More stories

  • in

    How To Answer Interview Questions Confidently

    Interviews are arguably the most important part of the hiring process. Your resume and sparkling social media presence may get your foot in the door, but the interview is your potential employer’s opportunity to see your personality IRL. It’s common for hiring managers to ask difficult and unexpected questions to see if you’re a good fit for the role and determine how you perform under pressure without the hours of carefully crafted wordsmithing that went into your resume and cover letter. This begs the question: how does one learn to be confident when answering interview questions to land a dream job? I’m here to help you answer just that. By utilizing these effective interview strategies, I guarantee you’ll show up to your next interview beaming with confidence.

    How To Answer Interview Questions Confidently
    The key to answering interview questions with confidence is getting a head start. Some individuals are naturally confident. Those who aren’t are prepared. 

    Do Your Research.
    One of the first steps to prepare for an interview is doing your research. This includes everything from the responsibilities of the role to understanding the work environment to learning more about the company and industry. A great place to start your preparation is the job description. Get clear on what the employer is looking for in a candidate, and where you have relevant skills and experiences you can highlight. 
    Then, do a deep dive on the company’s website to learn about what it does and what type of experience they provide their employees, so you can get a feel for what it’s like to work there. By arming yourself with information about the role and company prior to the interview, you’ll be confident discussing why you’re a great fit for the job during your conversation with the hiring manager. Also, be sure to get a grasp on your salary expectations. Do some research on what an appropriate salary range is for the position based on your experience and the expectations of the position. If you’re not sure where to start, sites like Glassdoor, Salary.com, Payscale, and Career Contessa’s The Salary Project are helpful resources to utilize.
    You’ll likely discover some items you’d like clarification on during your research. These are great questions to ask the hiring manager during the interview. Make a list of these questions to have them on hand for the big day.

    Practice, Practice, Practice.
    You’ve taken the time to understand why you’re a good fit for the role and why your greatest strengths apply. Now, it’s time to articulate it. It’s one thing to think about your responses to common interview questions, it’s another to speak your responses out loud. I want you to think about common job interview questions (hint, there are some below) and how you’d respond. Then instead of just waking through your response in your head, I want you to say it. It could be to a friend or partner, yourself in the mirror, your voice notes, or an empty room, but speak how you’d answer the question into existence. 
    By vocalizing how you’d introduce yourself, speak to your accomplishments, and respond to common job interview questions, you can get a feel for what answers sound good rolling off your tongue and what needs some work. It may feel a little strange at first, but I swear by this strategy for interviews (and even presentations!). 

    Preparation is Your Best Friend.
    By now, I’m sure you’re sensing the theme that preparation equals confidence. But don’t forget, there’s more involved than just preparing for the expected interview question and answer portion of the interview. You also need to think about a few other key items. The day before your interview, decide what you’re going to wear to feel like your most confident self. It may feel superficial, but when you feel good about yourself on the inside, you’re going to come across as more confident on the outside. 
    Once you have your outfit locked in, check out the travel and parking situation if you’re interviewing in person. Nothing is worse than running late for an interview, arriving flustered, and not being in a calm head space to perform your best. Based on the travel distance and expected traffic, determine the best mode of transportation and time to leave. Then, if you’re driving, scope out the parking situation. Is there a lot or a garage? Is it free or paid? Also, think about what bag you plan to bring and what you need to pack inside it. Answering these questions beforehand will save you stress on the big day. 
    If you’re interviewing virtually, double-check your connectivity and which platform you need access to for your interview. Verifying your technology is good to go will save you a headache and a frazzled call to the interviewer when you’re running late due to computer issues. The more interview red flags you can avoid, the better.

    Be Aware of Your Body Language.
    Practicing to communicate confidently is one thing, but you also need to communicate confidently even when you’re not speaking. I’m talking about body language. You can provide the best response to an interview question, but if you’re slouching and not maintaining eye contact, you may as well have provided the wrong answer to the question because the response isn’t going to land well. Simple things like a firm handshake, smiling, good posture, maintaining eye contact, and acting engaged in the conversation will ensure your interview will go as well as possible. 

    Trust Yourself.
    Once you’ve done everything you possibly can to prepare for an interview, the only thing left to do is to trust yourself and the work you’ve put in. You were chosen from all of the applicants to interview for the role, now believe in yourself and reap the rewards of your great work ethic.
    Head into your interview knowing that the best person to talk about your accomplishments and why you deserve the job is you. When the interviewer asks you to answer this question, no matter what it may be, you can state your response with confidence because you know in your heart of hearts you’re the most qualified person for the job. Out of all the possible career paths, this is the one you’ve chosen. Trust that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

    6 Common Interview Questions And Answers
    To help you prepare for your next interview and set you up for success, here are some common interview questions and responses. 

    Tell me about yourself.
    At first glance, you may think this is the easiest question to answer. But when you’re tasked with summarizing who you are, what you’ve done, and why you’re the best candidate for the role in a brief self-introduction, you may find yourself stumbling on your words and not highlighting yourself in the best way possible. Keep your response related to the role and your relevant experience. Here’s how I would respond:
    “I’m a communications professional and freelance writer passionate about women, work, and well-being. I have a master’s degree in professional accountancy and began my career in public accounting prior to falling in love with writing and storytelling. In my current role as corporate communications manager, my focus includes creating and executing internal communication strategies, fostering company culture, driving diversity, inclusion, and belonging efforts, and connecting the employee population across our footprint.”

    Why are you interested in this role?
    I’ll give you a hint on how not to respond. Don’t say things like, “because I rage applied for this job after a bad day at work,” or” my current boss sucks, so I’ll take whatever I can get.” Focus on what genuinely sparked your interest in the role, be it the work, the company, or the opportunity to grow in your profession. As a communications manager, if I were applying for a similar position, here’s how I would respond:
    ‘“I’m interested in this opportunity because I’ve always seen [insert company here] as a leader in the [insert industry]. This role specifically sparked my interest because [explain why you’re genuinely interested in the specific position]. I’m excited by the opportunity to contribute my expertise to help build the future of [insert company name].”

    What’s your greatest strength?
    Sharing your greatest strength in an interview is an opportunity to brag about yourself and your accomplishments. Even if you feel uncomfortable tooting your own horn, this is your chance to tell the hiring manager why your skill set would be the right fit for the job. Providing concrete examples and crafting a story around why you consider whatever you call out as your greatest strength is a plus!
    “My greatest strength is my ability to formulate a communications strategy that benefits both a company immediately and in the future. In my current position, I’ve helped build the communications strategy by implementing processes that help meet the needs of our internal teams and employees while also thinking big picture to understand what’s sustainable in the long run. By being detail-oriented and self-aware of what will and won’t work and what will provide the greatest benefit for both our people and our team, I can implement and execute plans in a way that works for everyone.”

    What’s your greatest weakness?
    No one likes talking about their weaknesses, but if we’re being honest, we all have them. The key to this question is being self-aware enough to know what your areas of opportunity are and what actions you’re taking to mitigate those weaknesses. Here’s how I would respond:
    “My greatest weakness is my tendency to get lost in the details. Since both of my degrees are in accounting, and I started my career in a very detail-oriented role, I’m hard-wired to focus on the details. This can cause me to lose sight of the big picture if I let it. Throughout the span of my career, I’ve learned to be self-aware of when I sense it happening. If I find myself getting lost in the weeds, it’s a cue to myself to take a step back and reevaluate the situation. This helps me get clear on the priority of the task and where I need to redirect my attention.”

    Why do you want to work for this company?
    This question is a great way to show your genuine interest in the role while also highlighting the fact that you’ve done your research. Ideally, the goal aligns with your experience, values, and long-term goals, so there’s no need to be shy about sharing that. If I applied to a dream role at a dream company, here’s how I would respond:
    “From our conversation today and from what I’ve learned through your website and social media, [insert company name] sounds like an amazing place to work and grow my career. It’s important to me that the company I work for has values that align with mine, and it’s motivating to know your company’s values are a good fit. As I progress in my career over the next few years, I’m looking for a company I can build my career with, and this role and company provide a challenging and exciting opportunity to do just that.”

    What questions do you have for me?
    Always, always, always have questions for your interviewer. This is your chance to ask a thoughtful question that can help show a few things: (1) that you’ve been listening and engaged in the conversation, (2) that you’re passionate about the opportunity, and (3) that you’re the best person for the role because you’re qualified, intelligent, inquisitive, and (hopefully) genuinely interested and curious about the role. 
    And remember, you’re interviewing the company just as much as they’re interviewing you, so don’t pass up this opportunity to ask your burning questions. Questions will likely come up during the interview, but if you want a few questions banked in case the interviewer addresses all your questions in the conversation, here are a few of my go-to’s:

    From your experience, how would you describe the culture of [insert company name]?
    What’s something that keeps you up at night that this role can help solve?
    It sounds like you’ve built a great career at the company. What career path do you see available for this role?
    What is your favorite part about working for [insert company name]?

    What Hiring Managers Are Really Looking for in Your Cover Letter More

  • in

    I’m Turning 30—Here’s The Best Career and Finance Advice I’ve Learned

    Despite feeling like I’m barely 23, my driver’s license tells a bit of a different story. With the big 3-0 approaching in the near future, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on everything I’ve learned up until now. Some lessons were hard-won (mixing juice with flavored rum? Never again) and some came a bit more gradually with years of accumulated wisdom (using retinol and a daily sunscreen? Non-negotiable!). 
    Of all the areas I’ve learned about in my twenties, career and finance skills take the cake. After choosing a career path that was different from anyone else in my family and largely teaching myself about money management, I can assure you that I tried a lot of things and made a lot of mistakes. The good news is that with all of that trial and error, I slowly figured out what worked and what didn’t. So without further ado, here are the top 30 pieces of finance and career advice I’ve learned along the way, in nice bite-sized takeaways and in no particular order. 

    The Best Finance and Career Advice I Learned Throughout My 20s

    Create a budget and check on it regularly. It seems basic, but budgets are like houseplants in that they need regular maintenance to survive and thrive. 
    Make sure your finances are in a good spot before setting up automatic withdrawals for things like savings and payments. Automation is great, but there’s nothing worse than an insufficient funds notification from your bank for an automatic withdrawal you forgot about.
    If you’re someone who loves to treat others, make sure you’re not the one always buying drinks or picking up the tab because it adds up fast.  
    There are a lot of dupes for high-end items that are so much better for your wallet. Give them a shot before shelling out for the real deal (you might even like the dupe better!) 
    Negotiate everything, especially your salary. Even an extra two or three thousand dollars on an offer compounds over time and helps set you up for more money down the road.
    Never burn bridges in your career if you can help it, no matter how toxic of an environment it was. You never know who will pop up down the road, so always keep it professional. 
    Take the time to nurture your industry connections on a regular basis by letting them know when you think of them or by offering to help if asked. Don’t only reach out when you need something. 
    On that note, be kind to the random people who ask to pick your brain. It only takes a few minutes to send a quick reply or set up a coffee chat (pro-tip: if you get a lot of people reaching out, create canned responses for the usual questions and schedule calls around times that work for you, like when you walk your dog or fold laundry!). 
    Ask yourself if there’s a free version or a discount you can use before you buy something. You’d be amazed how many companies give 20% off coupons if you leave your cart for a few hours before checking out (Honey and Rakuten are also great!).
    Don’t hang your self-worth on your salary, the amount in your bank account, or any material objects. It sounds fluffy, but these things can change at any time and you don’t want your self-worth to change with it. 
    Set boundaries at work early and tell people about them. If you value dinner with your family or a daily lunchtime workout, make that part of your “brand” at the office so that time is automatically protected. 
    Take your vacation time. Life is too short to let your PTO go unused (RIP to the time I could have spent on vacation instead of at my desk in the early years of my career). 
    There is a time to hustle, and a time to rest. Learning when it makes sense to put in extra hours (like for a promotion) and when it doesn’t (every random Tuesday) will help you build better balance in your life. 
    When in doubt, always dress a bit nicer than you think you need to for work.  
    Take time to slow down and consider what you want out of your career. It’s okay if you don’t always know, but it’s important to consider what truly makes you happy.
    Figure out what you value spending money on and make sure to budget for it appropriately. Never feel guilty for swapping daily lattes with buying flowers every week if that’s more your jam. 
    Find a budgeting system that actually works for you. If you live in a city where your necessary expenses are more than 50% (per the 50-30-20 budgeting method), don’t try to make that system work and then feel defeated and give up after a few months. There are so many different budgeting methods and one will definitely work for you! 
    Set financial goals that excite you and then create a tangible way to track them to keep you motivated. This could be an old-school pen-and-pencil tracker (the kind where you color in a new section each time you get closer, à la middle school fundraising) or naming your accounts (my “dream Chanel bag” account is slowly getting there!) 
    Don’t put off investing. It seems scary, but once you get started you’ll realize it just takes a bit of upfront time and then you’ll barely think about it. Just do it! 
    Know when to ask for help. Whether it’s filing your taxes, finding a career path you love, or even having your boss explain something you’ve never done before, asking for help is a sign of maturity. Pretending you know what you’re doing when you don’t is only going to waste time. 
    Get in the habit of talking about money in your relationships as early as possible. Having convos about what your SO or friends can afford will make sure no one is ever put in a spot to spend more than they can. 
    Always check the bill before paying to make sure it’s correct. It’s a literal crime to pay for a third glass of wine you never even got to enjoy. 
    Find a mentor who you truly click with, ideally in the same industry as you but not at the same company. You’ll be able to get their honest and unbiased opinion whenever you need it! 
    Reach out to potential colleagues whenever possible before accepting a job offer. It’s better to find out that a workplace isn’t healthy before joining than it is to experience it firsthand. 
    Take the time to actually read the contracts you’re signing, whether it’s for a new job or a new rental agreement, to make sure everything checks out. Get help with this (see tip 20!) if you need it. 
    Use all of your work benefits if you have them. Not just the go-to ones like massage therapy or dental, but also ones that might not be obvious, like seeing a podiatrist (basically a free pedicure!) or getting a tailored nutrition plan from a dietician. 
    At the end of each quarter, carefully review your calendar and your bank statements. Identify anything that wasn’t a great use of time or money and minimize those things going forward. 
    Take the time to compare financial tools and find the ones that will work for you. That credit card your BFF loves for its cash back might not be right for you if travel points for free flights is your priority.
    It’s okay if you have debt, it doesn’t make you a bad person or financially irresponsible. Whether it’s student loans or a consumer line of credit, coming up with a plan to tackle it will help you feel like you’re in control.  
    Nobody has it all figured out by age 30, with money or career or anything else. If you feel like you do, enjoy that feeling while it lasts because things are always changing! Being adaptable and pivoting where necessary are underrated skills that will always get you far in life. 

    50 Affirmations for When Work or Money Stress You TF Out More

  • in

    7 ChatGPT Hacks That Can Help You at Work (Without Actually Doing Your Job)

    I will be the first to admit that ChatGPT (and really any AI software) scares me. I thought we were many years away from AI being able to replace creatives like myself. So when everyone started talking about ChatGPT, I was a little worried, to say the least. However, I’m happy to report that after doing a ton of research and testing, ChatGPT can’t produce the same quality of content that professional writers can create and I have a feeling graphic designers and photographers feel the same way. That being said, ChatGPT might still have a place in my workflow—there’s actually quite a lot of things it can do well.
    Instead of ignoring ChatGPT (which was my first instinct), I decided to lean into it to see how it can help me during my work days. I don’t advise using ChatGPT to do your work for you (because no matter how good AI is, that kind of thing will always be obvious), but I do recommend these helpful tips for making your workday easier. And who doesn’t love a good productivity hack?

    1. Learn new Excel or Google Sheets formulas
    I know we all like to say we mastered Excel on our resumes, but let’s face it, it’s pretty hard to memorize all those formulas. ChatGPT can really help here. If you need help finding the right Excel formula, just tell ChatGPT what you’re looking to do and it can provide you with those formulas. This can save you a lot of time digging through tech blogs when all you need is a quick answer to your Excel question.

    2. Get quick answers to questions
    Speaking of quick answers, this is something ChatGPT is really good at. ChatGPT’s ability to understand and interpret natural language means that you can ask a question as if you were speaking to a human, and ChatGPT will provide you with a clear and concise answer. If you want a basic definition or to confirm something you already know, skip Google and use ChatGPT. If the stakes are high, double-check the answer with your own research, but I typically find that ChatGPT can put me on the right path quickly.

    3. Streamline daily and weekly planning
    Scheduling can be a headache, but ChatGPT can help make it a breeze. Instead of figuring out how to fit all of your to-dos into a single day (or week or month) ChatGPT can help you create a schedule that not only covers your entire task list, but also allots regular break periods. I just gave ChatGPT a list of my regular responsibilities and it essentially planned my entire day. If you struggle with time management, can’t stick with a planner to save your life, or simply want help optimizing your time, this is such a helpful tool.

    4. Create templates
    Training an intern? Looking to organize a new project? Simply not sure what the most effective way to approach a task is? This is where templates can come in handy. If you don’t have specifics in mind, let ChatGPT have the first stab at creating a template. For example, I just asked it to create a template for “writing Google ad copy” and it gave me a helpful template that broke down all of the copy needs for the ad (like headline) and shared best practices for each section of copy. I then asked it to “give me the same template but with character limits” and it updated the template with helpful reminders about how long each section of copy could be.

    5. Diversify arguments
    Whether you need to convince your boss of the merits of a new software program you want your company to purchase, are trying to sell your freelance services to a client, or want to launch a new initiative, we all have to sell our ideas at one point or another. Strengthen your argument by asking ChatGPT to write one for you. It may present you with benefits you hadn’t even considered and you can use these to boost the points you were already planning to make. You can also ask it to argue against your idea so you can prepare for what your audience’s argument against your pitch may be.

    6. Outline and organize work
    Using ChatGPT for outlining can be an effective approach to organizing your ideas, thoughts, and arguments. You can instruct ChatGPT to generate an outline by using specific keywords or phrases. For example, you can ask it to “generate a summary of the text,” “create an outline of the main ideas,” or “organize the key arguments.” It is also possible to give more detailed instructions such as “divide the text into sections,” “group the related ideas,” or “provide subheadings for each argument.”
    ChatGPT will then process your input and generate an outline based on the given instructions. You can of course modify the outline, by adding or removing sections, changing the order of the ideas, or refining the headings, but sometimes having a jumping-off point makes it so much easier to get started.

    7. Brainstorm
    When that 3 pm slump hits, your creativity may be lagging. When I need to brainstorm story ideas, marketing initiatives, or unique angles for a project I’m working on, I’ll ask ChatGPT to give me a bit of a boost. This is perfect for any time of day when you feel totally stumped. You can type into ChatGPT “help me brainstorm…” and it will do just that. The more specific you can get here, the better—as is usually the case with ChatGPT.

    7 Ways to Spring Clean Your Digital Life More

  • in

    7 Career Habits Successful Women Practice

    Some days, I feel like the kind of boss b*tch who wakes up and throws on a chic business suit with heels to match before proceeding to take the world by storm. On other days, I feel like the kind of woman who hits snooze one too many times before proceeding to roll out of bed and hobble to the computer. Of course, I’d love to be on my A-game 24/7, but life’s all about balance, right?
    That said, while I know there is no secret to success, I’ve come to realize that there are undoubtedly universal career habits all successful women practice—a cold, hard fact I gleaned after having the privilege of interviewing three successful female entrepreneurs over the past month.
    Whether you’re looking to move up the career ladder, change jobs, become self-employed, or start your own business, you’ve come to the right place. With these tips, you can start making moves and make your career goals a reality. Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about the career habits all successful women practice.

    Meet the expert
    Ana Pischl
    Head of Selfmade at Brit + Co, Product Consultant, and CEO of First Product Hire
    At Selfmade, Pischl has helped over 3,500 women live creatively and provide them with the tools, resources, and community to bring their business goals to fruition.

    Meet the expert
    Rachel Apfel Glass
    CEO and Founder of GLOSSLAB
    Glass reimagined the nail space in 2018 when she built GLOSSLAB under three key pillars: Hygiene, Efficiency, and Membership. First launched in NYC, GLOSSLAB has expanded to New Jersey, Texas, Maryland, Connecticut, Florida, and DC.

    Meet the expert
    Dr. Elisa Hallerman
    PHD, JD, and Founder of Recovery Management Agency (RMA) and Author of Soulbriety
    The mastermind behind RMA, Hallerman’s created a business that helps clients get to the root cause of their symptomatology by integrating mental health, behavioral-health, and primary-care treatment options.

    1. They surround themselves with positive people
    We’ve all heard about the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people, and successful women swear by this as well. For them, having an uplifting social circle is non-negotiable. They know and value their peers, and aren’t afraid to turn to them in times of need. Likewise, they also relish any opportunity to collaborate with others.
    “Aligning yourself with others who share your values and building a strong support system is key to long-term success,” Pischl explained to me. “It will help you gain new perspectives, overcome any obstacles, and build a sense of community—which is something we, as women, need.”

    2. They trust their gut
    As humans, we’re conditioned to question ourselves and our judgment. More often than not, though, our gut knows what’s what, and successful women aren’t afraid to listen to it. In fact, following this inner instinct is what gave Glass the courage to launch GLOSSLAB in an already billion-dollar industry—a leap of faith that’s paid off massively. By trusting her gut, she was able to harvest her passion for clean, efficient manicures, muster up the courage to ask for what she wanted, and ultimately grow her business. 

    3. They don’t overthink
    Another thing successful women have in common is the fact that they don’t overthink things. That’s not to say they’ve never gotten caught up in this vicious cycle—they are human, after all—but when it comes time to get their feet wet, they’ll dive right in, despite their fear.
    Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they take an all-or-nothing approach. Hallerman explained to me that they’ll dive in headfirst and take things slow; they’re willing to be patient with themselves because they know that all that really matters is that they start. So regardless of what career move they’re trying to make next, successful women make a plan and start taking steps in the real world daily to get there.

    4. They stay on top of their finances
    There’s no denying that success and money are commonly intertwined, which is why successful women have a healthy relationship with their finances. “It’s crucial to know how much money you’re earning and spending monthly, and it’s also important to make predictions and plan ahead,” Pischl told me. This means diligently tracking your finances, having an emergency fund, and adjusting your budget as needed.
    When it comes down to it, women who are thriving in their career aren’t afraid to look at numbers. Likewise, they’re also not afraid to challenge themselves and set goals that help them become wealthier. They know that there’s no shame in working hard for whatever they want and everything they have, and they go after it wholeheartedly and unapologetically.

    5. They take charge of their story
    Successful women know that despite what fairytales and society have told them, they’re the only ones that can save themselves. While Hallerman says this mindset will not prevent them from dealing with heartbreak, loss, and grief, it will protect them from waiting around for someone else to fix them. This mindset empowers them to take charge and be the hero of their own story, and emboldens them to follow their dreams and give into their ambitions.

    6. They never stop learning
    Unlike anyone with a big, fragile ego (like a male), successful women aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t know something, and take every opportunity they can to learn and grow more when it comes to their career. “Viewing life as a never-ending journey helps you step into more opportunities that help you fulfill your purpose and happiness,” Hallerman explained to me. This is why boss chicks commit to always expanding their knowledge and wisdom to prevent themselves from stalling out in their career.

    7. They know their worth and ask for what they deserve
    They say you shouldn’t settle for anything less than you deserve, but women so often do in the workplace. However, Glass, Pischl, and Hallerman know their worth, and they price accordingly. They know exactly what they bring to the table and aren’t afraid to ask for what they want or take their business elsewhere in order to get paid what they’re worth. Some people might not like it, but that’s too bad—these women refuse to settle for less.
    Knowing their worth is also what gives successful women the courage to fall back on themselves. They don’t let themselves get caught up in what everyone else is doing—something that’s admittedly very easy to do—and know that when it comes down to it, there is no formula for success. Stay true to yourself, trust your gut, and develop a healthy relationship with money, and in no time, you’ll be a powerhouse woman in your field.

    How To Manifest Career Success This Year More

  • in

    The One Product That Keeps My Desk From Looking Like a Disaster Zone

    Creating good vibes in your work from home space is essential for productivity and your overall well-being. You always want to have clear space for your notebooks, a spot for a variety of beverages (coffee and water for me, always), and a candle lit nearby to lift your mood. But perhaps one thing that isn’t necessarily as fun or pretty as aesthetic notebooks and cute coffee mugs are the cords that seem to plague the underside of your desk. Everything can look organized and pristine on the surface, while underneath is littered with cords and outlets. Why is it that everything seems to need a plug?
    For me personally, there are many reasons I need a power strip for my desk, and I know I can’t be the only one. My desk lamp, of course, needs an outlet, and I need two more for my laptop charger and the desk itself, since I have a standing desk that can move up and down. Bonus outlets include a plug for my mug warmer, which keeps my hot coffee hot (game changer), a phone charger, and a charger for my noise-canceling headphones. Sure, some of these bonus outlets don’t need to be right at my desk, but it’s nice to have everything close by in a designated space for all things work related. 
    Simply plugging in a power strip and setting it on the floor was great since everything that needed an outlet got one. But what wasn’t cute was seeing all the cords stretched out to the floor as I walked into my office space. Once I was working, I couldn’t really see the cords so it was out of sight, out of mind… but they would bug me any time I wasn’t seated or standing at the desk. I knew I needed a solution, and a quick Amazon search led me to a few different options. 
    I’m no stranger to cord management, and have used cord coverings before, mainly for all the cords that plug in our tv and cable box in the living room, but this was a situation where cord coverings weren’t going to cut it. I found an organizer box, but decided against it because I didn’t want it taking up valuable desk space, and keeping it on the floor wouldn’t solve the problem of cords being stretched from the desk to the floor, at both ends of the desk itself. What I ended up with is a cable management tray that fits my power strip perfectly and allows space for all the cords and plugs, without the cords being spread out everywhere. This turned out to be the perfect solution, and I’m here to spread the good word so you, too, can elevate your work space:

    My Cord Organizer

    My Review
    Source: Kristen Garaffo
    The tray was super easy to put together, and it arrived with velcro cable ties and adhesive cable clips, which definitely came in handy. The tray clamps to the desk itself and holds up to 15 pounds. Shortening and wrapping the cords is part of the puzzle of organizing them, and the velcro strips come in handy for all the extra cord that’s by the outlet where you plug them in. I also ended up using two cord wrappers that I already had for the extra long cords that the desk itself comes with. After just a few minutes of plugging everything in and wrapping the cords up,  the underside of my desk became much tidier, and all of the cords are out of sight as much as possible. It’s a win! 
    While I may be able to see the exposed power strip and wrapped cords when I crouch down and look under the desk, I no longer see a sea of electronics when I walk into the room anymore, which calms my nervous system and keeps my spirits high as I settle in to work. Life just feels a little easier when everything is organized and in its place, ya know? It’s always the little things! 

    My Desk Essentials

    6-Outlet Power Strip
    This is a a must-have item to help keep an organized, central hub for all of your chargers and electronics.

    Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
    Investing in comfortable, high quality headphones for a 10/10 work from home experience is 100% the move, and this pair by Bose is perfect for the job.

    Mug Warmer Heating Plate
    There’s nothing more annoying than your morning coffee or tea getting cold before you have time to finish it. So, opt for this mug warmer to keep your Bev of choice at the perfect temperature all day long.

    Other Cord Organization Essentials

    Cable Clips
    Using these discreet, stick-on cord organizers is a super easy way to keep your workspace wires tangle free.

    Silicone Cable Straps
    Your earphones and chargers that you take on the go need to stay in check, too—these cable straps are absolute life savers.

    Cable Sleeve Organizer
    Having a million loose wires under your desk is kind of a headache to look at, you know? This sleeve not only keeps all your chords untangled, but also keeps them contained to have your area look and feel super organized.

    I’ve Been Using a Standing Desk for A Year Straight—Here’s What You Need to Know More

  • in

    15 Books To Read if You Want To Take Your Career to the Next Level

    Maybe one of your new year’s resolutions for 2023 is to make some big moves in terms of your career, whether it be getting that big promotion you know you deserve, applying for that dream job you’ve always wanted, or even completely changing career paths. Whatever it may be, we love to see it! But, it’s no secret that achieving major career goals is not an easy feat. Don’t worry, it’s totally normal to feel a little overwhelmed in the process. No matter how tough it gets, everything you’re hoping and working for is 100% achievable–especially with some guidance from fellow badass working women to help you along the way.
    So many women, particularly women of color, feel isolated when it comes to excelling in the workplace. But even if you’re not finding a support system in your own office or personal network, there are so many successful women out there that want to see you thrive, and are here to tell you everything they wish they knew when they were in your shoes. If you’re in need of tools that actually work, advice, or words of encouragement to navigate your journey, these guides and memoirs written by women of all different professions and backgrounds are exactly what you’ve been looking for. We leaned on the experts at Goodreads to bring you the best of the best here as you work to take your career to the next level.

    Marshall Goldsmith & Sally Helgesen
    How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job
    Business expert Marshall Goldsmith partnered with his longtime colleague and women’s leadership expert, Sally Helgesen, to create this invaluable handbook for women trying to take the next step in their careers. They know that for women in particular, the same skills and habits that made you successful early in your career could actually be holding you back as you move towards the next stage of your working life, as women oftentimes struggle with habits like reluctance to claim your achievements and the “disease to please”. This book will help you identify specific behaviors that keep you from living to your full potential (no matter what stage you are in your career) and help you identify what needs to change to help you get to where you want to go in the future.

    Playing Big: Find Your Voice, Your Mission, Your Message
    Renowned women’s leadership expert Tara Mohr saw how women were “playing small” in their lives and careers, were frustrated by it, and wanted to “play bigger.” So, she’s taken it upon herself to devise a proven way to achieve your dreams by “playing big” from the inside out. In her tell-all guide, Mohr provides real, practical tools to help rid you of self-doubt, become less attached to praise and criticism, unlearn “good girl” habits, and begin taking bold actions. While not all women aspire to end up in the corner office, every woman aspires to be something. This book isn’t just for corporate women, as it offers tools that help every woman play bigger—whether you’re an executive, volunteer, artist, or anything in between.

    Lauren McGoodwin
    Power Moves: How Women Can Pivot, Reboot, and Build a Career of Purpose
    With this invaluable book, founder of Career Contessa Lauren McGoodwin provides an invaluable career resource for women feeling stuck or unfulfilled by combining actionable advice, learning tools to make impactful life changes, and an in-depth discussion of how to build a meaningful career on your own terms. Drawing on the insights and lessons developed in her own career journey, she offers an essential handbook that helps professional women truly feel understood, so that they can bypass perfection and planning and instead head straight to evolving through addressing young professionals’ main concerns such as career transitions, growth, and how to secure a “dream job” (or more so, how to abandon that elusive idea).

    Deborah Liu
    Take Back Your Power: 10 New Rules for Women at Work
    As a woman in Silicon Valley who worked her way to the top of the corporate ladder, Deborah Liu knows firsthand the challenges and obstacles in the workplace that keep the deck stacked against women—and now knows how to overcome them. For every woman who grew up competing on the uneven playing field, and was told that you’re too aggressive, assertive, dramatic, or emotional, this book is the battle cry you need in order to thrive within the system that exists today. This powerful guide presents both hard data and Liu’s personal experiences from twenty years as a leader in the male-dominated tech industry to help you find your voice, debunk the negative connotations of “power”, and become a great leader without losing yourself in the process—reminding you that even though you can’t make the world fair, you can take your power back.

    Susanne Tedrick
    Women of Color in Tech: A Blueprint for Inspiring and Mentoring the Next Generation of Technology Innovators
    Contrary to popular belief, tech careers are diverse and fun—and they go far beyond just coding. This book will show you that today’s tech careers are incredibly dynamic, and you’ll learn how your soft skills—communication, public speaking, networking—can genuinely help you succeed while also learning how to overcome the obstacles that often prevent women of color from pursuing and staying in tech careers. Guiding you through the process of cultivating strong relationships and building a network that will get you where you want to be, you’ll learn to identify a strong, knowledgeable support system that you can rely on for guidance, which is a crucial step in getting young women of color into tech careers. With practical advice and inspiring stories, you’ll develop both the right tools and the right mindset to set you on the path to success you deserve.

    Daniela Pierre-Bravo
    The Other: How to Own Your Power at Work as a Woman of Color
    You know that feeling of not belonging when you have so much to say at a work meeting? Being the “the other” at work leads to an unyielding need to fit in. This false feeling of inadequacy in traditional workplaces causes you to adapt and develop “a keep your head down” mentality in order to keep the job that you’ve worked so hard to get in the first place. Like many other women of color, immigrants, and children of immigrants, Daniela-Pierre Bravo became an expert shape-shifter in order to make her way around professional environments. Even once she reached the highest success points of her career, she always felt she had to prove her worth as “the other”. Through sharing her journey, this book helps you recognize your power through your own eyes instead of the traditional white gaze in the workplace, and drives you to reshape the way you think about career advancement without losing your sense of identity, and how to use your differences as an advantage.

    Deepa Purushothaman
    The First, the Few, the Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America
    Women of color comprise one of the fastest-growing segments in the corporate workforce, yet are very often underrepresented. For too long, corporate structures and cultural conditioning have instilled in our society that in order to “fit in” and be successful, you must hide or change who you are. As a former senior partner at a large global services firm, Deepa Purushothaman experienced these feelings of isolation and burnout. She met with other women of color across industries and cultural backgrounds, eager to hear about their unique and shared experiences. In doing so, she came to understand collective both setbacks and the true path forward in achieving your goals. In this deeply personal call to action for women of color to find power from within, you learn to fully realize your own strengths, build collective power, create cultures where belonging is never conditional, and rework corporations to be genuinely inclusive to all.

    Octavia Goredema
    Prep, Push, Pivot: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women
    This wonderfully written book provides an indispensable career coaching guide for underrepresented women in the workplace. Whether you’re looking for a new job, dealing with losing one, pivoting into something new, or returning from time out of the workforce, you’re able to learn something valuable from these strategies to help you advance when you need it the most. Divided into three parts of preparation, pushing forward, and pivotal professional milestones, the overwhelming aspects of taking charge of your career a broken down into understandable, achievable steps to help you find your voice in the most authentic way possible at any stage of your career. Understanding your worth in a workplace that pushes you down is not an easy feat, and Octavia Goredema is here to help you successfully move forward through it all.

    Linda Babcock, Brenda Peyser, Lise Vesterlund, & Laurie Weingart
    The No Club: Putting a Stop to Women’s Dead-End Work
    The No Club started when four women crushed by endless to-do lists banded together to get their work lives under control. Even with their most resilient efforts, they noticed that they very much still trailed behind male colleagues. So, they vowed to say no to requests that pulled them away from the work that mattered most to their careers. This book reveals how their personal journey and subsequent groundbreaking research show that women everywhere are unfairly burdened with non-promotable work, a huge problem we can and must solve. This empowering manifesto walks you through how to change your workload, encourages women to make savvy decisions about the work they take on, and also highlights how organizations can reassess how they assign and reward work to level the playing field. With hard data, personal anecdotes from women of all backgrounds, and innovative advice from the authors’ consulting Fortune 500 companies, this book will forever change the conversation about how we advance women’s careers and achieve equity in the 21st century.

    Julia Boorstin
    When Women Lead: What They Achieve, Why They Succeed, and How We Can Learn from Them
    Julia Boorstin was 13 years old when her mother told her that by the time she grew up, women could be just as powerful as men. A decade later, working at a top business publication and seeing the lack of women in positions of leadership, she simply assumed her mom had been wrong. But over the following two decades as a TV reporter interviewing and studying thousands of executives, she realized that a world of gender equity shouldn’t be a long shot. She found that women she spoke with who thrived in their work environments shared key commonalities that made them uniquely equipped to lead and grow businesses, and were also highly adaptive to change, deeply empathetic in their management style, and much more likely to integrate diverse points of view into their business strategies. Now, Boorstin brings together the stories of over sixty of those female CEOs and leaders to provide a radical blueprint for the future of business, and our world as a whole.

    Julie Zhuo
    The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You
    After you celebrate the shiny new title of getting promoted to manager, the truth hits you hard: you don’t really know what you’re actually doing. That’s how Julie Zhuo felt when she became a rookie manager at the age of 25 as she stared at a long list of logistics and faced a thousand questions and uncertainties. How was she supposed to spin teamwork into value? What was the secret to leading with confidence in new and unexpected situations? But now that she’s managed dozens of teams of different sizes and styles, she’s learned the biggest lesson of all: great managers are made, not born. Zhuo creates a modern field guide packed with everyday examples and transformative insights regarding building trust, losing faith, and even how to get through an awkward interview. No matter what stage of your career you’re in, this is the handbook to read if you’re looking to be the kind of manager you always wish you had.

    Cecilia Muñoz
    More than Ready: Be Strong and Be You . . . and Other Lessons for Women of Color on the Rise
    Women of color are becoming more visible and more powerful than ever, achieving higher levels of success and blazing new paths for future generations in historically white dominated areas. As the first Latinx to direct national domestic policy issues, Cecilia Muñoz knows the difficulties of getting ahead without having anyone that came before her to follow. In this inspiring book, she offers readers lessons from the challenges she faced and the victories she achieved in the White House, with advice like elevating empathy in the workplace, turning losses into gains, and staying true to yourself. Filled with tons of insights about working through fear and overcoming injustices, you are given the tactical tools women of color need to reach unprecedented levels of power and success without compromising your authentic self.

    Elaine Welteroth
    More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are
    Throughout her life, Elaine Welteroth has climbed the ranks of media and fashion, eventually becoming the revolutionary editor who infused social consciousness into the pages of Teen Vogue. In her incredible memoir-manifesto, the groundbreaking journalist unpacks lessons of race, identity, and success through her own journey, from navigating her way as a fiery child to finding herself on the frontlines of the movement for the next generation of change makers. As a young boss and often the only Black woman in the room, she’s fed up of the world telling her she’s not enough, so she’s learned to rely on herself—and is now here to share how you can do it, too.

    Fran Hauser
    Embrace the Work, Love Your Career: A Guided Workbook for Realizing Your Career Goals with Clarity, Intention, and Confidence
    In this workbook for women who want to get more out of their careers, you’re given a combination of accessible advice, time-tested strategies, creative prompts, and thoughtful exercises that’ll help you both fall in love with your work and design a career action plan grounded in confidence and intentionality. Pulling from her own personal experiences working at some of the biggest publications and corporations around, author Fran Hauser centers her main points of guidance around knowing your value, building your dream team, creating time and space for yourself, and more—all coming together to ultimately help you realize and reach your full potential.

    Emilie Aries
    Bossed Up: A Grown Woman’s Guide to Getting Your Sh*t Together
    Young women today face an uncertain job market, the pressure to succeed at all costs, and a fear of burning out. However, the landscape is changing, and women are taking a role in shaping our careers and lives while also investing more into our community of support. In this candid, refreshing guide for young women, Emilie Aries shows you how to own your power, know your worth, and design your career (and life) accordingly. Honing in on important concepts such as breaking free of the “martyrdom mindset”, developing self-advocacy skills, and how to actually (and healthily) avoid burn out, this book will show you how to craft a happy, healthy, and sustainable career path you’ll love.

     

    I’ve Read Over 100 Finance Books—Here Are the Most Important Things I’ve Learned More

  • in

    I’ve Been Using a Standing Desk for A Year Straight—Here’s What You Need to Know

    I remember the first time I tried a standing desk. The office I was working in had been remodeled, and every workstation got a makeover to include an electric standing desk. I’m talking about those really cool standing desks where you press a button, and the entire surface moves without needing to move your laptop or stuff (in 2016, this felt revolutionary). I thought it was awesome. This was back in the days when I worked five days a week in an office. A lot has changed since then.
    Flash forward five years, and I found myself working from home at a desk I had thrifted years before. I’m not sure if it was all the day-in-the-life TikToks that flooded my feed, the months (okay, years) of working from home, or maybe everyone saying sitting is the new smoking that finally got to me, but I made the decision to purchase my very own electric standing desk. I was in search of the awe and excitement I experienced the first time I tried one, and as often comes with many purchases, I thought a standing desk would solve all my work and wellness problems.
    Now, I’m about a year into using my standing desk, and I’m here to report back. Want the skinny on standing desks before you add to cart? Here’s my honest opinion on everything you need to know.

    My Standing Desk

    Electric Standing Desk
    Designed with ergonomics in mind, Flexispot’s electric standing desk can be raised up to 47.6 inches, allowing you to sit and stand comfortably throughout your work day.

    My Honest Thoughts
    It takes time to get used to it
    Once I put my desk together, I couldn’t wait to work at it. I’d start my day standing for an hour or two and then switch to sitting for a meeting. Then, by the time 5 p.m. rolled around, I found myself still sitting. It wasn’t out of laziness but because I got sucked into my work and simply forgot I had the option to stand. Some days, I wouldn’t even stand at all. It took me a while to get my groove, but once I did, I found myself standing more frequently.

    It’s not realistic to stand all day
    At least for me, it’s not. If I had to put a number on it, I’d say I stand about 25% to 30% of the day. I’ve learned that it depends on the task I’m working on whether I stand or sit. Focused solo work: Stand. Off-camera meeting: Stand. On-camera meeting: Sit. I learned this from experience.
    Early on, I took a few on-camera meetings standing and found myself shuffling my weight from foot to foot. While minimal, the swaying on the screen was distracting, especially when everyone else was sitting. So now, my best practice is to take these meetings while sitting. It’s best to find what works for you based on your preferences and type of work you have on your to-do list.

    Your body will thank you
    As much as I hate to admit it, I’m not as young as I once was. Sitting too long during the day causes my lower back and hip flexors to ache. On the days I stand, I feel a noticeable difference in my body. I’ve also found that the more I use my standing desk, the more my body craves it. It’s second nature now that I press the button to stand as soon as I get a little achy and antsy.
    It’s worth noting that when I stand more during the day, I prefer to put on a good pair of shoes for support. I also purchased a standing desk mat (like this one) to provide additional cushion for the days I’d rather be barefoot. Both of these tactics help me comfortably stay on my feet longer.

    Determining if it’s worth the investment is totally up to you
    One thing I haven’t discussed yet is cost. While standing desks have become more readily available and affordable, they’re still an investment compared to a traditional desk. I purchased mine for $257 from Amazon in 2022, and personally, it’s been worth every penny.
    Having the option to stand throughout the day has increased my productivity, improved my physical well-being, and allowed me to focus on my body in a way I haven’t historically been able to while I work. I can listen to what my body needs throughout the workday, and that, alone to me, is priceless. But if you’re looking to purchase a standing desk, it’s up to you to determine if the benefits you anticipate (i.e., improved health and productivity) outweigh the cost (i.e., dollars spent and how much you’ll actually use it).
    Long story short, I love my standing desk. I’m not sure I could ever go back to a traditional desk. I love the option to stand when I need it. I love that I can focus on my physical well-being in this new way while focusing on my work. For anyone considering a standing desk, I’d highly recommend it. I truly don’t think you’ll regret it.
    And now that I’ve had my standing desk for a year, the only question is, do I splurge on a walking pad to elevate my working experience? Only time will tell.

    Other Standing Desks to Try

    Standing Desk
    This is the standing desk in The Everygirl’s Chicago home office. It’s sleek, beautiful, and helps our team prioritize ergonomics without sacrificing a gorgeous office space.

    Comhar Standing Desk
    Flexispot’s Comhar standing desk is our managing editor’s personal favorite. It features USB charging ports, allows you to personalize the height settings of your desk, and has a drawer for extra storage.

    Standing L-Desk
    If you’re in need of a little extra space (anyone else can’t live without dual monitors?), Flexispot also offers L-shaped desks that give you a ton of extra desktop space.

    Standing Desk Accessories to Upgrade Your Setup

    Leather Desk Pad
    Add this leather desk pad to your desk setup for a mouse pad, writing pad, and drawing pad in one. It’s big enough for everything you need on your desk, and bonus: it looks great, too.

    Twelve South
    Curve Laptop Stand
    Behold: the most beautiful laptop stand we’ve ever seen. The sleek, minimal design looks great on all desks and is a huge upgrade from the silver ones we’re used to.

    The Everygirl x Day Designer
    Assorted Notepads
    We partnered with Day Designer to bring you a collection of planners and notepads that help you stay organized in all areas of your life. These notepads are the perfect addition to your desktop to take notes and plan your work day.

    Cable Management Tray
    This is a must-buy if you invest in a Flexispot standing desk. It attaches to the bottom of your desk and helps keep all of your cables right where you want them: out of sight.

    Anti-Fatigue Mat
    Whether your desk is on carpet or a hard surface, you’re going to want this anti-fatigue mat if you want to make sure you actually use your standing desk. Designed for comfort, this mat will support you through long standing sessions at your new desk.

    Ergonomic Chair
    This desk chair made our managing editor actually enjoy sitting at her desk. It features eight adjustment points, meaning it can be customized to fit your body’s exact needs.

    I Used an Under Desk Treadmill for a Month Straight—Here’s How It Went More

  • in

    What Hiring Managers Are Really Looking for in Your Cover Letter

    Cover letters are the bane of my existence, and I don’t think I’m the only one who’d say so. Any time I’ve previously applied for new positions, I’d pause, think twice, and frantically Google “cover letter tips” before applying when I saw a job description that required a cover letter. I’d ask myself why companies are still requesting a cover letter when they can get all the information they need by reading my resume and doing a quick LinkedIn or Google search. As an applicant, cover letters felt archaic, unnecessary, and mostly annoying.
    But as I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve noticed that cover letters are still as relevant as ever. It’s led me to wonder if hiring managers are still asking for cover letters, what is it they really want to see? So, I did what any millennial would do. I turned to social media. I put up a quick pulse check on my LinkedIn to seek insight from hiring managers. Much to my surprise, every response I received was in favor of a cover letter. Color me shocked.
    Overwhelmingly, hiring managers shared how much they love cover letters and how valuable they are in the hiring process. My favorite comment came from Sarah Keach Baucom, Co-Founder of Girl Tribe Co. and Girl Tribe Pop Up, who said, “If there is no cover letter, I have no idea why someone would want to work with us! Sometimes cover letters speak more volumes than resumes. Especially if the candidate is younger/entry level or switching careers, I need them to bridge the gap for us in the cover letter on where they are at and what they will bring to the table.”
    In just a few sentences, I questioned my stance on cover letters. Maybe they’re not as antiquated as I once thought. To help me dig deeper, I turned to a few experts. They helped me answer the question of what hiring managers are really looking for in a cover letter, so the next time you’re applying for a new position, you can give the people what they want and land yourself an interview.
    Let’s meet the experts:

    In this article

    Of course, I had to start by asking the experts their stance on cover letters to better understand how important or not they are.

    Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?
    Sarah Doody: Some do, and some don’t, and that’s why we can’t make the assumption that cover letters are dead. What if the one cover letter you wrote was the difference between you getting an interview or not? Would it be worth it? There’s an assumption that cover letters take a long time to write, but that’s not true. If you invest the time to create a baseline cover letter that you can tweak for each role, then you can create a cover letter for each role you apply to in no time.
    Arika L. Pierce: I DO think they read them, but they are probably reading them very quickly (five to seven seconds)—especially if they have received a lot of interest in the position. I think everyone should always send a cover letter—even if the job description doesn’t ask for one. It can be something that sets you apart because it allows you to share things that are not in your resume on what you will bring to the table.
    Amy Feind Reeves: Please always send a cover letter if you’re able. Use keywords from the job description that don’t otherwise appear in your resume, which will amplify your chances of getting past an ocular reader. A cover letter will also give you a chance to explain why you want this job and why you want it at this company. These are two of the most important points a screener and a hiring manager will look for, and expressing them could mean the difference between being passed over and being passed on for a phone screen. Lastly, a cover letter allows you to show that you can write a professional document which is a desirable skill for any role.
    Now that we know cover letters are a must when applying to a role, I wanted to know what are the most important things candidates should focus on when crafting their cover letter.

    What Are the Top Three Things Hiring Managers Look for in a Cover Letter?
    Sarah Doody: Your cover letter needs to show recruiters and hiring managers why you’re an awesome candidate and intrigue them to learn more so they spend more than six seconds with your resume, see for themselves why you’re a great fit, and invite you to the interview process. The top three things hiring managers look for in a cover letter are:
    Customization: Don’t send the same cover letter for every job you apply to. It’s a major turn off to read a cover letter that is not customized and sounds like it could have been used to apply for any job. Think about all the times you’ve received generic sales emails or messages in your LinkedIn inbox, don’t make recruiters and hiring managers feel that way! Tailor your cover letter for each role and this will show that you took the time to do research and think of the person reading the cover letter.
    A solid pitch: In the first one to two sentences, make the case for why you’re a fit for the role. Tell them about previous experience and expertise that makes you an exceptional candidate. For example, imagine you’re applying to a product manager role at JP Morgan Chase and you have eight years of previous experience, previously working at Wells Fargo as a product manager and PayPal as a product designer. Your pitch sentence might be, “For the last six years I worked as a product manager on the commercial banking team at Wells Fargo and was previously lead designer on the enterprise payments team at Paypal.”
    Evidence and examples: Next, include one to two examples of projects you’ve worked on, outcomes, or the impact that you had. These should back up what you said you can do in your pitch sentence. If you wrote a solid resume, you should be able to draw upon those bullet points and re-use some of that content here.
    Arika L. Pierce: They are looking for info that is not already in your resume: your unique value proposition (UVP) (i.e., what sets you apart from other candidates—and experience isn’t a good UVP), and what you will bring to the position—forward-looking statements, not a rehash of your past.
    Amy Feind Reeves: Your cover letter needs to clearly and concisely highlight three things: (1) that you understand what the job is, (2) that you can do the job by linking the skill sets highlighted in your resume to the tasks that will be required, (3) and that you want the job. Don’t overlook that last one. It may seem like a “no-brainer,” but it is important.
    We know we need a cover letter and what should be included. Now let’s explore how we actually write it and present our stories to get the best results during the hiring process.

    How Long Should a Cover Letter Be and How Should It Be Structured?
    Sarah Doody: A cover letter should be no more than one page! Your cover letter should have three sections, an introduction that includes your pitch sentence, evidence and examples, and a closing call to action. Your call to action should aim to spark interest and get them to follow up. For example, if you have examples of work you can show them, you could say ““If you’re interested in seeing examples of my work, I’m happy to send over a case study or talk you through it on a 15-min call.” By letting them know this exists, you might spark their curiosity and increase the chances they want to learn more.
    Arika L. Pierce: These days no more than one page and I would keep it fairly short and succinct. Put the most interesting things first. The average person may read it in five to seven seconds so make sure your point jumps out—use formatting to your advantage.
    Amy Feind Reeves: No more than one page with lots of white space at that. Less is always more. Your cover letter only has a few seconds to make an impact, so focus on the most impressive elements of your background. Set off the best, most sellable skills and credentials in bullet points, so they stand out. In the opening paragraph, state why you know you’ll add value to the role and why you want it. In the closing paragraph, say why you want to work for this company, specifically check out their website for a specific client or project or corporate responsibility policy that you really like, and mention it.
    And finally, our experts share how we can stand out to help us land the interview.

    What’s the Number One Thing You Should Do To Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out to Hiring Managers?
    Sarah Doody: Recruiters and hiring managers are busy, so anything that a candidate does to help save them time will be appreciated. A great cover letter should quickly inform a recruiter or hiring manager about why you are the best candidate for the role. Think about your cover letter as a movie trailer and your resume as a feature film. Movie trailers are designed to instantly capture your attention and make you want to see the film. And as mentioned above, customize it and don’t send a generic version!
    Arika L. Pierce: Use keywords from the job description and consider what else you can do. For example, connect with the hiring manager on LinkedIn and send them a video or audio direct message. Again, it’s about doing things to make you stand out that other people are not likely doing.
    Amy Feind Reeves: Cover letters are not like essays or term papers. They do not need to be finely crafted biographical stories that explain your choices in life, the lessons you have learned, and how you arrived on your current path. Officially, these letters are known as #TLDR (too long; didn’t read). Unofficially, they just won’t get read. Cover letters are a second opportunity to make a first impression. Make them short and focus on why you want the job you are applying for and why you will be good at it.
    So as it turns out, cover letters are more important than I once believed. They may be the difference between getting noticed and getting looked over. And if the only thing standing in your way of landing the job of your dreams is one piece of paper detailing how awesome you are, wouldn’t you take the time to write it?

    What You Should Actually Put In Each Section Of Your Resume More