What we can learn from this week's Glee episode

I am a huge fan of Fox’s Glee. On this week’s episode, a video of the scariest cheerleading coach around was put on YouTube by the Glee Club. Sue Sylvester had taped herself doing a musical rendition of Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical.” When the video reached a fever on the Internet, Sue was humiliated, and even acknowledged her feelings of embarrassment.

By now, you might be asking yourself what my love of song and dance has to do with this blog. Well readers, here is my point.

Social media makes it easier than ever to share our private lives with everyone (literally). While showing pictures of the new baby to your great aunt in Tallahassee or the watching the YouTube wedding video dance that captured America’s interest with friends is fun, always think before you post.

Employers often do Google searches on potential candidates and might be surprised to see what comes up when they type in your name. Once something is out on the Internet, there is no taking it back.

Be smart when it comes to your online presence. Not all of us will be lucky to have Olivia Newton-John come to the rescue like Sue Sylvester did.

To Ink or Not to Ink?

I have a confession to make.

Those who know me in a professional setting might be surprised to learn that I've always wanted to get a tattoo on my wrist.

You might be asking your me in your head, "So why not? You're an adult and you can do what you want." Well friends, three reasons.

1. I have a low pain tolerance.
2. I am fickle and ink is forever (maybe not for Johnny Depp's Winona Forever tat, but for me).
3. I am worried how people in the workplace would view me.

I know I am not alone in my ink interest. A recent Pew Research Center survey reported that 36% of  those 18-25 and 40% of 26-40 have at least one tattoo.

My advice: make sure you know your employer's policy on body art. Some employers are okay with it, others require that they be covered up. Check with your HR department before making any decisions.

As for me, I'll just have to keep watching episodes of LA Ink to get my fix.

Spring Cleaning for Your Job Hunt

The grass is green, the birds are chirping and your new job is just around the corner. Now is the time to give your job hunt the same treatment that you give your home.

Reorganize Your Priorities
Just as you might reorganize your closet, do the same with your priorities. Evaluate how much time you are spending on your job hunt. Establish a daily routine to have a sense of normalcy. Remember that looking for a new career is a full-time job. You should be spending at least 40 hours a week contributing to your search.


Update Your Resume
Have you been using your time off to volunteer or take classes? Make sure to keep your resume up-to-date by adding new experiences. Hiring managers will appreciate seeing what you've been up to since your last position ended.

Dust off Your Address Book
Contact old managers, co-workers, friends and family. Let them know about your job hunt and ask if they know of any open positions. Remember, many available jobs are not open to the public; it's all about who you and your connections know.


Clean up Your Attitude
Often times job seekers experience bouts of sadness and frustration. Remind yourself that you are a good worker and you will find a job. Maintaining a positive attitude will keep you going during your search.


Try New Things
Invest time into social media. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter are a few user-friendly sites that can be used to research companies and network with other job seekers.

What I learned about work from Grey's Anatomy

I finally had some time to catch up on my DVR last night, and I watched a Grey's Anatomy episode from a few weeks ago.

For those of you who are familiar with the show, Meredith was upset that Derrick had "stolen" a surgery from her. When she was complaining about things not going as planned, one of her fellow surgeons told her that she needed to be in "Who-ville." He told her that in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," after the Grinch took their Christmas decorations and presents, Who-ville didn't let that stop them. Even though their plans didn't turn out how they wanted, they still made the best of the situation at hand.

It got me thinking; how many times at work do things not go as I planned? And I realized that sometimes, you just gotta suck it up and be a Cindy Lou. Sure things don't always go to plan; you need to be able to go with the flow.

Don't let the Grinch take away your spirit.

Love Him or Hate Him, He's Back

Tiger Woods recently made his return to golf, competing in the Masters. From what I've heard, he didn't do too bad, all things considered. (No, I do not watch golf. I prefer to spend my tv time on trashy reality shows-- my guilty pleasure.)

In my past blog post, I wrote about Tiger's work image and asked if it would be tarnished.

I'm pretty sure I have my answer-- love him or hate him, the guy performs while he is at "work."

QPS Opens a New Office!

QPS has just announced the opening of its' newest office, located in Wausau, Wisconsin.

The office is located at 2222 Grand Avenue and can be reached at (715) 848-0302.

“With this new office, we are further expanding our reach to better serve our client companies and the local job seeking community,” according to Jim Roy, regional vice president of QPS Employment Group.

QPS is experiencing positive growth in 2010, and is up 30 percent in year-over-year revenue. Roy states, “In 2009, QPS, like many companies, adjusted to our ‘new normal.’ The planning measures that we took are paying off for us in 2010 and we are continuing ahead with our long-term strategic expansion plans.”

Happy April Fool's Day!!

Today is April Fool's Day, so beware of those office pranksters!

Have you seen Google's Web site? It's claiming to have changed its name to Topeka, in honor of Topeka, Kansas.

I'm guessing this is an April Fool's Day prank! Have you experienced or seen any pranks at work today?

When I was an RA in college, we blew up hundreds of balloons and put them in our hall director's office. Share your best office prank!