Never Settle

Glass Slipper Time: A Short Guide to Successful Interviewing

2015-03-29T15:54:00.000-05:00

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Let's be honest, everyone wishes a fairy godmother would land on their desk and *poof* the perfect internship or next job would magically appear. No messy application process, phone screening, interview jitters necessary. Unfortunately for us the whole "bippity boppity boo" catchphrase has been translated into the 21st century lingo of "LinkedIn" and "informational interview" which don't sound nearly as whimsical or exciting. But, if you look hard enough, some magic and pumpkin transformation can still happen with the right perspective and your own team of mice to get you to the interview on time.

From Rags to Riches

You don't need a magic wand to find a killer interview outfit that turns everyone's head at the ball, ahem, office. Banana Republic and Nordstrom did not exist in the time of glass slippers, and you should take full advantage of the potential wardrobe magic just down the street. I am a firm believer that when you dress for the job you want, not only will you feel more prepared when you walk in the doors, but you will also appear more natural and a "perfect fit" to your interviewing team.

Of course, it is all about reading the culture of the office place. Similar to my advice in my informational interview blog post, you should dress like it is your first day on the job. Here is a short breakdown:

The Corporate Type: you know the drill, blazer, pumps, conservative and simple dark color. I always channel my inner Claire Underwood with a navy blue or black dress and blazer, pearl studs and a simple necklace.

Start-Up Scene: Still dress-it-up so they know you are taking it seriously, but don't feel the need to go full-on suit. A simple a-line skirt and blouse or tailored pants and nice top will do the trick. Throw on a pair of kitten heels to keep the je ne sais quoi your step.

NonProfit Niche: While some offices are very relaxed (I wear blue jeans, leggings and skirts interchangeably) you still want to set yourself apart in the interview. I recommend a conservative look with maybe a pop of color or statement piece of jewelry that's a little less "corporate" and a little more "personalized."

Do You Want to Dance

Cinderella's opening line (which wasn't really a line, but more of an action) of dancing with Prince Charming clearly set-up the evening for success. You want to make sure the first 5 min. of your interview do the same. There's always the old saying: your employer will know within 30 sec. if they want to hire you or not, so you either spend the remaining 59 min. reassuring them that you are the right fit or trying to convince them that they should hire you. Don't make it an unnecessary uphill battle. Win them over from the start.

A few simple tricks will help you kill it after that stunning entrance:

Do your research. On the company's website, LinkedIn profile of your interviewer, google the buzzwords and know the direction of the industry you're interviewing for. Don't fumble on the simple "Why do you want to work here" type questions. Being confident is only a matter of doing your homework.
Re-read your Cover Letter and Resume and then transform them into some strong talking points. This is your chance to be more than numbers on a page or buzzwords in a paragraph. Be an authentic person, and they will know you are a good fit for the team.
Be yourself. I have heard over and over again from successful women in their fields that when they hire they are looking more for a personality fit and cohesion with the team, because anyone can learn the necessary skill sets if they are the right fit. Remember this. No One is perfect or has every experience the job description asks for. The goal is to be the right fit because your personality, hard work ethic and ambition shine through in the interview.

It's Almost Midnight...

You've aced your portion of the interview, now it is the company's turn to impress. Just because you might be their Cinderella doesn't mean you picked the perfect prince at the ball. Make sure the company culture is also a right fit for your needs, growth potential, and a place you actually want to work at every day. Are they "your people" and will your supervisor be a strong mentor for you? Does everything just click, or do you feel something is missing? Ask those questions about company culture, "if you could change one thing about your job" or "what about this company makes you want to stick around and come back day after day?" Get past the salary and benefits (which are important!) and talk about the foundation stuff: what will fulfill you and make you happy. Even in a summer internship setting, these are people and connections you can cultivate for your entire professional life. Make sure they are the right ones.

Getting Back That Glass Slipper

You've left the interview, you are on cloud nine, you could conquer the world, etc. How do you make sure you are the foot the glass slipper will fit on? It's not rocket science, just follow this three-step process to success:

Thank You Email. Within 24 hours of the interview. To the person(s) who interviewed you. Remind them of who you are, name a few specific things you like about the job and why you would be the ideal candidate. Short, simple, timely.
Keep applying. Don't rest on your laurels after one interview and start obsessing over "that one job." Keep your options open and playing the field. It will keep you from going crazy and also make sure you land the right Prince Charming.
Be gracious regardless of the outcome. You got the job? Awesome, be thankful and excited to start! You didn't land the position? It's ok, that means your right fit is still out there. Still be grateful and cultivate positive relationships. You never know when you will meet these people again in a professional context, or who is in their circle. Make sure you exit with class and sophistication, and your name and professionalism will go far.

Time to find your pumpkin, mice and get the interview show on the road!

5 Tips to Surviving a Postgrad Christmas

2014-12-14T16:24:00.000-06:00

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During your Postgrad Christmas season, which of the following will you have to navigate :

a. buying gifts for your family and friends with a very limited salary (hello there, entry level job!)
b. holiday punch no. 1 or no. 2? (staff holiday party etiquette)
c. I swear these crisp white jeans fit me at last week's brunch...
d. end-of-the-year office stress
e. a need to snuggle-up and watch all of your favorite holiday movies
f. all of the above (yes, this one)

The days of carefree month-long vacations are sadly a thing of the past (but then again, so are finals), and now you're navigating the need for "me" time and family time and trying to get into the joy of the holiday season while still working full-time, trying to cross everyone off your Christmas list and successfully make it through your staff holiday party in one, dignified, piece.

Luckily, one year out from college, I have begun to put together a few tricks to surviving these at times stressful, and at times beautiful, time of the year. I hope you find time to enjoy the season with all of your loved ones' this season and have a cup of eggnog for me! Cheers!

Gifting on An Entry-Level Budget

Ok, this one is tricky. You want to be able to get everyone's wish list item, but we know that is not possible on a budget of less than 40k a year unless you're amazing at budgeting the other 340 days of the year (doubtful). So, here is how you can make everyone happy and not break the dwindling bank account-and hopefully have some $$ left over for killer New Year's plans.

Don't underestimate your DIY skills. Honestly, Pinterest has made anything possible. Whether you're looking for the fashionista sister, the sentimental grandparent, or the hard-to-please best friend. They've got you covered.

Remember how when you were 5-years-old and having your first kid birthday party with your bffs from kindergarten how your mom said "it is the thought that counts" in desperate hope that you would not be rude to your new friends? Don't underestimate the accuracy of that statement. Whether it is taking the crafty-approach, baking something, putting together a special collection of photos or quotes, your family and friends care that you put thought into something rather than spent the last of your monthly grocery allowance on a trinket. Think family memories, inside jokes, funny moments, personal goals of that person-and make it into a gift that speaks to them.

Think experience v. material good. Sometimes a free concert together, or a fun gallery exhibit and "date" gift can be way more fun and enjoyable than having to wrap something in paper. Be creative!

Be the Life of the Party (in a really classy, sophisticated way)

Ok, we all know Holiday Staff Party is not code for reliving your frat days and pre-gaming with 3 shots of tequila and a chaser of coke. But it may be less clear exactly how to find the line between professional and social office-self. How do you show your fun side and fraternize with the coworkers while maintaining your reputation of being a reliable and hard-working team player?

Stick to the wine. No matter how exciting or festive or tasty the "punch" is (because it will be awesome, no doubt) it will also leave you either face-down in your co-worker's car or the star of Monday-morning water cooler gossip. Avoid both. Drink wine. And lots of water.

Make a point to say hi to your VIPs. This includes your supervisor, coworkers in your department and other pertinent leadership staff. Doesn't have to be life-changing conversation. Just a simple hello, how is the evening going, great to see you chat. It is good to show a little bit of your social side and connect on a personal level outside of the daily grind.

Dress it classy and covered-up. While your Mean Girls uniform may have been a crowd-pleaser at your sorority social senior year, it will need to stay in the closet. Try a festive color (deep red, emerald green, silver or gold) and keep it office-appropriate with a just-above the knee length skirt or conservative dress. Showing arms=totally fine. Cleavage and upper thigh=not so much.

The Christmas 15

You've eaten your weight in holiday cookies and are feeling the need to wear leggings 24/7. Such is the holiday lifestyle. Too much good food. Usually of the sugary, buttery, high-calorie variety. Try these tips to feel less bloated and actually be able to slip into those skinny jeans next Saturday night:

Water is your best friend. Wake up with green tea. Go straight to the water. No mid-day soda breaks or juice binges. Water all the way. And after those holiday cocktails at 10pm? More water.

Skip on the salty, stick to the fresh fruit and veggies. This is not brain science. I know those chips and dip look amazing, as does the cheese and cold cuts plate with baguette. But you will be very displeased the next morning. Fresh produce is forever your holiday best friend.

Simple yoga stretches, such as these, will keep your energy up and those holiday toxins from settling-in for a long stretch of hibernation. Do these exercises every morning to wake you up, or to detox before you go to bed. Namaste.

Walk more. Whether it is trekking to a further bus stop, going on a small walk during your lunch break, or taking a light jog around the neighborhood after work, little bits of regular exercise will make all the difference. You will be happy (yay endorphins), your tight LBD will look amazing on Christmas Eve and you will get to browse all of the holiday decorations in your neighborhood.

I just want to see that "Out of the Office" message already...

We all know the holiday and end-of-the-year cycle has its share of stressful moments. Some overtime will happen, not enough sleep will happen, and you will start to wish that AM coffee was spiked with something more than eggnog. Beat some of that office stress with the following adjustments:

Put up some holiday decor in your cubicle. Whether it is taping up Christmas cards from friends and family, stringing a strand of lights around your computer monitor or pinning-up some garland on the wall, embrace the season! Add some peppermint sticks in a little mug on your desk, and spread the joy of the season.

Get those 7 hours of sleep. Your body will be screaming hibernation mode, but if you go over 9 on the regular dragging your body out of bed will seem an impossibility. Get sleep, but don't give-in to the sloth voices in your head.

Time management is key. You don't want to leave on vacation feeling stressed from the impending "to-do list" or with your head reeling from all the 2015 planning. Know how to wrap it all up in a bow before clocking-out for the holidays, and you'll actually get to enjoy the extra zzzs, curling-up with a leisure book and long brunches with the family.

A Definitive List of Classic Flicks and Holiday Cocktail Pairings

Holiday movies are the best (Love, Actually on repeat for days) and holiday cocktails are decidedly the best part of December anyway...so I put the two together. Enjoy.

Love Actually + Pimm's Cup

White Christmas + Hot-Buttered Rum

Happy Christmas + French 75 Punch

Christmas in Connecticut + Spiced Cranberry Sangria

The Holiday Inn + Eggnog Martini

Elf + Coquito

Who Are You Following?

2014-09-07T15:58:00.000-05:00

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As millennials, our knowledge of what is happening in our community, and in the world, comes from the social media outlets we follow. Your version of what happened over the weekend will be very different if you follow @theSkimm vs. if you follow @taylorswift13 or your high school best friend. In a world where news updates literally happen every second, and every Twitter account or Facebook Page thinks they have the most relevant story to tell, how do you decide which source is worth following? What kind of messages should you be RT'ing? How educated are you after scrolling through the last 30 min. of your News Feed?

I am a huge proponent of following a variety of news sources and human interest outlets both to diversify the messaging I am receiving and broaden my knowledge of what is happening outside of the four walls of my Chicago apartment. In addition to bringing back smart anecdotes and scholarly opinions to your happy hour set, your social media feed will actually inform your followers and friends of something more than what you cooked for dinner and the cute little dress you had to buy over the weekend.

So, who are these amazing news outlets and sources that you should add to your following list? Below are some of my tried and trues. Let me know who your go-to's are. I would love to add more voices to the mix :)

1. @theSkimm. Clever, witty and can't-live-without-it news updates. Not only do you know what is happening in the international current event scene, but you can make an educated comment on it. And not feel totally depressed about the state of affairs (at least not with the daily Mean Girls references and pop culture quips) Sign-up here for their daily eNewsletter. Or check out my previous post on their amazingness here.

2. HONY. You've all heard of Human of New York. Obviously. But are you aware that right now the photos being posted on Facebook and Instagram are a part of a 50-day trip in partnership with the UN?? He is highlighting the ordinary people of Ukraine, South Sudan, Uganda and other countries we don't always personalize when we are blinded by political headlines and turmoil. Such an important way to connect with the global community, be informed, and realize that every person has their own story that deserves to be heard.

3. NPR. Yes, I know, Captain Obvious over here. But seriously, who else is going to tell you about the plight of neighborhood schools and what the high amounts of data being collected on dating sites tell us about our social impulses?

4. Chicago Magazine. A local favorite. From a new perspective on neighborhood violence to the inside details on the ongoing gubernatorial election.

5. @petridishes one of my favorite writers for the @washingtonpost whose columns are not only clever but bitingly acerbic with a great dose of feminism.