Workplace Gossip Can Stain Your Professional Reputation

If you or a co-worker is speaking in a hurtful manner about another co-worker, it is considered gossip. If your intent in initiating the gossip is to resolve a work matter, the best approach is to skip gossiping and, instead, speak directly to the co-worker you’re having an issue with. If that doesn’t work, engage your manager for guidance. Being considered a gossip may put a lasting stain on your professional reputation. You may also be in jeopardy of losing your job if management and your co-workers perceive you as someone whose gossip is impeding collaboration, productivity, and a positive work environment.

Whether you have a tendency to initiate gossip or associate with others who do, you’d do well to heed the advice below to steer clear of office gossip:

• Be aware: You likely have several conversations a day with your co-workers. Be aware of what information you’re sharing and how you are presenting it, especially if you’re using sarcasm or jokes at the expense of others. Consider how your words might impact anyone you’re discussing who is not present.
• Look at motives: Often, gossip is a defense mechanism or a means of avoiding confrontation. Think honestly about what is motivating your gossip. If gossip is an ongoing problem, consider confrontation training or even seeking professional help, especially if gossiping is damaging your career.
• Avoid those who gossip: Avoid co-workers who gossip or who enjoy listening to your gossip. Whenever possible, remove yourself from conversations that involve gossip.
• Redirect the conversation: If you are involved in a conversation with gossip, try redirecting the conversation. Hopefully, the person who is initiating the gossip picks up on the clue that you are not interested in gossiping.
• Be direct: Address the person who is gossiping; explain to him/her that you don’t have a tolerance for gossip and you view it as detrimental. Strongly suggest that the gossiper take up the matter directly with the person he/she has an issue with. And, if you’re the person gossiping, be respectful if a co-worker shares this constructive advice.
• Use open, honest communication: By using open and honest communication and maintaining professional integrity, you will earn the respect of your co-workers.

Strategies to Help Offset Diminishing Job and Income Security

With company downsizing and employee layoffs still looming at many companies, there’s no time like the present to act on strategies that can help prop up your current or future job and income security. To explore these CBS MoneyWatch.com strategies, click here.

Phone Interviews Growing in Popularity and Complexity

Companies and recruiters are turning to phone interviews and asking in-depth questions to identify the best candidates from the large pool of qualified candidates who are responding to their job postings. What may have typically in the past been a brief phone interview with general questions has become an hour-long interview. Plus, potential candidates are expected to speak in detail about their work history, including providing specific project examples and statistics that demonstrate their strengths and successes.

To read more about phone interviewing and find tips that will help you prepare, click here.

A Temporary Job Solution; U.S. Census Bureau

Every ten years, the Census Bureau conducts a count of everyone living in the United States including, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Island Areas. The next census will begin in March 2010. This census information guides the distribution of federal funds to state and local governments each year, determines each state’s congressional representation and guides planning decisions such as, placement of schools, hospitals and transportation.

To manage this big undertaking, the U.S. Census Bureau hires thousands of temporary workers, at the local level, to fill census taker and office jobs. The peak recruitment period begins now with the majority of hiring taking place in spring
2010.

To find out more about the jobs available and associated requirements, go to
http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/.

The Importance of Networking

When it comes to finding a job, nothing beats good, old-fashioned networking -- contacting friends, relatives and former colleagues, setting up face-to-face meetings in the hope of getting job referrals. Yes, it is awkward, but here's why it simply has to be done: At any given time, about 80% of all available jobs aren't posted in the classifieds or on job boards, says BH Careers International, a New York career-management firm. Check out these networking tips that can assist you with your employment search.