Where The Federal Jobs Are - Department of Commerce

Where The Federal Jobs Are - Department of CommerceWhere The Federal Jobs Are - Department of CommerceWhere The Federal Jobs Are Department of CommerceWHERE THE FEDERAL JOBS AREFEDERAL AGENCY SERIES PART 10 WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT The DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCEWebsite https//www.commerce.gov/Secretary Penny Pritzker (2013 present)Headquarters The Executive and Policy Offices as well as specific bureau offices are located in Washington, D.C. Many of the Bureaus have headquarters in the D.C. metropolitan area.TIP 1 For a list of Commerce Services and Offices, link tohttp//2010-2014.commerce.gov/about-commerce/services.Mission To create the conditions for economic growth and by promoting job creation, sustainable development and improved standards of living for all Americans by working in partnership with businesses, universities, communities and our nations workers.Strategic Goals The Departments Bureaus drive progress in 5 key goal areasTrade and investmentInnovationEnvironmentDataOp erational ExcellenceLink to a summary of the Fiscal Year 20142018 Strategic Plan at https//www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/media/files/2014/doc_fy14-18_goals_and_objectives.pdf.Number of Civilian Employees Approximately 35,000 employees.TIP 2 The Department of Commerce was ranked 5th among 19 large federal agencies in the Partnership for Public Services 2015 edition of The Best Places to Work in the Federal Government.Department of Commerce Organization Structure The Departments leadership structure includes the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Chief of Staff, Under Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries and Directors of numerous Bureaus, Administrations, Agencies, Institutes (referred to collectively as Bureaus) and executive and policy Offices.BureausBureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). BEA provides a quantitative view of U.S. domestic production, consumption and investment and releases estimates of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Along with the Census Bureau and the Office of t he Chief Economist, BEA is part of the Departments Economics and Statistics Administration. Approximately 450 employees, many of whom are economists, economics analysts and statisticians.Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). The Departmentslicensing, regulatory, and enforcement agency that advances U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economic objectives. Approximately 350 employees. BISs team of special enforcement agents and analysts enforce ausfuhr control regulations. The special enforcement agents are located in offices in nine major U.S. cities and in six major economic hubs abroad.U.S. Census Bureau (Census). Census is the leading source of data about the nations people and economy. In addition to conducting he census of every household in the nation every 10 years, it prepares comprehensive manufacturing and trade censuses every 5 years. Along with the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Office of the Chief Economist, Census is part of the Departments Economics and S tatistics Administration. Over 5,000 employees work at the Census headquarters in Suitland, MD. Others work at the Bureaus 6 Regional Offices across the country. Census employs many statisticians, analysts, IT specialists, and seasonal field workers/interviewers.Economic Development Administration (EDA). Focused exclusively on economic development, the EDA fosters rtlich economic development in economically distressed communities through strategic and sustainable grant investments. Approximately 150 staff.Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA). Serves as the administrator of the Departments statistical programs, providing economic analysis and disseminating national economic indicators. The ESA overbinnensees the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and the Office of the Chief Economist. Census collects, BEA compiles, and OCE analyzes the most comprehensive, consistent, confidential, credible and publicly available socio-economic data on our nations economy, b usinesses, and individuals. Employees include statisticians, economic and business analysts, budget analysts, program analysts, and IT specialists.Office of the Chief Economist. Chief advisor on economics matters to the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs and the Secretary of Commerce.International Trade Administration (ITA). Strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promoting trade and investment, and compliance with trade laws and agreements. Consists of three (3) business units Industry and Analysis Enforcement and Compliance and Global Markets. ITA has approximately 2,100 employees across the nation and overseas. The senior staff operates from the Washington, D.C. Headquarters. Positions include trade specialists, trade compliance analysts, management and program analysts, economists, and positions in business, finance and accounting. The Global Markets organization includes Foreign Service Officers assigned to foreign posts such as U.S. Embassies and Consulates.TIP 3 U .S. Foreign Commercial Service Officers promote the export of U.S. goods and services advance and protect U.S. commercial interests overseas and attract investment. Although typically assigned to foreign posts, Commercial Service Officers often begin their careers by serving a tour of duty at an Export Assistance Center in the U.S. or at Commerce Headquarters. For more information, see trade.gov/jobs/world-of-opportunity.html.Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). Only federal agency established specifically to foster the growth and global competitiveness of minority-owned U.S. businesses. MBDA conducts research stimulates minority entrepreneurship and business ownership and coordinates and leverages public and private sector resources to provide access to capital, contracts and markets. Provides technical assistance and access through a national network of more then 40 MBDA Business Centers.staatal Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). One of the Nations oldest physic al science laboratories, the Institute supports U.S. industry and innovation, partnering with business, universities, and other government agencies. NISTs central programs include the NIST Laboratories Program the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Baldridge Performance and Excellence Program. With headquarters in Gaithersburg, MD, NIST employs approximately 3,000 staff.National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Americas environmental intelligence agency, NOAA provides scientific information to millions of Americans. Its products and services are used by decision makers around the country to better understand risk and prepare for the future. Headquartered in Silver Spring, MD, NOAA has program and research locations across the country and over 11,000 employees Including scientists, engineers and program analysts. It has staff and corporate offices as well as the following line officesNational Environmental Satellite, Data and Information ServiceNationa l Marine Fisheries ServiceNational Ocean ServiceNational Weather ServiceOffice of Marine and Aviation OperationsOffice of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research TIP 4 NOAA has a Commissioned Officer Corps, a uniformed service, that operates its ships and aircraft. For information, seenoaacorps.noaa.gov/index.html.National Technical Information Service (NTIS). The largest central resource for government-funded scientific, technical, engineering, and business-related information. Located in Alexandria Virginia, the NTIS has approximately 100 employees including program managers, IT specialists and staff providing customer service.National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIAs programs and policymaking focus largely on broadband Internet access and adoption in America It works with other Executive Branch agencies to develop domestic and international telecommunications and information polic y. Approximately 300 employees including grant administrators, policy analysts, telecommunications specialists, and economists.U.S. kapitnspatent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The USPTO grants U.S. patents and registers trademarks. The Office advises on intellectual property (IP) policy, protection, and enforcement and promotes stronger IP protection around the world. In addition to its Headquarters in Alexandria, VA, the Office maintains 4 lokal offices (Detroit, MI Denver, CO San Jose, CA and Dallas, TX. It employs a total of more than 12,000 staff, including approximately 9,000 kapitnspatent Examiners (Job Series 1224) who have degrees in engineering or the sciences (or a combination of qualifying education and experience). The Offices approximately 400 trademark examiners are all attorneys (Job Series 0905). Other positions include program analysts, attorneys, administrative patent judges, IT specialists, finance specialists, and administrative personnel.TIP 5 In 2015, the USPTO was ranked 13 (out of 320) among Large Federal Agency Subcomponents in the Partnership for Public Services Best Places to Work in the Federal Government.TIP 6 The USPTO career website provides extensive information regarding employment opportunities and procedures for applying for positions. It includes a helpful Examiner Hiring Process Timeline Page delineating the roughly 10-week process. See http//careers.uspto.gov/Cotton Gin Patent Eli Whitney (1794)Offices Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood PartnershipsOffice of Business LiaisonOffice of Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary for AdministrationOffice of Chief Information OfficerOffice of Chief of StaffOffice of Deputy SecretaryOffice of Executive SecretariatOffice of General CounselOffice of Inspector GeneralOffice of Legislative and Intergovernmental AffairsOffice of Policy and Strategic PlanningOffice of Public AffairsOffice of White House LiaisonTIP 7 In 2015, The Commerce Secretary launched the Commerce Data Service, a government junges unternehmen organized within the Office of the Secretary. The Data Service assists the 12 Department Bureaus to rapidly create and develop projects to advance its mission. It tackles cores infrastructure issues such as enabling experimentation in a safe and collaborative environment, and providing insight and architecture for open data solutions and emerging open data applications. The Service is currently hiring a diverse team of top staff of designers, data engineers, data scientists, front-end and infrastructure engineers. For more information, go to https//www.commerce.gov/dataservice/.Civilian Career FieldsScientists (Job series 1300)Engineers (Job series 0800)IT Specialists (Job series 2210)Economists (Job series 0110)Statisticians (Job series 1529/1530)Management and Program Analysts (Job series 0343)Trade Specialists (Job series 1140)Trade Analysts (Job series 1801)Financial Specialist (Job series 0501)Accountants (Job series 0510)Investigators (Job series 1800)Project Management Specialists (Job series 0301)Telecommunications Specialists (Job series 0391)Geographers (Job Series 0150)Meteorologists (Job Series 1340)Patent Examiners (qualifications include a bachelors degree in physical science, life science, engineering discipline or computer science) (Job series 1224)Trademark Examiners (qualifications include a law degree) (Job series 0905)As is the case throughout the federal government, career opportunities also exist for Administrative personnel, HR Specialists, and Attorneys.TIP 8 For a concise webpage providing descriptions of the range of Commerce-Wide Opportunities as well as links to specific Bureaus, see https//www.commerce.gov/page/career-opportunities-and-internships.Current Vacancies There are currently 117 Department of Commerce General Schedule (GS) vacancies for civilian positions posted in USAJOBS for U.S. Citizens. Many are between the GS-7 and GS-15 levels. Occupations with the most current vacancies ar eIT Specialists (Job series 2210)Management and Program Analysts (Job series 0343)Engineers (Job series 0800)Scientists (Job series 1300)Economists (Job series 0110)Contract Specialists (Job series 1102)Patent Examiners (Job series 1224)Statisticians and Survey Statisticians (Job series 1529/1530)The NEXT BLOG IN THE FEDERAL AGENCY SERIES WILL FOCUS ON The Department of State.Need Help with your Federal Resume for a Career with the Department of Commerce?Complete our Request Quote for Federal Resume to ask for a QUOTE for professional writing services for your federal resume. All New and Available Now The Federal Resume Guidebook, 6th EditionLearn all the Strategies for Writing a Winning Federal ResumeThe Number One Book on Federal Resume Writing 6th Editionis completelyredesigned as a practical workbook, making the complex process of writing a federal resume easy to understand.This book is not just about federal resumes. This book set the standard for federal resumes Kathryn Trout man, Author and PublisherLearn to navigate the USAJOBS.gov website and how to tailor your resume for a government job or promotion. Ellen Lazarus is a Resume Place Certified Federal Job Search Trainer, Federal Resume Writer and Career Coach. She is a former Legislative Branch senior executive.

Yes, you can reset your body without doing a cleanse

Yes, you can reset your body without doing a cleanseYes, you can reset your body without doing a cleanseIts entirely normal to get off track from time to time. And everyone does because - surprise - no one is perfect. The challenge, though, comes when you want to preset that proverbial reset button because we often go overboard, forcing ourselves into full-on cleanses that our bodies ultimately reject.So instead of traveling down this uncomfortable (and, often times, unsuccessful) path, consider the simple daily rituals below. Implement them for a brief period of time just to get yourself back on track, but then, if you find that theyre really working for you, add them to your typical routine for consistent energy and a happy digestive system.1. Have a cup of hot lemon water in the morningMost people dont realize it, but lemons are all-stars for the digestive tract. They are extremely detoxifying and help to keep the bodys pH in balance. While theyre a citrus fruit, lemons actually have an alkalizing effect on acid in the stomach, helping to calm down things like acid reflux flare-ups. Starting the day off with a hot cup of lemon water wakes up your digestive system and helps to reset it before asking it to process everything else you will consume throughout the day.2. Eat fresh, raw fruits or vegetables before having a mealStarting off a meal or your day with some raw fruits or vegetables is a great way to kick-start your digestion. It gets the wheels turning and allows your body to get ready to digest the more complex things that you will consume later on. Also, the fiber helps to keep you a bit fuller so that you dont overeat. This ritual can be as simple as eating a few carrot sticks or a small salad before your typical meal or having an apple as an afternoon pick-me-up before you start to crash. They are refreshing, delicious and make you feel clean from the inside out.3. Take a daily probiotic supplementProbiotics help to balance out the good bacteria i n your gut and keep your digestive system happy. There are tons of probiotic supplement options to choose from, so read up on what will work best for your body. Its such a simple thing to add to your daily routine that makes such a big difference, so why not start now? We also like eating probiotic-rich foods like kimchi and kefir to snag some the natural way.4. Take a shot of apple cider vinegarWhoever came up with the saying, An apple a day keeps the doctor away, was onto something. This simple, overlooked fruit is a powerful player in digestive health. And apple cider vinegar is an internal superhero in itself. Go for the organic, unfiltered kind like Braggs, and use it as a tool to calm stomach acid or heartburn and kill bacteria in the body that can leave you feeling icky and your skin looking dull. Take one tablespoon straight or dissolve it in a little water to subdue the burn. (And always be mindful of your tooth enamel if you prefer it in shot gestalt) Start your day off wi th this ritual or do it whenever youre feeling like you need a reboot.5. Keep ginger candy handyGinger chews can come to your rescue if youre feeling nauseous or your stomach is upset. Ginger has tons of health benefits, especially for the stomach, but no one really wants to carry around a fresh knob of the aromatic root in their bag everywhere they go, so snag some ginger candies instead. Theyre perfect in a pinch when youre out and about and your digestive system isnt happy with you. Pop one for almost instant relief. Seriously, ginger candies can work tiny miracles when you need them most.This article was originally published on Swirled.

Lunch and Dinner Interview Tips

Lunch and Dinner Interview TipsLunch and Dinner Interview TipsEmployers may take their leading job candidates out to lunch or dinner, especially when they are vorstellungsgesprching for jobs where there is a lot of client interaction, to evaluate their social skills and to see how the candidates handle themselves under pressure. Taking you to breakfast, lunch, or dinner provides the interviewer with a chance to check out your communication and interpersonal skills, as well as your table manners, in a more casual environment than an office setting. Good manners will give you an advantage over other candidates, so take some time to brush up on your table manners and to be aware of good interview dining etiquette. What to Wear Dress professionally for your dinner interview, just as you would for an interview in the office. The venue has changed, but you are still interviewing for a job and its important to make a good impression. Heres what to wear for ajob interview at a restaurant ,with tips for the best interview outfits for everything from a casual cup of coffee to fine dining. Remember to be Polite Please and Thank you go a long way in making a good impression. That means thanking the host or hostess who seats you, the waitstaff, and your host. Follow up your dinner interview with athank you notlageeto the interviewer(s) which reiterates your interest in the job. Remember Your Table Manners Remember what your mom told you about not chewing and talking at the same time, keeping your elbows off the table, and sitting up straight? Table manners are important when youre dining with a prospective employer. Dont be too casual and do pay attention to good table manners this includes using a napkin and holding your fork properly. Engage in a Conversation Dining interviews arent one-sided. They are an opportunity for the interviewer to get to know you and vice versa. Its important to be engaged in a conversation with the interviewer and whomever else i s there. As well as responding to questions about yourself, ask questions and carry on a conversation. Maintain eye contact, and do your best to draw everyone at the table into the conversation dont just focus upon whom you perceive to be the lead interviewer or senior member of management. The more comfortable and relaxed everyone is, the better chance you have of moving to the next round. To Drink or Not to Drink There are two schools of thought when it comes to alcohol and interviewing. The first is that it is important to not drink and to keep your wits about you. The other is that it could be awkward if the interviewer orders a bottle of wine and everyone at the table, other than you, has a glass. Of course, if you dont drink alcohol there is absolutely no need to drink just because the host is drinking you can gracefully abstain with a simple No, thank you. If you choose to drink alcohol, dont have more than a glass of wine or so and be very careful to stay focused on the conversation. Interview Dining Etiquette If you have never attended a dining interview before, it pays to review basic dining etiquette. As you would in an office interview, you need to know the location of the restaurant ahead of time and allow yourself extra travel time to ensure that you arrive a few minutes early this will allow you to compose yourself before the interview. Before you meet your interviewers, turn off your cell phone completely and stow it where you wont be tempted to look at it. When you order, dont select the most expensive item on the menu this may come off as very crass behavior. Also avoid food that is messy or difficult to eat gracefully you want your interviewers to focus on your conversation, not the way you are eating or the spaghetti sauce that ends up on your face. Take small bites that allow you to swallow quickly so you arent talking with food in your mouth. When you have finished eating, place your utensils in the four oclock sttte on your p late place your folded napkin to the left of the plate. At the end of the meal, thank your interviewers for their time. You shouldnt offer to pay the bill or the tip its understood that these will be covered by the interviewing committee. For more information, please have a look at these additional tips regarding interview dining etiquette.

Interview Question About Employers Taking a Risk on You

Interview Question About Employers Taking a Risk on YouInterview Question About Employers Taking a Risk on YouMany employers are concerned about generating a return on their investment with new hires, so they look to hire people who they think they will make a brdeing commitment to the company. If yure changing careers, for instance, you might be asked, Why should I take a risk on you, since youve changed fields before? In your answer, youll need to address any concerns the employer might have about how long you will remain in the job. This is especially important if your resume indicates that youve had multiple new positions within a short period of time. Matching Your Skills to the Role The best way to answer this kind of question is to emphasize how well this particular position fits your interests. Review each element of the job description and note the responsibilities that are most interesting to you. Think of in gleichem abstand nebeneinander roles youve had in the past an d be ready to describe how fulfilling that work was for you. Position yourself as a solution, not a potential risk. Match what you have to offer to the list of job requirements and give your best sales pitch, emphasizing the traits and characteristics that make you a unique and solid match for the job. Example From our conversation, it seems like youre looking for someone to come in and take charge of your editorial department. With my seven years of experience working in online and print publishing, I have saved companies thousands of dollars by working efficiently with freelancers. In my last job, I hit the ground running, overseeing fifty off-site editors and sized up problems quickly with our online publishing platform. Im able to stay focused in stressful situations, such as when we increased our article production by fifty percent month over month. Do Your Research Research your new career field thoroughly and present a detailed explanation about why you are making the cha nge. Speak with contacts working in your new field and shadow them to gain a more in-depth view of their work role. If possible, intern or volunteer for a short time to show prospective employers that you are knowledgeable about the field and committed to your new role. If you think your employment history might raise a red flag in regards to your level of commitment to each job youve held, emphasize how your past experience has led you to this field and the ways in which it bolstered your confidence for this new position. For example, you might mention that in the past, you changed fields because of the allure of a higher salary, more responsibility or greater status, but didnt carefully consider how stimulating the actual work would be. You can mention that you grew from that experience and are ready to fully commit to a new position. Tell a Story Job hopping in and of itself doesnt need to be detrimental to your profile as a job seeker. Its all about how you frame your respon se. Look for ways to show continuity in your career path. Tell a story that shows continued growth. For example, maybe your last three jobs seem unrelated on the surface but allowed you to assume additional leadership responsibilities with each change. Demonstrate that in your answer, and then show how youd be able to use what youve learned to excel in the role youre discussing. Keep Your Answer Short and Sweet Your goal is to answer this question as quickly and persuasively as possible and then move on to the rest of the interview. Dont dwell on the topic any longer than necessary. Practice Your Response The best antidote to nerves is preparation. If youve changed jobs multiple times in the past, you should be prepared for this or similar questions. Formulate a response and then practice delivering it until you feel completely comfortable. (Dont memorize it, however. You dont want to seem like youre delivering your statement before a judge.) Dont Negotiate Against Yours elf When youre feeling insecure in an interview situation, its easy to start having both sides of the conversation. Resist the urge. Now is not the time to be self-deprecating or to bring yourself down. Be positive and dont be afraid to fake confidence if you need to.

The Chronicles of How to Make a Resume

The Chronicles of How to Make a Resume The Battle Over How to Make a Resume and How to Win It If youre seeking to be a cook, it will surely help. You need to get their attention. Most likely, a guy wont ever commit if you dont encourage him. One reason why you ought to make a guy commit is as you dont need to wind up as just another notch on his belt. Well, regardless of what stage youre in your career, youre likely to should understand how to make a resume for a job interview and we will explain to you how Your job (while youre attempting to find a job) is to remember to fit what theyre searching for. After the time is correct, ask about opportunities. Nevertheless, theres not any reason to fret. What you would like to avoid is having an experience section thats almost empty, or one which is full of experience thats not pertinent to your targeted position. When its been a while since you were in the work market, you might want to take a while to learn about current job-hu nting methods. At any time you have gaps in your employment history, or lots of employers in a brief time. Fortunately, theres a means to put a stop to uninspiring job applications. The absolute most important task is to help them feel at ease and release a number of the tension and fear that are normally associated with dental treatments. Be sure to permit for flexibility such that in the event that you do not manage a duty within the established time, it shouldnt ruin the whole process. Its very likely that it never even was reviewed by someone and was instead filtered by means of an algorithm. While not everybody wants the help of a professional resume writer, a pro can help save you time and energy that may be better utilized toward other facets of your job search. Whether youre asking for work, a grant, or using your resume to construct your own client base, a skilled and well-organized resume is suggested. If youre in an office, attempt to adjust many aspects within it t o make it even mora stimulating. Have a look at our article on the way to use your job references strategically in the event you need more info. Adding certain on-line media contents can be useful to simple resume applicants as it helps the hiring manager to access a website having a more extensive and thorough candidate profile. Add a last statement that references are offered upon request. Resumes are usually categorized by the way in which the info is presented. Put the Education section of your resume on top of your resume so that its the very first thing the employer sees. Create happy employees, and you create a superior company since theyll evangelize. For entry-level or first-time applicants who dont have any experience, volunteer work makes an exceptional stand-in. A bonus to turning into a well-rounded employee at the provider is that will wind up more of an asset. Resume temporary software automates the early phases of the recruitment practice. A basic resume vor lage is the most elementary version or variety of a resume template which could be employed to produce resumes for any work position. Simple resumes must be clean and professional with respect to the plan, the formatting, and the content. Theres not anything wrong with having multiple distinct resumes and employing the ideal application for the position. Also, be certain that there is enough white space on the page to allow it to be simple to scan. The choice you make is dependent upon your very own individual needs. Among the tips on writing a resume is also to revolve around the things which make you unique. An included four color schemes can help you use the style that is suitable for your personal touch.

How ITW Modernized Their Hiring Brand with Video Interviewing - Spark Hire

How ITW Modernized Their Hiring Brand with Video Interviewing - Spark HireToday Ill highlight our 3rd customer testimonial from the recent SHRM Annual Conference, Sarah Thio. To check out the previous post in the series, click here.When Sarah started at ITW, she wanted to improve how her younger talent viewed the organization. Her hope welches to refresh their hiring brand to a more modern and technology-forward organization.For me, the highlight of this conversation welches hearing her attest to candidates enjoying using a video interview over a phone screen. Learn other ways she personalized and modernized her recruiting process in the video below.My name is Sarah Thio, and I lead University Relations for ITW, or Illinois Tool Works.What challenges were you experiencing prior to using Spark Hire?Leading university relations, the challenge was to connect with younger talent. And so, video interviewing was an opportunity for us to explore more technology versus in the past ITW had no t used as much technology with Recruiting. What aspect of Spark Hire have you found to be the most valuable?My candidates have loved video interviewing. I know theres a lot of mixed reviews out there, but of the candidates that Ive had, theyve appreciated the approach that weve used, the timeliness of it, and just the whole candidate experience of just making it more personalized where I was able to make a video to welcome them and they saw me at the career fair. So those small touches really made a huge impact and helped the candidate experience.How is it doing business with Spark Hire?Doing business with Spark Hire is really easy Everyone is super friendly, my account manager is really on top of things, hes very responsive. Even if I take a long time to respond to emails, he will get back to me right away and keep calling to make sure I got the appropriate information. So definitely a great customer experience there. Would you recommend Spark Hire to others?I would definitely reco mmend Spark Hire. I think, I looked at different video interviewing technologies when I was looking into starting the video interviewing process, and what I found about Spark Hire was the simplicity aspect of things. And then the price really reflected that. So overall, candidate experience, ROI and everything, Spark Hire was definitely the right way for ITW to go. And so if youre looking for a video interviewing platform, that has a simplicity aspect, the right amount of tools, and a great price, this is definitely the place to go.

Here are some things to do with money from a bonus or tax return

Here are some things to do with money from a bonus or tax returnHere are some things to do with money from a bonus or tax returnIts officially tax seasonJan. 29 marked the first day you could file your tax return to the IRS.Lauren Lyons Cole, a certified financial planner and senior editor at Business Insider, writes in the publication that you should receive all your tax documents by early February.Before you file your taxes, youll need to collect all your 2017 tax documents. If youre an employee, that means your W-2 if youre a freelancer, you may have multiple 1099 forms, Cole writes. In some cases, you may have other statements, such as income earned from an interest-bearing savings account or interest paid on a loan, or even taxable bitcoin gains.But while some lucky employees might not have to wait for a refund - some companies have been handing out bonuses as a result of the tax overhaul - the question still remains How should the money be allocated?Here are some things you c an do with any extra cash you receive from a tax return or a bonus.Set up an emergency fundRecent Bankrate research found that if someone was hit with a bill of $1,000 that wasnt planned for (like for an emergency room visit or car repair,) 39 percent of Americans would have to use their savings to pay it off. Another 19 percent would finance with credit card, pay off over time and 13% would cut back how much they spent in other areas.Take that as your cue Use some of the money to abflug an emergency fund oras Bankrate suggests, do things like automate the process to put some away every month.Learn something newSabah Karimi, the digital marketing copywriter and content writer behindFusion Copywriting, writes in U.S. News World Report that you could invest in your education or professional skills with a tax return or bonus.If you want to perform better at work or youre eager to earn a raise this year (and a bigger holiday bonus), consider polishing up your skills or going back to sc hool. You might choose to spend your holiday bonus on an online certification course, a university program or even a noncredit course at a local community college, she writes. Youll increase your skills and your knowledge while making yourself more valuable to your employer. Investing in your education and professional skills could give you additional earning power and help you build up your resume for the next hop up the career ladder.Put more money away for retirementIts never too late, or a bad idea, to stash away more cash.Kathleen Elkins, a writer for CNBC Make It, writes on the site that you should beef up your 401(k).Ideally youre already putting money into your 401(k) retirement account if you have the option, but, if possible, youll also want to get in the habit of increasing your contributions consistently. A bonus is a great opportunity to do so, she writes.

3 Times You Should Give Into Office Politics - The Muse

3 Times You Should Give Into Office Politics - The Muse3 Times You Should Give Into Office PoliticsWere going out to get some drinks after work, do you want to come?You think No, Ive been here all day and would rather go home and stare at my TV.But instead you say Of curseSound familiar? The reality is this What can appear to be just a casual invitation isnt always so straightforward in the workplace.The truth is that with almost every interaction, youre being judged, and if you choose to leid participate, you risk being labeled as anti-social or not a team player.Oh yes, the joy of schreibstube politicsOf course, you know that there are times when you have to play the game if you want to go ahead. Its why you say yes to happy hour when you just want to go home, and its why you agree to help your boss prep for her presentation even though you have a growing to-do list of your own.With that said, you dont always have to give in (you also dont have to work in an office like this, thoug h, once you get to a certain size, its hard to find one that doesnt involve some politicking).These are the times when its in your best interest to roll up your sleeves and give in1. When You Want to Get PromotedLets face it If youre looking to get promoted, chances are youre going to have to play some form of office politics. In this case, its not only about your work, but your ability to interact with a variety of people.Earlier in my career, I had a colleague who knew a lot, but had a difficult personality. He had his own qualms with the job and lets just say he didnt lay out the welcome mat for me. During my performance review, my manager mentioned the strained working relationship. She even asked if I would go to him for help if needed. My answer was No, Id figure it out myself before Id do that. As you might guess, that wasnt the answer she was looking for.Knowing what I know now, I shouldve played the game and chosen my words better. I couldve said that I would work with him despite our challenges at times and that I would try to find a common ground so that we can both complete our goals. (Do you see the difference between that and just flat out saying No, he sucks?) Am I saying that you should lie work your way to the top? No. But its important to strategically manage your message and not say anything that could be held against you.2. When Leaderships in the VicinityAny events or meetings that involve higher-ups (from your boss all the way to the CEO) are usually seen as a must-go, even if they may be inconvenient, not the best use of your time, or just simply awkward. This is a part of office politics where the focus is on appearances who showed up and who did not. So, this isnt the time to pull out the Oh, sorry cant make it, excuse. This is a time when you should go. But, I dont want you to just see this as something you have suck up because you have no control. In fact, you can do the exact opposite Control how these meetings work for you. This is your chance to get noticed and put your name in front of leadership. If youre going to attend, dont shrink in the corner, counting down the minutes until its over.Instead, use it as an opportunity to sneak in a comment or two about current or past projects you excelled in, quantify your results and relay positive feedback you received, and show your personality. In fact, it wouldnt hurt to have a few of these conversation starters ready to go. This may be one of the times when your work that may have gone unnoticed gets the attention it deserves. Once youve done your part, then you can go home (or back to your desk), knowing that you were your own advocate and seen as part of the team.Act now, cringe later. 3. When Theres the Opportunity to NetworkOK, so one of the main reasons why you give into office politics is forge relationships with people and build allies. If youve been eyeing a position with another team or you want the opportunity to get exposure to new opportunities, this is a great time to spread your wings. Going to the happy hour every once in a while is a way to meet people you may not get a chance to talk to during your day-to-day. One important thing to remember, though You may play the game to get exposed to new people and get more visibility for your personal brand, but you never want to compromise yourself by throwing someone under the bus, participating in negative banter, or doing something detrimental to your career. This is exactly when office politics can become tricky waters to navigateSo, the next time youre wondering if you should play the game or go home, think about these situations. Ask yourself what can you gain if you participate? What can you lose if you dont? Its not always fair that this is the situation youre in, but it can also work to your advantage if you learn when you need to participate and when you dont.

Arianna Huffington on burnout being a workplace crisis

Arianna Huffington on abgeschlagenheit being a workplace crisisArianna Huffington on burnout being a workplace crisisIn 2016 I founded Thrive Global to end the stress and burnout epidemic, citing the Belgian philosopher Pascal Chabots definition of burnout as civilizations disease. And this week, burnout was elevated by the World Health Organization from a built-in feature of ur always-on world to a fully defined occupational phenomenon that stems directly from ur collective crisis of workplace stress.Its a real milestone to have the World Health Organization for the first time include burnout in its handbookInternational Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. Burnout, according to theentry, is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three key factors feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion increased mental distance from ones job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism relat ed to ones job and reduced professional efficacy.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreWhy is this so important? Moving burnout from the I know it when I landsee it column - where it was in 2007, when I collapsed from sleep deprivation and exhaustion and broke my cheekbone - to a fleshed-out workplace problem means we are now in a position to more effectively combat it. Only when we begin to understand our biggest problems can we also begin to effectively address them. And judging by thebroadmediacoveragegenerated by the World Health Organizations news, its clear that not only is burnout in the zeitgeist, but that people are hungry for solutions.Theres something almost cathartic about legitimizing burnout, as the medical world catches up with a ubiquitous condition that has long shaped our lives - especially for young people. As Anne Helen Petersen wrote in aviral BuzzFeed article earlier this year, Burnout and the behaviors and weight that accompany it arent, in fact, something we can cure by going on vacation. Its not limited to workers in acutely high-stress environments. And its not a temporary affliction Its the millennial condition. Its our base temperature. Its our background music. Its the way things are. Its our lives. According to Linda and Torsten Heinemann, authors ofa studyin the journalSAGE Open, burnout has become one of the most widely discussed mental health problems in todays society. And that was in 2017.So the World Health Organizations designation is, in its way, something to celebrate. In past eras, weve believed wildly inaccurate things about ourselves and the world. We believed the world was flat. We watched as doctors went on television to recommend their favorite brand of cigarettes. In our time, we are still breaking free of the collective delusion that burnout is simply the price we have to pay for success. Calling burnout what it is - and just as important, ending the era in which its existence can be minimized or even denied - represents a step forward.At Thrive Global, were working to end the global burnout crisis, but we are also relentlessly covering both the crisis and solutions, using all the tools at our disposal totell stories about burnoutand - just as important - give peopletoolstoidentify the signsof burnout andMicrostepsto combat it. ur community of 40,000-pluscontributors, our partnerships with companies around the world, and the guidance of our scientific advisory board have made it clear that burnout is one of the biggest issues of our time.This is true not only for individuals but for businesses. The World Health Organizations announcement represents a big opportunity for companies committed to fighting burnout within their ranks. If youre a business leader looking to improve your employees health and performance, the World Health Organization just handed you a gift.Its clear that employe e burnout is having a significant impact to the bottom line, including through attrition - and burnt out employees are over 30 percent more likely to leave their jobs. Its why nearly a third of caregivers have had to leave their jobs to care for someone. Its why over 75 percent of expecting mothers say theyre excited to go back to work after giving birth, but 43 percent of them will quit their jobs at some point after that. And employee attrition costs businesses an enormous amount of money, with some estimates suggesting the costs can be as high as 1.5x or 2x the departing employees annual salary.Think about it If employees are experiencing any of the symptoms in the WHOs new definition of burnout - depletion and exhaustion, negativism and cynicism, reduced professional efficacy - are they going to put in their best performance? Or are they more likely to cut corners or to leave?Now, with burnout in the spotlight, companies have a fresh opportunity to step up, for the sake of th eir people and for the health of the bottom line. Focusing on peoples actual experience at work is no longer a nice-to-have, its a must-have for anyone who wants to succeed in the long run. To find the cure to civilizations disease, its going to take a commitment to getting to the root causes of burnout.This article originally appeared on Thrive Global.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people