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Work/Work Balance
4 Tips to Successfully Manage 2 Jobs
Working a second job during the summertime to make a little extra cash or gain work experience isn’t out of the ordinary, even in a thriving economy. But this year, many individuals are looking for a second job just to make ends meet, whether they’re taking on two part-time gigs or a part-time job on top of full-time employment. According to a recent survey on our blog, Movin’ On Up, over half of all respondents indicated they are looking for a second job this summer. If you’re one of those workers looking for additional employment, or are at least considering it, check out these four tips to help you successfully manage two jobs.
1. Avoid interfering opportunities. The first step to successfully manage two jobs is to choose positions that don’t have overlapping schedules. Since you can only be in one place at any given time, it’s important to make sure your job duties won’t conflict with each other. A job with constantly changing hours can be difficult to schedule around, sometimes forcing you to choose between your two employers. However, a second job with flexible scheduling might give you the freedom you need to establish your work hours around your primary employment.
2. Create a contingency plan. When you’re working for two different employers, there may come a time when a request is made by one employer that you’re unable to fulfill because of your time commitment to the other employer. So, think ahead, and create a contingency plan before you get yourself in a bind. Decide which employer you will say “no” to given a scheduling conflict, even if it means risking your job. Use some of these significant factors to help you choose which employer is your top priority: salary, benefits, personal time off, flexible work schedule, and career advancement.
3. Be honest if asked. Some employers expect their employees to work solely for them, while others are amenable to their employees working two jobs. While it’s not necessary to tell your primary employer what you do outside of company time, it’s crucial to be honest if you’re confronted by either employer about your other job. There’s no reason to hide a second job. In most states, an employer can’t let you go for this reason unless you signed an agreement when you joined the company that prohibits second jobs, or unless you have work hours scheduled for both employers at once.
4. Keep your work separate. Each employer is paying you to work for them and only them while you’re on the job. So, respect each of your employers and keep your work separate. Don’t work on projects for your second job during your primary job or vice-versa. If you’re finding it difficult to keep projects separate while completing all your tasks, it might be time to reconsider your second job.
Maintaining two jobs at once can be a challenge. The challenge only increases when you try to add in finding time for friends and family, keeping up your home, and participating in extracurricular activities. But, you can hold down two jobs successfully if you’re willing and able to manage your time carefully and follow these four tips. Then, you – and your employers – will be happier and less stressed at the end of the day.
Post-Interview Follow Up
The Whys & Hows of Thanking an Interviewer
A successful job search doesn’t end at the interview. Actually, a very crucial element follows it – thanking your potential employer for taking the time to meet with you and consider you for the position. Unfortunately, some job seekersfail to complete this step and miss the opportunity to land the job. Fortunately for you, you’ll have a better chance than your competition to receive an employment offer if you understand the importance of following up with a thank you.
Why You Should Thank an Interviewer
• It’s Simple. Many job seekers forget this part of the interview process, possibly because it’s so simple. Thanking an interviewer will keep your name top-of-mind and leave a lasting impression with your prospective employer. So, make it a point to take five minutes after each interview to follow up with a thank you. Afraid you’ll forget? Pre-address and stamp an envelope before the interview or pre-write a sample e-mail to make it that much simpler to complete following the interview.
• You’ll Stand Out. If other job seekers choose not to follow up with a thank you but you do, you’ll stand out to employers. It may seem small to you, but it’s important to employers. In fact, according to a CareerBuilder survey, nearly half of employers weigh part – or all – of their hiring decision on whether or not they received a thank you from the applicant.
• It’s an Opportunity. If you forgot to mention a key part of your work experience or education during the interview that might help you land the job, sending a thank-you note can provide an additional opportunity to mention that information. You can also take this chance to remind the employer of important qualifications and briefly restate why you’d be the right fit for the job. Repetition of these key points will also help the interviewer remember who you are when they begin to make their decision. Remember to keep it short, simple, and sincere.
How to Thank an Interviewer
• Hand-Write a Note. The traditional way of thanking an interviewer is to hand-write a note. Then, mail or deliver it shortly after the interview to make sure it gets there quickly. Many hiring decisions are made promptly at the end of interviews, usually within days or even hours. Make sure to use correct spelling and grammar, and address the note specifically to the interviewer.
• Send an E-mail. If you have the interviewer’s e-mail address and know they prefer communication electronically, carefully construct an e-mail using proper spelling and grammar and only the simplest text – no fancy fonts, colors, or graphics. Remind the interviewer of your interest in the job, but don’t recreate your résumé in your thank-you note. Also, be sure to send the e-mail soon after the interview.
• Make a Phone Call. If you’ve already followed up with the interviewer using a hand-written note or e-mail and haven’t heard back yet, give the interviewer a call a few days after you’ve sent your thank-you note. Whether you get to speak to them directly or have to leave a voicemail, briefly remind them who you are, thank them again for the opportunity to interview, and politely let them know that you’re still interested in the position.
First impressions are memorable, but so are the actions you take after an interview. So, be sure to maintain a positive, professional image by appropriately following up after each interview you receive. Don’t let an employment opportunity slip away merely because you didn’t take the simple steps to thank your potential employer.
Workplace Challenges
10 Signs You Might Have a Bad Boss
If you’ve worked in more than one job, you’ve experienced a variety of management styles, some better than others. You’ve probably noticed when a supervisor came in late, miscommunicated an important message, or upset a co-worker. They might have even upset you a time or two. But, does that make them a bad boss? While it can sometimes be hard to respect someone you think is a bad boss, it’s important to first understand if they’re truly a bad example to follow. If they’re a bad manager, be sure to learn from their mistakes and maintain your professionalism to be successful in your own career. Not sure if you’re following in the wrong footsteps? Check out these 10 signs of a bad boss.
- Micromanaging every project
- Setting different standards for different employees
- Taking credit for your work
- Using manipulation, harassment, or lies to get ahead
- Blaming others for their mistakes
- Avoiding conflict
- Publicly humiliating employees
- Failing to hold people accountable
- Using profanity in the workplace
- Constantly losing employees, customers, or clients
If you’re working for or have ever worked for a bad boss exhibiting any of these behaviors (or worse), now is your chance to spill. Share your stories at www.100worstbosses.com.
Job Genius is a publication of Express Services, Inc. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved.