Careers & Education

How to achieve success at work

Challenge yourself to find more ways to grow on the job and thereby achieve the success you deserve. Show up on time: this should be obvious but you really must show up on time, ready to work and ready to get things done. Punctuality will be noticed and result in advancement, eventually. Fight boredom: if you sometimes feel a little bored at work volunteer for new projects to stave off boredom which will also give you the opportunity to learn new skills. If your job has become a rote exercise, Read more [...]

How to network with other unemployed people

Isolation and discouragement can often take a toll when you’re unemployed. Join the ranks and shake off the blues by sharing job-hunting tips and a sense of camaraderie. Join and use social media networks, like Facebook and Twitter, along with dedicated forums, such as layoffspace.com, to connect with other unemployed people. You can search for groups in your region or for industries similar to yours. Do continue networking even after you get a job. Many job search groups have an alumni network Read more [...]

How to give a verbal warning at work

Some employees are keepers and others are not. Either way, a verbal warning can turn a good apple around or help a bad one out the door. First of all review your company’s written policies regarding what behavior is unacceptable and the established protocol for delivering the verbal warning. Make sure you have all the rules fresh in your head before talking to the employee. Ask all employees to review company policies and sign an acknowledgment when they are hired or whenever new policies Read more [...]

How to send a fax from a computer

If you want to send faxes but from the convenience of your home, then use this guide to be able to start faxing from your computer. You could look into free online fax services such as eFax, MyFax, and FaxZero. Weigh service features such as online copy storage and fax receipt verification. Also, many services offer free trial faxes up to a specific number of pages. You could always send faxes as e-mail attachments. Attachment formats are typically Microsoft Word, Excel, TIFF, or PDF. Some Read more [...]

How to ask for a job interview

If a recent layoff has you scrambling for opportunities, this guide will help you score that first or next job interview. Perfect your resume and cover letter as this is the first and most important step to scoring a needed job interview. Create a portfolio of sample work you’ve done if needed. Have you ever thought about visiting a job fair and passing out your resume to companies that are a good fit for your skills? Talk to each vendor. Speak clearly and introduce yourself with a firm, Read more [...]

How to apply for a student visa to the U.S.

Wherever you’re from in the world — Canada, Korea, Australia, or the UK — this guide will help you get temporary citizenship in the United States so you can study at any college or university in the country. Select schools: first of all select the schools you would like to attend and start the admission process as early as possible before applying for your student visa. Wait for acceptance: now you have to wait for the school to accept you. When they do, they will issue you, the student, Read more [...]

How to follow proper business etiquette in France

The French take great pride in their contributions to the world. Be prepared to meet them on their own terms when doing business in their country. You should definitely try to learn some French. Knowing a few key phrases, even if you are not fluent in the language, always makes a good impression. Make an appointment for a business meeting at least 2 weeks in advance. You can make the appointment in writing or by telephone, depending on who you will be seeing. However, don’t try to schedule Read more [...]

How to give written feedback at work

Although feedback in the workplace is often taken as criticism, it’s a valuable tool in giving clear-cut direction to improve job performance for both supervisor and employee. Ask your employee for their opinion on a topic before giving written feedback. Your feedback may have a greater impact if they have a chance to explain themselves first. You may also learn more about the issue, something that could change your assessment of the situation. Be aware of your employees’ emotional well being. Read more [...]

How to blow off steam at work

Sometimes the pressure can be too much. You can release some steam at work in several ways without saying something you’ll probably regret later. Take a break: at lunch time go for a drive, a wander in the park, or browse the local bookstore. Stretch in the office: if you are lucky enough to have your own office, stop everything, lie on the floor, and stretch, relax or practice deep breathing exercises. Make sure you close the door so that you are not disturbed. Clean your desk and reorganize Read more [...]

How to give Boss’s Day gifts

National Boss’s Day, every October 16th, is a reminder that to get respect, it helps to give it. Make your boss’s day memorable and build office comradery and, at the same time, have a little fun into the bargain. These are a few suggestions to help you celebrate. Throw a potluck party with your coworkers and have someone bring the boss’s favorite dessert,or homemade cookies. Give a bobble head, t-shirt, or DVDs from the TV hit The Office which are all ideal for the occasion.However check Read more [...]