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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?

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

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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!  

      9 Unspoken Resume Rules You Should Be Following More

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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.

      The Big Career Goal You Should Tackle in 2023 More

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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

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      Ready To Quit? Here’s How To Do It Without Burning Bridges

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      They say when you know, you know, and that couldn’t be more true than when it comes to moving on from a job. As job-hopping becomes more popular, it’s likely you may find yourself in a position to quit a role at some point in the near future. Whether you’re ready for a new challenge or know in your heart that your current gig isn’t the right fit, choosing to walk away is often harder than it looks. Leaving gracefully is even more challenging, especially if there have been some speed bumps along the way (often in the form of a toxic environment, poor management, or a bad culture fit). Trust me, as tempting as it might seem, this isn’t the time to storm out and slam the door (or laptop, if you WFH!), however fun that might seem in the moment. Leaving a job you love can also be hard, especially if you’ve built strong relationships over the years. 
      Keeping your work connections intact when quitting leaves the door open to working with the same colleagues down the road, or having them help you out with references or introductions when needed. Is it possible to leave a role with all of your bridges intact? Totally, as long as you follow some key rules to make the transition smooth for all parties involved. Here’s exactly how to quit a job without burning bridges:

      1. Give two weeks’ notice whenever possible
      Two weeks can feel like a lifetime once you’ve decided to leave, but this is a fairly standard rule for a reason. Two weeks is a solid amount of time for colleagues to process the news and begin to think about a replacement plan, and for you to tie up any loose ends before you head out the door. Two weeks isn’t always legally necessary (even if it’s in your contract), but it is a professional courtesy most people abide by. If you’ve been at the company a long time or hold a senior role, you may want to consider giving more notice (e.g., three weeks), but giving too much can feel like you’re lingering and make it a bit awkward for all involved. Consider how much notice other people with similar seniority have given at the company, along with what’s in your contract, to inform your decision.

      2. Tell the most senior people on the team first
      With big news like resigning from a role, the most senior people on your team should be the ones to hear it first, not your peers. This kind of news spreads like wildfire, so if you tell a colleague in the morning the entire department could know by noon. Start with telling your immediate boss, and discuss with them how best to share the news. If you’d like to tell people directly, ask your boss first—they might need some time to sort out plans since the team will want to know what’s going to happen in your absence, and will need to ensure HR is in the loop. Make sure you also communicate your resignation with a formal letter (sent via email) after you chat with your boss to ensure everything is properly documented. 

      3. Consider what you share
      While honesty is often the best policy in a lot of situations, your resignation might be one time to tread carefully. You don’t need to go into detail—and definitely not in your formal resignation letter—about what led to your decision, regardless of whether you enjoyed working for the company or not. Keep it high level and super professional for all conversations. If it’s appropriate, you can share any nitty-gritty details in an exit interview with HR. 
      In the same vein, be mindful about sharing what your next opportunity is if you have one lined up. If you’re leaving to go to a competitor or somewhere else that could be considered a conflict of interest, telling this to your management could get you “walked out” and your two weeks would be over immediately. It sounds dramatic, but it happens to avoid any confidential company info being shared with a competitor. You don’t need to tell anyone why you’re leaving or where you’re going, so feel free to provide vague answers until you’re officially done.
         
      4. Limit gossip with colleagues 
      If you’re leaving a workplace because of a toxic environment (or even just for a cool new role!), try to keep behind-the-scenes gossip to a minimum with colleagues. Most jobs have at least some degree of annoying processes, less-than-ideal colleagues, or projects that went completely off the rails. Resist the urge to air out dirty laundry to all of your work friends because there’s a risk of the news getting back to people on your team and ruining your reputation with them. Save all the best details for a night with your non-work friends, and remember that it’s always best to take the high road when leaving. 
        
      5. Provide a transition document 
      Regardless of why you’re quitting, leaving a transition document to record all important info for the next person in your role is an important thing to do, especially if you’re managing people or big projects. Your transition document should include any login information, key details for ongoing relationships, updates for larger projects, and ideally a “tips and tricks” section, if you really want to go above and beyond. If it took you three months to finally crack how to request an IT software update in the internal system, consider leaving that guidance to help the next person. I received a transition document after joining a new team which included the best and worst coffee shops near my new office. Was this relevant for my job? No. Was this super appreciated? Yes, yes it was. Be this person.

      6. Continue to show up
      I once gave my two weeks’ notice knowing I had a trip to Italy to look forward to in my time between leaving my current role and starting my new one—the timing was *chef’s kiss*, but it made it so difficult not to mentally check out for those last two weeks. When you know you’re on the way out, it’s hard to keep bringing your best self to work, but it’s important that you do so you don’t upset anyone who will be at the company after you leave. Stay engaged in meetings, keep your projects moving along, and follow up with people as necessary. Everybody knows you’re heading out, but they’ll appreciate that you didn’t create extra work for them by continuing to do your job until the last day. 

      7. Keep your post-work communications professional
      Once you’ve closed your work laptop for the last time, it can be tempting to finally leave that honest company review or tell a second-by-second breakdown of any drama on social media. After all, they can’t fire you since you’ve already left, right? While that’s true, you’d be surprised how easy it is for people to put one-and-one together if you leave an “anonymous” review on a site or share details of your previous employment on your social media. 
      If you do feel inclined to share your experience—good or bad—do it somewhere you can be truly anonymous (Glassdoor and Fishbowl are good options!), wait a while so the dust can settle on your departure, and leave out any identifying details. For example, if you’re the only one who’s left the Finance team recently, don’t mention that you worked for that team. And for the love of everything good, please step away from LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok. There’s almost never a graceful way to air things out on social media without making yourself look bad in the process. If you loved your time with the company it could be appropriate to post a note of gratitude (often on LinkedIn), but definitely not necessary.  

      8. Enforce a clean break (and don’t feel guilty!)  
      As anyone working in today’s world can attest, our jobs can often take up a large chunk of our lives whether we want them to or not (has anyone ever achieved that infamous work-life balance??). When that happens, there can be a certain feeling of guilt that comes with quitting, especially if you’ve worked with the company for a while, loved your job and teammates, or if the timing isn’t ideal. But remember that you don’t owe anything more than your stipulated notice. Try your best to not feel guilty about leaving, and ignore anyone who tries to make you feel like you’re letting people down. Instead, focus on where you’re moving to, or the fact that you’re prioritizing yourself if it wasn’t a great fit. Set boundaries and don’t allow your employer to contact you repeatedly after your employment is up (which does happen!)—strive for a nice clean break, which will help you move on to your next challenge and your old teammates settle into their new normal. 

      Thinking of Quitting? Consider These 7 Things Before Making a Decision You Might Regret More

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      So You’ve Been Laid Off—Here’s What to Do Next

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      I thought my toxic habit of doom scrolling would disappear with quarantine. When it was no longer necessary for me to seek social stimulation through my screen—and I could connect with *real* humans in *real* life—I assumed my digital dependency would once again fall back into a healthy range. But this being the world that it is, political turmoil, Zendaya’s many red carpet slays, and The Bachelor hot takes all brought back The Endless Scroll™. But even with the appeal of these topics dangling in front of me, doom scrolling didn’t become relevant again until now—when an industry we once considered all but impenetrable was entirely upended.
      I’m talking tech, of course. The tech sector has seen a recent wave of massive staffing cuts at high-profile companies, including Meta, LinkedIn, and Microsoft. But these giants aren’t the only organizations turning to layoffs in an effort to cut costs—workforce reductions are happening across industries.
      If you’ve been impacted, know this: you’re not alone. And while the experience of being laid off can bring with it financial anxiety and emotional trauma, there are actionable steps you can take today to not only open up opportunities, but take care of yourself along the way.

      A low-down on the labor market
      In short, what’s happening in the labor market is a bit… confusing. And while some headlines might make you believe that a recession is imminent, there is still some promise of a strong labor market. Recently, The New York Times published an article analyzing industries who have seen the opposite. Amidst interest rate increases that analysts predicted would see higher unemployment rates, companies are reluctant to let go of workers. Why? Quoted in the article, Matt Notowidigdo, an economics professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, said that the economic impacts of 2020 could play a significant influence in employers’ decision making.
      “‘When the economy came back very strongly in 2020, then a lot of firms were trying to hire again and they couldn’t […] That experience might still be sitting with people.’”
      That is to say, take heart: there’s reason to be optimistic about the labor market’s resilience. However, in an effort to cut costs, many companies are turning to layoffs. And while the tech industry accounts for many of them, tech-adjacent and non-tech companies are laying off employees as well.
      Beloved Millennial brand Everlane announced in early January that it would lay off 17 percent of its corporate workforce as well as cut staff in three of its 11 retail stores. A company we once assumed was impenetrable due to its pandemic- and remote work-fueled need, Zoom reported 1300 layoffs at the beginning of this month. Noom, Groupon, Spotify, and even influencer-favorite Ruggable have all been affected—and of course, countless more.
      Record-high inflation rates, the possibility of a looming recession, and a tumultuous stock market all seem to be contributing to the companies’ decisions. For the sake of brevity, I won’t be diving into the complexities of why recent layoffs have disproportionately impacted tech workers. However, much of it dates back to how the industry was built and initially funded. The New York Times did an incredible deep-dive, building a comprehensive timeline and backstory on what’s taking place now.

      What to do if you’ve been laid off
      Many of us, early in our career journeys, are experiencing the impact of being laid off well before we could get comfortable as a young professional. (If you haven’t experienced it yet, the transition from college to work life is jarring!) After the initial shock wears off, you’re likely wondering: what do I do now? Below are resources, tips, and tangible advice to support you professionally and financially, and to help you take the best care of yourself right now.

      What to do: professionally

      Review your documents and benefits
      1. Review your documents and benefits. When you’re laid off, you’ll receive an official letter from your employer. Review this and any initial contracts you signed when joining the company. Reviewing these documents gives you a full scope of your rights as an employee—including severance pay and benefits like unused PTO/sick time. Tip: Talk to other employees who have been impacted to understand what others are receiving and asking for. This can help you in negotiations (that’s right, negotiate!).

      Request a letter of recommendation
      This is a key next step to help you in your job search. Ask your supervisor and/or department lead if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. In their letter, they’ll speak to your work ethic, skills, and any major accomplishments you contributed to the organization. For more on asking for references and letters of recommendation, check out our guide.

      Update your resume
      Of course, you’ll want to include your most recent experience at this company. However, now could be the best time to give your resume a complete overhaul. (That’s right, the resume-building tips you learned in college might not cut it anymore.) For what really to include in each section of your resume, read this.

      What to do: financially

      File for unemployment
      This is perhaps the obvious, but most daunting part of the financial process post-layoff. Filing online is going to be the (relatively) easiest approach. File an unemployment claim with your state—a simple google search of your state name and “unemployment” will get to the right page. If you’ve never filed before and aren’t sure where to start, usa.gov provides comprehensive resources tailored to your situation and state.

      Get your health insurance squared away
      If your employer provided your health insurance, you’ll need to research alternatives. If possible, discuss your options with the organization’s HR lead. Temporary insurance options include:

      Make any necessary spending changes
      Now is the time to review your budget. As you begin cutting your spending costs, first identify the obvious luxuries. Food delivery, any subscriptions you don’t use, clothing, meals and drinks out, etc. You’re likely experiencing a lot of financial shock, so don’t overwhelm yourself. Pare back to necessities and look for ways you can shift your lifestyle as a result. Opt for Netflix with your girlies in lieu of a GNO. Take up cooking as a hobby and challenge yourself to get creative with what you have. There are many ways that reducing your spending can create opportunities for change and growth in your life.

      What to do: self-care

      Create a space for your feelings
      I’ll say it again: what just happened to you is a shocking—and for many people—traumatic experience. Layoffs take place through no fault of your own, and it can be overwhelming to take in the event itself and the many ways it’ll change your life in the short term. You’re allowed to feel those feelings. You’re allowed to cry in a safe space. You’re allowed to pour your heart out in your journal or take your time snuggling up on the couch in your pajamas.

      Rest today, make a game plan tomorrow
      Similar to the tip above, it’s important to give yourself the time and space to rest. With the emotions this experience has brought up, you’re likely feeling a lot of adrenaline and having a difficult time processing your emotions. The best advice? Pause. Now’s not the time to make any drastic decisions and you don’t have to take any significant steps in the immediate aftermath. For right now, work through what happened, lean into your emotions, and recognize that you’ve been through something extremely challenging. Tomorrow, you can start crafting your plan forward.

      Seek out support
      The upside of these sweeping layoffs? Many people know what you’re going through. If you feel comfortable talking to other employees who were affected, reach out. It can be supportive and reassuring to know that you’re not alone in your feelings. Similarly, give your parents a call or send a trusted friend a text. Actively receiving the love and support that’s all around us can help us heal.

      Re-engage with something meaningful
      You’ll likely have a lot more free time than you’ve had in the recent past. Take advantage of it! And no, I don’t mean start pouring everything you have into a side hustle. Reconnect with a hobby you haven’t picked up in years. Or, start making progress on your TBR list. Get in the habit of taking long walks to gain a new perspective on your city. There are endless ways to find meaning in our lives outside of what we do. Start getting in the practice of prioritizing these things today.

      Take care of you
      It can’t be emphasized enough. You are still and always deserving of self-care and love. Brainstorm a list of things you can do to show yourself that love each day. Maybe it’s making a nourishing meal, getting dressed even though you don’t feel like it, or taking a long bath. Whatever feels supportive to you, be sure to do it daily. Things may be difficult now, but trust me: as someone who’s been where you are, it does get easier. And simultaneously, you get stronger.

      I Reinvented My Career After a Layoff—Here’s How More

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      50 Affirmations for When Work or Money Stress You TF Out

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      It doesn’t matter how much you love what you do or how financially secure you feel, there will still be days when work or money stress you TF out. It’s inevitable. After all, life is filled with highs and lows. However, financial woes and career challenges can get under your skin in a way nothing else can, which is why we’ve created a list of 50 affirmations to tell yourself when you’re dealing with work or money stress. So, bookmark this page and turn to it as needed, pick your favorite phrase and repeat it to yourself daily, or write down a few that resonate with you. Whatever you decide, these work and money affirmations will help you release unnecessary stress.
      1. I am open to new adventures, and I attract abundance.
      2. I am worthy of financial success.
      3. My job does not define me.
      4. Pressure brings out the best in me.
      5. I am capable of incredible things.
      6. My mind is clear and I think with clarity.
      7. I am proud of my accomplishments.
      8. Today, I choose to embrace and trust the flow of money.
      9. There are no limits to what I can and will achieve.
      10. Everything I touch turns to gold.
      11. I can take on any task that comes my way with grace and ease.
      12. I am grateful for the money I have right now.
      13. It’s OK to ask for help.
      14. Money is not finite, and there’s enough to go around for everyone. 
      15. I am talented enough to complete my work on time.
      16. My past cannot prevent me from succeeding now or in the future.
      17. There is no obstacle or challenge I cannot overcome.
      18. I am worthy of respect and recognition.
      19. I am grateful for the rewards and opportunities of my job.
      20. I choose to focus on inner peace and productivity.
      21. This feeling won’t last forever.
      22. My boss is as human as I am.
      23. My work speaks for itself.
      24. I am debt-free because money is always flowing to me.
      25. I will make more money.
      26. I bring something to every table I sit at.
      27. All the resources I need are within me.
      28. Money is my friend, and I welcome it into my life.
      29. I don’t need to prove anything to anyone.
      30. The more I focus on joy, the more money I will make.
      31. Riches flow to me because I have a rich mindset.
      32. I have what it takes to create and stick to a budget.
      33. I can do anything, but I can’t do everything.
      34. I am the master of my wealth.
      35. I will tend to my stress, but right now, I choose peace.
      36. There are no failures in life, only learning opportunities.
      37. I am more than my current financial situation.
      38. I am worth over a million dollars.
      39. My “best” will look different everyday because I’m only human.
      40. I am smart, valued, and loved.
      41. Giving myself down time is essential for my productivity and work performance.
      42. I won’t apologize for my goals.
      43.  Everything’s going to be fine.
      44. I am healthy and wealthy.
      45. Focus on one thing at a time.
      46. I have what it takes to become financially independent.
      47. Money is simply a tool that comes and goes.
      48. Fear can’t control me because it has no place in my life.
      49. I am a divine human being who’s deserving of success.
      50. I have conquered everything that I have ever faced, and I will conquer this, too.

      50 Journal Prompts and Affirmations for Self-Love More