Welcoming new co-workers
The first week at a new job can be stressful. There are so many new people to meet, passwords to memorize and new software systems to learn. How can you make that onboarding process more welcoming?
What not to put on your résumé
You shouldn’t list jobs that you held for only a short time when you’re writing out your résumé because companies may view these temporary stints as a red flag, writes Lindsay Olson. Other résumé mistakes to avoid:
Job switch leaves co-worker in a snit
Question: Two weeks after joining a small medical practice, I was directed by the senior physician to switch positions with a co-worker. My job involved filing medical records, while “Carol” managed the front desk. The senior physician switched us because several patients had complained that Carol was unfriendly. I was absolutely stunned and told the doctor that I did not feel prepared to handle the reception duties. Despite my concerns, he moved Carol to the back office. She was very upset. Now the environment has become tense and hostile, because Carol seems to feel that I’m responsible for this change. She has said that I should either do the job that I was hired for or leave. How can I fix this? Not My Fault
Liven up your day: Fun office doodads
A number of wacky gadgets may be able to help you liven up your workday, writes Kayla Baxter at AdminSecret. A sampling of some of the most off-the-wall devices:
How to Pivot a Pivot
While you can’t EXACTLY pivot a pivot, in Excel 2010 you can create a data subset with a Pivot Table that can be copied, pasted and “re-pivoted” in just a few clicks.
Tips for discussing politics at work
The sage advice to avoid political discussions at work has proven tough for many people to follow this year, writes Lynze Wardle Lenio at the Daily Muse. Keep the tone civil by remembering a few ground rules:
Don’t fish for compliments
People will hold back if they doubt you want an honest assessment. Say, “I think I may not be seen as an effective problem solver. How do you think I should change that.”
Google’s alternative to Excel spreadsheets
Google Docs’ Gadgets feature gives its spreadsheets an edge on Excel for some tasks. Users can create animated pie charts, produce QR codes and more. Helen Bradley of PCWorld explains how.
Developing greater confidence at work
Dana Theus, a leadership consultant and founder of InPower Women, explains how administrative professionals can develop their confidence and leadership skills to drive change at work.
Quiz: Under the ADA, legal question or not?
Consider the following questions a manager might ask during the interview process. Answer yes to the questions the EEOC lists as legal under the Americans with Disabilities Act; answer no to the ones that it deems unlawful.