Is Turning Down a Promotion Career Suicide?

Most people would be thrilled to get offered promotions to new Houston jobs. But for some, the thought of a heftier paycheck isn’t worth the price of added responsibility and longer hours – especially if the job promotion doesn’t align with future career goals.

So if you’re in the latter category, is turning down a promotion akin to committing career suicide? Maybe.

In a struggling economy, it could be unwise to turn down a promotion. For instance, your boss might know something you don’t: that your current position is on the chopping block in the near future. Or your boss might simply feel confident in your abilities and trust you to do a good job in the new role. Whatever the case may be, look at the bigger picture before making the decision to decline a promotion. Perhaps the promotion could be a steppingstone to better Houston jobs in the future.

However, if you’ve thought about it and feel adamant about refusing the offer, don’t just decline and leave it at that. Otherwise, your boss might feel like you’re leaving him or her in the lurch. Instead, sell your boss on the idea of why you should remain in your current position. And don’t just talk about how staying put benefits you; talk about how it benefits your boss and the company. Tell your boss about how you can offer more value from where you are positioned now.

After you explain why you should remain where you are, you should also offer your boss a solution. For instance, say you’ll take on more responsibility, if needed, until someone else is hired for the position. Providing a short-term solution not only helps soften the blow, but it also demonstrates that you’re still committed to the company’s success.

The bottom line is that declining a job promotion can be a risk. It might pay off in the future and it might not. So before making any hasty decisions, be sure to analyze all the pros and cons carefully. Your boss likely won’t mind if you take some time to think about it.

But if part of the reason for turning down the promotion is because you’re ready for a new opportunity with a new employer, Murray Resources can help. As Houston’s premier employment firm, we work with some of the top companies in and around the city and can give you access to a variety of rewarding and exciting jobs in Houston.

Get started now!

Can My Boss Really Monitor My Internet Use?

If you’re like most employees, chances are you’ve gone on to Facebook to post a status update; logged on to YouTube to view a funny video; or done some quick online research for vacation hot spots – all while you’re still on the clock at your Houston job.

But in a day and age of social networking and online access to just about anything, many employers are starting to monitor their employees’ Internet usage, from the web pages they read to the comments they post on blogs and in forums.

So is it legal? The short answer is yes.

Federal law gives employers the right to monitor all computer activity. Since the employer owns the computer system, employees have no reasonable expectations of privacy when using that system. Employers can even monitor your personal email accounts as long as you’re logged onto the company network or using company-owned equipment.

And if your company monitors Internet usage, they’re certainly not alone.

In fact, according to a survey by the American Management Association and The ePolicy Institute, two-thirds of employers monitor workers’ Internet use. More specifically, almost half of employers said they track content, keystrokes and time spent at the keyboard.

Generally speaking, there are three reasons why employers want to monitor Internet usage at work:

1. Productivity. In a tough economy, employers want to make sure that employees are being as productive as possible, not wasting time online.

2. Convenience. With advances in technology, it’s both easy and cost efficient to install software that helps employers monitor Internet usage.

3. Reduced liability. With most disputes today being settled in the courtroom, rather than the boardroom, it makes sense for businesses to protect themselves with monitoring software. Through it, they can ensure employees aren’t blabbing about trade secrets online, sending out nasty emails about their boss, sexually harassing a co-worker, or posting discriminatory comments on a blog.

Furthermore, your employer does not have to tell you they’re monitoring your Internet usage. So the fact of the matter is you may never know. That’s why it’s so important to be careful about your Internet use while on the clock at your Houston job. If you do have personal tasks you need to conduct on your computer or phone at work, keep them to a minimum. Otherwise, you could end up in hot water with your boss.

Help! My Boss is a Micromanager…and It’s Driving Me Crazy!

Having a micromanager for a boss at your Houston job can be a frustrating experience, from the incessant hovering to the frequent disruptions. Unfortunately, since micromanaging is more of a personality trait than a management style, it’s unlikely that your boss will change anytime soon. But there are some steps you can take to cope with the situation:

First, examine your performance.

There may be a reason your boss is micromanaging you – he or she doesn’t have confidence in your performance. So look around you. Are your co-workers being micromanaged, or are you the only one? If it’s the latter, then you might need to accept the fact that you’re under-performing and determine what you need to do to improve.

Second, don’t get passive aggressive.

When confronted with a micromanager, many people tend to begin to withdraw or get passive aggressive as a way to assert control over the situation. But since this is the person who signs your paycheck, you don’t want to make your boss angry. If your boss micromanages everyone, then understand that it’s not personal. Many times, micromanagers are perfectionists with incredibly high expectations.

Third, communicate on your boss’s terms.

You have to bear in mind that your boss is under a lot of pressure to produce good results, and that may be why he or she asks for frequent updates. If their constant requests are disrupting your ability to get your work done, ask your boss the best way for you to provide these updates.

For instance, should you send them via email or in person? Once a day, or three times a day? When your boss assigns you a task, repeat what they told you in an email to ensure you’re both on the same page – i.e. “This is my understanding of the assignment. Is that correct?”

If you get into a regular habit of communicating – and even over-communicating – on your boss’s terms, then your boss can get the information he or she needs and you can get your work done without regular disruptions.

Fourth, follow the rules.

Micromanagers like to catch people breaking the rules, as if to say “See, this is why I need to manage you so closely.” Don’t give them the satisfaction. Follow the rules, don’t be late, and do your job well.

If you continue to communicate frequently and deliver excellent work, then it’s possible that your micromanaging boss might let up a bit and allow you to do your work without constant hovering. But if your boss’s micromanaging has gotten so out of control that you’re ready to explore new jobs in Houston, Murray Resources can help. We work with some of the city’s leading employers and can give you access to top jobs as a result!

Search hot jobs in Houston>

Cracking the Job Description Code

Proficient multi-tasker. Motivated team player. Independent self-starter. Job descriptions are typically laden with vague terms like these. In addition, some employers use glorified verbiage to make a job sound better than it really is. However, lack of specifics and inaccuracies can lead to confusion and disappointment on your end.

To avoid this frustration, here’s how to translate some common terms used in job descriptions so you can ultimately find the Houston job that’s a great match for you:

“Proficient multi-tasker”

Translation: This is probably a small company where everyone is expected to wear a lot of hats. That means if you were hired to perform one job, you may be expected to take on additional responsibilities outside the realm of that position. For some employees, this kind of variety in their daily duties is welcome; but for others, it can be frustrating.

“Motivated team player”

Translation: The company has a lot of cooks in the kitchen and you need to be able to work well with all of them to build consensus. If you consider yourself a diplomat and are good at negotiating and persuading, then this position could be right for you. Otherwise, keep moving.

“Independent self-starter”

Translation: The company doesn’t have a lot of time or resources to train you. They will likely expect you to hit the ground running without a lot of direction from management. If you’re a highly experienced professional, then this kind of autonomy could be appealing. But if you’re just starting out, you may want to instead consider an environment that offers more support.

“Works well under pressure”

Translation: This company regularly operates under tight deadlines, and you will be expected to go the extra mile to ensure projects are completed on time. If you’re like many people and actually operate better under pressure, then this Houston job could be the one for you. But if regular intense pressure gives you major anxiety, then you’ll probably wind up hating it.

“Potential for rapid advancement”

Translation: This is probably a start-up company that can’t pay you a lot of money to perform the job, so they’ll try to entice you by offering the opportunity for growth instead. If you’re passionate about what the company does and see potential, by all means go for it. But also understand that taking a job with a start-up could mean lots of long hours and working weekends, only to have the company go bust after a short time. So it’s a risk; but it could also be a risk worth taking.

“Ability to solve problems”

Translation: The company probably has a lot of problems that need solving. If you’re up for the challenge, then this might be the Houston job for you. However, if you don’t like confrontation and don’t perform well under pressure, then you may want to move on.

If you’d like more help in translating job descriptions, or finding a Houston job that’s a good fit for you, please contact Murray Resources today!

4 Tips for Surviving a Company Merger

As the economy continues to recover, there’s been a recent uptick in the number of mergers. And while merging with another business might be good for a company’s bottom line, it can be stressful for its employees. Job loss and uncertainty are big concerns among workers.

So if your company is undergoing a merger with another, or there is a merger on the horizon, what can you do to ensure you not only survive, but thrive, in your Houston job? Here are 4 tips:

1) Expect a cultural change.

Two separate cultures can’t exist together, so expect the dominant company’s way of doing business to prevail. Don’t resist it; accept it and adapt to it.

2) Get to know the new owner and managers.

After a merger, it can be tempting to keep your head down and try not to be noticed. But most new owners are looking for people to step up to the plate. First, learn all you can about the new owner and managers. Then reach out to them via email or by making a phone call. Tell them what your department is doing, highlight your responsibilities, and offer suggestions for improvement within your department or the company as a whole.

3) Do a great job.

This is the time to go above and beyond. You want the new owner and managers to think they simply cannot live without you. So come in early, stay late, and offer to take on additional assignments. Ask the new owner or managers: “What can I do to make this transition easier for you?” Even if they tell you to “keep doing what you’re doing,” the perception will be that you’re an asset, not an obstacle.

4) Be positive.

It can be easy to feel defensive and stressed during a merger. But keep your attitude to yourself. Attend any informational meetings the new owner or managers hold, ask intelligent questions, and introduce yourself to new managers and staff members. You want to be perceived as a team player; not a complainer.

When it comes to a merger, you have to come to terms that things just aren’t going to be the same. But the faster you “get it” and adapt, the better your chances will be for surviving a merger. That said, it’s always smart to prepare a contingency plan. So dust off your resume and begin to rework it, just in case.

Also, if you’re interested in learning about job opportunities in the Houston market, please contact Murray Resources. As an employment agency in Houston, we work with many of the top employers and can give you access to new opportunities in your field.

How to Deal With a Difficult Co-Worker at Your Houston Job

When it comes to difficult co-workers, we’ve all been there at one time or another, whether it’s the diva personality, the two-faced liar, or the know-it-all. While dealing with a difficult co-worker at your Houston job can be challenging, it’s a situation you must face. Otherwise, it will simply get worse and you, not the difficult co-worker, will suffer as a result. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind:

Take a step back from your Houston job.

Sometimes when we’re embroiled in a tense situation it can be easy to lose perspective. So take a step back and ask yourself if you’re over-reacting, or if there’s really a problem. You need to be honest with yourself, especially if you’ve experienced issues with other co-workers in the past. Examine the situation as objectively as you can to ensure the problem doesn’t stem, at least partly, from you or your actions.

Talk to a colleague.

Is there a colleague at work that you know and trust? Then ask them their opinion. Explain the situation and ask for some insight. A fresh perspective can be helpful in emotional situations.

Confront the difficult co-worker privately.

Email your co-worker and ask if you can speak with them privately. Though it can be tempting to go on the offensive, try to be calm and diplomatic when you meet. Cite specific examples of the person’s behavior and how it offended you. In many cases, people don’t even realize they’re upsetting others with their behavior and will apologize immediately. That said, there are those few who will get defensive or deny any wrongdoing.

Speak with your manager.

If you are unable to resolve the conflict on your own, then it’s time to bring in your boss. Set up and time to meet with him or her privately and explain the situation. Again, be as diplomatic as possible. Your boss doesn’t want to get involved in petty fights or office politics. But if there’s a real problem, then it’s your boss’s responsibility to help rectify it, particularly if it’s having a negative impact on company productivity.

Find a new job in Houston.

If your boss isn’t willing to intervene and you’re still having problems with the co-worker, then your best bet may be to find another Houston job that offers a healthier work environment.

If that’s the case and you’re ready to make the leap, please contact Murray Resources. As a leading employment agency, we work with many of Houston’s top employers, including leaders in the energy industry, Fortune 500 firms, financial services firms, legal and medical practices, as well as dozens of other small to mid-sized employers. Contact us today. We can help!

How to Exit Your Houston Job Gracefully

Whether you’re looking for a new job in Houston or you’ve already landed one, it’s important that you leave your old position gracefully. You never know who you will cross paths with again during the course of your career and you don’t want to burn any bridges. With that said, here are some tips for a smooth exit:

Think of a brief explanation.

People will want to know why you’re leaving, so you’ll want to think of a brief, yet positive, explanation. For instance, you got a new job in Houston that’s a great opportunity to advance your career or learn something new. The trick is to be honest, without being brutal.

Write a resignation letter.

In your letter, thank your employer for the opportunities you’ve had during your tenure there. Also, be clear about the fact that you are leaving and give the date of your final day at work.

Give at least 2 weeks notice.

Two weeks is the standard amount; however, your company may require additional time, so you’ll want to consult with your employee handbook first.

Complete your work.

Just because you’re leaving doesn’t mean you get to slack off in your last days on the job. To ensure a smooth transition for your boss and co-workers, make sure you finish up outstanding projects and leave detailed instructions about any tasks you handle.

Help with the hiring process.

Nobody knows your position better than you do. So offer to help your boss find a replacement and train that person once he or she is hired.

Leave a positive trail.

You know the saying “If you don’t have anything nice to say…”? This is especially true when it comes to your career. Whether there is a co-worker you don’t get along with or a boss you’ve butted heads with, keep your mouth shut. Otherwise, your words could come back to haunt you.

Keep in touch.

It’s a small world and you never know who could play a role in your career in the future. So be sure to give your new contact information to key relationships at your company before you leave. You may even want to send a note or email to those you developed a good relationship with, telling them how much you enjoyed working with them. Even after you’ve left, try to maintain a positive and professional relationship.

And if you’d like to exit your Houston job, but first need help finding a new one, please contact Murray Resources. As an experienced employment agency, we work with many of Houston’s top employers and can place you in a position that’s a great match for your skills and personality.

Hot Job Tip: Create a 30-Second Elevator Speech

You’re at a party when you overhear the man next to you telling his friend that his Houston company is looking for a new bookkeeper. You happen to be a bookkeeper looking for a new job in Houston! You have to make a connection with this man immediately. But where do you start? And what do you say? Finding the right words to sell yourself in an impromptu situation can get awkward. But by creating an elevator speech, you’ll always have the right words handy.

First, let’s discuss what an elevator speech actually is. An elevator speech is basically a short, 30-second sound bite that introduces who you are and what you do. The purpose of such a speech is to position yourself in the best light during those short, but sweet, chance encounters. After all, you never know who you’ll meet while at a wedding, at the bank, at a restaurant, or in a store. And having an elevator speech handy will help you introduce yourself to the important job search contacts you meet along the way. Besides impromptu situations, an elevator speech also makes for a good response to the inevitable job interview question: “Tell me about yourself.”

Tips for Preparing an Elevator Speech

1) First, write down what you do. Then think about the benefits your skills can offer to a potential employer. So instead of saying: “Hi, I’m Sara Jones and I’m a bookkeeper with 10 years of experience,” consider saying something like: “Hi, I’m Sara Jones and as an experienced bookkeeper, it’s my job to help companies keep their books up to date and in compliance.” See the difference?

2) Now, refine your elevator speech by saying it out loud and seeing how it sounds. You can even record it on your voice mail and play it back to really evaluate yourself. Do you sound engaging? Do you sound confident? Make notes for improvements.

3) Practice your speech a few times by yourself to get comfortable with it. But don’t memorize it word for word. Otherwise, it will wind up sounding forced and fake.

4) Practice your speech in front of others. Try it out on your family and friends and ask for feedback.

And if you need additional tips and insight on finding a job in Houston, please contact Murray Resources. We can help you locate a Houston job that’s a great match for your skills and interests.

A Message of Thanks from Murray Resources

In 1789, then-President George Washington proclaimed the first National Day of Thanksgiving as a reminder of the feast celebrated by our forefathers after surviving their first winter in Plymouth. More than two centuries later, we’re still celebrating Thanksgiving and using it as a time to reflect on our many blessings. And despite the uncertainty in our economy, there is much to be grateful for here at Murray Resources.

To our clients:

We are deeply thankful for your continued loyalty to our Houston staffing agency. Without your support, we simply would not exist. We also know that trust is earned and we pledge to continue delivering the exceptional candidates and top-notch staffing solutions you’ve come to rely on.

To our job seekers:

Searching for a new job in Houston can seem overwhelming, and at times, frustrating – we know that. And we are so grateful that you’ve chosen Murray Resources to help you along the way. We always have your best interest at heart and promise to continue to work diligently to match you with opportunities that are a terrific fit for you.

To our employees:

We are truly lucky to have a team of such smart and dedicated professionals. We know that each day, you go above and beyond to meet the needs of our clients. You care about our clients, and about our staffing agency as well, and it shows in your work. For that, we are grateful.

So, as 2010 quickly comes to a close, we invite you to pause and reflect on the many things you have to be thankful for this year. We’d also like to wish you a Thanksgiving filled with peace and joy. Happy Thanksgiving!

So You Want to Ace an Upcoming Job Interview?

Wobbly knees. Butterflies in your stomach. Sweaty palms. That’s how most people feel before a job interview. But to ace an interview, it’s important not to let your nerves show. Easier said than done, right? Well, here are some steps you can take to help you stay cool, calm, and collected on your next Houston job interview:

Change your mindset.

Don’t dread your job interview. Just think of it as a conversation between two people. You will be asked questions, but you should also ask lots of questions, as well. After all, you want to land a position with a Houston company that’s a good fit for you. And worst-case scenario? You don’t get the job offer, which could be lucky in the long run if something better comes along.

Make sure you’re properly prepared.

The best way to overcome job interview jitters is to be prepared. Learn as much as you can about the company and the person or people interviewing you. Also, make a list of some commonly asked interview questions (such as “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to work here?,” and “Why should we hire you?”) and practice your answers. You may even want to video-tape your answers to these questions so you can truly critique yourself.

Give yourself plenty of time.

Arriving late can really get a job interview off to a bad start. Do a practice run beforehand if you’ve never been to the interview location. And always give yourself plenty of time just in case you run into bad weather, constructions, or a traffic jam.

Take a deep breath – and relax.

So you’ve changed your mindset, researched the company, prepped for the interview, and checked out the interview location. Now what? Relax. Take some time to work out, watch a funny movie, or go shopping. Do something you enjoy that will take your mind off the interview and help you relax.

If you’re rejected, don’t take it too personally.

Don’t let a job rejection crush you too much. After all, there may have been behind-the-scene elements in play that you weren’t aware of or had no control over, such as a family member being promised the position, or an internal candidate who was a better fit. So rally yourself, get back on that job search horse, and think positive. There is a great job in Houston that has your name all over it!

And if you need help tracking down good job leads in Houston, or preparing for an upcoming interview, contact Murray Resources. As experienced Houston recruiters, we can help you find a job that’s a terrific fit for you. We look forward to working with you!