confidence, as well as get feedback for ways you can improve your workflow, communication style and more. Plus, these private meetings often lead to more candid conversations, so you might even learn more about the company and projects that youre not apart of, which can help put things into context.2. Organize your work life.If youre not already using ato-do list to manage your time and workat the office, we highly suggest you start. It might amaze you how much more you can get done when your daily tasks are clearly outlined for you.Additionally, consider tidying up your desk. Someone once said tidy desk, tidy mind, and we couldnt agree more. A cluttered workspace could lead tohigher stress and lower productivity. Organize your area this year so you can show your boss youve got it all together. If it landseems like youre constantly losing papers and documents, they may not want to assign you to a new project.Lastly, being more organized at work can also lead to a more balanced life. Youll easily sweep through your to-do list by 5 p.m. and can head home for dinner with your SO or actually make it to book club on time. Tho se things are so important and can demonstrate to your boss and manager that youve got it all under control.3. Come in early.Someone once told us that its a good idea to be in the office before your boss. Regardless of that advice, its a good idea to get into the office early so that you can take your time getting yourself ready for the day ahead. Put your stuff down, grab a cup of coffee, review your to-do list and start every day in the right mindset. The office will surely be quiet so you wont get distracted or overwhelmed first thing in the morning. Again, your boss might just see this as a sign that youre organized and in control.4. Give 110 percent at all times.Whatever it is that you do - get coffee, take notes during the staff meeting, schedule appointments for your boss - give 110 percent. If you can make the best cup of Joe, take the most spot-on notes or schedule every appointment flawlessly, your boss will surely see that you are a valuable asset to the kollektiv. They may allow you to take on more responsibilities.5. Take on a new responsibility.Once youve demonstrated to your boss that youve totally got your shit together, ask him if you can take on a new responsibility. If youre not even sure what that could be, take a week or so to see where you could fill in the gaps. Is there a daily report that needs to be sent out to the team? Are you noticing that a project has completely been pushed aside and your other team members arent eager to get it back on track? Ask if you can take one of these tasks off your bosss hands and take the lead. Theyll appreciate the help and youll have the opportunity to show your abilities.6. Network.Networking both in and out of the office is seriously important for your career. It can be toughmaking it to networking eventsat night or scheduling coffee dates with other team members when you feel swamped at work, but making time could make a huge difference. You could end upmeeting a mentorwho helps guide you through sticky work situations or maybe connect with a team member in another department. Both would surely impress your boss and help her see you as someone with a little extra to offer the team.7. Speak up.Whether its a new idea to make a process more efficient or you just want to ensure youre given the credit you deserve for a project, dont be afraid to speak up at work. Of course, theres always a time and a place for both of these, but in the right setting and in the right way, you could easily make a positive impression on your boss or another executive at the company. Impressions are important because they stay with people long after the workday has ended.8. Stay calm.Work can getstressful. Aim to be the employee that can stay cool as a cucumber in even the craziest of situations. Adopt a solution-based mindset and help solve the problem instead of idly sitting by as your team members and boss work to put out the fire. If you can be the calm and collected employee to help guide the s ituation in the right direction, youll easily make an impression on your boss as someone with true leadership potential.9. Read more.Books are great for so many reasons. Whether youre looking togrow in your career,take control of your financesorbecome a better coworker, there are so many books that help you become a better employee. Youll show your boss that you have goals for yourself outside of what youre doing at work. Bonus Books are great (read intelligent and fun) talking points so youll always be able to make small talk with even the highest executive at the company.10. Support others.If Lucy has a great idea that was clearly not heard in the boardroom, or someone continues to speak over your boss, speak up and support them. Reiterate your team members ideas if you think theyre good and ask others to repeat themselves while no one is speaking so theyre heard. Its so important to support others in your office. Hopefully, theyll also support you by doing the same. Regardless, y oull show your team player and can get behind great ideas that arent only your own. You work at a company,so be an active member of that group - we bet youll enjoy working there so much more if you do.What else have you done to grow in your career? Tell us by joining ourexclusive LinkedIn GroupThisarticlewas originally published onSwirled.

11 things you need to do before your first day of work

11 things you need to do before your first day of work11 things you need to do before your first day of workYour first day of work (especially if its your very first job) is, as you know, very important. You want to make a great first impression and appear at the top of your game even though you dont know what to expect. Check these 11 tasks off your to-do list the night before the big day so that youre completely prepared.1. Research your company (and its people)Were sure you did at least light research in the application and interview process, but were telling you to take a deeper dive. Look at every employee bio you can get your hands on, stats about the companys health and history (How long has it been around? Has the company ever had a layoff? Is it publicly traded? Are the stocks doing well?). Research your team members and your boss. You dont have to go total stalk-mode, but simply refresh your memory and get acquainted with the details.2. Have your bag packed with all necessa ry suppliesWere talking notebooks, multiple pens, your laptop or any other supplies you could need on the job. If possible, ask your contact in advance what you should bring. Also consider taking your phone charger. Obviously, you wont be on your phone all day (unless thats your job), but if you have something going on after work and your phone battery is low, you dont want to risk having to ask a coworker to borrow his or hers on your first day. Talk about awkward.3. Pack a basic brown bag lunchYou cant be sure that your company has all the typical kitchen amenities like a refrigerator and microwave, though hopefully it does. Regardless, dont chance it by bringing an elaborate meal. We suggest a simple sandwich with veggies or fruit - something that doesnt need to be cooled or reheated. And even if your company takes you out for lunch to celebrate your first day, its not like you spent a ton of time making your brown bag meal.4. Prepare your elevator pitchYes, you already got the job. But dont forget that youre still in first-impression mode with the majority of the people at your company (since you likely only met with a few people when you interviewed). Keep yourself poised when new colleagues ask you questions by having a flexible elevator pitch ready. Whether your CEO asks about your experience or a team member wants to know what kind of projects you like to work on, have brief, solid answers.5. Do a dry-andrang of your route to workThere is nothing more mortifying than being late on your first day of work because you couldnt find the damn entrance to your building. Dont let it happen to you. The day before you start, do a dry run of your commute just to get the hang of the area. While youre at it, check out the restaurants and shops around your new workplace. It always helps to know that theres a drugstore around the corner in case you need something6. Have a water bottle readyAgain, we expect that your workplace has the basics, but to be safe, bring a water bottle with you. Even if your organizations kitchen is incredible, youll thank yourself for bringing it when youre almost there and youre so nervous that your mouth feels like sandpaper.7. Double-check all your paperworkIf you completed any paperwork before your first day, do a once-over just for peace of mind. Its 99 percent likely that you did everything just right, but youll feel better knowing that you fulfilled any requests of your new company before heading in.8. Pick out your outfit in advance, and make sure you have layersSome people do this daily out of habit, but if you dont, take a few minutes before bed to pick out your outfit. No matter what the weather is like or what season were currently in, make sure to have a few layers incorporated into what youre wearing in case your schreibstube is cold (or hot). We dont want to freak you out here, but it might even be a smart idea to bring an extra shirt if youre super nervous (shaking hands = spilled coffee).9. Set multi ple alarms, just in caseWeve all had that nightmare where were late to work because our alarms never went off. When it happens in real life, it feels like youre actually living a nightmare. Set a handful of alarms a few minutes apart so that youre guaranteed to wake up when youre supposed to.10. Have a warm-up conversation with someone youre close with before bedThose pre-first-day jitters can be serious So to counteract any anxiety youre experiencing, have a laid-back conversation with someone you love about nothing in particular before you go to sleep. The informal and casual feeling of the convo might help you better drift off to sleep.11. RelaxWe know, its easier said than done, but its going to be okay You were chosen to work at your new company for a reason, and you clearly passed each step of the interview process with flying colors. You are a boss, and never forget it. Take a breath, superstar. You got this.Thisarticleoriginally appeared onSwirled.

10 Job Search Stressors You Can Stop

10 Job Search Stressors You Can Stop10 Job Search Stressors You Can Stop5A job search can be stressful, no matter how successful or focused you are. However, many job landbinnenseekers add unnecessary stress on themselves, including the avoidable job search stressors listed below.While all of the following job search stressors can seem like endless cycles, and in some cases are necessary, they can be broken and replaced by more successful tactics. With a little focus and perseverance, you can remove some of the pain points while putting your energy into getting successful results.Here are 10 job search stressors you can (and should) stop.Not Doing Your ResearchTime is of the essence in a job search. You must apply to jobs within a certain time frame. You should follow up with employers in a timely manner. It is all about time, and one of the easiest ways to throw time away is by not doing research before applying to a job. Sure you need to get your application in, but why waste time applying to a job that you end up not wanting?Unfortunately, many job seekers make this mistake and cause unneeded stress. Rather than immediately apply, do some initial research to see if you like the company and what current and former employees say.Over-Analyzing Job DescriptionsWe stress on our blog to make sure that you customize and personalize each cover letter and resume. To do this, job seekers need to analyze job descriptions to pick out keywords and make sure they highlight desired skills and experiences. However, over analyzing is simply going to make the process longer than it has to be.Although it takes a bit of finesse, dont pick apart every single detail. If you dont meet every single requirement, or you look overqualified, dont sweat it. So long as you are a close match, it wont hurt to apply.Not Being OrganizedDo you know which companies you applied to and who you talked to? This is a common stressor for job seekers. Rather than wing it and hope for the best, reduc e your stress by getting organized. Create a spreadsheet or keep notes about which companies and jobs you apply for, who you have contacted, and when you should follow up. Dont forget to jot down datesNot ProofreadingYou have found the perfect job, and you just submitted your application and resume. BUTthen you see a glaring resume typo, and, unfortunately, this could cost you the job. The amount of stress from a simple oversight is huge.Rather than proofread AFTER you send your package in, do so beforehand. This alone will save you time, badeanstalt impressions, and loads of stress.Constantly Checking EverythingMost job seekers do their best to stay on top of phone calls and emails they want to be timely in responding. In many cases, this means constantly checking their phone or email and refreshing to make sure nothing new has come in. Not only does this take away time that could be spent searching, it also causes stress and sore feelings when nothing comes through.Another area th at job seekers tend to over check is job descriptions. When you are feeling desperate, checking a job description over and over seems to provide gratification that you will know when or if the position changes or closes. However, its another cycle that causes more harm than good.Worrying About CompetitionIt is a competitive job market and its going to be so into the foreseeable future. Worrying about the competition is a major stressor for most job seekers, but doesnt need to be. Rather than focusing on what the competition may be doing, focus on how you can be your best.Stressing About the Interview OutfitFirst impressions weigh heavy on the job search process, and this includes having just the right outfit. Although a common button for stress, it doesnt have to be. Check out the companys website to see their normal dress code and try to choose an outfit that will match the companys environment while still communicating professionalism.Creating an Online PortfolioAlthough this is a n important part of the package for some careers, it isnt necessary for all of them. If you dont need to have a portfolio, dont stress about creating one. For those who do need to have an online portfolio, more than likely it is kept up to date as projects are completed.Persuading the Hiring ManagerThis might sound like a good idea, but sending gifts or trying to connect with hiring managers isnt going to make a positive impact on your prospects. Rather than stress about how to make a good impression through gifts and connections, focus on creating a resume and answers to interview questions that will make a lasting and positive impression.Comparing Your Search to OthersEvery job search is different. Comparing your job search to others efforts doesnt negate how successful or unsuccessful you search is. Depending on the type of job you are looking for, the career field you are interested in, and the level of job you want to land, the results will vary greatly. This includes the lengt h of your job search as well.Ready to get rid of the stress of your job search and work environment? Search for flexible jobs nowReaders, which of these job search stressors have you fallen victim to? What did you do to let go of some of the stress? Share with us below