How to Land the Job You're Overqualified For

Photo: Christina Jones Photography

You have all of the qualifications and more, but you just can’t seem to land the job. Sound familiar? It’s harder to land a job that you’re overqualified for than you might think.

Employers want to hire an employee who is the right fit in every sense of the phrase. If an employer sees you as overqualified, their concern might be that the compensation won’t be enough to keep you in the role, or worse, that you’ll be bored in the role and won’t do well.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management, the result of poor job fit and employee turnover can cost an organization between 50 to 60% of the person’s annual salary. In other words, companies have to be extremely strategic when it comes to hiring, so if an interviewer or hiring manager has any inkling that you might not be the best candidate to fill the role, they will likely go with someone else.

Here are some tips for how to apply for a job you’re overqualified for—and get it!

TAILOR YOUR RÉSUMÉ TO THE JOB

Customize your résumé to meet the exact position you’re interested in. This is important when applying for any job, but when you’re overqualified for a position, it becomes even more crucial.

When you’re trying to customize your résumé to meet a job you’re overqualified for, the key is to highlight all of the skills and qualifications that the desired job description holds, and downplay unnecessary information that might deter someone from hiring you.

For example, if you held the title of client relationship manager and did everything from sales to client onboarding, to office management and administrative tasks, but you’re applying for an administrative assistant, you’ll want to highlight the office management and client-facing communication, and you’ll most likely want to downplay the sales aspects of your previous role.

Note: This does not mean that you should “dumb down” your résumé. It’s always great to highlight that you’re smart, strong, and capable, however when you’re applying for a job that you’re overqualified for, you need to highlight the requirements of the given job description and show your potential employer why you will be great and satisfied with the role. 

WORK THAT COVER LETTER

You can only customize a résumé so much. Your cover letter is where you can explain exactly why you want this specific position, and why you would be amazing at it. When you’re applying for a job that you’re overqualified for, use the cover letter to explain why you want to take on a role that may be beneath you.

This could be any reason, from caring deeply about a cause or wanting to work with this specific company, or even something more personal like relocation due to a family member. Whatever your reason is, use your cover letter to explain yourself and show the reader that you truly do want the position even if it might be a lower-level position that you’ve held in the past.

CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE

It’s easy to feel like you’re a shoo-in for the role if you have all of the qualifications and more, but try your best to look at it from the perspective of the hiring manager. Take note of the potential downfalls of hiring someone overqualified for the position, and aim to highlight why that won’t be a problem in your documents. Show all of the reasons why it would be beneficial to hire you and show the reader why you really want the job. Employers want to hire candidates who want to be there, and if you can show that through your résumé and cover letter, you will have a much better shot at securing the role.

Landing a job that you’re overqualified for is harder than you might expect, but if you can persuade your potential employer that you really want to take on the job and that you’re excited about it, the process will be much easier. Remember that it is a risk to hire an employee who is overqualified for a position, and show your potential employer why you’re worth that risk!

About the Author: A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a certified professional résumé writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish an individual’s application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your résumé, style, and boost your confidence.

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This story was originally published on May 17, 2018, and has since been updated.

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"If You Aren’t Growing in a Role—Whether That's Your Title, Salary, or Responsibilities—Leave ASAP!"

Photo: Courtesy of Cassandra Dittmer

Walking away from a 9-to-5 job with a steady paycheck and health benefits to start your own business isn’t easy. To help you to take the plunge, we’re introducing a new monthly editorial series The Case for Quitting where we ask self-employed women all about how they successfully struck out on their own, from how they balanced their side-hustle with their full-time job to how much money they saved before handing in their two-week notice. This month, we caught up with fashion stylist Cassandra Dittmer who has not once but twice left a full-time job to start her own venture. Here are her tips for when it's time to put in your two-week notice.

What was your major in college and what did you want to do when you graduated? 

Apparel merchandising and design with an emphasis on international relations. I wanted to be a fashion designer or work in trend forecasting.   

What did you actually do after you graduated? What types of jobs did you apply to and what industry were you looking to break into?

I graduated and 48 hours later drove out to Los Angeles. I was looking to break into the fashion industry and definitely wasn’t looking to be in entertainment. I had interned the previous summer for a celebrity stylist and she offered me an unpaid gig while I was looking for paid work. I took the opportunity so that I could be boots on the ground in L.A. looking for work and taking freelance styling jobs. I fell in love with the styling industry and, at the time, was only interested in styling gigs.  

How did you get into fashion?

I was always interested in fashion from a very young age. I grew up in rural Iowa and always loved how dreamy and artistic the fashion industry appeared. It seemed so glamorous and foreign to me. My mom got me really interested in personal style and runway shows very early on. She was always dressed to the nines and instilled in me the mindset to dress for yourself and cultivate a deep sense of personal style. Where I grew up had absolutely nothing related to the fashion industry. Every internship started with a lot of cold emails. Instagram didn’t exist at the time and I would exhaust myself emailing every stylist in the industry for an interview. Eventually, I flew out to L.A. one weekend my junior year of college and literally knocked on doors until I could convince someone to hire me as an intern.  

What was it like balancing your full-time job with your passion? Do you recommend starting a side-hustle while you have a full-time job? 

I barely know any other way at this point because I am constantly piling on my projects and keeping myself really busy. I think starting a side hustle when you have a full-time job is the most responsible way to start. Side hustles are important to staying agile and open-minded. I find that I access different parts of my brain when there is less pressure attached to the outcome and that brings out a whole other side of my creativity. 

How did you know when it was time to make the transition from side-hustle to full-time? What was your strategy for making the transition?  

When you can make the economics make sense it is definitely the right time to leave a full-time job. Starting any new company or venture always takes more time and capital than anticipated. The strategy is to create a schedule and stick to it. It sounds simple, but it takes a lot of discipline to put in that after-hour work and source that reserve brain energy. I started with a lot of exploratory calls and coffee dates. I would reach out to everyone I knew who had experience related to my side hustle and start to build the research out. Don’t sleep on the research and product development portion of starting a new company. This foundation should be solid before you take a leap. 

How did you prepare for the transition before quitting your full-time job? What, if anything, do you wish you’d done differently?  

Twice I have left a full-time job to start my own ventures. The first time, I left a full-time styling gig to start my own styling company. Styling is a unique industry because it’s very difficult to grow your clientele while maintaining full-time employment. At times, I wish I had waited longer and had more clients so that I didn’t have to bootstrap so hard. Other times I wish I hadn't stayed so long (almost five years) in an assistant role. If you aren’t growing in a role—whether that’s your title, salary, or responsibilities—leave ASAP! I had very little business experience and spent most of my time working directly with artists. I wish I had prioritized my business acumen as acutely and with as much emphasis as I focused on the creative.   

Were you worried about money? What advice can you share for people who are worried about leaving a steady paycheck to start a new career? 

Money was my #1 concern when leaving my job. I was luckily in zero debt but had very little savings when I changed careers. There is a lot of legwork and preparation that can be done while maintaining a full-time job. I used to make 3-month, 6-month, and year-long projections and work backward from that. I have started many collaborations and designed projects by working only 3-5 additional hours per week. Set that schedule and commit to it. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, paralyzed, and not know where to begin. The hardest part for me is starting and staying organized. I always like to approach any new venture in bite-sized chunks. Start small and accomplish things weekly so that you are giving yourself positive reinforcement. 

“You will find more fulfillment and joy out of becoming the best version of yourself.”

—Cassandra Dittmer

Did you save up first or did you just jump in headfirst? 

I wish I had saved more, but I just jumped in headfirst! I think it’s hard to find the balance between boldly betting on yourself and being naive. I only saved about 15% of my annual income at the time I quit and would not recommend starting a new venture with that little savings. 

What's the most important thing you have learned from making a big change in your career life?

I have found cultivating and maintaining a set of ethics and standards is crucial. If you can create a business that truly reflects who you are as a person and maintains high standards you will be successful. It is crucial to add real value to your customer or client. When you have cultivated a community of people and you are truly listening to their needs, you will add far more value, and therefore be indispensable. 

It’s easy to celebrate the wins, but how do you handle failure or when something hasn’t worked out for you?

I try to meet failure with a humbled mindset. I work hard to remove my ego from the situation as failure often feels so personal. At the end of the day, in business, you have to have resilience and persistence. It’s important to keep evolving and realizing that everything isn’t personal. Failure is an opportunity to grow stronger as well as be more strategic in your decision-making. It’s also nice to take a bit of time and recharge yourself when you are forced to restart. I can’t create anything meaningful when my brain isn’t clear. 

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made and learned from along the way?  

Working without contracts and making business decisions based on a handshake. I have been burned many times before, typically financially, by later realizing there is not an alignment in terms. It sounds simple, but get everything in writing and take the time to do it right the first time!  

When you look back and reflect on your previous career do you have any regrets or are you still really happy with your decision?  

At times, I have reflected on leaving a cushy job to leap into the highs and lows of self-employment, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I find immense joy in poking holes and finding gaps in the industry and market. Being my own boss and having my own company allows me to be more agile, take bigger risks, and therefore have greater rewards and fulfillment. 

Going after what you deserve in life takes confidence and guts. Does confidence come naturally to you or did you have to learn it? What advice can you share for women on cultivating confidence and going after their dreams? 

I am naturally confident, but also very self-deprecating and critical. I oftentimes wish I wasn’t so hard on myself, but I have big goals and know that requires being uncomfortable and taking calculated risks. It isn’t productive to compare yourself to others, especially other women. Everyone is dealt a different hand and has different lived experiences. All you can do is focus on your capabilities and work within those constraints. You will find more fulfillment and joy out of becoming the best version of yourself.  

What is the #1 career or money book you always recommend and why? 

It’s been years since I have read Seth Godin’s “Linchpin,” but the title sticks out to me because I remember reading it right around the time I left my first job to start my own styling company. I remember thinking that becoming indispensable and learning how to add real value as a critical mindset to embody.  

What advice can you share for someone who is thinking about leaving their current gig to pursue their side-hustle or passion?

Make sure that you are providing a service that adds value and making decisions that are solutions-based. I have made many decisions in my ego and based on what I thought was cool and that doesn’t always translate. It’s important to take a step back and build a community around the product or service you are looking to sell. Entrepreneurship and the fashion industry are both highly glorified, and it really isn’t that glamorous 99% of the time!

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4 Tips to Land a Job After an Employment Gap

Photo: Create & Cultivate

Figuring out how to find a job after a career break can be frustrating. Many jobs want to hire candidates with recent work experience, and if you don’t have that, the job application process can be extremely daunting.

While it may feel as if you’re stuck in a perpetual state of unemployment, there are many ways to get back into the workforce after extended time off.

Stay active, and show this on your résumé!

Most of the time a career break happens due to other obligations. Whether it’s raising children, taking care of a sick family member, or other personal reasons, taking time off from traditional employment rarely means that you’re just sitting around twiddling your thumbs. Even if you’re not working for profit, one of the most important things to do when you’re trying to find a job after a career break is to highlight what you’ve been doing. This can be anything from volunteering at a school or local charities, to any side projects or side jobs you’ve taken on.

Highlighting how you’ve been staying active in your community will give you something to put on your résumé and it will help you network. You never know who you’ll meet and who will notice your work ethic.  Volunteering isn’t only about networking, but it gives you something current to put on your résumé. If your last position ended years ago, your résumé may get overlooked simply because of the fact that there is nothing current on it. However, if you highlight what you’ve been doing in the interim, (i.e. volunteering, raising kids, caring for a family member, etc.) you can use that to fill in the time where you weren’t working. Even if you volunteer once a week or once a month for a span of time, you can use that to fill in employment gaps. As an added bonus, a study found that volunteering is associated with 27% higher odds of employment.

Network

Networking is essential to finding a job, but when you’re coming back after a career break, it becomes more important than ever. According to studies done by Glass Door, referrals are associated with a 2.6% to 6.6% higher chance of an accepted job offer. Reach out to recruiters, friends, and industry professionals to put the word out there that you’re looking for a position. Often people won't know that you’re in the market for a new role, and if they don’t know, they can’t help you. It’s a very small world, and you never know who might have an industry connection or information on an upcoming availability.

Go out and get coffee with friends or family in your industry. Pick their brain and ask if they have any suggestions for how to find a job after a career break. They may know of an opportunity which you can use to boost your résumé or skill set.

Another great option is to reach out to recruiters. There seems to be a negative stigma about working with recruiters, however it can be wildly beneficial, especially if you have a large employment gap on your résumé. Recruiters often have inside knowledge on positions that haven’t been posted to the public. They also have direct interaction with hiring managers and will be able to get your résumé in front of someone immediately. How do you get in touch with a recruiter? Do a simple google search or look for recruiters on LinkedIn. Recruiters are always looking for strong candidates, so if you can reach out and highlight your motivation or skills, they will almost always be willing to help with your job search.

Take a Class

Are you volunteering and networking but still find yourself with extra time on your hands? Take the opportunity to learn a new skill or brush up on old skills by taking a course. If you want to get out of the house and have somewhere to go, look into community college courses. Don’t want to make that sort of commitment? Go for online courses you can do at your own pace.

Do you notice that a lot of jobs require QuickBooks or another specific software? Take an online tutorial or course so you learn about the program and can put it in the skills matrix of your résumé. You don’t need to become an expert on it, but if you can take a course to familiarize yourself with the subject or program, you’ll be able to include that information on your résumé. Ensuring that you have the skills and software knowledge that employers are looking for will help you find a job after a career break.

At the very least, watching YouTube tutorials will give you a better understanding of how the software works. This way you can include “Familiar with [software]” on your résumé. Including this phrase will help your résumé become more searchable, and will bring you up when a hiring manager or recruiter searches for candidates with that software knowledge.

Explore Contract or Temporary Positions

The temporary employment industry employs millions of Americans. While there seems to be a negative connotation with the words “temporary” and “contract,” these positions can open many doors for you. Contract and/or temporary work can help you in four main ways:

• It will give you current work to put on your résumé

• It gives you immediate income while you’re searching for a long term position

• It lets you network with industry professionals

• It gives you the opportunity to show off your capabilities

If you excel at your temporary position, chances are that you will meet people who can a) point you in the right direction, b) know of a job that may interest you, or c) will work with you to keep you at the company but progress to an area that best suits your qualifications.

There is truly no downside to temporary work. It’s not always smart to take a position in an industry or path you’re not interested in, temporary work gives you the opportunity to explore your options and networking opportunities.

While it may be intimidating and daunting, learning how to find a job after a career break isn’t as hard as it seems. The most important things are to stay active and highlight your skills and abilities. Don’t be stagnant and wallow in your sorrows. Take charge of your life, get out there, and make it happen!

About the author: A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a certified professional résumé writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your résumé, style, and boost your confidence.

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This story was published on September 23, 2018, and has since been updated.

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You Need to Ditch This If You Want to Be a Better Leader—Here's How

Photo: Create & Cultivate

Millennials are not only taking over the workforce, they’re quickly stepping into more and more leadership roles. In fact, a 2017 study found that the millennial leadership trajectory is as follows:

• 2.6 years: Entry-level to mid-level

• 5.3 years: Higher mid-level to senior

• 6.9 years: Senior level to c-suite

• 8.4 years: C-suite to CEO

More millennials are moving into leadership roles where they can finally execute on visionary ideas and implement change that they wished those who came before them would. Despite the value millennials bring to the workforce, we’re all a work in progress, and becoming a better leader is necessary for many of the millennials who are new to the role. 

Keep these ideas in mind as you grow into your leadership position, which bodes well for your career and the organization. You may find that you garner greater respect and get more done as you learn and develop the skills necessary to manage an organization.  Read on to find out what you need to do (and ditch) to become a better leader.

Let Go of Fears

Be better: Stop second-guessing yourself.

Fear of personal failure was the number one fear in a 2016 poll of Americans. And for millennials, this fear is often masked as “imposter syndrome.” Imposter syndrome can be defined as the feeling of being inadequate, despite continued success. A whopping 70% of millennials experience this, in both work and life, but why?

“Millennials might feel impostor syndrome more as they’ve entered the workforce at a time of outrageous technological advancements and constant comparison on social media,” says Breena Kerr of The Hustle.

She continues, “Technology is growing so fast that most of us are learning something new on almost every project we work on. And that can make you feel like you don’t have the expertise you should.”

To be a better millennial leader, you must ditch the fear and find confidence in what you do, and channel that when managing employees and making decisions. Trust your intuition and your skills—this is a requirement for leaders who want to see growth and success in their position. 

Strategize Effectively

Be better: Find solutions that are effective—not just fast or easy.

A McKinsey and Company study of 80 organizations around the world, of varying sizes and industries, found that effectiveness was one of the top four attributes of a great leader.  

When you focus on being effective, rather than making decisions or problem solving based on what’s easiest or fastest, you become a stronger leader. “Often leaders assume that as long as they have ideas, a vision, and a sense of purpose, that will be enough to lead the way forward,” says David Grossman, CEO of Grossman Group. “If only it were that easy. In truth, good leaders know the importance of planning and clearly spelling out the path ahead.”

Find the best brainstorming style for you and use that to flesh out ideas fully and effectively. A simple pros and cons list may be all you need to shake out the best solutions.

Communicate

Be better: Be authoritative and flexible.

Being a leader requires great communication skills, which can be challenging for some millennials. “The real reason millennial leaders struggle to communicate doesn’t lie in their ability to have reasoned, productive exchanges with other people,” explains Kimberly Fries, a millennial communication and leadership coach. “Instead, it lies in their circumstance, the very style of their leadership, and their personality.”

She breaks it down further, explaining that this struggle with communication comes down to three things:

• Their disposition to be diplomatic and non-confrontational

  • Differences in generational preferences with communication

• A credibility problem

To combat these innate issues, focus on communicating clearly and effectively while embracing the strengths of your employees and maintaining your authority. Be flexible and willing to adapt communication skills as employees need, especially when working with a mixed generational team. For example, some employees will do better with emails and chat, while others need more in-person time; adjust for both to be a better millennial leader.

Be Authentic

Be better: Listen attentively.

In a world filled with social media, where we’re surrounded by the perception of who someone is, it’s easy to be inauthentic. Especially in a role of authority, where you want to command the respect that a leadership role commands. Yet, authenticity is critical in business. 

When you’re hyper-focused on the image you’re portraying to others, it’s hard to build true and lasting relationships that you need to be successful in business—relationships with mentors, financial advisors, and most importantly, with employees:

“Authenticity—both in business and in networking—is important for establishing reciprocal relationships with others,” says Ted Rollins, entrepreneur and founder of Valeo Groupe. “Long-term, rewarding professional partnerships don’t begin with a selfish attitude.”

When you listen and remain authentic in both your decision-making and interactions with others, you’ll be better at driving the ship. 

Start Leading

Keep these ideas in mind as you grow into your role and take steps in your career. Authenticity, effectiveness, communication, and confidence are all critical for all high-level roles—both getting and keeping them. When you work toward becoming a better leader, you boost both your career and your position within your current role. 

About the Author: Jessica Thiefels has been writing for more than 10 years and is currently a full-time writer, content marketing consultant, and business owner. She’s been featured in Forbes and Business Insider and has written for Manta, StartupNation, Glassdoor, Lifehack, and more. Follow her on Twitter @Jlsander07 and connect on LinkedIn.

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This story was published on August 29, 2017, and has since been updated.

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13 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Accepting a Job Offer

Photo: Ekaterina Bolovtsova for Pexels

The New York Times published a piece titled "13 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting Married." And since a job is a marriage of sorts, we started thinking about 13 questions you should really ask yourself before accepting a job. We aren't talking first jobs, but career makers. The kind you stick with for the long-haul, through thick, through thin, through sickness and in health; marriage material kind of jobs. It's a mistake to accept a position with the intention of leaving.

In the same way that hiring mistakes can be very costly, the same can be said for accepting the wrong offer. If the position is not the right fit, you are going to end up on job boards and sending out résumés all over again. While landing a job is tough, accepting the wrong position can be detrimental to your career. We're thinking long distance, not sprints. 

1. Started from the bottom, now you’re where?

Is there room for growth? If for instance, you're starting as an assistant, is the company prone to promote from within? Before accepting, make sure there is a "here" to get to.

A good way to figure this out is to check out the following: 

2. What’s the turnover rate for employees?

With a little research, it's easy to find how long the oldest employee has been at the company. If the turnover rate is incredibly high, or the oldest employee has only been working there a year, consider why this might be the case. 

Are there employees who started in your current offered position? Where are they now?

3. Do you want your boss’s job?

This is a tricky question to answer.

Because sure, the idea of being the boss might seem illustriously tempting to you, but taking your boss’s job should not be the end goal. Excel at your position and work to be promoted, sure, but your takeover strategy shouldn't revolve around taking over someone else’s position. 

4. Are you willing to work weekends? Nights? Early AMs?

What kind of hours are you willing to clock? For most of us, the 40-hour workweek myth is just that. So think about how you're going to feel when you get an email from your boss on a Sunday. 

Do you need a position that has a clear clock-in and clock-out, or are you comfortable with stress-related rapid-fire texts from your boss on the weekend? (They happen. They're real.) Your heart needs to be in it, in order to win it. 

5. Could your boss double as a mentor?

Is your potential boss someone you admire and respect? At least from the outside. Unlike a relationship or marriage, it's impossible to predict how well you will work with someone—especially during crunch time or in high-stress, high-pressure situations, before you work with them. 

So do the research. What kind of reputation does your boss have? How do the current employees seem to feel about their jobs? When you went in for your interview, what did the office environment feel like? Was it sunshine and butterflies and rainbows or were there grumpy cat rainclouds above everyone’s desk?

Working well with someone who is "bossing" you is a major factor to consider. 

6.  Will you be challenged?

Forget a cushy job. At this point in your career, you should desire a position that grows your skills and expands your offerings as an employee—just in case you wind up having to divorce this position. 

If you know you'll be able to set goals to outperform yourself, you will not only make yourself invaluable to the company, but you'll also be making an investment in your future that will pay in dividends. 

7. Will you resent your salary in six months? 

It's very rare to be head-over-heels in love with your salary from the start, but around 40% of women report being unsatisfied with their current pay. It's one thing to accept a salary or wage that is below asking, it's another to accept a wage that is well beneath you. 

You'll end up angry, frustrated, and ultimately, less productive. 

8. Are there benefits? 

Health care costs add up, and they are something you should factor into your decision. Don't get blind-sighted by the salary without considering other costs you may incur on your own. 

Most companies that offer benefits do so after 90 days. Be sure to ask what the company policy is, and if they don't have benefits, check out our post on how to negotiate benefits. 

9. Is it corporate, startup, or freelance? And is the environment right for you?

You know you best. So when it comes to choosing the right office culture, think hard. The corporate job might pay more, but are you going to become frustrated and disillusioned when every idea you have has to be vetted by ten people up the ladder? Are you willing to commit to the kind of hours a startup requires? 

If you're accepting a freelance job make sure to set parameters before committing. Don't accept a job where the expectations are so high, you're primed for failure. 

10. What’s your commute?

The average U.S. worker commutes approximately 26 minutes to work each day. Could you imagine commuting more than that?

Here's the rub. Most employees are spending much more on commuting than they realize. From gas to maintenance, it's an important factor to consider in the long-run. 

A nasty commute can contribute to a nasty attitude. If you're spending over an hour in the car in the AM, you're not going to arrive at the office bright, cheery, and ready to put in work.

11. What are the potential problems?

As with any relationship, there will be issues. Outline what you think they will be—from long hours to travel complications to communication issues, and be honest with yourself if they are problems you can accept. 

Once you accept them, don't moan and groan when they crop up. 

12. Have you checked out Glassdoor?

With a database of millions of company reviews, CEO-approval ratings, and salary reports, you can do a bit of online shopping before you buy into the company. 

13. Is this your dream J-O-B?

By all means, what are you waiting for? Sign that offer letter and get ready for a lifetime of career happiness. (But also remember, that it's when the dream becomes a reality, the real work starts.)

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This story was originally published on April 4, 2016, and has since been updated.

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Ask a Confidence Coach—11 Tips to Take Your Career to the Next Level

Photo: Create & Cultivate

Show of hands: Who has heard the phrase “confidence is key” before? Are you with me on this? From elementary school murals to iPhone screensavers, this common phrase is plastered everywhere, and for good reason. I truly believe that confidence is key for many areas of your life, but if you’re like me, I only think about confidence in personal settings. My personality, looks, and sense of humor are all things that I easily see as areas needing confidence. But the one area I’ve always struggled feeling confident in? My career. And that’s where Heather Monahan comes in. 

Monahan is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Boss in Heels. Having successfully climbed the corporate ladder for nearly 20 years, Monahan’s book “Confidence Creator” illustrates the tough lessons she’s learned throughout her career that have helped her develop the self-assurance necessary for getting what she wanted in life. Below, Monahan shares 11 ways you can take your career to the next level by feeding your own. Here’s what she recommends.

Figure Out Where Your Passions and Talents Lie

When you are spending your time in your superpower you feel so confident. What I mean by that is if your talent is highlighted when you are interacting with others, but you are currently in a job where you only interact with spreadsheets on your computer, you need to change roles. Figuring out where your passions and talents are is critical to becoming your most confident self at work. This is the single most important thing you can do. When we speak about what we know and love, we are more confident.  Identify your superpower and spend your time there. 

Bring Your Confidence to Work (Even If You Have to Fake It Sometimes)

Confidence everywhere is important. Here is an example: I was hired by an association to give my keynote speech. On the conference call the week before the event, the new president was laying out expectations for me. This is what he said: “Heather, this is my first year as president and there is so much pressure on me to create a stellar event. If your speech is amazing then I am golden, if you blow it I fail. You cannot blow it.” I laughed in my head. I could hear how he was lacking confidence in his new role. Thankfully, I am very confident in my speaking abilities, and here is what I said: “Have no fear. I will nail this and you will look like a superstar. You can take that to the bank.”

He started laughing and thanked me for being so confident, it put him at ease. However, if I had said to him, “I am so sorry you are feeling this pressure. It sounds really hard. I can promise I will try my best,” (while a fair response) it would not have been the confident response my client needed in his moment of fear. Bringing confidence to work is the difference between existing and excelling. People want to work with people that are confident because it makes them feel comfortable.

Confront Your Misconceptions and Limiting Beliefs

This is the million-dollar question. Statistics show that women feel less confident than men beginning at age eight. What this says to me is the way we are raised—the self-limiting beliefs that are imposed on us through culture, society, media, and the “lanes” that are created for women—all impact our confidence. We are told to be a certain weight, look pretty, be kind and gentle, be smart but not too smart, and on and on. What I have learned over the last two decades is pretty much everything I was taught as a child needs to be re-examined now.

I was raised as the “social” one and my sister was the “smart” one. I walked through life carrying these labels with me and allowing myself to be limited as a result. Confronting these misconceptions and moving into my fear allowed me to create confidence in myself; however, it was pretty scary. Realizing that we create our own reality and we allow for or choose not to accept others’ opinions or limitations is incredibly empowering. For years, I had played small at work because I saw that it allowed others to feel more comfortable. When I would rise up or step into my power I would see others feel uncomfortable. 

Deciding to own my power has allowed me to take off in business and in my life. It starts with you and me deciding to live our lives by our own rules. Confidence is a choice. 

Make Goals and Stretch Yourself Every Day

There are so many things. Leverage LinkedIn. Everyone has a personal brand. Make the conscious decision to hold the pen when orchestrating your personal brand. If you don’t do this others will be writing the outline for your brand and deciding your story. LinkedIn is a fantastic place to showcase your highlight reel at work. This is where you want to list your accomplishments, accolades, and reviews. We live in a word-of-mouth society and the best words are the ones others share about us.

The next time someone says, “Great job!” convert that feedback in the moment and ask that person to write a review of your work on your LinkedIn wall. Get in the habit of doing this and watch the credibility and traction you create. Have a goal. Whether it is to make 10 sales calls today or to reach out to three new potential mentors, you need to have a big picture goal and vision of your future and you need to have micro-goals that you will accomplish each day. Surround yourself with people that are ahead of you, as they will help to stretch you beyond what you see as your current potential.

“Make the conscious decision to hold the pen when orchestrating your personal brand.”

Be Prepared to Step Into the Uncomfortable Sometimes

If you lack confidence, you will not pitch yourself for the job that doesn’t exist or for the promotion right in front of you. The first time I pitched myself for a vision I had, which was not an existing job, others said to me that it wouldn’t work and others had the same idea, but the company wouldn’t want to implement it. In that moment, if I lacked confidence, I would have accepted that answer and backed away. Thankfully, I was confident in my abilities at work and I called the president of the company, met with him face-to-face, and closed him on my idea. 

That idea more than doubled the company’s revenues during my tenure at the company. If you want to move up, you need to create confidence so you can step into the uncomfortable and move beyond what has always been. When you create confidence, you also allow yourself to innovate and see things others might not be able to see.  Confidence allows for creativity and authenticity which are key in getting ahead at work. 

“Faking it ‘till you make it will help you to get through difficult times, but it is never the long term answer.”

Confidence Is Earned

Confidence is such an interesting thing. I believe we are all born with the same baseline. However, we are immediately impacted by our surroundings and the individuals we are interacting with. There are so many people that I meet who have amazing parents, wealth, and health and create confidence immediately from their surroundings. What is interesting is those same people as adults when faced with losing their parents crumble. When your confidence comes from an external place it can’t be sustained.

I know this first hand. I had associated my confidence with my job title and my paycheck. The day I got fired, my confidence came crumbling down. The important thing to know is regardless of if you have confidence today or don’t, you can create it in any moment. The act of reading this article is creating confidence as you are accessing knowledge to better yourself. Confidence is not something that some are born with and some are not. Confidence is something that anyone can create and that can falter at different times in your life or different areas of your life.

Some may be confident in their personal life but not at work and some may be really confident in their workout but not when dating. Confidence is different at different times in your life and different situations, but through practice and discipline, you can become masterful in creating it and realizing your true potential.

The “Fake It ‘Till You Make It” Mantra Works… Until It Doesn’t

This mantra served me well in corporate America. Back in the day, I lacked confidence at work for many reasons. One of the big issues is because I had been told by many to dress a certain way, look a certain way, and change how I really am. The more you move away from the authentic you, the more you chip away at your confidence.

Over time, my confidence was dropping. When that happened, I began to allow others to treat me poorly at work. When I allowed for that, my confidence started spiraling. I still had a very high position in the company and would have to address employees and audiences often. In those moments, I would fake my confidence. I would take the stage or the mic and “pretend” I was ultra-confident. This worked and so many people believed it. The real fail is I didn’t believe it. Faking it till you make it will help you to get through difficult times, but it is never the long-term answer.  

Practice Gratitude and Visualization

Using affirmations daily works. As does:

• Writing notes on the bottom of your shoe, which is a great reminder to pick you up when your confidence dips. 

• Wearing your power color to work will allow you to feel your best.

• Putting yourself first and investing in you will build your confidence. 

• Deciding to no longer apologize and instead thank others will help you to feel stronger.

• Taking others off of the proverbial pedestal will allow you to feel on level ground with others which creates confidence. 

• Scents like lavender or anything that resonates with you can help when you are lacking confidence.

• Creating a confidence playlist and theme song will help you to ignite confidence before a big meeting. -Writing down three things you are grateful for each day will shift your mindset. 

• Practicing visualizing the life, promotion, meeting you want to happen will start things in motion and ready you for your dreams to manifest.”  

Clothing Can Be a Powerful Tool

For years, I would wear a navy blue pantsuit because I had listened to the prescriptive direction others had imposed on me. These days, I rock ripped jeans and bodysuits and I feel powerful. Being true to your style and what you feel great in will always help you to be more confident. Trying to follow what others tell you will work is a recipe for failure. You have the answers for you. You know what you like to wear and what you don’t like to wear. Show up as you and shine your light ripped jeans and all.  

Ditch the Fear and Do It Anyway

For years, I sat paralyzed by my fear. I would go to work in a toxic environment and cry at home at night because I felt stuck at the job that paid my bills. I was so fearful I would make excuses as to why I had to stay. I never thought, “Why don’t I leap and see what happens?” I now see fear as a green light that means GO! Not only go, but go faster. If I had leapt years ago, I would be so much further now. Done will always be better than perfect and failure only occurs if you quit. I am not a quitter. 

I have had countless failures since I was fired and re-invented myself as an entrepreneur but each failure leads me to a new place, a better place as long as I just keep going. Like anything, you can build your strength and conquer new levels of fear. Start small and take baby steps. Talk to a new person in line at Starbucks today. Then tomorrow use that experience to allow you to share your new idea at work with your boss. Keep amassing these small wins by confronting your fear, and before you know it, you will have momentum that will propel you to smash through fear. What’s the worst that can happen?

This story was originally published on July 15, 2019, and has since been published.

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The Answers to These Two Questions Might Make or Break Your Interview

Photo: Edmond Dantès for Pexels

Transition time in between jobs is common and isn’t necessarily bad, however, it is important to figure out how to handle time in between jobs so it benefits you and doesn’t reflect negatively on your career.

Whatever the reason is for your temporary unemployment, you’re not alone; there’s at least one person out there in the same or a similar position as you. People will often be understanding about temporary employment gaps as long as you explain yourself.

Having a break in employment is okay.

But be prepared for hiring managers and/or recruiters to ask you two questions…

Why do you have a break in employment?

What have you been doing/what did you do during this time?

The answers you provide to these two simple questions could make or break you in an interview. A recruiter for a nationally recognized company recently told me a story about a candidate the company interviewed. They initially thought she would be a great fit for the position because she had the qualifications, but she had a six-month gap in employment. The employment gap wasn’t the deal-breaker, however, her answer to the question about what she did during those six months was. She gave a very vague answer that she hung out and relaxed with friends. That doesn’t sound like a bad way to spend six months, but it also isn’t a good answer to give in an interview. The company ended up going with another candidate who seemed to be more motivated and goal-oriented.

If she had said something about how she wasn’t happy at her old position so she decided to take time to figure out what she really wanted from her career, things might have gone differently for her.

Perfect your elevator pitch.

Elevator pitches are often used for companies and brands, but having a personal elevator pitch is also important. If you do have a gap in employment, come up with an elevator pitch to explain your situation.

A good example of an elevator pitch is something like this:

“I always thought I wanted to be in [industry], but when I got the position I wanted it wasn’t the right fit for me. I did learn a lot about myself and decided to take some time off to figure out what I really want from my career. I did a lot of research, and I’m ready to take on new challenges with this role.”

An answer like this shows that you made a conscious decision to leave your job for your long-term benefit and have since taken steps to ensure you’re moving towards the right career path. This answer shows thought, confidence and ambition to reach your goal.

When you’re thinking about how to handle time in between jobs, answer the following questions…

Is there something you could do during this time that would benefit your career in any way?

Could you volunteer somewhere? 

Could you take a class?

Could you learn a new skill?

Is this downtime worth it to you?

The point of answering these questions is to put a value on your time and make it useful. Volunteering, taking classes, or taking up a hobby will not only help you make use of your time, but it will also help you give a good answer about your time off when asked in an interview.

Stay active. 

While you may not be working for profit, one of the most important things to do when you’re in between jobs is to stay active. Start volunteering for a local charity or at local businesses/community centers.

When you have a large employment gap and you’re looking for a job, the worst thing you could do is sit around. Staying active in your community will give you something to put on your résumé and it will help you network. You never know who you’ll meet and who will notice your work ethic. A recent government study found that volunteering is associated with 27% higher odds of employment.

Volunteering isn’t only about networking, but it gives you something current to put on your résumé. If the first thing someone sees is a large employment gap, your résumé may get overlooked simply because of the fact that there is nothing current on it. However, if you start volunteering, you can use that to fill in the time where you weren’t working. 

If you haven’t done anything in your transition time, come up with a good reason why.

If you have just been sitting around, you better come up with a good explanation for it, or you can kiss your chances of landing that great job goodbye.

An example of a good answer as to why you didn't do much during your transition time is this:

“While I learned a lot at my last job, it wasn’t the right fit for me, and it became draining. I made the decision to leave that position, take time for myself, recharge, and figure out my next career move. Over the last few months, I have really focused in on what I’m looking for in a job, and that is x, y, and z. Now that I’ve had the time to recharge, I’m ready to get back into the swing of things and follow my passion of ___.”

If you’re going to take time off, make it worth it and clearly explain your reasoning in an interview.

About the author: A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a certified professional résumé writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your résumé, style, and boost your confidence.

This story was originally published on March 7, 2018, and has since been updated.

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This Founder Left a Steady Paycheck at Microsoft to Pursue Her Side Hustle Full-Time

Photo: Courtesy of Diana Nguyen

Walking away from a 9-to-5 job with a steady paycheck and health benefits to start your own business isn’t easy. To help you to take the plunge, we’re introducing a new monthly editorial series The Case for Quitting where we ask self-employed women all about how they successfully struck out on their own, from how they balanced their side-hustle with their full-time job to how much money they saved before handing in their two-week notice. This month we caught up with Diana Nguyen, a senior finance manager turned fashion designer who quit her job at Microsoft to launch her own workwear label, Madison / Savile. Read on to learn how she broke into an entirely new industry, saved up to make the transition, and successfully turned her side hustle into a successful startup.

What was your major in college and what did you want to do when you graduated? 

My major was in accounting with a minor in marketing. When I graduated, I wanted to go into marketing or advertising. 

What did you actually do after you graduated? What types of jobs did you apply to and what industry were you looking to break into?

My stepfather was very strict and adamant that I should pursue a career in accounting, not marketing. I ended up applying to public accounting firms and graduated with five offers to work at the top five accounting firms at the time. I spent 15 years as a consultant, auditor, finance manager, and data analyst serving public and privately held companies in industries spanning from manufacturing and technology to retail.

How did you get into fashion?

During my corporate career, I noticed a lot of women around me at work and in my network (including myself!) that would talk about how much they love blazers, but how hard it was for them to find the right one with the right fit and design. Fit is everything, not only can it make a garment look amazing, but it allows for comfort and mobility. I saw a gap in the market. I love how a suit with the right fit looks on a man, so sharp and powerful and I wanted the same for women! 

All my life I knew I wanted to do more and that I had a higher purpose or calling. It kept getting louder, but I didn’t have clarity on what that was earlier in my life. I got a career coach that helped me narrow it down to being an entrepreneur, which eventually led to the idea of reinventing and redesigning the blazer based on the gap in the market I observed. However, that still wasn’t enough for me to take the leap until it aligned with my passion and purpose to help and empower others and to inspire a more beautiful world inside and out. Thus, the name Madison / Savile came to be. It is the definition of two worlds I’m combining; Madison means gift of God and warrior (inspiring others to bring out their inner warrior, reminding them of the gift that only they can bring to the world) and Savile is for Savile Row in London known for its bespoke suiting.  

What was it like balancing your full-time job with your passion? Do you recommend starting a side-hustle while you have a full-time job? 

I definitely recommend starting a side hustle while you have a full-time job. You are at a stage of exploring, experimenting, and building. I talk about this in one of my podcast episodes “Taking That First Step in Pursuing Your Dreams.” As my podcast guest Jessica Johnson, the CEO of Buzzworthy Content, put it: “It’s chasing your curiosities” and testing out if you even like your side-hustle. Having a full-time job helps to provide the security and funding to spend on exploring and building out your side hustle. 

However, it took prioritizing and discipline to balance my full-time job and my side hustle. How much do you want this in order to re-arrange your schedule and make sacrifices to spend the time needed on exploring and growing your passion/side-hustle? It takes planning and a commitment to yourself of how many hours a day or week you want to allocate to it. Only you can make it happen and only you can move the needle on your passion.

How did you know when it was time to make the transition from side-hustle to full-time? What was your strategy for making the transition?

Working at Microsoft, I was blessed to have a great manager and team where I was able to be fully transparent with them about my endeavors and my plan to quit. I kept my manager informed of my progress and timeline so I could transition my role with plenty of time and make sure the team was set when I leave. They were supportive of me every step of the way and still are. 

I was working on Madison / Savile on the side until it got to a point where it became a full-time job and I needed more hours during the day for meetings and research. I honestly thought if I can get 40 hours a week back and spend that additional 40 hours on Madison / Savile I could launch in six months. I was wrong and it was one of the first lessons I learned.

How did you prepare for the transition before quitting your full-time job? What, if anything, do you wish you’d done differently?

I wish I had stuck with my full-time job or explored working part-time until I actually officially launched. With product development and looking for the right fabric, factory, and suppliers it took much longer than six months and more like 2-3 years. It is all part of the entrepreneurial journey of learning and growing… you don’t really know until you are actually in it. 

Before quitting, I did a lot of financial planning personally and for the business. I had two plans for my personal finances; one if things go according to plan and one if they don’t. Let’s just say with COVID, I am very glad I planned for two different scenarios. 

Were you worried about money? What advice can you share for people who are worried about leaving a steady paycheck to start a new career?  

Money was definitely a worry, especially as I was in a comfortable position for so long and had become accustomed to a certain lifestyle. Jumping into the unknown and not knowing where money was coming from was definitely scary. 

My advice is to plan for a long runway and then plan for a longer one for yourself, your family, and the business. Apply for a line of credit, loan, or whatever you need while you have a steady paycheck as it would be challenging to apply for financing, loans (home/auto) without that. Save the money you need to live and finance your business and then take that leap because if you don’t you will always be wondering—and I always say, don’t live a life of “what ifs.”

Did you save up first or did you just jump in headfirst?

Being in a role for 15 years that was all about managing risk, I definitely saved up money before jumping. It was the hardest leap to make going from a very risk adverse role to being an entrepreneur which is all kinds of risk. I calculated all my expenses each month, evaluated where I can cut the unnecessary expenses (but still live comfortably), and calculated that out for the year and the next three years. I also set aside the money needed to get Madison / Savile going as it takes a lot of capital upfront to launch a fashion/retail brand. 

What's the most important thing you have learned from making a big change in your career life?

When you are working on something that aligns with your purpose and passion, the days and hours go by fast and you learn you have to have a very strong will to keep going and to bring it to life. It was definitely hard to go from a comfortable position at Microsoft to being a budget-conscious entrepreneur. To be honest, I felt that I lost my identity that was tied to my career and my position, but that’s where the learning and the growing happens. You discover who you really are, what you really stand for, and you redefine yourself as who you truly are as you become more aligned with your purpose.

It’s easy to celebrate the wins, but how do you handle failure or when something hasn’t worked out for you?

Great question! Because it happens often especially as entrepreneurs and in life. You definitely have to learn to accept, to let go and pivot. It’s important to reflect back to learn and understand why things happened the way they did. I believe in things happening for a reason. Obstacles stand in your way to redirect your path or because it wasn’t the right time yet. Trust in the process, trust in the timing, and trust in yourself.

I always say your will will get you back up and your why will pull you forward. You have to have your WHY, meaning why are you doing this, and if it’s for money only it’s not going to take you far when you do run into bumps in the road. What if you were only days or weeks away from your business turning the corner, you were so close, but you stopped?

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made and learned from along the way? 

Not listening to my gut right away would have saved me some money along the way, but again, it’s all part of the journey of learning and growing. Whether it is an idea or a solution suggested for your business or someone that is not the right fit for your team, sometimes it doesn’t sit right with you and you have to listen to that, and eventually, you’ll understand why.  

When you look back and reflect on your previous career do you have any regrets or are you still really happy with your decision?

I wouldn’t change a thing. My experience in finance has helped me tremendously. Knowing the numbers and being able to put together your own financial model helps to see where your costs are, your profitability, and set expectations for growth and long-term projections. Understanding business processes and procedures helps you to see where things can be improved and the pure discipline behind deadlines helps you to stay on track and be a self-starter. The people I’ve met along the way who are now my mentors, friends, and future customers are priceless. 

Going after what you deserve in life takes confidence and guts. Does confidence come naturally to you or did you have to learn it? What advice can you share for women on cultivating confidence and going after their dreams? 

Yes and no. I’m confident in the things I know from experience, confident in my values and principles, and a fish out of water when it comes to things I’m learning. Going from finance to fashion, I had to build my confidence on the fashion side. It’s about surrounding yourself with people you trust, with mentors that you can learn from, surrounding yourself with like-minded people to help you. I’ve learned that there are so many skeptics out there, and also people that project their own failures or fears onto you and what you are doing. That knowing and confidence in what you are doing and what you are bringing to the world is so important. You don’t have to have everything perfect to start, just start.

What is the #1 career or money book you always recommend and why?

I have a tendency to start books and not complete them, so I have seven books on my nightstand to finish! The one book that I finished pretty quickly was “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero. It’s an easy and fun read. I read it in the summer of 2020 after we were supposed to launch in March 2020 and had to put everything on pause due to COVID. I was so devastated having to postpone everything and was in an unmotivated, depressed state. I read “You Are a Badass,” a book one of my mentors gifted me, and it helped change my mindset around. It was a reminder to get up and keep going. 

What advice can you share for someone who is thinking about leaving their current gig to pursue their side-hustle or passion?

I have so many pieces of advice, but if I have to narrow it down it is to know what your why is and what your north star is for what you are building. There will be many times when you are so in the weeds or have been pulled in so many different directions that you will lose your vision and knowing your why will bring you back. Your will ensures you get back up, your why will pull you forward. Be patient with yourself, you are learning. Stay true to your values, your core, who you are, and your vision. 

Anything else to add?

No one is like you. If not you, then who? Everyone is different, everyone works differently, everyone’s situation is different. Don’t beat yourself up if you hear this person worked 100-hour weeks or got funded in x months because everyone is on a different journey. At the end of the day, if you know you put your best in for where you are, that’s winning because it’s progress. My favorite quote is: “Don’t fear failure, fear being in the exact same place next year as you are today.” One step at a time.

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Your Complete Checklist to Writing a Résumé From Scratch

Photo: ColorJoy Stock by Christina Jones Photography

Writing a résumé is hard, and it’s often something that’s not taught in school, so consider this your crash course in how to write a résumé that will land you the job.

Now, first things first. Before you start listing your qualifications, it’s important to know what you want to gain from your résumé. What are you going to use it for? Will you be applying to higher education programs, internships, or jobs? If you’re already in the workforce, do you want to stay on the same career path or do you want to transition into something different?

Your résumé will differ greatly depending on your answers to these questions, so it’s crucial to go through this exercise before getting started. Next, you’ll want to gather your information. So let’s get started.

Contact Information

When you’re figuring out what information to include on a résumé, start with the basics. You should always create a header with your contact information. Make sure you include the following:

• Phone number

• Email address

• Location (Just include your city and state; no need to write down your exact address.)

• Website if applicable (Note this is NOT your LinkedIn profile. If you’re using LinkedIn correctly, you will be easily searchable, so there’s no need to include the direct link on your résumé.)

Headlining Statement

A headlining statement is a crucial part of a résumé. It takes the place of what once was an “objective” but is much more effective. Think of a headlining statement as a snapshot of your career. It’s a quick two to three sentence maximum statement about who you are, what you do, and what value you bring as a candidate.

Skills Matrix

Putting your skills toward the top of the document immediately increases the effectiveness of your résumé. Recruiters look at a résumé for approximately six seconds. That means you have mere moments to show that you are qualified and demonstrate what you bring to the table. When you put your skills matrix towards the top, this shows the reader exactly what you have to offer and highlights that you are qualified for the position right off the bat.

The faster you can grab someone’s attention and persuade them you’re the right candidate for the position, the more likely you’ll be to get past the initial influx of applicants.

Employment Information

Depending on what stage you’re at in your career, you might not have traditional employment information. If you do have traditional work experience, gather your dates of employment, (month and year) job description, projects you worked on, and any additional information you can include like how many people you managed.

If you are in school or are just starting out in your career, you’ll want to include volunteer work and/or internship information. If you need to add even more relevant industry experience, include information about relevant school projects you worked on. This will help highlight your ability to work on a given project under constraints and will help highlight your relevant industry knowledge.

If you are listing class projects on your résumé, use the school name in place of the company name, and include something along the lines of “[Class Title] Project Manager,” “Student Project Manager,” or “[Class Title] Student” in place of a job title.

Specific Metrics and Achievements for Each Role

The key to a great résumé is highlighting exactly what you’ve achieved and what you can bring to a new role. This is not the place to include a general job description that can be used for anyone with that job title. Include specific information about what you did, how many people you worked with or managed, projects you worked on, and project results to ensure that your résumé immediately reflects your achievements and what you can bring to the table.

Anyone can say that they’re great at their job, but very few people can actually show it. When you’re noting your achievements, think about how you can quantify what you’ve done.

Education Information

Unless it is your highest level of education or you are in your first year of college, do not include information about your high school diploma. Similarly, there is no need to include GPA unless you’re currently in school and have a very high GPA (3.8 or above).

When it comes to listing education, start with the highest level of education at the top and list backward from there. For example:

PhD information
Master’s information
Bachelor’s information
High School information

Unless you are currently in school or are in a profession where your degree is a key factor, (i.e. medicine, law, etc.) your education should be listed at the bottom of your résumé. If you are in school or in one of the professions where your education is very important, your education will go towards the top under your skills list.

Certifications and Specialized Training

Including certifications and specialized training on your résumé make a huge difference in how impactful your document is. Even if you don’t have specific certifications but you’ve had internal training, taken an online course, or even just an online tutorial, include that on your résumé.

About the Author: Michele Lando is a certified professional résumé writer, personal branding expert, and founder of Write Styles. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves both on paper and in person and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles provides resources to enhance your résumé, professional appearance, and boost your confidence. Michele strives to help others gain the confidence to put their best foot forward in a personal and professional light.

This story was originally published on January 6, 2020, and has since been updated.

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17 Successful Women Share the Insightful Books That Supercharged Their Careers

In this age of information, we have everything we need to start a new business, create a website, or set up a budget right at our fingertips—Google is a powerful tool. But sometimes you need a deep dive into the topic to truly understand the scope of what’s required from every angle—that’s when we turn to books. In our series, Turning a Page, we ask successful people to share their go-to tomes that helped transform their business, career, or money mindset. Whether you listen to them or need to physically flip the pages (and write notes or underline the text like us!), there is so much power in self-educating. Ready to turn a page in your career? These books will help take you there.

Photo: ColorJoy Stock by Christina Jones Photography

Our career roadmaps are typically anything but linear. In fact, there are often many different paths to find success, which can make navigating the process that much more difficult. Fortunately, an abundance of trailblazing leaders have paved the way to show us that anything is possible, and many of their journeys have been documented in powerful books that are readily available to us.

To narrow down the seemingly endless options out there, we tapped 17 incredible women to uncover the books that have supercharged their careers, helped them land promotions, lead companies, and, ultimately, shaped the ways they’re positively impacting the world around them. Their recommendations—like their backgrounds—are eclectic. They include titles from a corporate lens, an entrepreneurial perspective, and even the viewpoint of a symphony orchestra player turned consultant. 

Emily Chen

Founder of Emcstudioco

The Book: “You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life” by Jen Sincerio

The Key Takeaway: As creatives and entrepreneurs, we so often fall into the mindset of scarcity. This book helped me shift my mindset when I was starting my creative studio and first entrepreneurial venture. It made me realize we are all born with innate gifts and that fulfilling our purpose allows others around us to step into theirs.

Samantha Patil

Co-Founder and CEO of Well Traveled

The Book: “Everything Is Figureoutable” by Marie Forleo

The Key Takeaway: A couple of years ago I made the decision to walk away from my stable and successful career that I'd put 10 years of work into building. I dove into the path of entrepreneurship and I couldn't be happier that I did. Entrepreneurship is scary, exciting, frustrating, exhausting, and thrilling all the time and I wouldn't have it any other way. I read Forleo's book not long after taking the plunge into running my own business and now have the words "everything is figureoutable" in a frame on my desk. The minute I start to think, "What am I doing? I don't know how to do this!" I look at those words and I get back to work. I've realized I'm stronger, more capable, and more resilient than I ever imagined, and Forleo's book and these words often help me give myself the pep talk I need whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed.

Yewande Faloyin

Founder and CEO of OTITỌ Leadership Coaching & Consulting

The Book: “Lost Connections: Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope” by Johann Hari 

The Key Takeaway: After two years of exhaustion and burnout, “Lost Connections” reminded me that I am so much more than what I do. It emphasized the significance of connecting to more than just my work for success, fulfillment, and satisfaction. This book would benefit anyone seeking to find true, lasting success in all areas of their life, recognizing that when we thrive in one area, it elevates the others! Understanding how depression can result from one being disconnected from different yet equally important areas in one's life helped me to confidently quit my consulting job at McKinsey and build a business that I love in a way that connects with, supports, and amplifies all other areas of my life.

Olivia Bowser

Founder and CEO of Liberate

The Book: “The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Eckhart Tolle

The Key Takeaway: Each page opened my eyes to what life could feel like when living fully embodied in the here and now. I realized that I had so often been consumed by obsessing about the past or ruminating over the future that I was missing what was right in front of me. By living for the now, I can create positive change, be a better leader, and be the best version of myself.

Sophia Sunwoo

Founder and Principal of Ascent Strategy

The Book: “Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making” Machine by Mike Michalowicz

The Key Takeaway: I have never met an entrepreneur who has read this book and hasn’t raved about how drastically it has changed how they manage their money and helped them turn a profit in their business. There really isn’t anyone who wouldn’t benefit from this book—it’s simply genius and sets you up to always have cash on hand for payroll and to self-fund any desired investments for your business. If you want to boost your financial literacy and wield your money to your desires, read this book.

Sam Ogborn

Founder and CEO of Once + More

The Book: “Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are” by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz

The Key Takeaway: This book helped me understand the socially acceptable conversations we all have versus our personal, inner thoughts, and feelings. This book has been invaluable for my career as it's helped me understand true human nature and the importance of reading between the lines.

Mariya Leona Illarionova

Founder and Creative Director of Wild Side Studio

The Book: “Start Something That Matters” by Blake Mycoskie 

The Key Takeaway: This book changed my perspective on business and pivoted my career. At the time, I was working in a laboratory at Brookfield Zoo. The book inspired me to quit the lab, dive into the startup world, and eventually start my own business. Mycoskie taught me that we can use capitalism as a tool to redistribute wealth and better our planet. I recommend this book to anyone who feels let down by society and the professional world. Reading it gave me the momentum to follow my heart and to be the change I wish to see in the world.

Lori Abichandani

Founder and Brand Strategist at A Big Idea

The Book: “Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business” by Danny Meyer

The Key Takeaway: I love this book—so much of my philosophy on life and business has been shaped by it. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, cultivating strong culture, leading with generosity, and building to last instead of building for trends. It's truly a timeless read. While set in the hospitality industry, there are lessons to be found for anyone building a company from the ground up. I highly recommend it to entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs of all kinds.

Alex Cooley

Founder of AC Electric

The Book: “The Path of Least Resistance: Learning to Become the Creative Force in Your Own Life” by Robert Fritz

The Key Takeaway: This is not a business book. Robert Fritz is a symphony orchestra player turned consultant of all things. The book's main idea is that addressing life, business, and societal concerns is not just about tackling its problems but about envisioning an altogether new, idealized vision. This implementation with structural change is a powerful perspective on how to solve nearly any situation. It's the first book I have my clients read and is so great for anyone who wants to own a vision and make a big impact in their industry and society.

Maiko Sakai

Founder and Lead Strategist at Airtight Concepts

The Book: “Radical Candor (Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity)” by Kim Scott

The Key Takeaway: The revised version is key because the newly added parts clarify Scott’s true intention for the framework as well as her definition of radical candor, which was misunderstood and meme’d when the first edition was released. This is one of those books that makes me say, “I wish I’d written it!” with the utmost respect. Scott’s decision to work on the revised version and how sincere and transparent she was with the process left me thinking about how to revamp my work and my business for days. I was deeply inspired by her candid ways to continuously improve the framework she created and truly walk the walk as a boss and as an entrepreneur. I highly recommend this book to all entrepreneurs who aspire to create their own intellectual property but have doubts creeping up and/or are planning on building and nurturing a kick-ass team for their businesses.

Kim Kaupe

Founder of Bright Ideas Only

The Book: “Hearts, Smarts, Guts and Luck: What It Takes to Be an Entrepreneur and Build a Great Business” by Anthony Tjan, Richard Harrington, and Tsun-Yan Hsieh

The Key Takeaway: This was the first book to help me understand what my entrepreneurial mapping was thanks to their first-ever Entrepreneurial Aptitude Test. I could see where my strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities were when it came to building my business and expanding my dreams. I recommend it to anyone who wants to start a company or lead change.

Melinda Wang

Founder of MW Projects

The Book: “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! Adventures of a Curious Character” by Richard P. Feynman

The Key Takeaway: I came across this book by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman when I was in middle school and only recently did I realize how much it impacted my life, both professionally and personally. This semi-autobiographical book is a collection of anecdotes of Feynman’s adventures in theoretical physics, Brazilian samba, academia, visual art, safe-cracking, and more. Words of wisdom about authentic knowledge, intellectual idealism, and the importance of following through on curiosities flow throughout the stories. Meeting this self-professed curious character inspired me to not only follow my passions across art, law, and entrepreneurship but to go deep and always challenge myself to learn more.

Lauren Rosenthal

Founder and Chief Chick of Birdie

The Book: “The Paradox of Choice: Why Less Is More” by Barry Schwartz

The Key Takeaway: This book finally gave me a term to explain what I'm addressing with my app, Birdie! So many people are familiar with the book that as soon as I bring up "The Paradox of Choice" everyone understands the issue and how important it is to solve. I believe everyone can benefit from this book. We are all so inundated with options on a daily basis, so better understanding how the paradox of choice impacts us can help change our mindset and reduce unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Lori Sussle Bonanni

Founder and Communications Consultant at Elssus, LLC

The Book: “Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel” by Rolf Potts

The Key Takeaway: I read this for the first time while traveling solo during my career break in South America nearly a decade ago. Travel is a real-life choose-your-own-adventure novel, especially if you travel without being tethered to an itinerary like me. Ultimately, the benefits of travel—curiosity, creativity, flexibility, and an increased tolerance for uncertainty—make me a stronger entrepreneur.

Dina Kaplan

Founder and CEO of The Path

The Book: “The Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life's Perfection” by Michael A. Singer

The Key Takeaway: Singer shows how much we can change our lives, and our careers, by making new choices about how we want to live. He also shows that it is possible to lead a company while being kind and ethical. I think about the decisions he made constantly as I remind myself that I can change my life—and the lives of others—by always choosing to act ethically, and that I can lead my team by being strong but also caring. This book will benefit people leading companies or teams or really anyone open to believing they have the power within themselves to be happy and to control their destiny.

Wadeeha Jackson

Director of Compliance and Ops at HXRO Game Ltd

The Book: “Expect to Win: 10 Proven Strategies for Thriving in the Workplace” by Carla Harris 

The Key Takeaway: “Expect to Win” was a game-changer for me during the earlier part of my career in the finance industry. For me, the key takeaway was the importance of having a sponsor. As a young professional, you usually seek seasoned professionals for mentorship. Throughout the book, Harris points out that a sponsor provides influence and expresses a willingness to advocate on your behalf. Unlike mentorship, sponsors serve as a direct pipeline toward unique opportunities to push your career forward.

Trish Boes

Leadership and Life Coach at Soul Leadership Solutions, LLC

The Book: “The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are” by Brené Brown

The Key Takeaway: This book totally rocked my world and is one of the reasons why I chose to become a leadership coach years ago. It introduced me to the concept of perfectionism, which, eight years ago, I didn't know was a thing. I realized that I was a perfectionist and that a lot of the things I was doing in my career were based around people-pleasing and avoiding feelings of shame, which eventually led to my burnout. I still read this book regularly because it reminds me to lean into vulnerability and prioritize wholehearted living, which means engaging in our own lives from a place of courage and worthiness. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to reconnect with their own brilliance and to let go of feelings of burnout, imposter syndrome, or constant self-judgment.

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Meet the Woman Whose Job Affects the Way 2.5 Billion People Communicate on a Daily Basis

How many times have you peered voyeuristically into the lives of people you admire via social media and wondered what it must be like to do their job? We’ve all been down that research rabbit hole on our quest to create and cultivate the career of our dreams, but often we’re still left pondering the realities of their day-to-day—so, what is it really like? In our editorial series I Want Your Job, we uncover the truth by getting into the nitty-gritty details about what it’s actually like to work in your quote-unquote “dream job” and if the reality stacks up to the expectation. 

Photo: Courtesy of Jennifer Daniel

To say Jennifer Daniel’s work affects a lot of people is an understatement. As the creative director for Android and Google emoji, she designs the emoji anyone who uses an Android device can choose from to express themselves—which is over 2.5 billion people. (Yes, that’s billion with a “b.”) And she doesn’t take that influencer lightly. “I see my responsibility working on emoji to have a lot of parallels with how dictionaries operate,” says Daniel. “Like lexicographers, we’re not looking to invent or create new concepts. Instead, we look at the world—both forward and backward and observe how people communicate,” she explains. “Language is fluid, but if we see patterns or trends that aren’t transient and seem to have stuck, we formally recognize it by emojifying it.”

Recently, Create & Cultivate caught up with Daniel to talk about her impressive career, including what a typical workday looks like for the creative director, which (spoiler alert) doesn’t exist. (“Before this chat, I just got off the phone with a doctor in Cambridge to vet the heart and lung emoji to make sure they’re anatomically correct,” she tells us.) And though her days may not be “typical,” Daniel wouldn’t have it any other way. “I need a job that keeps me on my toes,” she says. “If I’ve gotten to the point where I'm not learning new things, it might be time to find a new job.” Ahead, she also fills us in on getting her start, working her way up from entry-level designer to graphics editor at The New York Times, and why her peers are her greatest professional influences.

How did you get your foot in the door in the tech industry and land where you are today as the creative director for Google's emoji program?

In high school, I was torn between going to a big university to become a lawyer and going to art school. In the end, I ended up at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) which was basically four years of summer camp. It was there that I learned that graphic design was something other than adding lens flares to compositions in Photoshop. After graduation, I spent ten years on and off at The New York Times, originally starting as a designer and working my way up to a graphics editor. I never ever thought I would leave New York but when my partner got a job offer on the West Coast, I suddenly found myself in ‘Frisco. After a rant about the design scene in San Francisco went viral, I heard from Google. 

What did you study in school? How has that prepared you for your job now? 

I ended up studying graphic design, which was something I wasn’t familiar with before MICA. In middle school, they pass out these occupational surveys, I’m not sure how common they are now, but when I turned it in, the recommendation was to become a parole officer. It wasn’t until I was in college that I was introduced to the notion of specialties beyond what is described in Busy Town. My sophomore year at MICA I met Nicholas Blechman (the current creative director of The New Yorker, and previously an art director at The New York Times) who was a guest teacher. He taught a class called “Polemic Image” and lectured about the history of political art and illustration and I was like, “Ohhhhhhh, you can do graphic design and illustration at the same time?" And, you could make it newsy? That’s a job?” At our midterm review, he looked at my portfolio and took out a poster, and asked if he could have it. And I sassily replied something like he could have it if I could follow him to New York and be his intern. One of the best summers of my life living in my grandmother’s attic in Flushing and commuting to Chinatown every day.

Did you intern before landing your first “real” job? If so, where, and how did that prepare you? Would you recommend it to others coming up behind you?

I interned with Christoph Nieman and Nicholas Blechman for a number of years. After I graduated, Nicholas took a job at The New York Times and asked if I would join him as his assistant. This ultimately turned into my career as I know it. 

"In the industries I work in, there’s a lack of women in what my friends and I call the 'just-ahead-of-me group.' So, I’d say my peers are the strongest influences in my life."

—Jennifer Daniel, Creative Director for Android and Google Emoji

What does your day-to-day look like as the creative director for Google's emoji program? Does the reality of the job stack up to your expectations?

The process of creating emoji—from idea to when they land on your phone—takes a couple of years so there’s no day-to-day routine. My days change depending on where we are in the process. Are we in the strategy phase? The proposal reviews? The design? The research? I guess one thing every day has in common is how I am routinely surprised. This is something really important to me. Perhaps because I worked in a newsroom and every day was truly different, but I need a job that keeps me on my toes. I hope everyone has some equivalent of learning something new in their occupation. If I’ve gotten to the point where I'm not learning new things, it might be time to find a new job. 

When I first started working on emoji, I thought, “Are any of these adding anything of value to how we communicate digitally?” And as I got more involved in the emoji sub-committee and started reading proposals, I realized that each proposal is coming from someone who looked at their keyboard and couldn’t find a way to articulate something that normally comes naturally to them. That is deeply primal—the desire to be seen and heard and recognized and understood—and that has changed my perspective. The more I learn how people use emoji has also changed what I prioritize and how I look at things. 

You have what many would consider a dream job. What are some of the common misconceptions people get wrong about your role? Why?

People may assume Google gets to choose the emoji that are encoded, but in truth, that’s up to an independent non-profit standards body called the Unicode Consortium. As a member, I’m on the sub-committee that is responsible for emoji. It’s truly collaborative. Another part of my job that surprises most folks is how much time I spend talking to experts to make sure that the emoji are authentic. Before this chat, I just got off the phone with a doctor in Cambridge to vet the heart and lung emoji to make sure it’s anatomically correct. 

Your job affects the way people on over 2.5 billion devices communicate on a daily basis. That’s a staggering number—How do you view the responsibility that comes with Google’s wide reach? What initiative/project within Google’s emoji program are you most proud of?

I see my responsibility working on emoji to have a lot of parallels with how dictionaries operate. Like lexicographers, we’re not looking to invent or create new concepts. Instead, we look at the world—both forward and backward and observe how people communicate. Language is fluid, but if we see patterns or trends that aren’t transient and seem to have stuck, we formally recognize it by emojifying it.

What advice would you give to young professionals trying to break into your industry? How hard is it? What key traits and characteristics does it take to work in your industry?

Just be you. As women, we’re told over and over again to lean in, but that frequently puts us in positions that are structurally unsuited and hostile. This touches on every part of the job, even seemingly trivial things like tone in emails. Research has shown that women don’t use emoji professionally or aren’t friendly in emails, because they’re taken less seriously if they do. I understand and also reject it. Our humanity is essential to effective communication. Don't use enough emoji and you're seen as hostile. Use too many and you're seen as unprofessional. It's a lose-lose. So, forget it. Just be yourself.

Photo: Courtesy of Jennifer Daniel

Can you share one woman who paved the way for you to be where you are today? How are you paying it forward and helping other women who are coming up behind you? 

In the industries I work in, there’s a lack of women in what my friends and I call the “just-ahead-of-me group.” So, I’d say my peers are the strongest influences in my life. The artists, writers, and designers I’ve met along the way are incredibly motivating and inspiring. And, for those moments where things feel highly discouraging, well, I hope everyone has friends who pump them up like mine do because it rules.

What’s the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make? And how did you turn it into an opportunity?

For me, that was moving to San Francisco. I thought that I was going to stay in New York and I still miss it. I left a place I truly never thought I would leave. But, I guess that’s the point. Just when I think I know the answer to something, I probably don’t. Trying new things isn’t scary to me. Nothing is permanent. And, if ‘Frisco doesn’t work out I can always move back. 

What books do you recommend people read to get a foot in the door in your industry?

Throw out all your UX books. For me, I gravitated towards linguistics and science and social sciences. Those are the sections of bookstores that I go to. If you really want one book recommendation, go pick up “Because Internet” by Gretchen McCulloch is a must-read if you are interested in internet linguistics. 

What podcasts do you recommend people listen to?

I listen to about a hundred podcasts. I am the kind of person who listens and absorbs as much as possible. A few of my favorites: “Infinite Monkey Cage,” “Getting Curious,” and “The Daily.” 

What’s one thing you wish you’d known when you were first starting out? 

That I know nothing. I am a completely different person than I was ten years ago, and ten years before that. We are constantly reinventing ourselves and learning.

What is your best work hack or productivity tip? How do you get it all done?

I create clear boundaries. When I go home, I don’t open my computer unless I’m watching a movie. I do think about work. I might listen to a podcast as I go to sleep and think about how that applies to what I’m working on. But generally, I don’t work at home. I wake up very early, around 5 am, walk the dog, and ok I admit I do respond to emails but I’m a morning person so I like to get a lot done in the morning. Setting boundaries between my work and personal life helps me be my best self in both places and is something I would recommend trying. 

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Want to Land Your Dream Job? 3 Tips to Get You Closer to Your Career Sweet Spot

Photo: Color Joy Stock

I’ve been helping students, peers, and friends figure out their education and career journeys for nearly fifteen years. I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve learned a great deal about how to craft my own destiny since entering the workforce, despite what at times has felt like I’ve strayed from my course.

Throughout my career journey, I figured out what skills I needed to develop and found a way to pursue my passions, even when my full-time role wasn't exactly my dream job. By taking on different responsibilities and learning opportunities, and by shifting to a different mindset, I continued to set myself apart and diversify my skill set. I’ve relied on some simple career tenets in the companies and roles I’ve had for over a decade—even if they were subconscious at the time—and it’s not surprising that we’re teaching students some of these things through my work at HIVE DIVERSITY.

Regardless of where you are in your own career journey—whether you’re just starting out, thinking about a pivot, or just aren’t exactly at your end goal quite yet—here’s my advice for ensuring you always grow closer to your career sweet spot.

1. It’s okay to accept a role that’s not the job.

This advice may seem obvious since there are many people who aren’t in their dream jobs. However, I’m not guiding you to open the floodgates to start considering anything and everything. If you can envision a path to the role you want from the role you’re considering, it might be worth a shot rather than waiting for the perfect job, especially in a challenging market. I graduated from college during a financial downturn, so I’ve experienced what it’s like to start or pivot a career during a period of uncertainty. I wasn’t in a position financially where I could go too long without a job, so I eventually accepted a role that wasn’t related as closely to my major and to what I wanted to do, but where I could see a path to getting there.

Fast forward to today, and I’m the chief operating officer at HIVE DIVERSITY, a career development and recruiting platform which brings together one unique community of students and recent graduates with employers who value diversity. Our students learn about career development from five levels of gamified content, videos, and resources, which take them from college major and career planning through interview prep. As part of our guidance on selecting a post-grad role, we advise students “as long as the job is not just ‘anything’ it doesn’t have to be everything… just a step in the right direction.” Of course, if you get your dream job, that works, too!

2. Adopt a “yes, and” mentality.

A big part of my work and life approach is informed by design thinking, a human-centered approach to solving problems. To aid in idea-generation, design thinkers will often call upon the mindset of “yes, and” (also used in the world of improv), which involves accepting and building on new ideas, rather than saying no to them. In my experience “Yes, and…” has meant finding something worth accepting in anything that comes my way, and then adding my own spin on it.

When it comes to your career and helping to get closer to what you want and value, “yes, and” can be a great way to ensure you’re not closing doors too quickly that might lead to something useful. A few years ago, I was in a fast-paced customer-facing operations role with a lot to manage and little time to do it. When I was asked to add a new daily task to my to-do list, my initial instinct was to say “No, but…” which I pivoted to a “yes, and.” Yes, I took on the ongoing task, and I amended the ask so that I improved the process itself. I recognized that adding my own twist of process improvement would be a résumé-builder in itself. Not only did this new task eventually take a lot less time to do, but I was able to find value in the initial idea that was sent my way.

3. Proactively seek or create opportunities to work on things you’re interested in.

As you’re on your journey to career nirvana, look for ways to work or volunteer in the areas you’re most interested in if it’s not exactly what you’re doing full-time. You might be in a company you love but not in your dream department or functional area. Or, you might be considering an individual contributor role, and you know that you want to build leadership experience to get the job you’ve always wanted. If you have the capacity to take on additional projects or learning opportunities, don’t be afraid to seek them out!

As part of a rotational training program at a company I was excited to work at, I’d learned that there was a department specifically focused on technical project management—something I’d been exposed to and wanted to build on. Through demonstrating interest and an informational meeting with the department head, I ultimately was able to rotate to that department. I love leading teams, so when I took on a subsequent role where I could expand on technical skills without being a people manager, I sought opportunities to lead. Given my interest in diversity and inclusion, I volunteered to be on the leadership team of two employee resource groups: another vital “extra” role that clinched my experience in both D&I and leadership at once!

Ultimately, I’d built up a portfolio of experiences that caught the eye of my partner and HIVE founder, Byron Slosar. Building on my work across operations, career services, process improvement, diversity and inclusion, leading teams, and more, I wound up being the perfect fit for HIVE DIVERSITY and vice versa.

If you’ve spent time learning what you want, it turns out you already have the tools to get there. Take chances, be proactive, and work with what you have. The rest will follow.

“When it comes to your career and helping to get closer to what you want and value, “yes, and” can be a great way to ensure you’re not closing doors too quickly that might lead to something useful.”

—Dakotah Eddy, Chief Operating Officer, HIVE DIVERSITY

About the Author: Dakotah Eddy is the chief operating officer of HIVE DIVERSITY, a digital recruiting platform that connects employers with a unique community of graduates that represents what diversity in the workforce is supposed to be. Prior to joining HIVE DIVERSITY, Dakotah was an operations leader for Victoria's Secret Beauty, where she served on the leadership team for the women's and Black associates' diversity and inclusion groups and completed the Inclusive Leadership Development Program. Dakotah received her MBA from Cornell University's Johnson Graduate School of Management with a focus on Strategy, Marketing, and Technology.

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How Years of Working as an Assistant Trained Me to Think Like an Executive

“You always have to hope for the best and plan for the worst.”

—Morgan McLachlan, Co-Founder, Chief Product Officer, and Master Distiller, AMASS

After working in the film industry as a camera assistant for nearly a decade, in 2012 I co-founded The Spirit Guild, one of LA’s first craft distilleries that specializes in making a variety of spirits from California’s diverse flora. From there, in 2018 I went on to co-found AMASS, a Los Angeles-based botanics brand that utilizes the power of plants to transform the social and self-care rituals of modern life. 

In my role as chief product officer and master distiller at AMASS, I oversee product development across categories, from spirits to hand sanitizer to candles and work to finetune the flavor and scent profiles using natural botanicals for all of our products. While my experience as an assistant in the entertainment industry may seem like an unlikely match for a career in spirits and self-care products, I’ve found that the two have more in common than they do differently. 

Here’s what I’ve learned from years of working as an assistant, and how I’ve channeled those experiences into becoming a successful executive. 

Always be proactive in anticipating your boss’ needs. 

I think a lot of people get into an assistant position and think their job is just to take orders. While that could certainly be true, the fact of the matter is, planning, managing people, and delegating is a lot of work for executives, so a truly good assistant will see what is coming down the pipe, and step up to help before they are asked. They’re always three steps ahead of their boss. 

When I was 19 and just getting started in my career, I was surprised to find that my bosses liked me being proactive. It seems obvious now, but at the time I was far more passive and nervous to overstep boundaries. By the end of my career as an assistant, however, I was giving insight and instruction to the executives that I was assisting. In short, I was often telling them what to do, not the other way around. Of course, they had to trust me, but decision fatigue is a very real thing. By taking care of the tasks that I thought were appropriate for me to handle and make decisions on, I was taking a lot off their plate. 

In my experience, the most important thing you can do is gain situational awareness, and begin to anticipate your boss’ needs before they are even aware they have those needs. There doesn’t need to be a lot of fanfare or pageantry; simply taking care of them is enough. Fundamentally, by stepping into a proactive mindset, and anticipating both planned undertakings, and elements that could be potential obstacles, I developed my strategic and derivative thinking skills. 

Photo: Courtesy of AMASS

Develop fail-safes. 

I worked in the entertainment industry, which is challenging in that the hours are long and there are a lot of personalities. Things are changing constantly; it’s not like you’re working at a big corporation where you clock in at 9 am and out at 5 pm every day. There is a lot of interdepartmental communication that has to happen constantly, and the stakes are very high.

Since a lot of my assistant work was in the camera department, we’d get the production schedule of the movie or the episode of television and only have four hours to shoot at one particular location. If I didn’t have every single piece of equipment and the right personnel, my little oversight could cost the production tens of thousands of dollars. Developing fail-safe confirmation systems was imperative. 

Take the job seriously. 

Today, I see a lot of people in junior and assistant positions who don’t necessarily value the job, see assistant work as below them, and are focused on getting experience in the industry and networking for their own career advancement. Assistant roles are often seen as stepping stones to bigger and better offers, but by committing to doing an exceptional job as an assistant, I believe that these roles offer the opportunity to develop the mental discipline and strategic thinking that is necessary to navigate larger or entrepreneurial entities in an executive capacity. 

When I really committed to being a great assistant—switching into a proactive mindset, anticipating my boss’ needs on every level, and developing fail-safes—I think that’s when things unlocked for me. 

In my role as AMASS’ chief product officer and master distiller, I always look at everything I do from a 360 perspective. Usually, in my mind, there’s a production schedule detailing what the next steps are. In managing a company and continuous product development and production, there is a lot of operational planning required to bring a product to market. You never want to do things last minute, since there’s an 85% chance that it won’t happen since things never show up on time. For me, I think that’s the most important lesson learned; to always have a long term strategy and attempt to anticipate everything that can go wrong. 

At AMASS, we’ve seen that play out through the pandemic. In March, we were one of the first brands that transitioned from producing spirits to hand sanitizer. Foreseeing this need in the market before other brands were even considering developing sanitizing products was crucial for us as a business. While we’ve encountered hiccups along the way, developing systems to succeed and staying three steps ahead—just as I did as an assistant—has been a large part of our success. You always have to hope for the best and plan for the worst.

Photo: Courtesy of AMASS

About the Author: Morgan McLachlan grew up in the Canadian Pacific Northwest, where she spent many afternoons exploring the forest, forging what would become a lifelong fascination with nature and botany. After a decade-long career in the entertainment industry working as a camera operator on motion pictures, Morgan shifted her creative and technical abilities to a new craft: distilled spirits.

Morgan has now been distilling for over ten years, and is known for her experimental methods and focus on botanical-based spirits and fruit distillates, having distilled everything from cantaloupes into eau-de-vie, to terroir-driven gins. Her passion for plants extends to personal care, where she combines her expertise in botanicals and spirits to formulate hand sanitizer and other natural body care products, from soaps to hand lotions.

This unique culmination of professional experiences coupled with Morgan’s sincere interest in plants led her to build AMASS into a line of modern, botanically-driven products that defy category.

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10 Empowering Books By Women to Enhance Your Career (and Life)

Photo: Kaboompics .com for Pexels

Achieving your career goals, trying to be a successful adult, and keeping your personal life in check can sometimes feel impossible. (If you’re juggling a million tasks and still trying to find time to watch The Bachelor with the girls, trust us, we know the struggle). But no matter how often you may feel overwhelmed, it’s important to know that you can find the balance you’re looking for—it may just take a new way of thinking and organizing your everyday life. 

Luckily, there are resources and mentors with proven methods and insights that will help you find the balance between living your best life and getting to work on time. No one ever said achieving work-life balance would be easy, but with these 10 insightful new books, you will be well on your way to reaching both your professional and personal goals in no time. Written by 10 fierce females who know a thing or two about running their own businesses and carving out time for themselves, you’ll find true wisdom and hope in the pages of these self-help and business-focused books. 

From the creator of one of the biggest natural hygiene companies to Netflix sensation Marie Kondo to a single mother from the Middle East who rose to the top of the tech industry, these books will leave you with anecdotes that will help you find the work-life balance you’ve been craving. If you want to find the perfect work-life balance, add these insightful books to your to-read pile ASAP.

Supermaker: Crafting Business On Your Own Terms

by Jaime Schmidt

Once upon a time, Jaime Schmidt was pregnant and making natural deodorant products in her kitchen in Portland, Oregon. In just seven years, Schmidt had made a name for herself and sold the company to Unilever for nine figures. In her inspiring and insightful book, Supermaker, Schmidt reveals how aspiring entrepreneurs can start their own businesses on their own terms. With tips on marketing, product development and other useful tools, this book gives readers the inside look at what it takes to be successful as a founder and as a woman.

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The Upside of Being Down: How Mental Health Struggles Led to My Greatest Successes In Work and Life

by Jen Gotch

Jen Gotch is the CCO and creator of multimillion-dollar brand, Ban.do, but what many people don’t know is that Gotch didn’t always have the easiest time finding success. Struggling with her mental health from a young age, she was determined to understand how her diagnosis could help boost her creative process. In The Upside of Being Down, Gotch shares candid stories about her failures and successes and how to embrace the parts of life you can’t control.

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Slay Like a Mother: How to Destroy What’s Holding You Back So You Can Live the Life You Want b

y Katherine Wintsch

Katherine Wintsch is no stranger to the difficulties of wearing multiple hats in both her professional and personal life. In her debut self-help book, Wintsch uncovers what it takes to be a mother, wife, friend, and successful CEO. Slay Like a Mother teaches readers how to get past the “just fine” mask women often wear, set realistic goals that you can actually achieve and realize the difference between struggling and suffering. If you’re a fan of Rachel Hollis, you’ll love this new release.

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It’s About Damn Time: How to Turn Being Underestimated into Your Greatest Advantage

by Arlan Hamilton and Rachel L. Nelson

Despite being homeless and underestimated, Arlan Hamilton always dreamed of success. Without any contacts, a college degree or a background in finance, Hamilton used her determination and strength to become a highly-respected investor in Silicon Valley, investing in businesses founded by underrepresented women like herself. In It’s About Damn Time, Hamilton teaches women the importance of believing in yourself, how to create a life you love and the skills you need to make it big when it feels like no one else has faith in your dreams.

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Four Faces of Femininity: Heroic Women Throughout History

by Barbara McNally

If you’re in need of a little inspiration from the women who have come before, you’ll love Four Faces of Femininity. Divided into four sections, McNally’s new book celebrates all kinds of successful women and shows readers how important it is to spotlight women from different backgrounds. From Anne Frank to Michelle Obama, this book aims to help women become well-rounded and happy in all areas of their lives. Four Faces of Femininity also includes exercises that will help readers unlock their power and invest in their goals.

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Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies: And Other Rituals to Fix Your Life, From Someone Who’s Been There

by Tara Schuster

As a twenty-something-year-old, Tara Schuster found herself at the top of her career as the vice president at Comedy Central. But what nobody knew was that Tara was struggling to keep the rest of her life together. Finally, one drunken night, Tara called her therapist, desperate for help, making her realize that she needed to make immediate changes to her life. Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies follows Tara’s journey to transforming her entire being and re-evaluating her priorities. This new self-help book strives to help others create a successful life they truly love.

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Success from the Inside Out: Power to Rise from the Past to a Fulfilling Future

by Nona Jones

Finding success in her career at only 23, Nona Jones was convinced that she had everything all figured out. But soon, trauma from her past came back to haunt her and it wasn’t long before she realized that she was using her work to cover up her pain and suffering. Using anecdotes from her own journey, Jones aims to help other career women take back their lives by embracing their fears, banishing their tragic pasts and finding their own fulfilling success in Success from the Inside Out.

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You Can Have It All, Just Not at the Same Damn Time

by Romi Neustadt

Romi Neustadt is a big believer in being able to do it all. The author, speaker, entrepreneur and life coach has had plenty of experience over the years tending to her career and her family, and in You Can Have It All, Just Not at the Same Damn Time, she teaches readers how they can achieve the same success. With lessons on focusing on the things that matter, recognizing your worth, and creating healthy habits, this book will have you nailing work-life balance like a pro.

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Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life

by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein

Marie Kondo is the queen of cutting out the clutter and making room for further success and happiness and in her new book, Joy at Work, she applies her innovative tips and tricks to the workplace. Work can be draining but there are simple ways to make the days better and focus your energy on the things that matter. Teaming up with Rice University business professor Scott Sonenshein, Kondo teaches readers how to declutter their work space, be better organized and make every second count so you can feel more accomplished and happy by the time you head home.

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Girl Decoded: A Scientist’s Quest to Reclaim Our Humanity by Bringing Emotional Intelligence to Technology

by Rana el Kaliouby

Growing up in a traditional family in the Middle East, Rana el Kaliouby never expected to find the success she now has. Moving away from her home country, she earned her PhD and moved to America as a single mother of two girls. Aiming to humanize technology, her intelligence, and ability to juggle her responsibilities made her a leading figure in an industry mostly made up of white males. In Girl Decoded, Rana tells her inspiring story and encourages women to go after their wildest dreams and forget about the labels and expectations forced upon them by others.

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Written by Ashley Johnson, content editor, She Reads.

About the Author:

Ashley Johnson is the content editor at She Reads, an online media outlet that specializes in promoting books and authors with a female-centric approach. In addition to editorial roundups, exclusive author content and thought pieces, She Reads is committed to building a community of readers who love nothing more than getting lost in a good book.

Up next: Gwyneth Paltrow, Marie Kondo, Tyra Banks, and More on the #1 Book They Always Recommend

This story was originally published on March 13, 2019, and has since been updated.

Why I Deleted "Sorry" From My Vocabulary

“Your message becomes direct, clear, and representative of your self-worth.”

-Kate Davis, Founder of Knockout

As business owners, we all want to project confidence through our interactions with vendors, contractors, clients, customers, and other business owners. I started my company at 25 years old with no business experience. In these past five years, I’ve worked with manufacturers, lawyers, consultants, and event organizers. Many of these people didn’t take me seriously because of my age, gender, or lack of industry knowledge. I couldn’t change who I was (nor did I want to), but I could adjust my language to present a stronger, more confident version of myself.  

It’s become increasingly clear to me that language is powerful, and we have the ability to convey self-confidence through our word choices. In our digital world (even more so during a pandemic), our written communications are important opportunities to use purposeful language. Getting rid of the self-defeating “sorry” and “just” make a major difference in the way we are perceived. 

Did you say or write “sorry” today when you didn’t do anything wrong? Look through some emails and texts, and you might be surprised how regularly “sorry”  slips in. Once I started looking for it, I realized that I’d been saying “sorry”  instinctively throughout my whole life. When I posted about this recently on  Instagram, I couldn’t believe how many women said they also say it unnecessarily and often. Why do we do this? 

Many women I talk with compulsively apologize when asking for something or making a reasonable request. To be clear, there are definitely moments when an apology is necessary, and we should say sorry when we make a mistake or hurt someone. We know how to identify when we should say “sorry”, so let’s talk about when we don’t need to say it—and more importantly—what we can say instead. 

“Sorry to bother you, but could you send me that project proposal we talked  about when you get a chance?”  

This “sorry” is not necessary. It might feel aggressive to say “Could you send me that project proposal?”, but that’s what you need, right? If you want to soften it  a bit, you can always add “please.” The point is, it’s not your fault that this person is late, and you have no reason to say sorry. Apologizing diminishes our message and perceived confidence. 

A great substitute for “sorry” is “thank you”, which completely changes the tone of your exchange. The person you’re talking with will feel appreciated and will recognize the positive framing of the situation. 

Let’s go through some examples of how to not say “sorry.”

If you’re asking a busy person for a meeting or if you’re looking for advice, rather than saying “sorry I’m bothering you”, try “thank you for taking the time to meet/talk with me”. 

Your project got delayed because of an urgent assignment that came in, and you’re writing “Sorry this is taking so long” to your boss. They may need some explanation, but you can shift the language to “Thanks for your patience on this. The [time-sensitive assignment] set me back slightly. I’ll have this to you on  Monday.”  

A friend or co-worker listened to you vent during your lunch hour, and you want to text her, “Sorry I was talking so much today!” Try writing “Thank you for listening to me today! I appreciate your advice and patience.” This shows her that you value her time. 

Now, while we’re at it, let’s talk about “just.” 

I’m constantly on the lookout for the word “just.” I didn’t realize how much I used it until a loved one told me I use it all the time. We want to feel confident and be perceived as strong, right? This word does us no favors.  

Listen closely for “just” because it is the death of a powerful statement. “Just”  comes up in my emails constantly, and I try to delete it whenever it pops up. We use “just” so often that the actual meaning slips away.  

“She just found that jacket in the closet” 

“They just cooked the most delicious meal!” 

These examples are correct because “just” indicates that something happened very recently. 

Here’s where we need to delete “just:” 

“I’m just checking in to see if you received my invoice.” 

“I just have a few more questions.” 

“I just thought I’d suggest…” 

In all three examples, “just” makes the statement weaker. Once you start cutting out “just,” you’ll see faster responses to your emails (and responses to the ones that might never get answered). Your message becomes direct, clear, and representative of your self-worth.

Our strength is in our ability to navigate our daily lives with confidence and be unwavering in our sense of self. When we feel that strength, we radiate it, and others take note. Whether it’s our children seeing us as confident adults, co-workers who know we’re direct, vendors who realize we know what we want, or employers who see our strength, the way we’re seen is based on what we project. 

Let’s delete those two undermining words and start sending some confident emails and texts! 

About the author: Kate Davis believes personal safety should feel fun, rather than burdensome. Through her Knockout collection, Davis utilizes her background in Italian art and design to bring together daily wear with personal safety, marrying functionality with fashion and design. The collection is both stylish and sharp, featuring sleek, minimalist designs in both bold and neutral color options. With Knockout women can carry their personal safety as part of their daily style without having to compromise. More than just jewelry, Knockout is a community for women looking for camaraderie, encouragement, safety tips, and financial advice. Through Knockout, Davis wants to help women tap into their own power.

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47 Gifts From Women-Owned Brands for Everyone on Your Holiday Shopping List

Photo: Christina Jones Photography

If there’s one thing we are in full support of over here at Create & Cultivate HQ it’s women-owned businesses. So many of them have joined us at our summits and conferences, contributed to our panels or blog, and educated us all on their journeys to success (including the mistakes they learned from along the way).

Since we’re committed to shopping small this holiday season, we’re supporting women-owned businesses with our wallets and encourage you to do the same if you’re able to. Ahead, we’re sharing products for every type of gift receiver, so check out these ideas and wow your friends and family with these creative, by-women products.

For the Wellness Enthusiast

Ceremonia The Scalp Power-Duo

What’s more relaxing than a scalp massage? This gift set includes both a miracle-oil hair treatment and a scalp masajeador for maximum benefits.

$38

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Gilded The Marble Body Brush

This handcrafted body brush will inspire even the most stressed out person on your holiday shopping list to make more time for self-care.

$88

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Highborn Salome Aromatic Anointing Oil

Crafted with organic, sustainably sourced and extracted essential oils, this distinctive aromatics treatment offers a moment of bliss.

$40

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Palermo Replenishing Salt Soak

Made with a combination of Himalayan pink and Dead Sea salts this pretty pink blend will instantly upgrade a bath time self-care ritual.

$12

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Dieux Forever Eye Mask

Created to reduce unnecessary waste caused by single-use eye masks, these reusable eye patches holds gels, serums and creams close to the skin for maximum absorption. Win, win.

$25

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Fur Fur Oil

Put your gift-giving dollars behind a company that’s tackling the stigma of body hair by giving the self-care savvy person in your life this luxe-feeling oil.

$46

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Lalah Delia Vibrate Higher Daily

Give them a gift that will allow them to tap into their inner power, thanks to Lalah Delia, the self-help pioneer behind the internet community Vibrate Higher Daily.

$20

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Moon Juice SuperYou

Designed to reduce stress, these adaptogen daily supplements are the perfect stocking stuffer for the hard-to-shop-for wellness junkie.

$49

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For the Accessory Lover

Oma the Label The Babba Ring

Inspired by classic Cuban links, this ring is one-size-fits-all and adjustable to fit any accessory lover on your list.

$79

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Vrai & Oro Lightweight Hoops

These 14k gold beauties are a beautiful reminder of how much this person means to you.

$90

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Bird + Stone “My Body My Business” Cuff, Set of Two

This gift speaks for itself. Remind your friend what they’re worth with this statement piece.

$60

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Sophie Monet The Wood Charm Necklace

Some like it simple. This necklace appears delicate, but the quality and intricate detail makes it a perfect gift for a minimalistic loved one.

$140

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Second Wind The Tina Mask

For those who like to be a little flashier, this silk mask complete with an 18k gold chain is just the purchase for them. The simplistic design pairs with the eye-catching chain to create a simplified luxury piece.

$85

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Cuyana Mini Leather Zipper Pouch

Sophisticated yet practical, this pebbled leather pouch is a busy girl’s necessity.

$65

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Catbird Baby Pearl Hoops

Subtle and timeless, these pearl hoops will be beloved for years to come.

$88

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ByChari Two Initial and Diamond Necklace

Give a personalized gift with this two-initial and diamond necklace from the brand that brought us Michelle Obama’s coveted Vote Necklace.

$285

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For the Skincare Junkie

OneKind PM Power Couple

Dream Cream Nighttime Moisturizer + Midnight Magic PM Serum

This two-step nighttime routine is no joke. With supercharged ingredients targeted to repair and hydrate skin, trust us on this one—your friend (and their skin) will thank you.

$72

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Shani Darden Skin Care Perfect Cleanse Set

With A-list clients by the likes of Chrissy Teigen and Jessica Alba, Shani Darden has a sought-after skincare line for a reason. Snag this set for the skincare obsessed.

$44

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Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask

This glow-giving treatment instantly restores radiance to dull, rough skin. But the best part? It’s made with clean ingredients.

$65

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Peach & Lily Eco Your Skin Holiday Kit

This jam-packed skincare mask kit takes traditional Korean spa techniques straight to one’s doorstep. Easy to use and effective, this gift is unique from many other skincare products on the market and is well worth the purchase.

$90

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Summer Fridays The Hydration Set

Help them beat dry winter skin with this set of Summer Friday's bestselling Mini Jet Lag Mask, CC Me Serum, and Lip Butter Balm.

$75

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Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum

It doesn’t have a devoted following for no reason. Since it’s launch a few years ago, this face oil has become a global phenomenon and anyone who is gifted this will treasure every drop.

$185

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Golde Papaya Bright Face Mask

This is made with 100% pure, edible superfoods such as lucuma, papaya, and sea buckthorn berry so it's packed with vitamin C and smells like a tropical vacation.

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For the Foodie

Pomelo Casa Coral Mini Bowl

This chic, hand-painted mini bowl is an essential for any modern table-setting.

$24

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Brightland 100% Extra Virgin Heirloom Olive Oil

You’ll be hard pressed to find a more lovingly crafted olive oil. You’ll want to put this one on display.

$37

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The Little Market Cookbook Gift Set

This gift has a philanthropic touch that will be sure to warm the hearts and satisfy the tastebuds of any gift receiver. The cookbook gives readers a look into the lives and kitchens of immigrants and profits go toward a charitable cause.

$58

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Sugarfina Candy Care Package

Because, who doesn’t like a bit of a sugar rush during the holiday season (or, any time of year)?

$24

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Yola Mezcal

To toast to the holiday season (and the new year!).

$60

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Mija Superstar Complete Superfood Supplement

This adaptogenic formula has been designed to provide the ideal daily ratio of vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, alkaline greens, and phytonutrients in a daily dose of just two teaspoons. Stay healthy and make it taste good, too.

$78

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Gaby Dalkin Eat What You Want: 125 Recipes for Real Life

This is brimming with deliciously simple recipes that anyone can cook. Our favorite? The cauliflower shawarma bowl.

$28

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Estelle Colored Glass Champagne Coupes, Set of 6

These blush-hued coupes are surefire crowdpleasers, especially when brimming with Champagne.

$195

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For the Go-Getter

Create & Cultivate 2021 Planner

This way, you can make sure your most important dates are all locked in ahead of time. Let’s make 2021 a year to remember.

$10

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Otherland Black Velvet

Give your work wife something to look forward to seeing (and smelling) every day at work. This candle is a breath of fresh air and will break up the monotony while reminding them of you, too.

$36

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Allswell The Deck

Draw one of these when you’re in a creative rut. Developed in collaboration with psychiatrist Dr. Monisha Vasa, each card includes a “Write” and a “Draw” prompt. Shuffle them up, grab a pen and see what emerges.

$25

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Hija De Tu Madre Yo Quiero Dinero Keychain

This speaks for itself.

$16

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Create & Cultivate Energy Up Charging Tassel

Add some spice to your friend’s working life with C&C’s energy up charging tassel.

$20

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Create & Cultivate Success Never Sleeps Card Case

Buy this for a friend who is ready to achieve their goals and do something big in 2021.

$30

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Clare V Clare Crespo 2021 Ice Cream Calendar

Make 2021 a treat with this ice cream calendar.

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For the Homebody

Vitruvi Blush Diffuser

This stunning stone diffuser doubles as décor when it’s not in use and the soft pink hue will really make your loved one blush.

$119

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Rootfoot Palo Santo Pure Essential Oil

This sustainably harvested essential oil is the perfect complement to any home. They only use naturally fallen dead branches that have that have been lying on the ground for more than two years for their products.

$12

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Have a Nice Day Work From Home Mug

Designed by artist Steffi Lynn Tsai, your java-loving friend will love this gift.

$17

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Parachute Cloud Cotton Robe

For that special someone who loves to lounge in style at home, this is the perfect gift.

$99

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The Sill Rubber Plant

This glossy burgundy beauty really makes a statement in any space and the best part? It thrives indoors.

$52

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Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask

Nothing beats sleeping on a 100% silk sleep mask, and this one is washable!

$48

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Ayla Sea Soak

This deeply restorative full-body treatment is as close to a spa treatment as you can get without having to leave your house.

$59

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Jiggy Snow Day by Jo Taylor

Give the gift of a cozy night indoors with a fun puzzle. All that’s missing is a blanket and a glass of wine.

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Ouai Rose Hair and Body Oil

Jen Atkin really changed the game with this one. It performs double duty as a head-to-toe hydrator and it’s also a perfume.

$32

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This story was originally published on December 3, 2019, and has since been updated.

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5 Ways Fear Can Propel You as an Artist

“

When you use your greatest fears to guide you in your creative work, you uncover the deepest, most genuine pieces of yourself—in your life, and in your art.

—Meera Lee Patel, Artist and Author of “Create Your Own Calm”

Shifting your perspective toward fear and approaching it as something that can help you, rather than harm you, is key in allowing fear to move you forward. When you pull fear towards you and listen to it more closely, you discover that as an artist, it’s one of the most useful tools you have. Here’s why.

1. Vulnerability connects you with others.

Making work that is honest, straight from the heart, and that allows others to see you for who you are is terrifying.

It’s not easy to feel exposed, and especially when unveiling yourself means inviting others to judge and critique you. You trim your words and soften your emotions, creating work that is watered-down and accessible, not realizing that you’re doing yourself (and your work) a disservice.

The truth is that the world wants your raw, unfiltered work—writing that bites, paintings that elicit emotion, films that cause you to question the thoughts you think and the actions you take. Vulnerability is a road that brings you closer to others, and when you make art that reflects who you are, it brings you closer to yourself, too.

2. Creating from pain encourages healing.

The fear of letting go is rooted in a fear of the unknown and a belief that anything you haven’t experienced yet will negatively affect you. Your brain is designed to protect you, and that often means staying in the same place—after all, what you haven’t discovered can’t hurt you.

Focused on self-preservation, your brain refuses to acknowledge that beauty lies in the unknown. If you draw your pain closer, you can creatively draw from your well of history to create art that is healing for you and for others. Eventually, you’ll find that you’re shaping a whole new future filled with surprise and delight.

3. Self-reflection leads to the best work.

The fear of looking within is scary, and you might be unsettled by what you find. What if your imposter syndrome begins to take over? What if you uncover painful memories that haven’t yet healed? As artists, we procrastinate because we think we need to be the perfect version of ourselves to make perfect art.

Art isn’t perfect, though. In fact, the best work has visible flaws, marks, and outlines that explain who the artist is and how the artist thinks. The stories that you have hidden inside you are the ones other people want to see, and the only way you can share them is by taking the time to uncover them.

4. Honest work draws a loyal audience.

How often have you created something that you thought another person would like, instead of drawing the lines or choosing the colors you were actually pulled towards? It usually takes a long time (and building up a well of confidence) to realize that when you make the work you’re meant to make, the people who connect with it the most will find it and support it because they find themselves in it.

5. Failure is a door to creative growth.

As an artist especially, it’s tempting to continue to creating work in the same voice or style that has become comfortable, brought you success, or that already resonates with your audience. The fear of failure can convince you that any step in a new direction will be a mistake and one that will erase any progress you’ve already made. The chance for failure is the chance to learn something new—to begin again. As an artist, it’s a beautiful opportunity for growth.

If you welcome failure into your creative process, you’re inviting more than the opportunity for success or learning new skills into your life—you’re inviting creative evolution. The more open to failure you are, the more chances you will take in your art. You can try new techniques, experiment with media, and try on different creative voices until you find the one that feels most authentic to you. Nothing is more important than continuing to grow as an artist. 

As an artist, you have a responsibility to respect yourself and your work by making sure it is an honest reflection of who you are and how you interpret the world around you. When you use your greatest fears to guide you in your creative work, you uncover the deepest, most genuine pieces of yourself—in your life, and in your art.

About the Author: Meera Lee Patel is a self-taught artist and the author of “Create Your Own Calm.” She creates work to inspire and encourage others to connect with themselves, each other, and the world around them. She lives in the northern woods of Nashville, Tennessee.

“Create Your Own Calm” by Meera Lee Patel

$16

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The Definitive List of What to (and What NOT to) Include on Your Résumé

Photo: Ivan Samkov from Pexels

Figuring out what information to include on a résumé can be difficult (psst… don’t make these mistakes) because truth be told, there’s no one answer for everyone. What information you should include on your résumé largely depends on your career, level of experience, industry, and a whole slew of other factors.

With that in mind, there are some general guidelines you can follow to better assist you with gathering the right information. Here are five do’s and don’ts of what to include on your resume.

DO

Use a font that is simple and easy to read. If you want to go with sans serif (more modern) try using something like Arial or Open Sans. If you want a serif font (slightly more traditional) try Garamond.

DON’T

Use some fancy cursive font or a font that is difficult to read. Simple is always better for fonts.

 DO

Add your education. Unless high school is your highest level of education, no need to include it. If you’re currently in college, this implies that you’ve completed high school. If you’ve graduated from college and/or post-graduate schools, include all of those degrees.

DON’T

Include dates of education unless you are just out of college or in college and have very little experience. If you’re in college or just graduated, it’s important to include dates of education to give perspective on why you don’t have much experience. Once you’re a couple of years out of school, don’t include dates of education on your resume. It can actually work against you if someone thinks you’re too green or too far out of school.

DO

Add certifications or specialized training (i.e. online courses, on the job training, software training, etc.)

DON’T

List out relevant college classes unless you’re currently in school or just graduated and need to show that you have industry knowledge.

DO 

Use job descriptions to your advantage and pull keywords and phrases from the job descriptions to integrate into your resume.

DON’T

Copy job descriptions and use those on your resume. Integrating keywords and phrases is important, but simply copying and pasting a job description you found online won’t benefit you.

DO 

Include specific metrics and achievements. Think about how you can quantify your achievements and how you can articulate your value.

DON’T

Use information from your coworker’s resume. They might have similar job duties to you, but you likely won’t have the exact same achievements.

About the Author: A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a certified professional résumé writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish an individual’s application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your résumé, style, and boost your confidence.

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This story was originally published on August 23, 2019, and has since been updated.

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Considering a Career Change at 30? Here's Why It Could Be Your Best Move Ever

Photo: Create & Cultivate

The urge to make a career change at 30 (and during your 30s) is extremely normal. In fact, a whopping 73% of 30-somethings say they want to change careers (up by 10% compared to 2013), according to a 2015 study. What’s holding you back? 43% of those interested in making a career change cited the lack of financial security as a major barrier, and 36% said they worried about a lack of experience or education.

Being passionate (and happy) at work is critical, so those barriers shouldn’t stop you—or anyone else—from pursuing a career change at 30. Yes, as a 30-something, leaving an established career behind is an uncomfortable thought, but your dream career is worth a few months or so of unease, i.e. battling “the unknown.” (And think about it this way: You’ll always have that field to fall back on if things don’t work out.) 

Career advice expert and spokesperson for TopResume, Amanda Augustine, has stellar advice for making a thoughtful career pivot. Is it time for you to take the leap? Here’s how to do it.

1. Understand the industry speak. 

When you’re looking to make a pivot, something that will give you an advantage—and boost your confidence—is being able to talk about the industry as though you already work in it. Look through job ads on career boards specific to your new industry, and study how hiring managers describe those positions. What keywords are you seeing over and over? Take note, and make sure you know what they mean.

Augustine recommends doing some productive social media stalking, too. “You can follow industry leaders and influencers on social media to get a better handle on the industry buzzwords and catch up on the latest news that’s affecting target employers,” she says.

Then, apply those keywords to your resume and professional profiles. “You’d be surprised how many of your skills can be translated into a new industry—you just may need to change the terminology you use to describe them,” Augustine says. So, let’s say you used to analyze data in the finance industry—now you’re an expert in using that data to forecast trends in the marketing world. Done and done. 

2. Make your connections count.

Just because you don’t know a ton of people in this new field doesn’t mean you can’t leverage the strong network you’ve already spent years building. It’s all about tapping those second- and third-degree connections. 

If you’re hesitant to make an ask, consider how you can help the other person first. “As with any networking relationship, the goal should be to provide value before you start asking for favors,” says Augustine. “If you’re considering a change and want to leverage a contact’s expertise or resources, begin by re-establishing the relationship. Never call someone out-of-the-blue and start asking for help. Look for opportunities to pay it forward—this can be as simple as offering to make an introduction to someone else in your network or sharing a resource you found.”

Consider this approach: make a list of the people you want to reach out to, with a second column about how you provide something valuable to each person simultaneously.

3. Decide what compromises you’re willing to make.

In Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford commencement address, he said, “I didn’t see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter into one of the most creative periods of my life.”

Steve Jobs is always good for an inspirational quote, but it’s okay if you’re apprehensive about being a beginner again. Especially if it means looking for positions that have less seniority than the one you currently have, taking a pay cut, or taking a community college class in a room full of 18-year-olds. Acknowledge how you feel, but remind yourself that you’ve had the courage to course-correct (as those 18-year-olds will do one day, too) and follow the path toward your dream job. “Remember that sometimes it’s necessary to make a lateral move, or even a step-down, in order to move up on the right path,” says Augustine. “Accept this fact, and you’re already in better shape.”

In terms of cold, hard numbers, “re-evaluate your finances and identify areas where you can cut back your expenses to make the transition less jarring,” says Augustine. This might also mean thinking ahead of time about your negotiation needs once an offer is on the table. Say you have to take a small pay cut; you could ask to work from home one day a week to reduce commuting costs. 

“It won’t always be easy, but keep your eye on the prize,” says Augustine. “If you’re passionate about this new direction, all this hard work will be worth it.” 

An original version of this article appeared on Levo. 

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This post was originally published on January 24, 2016, and has since been updated.

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5 Tips to a Successful Negotiation

Photo: Jess Bailey Designs for Pexels

Negotiation is an unavoidable occurrence in life.  But, as the late John F. Kennedy said, “Let us never fear to negotiate.”  And he’s right—there’s nothing to fear about negotiation, especially with these tips.

Be Prepared

Go into your negotiation with as much background knowledge as possible. This means you have to do your research! If you have a meeting with your boss about a raise, investigate what others in your position are earning in your company and in the market. If you’re negotiating a sale price, know the market for that particular product and know how much others are selling it for.  

Likewise, know what you’re bringing to the table. Anticipate some of the more challenging issues that may arise and know how you’re going to handle them. Practice tip: Put yourself in the other side’s shoes. What would they want to know? What concerns might they have?

Have a Flexible Bottom Line

People sometimes use a “bottom line” to gauge when they are willing to walk away from a negotiation. The better practice is to use a flexible bottom line. Things can change during the negotiation—new facts pop up, new options are on the table, or you realize that the bottom line you established before is simply unrealistic. Being flexible enables you to consider all of the possibilities before deciding it’s time to walk away.

You should also know what you’re looking to get out of the negotiation (and why you deserve it —see #1).  But again, be open-minded and don’t commit yourself to anything before you have all of the facts.

Choose an Interest-Based Approach:
Ask Questions & Listen to the Answers 

There are two “types” of negotiation: distributive aka positional, and integrative aka interest-based.  Positional is a win-lose mentality—there is one pizza and we are splitting it.  Interest-based is a win-win mentality—there is one pizza and we are enlarging it.  

People tend to engage in positional negotiation, especially if they are on opposite sides of an issue. However, using an interest-based approach increases the chance of success for both sides. (And who doesn’t want a bigger pizza?!)

The key to interest-based negotiation is identifying the other side’s interests. The easiest way to do this is to simply ask, “Why?” 

For example, two little girls are having a fight over an orange. Both girls take the position that they want the whole orange. If their mom cuts the orange in half and gives ½ to each little girl, she would be using a distributive approach. But the mom decides to ask each little girl why she wants the whole orange. Girl A tells the mom that she just loves oranges and she wants to eat it. Girl B says she wants the orange peel to use in baking some cookies. The mom gives the whole orange to Girl A, Girl B gets the whole orange peel, and both girls are happy.

By simply asking the girls “why” they wanted the orange, the mom was able to ascertain each girl’s respective interests and realize that their interests did not conflict. 

Engage in dialogue with the other side. Actively listen to what they are saying; repeat and ask questions if necessary to truly understand their interests and their concerns. Likewise, be transparent about your interests and concerns—but see the caveat in the next paragraph. 

If the other side in your negotiation is being competitive and positional, don’t give in. If they’re attacking your ideas or slinging insults left and right, resist the urge to counter-attack. Recast the attacks on you or your ideas as attacks on the issue. Try using questions and strategic silence to figure out the other side’s underlying interests. You can also bring in a third party to talk to each side separately and try to understand each side’s respective interests. If the other side is simply not willing to cooperate, not sharing any information, engaging in trickery, or otherwise being untrustworthy, be very careful about what information you choose to divulge and don’t lay your best cards on the table upfront.

“Things can change mid-negotiation. Having a flexible bottom line is more important than a bottom line.”

Brainstorm Ideas Without Judgement

After you’ve figured out the other side’s interests, brainstorm ideas and encourage the other side to do the same. Don’t immediately throw any of the ideas out. Instead, after both sides have come up with every possible solution, go through each one, and talk about why an idea is satisfactory or not satisfactory. Use your flexible bottom line and your intentions to evaluate the ideas, but remember to be open-minded.

Don’t Lose Your Cool

Sometimes parties reach an impasse—and that’s ok.  But don’t flip out on the other side and jeopardize all of the time and work you’ve put into this, and even worse, jeopardize your relationship with the other side. Separate the people from the problem. Take a break and resume, if possible, when both parties have had time to cool off. Always be gracious and take the high road. Professionalism ensures a win-win in the long run. 

Alex LoCasto is the founder of The Fashion Brief, a fashion blog for professional women that refuse to dress within the expected confines of “corporate attire.”  Check out her blog here.   Alex is also an attorney in the Dallas office of the firm Locke Lord LLP.  She focuses her practice on business litigation and dispute resolution.  Get more info on Alex and her firm here.

DISCLAIMER: This article has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for legal advice. 

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This story was originally published on April 20, 2019, and has since been updated.

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