Is someone on your holiday gift list looking for a job? Whether your friend or family member is a new college graduate, an unhappy careerist who covets a new job or an unemployed baby boomer, there are many great gifts that will be perfect for someone who is wishing for a new position in the new year. What are the best gifts for job seekers?

Give a gift that keeps on giving. If you have even a small part in helping someone find a new job, theyâ€ll always remember it.

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Before you decide to call in sick (when you’re not really sick), or provide another excuse to stay home, keep in mind that some distrusting employers may decide to check up on you. A survey from Career Builder found 30% of employers checked in on employees to make sure they weren’t making up excuses to miss work. The survey found 64% required a doctor’s note for being sick, 48% called the employee during the missed day of work, 19% snooped on social media posts, 17% asked another employee to call the worker and 15% reported that they had driven by the employee’s house. (Presumably to determine if the person was actually at home or not.)

Recently, a man in Florida went so far as to fake a home burglary to avoid going into work. Apparently, he did not know that reporting a false crime was actually illegal; he wound up in jail.

Most people don’t go to such lengths to avoid work, but they do come up with some interesting excuses. Have you ever heard (or used) any of these:

“I was so overwrought because my team lost last night, I just couldn’t get out of bed.” There’s a reason the term “fan” comes from the work “fanatic,” but even the most die-hard fans would balk at this excuse for missing work.

“There was a squirrel in my house and I needed to wait for animal control. They took all day to get there.” It sounds crazy, but it is possible for outdoor animals to find their way into the house. Would you really want to leave home with a squirrel roaming your house? However, if this is true, it may be wise to post some timely pictures on social media of the squirrel chowing down on your cat’s food in the kitchen.

“The cat got out and is hiding under the deck.” If you have animal lovers in your office, they probably wouldn’t expect you to leave your indoor cat outdoors for the day. However, as with the squirrel, you better have some photos, and does it really take you the whole day to rescue your cat?

“There’s a sinkhole in my yard.” What sounds like a crazy excuse could actually be true, but this is pretty easy to confirm, especially if your employer is the “drive by to check on you” type.

“I didn’t have a thing to wear.” Even if you work in a fashion conscious environment, this is unlikely to hold water as a reasonable excuse to stay home from work. Similarly, “I can’t find my shoes” will not garner much sympathy.

“The electricity went out and I can’t open my garage door.” Even if you’re not particularly handy, it shouldn’t be too difficult to disable to automatic garage door. Alternatively, consider other transportation options, such as a cab or a ride with a friend.

Even if you work in a creative industry, make sure you’re using your skills to your advantage, and not to get you in trouble with your boss and colleagues. Don’t be the one in the office best known for reasons NOT to come to work!

Originally appeared on AOLJobs.com.

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The reality is, in many workplaces, “thank you” is not automatic, and cannot be expected. In the cut-throat environment where many people toil away every day, it takes a lot more than a job well done to attain the acknowledgement or reward you’d like to see.

Here are tips to get the recognition you deserve when you feel underappreciated at work. (Tweet this thought.)

Identify the stars at your organization and follow their leads. 

Once you figure out who’s doing a great job getting recognition at your workplace, you can leverage that knowledge for your own benefit. Did someone get a huge shout out at the last staff meeting?

Why?

Identify key factors that often lead to recognition. For example, what accomplishment led to the appreciation? Perhaps the organization has more of a tendency to appreciate extra effort; is going above and beyond the call of duty needed to attract appreciation? Is someone appreciated in your office because he or she is a really helpful person to have around in a crisis?

Different organizations value different characteristics at work. Once you see where the bar is set in your organization for recognition, you know what you need to strive to achieve.

Offer insights instead of complaining. 

No one likes a complainer. Like it or not, if you have a reputation for always being a downer at work, it’s going to be difficult to achieve much in the way of recognition. That’s not to say you necessarily have to be a “yes man or woman,” either. Be aware of your attitude and keep it in check if you have a tendency to spout off about every single thing that annoys you. That includes comments on social media, especially if you are connected in any way to anyone connected to your workplace.

Keep in mind: your privacy settings are only as good as your least loose-lipped friend.

Be a problem solver. 

What’s the biggest problem your organization or team faces right now? If you can help take major steps to help solve the problem, or come up with a way to solve it altogether, you will earn recognition. If you still don’t feel appreciated, you may be in the wrong job.

Network in and outside of the office. 

Sometimes, appreciation comes hand-in-hand with relationships. If you’ve been skipping team nights out or prefer to lunch alone, maybe it’s time to make a change and to try to get to know some of the people at work. If you’re not a social person, consider it research instead of socializing. Make it your business to determine what’s most important (in and outside of the office) to your colleagues – and your boss, if possible. You may be surprised to find that a few well-placed lunch appointments can yield interesting information that may help you attract the appreciation you deserve.

Join professional or volunteer organizations. 

While it may not specifically land you appreciation AT work, when you volunteer for your professional association, it’s very likely you’ll have an opportunity to receive some kudos and the “thank you’s” you want at work. A side benefit, you’ll have the opportunity to network with people who can get to know you and your work ethic. Those contacts are key when it’s time to find a new job.

Ask for it. 

While it’s not ideal, perhaps you need to ask for recognition in your workplace. That includes requesting a promotion, a raise or other benefits when appropriate. (Such as after a huge win.) If you don’t get any feedback at all from your boss, request a review. Create a list of your accomplishments and ask for what you want.

It’s possible that you work in a place where the culture is to believe providing a paycheck is thank you enough. If that’s not a good fit for you, after you’ve taken these steps and still aren’t satisfied, it’s time to find a new job where you’ll feel more appreciated.

Originally appeared on AOLJobs.com.

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You’ve heard that networking is the key to landing a new job, but you don’t have any time to attend events or hob nob with people who may be able to influence your job opportunities. Is there hope for you?

There is, if you’re willing to take a few key steps to manage your career. If you continue on your current path, you may eventually luck into a new opportunity. However, finding a new job that fits your best-case scenario isn’t likely if you don’t make a concerted effort.

How can you find a new job when you’re so busy keeping up with the odd hours or inconvenient oddities of the job you have?

Make a plan

You’re never going to get anywhere if you don’t know where you are going. Having a general idea that you’d like “better hours” or a “different” job is a first step, but it’s not specific enough to help you make a change. Write down exactly what type of job you want. Include target companies, hours you’d like to work and what you want to do. Don’t be afraid to be very specific. Once you specify your goals, it is much easier to reach them.

Research people

Even if you work odd hours, you can turn to Google or LinkedIn at any time of the day or night to research people who work in places where you want a job. If you’re already using LinkedIn, see if the company has a page there and determine if you have any contacts that connect you to people who work there. Look in LinkedIn’s advanced search to find possible contacts, and investigate the “Education” section to see if you should connect with fellow alumni. Don’t forget to check out Groups. This is a great place to meet new people, and your odd schedule doesn’t prevent you from connecting with new people who may be able to refer you to job opportunities.

Expand your network on your own time frame

One thing a lot of people don’t realize: even if you can’t meet people in person, when you connect online and share information and resources, you can win friends who may open their networks to you and help connect you with opportunities. No matter what type of work you do, there is likely to be a community online of people who can help you along the way.

For some professions, it’s most obvious to turn to LinkedIn’s groups to connect, but what if your profession doesn’t have an obvious professional arena? Look for interest groups unrelated to work. Do you have a hobby or interests that could help you connect with people you don’t know online? Search Facebook or Google+ for an interest group. Maybe you like to cook or are passionate about ultimate Frisbee. Even if you can’t participate with in-person groups, you can still extend your network. Look on Twitter to see if there is a chat about something you like to do. Even if you can’t attend a Twitter chat “live,” you can still connect with the people who participate and get to know them online.

Network everywhere

The best networkers look for opportunities to meet new people wherever they go. In the grocery store at 2 a.m? You probably have something in common with the person in the line behind you. At the gym in the wee hours of the morning? Say hello to people working out beside you. You never know how a smile and a hello can influence your future.

Don’t ask for a job

Even if your primary purpose for using social media may be to increase your network for job opportunities, avoid telling people you’re looking for a job when you first meet them. Even though you’ve heard you should let everyone you meet know you are looking for work, it’s better to get to know people first and share your professional goals later. If you play your cards right, you could be quitting that job before you know it.

Originally appeared on AOLJobs.com.

 

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Take these tips into consideration if this hits home for you.

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes.

Maybe you’ve already decided your co-worker is clueless, but try to stop and think about what may be confusing him or her. If the job is new or the job description recently changed, it is possible your colleague is experiencing overwhelm and maybe isn’t as dumb as you think! Instead of getting angry or annoyed, take a deep breath and try, try again to explain things, or co-opt another colleague to take a shot at helping make things clear.

Is it you? 

Maybe you don’t realize how intimidating you are at work. Do you have a tone of voice that makes it clear you think the other person is clueless when alerted to a mistake? Do you raise an eyebrow a little too quickly or let out an exasperated sigh? If so, you could be contributing to the problem. Try to take a long look at how you are handling the co-worker and make a change.

Extend yourself. 

Perhaps a little special attention from you can make a difference in helping get things on track. Don’t underestimate the power of spending a little extra time explaining things and offering support and help. Some people would rather make mistakes than ask a question. If you offer to respond to inquiries – even though you’ve already explained things – you could save yourself a lot of grief later.

Seek assistance. 

Depending on your company, there may be external resources available to help manage a problem employee. In some cases, he or she may be offered formal training. In other cases, it will be up to you (or a supervisor) to carefully document problems in order to counsel him or her into a more appropriate position elsewhere.

Problem solve.

If the problem isn’t a matter of a new employee, and it’s clear you’re stuck working with someone who is more likely to cause a problem than to solve one, do what you can to circle the wagons and avoid handing important projects to the sub-standard colleague. It may mean more work for you and others in your team, but if you can avoid cleaning up problems later, it could be worth it. (Consider trying for a promotion yourself while you are at it.)

Be a friend.

If nothing else works, and it looks like your clueless colleague is there to stay, consider how you can help him or her find a different job. Share information about networking events and talk up the value of social networking to move ahead, career-wise. While you won’t want to give a strong work recommendation to someone who clearly can’t perform, maybe you can mentor the person into a role more appropriate – and out of your department.

Originally appeared on AolJobs.com.

 

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Are there pranks that are safe for work? It depends on where you work, and how much “fun” people like to have. Read my post about April Fool’s pranks that won’t get you fired over on AOLjobs.

Still think you need to figure out a great joke to pull on someone today? Listen to my regular spot on WIOD radio. Today, I talked about an app for wanna’ be pranksters without an idea and reminded listeners that using Twitter for job search is not a joke and shared reasons why. Click on through to listen, and Happy April!

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Unless you are clinically depressed and need to seek medical help, you may want to try some of these tips to see if they may help you feel happier at work.

1. Identify the cause of your bad mood and make a plan.
If you have a horrible boss or a miserable co-worker, it may be pretty easy to nail down the crux of your problem. When something in your life is causing you stress, there are only two ways to deal with it: eliminate the stress or change how you react to it. Don’t ignore either option. If your boss is a bully or you have co-workers you wouldn’t recommend to your worst enemy, it’s a good idea to start planning an exit strategy. At the same time, keep in mind, you can decide not to let them irritate you. The jury may be out on if it is harder to find a new job or to adjust your reactions, but neither will happen until you get started. Make a plan to change things and write down the steps to get there.

 Get my free white paper: 5 Mistakes Job Seekers Make and How to Avoid Them.

2. Get some sleep.
If you’re sleep deprived or generally don’t get enough rest, it’s easy to become irritable and moody at the least provocation. If you realize you haven’t had a good night’s rest in weeks, start to think about how you can do better. Avoid caffeine. Learn ways to relax before you go to bed and make sure to give yourself some down time between work and rest. Don’t read or watch anything that will make you aggravated when it’s bedtime. You may find getting some extra zzz’s will help your mood.

3. Exercise.
Even if you’re not a gym rat, moving around more can help put you in a better mood. Take frequent walks during the day, even if it’s just up the stairs or around the office. Try to carve out some time outside of work to do something fun and active.

4. Meditate.
Some people swear by this technique that helps quiet the mind. Read up on different options and try adding a little mediation into your daily routine. You may find it helps you manage difficult times.

5. Create a bad mood busting playlist.
Music can certainly soothe even the most savage beast. Create a playlist of your favorite mood-enhancing songs and keep it handy for when you see a stressful period down the pike.

6. Figure out what makes you laugh.
Is there a movie or TV show that always makes you laugh? A friend who keeps you in stitches whenever you get on the phone? Take some time to do something relaxing, even if it is turning on your favorite sit com or calling an old pal who has a future in stand-up comedy.

7. Count your blessings.
Literally make a list of things you are grateful about. Hopefully, if you really think about it, you can think of many things to appreciate. If you try to focus on the good instead of honing in on what makes you miserable, it can shift your mood a little bit.

8. Volunteer
What causes do you care about? The quickest way to improve your mood is to use your skills and energies to help someone else. Whether you become active in a cause and volunteer on a regular basis with a formal organization, or perhaps do something special for someone who needs it occasionally, stepping outside of your normal routine to help another person can really help you feel better about yourself.

Don’t underestimate the potential you have to change how you feel. Like most things, nothing changes until you decide to influence the change, so make a point to take some steps to get in a better mood before another day goes by.

 Want to avoid typical job seeker mistakes? Get my free white paper: 5 Mistakes Job Seekers Make and How to Avoid Them.

Originally appeared on AOLJobs.com.

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This research indicates a serious problem for employers, and it’s a sad state of affairs for employees, many of whom are hesitant to look for other opportunities for fear of landing in a precarious “last in, first out” position if layoffs ensue.

1. Decide what motivates you. “We know through our research that nearly all (96 percent) of working Americans want to better integrate their personal and professional drivers in their careers,” Stocks notes. “People must first understand what truly motivates them and what impact they want to have on the world through their work. Then, they should use those insights like a compass for career-related decision making, resulting in a better experience for both the person and the employer.”

2. Take care of your health. While you start to mull over more suitable work environments, don’t forget to take care of yourself where you are. “It is important for people to maximize their own health and well-being so they can best help others achieve theirs,” Stocks says.

3. Learn something new. Take advantage of opportunities to learn new things. If your company does not already encourage continuing education, take the initiative and find classes or seminars that would enhance your skills and your ability to do your job better.

4. Seek out opportunities to work with people with diverse backgrounds and skills. Not only will working with a diverse group help you learn new things, Stocks suggests, “Employee resource groups, corporate volunteer programs and group activities are a great way create an environment where open collaboration occurs and meaningful connections are made.”

Read the rest on my U.S. News & World Report column.

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Fix your work reputation

Your reputation is one of your most important assets, so don’t let a mistake at work interfere with your dreams.

If you need a career turnaround, follow these tips from Emily Bennington, author of Effective Immediately and Who Says It’s a Man’s World to repair your damaged reputation and get back on track at work.

1. Get to work early. Bennington notes: “Most colleagues aren’t around to see who stays late, but it’s hard to miss the employee who shows the initiative to come early.”

Not only can you make a good impression, but getting to work early eliminates any need to rush to set yourself up for the day. When you come into a quiet office—before your boss, ideally—you’ll have a chance to plan for a successful and productive day. Don’t hesitate to occasionally take a walk around first thing in the morning so people know you’re a go-getter and get an early start. (You may be surprised by the impression it leaves.)

2. Write down your priorities. “Keep a notebook and write down your top five priorities each morning or, ideally, the night before,” Bennington suggests.

3. Do the work. If you’ve let down your guard and earned a reputation as someone who is less focused, one of the best things you can do is put your head down and focus. “Keep track of the details and be alert for things your supervisor is likely to ask for next,” Bennington says. “When possible, try to deliver on those things too.

4. Stay positive. Never let people know when you’re frustrated. Bennington advises, “Ask questions to clarify anything you don’t understand, but stay positive.

5. Keep a check on your attitude. Expect colleagues to judge you based on how you act. Bennington says, “Run your behavior through this filter multiple times each day. Literally stop and ask yourself, ‘How’s my attitude right now?'” She also suggests asking yourself, “Am I showing initiative? Am I being as productive as possible?”

Don’t beat yourself up too much if you make some early mistakes at work, but recognize it’s up to you to rectify the situation. Your behavior and attitude directly impact what people think of you as a colleague, which will either hurt or help you when it’s time to go for a promotion or find a new opportunity.

Read the post on my U.S. News & World Report column.

photo by by jeffedoe

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You hate your job. There’s nothing worse than spending 40-plus hours a week doing something that you really hate. Before you plan a change, evaluate the situation. Do you loathe the work itself, or is your overbearing boss too much to take? Are you really unhappy because of the work itself, or do you wish you could wave a magic wand and send your annoying co-workers up in a cloud of smoke?

Statistics show that people tend to leave positions not because of bad jobs, but to flee bad bosses. Make sure you aren’t allowing a difficult supervisor or co-worker to dictate your career trajectory. Think about how you can improve your relationship with your boss. Unfortunately, you are likely to encounter unsavory colleagues and employers in any field.

Your hours are too long. You yearn for flexibility, but your employer demands 24/7 dedication. It would seem that a career change may be the answer, but unfortunately, you may find that starting over in a new career puts you at the bottom of the proverbial food chain. As the “new guy,” you could be tasked with weekends on call and long hours. Most employers expect longer hours from their workers due to layoffs and a need to produce more with less. While a shift may help avoid certain unfavorable characteristics of your current career, make sure you aren’t jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Research new options carefully to be sure you won’t be trading one problem for another.

You can’t get a raise or a promotion. It’s tempting to plan to throw in the towel on an entire career if you’ve hit the earning ceiling or if the money and recognition aren’t worth the effort. Is a new career really the answer, or might some key changes in your current job put you in a position to win the praise and raise you seek? Have you been coasting along while new team members push ahead with new ideas? It’s probably a lot easier to shift your attitude and work ethic than it is to carve out an entire new career. Make sure you think carefully before trading in what you have for something new.

You crave predictability and consistency at work. It can be unsettling when new requirements, policies and procedures come down the pike every other week. If you hate uncertainty, it’s tempting to dream about a career where you can do your job and the rules don’t change, but it’s not realistic.

You think a new career could be more exciting. You’ve been doing the same thing for years; wouldn’t making a change put a new spring in your step? It might. However, many career changers are disappointed to learn that they bring many of the same negative feelings about work to their new careers. Even a new career becomes old in time. Before planning your career shift, make sure you think about what you need to change in your life and consider the various opportunities to incite that change. For example, if your job isn’t challenging, maybe you could spend your extra energy creating a freelance business to bring in extra money on the side. Or, if you’re not entrepreneurial, identify some activities you’ve always wanted to try and join a club with other aficionados.

Work isn’t the only place where you can make changes in your life. Before you jump over the fence to walk on the greener grass, be sure to consider other alternatives and clarify your expectations. You don’t want to be surprised to learn that every lawn has some weeds.

photo by Bill Liao

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