Using Holiday Employment to Your Advantage
3 Ways to Benefit from a Second Job
Many workers are looking for another job to supplement their current income. According to a recent Movin’ On Up blog poll, 41% of 1,428 respondents said they’re looking for a second job this holiday season to make ends meet. But, if you work hard and keep your eyes open, you can benefit from more than just an additional paycheck at any job. No matter your reason for a second job, use these three tips to further your career while you make a few extra bucks through the holidays.
Network – Whenever you’re around people, you have the opportunity to network and make new contacts. So, get to know your co-workers and supervisors. You never know who might be able to make the difference in your job search the next time you’re looking for a new opportunity. Collect business cards when you can, and jot a note on the back of every card to help you remember who you received it from later on. Try to build a relationship with everyone you meet so they’re aware of your skills and can confidently recommend you should the time come.
Learn – No matter what type of position you take for your second job, you can learn from the experience. Absorb as much as you can, and take on additional responsibilities as time allows so you can strengthen your skills. If there’s a certain assignment you’d like to help with, talk to your supervisor about why you’d like to help and how it could benefit you as well as the company. Also, take the opportunity to work on your communication skills as you interact with others because this is an important skill you can use in any job.
Stay Ahead – Sometimes, getting your foot in the door at a company is the hardest part of the job search. But, since you’re already working there – even if it’s for a short time – take full advantage of the opportunity. Stay one step ahead of other potential job candidates by working diligently. This will demonstrate that you’re a dedicated and reliable employee who can handle the assignments you’re given. You never know, you may even wind up with an offer for a full-time position doing something you love. Even if you’re not looking to change jobs right now, your hard work can pay off later when you need it most.
When you take a second job, you’re opening up opportunities to network, gain experience, and put yourself ahead of the competition. So, whether you’re working for a paycheck or something more, use your holiday job to your advantage. You never know when the right opportunity to advance your career will appear.
Building Good Workplace Habits
Express Your Appreciation for Co-workers
If you’ve ever worked in a department with other employees or as part of a team on a project, chances are, someone has helped you out somewhere along the way. From showing you how to complete a task to lending you advice on a project, co-workers often provide guidance and support as you work together to get the job done. Building good workplace habits, such as expressing gratitude, is a great way to build rapport. A little appreciation goes a long way, so make sure to show your gratitude for the help you receive from your co-workers. This doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are three simple ways you can express your thanks any time of year.
Say Thanks – The easiest way to express your gratitude is to simply say thank you. Whether you express your appreciation verbally, through an e-mail, or in a handwritten note, saying thank you to your helpful co-worker shows that you value their help and recognize that you might not have been able to complete your assignment without their assistance.
Share Recognition – If your department or team hosts weekly or monthly meetings, recognize your co-worker for their assistance by formally thanking them in front of your supervisor and other co-workers. A small gesture like this can be very meaningful.
Return the Favor – One of the best ways to show your appreciation for someone’s help is to return the favor. If they need help on a project or advice on a task you’ve completed before, offer to guide them through it. When you have skills or experience to offer, take the opportunity to share your knowledge. This demonstrates not only that you’re thankful for the help, but that you’re the type of person who is willing to lend a hand.
Expressing your appreciation for your co-workers helps build your team. So, make sure to recognize your co-workers the next time they offer to step in to help you out. Your acknowledgement can inspire your co-workers to give more and help others more often.
Job Genius is a publication of Express Services, Inc. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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