SavvySugar

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.

View Slideshow ›

I'm Asking: Did You Have Help Picking a Career or Just Know?

SavvySugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:56 -0800

Picking a major in college can feel like the biggest decision ever, but it's hardly a lifetime commitment to a certain field or profession. Of course, it's not easy to see that when you're weighing career options and envisioning what the future might hold for you professionally. Did you have guidance and encouragement from teachers, family or counselors when it came time to pick a career path, or did you access your skills yourself and make a plan from there?

10 Ways to Improve Your Resume Right Now

SavvySugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:30:16 -0800

Your resume might be a single piece of paper, but that document is an extension of you. It's one of the first ways employers evaluate your potential to fill an open position, so even if you're confident in your interview abilities, you won't get an invitation to show them off unless your resume is compelling. Think you've done everything you can to create a solid resume? Discover some things you might be missing by reviewing these ways to improve your resume.

View Slideshow ›

How-To: Explain Why You Were Laid-Off

SavvySugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:30:00 -0800

You're probably sick of talking about why you were laid-off and how your job search is going, and unfortunately those questions will keep coming until you've found a new job. Potential employers will certainly want to know the reasons behind your unemployment, meaning you'll have to discuss what happened during a situation in which you're already vulnerable. Learn how to handle the sensitive interview question so that you're not left stuttering through an answer.

View Slideshow ›

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.

Would You Let Someone Take Over Your Business?

SavvySugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:45:06 -0800

Every week on Tabatha's Salon Takeover, hairstylist extraordinaire Tabatha Coffey takes control of a flailing salon and whips it into shape. Although I'm an avid viewer, I'm not quite so sure how I would react to real-life Tabatha in my work space - taking total control of my company's policies and the people I work with.

Some of the highlights include a full-out interior design makeover of the salon studio, and a complete revamping of lackadaisical company policies. Frustrated employees get to voice their opinion on their boss's behavior, and likewise, bosses are asked to carefully re-evaluate employees whose bad attitudes might be jeopardizing company teamwork. At the end of day, Tabatha makes a series of recommendations and advises the business owner on employees whose positions need shifting, or those who should be let go.

The benefits of having an expert like Tabatha put your business on track are clear, but having an outsider manage your business - especially if she has Tabatha's strong personality - could be a major deterrent from this kind of business makeover. So, tell me, would you be willing to let someone take over your office to put a savvy business plan in place? Or would you be skeptical of any outsider, even an expert, changing things around?

Photo courtesy of Bravo

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!

I'm Asking: Do You Take Career Risks or Play by the Rules?

SavvySugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:00:39 -0800

If there's one professional trait that I admire beyond bounds, it's an entrepreneurial spirit. It's hard not to be wowed by those who take charge, go out on their own, or create their own course when opportunity presents itself. That being said, taking career risks - whether a risky decision, move, or project - can be tricky and dangerous. Do you stick to the script at your job or in your professional endeavors, or are you a wild child when it comes to business?

TGIF: How to Improve Your Friday Habits

SavvySugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:00:29 -0800

If you've worked all week, you're probably beyond thrilled when Friday rolls around. You're just hours away from freedom, fun, and maybe even an end-of-the-week cocktail. But instead of slacking, use these tips to end the week on an upswing.

View Slideshow ›

Who Is Your Professional Idol?

SavvySugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:00:23 -0800

I finally dished out $10 (well, $24 if you count my popcorn, candy and soda!) to see This Is It, and while it was fascinating to see Michael Jackson's backstage persona on the job, I was particularly struck by the awe his backup dancers had for him. The documentary opens with an emotional scene of the crew sharing their audition tales - shot before MJ's death - and throughout the film we see the chosen few standing stage left grooving to Michael's sound checks. It's clear from their tears, stories, and smiles that the dancers worship his professional history. Do you look up to any one person in your work life for their talent, career, or success in your field?