The workplace has historically been synonymous with gossip and idle talk—around the water cooler, the coffee machine, the kitchen. While at your average 9-5 job, talking about non-work related topics can make the day go by faster, strengthen workplace camaraderie, and develop friendships with coworkers. But obviously, (or if you have access to HR complaints, not so obviously), some topics are best reserved for after-work happy hours.

Religion: Unless you’re working for a religious organization or mission, specific conversations about religion should absolutely be avoided in the workplace. Aside from the obvious implications for political incorrectness, religion is a highly sensitive issue to some, and the slightest discussion of it can result in an explosive and hostile confrontation. No one wants to come to work each day and have others’ religious beliefs thrust onto him/her, so be considerate and conscientious when the subject of religion comes up, and avoid the topic altogether if possible.

Politics:  Discussing politics at work can be just as explosive as discussing religion, because similarly, it’s a sensitive and passion-fueled subject for many. What’s more dangerous about discussing politics is that even casual conversation about the day’s news events can trigger a full-blown political debate, leading your coworkers to feel alienated and oppressed. Especially during election years, charged political discussions should be avoided; a coworker’s political alignment can drastically (oftentimes negatively) affect how others perceive, and even respect, him/her. If you don’t want to labeled at work by your political beliefs/alignment, avoid discussing them!

Sex/Relationships: This is a prime example of TMI (Too Much Information), but you’d be surprised at how many people in the workplace don’t have a filter when it comes to discussing their personal lives and relationships. Personal matters are just that—personal, and meant to be kept to yourself or between you and your significant other. Publicly discussing your sex life or your relationship with your spouse has no place in the office, even if your coworker happens to be a close friend. It makes your other coworkers who are within earshot extremely uncomfortable and can even result in a sexual harassment complaint. Avoiding discussions about your personal life doesn’t make you a prude or goody-goody, it makes you a respectful coworker.

Money: This should be obvious; discussing how much money you earn/earned/wish you would earn is a ticking time bomb and an all-but-guaranteed method of getting your coworkers angry with you. You either make more or less than your coworkers—getting into specific conversations about your salary, or even your bonus (especially your bonus!), is a sure-fire way to turn a harmonious work environment into a hostile one.

Career Goals/Aspirations: Talking about your career goals in your place of work may not seem like a delicate topic, but if your aspirations are not aligned with the company’s goals, it may be best to avoid discussing them. If your goal is to leave the company as soon as something better becomes available, there’s no need to inform your fellow workers about your plans. Discussing your desire for moving up (and eventually out) will get you noticed by the higher-ups in your company, and not for good reason. If/when your boss finds out (and he/she eventually will), it might the last thing you discuss at your job before you get fired.

Health Problems/Death: When someone in your immediate or extended family is ill, you may seek comfort in commiserating with coworkers. But there’s no need to burden your fellow employees with your excessive and/or detailed tales of sorrow and pain. It’s sufficient to say that a recent illness in the family or the death of a loved one was the cause of your absence from work, but there’s no need to dwell on details. Reserve your discussions for after-work hours.

Having a comfortable working environment is essential to productivity and uplifted office morale. Keep your work place happy and comfortable for everyone by avoiding discussions that are inappropriate.

  Melody Yaghoubi
  Interactive Resources

New York, July 2010 - Partner and Senior Vice-President, Michael Cooke, has moved from The Execu|Search Group’s Manhattan headquarters to oversee the permanent and temporary divisions in the firm’s Purchase, New York  office. Michael will be leading the expansion of all lines of business in Westchester County & Connecticut while continuing to service his New York City clientele. 

The Execu|Search Group has been one of the City of New York and the Tri-State area’s leading recruitment and temporary/consulting and retained search firms since 1985. The firm has an excellent track record for providing top-level recruitment and staffing services to clients and candidates alike. Recruiters at The Execu|Search Group specialize in practice areas including Accounting/Finance; Architecture & Engineering; Creative; Financial Services including Front Office; Health Services: Allied Health, Healthcare, Physicians; Human Resources; Information Technology, Legal, Legal Support, Non Profit and Office Support.

For more information about The Execu|Search Group, please visit: www.execu-search.com

The Execu|Search Group is proud to be an official corporate sponsor for TEAM UCP/NYC as it prepares for the upcoming Achilles Hope & Possibility 5-Miler. TEAM UCP/NYC is the official race team of United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, which is committed to supporting people with disabilities. Celebrating athletes of all abilities, the Achilles Hope & Possibility 5-Mile race will take place in Central Park on June 27th.

Hosted by Achilles International, The Achilles Hope & Possibility 5-Miler brings together disabled and able-bodied athletes to celebrate life, community, and running. The race day events also include children’s races, raffles, music, and celebrity guests. The Execu|Search Group wishes all of the members of TEAM UCP/NYC the best of luck in this upcoming race.

For more information about United Cerebral Palsy of New York City and TEAM UCP/NYC, please visit: www.ucpnyc.org/events/displayevent.cfm?eventid=120

For more information about the Achilles Hope & Possibility 5-Miler, please visit: nyrr.org/races/2010/r0627×00.asp#

For more information about The Execu|Search Group’s community initiatives, please visit: www.execu-search.com/OurCompany/CommunityInitiatives.aspx

We are proud to announce our first-ever social media contest aimed at recognizing the importance of our followers and community. Today we launched a “Choose Our Charity Contest,” allowing our Facebook followers to help choose which charity we will raise money for in the month of July.

As part of our community initiatives, our firm raises money for a different charity each month. We believe in supporting the charities that our followers are involved with, which is why we have created the “Choose Our Charity Contest.” The contest is simple: by visiting The Execu|Search Group on Facebook, you can fill out an entry form to suggest what charity the firm will raise funds for in the month of July. From May 24th through June 25th, all entrants will be compiled and a winner will be chosen at random.

The Execu|Search Group’s Facebook page and the “Choose Our Charity Contest” can be found at www.facebook.com/execusearch

For more information about The Execu|Search Group’s community initiatives, please visit: www.execu-search.com/OurCompany/CommunityInitiatives.aspx

It’s not every day we get to see our co-workers flex their muscles and model running shorts around the office, but on Wednesday June 16, 2010, that’s going to change. We’re proud to announce our participation in the 34th annual J.P.Morgan Corporate Challenge taking place in Central Park. Besides this being the perfect opportunity to compare our colleagues’ calves and assess their athletic agility, it’s also a great opportunity to promote physical health and fitness.

32 Execu|Search employees have signed up to trade in their suits for sneakers and face off against hundreds of New York City employees in this 3.5 mile run/walk in Central Park. In addition to the race day competition, J.P.Morgan is also hosting a T-shirt contest, where participating companies are invited to design a t-shirt (to be worn at the race) and have the chance to win $1,000 donated to a charity of their choosing. This is a great chance for us, as well as other companies, to showcase our creativity while making a difference in the community.

We’re looking forward to a fun filled evening, not to mention seeing our recruiters lose their ties and break out the tracksuits. Be sure to check back for photos of the event in June!

For more information about the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge, visit: http://www.jpmorganchasecc.com/

Updated by: Melody Yaghoubi
Interactive Resources Department

In today’s job market, many candidates spend time replying to jobs on various websites without knowing what companies they are contacting. Unfortunately many of the postings out there are staffing firms ranging from the stay-at-home entrepreneurs to the Goliath’s of the world. Knowing what recruiting firms you are contacting can put you in touch with the right networking circle and potentially help you find your next employer. Here are some tips to ensure you are choosing the right search firm:
 
1. There are staffing firms that claim to be generalists and those who claim to be specialists. Don’t take this lightly!

2. Ask Questions! Find out who your recruiter is. Learn their qualifications, their years in the business, tenure at the firm, the clients they work with and the firm’s history.

3. Does the firm you are applying at seem to have an up to date website? Does the staff handle your interview or phone call in a professional manner? You want to make sure your career is in the right hands. While image isn’t everything, it does show what firms are willing to invest in their office environment, web-site, staff and culture in order to hire and retain the best of the best!
 
Don’t be afraid to ask a recruiter why you should work with them. You’d be surprised with the answers you get.

Good luck!
 

Todd Shiner
Director- Temporary/Consulting Accounting/Finance

New York, October 2009- The Execu|Search Group has established itself on various social media sites in order to connect with job seekers in the City of New York and Tri-State Area. Adding to a 20+ year track record of innovation and excellence, The Execu|Search Group is one of the first regional recruitment firms to launch a social media initiative to assist job seekers.

Utilizing multiple Twitter accounts, a Facebook fan page, LinkedIn, and a company blog (blog.execu-search.com), The Execu|Search Group interacts with job seekers and career people alike, sharing the latest career-related news, job seeker tips, and up-to-the-minute job opportunities. The Execu|Search Group believes that staying on the cutting edge of technology is necessary to success in the recruitment industry.

“With more job seekers turning to the internet each day for networking and job opportunities, we are pleased with our online presence- particularly on social networking sites,” said Edward Fleischman, CEO of The Execu|Search Group. “It allows us to interact and assist them with their job search in ways that were not possible just a couple of years ago.”

Social media is just one part of the innovative online resources The Execu|Search Group offers job seekers. Earlier this year, The Execu|Search Group website was listed as one of “The 20 Best Job Search Web Sites” by PCMag, one of the world’s best-known publishers of leading technology-based digital content products. Links to all of the company’s social media profiles can be found on the company’s website by visiting www.execu-search.com/socialmedia.

The Execu|Search Group has been one of the City of New York and the Tri-State Area’s leading recruitment, temporary/consulting, and retained search firms. Since opening its doors in 1985, the firm has grown to service several practice areas. Headquartered in New York City with branch offices in Purchase, NY and Bridgewater, NJ, recruiters at the Execu|Search Group specialize in practice areas including: Accounting/Finance; Architecture & Engineering; Financial Services including Front Office; Graphics; Health Services: Allied Health, Healthcare, Physicians; Human Resources; Information Technology, and Office Support.

For more information regarding The Execu|Search Group’s website and social media efforts, please contact Stephanie Urban at (212) 204-5123, or via e-mail at surban@execu-search.com.

The Execu|Search Group has an extensive and proven track record of success in the recruitment, temporary/consulting and retained search industry. What sets us apart is not only this longstanding success, but also the depth and breadth of our expertise and service.

We are pleased to announce the expansion of our Information Technology Division, providing a full compliment of IT staffing solutions in New York and New Jersey. Our expanded team of experienced technology recruiters and our quality professional network will provide your organization with access to specialized technology talent.

We focus in recruiting IT professionals in the following roles on a full-time, consulting or temporary-to-full time basis, across all industries:

• Applications Development
• ERP
• Network Administration/Infrastructure
• Database Administration/Architecture
• IT Management/Project Leadership
• Web Development
• Desktop Support/ Help Desk
• Systems Administration
• Business Analysis
• Quality Assurance

We have a robust network of available and qualified candidates and are ready to address your IT staffing goals.  Please feel free to contact Joe Eiseman at jeiseman@execu-search.com with any questions you may have.