Heading into a job interview, presentation, raise negotiation or asking to speak on an industry panel?
All these career "asks" take some amount of nerve mixed with confidence. Not only do you need to believe you're worthy of the "ask" in question, you need to muster up the courage to make that initial request as well. Visualizing asking your boss for a bump in your salary of 5 percent seems a lot easier than when you are standing in front of her sweating, perplexed, playing with your watch band and feeling like a deer in headlights.
Here are six things you should do before any big ask.
Practice makes perfect: While it's true some people are born naturally confident, for the rest of us it takes practice. The more you work on your tennis game, yoga moves or Photoshop talents -- the better you become at it. Think of confidence as another skill you need to practice, learn, perfect and earn.
Get a power outfit. In medieval times knights had armor to protect them in battle. In 2014 women need to be dressed with a modern suit of armor. Get a go-to power outfit. It could be a dress, suit or even a blazer and dark jeans. Whatever you choose needs to make you look great while also feeling confident and influential. When we look our best we're often more up for a work challenge.
Pinpoint your fear. We often lose our confidence when we aren't prepared. Confidence is learned through experience. Do your homework before your next meeting. Do the research and know the tough numbers and facts off the top of your head as opposed to checking notes during a meeting or presentation. Don't give yourself the opportunity to fail. Focus on using your knowledge and expertise to win over your boss, co-worker or client.
Let's go to the videotape. It's very tough to picture ourselves in high-stress situations when we aren't at the office. Videotape yourself the night before a presentation, business trip or sales meeting. You'll see points where you stumble or use filler words (like, um, ya know). Why are you stumbling in these sections? You aren't as prepared as you should be. If you haven't convinced yourself of your words then you won't be able to convince anyone else. You'll also be aware of your body language. Do you flip your hair, tug your shirt, adjust your glasses, lean, tap a foot, and play with a pen while speaking? These are all dead giveaways to a listener that you are not confident.
Speak up. With confidence comes respect. You need to learn how to speak up and insert your expert opinion into the workplace conversation. On your next staff meeting, put on your go-to power outfit and make a point to add your two cents on the meeting's agenda. Prepare in advance. This is the time to change your company's perspective of you. Become a voice your boss and co-workers search for in a crowded room. Don't bite your tongue if you've got a great idea -- announce it.
Don't' stress over stress. Everyone gets stressed out from time to time. Instead of thinking of that stress as a confidence buster -- use it to your advantage. We often get stressed out when we're working on a challenging task. Stress occurs in the anticipation of working on an assignment outside of our comfort zone. Seek out these types of opportunities. If you are getting complacent or bored at the office that's when laziness and sloppy work ethic come into play.
3 Ways to Stand Out At Work Today
Looking to jump-start your persona at the office in a short amount of time? Simple body language and nonverbal changes will often speak volumes about your character and your work ethic.
Maintain eye contact. It might seem obvious, but retaining eye contact showcases your natural ability to stay focused and present. Too often people lose presence by shifting their attention to their smartphone as opposed to listening at a daily meeting or even within a one-on-one conversation. You'll stand out by virtue of the fact that you are one of the few employees that can remain truly present and authentic in a conversation. When you look someone in the eye it expresses confidence and helps articulate your interest in the topic. When people glance away it tells the speaker they are boring or that you don't really care about the topic.
Wear a smile. Who isn't guilty of having a resting bitch-face from time to time? Become more aware of your attitude by smiling more often. Smiling subconsciously tells people in your surroundings that you have a positive, energetic atmosphere. People notice when you're generally in a good mood and when you aren't. Whether you are in a client-facing role or a receptionist, this is a huge part of your job. You are literally the face of the company. To a client, potential investor, the CEO – you want to express your want and need to stay at the firm as opposed to seeming unhappy and scowling.
Be accountable. Be the employee who comes in early and stays late. Create a go-getter persona to enhance your career. Being known as a problem solver will make you stand ahead of the class. There will always be employees who clock in and out – heading to yoga, happy hour, a date with the couch – and these are the same people who miss the boat when it comes to promotions, raises, and new opportunities. Staying an extra hour at the office won't kill your social life, but it will reflect your can-do attitude to the higher-ups who are also burning the midnight oil.
How to Navigate FMLA Leave
Are you starting a family or taking care of a sick family member? There are career steps you need to address before you take your leave.
Before you leave, do this. Speak in "us" language, not in "me" language, and have solutions in mind before you sit down with your boss. Every company and employer handles family leave differently, so do your research and get up to speed on the typical practice of your office. Anticipate what your employer's fears are and be prepared to mitigate them from the outset. Your leave can have a potentially negative impact on your employer, so you have to help them ease into it. There's no set time frame, as every office operates differently.
Customarily, two weeks is the common norm for anyone leaving a position. Be fair and honest to your employer about your wants and needs -- before you officially leave. Remember, The Family and Medical Leave Act could be an option for you (aside from quitting altogether). If you are covered, you are entitled to an unpaid but job-protected leave for twelve weeks. This includes birth of a child, taking care of a sick family member, adoption of a child, personal health conditions or military service.
Another method to slowly ease yourself out of a job but keep positive ties to your company is to learn how to pitch working from home as a win for your employer. Consider all your options (working part-time, taking a year off or telecommuting) and then ask for your ideal schedule. With the push to create family-friendly work environments, employers are more flexible than ever as long as you demonstrate you can and will produce great work.
How to handle a resume gap. Not all employment gaps are due to layoffs or getting fired. You may have taken time off to take courses, have kids, freelance, or travel, and all of those things can make you a better candidate for the job. List the courses you've taken and explain how they will help in this new position. Talk about your freelancing experience and what you learned and accomplished during that time. Discuss the volunteer programs you've been a part of, like the PTA or Cub Scouts. Share your travels with your prospective employer. At the very least, they may find comfort in knowing you've "been there, done that" and won't be taking off to travel the world again!
Never let go of your network. While you might not be 100 percent in the industry right now, you should always stay in touch with your former colleagues and clients. Whether it's liking a post they shared on LinkedIn, attending networking events, reaching out to them via email or even meeting for coffee every few months. Maintaining your relationships will offer insight into how the industry is adapting and keep you abreast of the changes and developments. These tools and industry know-how can serve you well when you are ready to test the waters again.
Where your colleagues are concerned, it'll also keep you fresh in their minds. Those lunch dates and email exchanges will showcase the fact that you've still been actively involved in the industry -- even if it was from a backseat view. If a job opens up down the line, they'll be more open to recommending it to you. Use LinkedIn Pulse to read the most relevant industry news that your professional community is reading and sharing, so you're in the know when you return to work.
What Photos Should you Share with your LinkedIn Network?
On the heels of announcing that they reached 300 Million members, LinkedIn introduced a brand newmobile feature today. Members are now able to share photographs on LinkedIn with their mobile device.
Why is this so important? We live in a visual world. Being able to express who we are and what we do through photos is essential. Sometimes we don't have the time or the right words to express what we do. The ability to quickly snap a photo while you are in the moment helps illustrate it for you.
We've seen how other social networks have been able to use this process on a personal level. However, having LinkedIn on board will help professionals worldwide tell a different story. While people might be busy snapping photos of art, food, sunsets or funny selfies, LinkedIn is taking photo sharing to the next professional level. They are inviting you to share a glimpse into what you do on a day to day at the office. We spend over 70% of our time at the office – we have a lot more to share with the world than art, food, sunsets and funny selfies.
According to LinkedIn's career expert Nicole Williams, "members who share images with their LinkedIn network are five times more likely to have other members engage with their update. Clicks and pics can be a recipe for professional success."
Not sure what to share? Why not start with a view of your workspace. "Bring the passion and energy that you have for your career to life. Use photographs to capture fun, inspiring or motivational moments throughout your day," says Williams. Snap a photo of your morning cup of Joe, a new product redesign, a powerful quote, a book you are reading or newly color coded files. Turn the cameras on your co-workers and a snap a photo of your Monday morning office meeting, your break room or your new conference space.
Upload Your Own Photo: Did you know that your LinkedIn Profile is 11 times more likely to be viewed if you include a photo? "Rather than using the typical headshot, try having someone take a shot of you in the midst of your work – during a presentation or practicing a big speech – or even in front of oven in your kitchen whites if you're a chef," says Williams.
When you're off site: Most professionals are on the move as opposed to sitting at their desks from 9-5. Exhibit your whereabouts by snapping a photo. You can share an update with your network that you are at the Ohio Marketing Convention, but by seeing photos of the booths, speakers and products in photos helps your network experience it in a much better light.
Act like an expert: The best way for a client or hiring manager to see you as a potential candidate is to see you in action. What better way to show off your expertise than a photo? If you're an architect, snap a photo of blueprints you're working on, if you work for a non-profit snap a photo of a walk-a-thon you managed, or if you're an event director take a photo of beautiful affair you created.
7 Tips to Spring Clean Your LinkedIn Profile
Spring has officially arrived. While you clean up your home and store your winter attire don't forget to tackle your LinkedIn profile. It's most likely been a while since you updated your profile, added new connections and touched base with your network. Grab a cup of coffee and get started.
Your profile picture is old.
Use a photo that's no more than five years old on your LinkedIn profile. If it's older than that you're misrepresenting yourself and most likely aging yourself. Perms, feathered hair and Jennifer Aniston cuts retired back in the 80's and 90's. Listen up - those do's, clothes and awkward photo backgrounds are making you seem older than you actually are. Embrace your experience and update your profile so it feels fresh, timely and energetic. Remember, the interviewer has to recognize you when you walk through that door. The best photo is a colorful headshot of you in professional attire. Tilt your chin up, pull your shoulders back and smile. LinkedIn professionals who upload a photo are 11 times more likely to have their profile viewed.
List all your experience.
Experience counts – list it all. A LinkedIn profile with more than one job listed is 12 times more likely to be viewed than one with a single job. And it doesn't matter if you've changed industries. One great example is a friend who said, "I used to work in PR when I first started and now I'm in marketing. How could that help?" It turns out that the agency she interviewed with was very impressed with her PR background. She had skills other marketers didn't. She knew how to sell a brand to the media which is a huge asset when promoting a product. Your volunteer work, freelance, and even internships can positively impact your professional profile. Remember to upload projects and presentations to your profile. This feature trulylets your work speak for itself. Your network can comment on or like your work, which can naturally start a conversation about future projects or jobs.
Create Water Cooler Conversation.
At a loss for what to chat about in the break room? Check out LinkedIn Pulse which allows you to customize your home page through subscriptions to channels for trending news coming from your industry. You can also follow inspirational Influencers like Richard Branson and Arianna Huffington. Check out what Diane Von Furstenberg has to say about the fashion industry or Workplace Happiness Tips via Gretchen Rubin. Adding these channels will keep the conversation growing and evolving on LinkedIn and at the office.
Make Time to Reconnect.
You've spent time growing your network but when was the last time you reconnected? Don't accept and forget. Your LinkedIn network is as valuable as the relationships you create and sustain. By all means, connect with someone you met at an event or even yoga class. Always give them a reference to remember who you are. You want to take these first-level connections and build them into more robust relationships where you can help them and they can help you. For example, "Hi, I'm Sarah we met at the Engineering Conference in Dayton. We chatted about our businesses and you gave me that great recommendation of a developer." Make a point to message everyone in your network once a year. It's a great way to catch up, keep the conversation going and stay on their minds throughout the year.
Get a Stamp of Approval.
We often trust our friends when they are setting us up on a date, our doctors on what vitamins to take and our local bartender on what new special drink to try. A recommendation always helps set you apart. Ask clients, co-workers and former bosses to pen one for your LinkedIn profile. Ask them to highlight a particular skill, such as event planning or your social media skills. Consider asking for a recommendation while you're in the midst of a project working your tail off. That's when your hard work is top of mind and they're more motivated to do it. That recommendation will live on your LinkedIn profile and act as evidence to your amazing work.
Check on the Competition.
We all know that job hunting can get discouraging. If you're not seeing results it might be time to give your profile a bit of makeover. Have you tried checking out your competition? It doesn't hurt to see how other people in your industry are presenting themselves. On LinkedIn, use the Advanced People Search feature to see "what other people in your industry are listing as skills and specialties." Research the buzzwords in your field and insert them into your profile. Many recruiters use software to sort for these types of words or phrases.
It's all about the Match.
How do you take initiative and actually find the job of your dreams? Take advantage of your own ability for some online reconnaissance. Follow companies that you're interested in, and identify groups that contain your industry's best and brightest. That way, not only do you get a sense of who you want to work for, but by the time you get to the interview stage, you're also able to bring all of your unique talents and experiences to the table and help them to see that not only are they the perfect fit for you, but also that you are the perfect fit.
6 Job Tips for Recent Graduates
You have a few months to go before you say Sayonara to school and officially become a working professional. You might have taken Psych 101 but chances are you never took a class on how to get a job or what to do when you scored your dream gig.
What if you're applying for your first job...ever: If you've recently graduated from a Masters, MBA or undergraduate program your first thought will most likely be...I have NOTHING to put on my resume. I have never worked! Except, that isn't exactly true. List your hobbies, clubs, conferences, volunteer experiences and activities you are a part of. Have you ever had a leadership role (class president, yearbook editor, captain of JV Field hockey) list it! You should also include what you learned from your school courses; business, teamwork, computer programs, marketing skills, public speaking, etc. All of these items should be a part of your resume. You'll see how quickly your resume fills up after some analysis.
Conquering a job interview: Be prepared. You would never show up to class without reading an assignment and same goes for a good interview. Come armed with information about the company, your boss, and your role. Sign onto LinkedIn and study the Company Page and the career trajectory of your hiring manager.
Be wary of pushy parents: Your parents will always want the best for you but there is a professional line they should never cross. Under no circumstance should your mom and dad be at the interview with you or apply for you. Think I'm kidding? A parent at my firm did just that. He didn't see anything odd about asking me to hire his daughter to be an intern and tell me how great she would be, how he'd be involved and how much he'd be "checking in."
Your parents would never take a test for you or sit in your Spanish class...I hope... same rules apply for the office. You should ask your parents to reach out to their network of co-workers, clients, and friends to see if someone might know of a job opening up. After that, YOU need to be the first point of contact -- not your mom. You could also ask your parents to review your resume or help you with a mock interview. After that, though, you are on your own.
When the new boss is always M.I.A.: If you only have a ask your questions the first few minutes of the day. Let them know you are interested in the business and want to be the best employee for them. Have an idea? Let them know that moving the straws next to the soda cups creates efficiency.
When the office is cliquey: High school cliques annoyingly also exist off campus. Often times these mean girls will at first see you as a threat. Be as friendly as you can to them and try to learn. Make them feel like they are the BMOC. However, if they are still icy – do your best to ignore them. Don't let it get to you and focus on the job at hand.
Ready for a promotion? Before you ask, make sure you deserve it. Here's a list of 4 questions you need to ask yourself:
- Are you helping the company's bottom line?
- Are you punctual and working overtime if you have last-minute client requests?
- Have you been there longer than six months?
- Have you felt that you've made your boss' life easier and are taking on more responsibilities?
If so -- go in for the ask. If not, be the best employee you can be and ask for a promotion 30 days down the line. If you are asking, make sure you come prepared with reasons why you have earned this. Have sales increased since you started? Are you able to get through your work much faster than other employers? Have you created a business website or helped with the social media strategy? Are you volunteering for projects outside your typical responsibilities?
Making a grand & graceful exit: Your employer knows that you won't be at their firm forever. Set up a meeting to chat privately. Start off the conversation by letting them know how amazing it has been to work there (even if it wasn't) and how much you have learned from them as a boss. Then let them know you'll be leaving and will give 2 weeks' notice so they have time to find someone to replace you.
Always end on good terms with a boss – you never know if you'll want the job again down the line or which business owners your boss is friends with in town. You'll also want to count on them for a reference.
Never Say These 5 Things in an Interview
After sending your resume out, you finally have a job interview. Here are 5 things you should never say or wear during an interview.
Not: What do you do here?
Fix: If you walk into an interview and you ask the interviewer what they do at the organization that is a fail. First off, you should have researched the company. Secondly, you should have looked up the person you are interviewing with on LinkedIn. Never go into an interview unprepared.
Not: I left because my boss hated me.
Fix: Never, under any circumstances say an unkind word about your boss, coworkers or company. You never want to insert the negative in a job interview.. Always keep things upbeat and positive. Loyalty and trust go a long way in terms of employment. Your new boss wants to ensure you'll use that same digression during your potential career with them.
Not: Over inflating your salary.
Fix: The jigs up. With platforms like Glassdoor and Salary.com as well as industry insight, hiring managers have a general idea of what you are making. If you over ask (and I'm talking more than the cursory 5-10% - you have a big chance of not getting the job. It shows you have unrealistic expectations and have not properly analyzed the market. It's encouraged to negotiate but know what is appropriate.
Not: Not wearing the right clothes.
Fix: Do your homework. Understand the company culture by studying the type of office environment they envision. Don't show up to a start up in a three-piece suit and don't show up to a PE firm in dark jeans and a blazer. You need to look the part. Look like you could easy blend into the team.
Not: You admit to being desperate.
Fix: No hiring manager wants to hire someone who has bounced around from interview to interview. They want to know that you are a strong candidate who is passionate about the position and the product. They want to know your strengths, ideas, and insights. Keep your interview track record under the table. Lead with confidence and understanding of the company.
What to Wear to Your Start Up Interview
You are set to graduate in May and already starting to interview. You've studied the company and have prepared your interview QA. But what do you wear? Your college career counseling office always adheres to the dark suit uniform, but you know the tech scene is much less formal. What do you do?
Working in the tech scene as a coder or programmer in Silicon Valley requires a very different wardrobe than the rest of the country. You want to look like you fit in for any job you apply for. Nix the suit but err on the side of business casual. Dark denim, blazers and a heel's for women and a closed toed shoe for men (no sneakers).
The tech scene can thank Steve Jobs for his informal approach to tech with jeans and a black turtleneck. It can also applaud Mark Zuckerberg for famously introducing the hoodie and flip-flops to tech company culture. We're sure Mark never thought he would be a fashion icon. Yet, his style has helped dictate what is appropriate for billion dollar businesses like Facebook. Yet, going into the actual interview, unless you are the founder of a billion dollar enterprise – stick with business casual and don't get too comfortable. Especially if you are only at the initial interviewing stage.
It's just clothes, does it really matter? Your attire tells the interviewer the type of environment you want to work in. If they see you dressed up very formally they'll make the assumption that you wouldn't want to actually work for their company. They don't see you as a natural fit. When they look at their sea of current employees and then at you – they want you to be able to be one of them. There is a difference from looking casual to looking like you rolled off the couch. Make sure you clothes are pressed and clean. Your hair, shoes, bag are all well-kept and organized. You might be wearing a button down short but if it's wrinkled, it'll only distract the interviewer from the words that are coming out of your mouth.
Still clueless, where should you turn? Look on LinkedIn and see if you can get a sense of style by current employee's photos. Scan Google for write-ups of the company or photos from events. If you are really unsure of what to wear, stalk the office. A few days before the interview, stand on the other side of the street from the entrance and see what people are wearing as they come in and out of the building. What you wear is a nonverbal expression of what you want to represent. . Statement pieces are encouraged but don't get too creative unless the position calls for it: Fashion, PR, Graphic, Art Director...Whatever you do, don't wear a shirt that makes a literal statement – no graphics.
7 Ways to Survive Your Long Commute
How do you survive a long commute? People do it, because USA Today reports about 8 percent of the nation's workers take an hour or longer to get to work. Nearly 600,000 full-time workers endure 'megacommutes,' defined by new U.S. Census data on commuting as 1.5 hours and 50 miles.
I asked seven people with hour-plus daily commutes how they make the most of their time.
"On a good day, my CT-NYC commute is 1.5 hours. On a bad day, 2 hours and counting! My favorite way to pass the time is to listen to radio stations with call-in contests. Thanks to hands-free speed dial and, most important, redial, over the years I won an office visit--yes for a full hour, from the rock group Sugar Ray and tickets to a private Sheryl Crow concert! My most disappointing miss...I came in second for an all-expense paid trip to the Superbowl!"
Julie Davis Canter, author of Waddley Sees The World
"I'm learning Spanish! I commute an hour to work via train/subway and it's the perfect length of time to squeeze in practice - especially because I might not normally make the time for it otherwise! I've been thinking about learning Spanish for a while, simply because I believe it is useful to have a second language – especially one of the most commonly spoken languages in the world. Since I spend two hours out of my day getting to and from work, I wanted to make good use of the time, so I decided to commit and it's been working really well so far!"
Ashlee White, Account Coordinator, MWW
"I commute into Boston every day for work. Door-to-door, pending any delays, each one-way trip for me is about 1 hour, 40 minutes. My commute involves driving (car), commuter rail, subway, and walking. To make the most of the time I write cards - I still send birthday cards, anniversary cards, etc., so I'll fill them out and address them on the train. I always keep stationery and stamps in my bag and an Excel file of all my contacts in my Google Drive, which I pull up on the Google Drive app so I can easily fill out the recipient's address and drop off the card in the mail once I get to work.
I draft to-do lists, shopping lists, and clip coupons in the morning ride so I can easily go directly to the food store or run errands after getting off the train at night."
Meredith D'Agostino, Account Director 451marketing
"My typical week starts with an early Monday morning pick-up at my apartment in New York City. After a ride to the airport that can take anywhere between 20-45 minutes, I wait for about 15-30 minutes at the gate and read or relax. When on the plane I am either sleeping or working on my computer, depending on the week. After arriving at the destination airport, I either rent a car or take a taxi to the client site. On Thursdays, I generally arrive back in New York in the early evening and take a taxi back to my apartment. On the Thursday flights I will either read or get some work done, again depending on the week. In total my weekly commute is 8 hours."
Sander van den Bergh, Senior Business Analyst
"I live in Valencia, CA and work in LA off the 405 freeway. This means my commute in the morning is at least an hour and a half and an hour to two hours in the afternoon. This means my daily commute can be anywhere between 2.5 and 3.5 hours. If there is an accident or it's rainy that day my commute can reach 4+ hours. I take advantage of the time by calling family members during my drive who I haven't spoken to in a while. I also enjoy listening to audio books. I can get through books in less than a week easily with my drive."
Roxanna Eke, PR Associate
"We live in Hempstead, Texas, and commute into Houston, 1 hour 15 minutes each way (longer in traffic.) I commute with my 9-year-old child, and we listen to the Broadway channel on
Sirius/XM and discuss the songs and singers. When we aren't listening to music, my daughter practices her singing for voice class or she does her homework in the back seat out loud so that I can listen and correct her if necessary."
Tobi Kosanke, Senior Geologist, Marathon Oil Company
"I have a 5-hour commute. I drive from Michigan to Pittsburgh and back every other week. I purchased an Audible account and use to learn about business or enjoy it for pleasure."
John W. Beiter, Ph.D., Executive Coach & Psychologist
IAC Swipes Left on Tinder CEO
Tinder's 28-year-old CEO and creator, Sean Rad, is being demoted. Rad created the popular dating app while he was working for Hatch Labs an incubator for IAC.
The writing was on the wall for Rad when a scathing sexual harassment suit was filed earlier this year and settled in September. The suit, brought on by former Tinder executive Whitney Wolfe, stated that CMO Justin Mateen had sexually harassed her on multiple occasions.
Wolfe claimed in the suit that Mateen demoted her by removing her title of co-founder because she was a woman. She also said that she suffered from verbal abuse occurring over text messages that were allegedly sexist in nature, adding that Rad and Sam Yagan (CEO of The Match Group, a division of IAC) turned a blind eye to the abuse.
With the suit settled (and out of the public eye), the nail in the coffin was Rad allegedly calling Diller, the head of IAC, a 'd---k'--sending a photo to match the insult, according to the NY Post.
Rad got the call that he was being demoted in the midst of an announcement that he was monetizing Tinder. Last month, right before the call, he revealed the next revenue phase for the company at the Forbes Under 30 Summit in Philadelphia. "I went through every stage of mourning at once," he told Forbes. "Fear, a bruised ego. I started thinking about the company and my whole future."
Rad will act as President and remain on Tinder's board. In the meantime, he'll remain on as CEO until IAC can find an alternative. According to Rad, "We're looking for an Eric Schmidt-like person."
Tinder boasts 18 million active users and is valued between $1 billion to $5.5 billion. IAC owns a controlling stake in the company with 60 percent, while Rad's share is 10 percent.
This Mother Daughter Business Bridges Gen Y Gap
What do health, wellness, philanthropy and professional and personal development have in common? They are all the foundation of Elevate Gen Y, a company that offers live events and programming to millennials. Elevate Gen Y is run by mother/daughter duo Sharon Ufberg and Alexis Sclamberg.
After graduating from college, Sclamberg (like many young women) was clueless about what she wanted and went to law school by default. She earned her law degree and found herself in the same unsure situation -- now with a ton of debt.
After reading self-help books, listening to personal development webinars and finding nothing relating to her quarter-life crisis, she talked to her mom about the generational issue of finding life direction at a particular phase of life.
"It was immediately obvious that this was our chance to work with one another to put our hearts and passions together to create something amazing," Sclamberg says. Her mom spent over 30 years as a health care practitioner guiding people to live more empowered and healthier lives.
"I wanted to learn how to make wise decisions (not just practical ones)," Sclamberg adds. "My generation needs community, inspiration, empowerment. We need to feel like we're not alone in this crazy time that is your 20's and 30's."
So Elevate Gen Y was born.
The company creates live events and online programming for women in their 20s and 30s to inspire and empower them to live happy, healthy, meaningful lives and back to their community and the world. They, in term, are inspired by the email they receive from women about connections they've made and how the program has changed their lives.
The mother and daughter seem to enjoy their work together and are ready to embark on "The Borrowed Wisdom World Summit, a 12-week interview series featuring self-help experts, world-renowned doctors, celebrities and more. "We've spent years searching and have found the very best experts to help listeners get a life they love," says Sclamberg
What's the biggest piece of wisdom they've borrowed so far?
"People are very generous and willing to help you if you are brave enough to ask for what you need," says her mom.
22 Best Quotes on the Fearless Life
I had the good fortune to attend Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life weekend, the inaugural women's conference of Cosmopolitan magazine. Inspiring? Where do I begin? Here are 22 nuggets of wisdom I picked up from the awesome attendees.
TwitterGabby Bernstein
"Our presence is our greatest source of power. Our presence is what makes people want to hire us." @GabbyBernstein
Motivational speaker, Gabby Bernstein explained how your projection to the world is what captures an employer's attention. You could say all the 'right' things but if you don't believe in what you're saying and present confidence – you won't score the job, promotion, raise or new client.
"Unplug so you can hear yourself." @BEVERLYBOND
Beverly Bond, DJ and Founder of Black Girls Rock, encouraged the audience to take a step back and tune out noise to focus on your authentic self.
"Women are building this country! Creating 60% of new jobs and 100% of babies!"@ninagvaca
CEO and Founder of the Pinnacle Group, Nina Vaca inspired the crowd by reinforcing women's worth in the job market.
"Empower yourself. Don't sit in fear or be immobilized by the 'what if.'" @ItsGabrielleU
Actress and Activist, Gabrielle Union encouraged the crowd to stop playing the 'what if' game and start living.
TwitterKelly Osborne
"Do one nice thing for yourself every day." @KellyOsbourne
Fashion Police Host, Kelly Osbourne struggled to find her authentic self and got lost on a dark path. After a lot of self exploration (and therapy) she was able to find the good in herself, which motivated her to create her fabulous career on E!.
"Fashion acts as a conversation starter. Your #fashion speaks before you do. " @Vargas44
Katherine Vargas, Director of Hispanic Media for the White House shared that fashion in the White House is serious. She explained that not only is it a good networking tool but what you wear translates your professional brand before you have a chance to introduce yourself.
"Think about what you want to be noticed for before you get dressed." @Refinery29
Editor-in-Chief of Refinery29 Christine Barberich takes fashion seriously. The items you wear tell a story about who you are make sure that story aligns with your professional brand."
"Start changing our habits to start living our lives in a new way." @JasonSilva
Jason Silva, host of Brain Games on National Geographic , explored the need to interrupt your regular routine to find new opportunities.
"When we settle it's because we are living by someone else's rules."@JillianMichaels
Celebrity trainer and author Jillian Michaels told the crowd to stop settling. Don't let other people's negativity stop you from succeeding and living the life you want.
"You have to go beyond where you are comfortable otherwise you are not progressing." @dkny
Aliza Licht, SVP of global communication at Donna Karan and DKNY GIRL, the company's award winning Twitter account explained that being at a comfortable place is actually not a good thing. Shake it up. Go outside of your realm and keep growing in your field.
TwitterAlicia Quarles
"You don't become successful alone. You have to rely on other people."@alicialquarles
E! News correspondent, Alicia Quarles explained success isn't a woman job. A team of people helps her do her best everyday.
"If you don't put yourself out there, you aren't going to get anywhere." @ChristinaTosi
Chef and founder of the delicious momfuku milk bar, Christina Tosi's advice resonated with the crowd. If you aren't willing to take the first step and showcase your wants to the world - no one will hear them and your career won't be able to soar.
"Presence increases power & power increases presence. Fake it until you become the best version of yourself." @amyjccuddy
We've all heard 'fake it til you make it.' Amy Cuddy, psychologist and professor at Harvard Business School has officially given the free pass to do just that.
"It's good to be good. There's a helpers high in helping someone." @drmegjay
"The strength of weak ties. The unique value of the people you don't know well."@drmegjay
Psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Meg Jay instructed the audience not to turn to our internal circle of co-workers, family and close friends but instead reach out to people we aren't so close to. These people are more apt to see you and your work with fresh eyes and will be able to invite you to tap into a brand new network. She also explained there is science beyond why it feels good to help someone -- whether it's to find a date, new job, client or even restaurant recommendation. It feels good to be helpful.
"Network, network, network. Who you know is what you know." @SallieKrawcheck@EllevateNtwk
Sallie Krawcheck is a pioneer in the finance industry. In a sea of men, she'd often be the only woman in the room. She acquired 85 Broads and turned it into theEllevate Network and truly felt her key to success was the people she met along the way.
"I do believe in fake it til you make it." @megynkelly
Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly has always gone after what she wants. She does not take no for an answer.
"Attitude and drive are your key to success," says @spanx.
Many women owe a huge thank you to Spanx founder and CEO Sara Blakely. Through sheer tenacity, she transformed the hosiery industry, and became one of the youngest self-made female billionaires.
TwitterCosmo Editor-in-Chief Joanna Coles
Since she was the emcee, Cosmo Editor-in-Chief Joanna Coles had a ton of great advice for the crowd.
Learn what your maximum value is at your current company. @JoannaColes
Understand what the company can offer you monetarily as you move up the ranks.
What are her interview do's and don'ts?
"Don't tell @JoannaColes (or any boss) you need to leave by 5pm."
"Never plop you purse on your interviewer's desk." @JoannaColes
"I want to be surrounded by high energy and upbeat people." @JoannaColes
"I like fast talkers." @JoannaColes
Where To Intern: Vault's Top 50
If you are in college (or have a child who is), it's time to start the search for a summer 2015 internship. While some people might think seven months is a bit too far in advance to start searching, they would be wrong. Competition to get an internship in your desired industry, much less company, is aggressive.
Internships act as a solid bridge between the academic and business worlds. Good internships connect you with great contacts, experience and a good working understanding of the industry. The best internships provide you with tangible training, relationship-building events, hands-on experience and career development seminars. Vault.com recently released their list of the Top 50 Internships for 2015.
Vault surveyed 5,800 interns at 100 different internship programs for theirInternship Experience survey. The survey was based on the following criteria: "quality of life, compensation and benefits, interview process, career development, and full-time employment prospects."
"Today, 40 percent of all entry-level full-time hires in the U.S. are sourced through internship programs," according to Derek Loosvelt, a senior editor at Vault.com. "This means that, for those looking to work for the most desired and admired employers in the country, internships are no longer a luxury but a necessity."
10 Best Overall Internships for 2015:
1. Bates White Summer Consultant Program
2. Elliot Davis ENVISION
3. Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP's Summer Internship
4. Bain & Company Associate Consultant Intern and Summer Associate programs
5. Northwestern Mutual Internship
6. Plante Moran's Internship Experiences
7. KPCB Fellows Program
8. Evercore Advisory Summer Analyst and Summer Associate Program
9. CapTech Summer Internship Program
10. Anadarko Corporation Summer Internship Program
Vault, in addition to ranking the Best Overall Internships, also ranked internship programs in seven industries: Accounting, Consulting, Energy, Financial Services,Investment Banking, Media & Telecom, and Retail & Consumer Products.
Best Accounting Internship: Elliot Davis ENVISION
Best Consulting Internship: Bates White Summer Consultant Program
Best Energy Internship: Anadarko Petroleum Summer Internship Program
Best Financial Services Internship: Northwestern Mutual Internship
Best Investment Banking Internship: Evercore Advisory Summer Analyst and Associate Program
Best Media & Telecommunications Internship: AT&T Finance Leadership Program
Best Retail & Consumer Products Internship: Kohl's Information Technology Internship
According to Loosvelt, the company has been studying, surveying and ranking employers for quite some time. Mainly focusing on consulting, law, banking and now expanding into consumer products, tech, energy, media and entertainment. Why study the internship programs of these industries?
"Internships have been growing in importance, as nearly half of all entry-level full-time jobs at the top employers in the country are now sourced through their internship programs. So we found it important to give readers a better sense of the best internship programs out there, and to give them information about what it's like to intern at top employers as well as how to get these internships," says Loosvelt.
Loosvelt says Millennials are looking for jobs and careers that have meaning.
"Of course, prestige and salary are still important to Millennials, but I don't think they're the most important factors by far (like I think they were to, say, Generation X). I think Millennials want to make an impact. They want to feel their work is meaningful (the definition of what's meaningful varies, of course, from person to person)," says Loosvelt. Some people might want to advance the tech field in Silicon Valley, others might find their meaning in charity, while others are spreading awareness via social media or through education.
"Millennials are very focused on career advancement and training," Loosvelt says. "They're attracted to positions in which they'll be able to make difference right away-that is, being able to contribute to their firm's success without much waiting/training period. And they want to know that they'll be able to advance quickly if they succeed. They shy away from strict advancement time periods. And I believe that Millennials are also less fearful when it comes to changing careers and entrepreneurship -- starting their own ventures. This might just be because it's easier to start businesses these days; for example, brick-and-mortar stores aren't necessary to begin because, in most cases, all you need is a web domain and an idea; it doesn't take that much money to get going."
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Millennials will be the majority of the workforce in 2015. Loosvelt agrees that more companies (like the ones ranked in the study) are putting more time and resources into their programs in order to attract top talent and retain them.
There has been a major switch as companies have been putting a greater emphasis on training and development in internship programs. "This is partly, I assume because they realize it pays to do this. If you treat your internship program like one long training period (and now sometimes students will intern two and three summers with the same firm), once your interns start full time with you, they're ready to perform real work, not to mention they're apt to stay at your firm for a lot longer period of time that is, they'll be less apt to jump ship to another firm just for the money since they have a stronger connection (more loyalty) to you," says Loosvelt.
"Companies are increasingly offering better benefits and perks," he adds, "as they understand that Millennials are interested in flexible schedules (to raise families and/or engage in outside-of-work activities) and in having a community feeling at work, which wasn't so much the case with respect to past generations."
What Suits You? Finding Attire That's the Right Fit For Your Industry
It takes about six seconds to make a first impression, and what you're wearing is a huge nonverbal and often subconscious way of ensuring the interviewer/client/coworker thinks you're a great fit. But before you reach for that bulky suit on the rack, think again.
These days, women can let go of the boxy power suits of the 1980s. Women wore these suits to blend into their environment, to subtly tell men that you were one of the guys and part of the team. Suits gave women power and confidence.
These days the modern suit is much different--it's all about fit. Stay away from blazers with shoulder pads and try on a style that cinches around your waist. What's paramount now is dressing for your industry. Every office, field and work environment is different.
If you're in finance or law, for instance, chances are you need to stick to a suit. However, stay on trend. While the pant suits you wore the 80s and 90s might still fit, that doesn't mean they are still the right fit and doing you any good at the office. In fact, they're most likely aging you. Take a look at what the senior women are wearing and take your cues from them. You can insert your style by adding a dash of color with your blouse or a statement necklace.
Corporate finance or law are also industries that tend to favor suits over other, more casual getups. Find one that complements your specific field. Remember, fit trumps quality. Visit a tailor to shorten a sleeve or (if they're a fit for your office) hem a skirt.
Before buying another shirt because it's on sale or accepting your older sister's hand-me-down blazer, think before you put it on. Does the fit, quality, and style truly compliment your professional brand? You'd never submit a report that was disorganized or create a PowerPoint that was all over the place. Extend this attention to detail to your work wardrobe.
4 Dos and Don't for Your Office Holiday Party
Office holiday parties are a great place to mix and mingle with your co-workers, clients, and bosses. They're not a great time to slug down shots, make out with a coworker, or wear an embarrassing outfit. Yet for many, these things happen every year. Here's how you can avoid the office holiday trap and have a great time.
When the boss behaves badly... Oftentimes people think the partygoers who act the most disastrously are the employees. But what happens when it's your boss? In a previous job, I directed charity events and enlisted friends to help out during the event. Towards the end of the night, after many tequila shots, one of my superiors started getting chummy with one of my friends. He asked me across the bar if he "had my blessing."
He was twice her age, she was tipsy...he didn't, but what could I say? They stumbled out together shortly thereafter, with most of the company watching. Fast-forward to the next morning, when my friend gives me the play by play before having a chat with my boss. He apologized for his actions and came clean as soon as he saw me. I admire him, but it gave me an impactful lesson that when you are a boss, you need to set a different set of standards – including during the company party. You don't need your firm seeing you in a negative light.
Set a two-drink max. We've all been there. The top shelf open bar and tiny apps = danger zone. Before any holiday party, make sure you have a hardy lunch/snack, because chances are that the tuna tartar and caviar are going to enhance any alcohol you might consume. It's fine to drink amongst co-workers, but give yourself a limit of two drinks and switch to seltzer after that. I'll never forget seeing a much older co-worker who got so drunk she stumbled down a flight of stairs and needed to be escorted home, or the co-worker who tripped and blew out the whole sound system for an event. Don't be that person.
Don't be a Christmas tree. It's fine to dress up in the holiday spirit, but keep it tasteful. This is your time to shine and rub elbows with people you don't always come in contact with, i.e. the big boss and clients. Don't wear a hilarious ugly Christmas sweater and reindeer ears – save that for a family party.
On that note, don't wear too many sequins or a low cut dress – you want to wear something that gets you noticed but not glared at. A former intern of mine literally wore a Christmas tree one year. Sure, it was hysterical--but wrong place, wrong time.
Avoid being a wallflower. Holiday parties are often the best place to get in touch with people with whom you're ordinarily unable to chat. Are you interested in working with the marketing department? Get to know the team and ask them about their projects.
And be sure you make time to chat with your boss. Need some conversation inspiration? Log into LinkedIn and check out what's been going on in your industry. Recent product launches or acquisitions by your competitors? Pick his or her brain and add your two cents on the topic.
While the rest of your co-workers are indulging in the open bar, try and chat with at least five people with whom you're not as close. I've seen many opportunities arise from holiday parties: freelancing gigs, promotions, raises, projects. This isn't the time to chat with your cube mates--it's the time to learn about your company and see how you can add more value to it.
Should you Take Your Dog to Work?
Last month I had the opportunity to visit my friend's office. She works at a very relaxed and laid back PR firm--they even let you bring your dogs to work. As a dog lover (who hasn't owned a dog for years) this sounded like heaven. I walked into the office and my first thought was: how cute! My second thought was: how does anyone get any work done? After spending the day at this pet-friendly office, I have some points to consider before you bring Fido to your office.Allergies. Before you enforce a dog-as-the-office policy, understand that dog allergies are a real thing. Survey your staff and ask them if they are allergic or even afraid of dogs. You don't want to alienate someone just because you want to bring your dog to the office.
Doggy day care. Dogs can be, well, dogs. They are messy and sometimes have accidents--and when they do, the owner need to take care of it ASAP. I had a client inform me that she brought her young pup to her workplace, and he scurried into the CEO's office and pooped under his desk. She wasn't able to clean it and blamed it on a large rodent. Don't let yourself get tangled up in a lie.
Puppy distractions. If your dog isn't well behaved, don't bring him into work. You'll be spending more time reprimanding him than actually getting your work done. Conversely, even the best-behaved dogs can be procrastination tools. You pet him, Instagram him, introduce him to coworkers...before you know it, it's 5:00 and you haven't accomplished anything at work.
Positive attitude. Having a dog around can boost morale, especially on intense project days. Playing with a dog for few minutes can increase your energy and motivate you. However, you should time these breaks carefully. As mentioned above, five minutes can easily turn into an hour. However, dogs do increase camaraderie in offices--they are great conversation starters.
The Demise of the 9-5 Work Day
When does work stop? In truth, it doesn't. Email and smartphones have completely transformed the traditional 9-5 work model. Millennials entered the work world during this transition.
I'm not surprised that according to a recent survey by Bentley's PreparedU Project, 77 percent of millennials prefer a flex-work schedule. With Wi-Fi virtually everywhere, you can literally be online and 'accessible' anywhere. We've been able to flex-work during college, vacations, internships, and train with virtual classrooms. Email and internal instant messaging have greatly changed the typical workday.
Working 24/7 isn't the answer. There is a gray area when it comes to flexible work schedules. I believe that employees need to create an open dialogue with their bosses about their schedule. Be honest about what the hours are and what hours would work best for you. Would they mind if you started your day a bit later to hit a yoga class or left early to attend a networking event? The problem many managers face is knowing if they can trust their employee.
As for me, I put in the long hours, the face time, and my work shined. My boss completely trusts my instinct. She also works from her home and wouldn't easily be able to check in on my whereabouts without connecting with the internal office staff. My work, my work ethic, and my accountability are what allow me to have a flex-work schedule.
Understanding work needs. If you have a client on the West Coast, or worse, in Asia, you could be clocking in double or triple the hours of your coworkers. Arranging conference calls at 3:00 in the morning or constantly working on projects in the middle of the night can take a toll on anyone. If you become overworked and sleep deprived, you'll be more likely to start looking for positions elsewhere.
Speak up to your boss. Come up with a plan to ensure the work gets done, and you don't come into the office the next day looking like a zombie. Don't assume that your boss has thought of these alternative options already. Most likely, they are worried about so many things that, unfortunately, they aren't always thinking about you.
Millennials are always on. Millennials often get pegged as the generation with a terrible work ethic, but in fact, 89 percent of millennials regularly check work email after their regularly scheduled work hours, and 37 percent say they always check work email. Smartphones have truly changed the work landscape. As a community, we have a Pavlovian response when it comes to email. We see the blinking light, hear the ding of a bell and immediately need to check our messages – personal or professional. Time of day does not hinder this need to be "on."
The truth is, millennials work differently than our older counterparts, as each generation did before them; Generation X worked differently than the Boomers. Technology and awareness played a big role in that. Millennials don't have a poor work ethic- it's simply a different approach to work.
Undercover Job Search
One of the only times I have felt like a spy was when I was job searching while currently employed. You feel like you're a double agent. You're always searching for new leads, you need to pledge loyalty to both sides before jumping ship, and you need to conduct your operation under the radar. If you get caught, it's all over.
Avoid shared devices. Whenever possible, do the majority of your job hunting at home and on your own devices. And, without question, using your own email addresses. If you absolutely need to respond to queries, do this on a mobile device like your smartphone and tablet. I'd recommend uploading a copy of your resume and any other presentation materials to a shared system like DropBox or Google Drive. That way you do not need to download these files onto your work computer. You never know who might have access to your computer or how much your IT department is looking into the email you are sending from the company server. It is not worth it to test the waters.
Legally, anything you download on a work computer is the company's, not yours. Naturally, you want to only be job searching off the clock. But what if your dream job emails you and needs a response ASAP? In these cases, emailing during office hours is essential.
Attire matters. If you usually come into the office looking like you crawled out of bed and then suddenly show up in a pressed shirt and a blazer, people will notice that something is up. Make it a habit from day one of your search to always dress as if you have a job interview. You'll throw people off and even start looking the part in your current job. Keep this in mind for shoes as well. If you typically arrive in the office in duck boots and flats and then leave mid-day in heels...the jig is up. Either change into work shoes before you get into the office or vice versa. Don't give your manager a reason to doubt you.
Time it accordingly. Loyalty matters at whatever company you're working at as well as the company you are applying to. Do your best to arrange your interviews before work, on your lunch hour or after hours. Your interviewee will be empathetic to you and understand that you are trying to be fair to your current boss.
If it is absolutely imperative to meet during the day, go in for the meeting, but make up that hour or two of missed time to your current employer. Stay later or come in earlier if you have to. If you know the interview will keep you away from the office for more than 1.5 hours, it would be wise to take PTO. You can typically ask your hiring manager how much time you should allot for the interview. If you are meeting with four people, it's safe to say you should take PTO.
Excuses, excuses. People always ask me, "I have an interview during the day – what do I tell my boss?" I hate lying and think that honesty is always the best policy--except when you're looking for a new job. There is no correct answer here, but if you work in a role that normally keeps you in the office from nine to five, then you need to get creative with your answer. If you are dead set on interviewing and finding a new job, chances are you'll be interviewing plenty, and saying you have a weekly doctor's appointment isn't going to work. Instead, you could say you have a physical therapy appointment. Other ideas include a colleague that is visiting from out of town or networking. The less you say, the better.
8 Companies That Let You Being Your Dog to Work
If you are anything like me and want a pet, but your long work hours would mean leaving him home alone, these eight companies might be the best places for you to work. They understand that pets are a big part of company culture and work life balance. Let's take a look:
Google – The search giant's dog-friendly policy can be found in their Code of Conduct: "Google's affection for our canine friends is an integral facet of our corporate culture. We like cats, but we're a dog company, so as a general rule we feel cats visiting our offices would be fairly stressed out." However, Google makes it clear that this isn't a free-for-all. According to this CNBC article the rules are as follow:
- Employees have to get approval from their managers and work neighbors to make sure everyone's okay with it.
- Dogs aren't allowed in meetings, break areas or on the sand volleyball court.
- A one-strike policy for messes or aggressive behavior is strictly enforced.
Saatchi & Saatchi LA - This award-winning advertising agency's west coast team recognizes how important pooches are at the office. According to Candice Dorsey, the PR Supervisor for Saatchi & Saatchi LA, "We're a dog friendly workplace and anyone can bring their dog, as long as they pass training and are less than 40 pounds. We can bring them to work every day!" Candice also pointed out that in order to accommodate workers with pet-related allergies, dogs are not allowed on any piece of furniture.
Trupanion – This Seattle-based medical insurance provider for dogs and cats was founded by Darryl Rawlings and his pup Charlie. It's only natural that the company gives every employee the option to bring two well behaved pets to the office. Trupanion currently has 227 dogs (and some cats) and around 400 employees. That's a 2:1 ratio – the highest in the country. They even have a dog-walking service and a vet on site.
Kathryn Clappison, Public Relations Specialist from Trupanion, said that the company's "office petiquette" is extremely important. Employees who bring their pets to work minimize distractions through obedience training to keep dogs calm and quiet, silencing squeaky toys, and maintaining coworkers' personal space. Clappison further elaborated that the Trupanion office has been "dog-proofed" and is secured with baby gates or tethers, and the furry friends are always under supervision. "They must be up to date on vaccinations, and pet owners are offered advice on how to keep pets safe and well-behaved during the work day. Any accidents are immediately taken care of by the pet owner, and Trupanion offers cleaning resources to do so," said Clappison.
Build – A- Bear Workshop – This customizable toy company might be seeking some loveable inspiration from the cute pets that roam around their office. Their official office policy states:
"Our furry friends work alongside us at our World Bearquarters (Headquarters) and it is not uncommon to see a birthday cele-bear-ation invite sent to the office pups. All of their four-legged friends join in the fun which always seems to include birthday cake and frosty paws just for the dogs! For safety reasons we cannot have our furry friends work alongside us at our Bearhouse (Distribution Center) every day, but we do reserve several days a year to give our friends the op-bear-tunity to visit."
Defined Logic - While this digital experience consulting firm doesn't have an official policy about dogs, their team warmly welcomes any member of an employee's family into the office--even if they have four legs. Bryan C. Galloway, Business Analyst from Defined Logic, explained, "If something comes up and an employee needs to bring their dog into the office, it's not an issue as long as the dog is well behaved and does not interfere in the office. We had one dog that was snapping at everyone, so that obviously didn't work."
Usually, though, they do. Galloway's favorite involved one employee's dog running into the conference room during a meeting, jumping up on a chair, and quietly watching the entire meeting, as if she was ready to jump in with an idea at any moment. "We even included her in the meeting attendance," he said. "Sometimes our personal lives overlap with work and it's great to have an employer who recognizes this and is willing be flexible."
Kimpton Hotels – While this hotel chain extends an invite to guests with furry companions (without an extra fee) they also have a Director of Pet Relations at several of their properties. The program started in 2004 and uses a well-behaved and friendly dog as the "honorary staff of the canine persuasion to help greet guests and test out their pet-approved products.
The hotel has been welcoming pets since 1981; founder Bill Kimpton would often bring his pet to work. According to an article on their website regarding their pet policy, "As with all our employees, we have a pretty intense screening process for our Directors of Pet Relations. Dogs that possess a loving spirit, follow directions well, and know when it's appropriate to engage with a guest and when to give them space are top candidates for the job. A love of the limelight doesn't hurt either, as many of our directors have been featured in articles and on television."
Etsy – This crafty e-commerce company understands how dogs can greatly impact their internal company culture. They have been dog-friendly for almost 10 years. According to Employee Experience Manager Sarah Starpoli, "It's one of the ways we strive to maintain a casual, creative, and inspiring work environment. In addition to sharing meals, riding bikes to our local farm to compost office waste, and volunteering, bringing our dogs to work helps keep spirits high and fosters a sense of community and connection that is paramount to what Etsy is all about."
Zynga – Developing games on a daily basis sounds awesome enough, but being able to bring your pooch to work doubles it. The company is named after the founder Mark Pincus' American bulldog, Zinga, and it's always been a dog-friendly operation. At Zynga, the ratio of employees to pups is about 9:1. According to Colleen McCreary, the Chief People Officer, dogs have always been a part of Zynga culture. Zynga also has an area for doggy bathrooms, aptly named the "barking lot." They also look after your pet's well-being by offering pet insurance and dog food on site.
How to Help an Out-Of-Work Friend
What is the best way to help your recently unemployed friend? The number-one thing you can do is listen and be there for them...but don't go overboard. As friends, we have a tendency to go big, but a job search is a highly stressful situation--something the job seeker needs to be ready for.
Talk to them. Ask them if they'd like help. Would they want you to act as a career coach? Someone who helps them stay accountable and also sends job listings? Some people have done their homework and know what they want, and that might not be at the end of a job listing. Other people are more open to it, so ask before you go ahead. Don't make empty promises. If you offer to set them up for an informational interview or connect them to someone in their industry, follow up on it.
Practice makes perfect. Offer to look at their resume, and if they are open to it, edit it. You can also help them with mock interviews and by offering feedback for their elevator pitches. Recommend them to sites like the Muse, LinkedIn, and Wakefield. Another thing a great friend could do to go above and beyond is to use a smartphone to record a mock interview. It's helpful to see yourself in action. Do you have a nervous habit of tapping your shoe or tugging your sleeve? Do you speak too fast or use a lot of expressions like "like," "um," or "at the end of the day"?
Use motivating words. Keep their energy level up. Many people tend to get depressed, discouraged and desperate during a long job search. It wears you down not getting called in for an interview or not getting called back for a job. That's a ton of daily rejection. Remind them how much of an all-star they really are. Advise them to try and freelance or put their skills in motion by volunteering. Remind them that their situation could and does happen to everyone and that it's a matter of circumstance--not reflective of their talent.
Check in. Every friend and friendship are different. If you are very close, ask--but drop it if your friend isn't too chatty on the subject. Change gears and talk about other matters. Don't let your hangouts turn into marathon job-searching sessions. Your friend most likely wants a break from thinking about their dead-end job or unemployed status. Your friendly conversations act as an escape.
Squash tension and negativity. Is your relationship as friends suffering while your friend looks for work? Talk about the friendship, not about the job search. Chances are that it's the job search tension that is subconsciously causing the negativity. I once recommended an unemployed friend to interview at another friend's firm. She was so unprepared and unprofessional in her email introduction and the interview itself that it ended up souring the friendship.
Are they simply venting? Do you have a friend who might be stuck in a dead-end job? Do they truly want to make a change? We have all vented about our jobs to a friend from time to time. The commute, the nosy coworker, the mountains of Excel work, endless business trips...but do they really want a new job, or do they just need to de-stress? Before offering to look at their resume or set them up with job leads, actually ask them what their next move might be.