The Professional Assistant

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Office Fridge Etiquette
2007-11-28 11:00:00
Do you bring your food to work? Do you keep it in the office fridge? Are you in a constant battle to get your food into a pint-sized fridge because others leave their food there for days on end? Here's an article I recently found on office fridge etiquette. Here's an excerpt on the article:     Do not eat or drink foods that do not belong to you.  Do not leave food in the refrigerator to rot and smell. If you brought it and didn’t eat it, throw it away.  Do not leave foods uncovered. This is especially important when the food has a strong odor. Better yet, try not to bring foods that may have a strong odor such as garlic or onions. This is also good advice for your breath during the workday.  If your container leaks or spills in the refrigerator, clean the spill.  Do not rummage through your co-worker’s food to see what they brought or make comments about what they brought to eat."  A...
More About: Office , Etiquette , Fridge

Having Trouble Translating Documents?
2007-11-27 11:00:00
Do you find that at times, you receive faxes or e-mails in a foreign language that you can't understand? Do you try to run around your office to find someone that can help you with this, but isn't around or don't want to bother them?   In Canada, we have two official languages - English and French. Whenever I receive an e-mail or fax in French, I try to decipher the contents as best I can. High school French classes can only go so far.   Here's a great tool that I found that can make this a thing of the past. Word Office will let you translate any information between many different languages.   Here are some of the highlights:   Learn new words and phrases of a foreign language  Compose letters and facsimile that are in a foreign language  Write reports and memos in a foreign language  Tran slate documents that have been sent to you in a foreign language  Spell check as you type  If you...
More About: Documents

Worried About Your Online Resume?
2007-11-26 10:59:00
Are you worried about online identity theft online? Do you worry about your current employer finding out that you are looking for a new job?   Resume Rabbit will make all of this disappear. You can post up to 80 different job sites, such as Workopolis, Monster, CareerBuilder and many more, just with one submission. You have the option of keeping your identity confidential or if the particular job site doesn’t allow for this, Resume Rabbit will replace your personal information with something that’s not identifiable.   It only costs $59.99 USD, but is a one time fee and won’t have to pay for monthly charges like other sites make you.   So if you are in the market for a new job, a new career or just want to get away from your current boss (due to reasons of your own, which I won’t try to guess here), try out this site and make it work for you.   If you like this post, please subscribe to my feeds or get posts e-mailed dir...
More About: Online , Worried

The 4 Most Difficult Interview Questions
2007-11-23 14:40:00
Are you going in for an interview for that dream job? Are you just looking for a job that can tie you over until you find that dream job?Here are 4 of the most difficult interview questions that companies will ask and ways to tackle them:Where do you see yourself in X number of years? Talk about what you feel is important to you in a professional manner and describe how you will meet these goals. Why should we hire you? Discuss your skill set, experience and abilities in a confident manner. If you get a question that doesn't relate to the job that you're applying for, this type of question is related to how well you work under pressure. Try to relay this type of question to some part of your past jobs. What kind of salary are you looking for? Try to give a range, never give a fixed figure. At least with this, you have some wiggle room. Another suggestion is to find out the salary range that was posted for this job and use that. Follow these simple four steps and you will find that...
More About: Questions , Interview , Diff

Can't Find a Job?
2007-11-22 16:53:00
Are you in the process of looking for a job? Do you need some helpful tips on how to get that dream job that you always wanted?I actually had a short period in my career when I was unemployed. It was a difficult 6 months, especially near the end, when I kept thinking that no one wants to hire me. When I least expected it, the skies opened up and a job fell in my lap. It wasn?t the greatest job in the world (that's the one that I'm in now), but it made me realize that you have to take what you can get and build on that.Here are 3 simple search tips that you can follow to get you through the rough patches:If you feel stuck, as for help! You'd be surprised of how many people in your network are willing and able to help out. Ask them what they?ve done to get through their slumps.If things change, roll with the punches. Change is inevitable. Try to make it work for you by adapting your attitude to a positive one. Keep in mind that things are not always going to be pleasant, but you wi...
More About: Organize , Networking , Productivity , Find

The Professional Assistant [Digg]
2007-11-21 19:02:00
Looking for tips and tricks of organization and the latest office trends? Look no further. This site will provide you with up-to-date information on organization, prioritization, the newest office trends and even some technical information on keeping your work and life organized.
More About: Digg , Professional , Assistant

Yellow Post-It Notes
2007-11-21 14:43:00
Are you looking for some innovative ways on using your yellow Post -It notes? Here's an article I found on a fellow Administrative Assistant's website for some great uses.  It even covers electronic sticky notes. If you are more of a person who likes to use Outlook for reminders to pop up a few minutes, hours or days before the task needs to be completed or you need to attend a meeting, here are some tips on how to go about it: Write up the task in your Outlook, but make sure to give yourself enough time to be able to complete the task.  A day or two before the task is due is usually sufficient. If you are booking a meeting for yourself, for others or both, give everyone ample time to respond to the meeting and provide a reminder (there's a check box for this in the meeting set up page) of at least 15 minutes. If you are looking to take sticky notes to a new level, you can read more information about it on this article. If you have any questions, suggestio...
More About: Organize , Labels , Productivity , Lists

Want To Impress Your Boss?
2007-11-20 14:45:00
Did you just get that dream job that you always wanted? Are you a seasoned veteran like myself (well, this is what people tell me)?   Here are 5 ways to score brownie points with your boss and get that promotion or raise (or both) a little faster:     The one thing that I’ve learned over the course of my career is to try getting to know your boss. This doesn’t mean that you have to go out for beers or go to a movie. In a nut shell, if your boss is a people person, try to respond to their actions by being a little more outgoing. If they are a number cruncher, show them graphs, charts, etc.  Take some risks! I don’t mean take charge of the office – you might make some serious mistakes. Just try to stand out of the crowd by doing something small every so often. Contribute your thoughts and ideas.  Try to become an excellent team player. Try to show people that you are there to he...
More About: Organize , Customer Service , Productivity , Boss , Tasks

Most Irritating Habits of Co-Workers
2007-11-19 14:41:00
Do you find yourself among co-workers that are not respectful of your privacy?  Do they end up talking loud on the phone while you are trying to do some work?  Are you being bombarded with people walking up to your cubicle and don't have the decency to see that you are busy? Here's an article I found on this issue, which shows quite a few people's e-mails about some of these very problems. If you like this post, please subscribe to my feeds or get posts e-mailed directly to you. Until next time, Take care - of your clutter!
More About: Workers , Habits , Productivity , Tasks , Bits

Want to Write Office Trend Articles?
2007-11-16 18:34:00
Would you like to voice your opinion? Do you like to write and make a name for yourself?I am looking for anyone that is interested in getting work recognized and would like to guest post on my blog.If this sounds like you, send me an e-mail and let me know if there are any topics in particular you would like to write about. If you already have something drafted up, send me an e-mail. You will get full credit for your work and a link to your website/blog.In contrast, if you have a website/blog that you would like me to write some guest posts on, please let me know. You can review my work and tweak it as you wish, as long as you include a link to my blog. It?s a win-win situation!If you like this post, please subscribe to my feeds or get posts e-mailed directly to you.Until next time,Take care - of your clutter!
More About: Office , Articles , Write , Trend

Synch Your Hand Held Device
2007-11-15 14:45:00
Are you looking for software that can synchronize most of your hand held devices?Here's a free piece of software that was recently released that can do just that. You can find instructions to setting up this software here and the software download page here.In the near future, Blackberries, Apple iCals and many different types of phones will be supported on this software as well.If you like this post, please subscribe to my feeds or get posts e-mailed directly to you.Until next time,Take care - of your clutter!
More About: Organize , Travel , Networking , Productivity , Device

Hands Hurt From Typing?
2007-11-14 14:39:00
Do you find yourself typing too much? Using the mouse too often?Here's a product that will help you feel better and relieve pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injury. It will also aleviate pain caused by arthritis, tendonitis, and poor cirulation. It even gives the person a massaging effect, for lasting comfort. Click on the picture to find out more information.If you like this post, please subscribe to my feeds or get posts e-mailed directly to you.Until next time,Take care - of your clutter!
More About: Productivity , Hurt , Hands , Typing , Ergonomics

8 Ways to Waste Time
2007-11-13 14:47:00
Do you find yourself not being able to get your work done in time? Do you need that extra bit of time to clear off your desk (which, most of the time, is impossible)?Here are 8 ways to waste time and what to do about it:Don't procrastinate! This will only get you into more trouble as time passes and you could be doing something productive. Taking a break is one thing, but not doing the work if you have time is another. Try to schedule yourself in for meetings that you feel are necessary to be a part of. People will try to suck you into meetings that your expertise might be useful, but if you are only needed for 5 minutes of a 1 hour meeting, tell them you will provide your support afterwards. Don't try to do all tasks that are given to you all by yourself. If you are able to get help from colleagues or even asking your manager for some help, do so. This will show that you are a team player and want to make sure the work gets done on time and right, the first time around. Try not t...
More About: Organize , Time , Planning , Productivity , E-Mail

Feeling Hot From Your Laptop?
2007-11-12 14:36:00
Do you use a laptop at or outside of work? Does your manager? Do you or your manager find that keeping the laptop in your lap tends to feel too hot and need to keep moving it around?A cooling fan for your laptop might be the answer. This laptop cooling stand is only for PC users. You plug it into one of your USB ports and away you go. The stand can even tilt you notebook's keyboard for better ergonomic ability.You can find more information about this product by visiting the APC website.If you like this post, please subscribe to my feeds or get posts e-mailed directly to you.Until next time,Take care - of your clutter!
More About: Travel , Laptop , Productivity , Meetings , Ergonomics

Voting Results Accidentally Erased
2007-11-11 22:39:00
Unfortunately, all of the voting results for this month's poll were accidentally erased. If you voted before or would like to vote (since you haven't voted yet), please do so. The poll is located on the sidebar on the right.I sincerely apologize for this inconvenience.If you like this post, please subscribe to my feeds or get posts e-mailed directly to you.Until next time,Take care - of your clutter!
More About: Results , Voting

10 Guidelines To Better Time Management
2007-11-09 14:40:00
Do you feel that there should be more than 24 hours in day? Are you trying to cram in as much as you can into each day? At times, I do feel overwhelmed by the amount of tasks that need to be... Want the whole story? Click on the title of this post to continue!
More About: Organize , Management , Customer Service , Time , Planning

11 Tips To Improve Your Performance
2007-11-09 00:51:00
Are you asking yourself, ?How can I improve my workplace?? Do you feel that there are too many negative people or things going about your office? Here are 11 quick tips for helping you overcome... Want the whole story? Click on the title of this post to continue!
More About: Performance , Tips , Gossip , Productivity , Improve

Changes to This Blog?
2007-11-08 22:45:00
Are there some things you like about this blog? Some things you would like to see, that you don?t see on here? Do you want some changes to be made? I?ve been blogging for just over 2 months now and... Want the whole story? Click on the title of this post to continue!
More About: Blog , Productivity

Do You Feel Burdened By Commitment?
2007-11-06 14:43:00
Do you find yourself trying to do too much for others? Do you feel that you are spiraling downwards into an endless pit of work? You?re not alone! There are quite a few people that end up taking on... Want the whole story? Click on the title of this post to continue!
More About: Organize , Customer Service , Planning , Productivity , Commitment

How Neat Are You At Work?
2007-11-05 14:38:00
The results are in! I wasn't actually quite surprised that most people are somewhat tidy at their workplace. The ones that I do worry about are the messy ones. I wonder how they keep up on their... Want the whole story? Click on the title of this post to continue!
More About: Organize , Planning , Work , Productivity , Tasks

Bookmarking Articles
2007-11-03 12:41:00
Do you want to refer back to any of the articles written on this blog? Do you have a hard time figuring out how to do this for your online bookmarking site? I made it very easy for everyone to do... Want the whole story? Click on the title of this post to continue!
More About: Organize , Articles , Networking , Productivity , Lists

5 Steps to Better Ergonomic Health
2007-11-02 13:26:00
Do you feel sore during the work day? Do you feel like you have to get up and stretch every so often? Do you need a break once in a while? If you answered yes of any or all of these questions, your... Want the whole story? Click on the title of this post to continue!
More About: Health , Productivity , Ergonomics , Tasks , Ergonomic

Cubicle Etiquette
2007-11-01 20:33:00
Do you find that your colleagues are hovering around you when you're on the phone? Do you feel that you are not being respected when you are doing something urgent and people just barge in on... Want the whole story? Click on the title of this post to continue!
More About: Etiquette , Gossip , Productivity

Tips on Handling Deadlines
2007-10-31 13:43:00
Do you hate deadlines? Do you feel jittery each time you receive a task that needs to be completed yesterday? There are times when people come up to me and expect things to be done right away.... Want the whole story? Click on the title of this post to continue!
More About: Organize , Tips , Planning , Productivity , Tasks

Antimicrobial Sheet Protectors
2007-10-30 13:40:00
Do you find yourself becoming weary of bacteria around your desk? Do you feel that the cleaners don't do a good enough at cleaning the office? Here's one product that will help you fight those... Want the whole story? Click on the title of this post to continue!
More About: Planning , Productivity , Sheet , Tasks , Shee

Top 5 Reasons For Work Negativity
2007-10-29 13:40:00
Do you find yourself becoming negative at work? Do you feel that you have a J-O-B instead of a career? Here are the top 5 reasons why employees feel negative: Your skills/efforts and contributions... Want the whole story? Click on the title of this post to continue!
More About: Work , Productivity , Reasons , Tasks

Voting on Posts
2007-10-26 14:41:00
As you may have already noticed, I have installed a new piece of software that will allow all of you to vote on all posts past, present and future. If you read a post and have a moment to comment on... Want the whole story? Click on the title of this post to continue!
More About: Networking , Voting , Posts

Make Your Office Greener
2007-10-25 14:40:00
Do you feel that you are not being as green as you can be at your office? Could you do a little more to help the environment, but not sure what else you could do?Here are a few tips you can implement into your everyday life at the office and even at home:Use recycling bins (this is an obvious one) along side of your garbage can. I have an extra recycling bin just for confidential documents to be shredded by all my staff members.Leave the air conditioner/heat off before 8:00 am.Carpool with co-workers when you can and share the payment of gas, mileage, etc. or take transit.Send items to colleagues, printers, etc. with used oversized envelopes, since they don't need professional looking envelopes.Print on both sides of sheets or even print on the blank side of a used sheet if it's just for notes or your own files.Try asking your IT department to change your old monitors to flat screens, since they use up less energy and give off less heat.Resuse No. 10 envelopes for petty cash distr...
More About: Organize , Travel , Office , Planning , Labels

How Safe Are Your Documents?
2007-10-24 14:42:00
Do you just throw out confidential documents either at your home office or at work? Do you feel that identity thieves won't be able to get to your personal information? You might want to rethink this.Having a shredder can be one of the best things your home or office can ever have. It only takes a few minutes to shred all confidential documents and can save you lots of time and money trying to get back your identity or even your money.For example, you throw out a confidential document from work or a credit card bill from home. A thief can rummage through your garbage (I know this is disgusting, but some thieves do go to these lengths to make money) and can sell it via chat rooms on the internet for a pretty penny. They don't just sell it to one person, but to quite a few.Then imagine of how long it would take you to cancel your credit card and try to dispute that bill or try to explain to your manager of how certain company information was leaked out. Now the competitor has ...
More About: Planning , Letters , Safe , Documents

Business Card Window Envelopes
2007-10-23 14:44:00
Here's an interesting envelope that I found on this website. Here are some of the benefits for it:You can place your own customized business cards in the clear window part to use as a mailer.The window pocket allows for a standard sized envelope to be inserted.This will help you advertise your business a little more and help your clients keep your business card.If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, please feel free to click on the "comments" link below and leave some feedback. If you are reading this via feed or e-mail, please click on the title link and post your comment via web.Until next time,Take care - of your clutter!
More About: Business , Card , Networking , Labels , Productivity