Detoxing is a popular subject. The term is used nowadays to refer to eliminating things that aren't good for us and affect us negatively. Usually it's in the context of your physical health.
Related: 7 Ways To Stay Productive At Work
But perhaps it shouldn't be limited to that. Have you ever thought about eliminating some of the 'toxins' affecting your work life? Are there any aspects of your work environment that could do with some attention? Do you have any particularly toxic behaviors, habits or routines that are holding you back or making you less productive? And if so, what can you do about them?
1. Sort Out Your Filing
Do you regularly have the feeling that you definitely have that important document, email or piece of information somewhere… if you could just lay your hands on it? We've all been there. But being unable to find what you need when you need it means you end up feeling stressed and not in control as you waste time tracking it down.
The prospect of spending some time going through your files – whether they're in folders on your computer, in a filing cabinet or sliding off your in-tray – is not very appealing. But think about the payback. You'll be more organized, you'll know where to find information quickly and will be far more productive as a result.
2. Tidy Your Workspace
While we're on the subject, the same logic applies to your desk or whatever workspace you use. There's no escaping the fact that clutter equals confusion. Not only will a tidy up make you more productive, it will also help you feel calmer and better able to focus on the task at hand.
3. Open A Window
Once your workplace is tidy make the most of the rest of your working environment. If you can, open a window to reduce carbon dioxide build-up as it can contribute to the 'afternoon slump.' Alternatively add plants as they'll absorb carbon dioxide — and other environmental pollutants — that can trigger fatigue. Studies show they can be good for lifting your mood too.
4. Sort Out Your Monitor
If your eyes are tired, you'll feel tired as well. Adjust brightness, select a comfortable font size and give the screen a clean as a dirtier screen is harder to focus on.
5. Rethink Your To-Do List
To-do lists are helpful but need to be used carefully. Too many unfinished tasks can make you feel overwhelmed.
Allocate an hour to take a critical look at them and think about why they're not done. You'll undoubtedly see some that are important and need to be pushed up the list as priorities. Consider why you haven't managed to do them. It may be due to lack of time. But are there other reasons why you haven't addressed them? (Procrastination? Or maybe you are concerned that it won't work out so you never get around to starting it in the first place? You may find it useful to take a look at these related articles in that case).
There could also be some projects that fit with your longer term goals but now isn't the right time to address them. That's fine – and simply acknowledging that will prime your brain to start contemplating the way forward for when the time is right.
But can you see any that are no longer relevant or don't fit with the goals you now have? Time does move on and something that seemed important when it went on the list may be less so now. In which case, eliminate it.
Focus On The Results
Are you put off the idea of doing some 'detoxing' because it sounds like hard work and will take up time? All detoxes do need some effort but focus on what you'll gain once you've done it. You will undoubtedly need to put in some time – but nowhere near as much as you'll get back as a result.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert.
The leaves are changing, the kids are back in school, and that familiar chill is in the air. You think it's the perfect time to look for a job, and it is! But are your job search fears preventing you from making that leap?
It's not uncommon to feel lost when embarking on your job search journey. After all, school teaches us everything except how to get a job. What should you put on your resume? What questions should you ask in an interview? How can you stand out in the hiring process when there's so much competition?
Are you feeling spooked yet?
Believe it or not, there's no need to be afraid of the job search process! You can land your dream job with the right tools and strategy. You can find a job that won't give you nightmares. Here are three spooky secrets every job seeker should know as they look for a job this fall.
1. An Effective Job Search Starts With An Interview Bucket List
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Despite your fears, you've decided to take the plunge and look for a new job. You might be asking yourself, "Where do I start?" The answer is simple: start by creating an interview bucket list.
An interview bucket list is a list of 10-20 companies you'd love to work for. Are you passionate about a company's products or services? Do you feel connected to its mission? Can you relate to its values and beliefs as an organization? If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, that company probably belongs on your interview bucket list.
Once you create an interview bucket list, you'll be able to conduct a targeted job search, one with direction and a foundation upon which everything else will be built. An interview bucket list helps you focus your job search and networking strategies on the right opportunities, making it easier to get your foot in the door at one of your dream companies.
2. Your Job Application Needs To Disrupt Hiring Managers
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In order to stand out in the hiring process, you need to disrupt recruiters and hiring managers. You accomplish this by doing two things: optimizing your resume and writing a disruptive cover letter.
A well-optimized resume includes keywords from the job description. This ensures your resume gets past the ATS and into the hands of the hiring manager. Once it's in front of the hiring manager, it needs to grab and keep their attention. Quantifying your work experience—adding numbers to your bullet points—will make you stand out from other applicants. Hiring managers will want to know more about you and your accomplishments, and that's how you land a phone interview.
Before that, though, a hiring manager will read your cover letter. To disrupt them, you need to write a disruptive cover letter (obviously!). A disruptive cover letter gives you the opportunity to tell a story about why you feel connected to the company you're applying for. It's that storytelling aspect that will stand out to hiring managers and compel them to pick up the phone and give you a call.
3. Employers Hire You Based On 3 Things
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You can't get hired unless you know what employers are assessing you on in the interview process. While your skills and expertise matter, companies actually hire for three things: personality, aptitude, and experience (in that order).
Most job seekers don't realize how important it is to demonstrate their personality, aptitude, and experience in an interview. You could have the right experience for a job, but if the hiring manager doesn't think your personality is a good fit for the company culture, you probably won't get a job offer.
Make sure you demonstrate your soft skills and learn how to answer behavioral interview questions to prove you're the best candidate for the job you're applying for, not just the most qualified.
Want To Learn More Job Search Secrets?
As you look for a job this fall, it might be helpful to know some more spooky secrets so you can get over your job search fears and finally take control of your career.
We know the job search process can be scary. However, it's important to get clear on what you want to do next and focus on conducting a strategic job search, or what we refer to at Work It DAILY as job shopping. This is the only way to effectively market yourself to employers. If they can't see exactly where and how you add value, then that's going to decrease your chances of landing the job.
The competition is fierce, and there are a lot of factors that are out of your control. But the one factor you can control is your job search strategy, the tools and tactics you use to land a job.
If you want to learn the secrets to conducting a strategic job search, sign up for our Job Search Bootcamp, a two-hour, on-demand video workshop that comes with a free workbook.
In this video workshop, you'll learn:
How to use backchanneling to get directly to hiring managers.
The secret to using a connection story to stand out against the competition.
How social media can be your secret weapon to get job interviews.
The resume format that is getting job seekers more job interviews.
