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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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      What Hiring Managers Are Really Looking for in Your Cover Letter

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      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?

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      9 Job Search Hacks That Will Help You Land Your Dream Role Faster

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      Job hunting is actually my favorite thing to do…said no one ever! But hey, everyone finds themselves looking for a new job at some point, whether it’s for an opportunity to grow or due to an untimely round of layoffs. When you’re looking for a new role, it can feel like you’re doing a lot of things but not seeing the progress you want, which can get discouraging really fast. After you’ve done the basic steps of updating your resume, notifying your network, and practicing interview questions, it’s easy to feel like it’s now up to the universe to come through on one of the hundred job applications you filled out. 
      While I’m a big fan of manifesting your dream role and having trust in everything working out, the work has to come along with it. The good news is that there are some lesser-known job search hacks you could be doing to help you find your next role even sooner. Get ready to channel your inner Rachel from Friends, because you’re gonna go get one of those job things! 

      1. Reach out to non-obvious company connections 
      Everyone knows that finding a connection at the company you’re applying to is a great way to get your resume to the top of the pile, but it’s often easier said than done. Hiring managers and senior leaders are inundated with LinkedIn requests that get ignored more often than not. There’s no harm in attempting to establish a connection with these people, but don’t stop there. Try reaching out to other people at the company, even if they’re in a lower position. Someone in an adjacent team or an entry-level role might be less overwhelmed with LinkedIn requests and have the time to chat about the content marketing opening you’re interested in applying to, and can give you an idea of the culture as a bonus. Be open minded and remember that any foot in the door is a great place to start! 

      2. Utilize your alma mater 
      If you’ve graduated from a post-secondary institution over the past five years, this tip is for you! Many people don’t know that college and university career service offices often allow recent grads to use their services for free, and this might even apply to online postgraduate certificates or courses. These offices usually have resume-writing workshops, 1:1 coaching, networking sessions, career fairs, and direct lines to hiring managers at companies you might be interested in. Using a career coach or getting access to similar types of networks often cost hundreds of dollars in the “real world”, so definitely check out this option if it’s available to you.

      3. Use AI to your advantage 
      Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably been hearing a lot about the pros and cons of AI, or artificial intelligence. While this is still an emerging field, there are lots of ways AI can help accelerate your job hunt. Need to find alternative ways to phrase something in your resume? Ask ChatGPT for a few options. Worried about your ability to write a cover letter that flows and communicates what you need it to? Throw that baby into Grammarly and let it flag any areas of concern. 
      It’s important to note that some companies are exploring software that detects if an application has been written entirely by AI, so don’t rely on it to create everything for you. But using it here and there to perfect your application and make yourself look as polished as possible is something we can totally get behind. 

      4. Try non-digital forms of communication 
      If you’re anything like me, you’d probably take 20 emails over a phone call any day (when did they become so scary?!). Although we all love digital forms of communication, sometimes stepping away from the keyboard is what you need to set yourself apart. If you’ve narrowed in on a company or a role you’re interested in, try calling the head office to see if someone would be willing to chat with you about the opportunity or the culture at the company. It sounds very 1980s, but it can yield some serious results. I used this strategy once as a student in college for an internship I really wanted—a few minutes of small talk later (remember to be super polite and friendly!), the receptionist patched me over to the HR team, and I was set up for an interview less than a week later. 

      5. Use word-of-mouth
      On a similar note, don’t forget to tell people outside of your typical network that you’re in the market for a new role. A lot of older people (read: decision makers at companies) aren’t very active on social platforms and might not see your post about being open to work. Whenever the opportunity naturally comes up, be sure to slip it into the convo that you’re open to new roles, along with any criteria you’re hoping for. The goal isn’t to become that annoying person who can’t talk about anything other than their job search, but it IS to let your aunt know so she can keep her ear to the ground amongst her friend group, and so on. Hey, you just never know who might have the perfect connection willing to have a coffee chat!

      6. Create content to help get noticed 
      If you’re a new grad or someone who has recently experienced a layoff, you might have some time on your hands while you’re looking for your perfect role. In addition to picking up some hobbies or working on your health goals, consider if there’s a way you can add value to the industry while you’re waiting to work in it. This could look like creating content to share on LinkedIn, offering to write an article for an industry newsletter, or even building out a social media page or podcast all about your field. These are tactics that can help you stand out from other applicants and make you seem even more credible in your field. When it’s down to a few candidates, having an example of your passion for the industry or role can be the deciding factor. 

      7. Set weekly or monthly goals
      The world of job hunting can often feel like groundhog day—you’re doing a lot of the same stuff over and over again, and it can get disheartening fast. If you’re finding it hard to stay motivated and keep up your efforts, set weekly or monthly goals to hold yourself accountable. Aiming to have three coffee chats a month or research and apply to two different roles every week helps you to have something to work towards, and shows you that you’re making progress. Tangible examples of moving forward are key to staying positive (more on that below) when it feels like it’s taking a long time for the right role to come along. 

      8. Attend non-networking events to meet people
      If you ask me, any event can be a networking event if you approach it the right way. Instead of packing your calendar with designated recruiting events that are going to be full of other people on the job search road (although a few of those a month can be good!), consider attending other events in your field and using those as networking opportunities instead. Lectures or professional association meet-ups are good examples of this because they usually contain a lot of people already employed in the field, and are often open to anyone willing to sign up (check to see if there’s a student or new grad rate before joining any associations!). Your curiosity in the subject and willingness to seek out something new will help you to stand out, and then all you need to do is find someone friendly-looking to strike up a conversation with! 

      9. Keep a positive mindset 
      I know, I know—it seems like everyone is telling you to stay positive and good things will come. Staying upbeat when you’ve spent weeks or months hunting for a job can be no easy feat, but it is worth trying to prioritize. If you’re feeling down, try changing the narrative in your head from one of “this is so hard, when is this going to happen for me?” to “I’m confident the right job is coming along for me soon”. This isn’t about toxic positivity, but reframing your thinking can be the difference between a slog of a day and one where you feel confident that the actions you’re taking will eventually lead to the right result, not to mention ensuring you bring good energy into any coffee chats or interviews. Remember, there’s no shortage of inspiring content to read or listen to (like this list of motivational podcasts) if you need a boost!  

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      7 Ways to Spring Clean Your Digital Life

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      There may not be any cute storage boxes to buy or satisfying TikTok makeovers of digital devices, but that doesn’t mean that your digital life doesn’t deserve a spring refresh. Over 60% of those who participated in a 2020 study by CCleaner feel less stressed after decluttering their devices. Additionally, 71% of respondents felt more organized and 69% felt more productive. Not a bad argument for some digital spring cleaning right?
      Whether it’s your emails, online storage, or calendar, there are plenty of ways you can declutter your digital world. Here are seven tips to get you started on your digital spring cleaning journey. 

      1. Cull Your Inbox 
      A cluttered inbox can be overwhelming—not to mention unproductive. To give your email inbox a fresh start, kick off your spring cleaning by unsubscribing from any emails that you no longer need or want. That way, as you work your way through organizing your inbox, you won’t have new junk messages flooding in and making things messy again.
      After that, create folders for emails related to work, finances, family and friends, shopping, and so on. You can also use search functions within your email program to quickly find messages by topic or sender. Finally, delete any emails that you no longer need or want cluttering up your inbox. 
      Want to really do a clean sweep? If you have hundreds (if not thousands) of old emails sitting in your inbox, it can feel overwhelming to even start the process of organizing them. Consider checking out the first few pages of emails to see if there are any important messages that you need to take action on or file away properly. From there, archive the rest of your emails. Will they be perfectly organized? No. But you can always search for them by using keywords on the rare chance you ever do need to find one of them again—plus you’ll get a nice clean slate to stay more organized moving forward. 

      2. Organize Your Documents 
      A 2022 study from HighSpeedInternet.com found that 62% of people feel stress or anxiety because of the amount of digital files they have. You likely have hundreds of documents stored across multiple platforms—from word documents to spreadsheets and beyond. To make them easier to find in the future, organize these files into folders with descriptive names so you know what each folder contains without having to open it up. You can also take this opportunity to delete any documents that are outdated or unnecessary so that only the most important ones remain accessible. 
      3. Reset Your Calendar
      It’s time to reevaluate your calendar (see what we did there?) and how you’re spending your time. Take a good hard look at your calendar. Are there any recurring meetings there that almost always get canceled or no longer need to happen? See if those meetings can be canceled for good or if you can at least lower their frequency. Is your calendar full of not-so-helpful reminders to drink water? How about tasks that would be better off in a task management system or digital planner (Artful Agenda is a fun one)? See if there are any ways for you to clear up some visual space on your calendar. That way, it’s easier to evaluate what you have on your plate and how you can best spend your time.
      Once you have your calendar more streamlined, consider blocking off the times of day where you’re most productive so you can have focused work periods. If you take control of your calendar, you can improve the flow of your day and your productivity. 

      4. Eliminate Unused Apps 
      You download every app with the best of intentions, but let’s face it, most go completely unused. Free up some much needed storage space on your phone, tablet, or computer by deleting any apps you don’t use. Bonus points if you delete any apps you use too much for unproductive reasons.

      5. Secure Your Passwords
      Are your passwords hanging out in random spreadsheets or digital notepads? Get rid of all that digital clutter and help ensure you never forget a password in one fell swoop by signing up for an online password manager like LastPass or Microsoft Edge. A major perk of setting up one of these systems is they help keep passwords more secure while ensuring you never have to dig through your digital notes to find a password again. 

      6. Start Blocking
      If there is a website (or many websites) that you find yourself turning to too often during the workday, do yourself a favor and block it. Not only will doing this help you stay focused on the task at hand, but you might find that when your distractions are removed, you have more free time to invest in activities that are meaningful. Blocking websites is an easy process which most browsers offer, and while it may take time to get used to not having certain sites available at all times, in the long term it can help you break the habit of looking for easy distractions during the day. 

      7. Simplify Your Desktop
      According to a 2018 study from Bynder, 30% of professionals have more than 100 files on their desktop. Spend some time storing those files properly or simply deleting them. Don’t stop there. Create a process for storing files and screenshots now so that way you don’t fall back into making your desktop a dumping ground. That way, you can reserve your desktop for the files you really do need to access frequently. 

      The Takeaway
      Spring cleaning isn’t just about scrubbing floors or washing windows—it’s also about taking care of our digital lives as well. Take some time out of your day this week to start organizing the various aspects of your digital life like emails, documents, apps and more. There’s no reason you should let digital clutter impact your stress levels or productivity, so it’s time to simply say goodbye to it. 

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      What We Can Learn From Keeley’s Career Growth in Ted Lasso

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      Ted Lasso‘s Keeley Jones can do no wrong in the worlds of fashion, beauty, relationships, friendships, and career, so obviously, I consider her an icon. She’s a loyal friend and loving girlfriend who has nailed her personal style, prioritizes her self-care (I would kill for a bubble bath like hers), and now, is working her way to the top of her self-started career in public relations. IMO, she has everything going for her, and that’s only going to continue in season three as she takes on her very own PR firm with the help of Bantr, the dating app she successfully promoted while she was the Head of Marketing at AFC Richmond.
      At the end of season two, her career storyline really picks up, but if you think that Keeley’s career growth from influencer and model to CEO happened quickly, you weren’t watching close enough. The slow and steady build of Keeley’s success is directly related to the unwavering determination she’s had since the pilot. There is a lot we can learn from her—aside from her ability to rock a pink power suit and heels and make it look easy. From Keeley’s humble beginning to how she leveraged her connections to become a CEO, here is everything we can learn from Keeley Jones’ career growth:

      1. Doing what you’re passionate about leads to success
      As an influencer and a model, Keeley is naturally savvy when it comes to brand deals, social media, and public relations. She managed her own, helped her ex-boyfriend Jamie with his when they were still together, and even was able to help Ted manage negativity from the media when he first became the football coach. When Keeley was offered the job as Head of Marketing at AFC Richmond, she was able to take a step back from modeling jobs (remember when she was dressed as a lion for a vodka commercial?) and focus her efforts on marketing and public relations, which she is not only naturally good at but that excites her too.
      Finding out what you’re passionate about doesn’t always come easy, but it should happen naturally as it did for Keeley. Think about the things in your job now (or even something you do on the side!) that you are good at or that excite you. Then, ask your manager if you can take on more responsibility in that area or start doing more work on the side to gain more exposure and experience. Little by little, you’ll be in a position where you’re doing more of what you love, and TBH, that’s the key to success.

      2. Small steps yield big results
      When Keeley started at AFC Richmond, there was not a single brand deal in sight for most of the players, so she had to start from scratch. She set up times to talk to each player so she could figure out what would be a good fit for them before reaching out to the companies for deals. With a unicorn notebook in hand, Keeley started small and created opportunities for the club and herself one step at a time. By the end of season two, one of those brands (Bantr) noticed the effect of her efforts and was impressed with her enough to offer to fund a PR firm for her. This is all to say that success doesn’t happen overnight; It’s a slow build. It takes showing up each and every day and chipping away at your goals—even if some of those days turn into late nights (which we saw Keeley working in many episodes). Each step builds off of the next, so even if it doesn’t always feel like you’re making leaps and bounds of progress, your momentum will pick up, and you’ll start to see that the small things add up to be something bigger.

      3. Networking is crucial for career growth
      When Keeley met Rebecca, the owner of AFC Richmond, Keeley was instantly in awe of Rebecca’s success and badass attitude. She learned from Rebecca how to be a strong and accomplished woman in a place of leadership and their mentor-like relationship has significantly contributed to Keeley’s confidence in herself and in her role. And if it weren’t for Rebecca seeing Keeley’s potential, Keeley wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to work with Bantr. Keeley has surrounded herself with people that build her up and create opportunities for her, which is something we should all be doing in our lives and careers. This is the perfect example of how networking and nurturing relationships can change the trajectory of your entire career. After all, she was featured in Vanity Fair as a powerful woman on the rise.

      4. Short-term sacrifices are necessary for long-term gain
      Arguably the biggest cliffhanger at the end of the second season is where Roy and Keeley’s relationship stands. She turns down an opportunity to go on vacation with him in Marbella so she can start her new company and hit the ground running. I don’t know about you, but I don’t consider turning down a vacation with a partner an easy thing to do. But for Keeley, it’s what she has to do to become the kind of CEO she wants to be. Making sacrifices is common and often necessary in these situations, and they can come in all forms. When we are going after something we want, we have to recognize what sacrifices are worth making for our end goal. Maybe that looks like skipping a vacation or working late nights like Keeley, or maybe it means letting go of people in your life that don’t support your goals. Whatever it looks like for you and your career, stand firm in what you want, and don’t let anyone or anything get in the way of following your dreams. It will pay off in the end.

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      3 Valuable Career Lessons for Women, According to Kendra Scott

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      Welcome to The Everygirl Podcast. Whether you’re looking for insider secrets from successful women that have your dream job, are interested in expert advice to transform your health and feel your best, or just want to be entertained and laugh along with us on your commute, we’ve got you covered.

      Once upon a time, when The Everygirl had just barely hit the internet (think: ballet flats are trending, but like…for the first time), we published a fun little career profile on jewelry designer Kendra Scott. Ten years later, Kendra’s career advice is even more valuable than it was back in the ol’ days, which is why we’ve reunited with her for this week’s episode of The Everygirl Podcast. As a mega-successful jewelry designer, empathetic entrepreneur and philanthropist, and involved parent, Kendra Scott has brought a revolutionary customer-first approach to the world of fashion and jewelry.
      From her first failed attempt at launching a hat company at the age of 19 all the way until publishing her memoir Born to Shine, we can all learn something from Kendra’s fascinating career story. Whether you’re curious about entrepreneurship yourself or just want to learn some lessons from one of the most successful women in the country, read on for three valuable career lessons from Kendra Scott that every woman should know, and listen to her interview on The Everygirl Podcast.

      1. Build a community of support, and don’t be afraid to ask for help
      96% of Kendra Scott employees are female, and Kendra sees this internal makeup as a huge strength to her brand. Part of that is the community of support that she has built among her employees; as a mom and a CEO, Kendra has a lot to do in her day, so she isn’t afraid to ask for help. “I really believe that we are stronger as women when we can be vulnerable with one another,” Kendra said on The Everygirl Podcast. That kind of vulnerability is what has made Kendra the CEO that puts the work-life balance of her employees first, while also running a billion-dollar business.
      If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your career, whether it’s about balancing work and life or completing an important project, asking for help can be a revolutionary positive act. When you ask for help in your career, it allows others who are feeling the same way to feel okay asking for help, too. This is what creates a community of support in your workplace that can carry you on to the next big thing.

      2. Emotion, compassion, and sensitivity are secret weapons for women leaders
      Given her massive success, Kendra spends a lot of time mentoring other young female jewelry designers in order to launch them to success in a challenging industry. She says that it’s important to her to never see other female designers as competition, and instead to look upon their success with an abundance mindset, because the empathy that women leaders have is capable of changing the world. “We lead with a lot of compassion, and it’s not a weakness,” Kendra said. “It’s not a weakness to have heart, to be thoughtful about things, to be emotional.” As a woman in the workplace, seeing empathy as a superpower instead of a weakness can launch you to new heights in your career.

      3. Learn to harness the power of being told “no”
      We all know that rejection in your career can really sting. When she first started out, Kendra was told “no” a lot: by potential buyers, by critics of her decision to invest in brick-and-mortar stores, and the list goes on. Through these rejections, Kendra developed a system: whenever she’s told “no,” she flips it around and says it’s “on.” She uses every “no” as an opportunity to learn why she received that rejection, and to ask questions about how she can do better in the future. “I become a sponge of information, I want to learn from this. And then I say to them, ‘Thank you so much for this great information,’” Kendra explained. Thankfully, hearing the word “no” never slowed Kendra Scott down, and now it won’t slow you down, either. More