Sanity Checks in the Workplace, or Ideas for Being Happier - Spark Hire

Sanity Checks in the Workplace, or Ideas for Being Happier - Spark HireGeoffrey James at Inc.com recently posted about 17 ways to be happier at work. Collectively, theyre a good reminder of the controllable elements of a work environment. The coworkers, bosses, amounts of work, or smell from your neighbor dont have to be the determining factors of your relative happiness while at work. Thought about another way, some of these tips are excellent sanity checks, or methods for keeping your balance in the workplace. Here are a few that seemed particularly useful and ultimately could result in a few extra minutes of time for yourself and your work.You have the same amount of time as everyone else. While this sounds like a very obvious reminder, the simple fact is that everyone is bound by the 24 hour time period which delineates a day. Those who look mora productive, or alternatively complain about working all through the night, are relegated to the same hours as you. When you feel that t he 24 hour time period isnt enough for you, look for ways that others are making it work, find methods for productivity that work best for you, and dont hold yourself to unrealistic expectations. Accomplish what you can in the time youre given, and stop complaining or worrying yourself when others seem more productive. If you stop worrying about them, you may find a few extra minutes for yourself.Dont worry about what others are thinking of you. Its not your business, and you cant control what theyre thinking. Inevitably, there are times when you begin to wonder what does coworker X think of what I just did? What does my boss really think during my performance reviews? Is so-and-so eyeing my job? The time you spend wondering what your boss or your coworker thinks about you will only result in energy and time wasted. It will probably also hurt your relationships within the workplace, making your job a less enjoyable place to be. Remember that you are only responsible for your own con duct, and if youre comfortable with the decisions youve made, the words youve said, and the things youve done, then theres no reason to take any of those things back and theres little reason to worry.Make your workspace work for you. James suggests that you trash everything in your work area that isnt useful or beautiful. Another way of thinking of this is that your workspace only aids your productivity as much as you allow it to. The right measure of utility and aesthetics can help you be more efficient and probably keep you calmer throughout the day. The balance is very achievable. Do you have a dedicated space for inbound work? Do you have papers filed in folders or binders that are easily accessible and easily searchable? What can you use to brighten the color of your workspace? Maybe bring in a plant, a colorful lamp, or a few more framed pictures of Fido.Often, your relative success and happiness in the workplace is a result of how you conduct yourself and how you set yourself up for productivity and success. Dont let uncontrollable factors become roadblocks and dont allow things you can control to slip to the wayside because you dont feel you have time or energy to deal with them. As much as possible, make the workplace work for you.Do uncontrollable factors act as roadblocks for you? Tell us which roadblock requires a sanity check in the comments below.IMAGE Courtesy of Flickr bytauben

The Best Questions to Ask an Interviewer

The Best Questions to Ask an InterviewerThe Best Questions to Ask an InterviewerWhen preparing for an interview, youve got to do more than know how to respond to tough interview questions. You also have to ask some of your own so you can find out if the job, your potential boss, and the company are the right fit for you.Beyond that, hiring managers expect you to ask good questions. If you dont, theyll be less-than-impressed by your preparation.But when you have limited time in the interview, what are the best questions to ask? Here are some questions and tips from Houstons top resume writers, ResumeSpiceWhat are the most important qualities for someone to succeed in this role?The hiring manager likely told you about the daily tasks and responsibilities associated with the job. But its also important to have an understanding of what it takes to succeed in the role. The hiring managers answer to this question will often give you insight beyond the stelle itself and into the company cu lture.What are the biggest challenges of the job?Hiring managers can sometimes paint a rosy picture of a position theyre trying to hire for. But to gain a clearer sense of what the role truly entails and to assess whether its right for you-you to need to know about the good, the bad and the ugly, too.What are your goals and expectations for the first month on the job? What about the first six months?You want to ensure youre able to meet expectations within the designated time period. Beyond that, asking this question ensures that youre not blindsided by unrealistic goals once on the job.How many people work in the department? What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in it?Even if the company is a big one, youre likely mostly going to be working alongside those in your department, day in and out. Thats why its important to get a sense of the team how big it is and important projects, areas of focus, or trends coming up that impact it.Whats the culture like at the company?M any job seekers make the mistake of asking questions only about the job and the responsibilities, without also delving into the companys culture. But if the culture is a poor fit for you and your personality, youre not going to be happy there, even if you can do the work.What do you like most about working at this company?Asking this question can offer you further insight into the companys culture and what its really like to work there.Whats the next step in your decision-making process?Dont forget to ask this question before you leave the interview. If the hiring manager isnt going to be making a decision for three weeks, its important for you to know that. Otherwise, you might sit around, wondering, waiting and worrying. Asking this question will also give you a timeframe thats appropriate in which to follow up.Need more help getting the interview and getting the job? At ResumeSpice, as Houstons trusted resume writers, we do more than offer tips, but also inte rview preparation help along with resume and cover letter writing, career coaching, and LinkedIn assistance. Call us today at 832.930.7378 to learn more.