A Great Day's Work

Advice for Management

When Working Harder Goes Wrong: Microsoft Word Troubles

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computerNeil Malek will teach you anything with a power button. Through hands-on courses, seminars, webinars, and YouTube videos, he covers Microsoft, Adobe, Apple, and Google topics.  How do I know this?  I have attended many of his programs over the years.

There’s a common story among professionals – the day before a big presentation, event or court case, two or more people finally finish their documents, and at about 4:15 p.m., it gets handed to the person who will combine the documents.

You probably know what happens next. [Read more…] about When Working Harder Goes Wrong: Microsoft Word Troubles

Here’s the Scoop: Five Ways to Recharge this Summer

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MySummer favorite time of the year is approaching—summertime! What do I enjoy most about summer? As a native Californian, I love the fresh fruit that is seasonal, the flowers that are in bloom, the sun beating down on my face, longer daylight hours, and time to recharge.

As administrative professionals, it can be challenging and at times exhausting to be all things to all people day in and day out. Heck! At times you do it all!   Unfortunately, many of us are losing sight of our own personal wellness because we are putting everyone else’s needs first in our lives. To live happily it’s important to take care of you so that you can continue to have the energy and desire to want to help others. [Read more…] about Here’s the Scoop: Five Ways to Recharge this Summer

Seek Reasons To Celebrate Each New Day!

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32574347_sThere are many reasons throughout the year to celebrate:  birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, births, promotions, graduations, new jobs, etc.  Yet there are reasons to celebrate each day.  Everyday is a gift!  Are you paying attention to the ways you can celebrate each new day?

Let’s not remain so focused on our To-Do List and what we need to get done that we lose focus on creating special memories.  Life can be a beautiful ride.

It’s June 1.  Today I celebrate 11 years employed as an executive assistant with the City of Rancho Cordova!  I am thrilled to celebrate this work anniversary.  Do you celebrate your work anniversary?  The last 11 years have been an incredible journey filled with personal and professional growth, new friendships, and new opportunities.  My work anniversary offers me the opportunity to celebrate today.  I’m thankful to the three individuals who offered me my position back in May 2004—Lillian, Anna, and Ted.

[Read more…] about Seek Reasons To Celebrate Each New Day!

What the Heck is Text Neck?

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11292069_sI read an interesting article on NPR the other day and wanted to share with you how extreme connectivity is possibly impacting our posture and overall health.

Many people are making the choice to use cell phones for extended periods of time each day.  People are consumed with texting, gaming, reading, updating social media posts, and checking and sending emails while on the run.  I’m beginning to wonder if people are consciously aware of how much total time they spend on their cell phones each day and the impact that this activity is having on their posture. [Read more…] about What the Heck is Text Neck?

Don’t Miss the Deadlines: Recognition for Administrative Professionals

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timeIt’s time to nominate an extraordinary administrative professional or yourself (don’t be shy) for one or more of these upcoming administrative professional awards.

Employees who are recognized for their accomplishments and abilities often times enjoy greater career satisfaction.  Becoming an award-winning administrative professional can also boost your credibility.  Awards can offer you something new to add to your LinkedIn profile, social media posts, and resume. [Read more…] about Don’t Miss the Deadlines: Recognition for Administrative Professionals

Choose Your References Wisely

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28696567_sWho you list as a job reference might be more important than you think.  Employers have become increasingly more thorough when checking job references.

Who Should You List as a Reference?

The individuals you list on your Reference document need to be selected carefully.  Do not rush in this decision making process.  A current or former manager would be a good choice.  Other possible reference options could include:  a co-worker, someone who works in your related field, or a teacher.  Do not assume that all individuals know how to give a proper reference and know what to say to a potential employer.  When you begin your job search, ask individuals if they will be a reference and will give you a good recommendation.  Choose individuals who will: [Read more…] about Choose Your References Wisely

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

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11138626_10206097638550980_3148323300022890235_nWhat are the chances of an employer who has been in business since 1863—152 years closing its doors overnight?

Over the last week within the United States, thousands of students, staff, and faculty have recently been impacted by the influence of the Department of Education to close Heald College. Heald College was once a regionally accredited business-career college in business since 1863. Many students are now scrambling to seek alternatives to continue their education and dear friends of mine that I have worked with for 16 years are now displaced and out of work.

As the doors closed the week of April 27, 2015 at Heald College, employees were handed final paychecks with no severance pay, no job placement, and no cobra health insurance to continue their healthcare benefits after April 30, 2015. How do I know this? I was one of the faculty members impacted by this decision. [Read more…] about Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Top 10 Things To Do When You Are Suddenly Laid Off

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mackie-200Certified Career Management Coach and Trainer Madelyn Mackie is an incredible resource for administrative professionals who are interested in advancing their career. Through her keynote presentations, workshops, and resume writing coaching, she shares her knowledge on how you can set yourself apart in today’s competitive environment.

Madelyn has offered this blog post to help you or someone you know during a sudden lay off.

Did you recently get a pink slip in a company layoff? Don’t panic. Follow the steps below, and you’ll be well on your way to your next career opportunity. [Read more…] about Top 10 Things To Do When You Are Suddenly Laid Off

Career Planning: The Time To Start Is Now

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11690907_sIs there a perfect time to start planning your career?  I don’t believe so.  Whether you are 18 years of age or 58 years of age, I believe the perfect time to start planning and thinking more strategically about your career is NOW!  Not tomorrow.  Not after graduation.  Not when the kids are grown.  Not when you have more time.  Now!

You have the primary responsibility for planning your career.  Teachers, managers, coworkers, family, and friends may offer assistance along the way, but the primary responsibility for your career success is—you!

It is important to plan and prepare for your professional career.  Being successful requires planning and a little luck never hurts. [Read more…] about Career Planning: The Time To Start Is Now

Seven Things To Do To Get Ready For Your Job Search

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mackie-200Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with Certified Career Management Coach and Trainer Madelyn Mackie.  Madelyn is an incredible resource for administrative professionals who are interested in advancing their career.  Through her keynote presentations, workshops, and resume writing coaching, she shares her knowledge on how you can set yourself apart in today’s competitive environment.

Madelyn has offered this blog post to help you prepare for your next job search.  If your goal is to get a new job in the new year, here are seven things you need to do to prepare yourself for your job search.
[Read more…] about Seven Things To Do To Get Ready For Your Job Search