TEAM

Updated: from 1/3/16 Pool parties. Backyard BBQ's. Family gatherings. Neighborhood fireworks. Ads for deep holiday discounts. And, talk of PTO, summer vacations, and celebrations everywhere you turn. A time to kick back, indulge, and enjoy true summertime holiday traditions. Perhaps. BUT, it might not feel so celebratory if you are in the midst of a job search. For job seekers, this time of year year may also feel unsettling: slower/rescheduled interview processes, fewer job postings, jobs on hold, mass layoffs, and reassessed mid-year hiring needs or budgets. While it may not feel like the best time to land a new job – this is actually a natural and ideal time to “up” your job searching and networking efforts! Here’s how to make it work for you: Invited? Say Yes! : We've made it back to a summer holiday season that is full of parties, celebrations and in-person time. Sometimes job seekers shy away from these events, feeling unsure or embarrassed about their current situations. I challenge you to do the opposite! Say YES to every invitation. There is no better excuse to get out there (from behind your computer screen) and connect, reconnect and meet new people in a positive, informal and fun setting! Before you head out, practice a few ways to organically and positively answer the “What’s new?”, “What do you do?” and “What are you looking for?” questions so you don’t feel defensive or put on the spot. But, as it comes up, don’t be afraid to let people know that you are looking, and what you’re looking for. Not only will some offer to help…you never know who you might meet that could lead you to your next opportunity! Lend-A-Hand: Especially around holidays, there are oodles of ways to give back to your community. But, how does volunteering actually help your job search, you ask? In 2013, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) released its “Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment” report. It found that “Volunteers have a 27% higher likelihood of finding a job after being out of work, than non-volunteers.” What are you waiting for? Make A Date: In the spirit of reconnecting, catching up, and being in-person, are there people in your network that you’d like to meet for coffee or a drink? Maybe those who you haven't seen since the Pre-Pandemic Era or haven’t had time to meet in the past? While summer can be super busy with travel and time-off, some people actually have a little extra time on their hands – especially if this is a slow time at the office. Reach out and see if you can get a date on the calendar for some face-time. You might find that your contacts are more open to meeting and helping during this time of year. The Big Family Dinner: This is the one you might be dreading the most. But, maybe this is a good time to come in with a new approach. Although your family might be dysfunctional (and you are already planning your early exit strategy), they probably love you and want to help you be successful at the same time. Your 99 year-old grandma might not have the best advice on this topic, but what about that cousin you haven’t seen since last Thanksgiving? A nice chat over good food and a little wine might turn into your best gift of the year! Frankly Speaking: This time of year is all about being with friends and family, and reconnecting with those you haven’t seen in a while. Just because your job search may feel uncertain or be weighing you down– you don’t have to let it! Keep your head up. Stay ahead of the game. There is plenty of opportunity to keep your search alive and going strong. Lisa Frank is the CEO of LBF Strategies, a PR recruitment & career coaching firm. As a recruiter, connector and coach she offers a relatable and “Frank” approach to all aspects of life. Through her blog, Frankly Speaking , Lisa shares her insights, guidance and outrageous (but true) stories about career and life topics with plenty of humor, humanness and candor. Follow Lisa on LinkedIn or visit www.LBFStrategies.com.

Happy #TalentTuesday, PR and Communications friends! I'm thrilled to introduce an exceptional Corporate Communications and PR leader, and a long-time colleague and friend, Michael Shmarak. Michael is on the lookout for his next corporate communications leadership role. Michael is a career communicator, always with an eye to the future of the industry, who excels at advising leaders and C-suites on corporate communications strategies in the marketing, media, and B2B sectors. He masterfully integrates all forms of communication—from content development to media relations, social media, executive positioning, reputation management, and thought leadership—creating cohesive strategies that elevate companies to new heights. Hear what one of the CEOs he worked with has to say about him! Let me know if I can help you connect with Michael! ABOUT #TalentTuesdays #TalentTuesdays is our new LBF series where we’ll be showcasing amazing #PR and #communications talent through engaging videos and storytelling. This series is all about bringing resumes to life and putting a face to the impressive skills and experiences of hashtag #jobseekers. Join us to lift up incredible professionals, and the value they bring to the field of PR and communications. And, hopefully, help them find their next amazing opportunity (ahem, hashtag #hiringmanagers!). If you are interested in connecting with our talent OR being showcased in the series, please contact Lisa at Lisa@LBFStrategies.com for more info.

We are excited to kick-off our #TalentTuesday series! Through #TalentTuesday will be showcasing Public Relations & Communications talent that are currently on the hunt for their next great opportunities. #TalentTuesdays will make it possible for PR & Communications talent to share their experience and bring their resumes to life through video and storytelling. To approach the job market in a more human way. #WeKeepHiringHuman We are excited to launch the series with Communications & PR Director, Rena Ramirez. Not only is Rena an exceptional external communications and media pro, she is really an amazing human - the kind you want on your team! Proactive, passionate, determined, results-oriented, business-minded and relationship-oriented. Take a listen to her story here, and let us know if we can help you to connect to Rena!

It's #TalentTuesday at LBF, and I’m excited to showcase another incredible senior communications & PR leader, Latiffe Ghanem! Latiffe launched her PR career on the agency side at Edelman, rising from entry-level to VP/MD - spearheading major Consumer campaigns for some of the biggest household name brands. Her journey leading agency teams, accounts, and practices provided a solid foundation for her transition her experience in-house. Most recently, she’s been driving executive communications and internal communications programs in-house at Direct TV with exceptional skill. Latiffe is a dynamic, well-rounded communications and PR professional eager to bring her expertise to fantastic brands. Don't miss the chance to learn more about her here! Let me know if I can help you connect with Latiffe! ABOUT #TalentTuesdays #TalentTuesdays is our new LBF series where we’ll be showcasing amazing #PR and #communications talent through engaging videos and storytelling. This series is all about bringing resumes to life and putting a face to the impressive skills and experiences of hashtag #jobseekers. Join us to lift up incredible professionals, and the value they bring to the field of PR and communications. And, hopefully, help them find their next amazing opportunity (ahem, hashtag #hiringmanagers!). If you are interested in connecting with our talent OR being showcased in the series, please contact us for more info.

Hey, new college grads! As you're nearing the end of your college career, there is no doubt that you are knee-deep in the job search - or, you're about to be! It’s tempting to want to put the “adulting” stuff all on the back burner right now, especially during these last chaotic weeks of school. But, in a competitive job market like this one, carving out the time to focus on the job search process to strategize how you are going to achieve your career goals after graduation, can make for a much smoother transition into the “real world”. As a career coach and executive recruiter, I’ve found many parallels between job searching and dating. I like to call it “job dating.”  I’ve broken down the most important job search do’s and don’ts in this context - hopefully to help make it all a little more relatable and helpful as you navigate these new waters. What are you Really Looking For? Instead of aimlessly casting a wide net and hoping that something (or someone) sticks, be intentional about your search. Open your “notes” app and start with a freestyle brainstorm session! Make a list of your strengths, skills, interests, and goals. Of course, sometimes it’s easier to start with what you don’t want, in order to figure out what you do want. Either way, keep the list handy and add to it over time – it will be a great tool to reference while networking, interviewing, and writing your resume. Remain open-minded to opportunities but also be realistic about your goals. (Unfortunately, your five summer internships don’t translate to 5-7 years of work experience. So, even though you may feel you’d make an excellent manager, you are likely unqualified at the moment). Your ideal job may not initially appear with all of the bells and whistles on your wish list, but it might just lead you down the path toward achieving your larger career dreams. Put Yourself Out There Don’t be afraid to “swipe right” sometimes and put yourself out there! Explore your career centers, set up informational interviews and shadowing opportunities, and attend networking events so you can meet new people and learn more about the jobs that interest you. You will learn something new from every conversation and, I promise you, it’s way more interesting (and productive) than hiding behind your screen searching for jobs on the job boards. Most importantly, ask a lot of questions. You would never marry someone before getting to know them first. Same goes for a new job. Make sure you are fully aware and on board with the job duties, responsibilities, and the company culture before you sign yourself away. Unfortunately, if these details aren’t considered at the start, they are sometimes learned the hard way. Last but not least, don’t shy away from getting “set-up.” Your connections are some of your best assets during the job search process – so be proactive and spread the word that you are on the job hunt. Make That Lasting First Impression Before you even step foot in the door for an in-person interview, you will be judged by the appearance of your online profiles, your resume, and your work samples. If you are serious about a job search, proofread your application materials and perfect your resume so it reflects your skills and goals. Also, take the time to clean up your online presence (including your photos). A complete LinkedIn profile with a professional-ish picture will likely get you more attention, so spend some time updating it with accomplishments, keywords and a great headline! Sometimes companies outside of your “search preferences” will contact you. If you’re not interested, respectfully decline. If you are interested, get on it! Transition to phone, Zoom or in-person ASAP – competition is fierce in cyberspace! Also, if you apply online, sometimes you will get a response, sometimes you won’t – but don’t take it too personally. You never know who (if anyone) is on the other end of your application. They Want to Meet You, Now What? Great news- you got the interview. This is your time to shine! That means put your best foot forward, dress the part, and bring copies of your resume. Yes, I know you already emailed it to them, but it’s likely buried in an inbox somewhere, so it’s always better to have copies on hand. Research the company and be ready to ask good questions. Dress professionally. Don’t chew gum and, please, silence your iPhone before putting it away. You should give your interviewer your undivided attention. This means make eye contact, sit up in your chair, smile, and act like you’re engaged in the conversation, even if you’re not as “into it” as you thought you’d be. If you are into it, find out when you can see them again! Healthy confidence is attractive, but arrogance can be a big deal breaker. Check your ego at the door and bring your humility with you to the interview. When it comes to first meetings, you have a limited amount of time to “sell yourself” so listen closely, share relevant experiences, and ask follow-up questions that show your interest. Still Interested? Follow-Up! The first meeting was perfect. The chemistry was there and you were at your all-time best. Don’t forget to send thank you notes in a timely manner. DO NOT send thank you notes by text. Send them via email using full words and complete sentences. Do they want you to come back for more interviews? Great! Make time to be available – I know you’re busy, but you want to show them that this is a priority to you, so avoid playing the “hard to get” game. Also, this is the time for you to ask specific questions and gather more information. Can you see yourself working here for a year…or even more? Remember, just because they are asking you back for more interviews doesn’t mean that you’re the only person they’re seeing. You still need to be on your A-game while they decide if you’re “the one.” Are You Ready To Get Serious? By now, you should have a pretty strong gut feeling if there is potential here. They’ve wooed you, you’ve met the managers, toured the place and done all of your research. When they offer you the job you’ll be ready to say YES, right? If your answer is no, what’s standing in your way from making the commitment? Remember what you were looking for that led you to this opportunity in the first place. If you want the job, accept it right away. If you don’t, tell them as soon as you know that, too. They are making a commitment to you and hoping you will make one to them. How you handle this delicate part of the process will speak volumes about you to the company. Don’t get distracted by outside input from family and friends. You will be the one working for this company, so you should be the one making all the decisions. So You Weren’t a Perfect Match Rejection in any form is rough, especially when you’ve invested a lot of time and energy. Even if you’ve been given the classic “it’s not you, it’s me” line, it can still sting. Don’t worry, there are plenty of fish in the sea! Remember, each employer is looking for something a little different and you will find your match. Of course, it’s natural to feel disappointed, maybe even sad, but try not to let the rejection lead you off-track. Instead, give yourself some time to regroup, reflect, and rehash – and then get back out there ASAP. Landing your dream job isn’t an easy process and it requires persistence and determination. You will have to take some chances, put yourself out there, learn from each disappointment, and not give up until you are satisfied. Frankly Speaking: Even though you feel on top of the world right now with your degree (almost) in hand, you are likely new to the job search scene. There is still so much to learn. Be humble. Ask for help. Learn from your mistakes. Listen to your mentors. Be receptive to feedback. And, most of all, be a mensch. This process can be a roller coaster of excitement, awkward moments, memorable stories, and some disappointments. But, stay positive and keep your eye on the prize, and remember- there is a lid for every pot! Lisa Frank is the CEO of LBF Strategies, an executive search & career coaching firm. As a recruiter, connector and coach she offers a relatable and “Frank” approach to all aspects of life. Through her blog, Frankly Speaking, Lisa shares her insights, guidance and outrageous (but true) stories about career and life topics with plenty of humor, humanness and candor. Follow Lisa on LinkedIn or visit www.LBFStrategies.com.

Today’s segment highlights tips about resume, and Insight into the best way to get an interview.

Post By Connor Hanrahan: Summer Intern, LBF Recruitment Strategies The International Labour Organization (ILO) found, “Americans work 137 more hours per year than Japanese workers, 260 more hours per year than British workers, and 499 more hours per year than French workers.” “The average paid vacation time in the United States is roughly 13 days per year, compared to a European country like France, that offers employees on average of 30 days of paid vacation per year.” On average, American workers leave five paid vacation days unused each year. FIVE DAYS? That’s one full work-week of paid time off. Just left on the table. Every year. But, why? Employers and employees agree vacation time is crucial. That’s why PTO (paid time off) is a pretty standard benefit these days. But, time and time again studies show a direct correlation between refusing to take time away from work and a decline in both productivity and quality of work. So, why are employees shying away from taking advantage of what they’ve earned? Are they afraid that supervisors or co-workers might label them as lazy, unmotivated or not career-focused if they request time off for a vacation? Would it be essentially impossible to exceed, or at the very least, meet yearly goals and objectives? Or, do some companies just make it plain difficult for employees use PTO, or to even enjoy some very needed time away from the office? Ironically, employees actually aren’t the only ones impacted by the untouched vacation days. Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics at Oxford Economics, found “on average, businesses owe each employee $1,898 in accrued paid time off, and carry 5.7 days of accrued vacation per employee. For firms with more than 500 workers, the cost per employee is higher, at $2,609 per worker.” U.S. firms are faced to deal with $224 billion owed for the costs of the liabilities [1] of accumulated unused roll-over employee vacation time. So, with all of the talk about what companies are doing to establish progressive policies around work-life balance for their employees, is it all just a farce? A scheme to get people in the door? Is it the true, underlying feeling of employers that the fewer vacation days you use, the more you are actually rewarded? Perhaps for some, but not for all. A growing number of companies are shifting away from a formal PTO structure, to an unlimited time-off policy. Companies as large as Netflix to the smaller, Chicago-based multimedia production company, Jellyvision, both believe whole-heartedly in this new approach. Daniel Jacobson, Netflix’s VP for Edge Engineering, and Mary Beth Wynn Vice President of People at Jellyvision, acknowledge the policy doesn’t literally allow employees to take all the time off they want. “It is a simple mantra that basically states that we are all adults, so let’s all behave and treat each other like adults. And if a person is not consistently behaving like an adult, they should not work at Netflix.” Wynn strongly vouches for unlimited vacation, “It’s a system that requires trust on both sides. We trust our employees not to abuse it, and employees have to trust us that the flexibility is really going to be there.” Some others have instituted new methods specifically to incentivize employees to use their earned vacation days. Bart Lorang a 35-year-old CEO of FullContact a 5-year old software startup with 57 employees in Denver Colorado, wanted to implement a culture that made it not only possible and also profitable for employees to use vacation days. Through his innovative employee benefit, named “paid paid vacation,” employees of FullContact notify management of their preferred time to take vacation and receive (before even leaving) a $7,500 bonus. The bonus, meant to comfortably cover the cost of an actual trip, does however come with one guideline that must be followed: the employee must completely and entirely disconnect from the office, including disabling all work related communications (phone, email, etc). Lorang’s one rule for the “paid paid vacation” brings up a valuable point that not only is important for employees to take time away from the office, but to take a vacation from their smartphones, as well. Frankly Speaking: our wise 16th President once said that “It’s not the years in the life, but the life in the years.” Basically meaning…when you’re sitting on your death bed one day, in the way too inconceivable future, you’re not going to be reflecting on your amazing wonderful life and wished you just worked that one Friday night until 11pm of postponed your trip to help a sales pitch go more smoothly. Nope, that’s not going to happen. No one ever wishes they spent more time working, or took one less vacation day. We all know how quickly life flashes before our eyes, so don’t hesitate using your earned vacation days just because Dwight over there hasn’t taken a vacation day since Nam’. Work responsibilities and opportunities will come and go, I promise. However, the vivid memories from weekend getaways, special occasions, and tropical vacations that you relive in your mind during the ridiculously long and monotonous Monday morning meeting that could have easily been sent as a mass email… will last a lifetime. Connor Hanrahan is a summer Recruitment Intern for LBF Recruitment Strategies. A rising Junior at Denison University, Connor is an Economics Major by day, and superstar college athlete by night. Connor will be taking advantage of some of his own “earned vacation time” during his upcoming study abroad program in New Zealand. ___________ 1. “The liability doesn’t include sick or personal leave, but has been generated by years of workers’ rolling over unused paid time off, according to the researchers, who say the debt grew by $65.6 billion last year alone.”

“Employee Engagement” – the new buzz-term popping up in HR departments, business journals, and company meetings everywhere as companies are scrambling to retain their talent in this new candidate-driven market. According to a recent study by Saba and WorkplaceTrends.com, one-third of the US workforce will make a job change within the next six months. For the first time in years, employees are choosing to leave jobs for something “better.” And, in conference rooms from coast-to-coast, executives are scratching their heads to make sense of the attrition – often rationalizing it by pointing fingers at “entitled millennials,” employees who ask for “too much,” or those who “weren’t bringing that much value, anyway.” But, are those really the reasons? Is it them or could it be you? Are you really giving your employees what they need to stay engaged? As an executive recruitment partner and career coach, I hear from top talent every day. The people who deliver, produce and contribute to your bottom line. The people with great passion – who align with and exemplify the ideals, goals and enthusiasm that your company was built upon. The loyal, committed, driven, successful employees who don’t feel valued, fully utilized, noticed, or rewarded for their hard work. The people you will be sorry to lose. Companies have put so much emphasis on “culture” as a way to attract and retain talent. But, are those free lunches, game rooms, beanbags, gym memberships and happy hours enough to keep employees engaged in your business in the long-term? Evidently, not. According to the same aforementioned study, “Forty-one percent of employees said they would leave their company for better career options – with a sizable amount of those polled (31%) stating that background, skills and talents were not being recognized.” So, what can you do to reengage your employees before it’s too late? Put the fancy strategies and complex, never-been done before initiatives to the side for a minute and let’s get back to basics: Mentor: Make real time for feedback, coaching and career-pathing Listen: Your employees’ insights, thoughts, and opinions can be very valuable to the business. Create a platform for productive dialogue, and pay attention to what they have to say. Inspire: A company is a community with core values and a mission that your employees signed up to be a part of. You are all in it together. Ensure that the heart of your business is reflected in and woven into the fabric of work you do and the culture you do it in – both inside and outside the office. Invest: Encourage professional development initiatives, offer internal growth opportunities, and promote from within. Reward: Give praises, raises, bonuses and other unique benefits/perks to those who earn them. Frankly Speaking: Every job is re-fillable, but not every person is replaceable. Your talent is the lifeblood of your organization. You put so much time and effort into recruiting the crème de la crème, now it’s up to you to give them a reason to stay. Be a leader. Take care of the people who believed enough in you to be part of your mission. Mentor, Listen, Inspire, Invest and Reward. Imagine the things that your business can achieve with an inspired, challenged, and engaged team of professionals working alongside you.

Just a few weeks ago, you took some quality quiet time for yourself to reflect – perhaps at your favorite coffee shop, or snuggled on the couch with your cat and some tea, or while laying out on the beach on your paradise vacation. As you thought about the year past, your excitement grew for all that the New Year would bring. Finally, a blank slate. A new chapter. You’re ready and energized to take on the world! This was going to be YOUR year! Yes! This is the year you promise to stick to your resolutions. You will exercise daily (maybe even twice a day!), call grandma every Sunday, save more money, and drink less alcohol. But, especially important to you this year is your career. You are well overdue for some real professional changes, and you know it. Whether it be a new job (or even a new career), getting that promotion, or maybe even making more money – these will be your top priority! And then, with a blink of an eye, holiday vacations are behind you and the chaos of daily life is again in full swing. You are settling back into your routine filled with 10+ hour days at the office, meetings galore, and juggling to keep up with family and social calendars. Plus, it’s cold. It’s dark. And you just want to hibernate. While you haven’t ditched out on your big goals (yet), the actual work needed to make them a reality feels more and more overwhelming as the days go by. But, don’t fall off the resolution wagon just yet! Before you get to the middle of the year with nothing to show for it, here are some easy (and manageable!) steps to keep your goals alive: Become One With Your Resolutions: Spend quality time with them. Make sure they are what you really want before you commit to them. Dissect them. Peel back the layers, uncover the smaller achievable mini-goals beneath them, and write them down. Post ‘Em: This is key in keeping you motivated. How many times have you written down your goals or resolutions, and then you stick them in a drawer – only to find them 12 months later? This year- POST THEM in a place where you can see them daily. The constant in-your-face reminder will keep you focused, energized and excited about your path to success. Make a Weekly Date: With yourself. And, no cancelling. If you don’t dedicate time to your career – nobody else will. Block a couple hours in your calendar (just as if you had a meeting with someone else) specifically to assess your goals, review your plans, do your research, send emails, apply for jobs, and reflect on your progress. Be an “In-Person” Person: I know you’re busy, but this is a must. Get out from behind the computer screen and go out and talk with other professionals. Attend conferences, go to your favorite charity events, have lunch with a mentor, or make a coffee date to reconnect with someone in your professional network. Commit to three or more of these meetings/events each month. Also – if your resume or online profiles need some love – now is the time to give it. You always want to be up-to-date and ready when surprises come your way. Get Extra Accountable: Remember – you don’t have to go at it all alone. We all need a little extra push, support, or outside perspective every now and again. Engage a career coach or an accountability partner to keep you on your toes. Plus, it can never hurt to have another person in your corner to keep you positive, motivated, clear-headed and on the right track. Frankly Speaking: Take a moment to reflect to that quiet day when you made your New Year’s career resolutions. Remember how you felt? Empowered. Strong. Capable. Impactful. Determined. Go back there. Dig up that energy and remind yourself of those feelings every time you feel like ditching out on a networking event, cancelling a coffee meeting with an old colleague or watching TV during your weekly scheduled check-in with yourself. You’ll be glad you did.

Do you have an online professional profile? Did you spend hours crafting your bio, sharing exciting details of your job history, and highlighting all of your skills and accomplishments to showcase your unique and amazing career journey? Of course you did. Because you want to do everything you can to impress and engage future employers and business prospects. Including, selecting the PERFECT profile picture to match, right? When you go on an interview or make a work presentation, don’t you put a little extra time into “looking the part?” Maybe it’s selecting the right “business-ware,” or making sure every hair is in place, or even having an extra flossing session to eliminate any remnants of lunch from your pearly whites. Whatever it is – you go the extra mile to look your best professional self. Shouldn’t the same rule apply to your professional profile picture – the face of your brand? It should, but lately I’m seeing a lot of this, instead: The photo of you and your significant other drinking alcoholic beverages in bathing suits, lounging on a tropical beach; The awkward photo of you in your favorite holiday “ugly sweater” posing with your cat in front of the Christmas Tree; The “head-shot,” with the angle focused mostly on your cleavage in your best plunging -V; The shirtless, I work out, look at my abs photo; A photo of your dog; And, the up-close selfie photo (of only half your face) with uncombed hair, and a swamp on a dreary day, as your backdrop. You laugh, but these are all real-life examples that I come across EVERY day. Maybe you think that a hiring manager or business connection will think that you are “cool,” or “real”, or have a really fun(ny), well-rounded personality. Or maybe you really, truly don’t have another photo. Either way – it’s time to change it. ASAP. There are many other platforms where will get you a ton of “likes” on this stuff. Facebook, Instagram, Match.com….but, this is not the place. Frankly Speaking: Profile pictures bring life to your online presence. They put a face with a name, and offer another window into who you are. They enhance your profile and complement all of your of your big successes and ambitions. Your professional profile picture doesn’t have to be a perfect headshot taken by an amazing photographer, but it should be a clean-cut, apropos, well-manicured, shot of you. You don’t have to be in your “Sunday Best,” but at least sport a nice-looking, well-put together outfit (that covers most of your body parts), with a pleasing backdrop, and a nice smile. So, when you show up for your interview or business meeting, the other person will be able to easily recognize you….and maybe feel like they already sort of “know” you- for the right reasons. Remember, as Will Rogers (and many Head & Shoulders commercials) so wisely remind us, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” There are many other platforms where will get you a ton of “likes” on this stuff. Facebook, Instagram, Match.com....but, this is not the place. Frankly Speaking: Profile pictures bring life to your online presence. They put a face with a name, and offer another window into who you are. They enhance your profile and complement all of your of your big successes and ambitions. Your professional profile picture doesn’t have to be a perfect headshot taken by an amazing photographer, but it should be a clean-cut, apropos, well-manicured, shot of you. You don’t have to be in your “Sunday Best,” but at least sport a nice-looking, well-put together outfit (that covers most of your body parts), with a pleasing backdrop, and a nice smile. So, when you show up for your interview or business meeting, the other person will be able to easily recognize you….and maybe feel like they already sort of “know” you- for the right reasons. Remember, as Will Rogers (and many Head & Shoulders commercials) so wisely remind us, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

What are your five greatest accomplishments? Seems like a pretty easy question to answer, doesn’t it? So – go ahead – grab a sheet of paper and jot them down. What’s that? You’ve got two or three, but now you’re feeling stuck? And, you thought this would be a breeze…. Don’t worry! You’re not alone. This is the very first question I ask all of my coaching clients to have prepared prior to our first session, and 99% of them tell me that this was the most difficult question for them to answer. So I started to wonder, how could that be? All of them had lifetimes full of exceptional things to be proud of – but when asked just to name five – they struggled. After much thought and many conversations around this, it became clear to me that, first, many people don’t think that their accomplishments are actually accomplishments (apparently Imposter Syndrome is alive and well!). Additionally, it reinforced that we spend so much time focused on what we don’t have, or on what’s missing from our lives, we completely disregard or minimize the actual things that we should be shouting from the rooftops. It’s time for that to change. There is no better time than the present to take real inventory of your accomplishments! Take Your Time: This is not a one-day exercise. You’ve done a lot more than you think! Reflect. Sift through your keepsake drawer. Open that folder on your computer filled with old company reviews and special emails. Reminisce with your parents, siblings, best friends and spouses. You’ll be surprised how much you’ve forgotten along the way. Get Into The Details: Your accomplishments are in there – below the surface. The goals you’ve exceeded. What you’ve overcome. Your drive, dedication, character and persistence. Don’t gloss over the important stuff. Write Them Down: Keep a list. This may sound cheesy, but it will come in handy. Maybe when you need to update your resume, go on an interview, attend a networking event, write your own bio, or maybe when you need a little pick-me up after a few bad days. This list won’t just remind you of the past; it’s a jumping off point for the future. Don’t Be Shy: Get comfortable talking about the things you’re proud of. You’ve earned it. You don’t have to be “braggy” or obnoxious, but you certainly don’t have to feel embarrassed. Serve up your accomplishments to a future hiring manger. Offer your expertise to a volunteer committee. Share your unique experiences at a networking event. Weave it into a relevant conversation. Stick to the facts. Connect the dots. Practice makes perfect. Frankly Speaking: This all may seem very cheesy to you, but I promise it’s worth your time to consider. It may not be today, but there will come a time that you will feel stuck. Whether it be on your career path, or just at a fork in the road of life. Your updated list of accomplishments will prepare you to tackle those crossroads from a position of strength and confidence. They will remind you who you are, what you’re made and – if you look really closely – they will give you some insight into where you should go next.

It was so great to sit down with fashion guru and founder of Ready Pretty, Jeannine Benoit Adams, to talk about how to dress for your dream job interview! Check out our tips here, on The Everygirl! By: Jeannine Benoit Adams, Founder of Ready Pretty This week, we’re collaborating with Ready Pretty, the online personal styling and shopping destination for women. Founder Jeannine Benoit Adams is sharing some of her favorite tips with us on how to step up your workwear wardrobe and dress for business casual the right way. Learn more about Ready Pretty at www.ReadyPretty.com and use code RP15 to receive 15% off your first service with a stylist. Let me first start this out with, I’ve been there. Prior to starting Ready Pretty, I worked in advertising and public relations for more than a decade. I’ve seen the best and worst of the business casual environment. I get it, it can be tricky. And let’s face it – we’re at work for 8 hours plus each day – can’t we just get a little cozy? The answer is yes. But comfort can’t translate to unprofessional. It’s a new world, and the rules for business casual have changed. So when your company calls for business casual, let’s all do ourselves a favor and adhere to a few hard and fast rules on dressing for the occasion. Check out my Ready Pretty approved tips on how to rock business casual style all day everyday at your office. Tip #1: Put a blazer on it No, I don’t mean a stuffy sport coat or formal suit blazer. I mean a jacket or blazer over anything instantly polishes an outfit. There are several great, fitted blazers from brands like J.Crew, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic that offer easy classics in neutral colors. Want to jazz it up a bit? Opt for a blazer in a fun floral or stripe, or pick a rich hue like turquoise or green. By simply throwing a blazer over a t-shirt even, you’ve up’d your style quotient in the quickest way possible. Tip #2: There’s more to life than black pants So many of our users get stuck in this world of black pants Monday through Friday and it’s not necessary. There’s more to wear than black pants at the office. Think pattern and color and stripe, cropped and wide-leg and skinny! There’s a variety of black pant alternatives out there – key will be finding the right fit for your body (more on that below.) Tip #3: Leave the leggings at home I can’t stress this one enough. At work, there are pants and there are tights. Trying to make the long sweater over leggings thing work, honestly just doesn’t. Don’t me wrong. I love a good pair of leggings, but in a professional setting (even the most casual) throw on a great pair of black denim instead and consider your outfit done. Trust me on this – it’s a much more pulled together look that says ready for work, not ready for a workout (or nap). Tip 4: A good shoe or necklace can do wonders One of our favorite outfits options at Ready Pretty is pairing a fresh white t-shirt, well-fitting jeans and a bold necklace together. Accessories are a great way to add polish and visual interest to an outfit in a quick and simple way. Several brands like BaubleBar or Olive + Piper offer great, inexpensive options that can take your look from super casual, to super cool business professional in an instant. Same goes for shoes – invest in a few classic pairs like a black and neutral pump, but then consider bringing cool textures, colors and silhouettes in to your outfits with footwear. Tip 5: Find your fit This one’s important. Too big and you look like a mess, too small and things start to look inappropriate. Opt for fabrics that have a bit of stretch and stick to fitted, not tight pieces that flatter your figure. There are a variety of outfit options out there and a good tailor is always worth the money if you struggle with finding things that work for your body. I think the biggest piece of advice that I can give you all would be two fold. First, dress like you care. What you wear everyday is important, it sets the tone about your personality and even suggests your abilities and skill level (in some instances) so dressing like you know what you’re doing can go a long way. And second, dress for the job you want. I’ve always dressed as though I was in a more senior role – even when I wasn’t – throughout my career. It allowed me to be taken seriously even as an Assistant Account Executive in my first gig way back when. That said, dressing well does not need to break the bank. There are several retailers out there that carry affordable, stylish, business casual pieces that can help you to feel cool, confident and ready to take on the (work) day. Need help reworking your work wardrobe? Head to Ready Pretty today and don’t forget to use code RP15 to receive 15% off. Tell us, have you ever struggled with your workwear wardrobe?