by JJ Weir | Dec 7, 2015 | Advice, Newsletter
It’s that time of year again. The time of year when we make ourselves look really good, or really bad, at the holiday office party.
Given the big impact of your image on career success, I wanted to share a few tips with you.
Holiday Party Dos and Don’ts
- Don’t stay home – So often, office holiday parties can cause stress and anxiety. This is normal and you’re probably not the only one feeling this way. But, what’s the worst thing that could really happen if you go? Not going typically has a far greater consequence as you’ll miss out on teambuilding time with coworkers, and facetime with your boss.
- Select your guest with care – If you’re going to bring a plus one, be sure it’s someone you trust. You don’t want your guest making a scene that you have to clean up later. And, even if the person is just a friend, realize that you will probably get questions afterward about whether or not you’re dating. It’s typically acceptable to go without a guest, so if you can’t find someone reliable, consider going solo.
- Dress appropriately – Just because it’s a holiday party doesn’t mean anyone should dress like they’re going to a nightclub. These are still the colleagues that you’ll be working with again the very next day. Stay away from clothes that are too tight, low cut, or short.
- Keep drinking in moderation – Many people find that when they drink, they cross boundaries they wouldn’t normally cross. Whether those boundaries are things they’d say or things they’d do, they aren’t good to cross – especially with colleagues. Keep drinking to 1 drink per hour, max.
- Don’t drink and drive – If you can’t drive home, don’t. There are just too many services like Uber and Lyft available to take you home when you can’t otherwise drive. Even a $100 cab ride is much, much cheaper than a DUI and a lost job.
- Do not get cozy with coworkers – The company holiday party is not the time to get physical with your colleagues. It’s probably never a good idea, but definitely not at the holiday party.
- Be conscious of what you order – Very often, holiday parties happen at a restaurant where you’re able to select your own meal and drinks. Although you want to order something you like, follow the lead of your host when deciding on what price point is appropriate. In all likelihood, it will not be appropriate to order the most expensive steak and the most expensive bottle of wine.
- Don’t gossip – Although it can be tempting, try to keep the office gossip to a minimum. Focus on what’s really important.
- Keep your manners in check – Office parties are the perfect time to be on your best behavior when it comes to table manners and party etiquette. It is rarely the time to let loose and forget all boundaries.
- Don’t take up swearing – Hands down, this is one of my personal pet peeves. The work holiday party is not the time to get liquored up and take up swearing for the first time. I recently witnessed this at a restaurant. A woman had too much to drink and was trying to hang with her male coworkers on many levels, including loud swearing. As a bystander witnessing the exchange, I wanted nothing more than to pull her aside and explain to her that her coworkers do not respect her anymore because of her behavior. They most likely respected her less. Be the same you that you are at work each day.
- Thank your hosts – Sometimes, holiday parties can be a drag. You have to find childcare and it feels like an obligation. But, keep in mind that your host went out of their way in planning this special event. Take the time to say thank you.
- Have fun – Perhaps the most important DO for a holiday office party is to have fun. Take the time to get to know your coworkers a little more. Get some facetime with your boss. Take advantage of this opportunity that comes just once a year.
by Angela Copeland | Dec 7, 2015 | Job Posting
International Paper is seeking an IT Auditor in Memphis, TN.
The objectives of the Internal Audit function are to provide independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve the organization’s operations. The Internal Audit function helps International Paper accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and the governance processes. The Senior IT Auditor will work in a team environment to provide operating locations and corporate functions with detailed reviews of their control environments and reports to the Senior Audit Manager. In addition, the individual will work on teams that will perform projects to improve not only the internal control environment of International Paper but also to improve the efficiency of Company processes.
Specifically, the Senior IT Auditor will be responsible for planning, conducting, and documenting the more complex audit assignments for the Internal Audit team. The Senior IT Auditor will be relied upon to provide functional advice and mentoring to less experienced auditors. The ideal candidate for this position will be a highly motivated individual with an interest in extensive travel and the opportunity to interact with various levels of business and staff management throughout the Company.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the International Paper website here.
by Angela Copeland | Dec 7, 2015 | Job Posting
Universal Music Group is seeking a Senior Vice President, Marketing in New York, NY.
In order to help drive the business forward, one of Universal Music Group’s top-line labels is seeking an SVP of Marketing to coordinate all label departments’ (digital marketing, publicity, video production, street marketing, radio promotion etc.) efforts leading up to, and throughout, album releases to ensure proper execution of overall marketing plan objectives. The SVP of Marketing will be a strategic and operational superstar who can develop and implement a vision and lead, develop and mentor a team of marketing professionals. Successful candidate must know rock/alternative/singer-songwriter genres.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Universal Music Group website here.
by Angela Copeland | Dec 6, 2015 | Job Posting
Netflix is seeking a Director, Original Production in Beverly Hills, CA.
This is your chance to be on the ground floor with a team that is transforming entertainment through original productions, and changing the perception of what great content is and how it should be enjoyed and celebrated. Fueled by the broad appeal of the instantaneous enjoyment of unlimited movies and TV shows, Netflix has grown to over 50 million streaming members in more than 40 countries. With continued international expansion and a growing slate of original production, it’s a great time to join Netflix.
The Director of Originals Production will drive and deliver physical production needs for Netflix Original content. He / She will partner with the Originals teams in scripted series, film, stand-up, specials and documentary features and series as well as other cross-functional groups to support the successful launches of our most high profile content. This is the opportunity to build and a robust production workflow and create and lead a team at Netflix and reinforce the continuing growth and success of Netflix’s Original content.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Netflix website here.
by Angela Copeland | Dec 5, 2015 | Job Posting
Express Scripts is seeking a Project Manager in Memphis, TN.
Today, Express Scripts manages prescription benefits for tens of millions of Americans on behalf of thousands of clients, including health plans and plan sponsors. Employers, unions and government organizations throughout the nation rely on their services. Their team of more than 30,000 employees is committed to helping members achieve better clinical outcomes and dedicated to delivering better financial outcomes for plan sponsors.
The Project Manager leads cross-functional, strategic projects while also leading internal projects and process improvement initiatives. The Project Manager will assist in gathering data to support business process enhancements and resolve issues. Analyze, gather and document business requirements for new products and product enhancements as well testing, implementation and rollout of new product releases.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Express Scripts website here.
by JJ Weir | Dec 4, 2015 | Advice, Media
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “Grit to Great”
The Memphis Grizzlies have made “Grit and Grind” a common phrase heard today in basketball. The concept of grit, however, extends far beyond the court. In applies in business, life and many other areas.
Grit is defined as “mental toughness and courage.” I recently had the opportunity to interview Linda Kaplan Thaler, the chairman of advertising firm Publicis New York. She is responsible for some of America’s most famous advertising campaigns in the industry, including the Aflac duck, and the daring “Yes, Yes, Yes” campaign for Herbal Essences.
To read the rest of my column, and learn how these things can create success in your life, visit the Memphis Daily News website here.
by Angela Copeland | Dec 4, 2015 | Job Posting
Birchbox is seeking a VP, Creative in New York, NY.
Launched in 2010, Birchbox is a leading beauty eCommerce company. Birchbox redefines the retail process by offering consumers a personalized way to discover, learn about and purchase the best beauty, grooming and lifestyle products. With more than 800,000 members, Birchbox users enjoy first touch experiences with new products each month and access to expert editorial content to help them get the most out of each item.
Birchbox is looking for a VP of Creative to build and execute upon the brand identity and standards while ensuring that the creative processes across digital, photo and print are aligned and properly communicated through key cross functional partners. We believe that creative is a true pillar to success; from physical to digital, it is a core piece of the experiential offering that must be supported, guided and championed by a strong leader who can inspire an entire team to embrace that understanding. The VP of Creative will be tasked with ensuring that the company is using the right mixture of resources both internally and externally to achieve goals and objectives. With that, they’ll need a strong and deep network of talent across multiple disciplines to help the brand grow.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Birchbox job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Dec 4, 2015 | Job Posting
NIKE is seeking a Director, HR Business Partner in Memphis, TN.
NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world’s best athletes. It is a place to explore potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At Nike, it’s about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game.
Nike’s uncompromising focus on human potential extends to its workforce. Nike Human Resources teams help attract, retain, and reward the world’s most innovative people by creating programs to help them thrive. They accelerate company growth as stewards of culture, organizational effectiveness, talent and change. The global Human Resources community includes experts in talent planning, talent acquisition, talent development, compensation and benefits, employee relations and more. Together, they develop a motivated, diverse and engaged global team.
As Nike’s Human Resource Business Partner for the Memphis Distribution Center Network, you’ll work with Senior Leaders to set an integrated Team and Talent strategy including Organizational Capability & HR Planning, Talent Management, Total Rewards and Infrastructure. You lead and manage a team of HR professionals in the delivery of the HR and Contingent workforce strategies. You will drive, lead and leverage the HR COE Partners against specific business strategies and steward the delivery of COE process and programs to the business. You’ll drive pipeline ownership and accountability for talent from the leadership level in partnership with Talent Management. In this role, you will identify and deliver capabilities of the future through a defined change agenda You’ll curate a culture of innovation and performance by fostering strong DC leadership identity and behaviors, while aligning HR systems to reinforce common beliefs.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Nike website here.
by Angela Copeland | Dec 3, 2015 | Job Posting
Vail Resorts is seeking a Director of Marketing Technology in Broomfield, CO.
Vail Resorts, Inc. is the premier mountain resort company in the world and a leader in luxury, destination-based travel at iconic locations.
The Director of Marketing Technology has the responsibility for guiding the evolution, design, and delivery of marketing technology solutions across the Vail Resorts technology ecosystem. This unique individual will work with a dynamic cross-functional team to create forward thinking creative solutions in a collaborative environment. As a key addition to the Marketing Technology leadership team, reporting to the Vice President of Marketing Technology, this person will assume the role by partnering with technology and marketing teams and mentoring developers and architects to create data driven marketing capabilities, amazing products and Digital experiences for guests across all touch points.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Vail Resorts job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Dec 3, 2015 | Job Posting
Medtronic is seeking a Product Specialist in Memphis, TN.
Together Medtronic and Covidien are working to improve how healthcare addresses the needs of more people, in more ways and in more places around the world. Medtronic is a $27.8b company with 85,000+ employees in more than 160 countries.
Working closely with sales and sales support staff, the Product Specialist develops and implements the product marketing plan for assigned product(s). Directs designs and implements a comprehensive product marketing plan which may include establishing business plans, competitive strategy development, pricing analysis, sales/revenue forecasts, product launches in market, analysis of distribution/channel issues, and inventory management. May coordinate product plans and activities with a wide range of internal staff such as sales and marketing services. Provides continuing analysis of competitive information and recommends product enhancements or developments. Interfaces with customer in development of product plan and provides ongoing customer support and service.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Medtronic website here.
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