
Find a dream job concept. Job search application on laptop
Getty ImagesIf you're ready to move up the career ladder or are on the hunt for a job, you may want to check out the Mecklenburg County Career Expo, Wednesday, February 21.
Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development is hosting the event. It's a half-day career expo that will include employers from both the private and public sectors across Mecklenburg County. Attendees can expect opportunities in a number of areas including office, indoor facility, and in the field. Attendees should come prepared to interview and in business casual, attire. However the attire is not required.
Attendees are encouraged to register in advance, though walk-ins are welcomed. To further assist job seekers, the county will also host a number of workshops to help prepare candidates prior to the Career Expo and potential on-site interviews. Two Job Readiness Workshops will be held on Tuesday, February 6, and Wednesday, February 7. To accommodate a variety of schedules, there will be a day workshop and then an evening workshop available. Both workshops will share the same information.
Registration is required for the workshops. See the links below. Spanish-speaking coordinators will be available to assist attendees. There is free parking and refreshments will be provided.
February 6 - Job Readiness Workshop
9 a.m. to Noon David Williamson Jr. Indoor Pavilion at Hornets Nest Park 6301 Beatties Ford Road Charlotte, N.C. 28216
February 7 - Job Readiness Workshop
5-8 p.m. Veterans Park Indoor Pavilion 2136 Central Ave. Charlotte, N.C. 28205
Workshop attendees will be introduced to the construction, maintenance and facility management, and advanced manufacturing industries, as well as local jobs in these industries. Additionally, attendees will learn about:
- Resume building.
- Soft skills, such as skills in interviewing, communication, teamwork, problem solving, time management and work ethic.
- Employment resources for justice-involved individuals.
- Services in the Mecklenburg County area that can help job seekers find employment.
Registration is required for the workshops. Spanish-speaking coordinators will be available to assist attendees. Free parking will be available, and refreshments will be provided.
February 21 Career Expo
The Career Expo will take place at Central Piedmont Community College’s Harris Conference Center, 3216 CPCC Harris Campus Drive in Charlotte, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 21.
Below are some of the employers to be at the Career Expo:
- Balfour Beatty
- Barnhardt Manufacturing Company
- ELNIK Systems
- Ferguson Supply & Box Manufacturing Company
- Genpak
- INX International Ink Co.
- LIFESPAN Services
- Mecklenburg County
- SEG Systems
- Solve Industrial Solutions
- Southwire
- The City of Charlotte Aviation Department (Charlotte Douglas International Airport)
- The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
To learn more about the workshops and the Career Expo, visit OED.MeckNC.gov/Hire.
9 Office Behaviors You Should Definitely Skip
In our busy lives, it often feels like we spend more time in the office than at home. Work can get crazy, and sometimes, our manners take a back seat. Workplace etiquette is all about how we act and interact at work, from how we dress to how we chat with our colleagues or handle shared spaces. With evolving ideas about work and shifting societal norms, office etiquette can sometimes be confusing. Regardless of cultural variations, maintaining basic office etiquette is a way to show respect for the people we work with and the job we do together.
Good Office Etiquette
Good office etiquette covers a lot, especially given the changes in how we work in recent years, including remote setups and virtual communication. Going the extra mile sometimes means arriving a bit early, depending on your job and office culture. It's a signal to your boss that you're a go-getter.
Many offices are shared spaces, so cleaning up after yourself is a big deal. It helps you get along with your colleagues. Additionally, looking sharp and presentable is important unless you're in a super relaxed work setting that embraces flip-flops and t-shirts. This etiquette applies to everything, from weekly meetings with the boss to work parties.
It's also wise to be ready to share your thoughts when your boss asks for input in meetings. It's a chance to showcase your engagement and professionalism, contributing to productive discussions and decision-making.
While office etiquette training typically covers professional boundaries related to issues like gender, religion, and sexuality, it’s essential to respect your colleagues' time and personal space.
Just as there's good workplace etiquette, there are some things you should avoid. Mastering office etiquette might not be rocket science, but it's the key to a pleasant and productive work environment. It's about showing respect for your fellow workers and understanding the shared spaces where you all spend so much time.
To help you avoid these potential pitfalls, we've compiled a list of office behaviors you should avoid.
Oversharing Too Much Personal Information
At the office, it's usually best to leave your personal problems at the door. Sharing too much about your personal life can make your coworkers uncomfortable, and it might affect your professional image. We all have our ups and downs, but oversharing personal issues, like that big breakup or crazy weekend, can make your coworkers feel a bit awkward. Imagine you're in the middle of a team meeting discussing a project, and someone suddenly launches into the intricacies of their dating life. But, when it's an emergency, like someone in the family falling sick or a personal health issue, don't hesitate to let the right people know.
Unspoken Office Food Rules
In the realm of office etiquette, there are some unspoken rules regarding food. First, it's just common sense not to talk with your mouth full. Secondly, it's a clear no-no to help yourself to someone else's food from the office fridge. Lastly, be mindful of what you heat in the microwave. Strong-smelling dishes like onion and anchovy pizza can be a bit overwhelming for everyone else. Don't forget about popcorn in the microwave. Burnt popcorn smell isn't pleasant for anyone. So, keep an eye on it while it's popping.
Personal Grooming
While it's great to stay fresh and clean at work, you'd typically want to steer clear of doing your personal grooming stuff in the office. That means no nail clipping, nail polishing, nose-picking, or any other grooming rituals that might make your coworkers cringe. Save that stuff for your personal time.
Unnecessary Noise
In a cramped office with thin walls and no private doors to shut, you should be considerate of the shared space. It's a good idea to keep personal calls and loud chit-chat to a minimum, especially in open workspaces. Nobody wants their concentration derailed, right? And speaking of noise, save the rock concert-level music and the crazy loud social media videos for after hours.
Messy Workspace
Maintaining a tidy workspace is a must. You wouldn't want to become known as the person with the messy cubicle that has an odd odor, right? Whether you have a desk all to yourself or not, keeping it clean and organized can do wonders for your daily productivity and overall work experience.
Poor Hygiene
Showing up to work with poor hygiene is a no-go. For starters, it's all about keeping things professional and respecting your colleagues. Nobody wants to sit next to a coworker with funky smells, right? Feeling fresh and clean can boost your mood and your work game. If you ever need a quick hygiene fix, no shame in stepping away to use some deodorant or give your teeth a brush in the bathroom.
Personal Space & Boundaries
Whether you're in an open office or a cubicle doesn't matter. Respecting personal space is a must. Being considerate of your colleagues' belongings and giving them room to breathe is key. It ensures a productive and respectful office atmosphere where everyone can focus without feeling crowded or uncomfortable.
Overdoing It With Foul Language
While a slip of a swear word might happen to the best of us in the office, you can't predict what language might rub a coworker or boss the wrong way. To keep the peace, it's a good plan to steer clear of strong language in your office chats and messages. And when it comes to those work emails, stick to pro-speak. It's just safer and smoother that way.
Leaving It How You Found It
Leave things as you found them. For instance, if you happen to use up the last sheet of copy paper, it's a common courtesy to make sure it gets replaced. This small act of consideration contributes to a cooperative atmosphere and ensures that the office operates seamlessly. It's a simple yet effective way to demonstrate respect for your colleagues and the workplace as a whole.













