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Five habits of the highly successful

Posted on by philadmin

five habits of the highly successful

It’s time! That’s right. It’s time to say goodbye to your bad work habits and say hello to the five healthy habits of highly successful people so that you can move on up the ladder with your current employer or find better luck with a new one.

Routine. Let’s begin with the basics––eating, sleeping, waking, exercising. We live in the land of the free and oftentimes we want to exercise our rights to do what we want when we want more often than not. We say, save that for your days off if you can and try to plan and establish a routine that you can have down to a science at least five days a week. Most successful people get that way because they have a specific recipe for making the most out of their time. In a recent survey of more than 200 millionaires, research showed that 50 percent of those folks woke up three hours (or more) prior to setting foot in their place of work to prepare for the day ahead, work on personal projects and create time for eating (and perhaps packing) healthy meals and exercising. Waking up early or staying up late to work are often imperative but be sure to get your seven to nine hours of sleep in each night as prescribed by the National Sleep Foundation. Recharging our batteries is just as important as keeping them going.

Exercise. Speaking of routine, it’s been said that exercise is the number one common thread between highly successful people. Getting the blood flowing throughout the body also gets the blood flow just right in the brain to complete (and excel!) in daily tasks. It also helps to rid the body of kinks that would otherwise make it miserable to stay in one place for most of the day.  Another advantage of exercise is that as movement within the body occurs, endorphins are released which help to develop a sense of confidence, a competitive edge and drive which can be applied in the workplace too.

Get Inspired. If you’re well-read on what it takes to be a true success, you’re already on the right track. In the same survey polling millionaires we mentioned above, 88 percent of the 200 and some wealthy people polled said they take the time to read at least 30 minutes each day. Whether it’s self-help, biography or even fiction, we can learn a great deal from real folks and characters who have overcome odds, gained new perspectives or conquered unimaginable quests.

Take Time. It’s important to make time to take time out of the office or lab where you spend most of your time on the job. One recent study showed an 80% in-office and 20% out-of-office split is the ideal way to divide your work time. A change in scenery has actually proven to reactivate optimal brain functioning after a long period of time spent in the same place.

Happy-medium. Confidence is key in business. No one doubts that. But a truly successful person also takes other points of view into perspective and doesn’t act like a know-it-all. So take time to listen to others. Hear them out. Open your ears to new ideas or ways of thinking. Time will tell that being a good listener will also get you places when it comes to relationship-building and we all know that the more well-connected we are in the workplace, the more likely we are to be eligible for promotions and bonuses. And if you’re not sure that there is room for upward movement where you are, use your confidence to ask for help. Use those connections! Send your resume to recruiters like Phil Ellis Associates and let us do a little work on our end of things to see how we can help get you where you’re trying to go.

Looking to find success in a new job opportunity? Check out our list of current job openings to see if there’s one for you.

Three reasons why to apply for a new job every three years

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Reasons to apply for a new job

A change will do you good. Yes, we know. Change isn’t always easy. We all tend to get stuck in the same rut and that’s because the comfort zone is the easy route to take. What we don’t often do when we’re in the comfort zone, however, is fully realize our potential for increases in pay, job satisfaction, growth and overall quality of life.

Use it or lose it. With repetition comes ease. Jobs that become easier to us by the day are great for that reason. Ease is probably one of the most common reasons why we get stuck where we are rather than thinking about moving up. But as with most things we do repetitively, it’s also easy to get bored, lose sight of our end goals, let the rivers of passion running through our veins dry up and stop using our minds to build off of what we studied in college and through our careers. Rather than getting stuck, look at each step along the way as a building block. Once you’ve been at a job for about two or three years, more than likely, you’ve reached your peak for expansion if you haven’t been promoted. That means it’s time to move on to the next, learn a new skill and make more money.

Making paper. This might sound shocking but according to Cameron Keng, a contributor at Forbes, employees who stay with the same company more than two years will end up getting paid an average of 50% less over their lifetimes than someone who job hops. If your eyes are popping out of your head, that’s a sure sign that it’s high time for a move. Most often, by staying with the same company, you’ll be rewarded a one to three percent raise each year. If you take the risk of moving on to the next job, however, you’ll be better able to leverage your increase in pay with the skills you learned from your previous job that your new employer has been in search of before finding you.

Fruits of labor. Working with passion almost always leads to a fruitful pocketbook and, more importantly, an improved overall quality of life. Doing stuff we don’t love isn’t fulfilling on any level outside of putting bread on the table. But the world is vast and opportunity is endless so we have every right to be picky! We deserve to spend our time doing things that we enjoy rather than things that make us dread the sound of the alarm clock in the a.m. If you’re unhappy, it’s time to get yourself out of the comfort zone to fulfill your passions. Get out your resume and update it so that you can upgrade your work and home life with one fell swoop.

Is it about time for you to go on a job hunt? Check out our current list of job openings and shoot us a line. We’ll be happy to help you on your journey to the next best thing.

Trick or treat: Five things to consider before making moves for money

Posted on by philadmin

Moving for money job tricksTaking on a new job oftentimes involves making moves for money. A change in scenery can be nice and when a bigger paycheck is involved, well, that’s all the more reason to type up that letter of resignation on the fly and set a date with Two Men and a Truck. But before you do all of that, take a little time to consider these five things to be sure your job offer makes both sense and cents.

Two men and a truck. Did you know that in 2010, the average professional household move cost more than $12,000? That’s about enough to buy your teenager a car for their 16th birthday! When negotiating your salary, be sure to keep moving costs in mind when agreeing upon making a move. Oftentimes, along with your salary, you’ll be offered a relocation package. Crunch some numbers. Be sure you won’t end up losing money when you think you’re making more.

Rent or own? Do you rent or own your current home? If you’re renting, you have it easy. See what kind of costs might be associated with breaking your lease if needed, search online to find a new rental and that’s that. If you own your home and need to sell it in order to take on a new position, the cost of moving can really add up. When purchasing a new home, closing costs to sell a home are typically between two and five percent of the purchase price. If your new pad won’t be available to move into right away, there’s also a temporary housing that you may need to include into your cost of leasing or purchasing a new home.

State Income Tax Map 2016
Map by taxfoundation.org

Relaxation or taxation? After the interview comes the job offer. It’s easy to see the number behind the dollar sign and think you’re coming up in the world. And you might be doing just that. Before you see your new potential salary as a plus, just be sure to check out state income tax rates for the state you’re considering moving to in comparison to your current location using the map to the left.

 

Cost of Living. If you moved from New York, NY to Raleigh, NC, you could make about 39% less a year and still maintain the same standard of living. Between groceries, healthcare, housing, transportation and utilities, when moving there can be an enormous difference in the cost of living state-to-state. Sometimes receiving a job offer with a lower salary than you are making now, can actually mean more money in your pockets at the end of the day when making literal moves. If and when you have a job offer that means you’ll need to move to accept the position, take a look at one of our favorite cost of living calculators here.

Relationship status. Are you married with school-aged children or single and ready to mingle? We’re not asking to invade upon your privacy. We’re asking because if you’re thinking about making moves, family is the most important thing to consider. More often than not, it’s spouses and children who are the deciding factor on whether an offer is signed or not. And it’s important for your entire family to be in on your decision. Some of our previous recruits have taken their entire family on a trip to visit their new prospective home for the weekend to be sure everything checks out with Tommy, Jake and Sally before saying: yes! It’s a great idea. If you do have a family, take into consideration your spouse’s job and income. Search Google to see about public and private school options or take a look at areavibes.com to get an A-F grade on education and crime in the area. While higher rank and more money is a plus, you want to be sure everyone involved is happy with the decision before making the commitment above all else.

Thinking about making moves for money yourself? Take a look at our current job openings here and submit your resume to us if you think you’ve found a fit. We’ll be happy to help you find a new gig and once you receive an offer, talk you through the pits and/or perks of moving for money in the biotech or pharmaceutical world. Moving for a new job should be a treat, not a trick.

 

How to plan for (and actually take) your paid vacation

Posted on by philadmin

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Everyone could use a break from the daily grind from time to time. That’s why we have paid vacations, right?

But according to Project: Time Off (a coalition founded to educate Americans about the benefits of time off), 55% or 658 million days of paid vacation actually go unused each year in the U.S. because we can’t seem to free ourselves from the workplace.

Feeling tethered to our careers seems like a good thing on the surface, as far as career stability goes, but a recent study conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 77% of managers poled stated that employees who take vacations are more productive than employees who don’t and 78% of them agreed that vacation time aided in job satisfaction. The reality is, the more vacation time we actually take, the more likely we will stay happy with our jobs and the longer we’ll stay with our employer.

So how can we best detach, physically get away, clear our minds?

Incentivize yourself. When your dog does his tricks, he gets a treat. So why not think of your scenario in the same way. Dangle your own carrot so to speak. When you close your eyes, what first comes to mind? An umbrellaed margarita waiting for you on the beach? A luxurious spa decked to the nines? An outdoor trek under canopies of lush, green trees? Pick a place. Any place. And commit to getting things done in the office or lab or wherever it is you call work so that you can treat yourself when the time comes.

Plan in advance. Is there a time of year that seems a tad less busy than another month? Choosing to go on a vacation during a time of year that’s easier on you also makes things easier on your team when you’re gone. When you get back, you’ll have less catching up to do too. Plan your trip at least two months out. This will give you time to get anything accomplished you’ll need to have done prior to leaving.

Set it in stone. We all say we want to go here and adventure there but how often do we really pack our bags and board a flight? Once you’ve picked out your destination, selected a date and secured the time off with your boss, make the move! Lock down your vacation by booking your flight and accommodations. With money already out of your pocket, you’ll really lose out if you don’t take the trip.

Make a list. It’s 2016 and we all have these things we call smart phones. Thanks to these devices small enough to travel with us, we have internet no matter where we go and that means we have access to Netflix (and chill) or work all the time. So how can we really take a break? Whether you’re super techie and set your dates on your Apple Watch or you’re old school and like to hand-write your deadlines and appointments out on paper, get out your calendar. Think of everything that you need to do before you leave that you and only you can do and assign yourself a date and a time to get it all done before you leave. Ask a coworker to step-in for tasks or questions they can handle while you’re gone. Set goals. Prioritize the list by finishing the things that will make you feel the greatest relief first. Fulfill them. Once you’re on your way to the tropical islands be smart and put your smart phone away for a bit. Just like our phones, we need a little time to recharge.

Let the world know. Before you say your sayonaras to your coworkers, check in with your boss with a plan. Before your higher-ups sign off on the plan, be sure to agree on your accessibility. It would do us all good to have a legitimate time off the grid with no ifs, ands or buts, however, the reality is that someone might just need you. Set your boundaries. Limit the time you agree to be on the phone in the case of emergency and try not to check your inbox. Checking your email on day five may make you feel like you’re climbing Mount Everest so be sure to let all of your close contacts know you’ll be hitting the high road soon and set up an out-of-office auto-reply email message so that your inbox doesn’t get inundated while you’re out. In general, most people within your place of work and outside of it will be respectful of your well-deserved time off and won’t flood your inbox while you’re away.

Not getting enough paid vacation? Check out our job openings here.

7 steps to success: How to impress your boss on day 1

Posted on by philadmin

Businessmen shaking hands and greeting each other cheerfully

So you got the job and today is the big day. It’s your first day in your new position and maybe the butterflies are floating around in that anxious stomach of yours and you’re thinking, “How do I impress my boss and coworkers?” Let’s break it down.

Follow the seven simple steps below and you’ll be sure to make a great impression on your first day.

Timing is everything. This is the simplest step you can take to make a good impression on the first day (and the last day, for that matter) of your new job. Arrive early. (About 10 minutes early shows you’re willing to go above and beyond. More than that might be too much.) Leave late. It’s that easy.

Q & A. Now is the best time to learn. More than likely, there is already a plan in place for training with particular members of your new team who have reserved time out of their day just for you. So do your part. Ask when things might not seem so clear. While you want to demonstrate efficiency in the workplace, everyone knows that the new guy (or lady) will need a little assistance the first few days in their new role. Showing that you’re eager to learn is imperative as a new hire.

Take notes. Bring a notepad and pen with you on your first day. Jot down the answers to those questions you asked as well as other tidbits of information you think you may not remember on down the road. It can be a challenge to retain all of the information you’re given in the first week of work. Use your notes to refresh your memory each morning before heading in.

Let’s break the ice! Finally! It’s lunch break. This is the time when you really get to know your peers. Although first days are often exhausting, it’s the perfect time to put your Girl Scout or Cub Scout days to the test and make new friends. Ask about your team member’s roles in the company. Taking the time to find out more about your co-worker’s positions as well as about their personal lives shows that you care and helps you understand how you fit in the puzzle. Make sure your peers know you’re a team player.

Show your pearly whites. It’s a universal greeting. So share a smile with your new co-workers and higher-ups. It shows you’re excited to be where you are and your excitement to be a part of the company.

Bring something to the table. When a company decides to hire you it’s because you have something to offer. If you see something that could use a little TLC or a procedure that could be simplified, offer your ideas. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes is just what the hiring manager was looking for.

Please and thank you. Always offer gratitude to those who put in a little extra time to get you trained. A thank you email is a nice way to give thanks so before you leave for the day put in a little extra time to say thanks.

Are you looking for a new job? View our current openings here.

5 interview questions every employer should ask & every applicant should be prepared for

Posted on by philadmin
Interview
Remember ABC’s “Who wants to be a millionaire?” Well, there really are million dollar questions that could make or break your future outside of television game shows. If you’re an applicant for a job opening, the good news is this is your cheat sheet. And if you’re in human resources, the same goes for you. Below are five questions both employers and applicants should take the time to consider. The way in which these million dollar questions are answered may just make a big difference in your career no matter which side you’re on.


Q: Why are you here?
A: If you’re an interviewee, don’t panic when you’re asked this question. The interviewer knows you had an appointment with he or she. The goal of asking you why you’re there isn’t intended to throw you off. The intention is to find out a few things about you. Think about it. Why are you there? What has you in the market for a new job? Are you unhappy with your current position? If so, how can you word yourself so that you don’t necessarily talk down about the company which currently employs you. If you were laid off, think about how you can discuss this with the most positive outlook without downplaying your skill level and expertise and without placing blame. If you’re looking for more money, how can you phrase the need for compensation in a way that doesn’t make you look like you’re only in it for the money. Talk about your dreams and aspirations without sounding cheesy but by giving solid qualifying facts that speak loudly of you as a future employee and why the job is right for you.


Q: What would you do in your first 100 days on the job if you were hired for this position?
A: The goal of this question is to see where a job candidate’s mind is in the grand scheme of things–how the interviewee would work on a day-to-day basis, how they plan, how they would apply themselves to the role. If someone stumbles when they answer this question, chances are they haven’t even put much thought into how they could be of benefit to the company. And that should be the goal, right? Although a candidate doesn’t necessarily know the ins and outs of the job until they’re hired, the answer an employer should be looking for has less to do with the answer and more to do with how what is said illustrates one’s work ethic, self-motivation and ability to lead the team.


Q: From everything you know about this company and this role, how do you think you’d make a contribution?
A: It happens more often than you’d think. But if someone walks into an interview without doing much research on the company or position they’re interviewing for, they are hands-down not the right candidate for the job. If they have no interest in learning about the higher ups, the tasks and goals for the position they’re seeking or the company itself prior to the interview, they certainly won’t have any interest a couple years into the job. Those who come prepared with more than a generic knowledge of the company show work-ethic and passion for the job at-hand. Those who don’t do their research, well, they simply look slack from the get-go. If you find out about the job through a biotech or pharmaceutical recruiter like Phil Ellis Associates, use your recruiter to your advantage. Field basic questions to your recruiter so that when it comes time to interview, you are well-versed on the company, role and goals of the HR department.


Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A:  Passion about the future is important. Many can talk a big game, but talk won’t go far in the long run. Those who have goals for the future tend to show it–their faces light up when they talk about career possibilities. Generic answers don’t do much for those doing the hiring. Yes, everyone wants a considerable raise. And, yes, everyone wants a promotion, a bigger house and more vacation. If you’re being interviewed, think about what there is to gain. Why did you get into the biotech or pharmaceutical world in the first place? Is it because you were passionate about finding a cure for a particular disease? Is it because you want your name to go down in the history books like Alexander Fleming’s? Be honest. Tell your unique story. Truth sells.


Q: Do you have any questions for me?
A: If the answer is “no,” an employer’s answer back to the candidate should be the same. Even those on the shy end of the spectrum should come to the interview with a list of questions they have for the HR department. Questions about compensation, moving packages, bonus structure and hours are a place to start. But this is another place where a candidate can really shine by doing a bit of research. When the tables are turned, the questions the interviewee asks when he or she has a chance to do the interviewing could be a make or break.


Looking for a new biotech or pharmaceutical career? Submit your resume to us here.




Going up? Five keys to land a promotion

Posted on by philadmin

Promotion

We’re all human here. And humans have this thing about always wanting more than what they’ve got. Be it a new title or the extra figure in your paycheck, we all want it. The question is, do we all have what it takes to step up to that next rung on our professional ladder to land a promotion?

Take a look at the five keys to land a promotion below to find out what your next steps should be to get on the track towards success.

Think outside of the box. The human mind feeds off of new stimulus, new technology, new information. Are you stimulating your mind in (and out) of the workplace? If not, reading up on the latest pharma and biotech news might do you good. Heck! If you’re too tired after work, there’s always YouTube. Whatever you do, feed your mind! When we are in a constant state of self-education, we’re much more likely to think outside of the box, step out of our comfort zones, become problem solvers and do things in a newer, better way. Your boss is paid to tell you what to do and how to do it. But what if you could help them out a bit by introducing them to a new way of doing your job that might save them some time and money they’d probably think a bit higher of you. Be a leader not a follower. Chances are, your boss will notice.

Act the part. If you walk around the workplace acting like your glass is half-empty, fill it up and drop the ‘tude. Nobody likes a complainer (especially your higher ups). If you feel you deserve a raise and status change, act the part.

Quantify your qualities. Take out a pen and paper. Now jot down all of the accomplishments you’ve made since you’ve been in your position. What has saved your company’s bottom line? How have you helped increase production or speed in your operation? What problems have you solved? Write down everything you’ve done for the betterment of your company and keep adding to it. You’ll want to keep this for your next review or meeting with your boss. Sometimes it takes a little self-promotion to get what you deserve!

Find a friend. Do you have friends in high places? And by that we mean do you have a mentor? It pays to make friends with your higher ups. Now, this is a bit of a gray area which is dependent upon the casualties of your workplace. In some instances, we mean real friendship. In other instances, there are formal mentorships available for grabs. In either case, most promotions have a little something to do with what others within the hierarchy are saying about you.

Step on the soapbox. Now, we’re not talking about all the time. The soapbox is meant for special occasions, right? What we’re suggesting is that you follow the aforementioned steps first and foremost. And then, when you feel you’re ready, ask your boss for a meeting. Take a look at your list of quantifiable qualities. Memorize the most important details or print out a copy for both you and your boss. Now’s your time to shine. Sell yourself. Studies show that less than half of all employees ever even ask for a promotion. So how is it that your boss will even know that you’re seeking one? Tell them. Give them your goals. Tell them how passionate you are about their company. Elaborate on why you would be the best fit for a position that just opened up. Being clear about your wants and needs is imperative in landing a promotion. If it doesn’t happen this time, at least your higher ups are very clear on where you stand, that you’re passionate about earning their respect and that you are willing to do what it takes to move on up.

Thinking of moving up by landing a new job all-together? In some instances, this may be your best bet in landing a promotion. Take a look at our recent job openings here!

Happy staff. Happy Boss: Three keys to hiring and keeping good employees

Posted on by philadmin

Happy Staff

Whether you’re an assistant manager at a small business or in corporate human resources, the most important part of your job is keeping your staff happy. A happy staff makes a happy boss. Find out how to create a positive work environment by hiring and keeping good employees with these three easy steps:

Create a clear vision. Hindsight is 20/20. But before you have to look back to figure out why one of your best employees left your company for another, it’s important to lay out a clear foundational vision for your staff.

Everyone works to make money but we’d like to think that the people we hire from the get-go are not just in it for the dough. Hire people with passion about the product your company is producing or the services it provides. And do so from day one (day one being interview day).

During with the interview process, begin to illustrate the interviewee’s potential role and importance as it relates to your company’s end-goal. Verbally state the brand’s vision or mission. If your company is working on developing a cure for a chronic illness, let them know that people with this illness are relying on them to change their lives. Sense of purpose almost always overrides minimal workplace stresses and lesser pay.

Remind the prospective employee and current employees often that their role is not just a job, it’s a passion project.

Show them the money. You get what you pay for even when it comes to your employees. Underpaying your staff is one of the quickest ways to see them go bye-bye. So say “so long” to syonara and say “hello” to sites like glassdoor.com and salary.com where you can keep yourself abreast of what others are paying for similar positions around the country with the click of a button. Stay on top of the going rate for your employees because in the pharmaceutical and biotech world, chances are your staff–especially your good employees–are looking too. So give them what they deserve while keeping your budget in-mind before someone else finds your golden egg.

Invest in what’s free. A study conducted by the University of Warwick in 2015 shows that those who consider themselves happy in the workplace are 12% more productive on the job. And those who consider themselves unhappy? Well, they’re typically about 10% less productive. All the money in the world wouldn’t change this either.

While financial merit does pay, it isn’t the only requirement of a satisfied staff. In general, people want to feel content at the place where they spend most of their waking hours. So be sure to let your team know you’re there for them. Tell them they’re doing a good job. Surprise them with donuts during a mid-morning break. It’s the little things, and often the least expensive things, that make a difference. Invest in your future with happiness. It starts with you.