Now that many of us work behind a screen, between the office and our homes, and generally in environments with other activities occurring, it’s easy to fall off the productive wheel and into a multi-tasking behavioral approach. However, we all know in the back of our minds that this isn’t the best way to stay on track with obligations and deadlines. So, how do you avoid multi-tasking? Find out HERE!

Let’s Avoid Multi-tasking with these Steps…

  • Ditch Your Phone: First things first, your phone will almost always be your main point of distraction. Whether this is from personal calls, texts, or social platforms, our phones keep our eyes glued to screens. Whenever possible, instead utilize online work chat platforms like Microsoft Teams or Jabber, and ditch your phone! The best way to completely mitigate distraction is not to create the opportunity for it at all. If this isn’t an option for you, we recommend scheduling phone breaks throughout the day instead of keeping it next to your desk: explore 10 minutes breaks every few hours or a gap for lunch as our top strategy!
  • Create Schedules: Another way to stay accountable is by creating daily schedules highlighting goals, tasks, deadlines, and other priorities of your work, week, or even month! Doing so will help you stay in line with an organized list and also keep you from getting lost amongst a variety of tasks and ideas.
  • Be On… and Off! When you’re on… be on. And when it’s time to be off,… be off! There is nothing more important than making time spent in and outside of your job meaningful. Trying to spread yourself across both responsibilities at once will leave your productivity and final outcomes at half the value that you can truly reach! Always remember, you’re not expected to work around the clock for a reason, so put in effort when appropriate, and know when it’s time to unplug.

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Welcome back to our lovely followers! Today, we are looking outside, and hoping that this sunshine and warmth continue throughout May – we can’t believe that we’ve already made it through April and are quickly heading into the summer months! With this seasonal change, it is a fantastic time to take a step back and re-evaluate your personal hope and goals for the next quarter, season, or year. Keep reading to find out our best tips for getting organized and back on track this Spring!

Springing into a New Season…

De-Clutter

Spring cleaning is absolutely a phrase we all know and love. There’s no better way to engage in a refreshing mindset than to refresh the space around you. We are huge fans of engaging with the “turning hanger” rule – i.e.: decluttering any pieces of clothing you haven’t worn in the past few seasons, denoted by “turning the hanger” the opposite way once worn. Ask yourself questions like, “do I wear this?” “Is this still my style?” “Do I need this” “What is the function of this piece of clothing?” etc! In a matter of minutes, you’ll be able to decipher what clothing is special and meaningful to you, and which garments are simply taking up space. Feel free to apply this mindset to your office supplies, shoes, accessories, or anything else that you think deserves an update!

Switch it Up!

Spring is also a fantastic time to create a new space to operate in! Many of us have been cooped up in our bedroom-turned “office” spaces, have hunkered down in the kitchen, or seem glued to our living room couch as a place of work – it’s no doubt time for a change. Simply turning your bed in a different direction, moving your desk in front of a window, or “accessorizing” with a new lamp or curtain will totally transform the energy of your workspace. Even transitioning to a different room or floor in your home could create an entirely new and previously unforeseen way to work!

  • Extra tip: If you are still working fully remotely, try to schedule a few days to get out of your home! This may look like a nearby park, library, coffee shop, cafe, or any other space in which you can operate your work (computer or materials). Doing so will force you to re-focus in a new space and will instantaneously optimize productivity and motivation.

Re-evaluate Winter Goals

Finally, a new season brings an optimal moment to re-evaluate a goal set that had been created a few months prior. Are you on track with the little steps? Holding yourself accountable? Progressing towards an ultimate number, time, percentage, or another measure of success? If so, keep on chugging! If, instead you’re finding that a previously set goal no longer suits your motives, then this is a great time to re-draft your hopes and accountable measure for the rest of spring up to the start of summer. If you’re reading this and thinking about corporate or rule-oriented goals, check-in with your manager to track your progress from an external point of view and in some instances, adjust!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Welcome back, everyone! Today, we’re here to discuss a topic that may be affecting quite a few of our followers…returning to the office! Is your company heading back to in-person work? Not sure what to expect? Haven’t yet met your team or seen your office firsthand? Keep reading to find out what to expect and how to optimize your first impression!

Nailing Your First In-Person Day…

  • Dress: Make sure that your clothing is aligned with the “vibe” of the office and dress expectations! Especially during your first few days, we encourage you to lean closer to formal and professional dress – once you secure your understanding of how your team and management dress, feel free to reassess your wardrobe and approach, but “overdressing” in the office is always better than the opposite! Remember, these are the types of questions that your leaders can absolutely expect from you and that you can always ask as you transition to a completely new way of work!
  • Tone: The tone you exhibit is a key component of your first impression, so make sure to express enthusiasm, excitement, and confidence! On a separate note, make sure that the tone you use when speaking about yourself and your own accomplishments helps you appear prideful, but still humble. This also applies to all emails, Microsoft Teams messages, presentations, slides, and every piece of communication you put out to your colleagues!
  • Warm Body Language: Of course, we have to acknowledge that, after sitting behind screens for a few years, it may feel unknown or unclear when approaching a colleague in person. However, we encourage you to not only base your actions on their lead, but if appropriate, offer a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, greet with a smile, and be mindful of the way you say hello.
    • Extra tips: Focus on posture while sitting and minimize fidgeting or other subconscious habits!
  • Greetings: Remembering specific names of employees who will be managing and training you from the interview process and greeting them in a genuine manner will showcase your motivation and respect for the role (this also applies to teammates you may be meeting for the first time)!
    • Extra Tip: Jotting down names and contact info. for future coffee chats and conversations is a super smart strategy during any interview or first few days on the job as you become acclimated to the office and space.
  • Punctuality: As we’ve said in the past… if you’re on time, consider yourself late! Always arrive early on your first day back in the office, especially when you are navigating a new building or space for the first time. Not only will this showcase respect, but it will allow time for you to collect yourself, organize your belongings, and mentally prepare for a few extra minutes.

Searching for a new position? Read through our open jobs list!

Welcome back, everyone! Today, we are continuing to expand on some of the MANY open roles we are filling right now! If you’re searching for a new position, if you are curious about what industries are filling roles, or if you would just like to expand your network by getting to know our recruiters, this blog is for you. Keep reading to find out more!

Open Esquire Positions Part 3…

  1. Professional Development Manager: Our prestigious global AM LAW 50 firm client is hiring an experienced Professional Development Manager in either New York, Washington D.C., Dallas, or Houston. The client is offering a very competitive salary and benefits package. For more information, please email Shay Force at [email protected].
  2. Alumni Relations Coordinator: Our prestigious global AM LAW 50 firm client is hiring an experienced Alumni Relations Coordinator in either Washington D.C or Chicago. The client is offering a very competitive salary and benefits package. For more information, please email Shay Force at [email protected].
  3. Learning & Development Specialist: Our prestigious global AM LAW 50 firm client is hiring an experienced Learning & Development Specialist in either Chicago or New York. The client is offering a very competitive salary and benefits package. For more information, please email Shay Force at [email protected].
  4. Conflicts Lateral Supervisor: Our prestigious global AM LAW 50 firm client is hiring an experienced Conflicts Lateral Supervisor in their Chicago HQ office. The client is offering a very competitive salary and benefits package. For more information, please email Shay Fore at [email protected].
  5. Billing Specialist: Our prestigious global AM LAW 50 firm client is hiring an experienced Billing Specialist in either New York, Chicago, or Washington D.C. Client is offering a very competitive salary and benefits package. For more information, please email Shay Force at [email protected].
  6. Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis: Our prestigious AM LAW 100 firm client is hiring an experienced Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis in their Dallas HQ office. The client is offering a very competitive salary and benefits package. For more information, please email Shay Force at [email protected].
  7. Corporate and Real Estate Paralegals: Our highly esteemed mid-size Chicago-based law firm has two positions available: an accomplished Corporate Paralegal and a Real Estate Paralegal. Annual report knowledge is required for the corporate position and residential experience is a plus for the real estate opening.  The client is offering a highly competitive salary and benefits package and an optional 2-days-remote. For more information, please email Becky Shelton at [email protected]  for more information.
  8. Office Administrator: Our highly successful AM LAW 200 law firm client is hiring an experienced legal Office Administrator to work in their Austin, TX office.  The Office Administrator is directly responsible for managing the administrative functions and overall operations of the office to ensure the highest level of service and standards. The client is offering a highly competitive benefits package.  For more information, please email Becky Shelton at [email protected].

Searching for a new position? Open to exploring? Itching to know what’s available in the market? If any of the above sounds like you,…. Make sure to check out our FULL open jobs list!

Welcome back, everyone! Today, we are continuing to expand on some of the MANY open roles we are filling right now! If you’re searching for a new position, if you are curious about what industries are filling roles, or if you would just like to expand your network by getting to know our recruiters, this blog is for you. Keep reading to find out more!

Open Esquire Positions…

  1. Senior BD and Marketing Manager: Our prestigious AM LAW 100 global firm client is hiring a Senior Business Development and Marketing Manager in either their New York or Chicago office. The client is offering a very competitive salary and benefits package. For more information, please email Amy Altman at [email protected].
  2. Business Development and Marketing Specialist: Our prestigious AM LAW 50 global firm client is hiring an experienced Business Development and Marketing Specialist in their Chicago, Houston, or Dallas offices. The client is offering a very competitive salary and benefits package. For more information, please email Amy Altman at [email protected].
  3. Business Development and Marketing Manager: Our prestigious AM LAW 50 global firm client is hiring an experienced Business Development and Marketing Manager in their Dallas office. The client is offering a very competitive salary and benefits package. For more information, please email Amy Altman at [email protected].
  4. Market Intelligence Manager: Our prestigious AM LAW 50 global firm client is hiring an experienced Market Intelligence Manager in their Chicago office. The client is offering a very competitive salary and benefits package. For more information, please email Amy Altman at [email protected].
  5. Market Intelligence Analyst: Our prestigious AM LAW 50 global firm client is hiring an experienced Market Intelligence Analyst in their Chicago or New York office. The client is offering a very competitive salary and benefits package. For more information, please email Amy Altman at [email protected].

Searching for a new position? Open to exploring? Itching to know what’s available in the market? If any of the above sounds like you,…. Make sure to check out our FULL open jobs list!

Welcome back, everyone! Today, we are here to expand on some of the MANY open roles we are filling right now! If you’re searching for a new position, if you are curious about what industries are filling roles, or if you would just like to expand your network by getting to know our recruiters, this blog is for you. Keep reading to find out more!

Open Esquire Positions…

  1. Legal Recruiting Coordinator – Our prestigious AM LAW 100 firm client is hiring an experienced Legal Recruiting Coordinator in both their Boston/Providence and Dallas offices. The client is offering a very competitive salary and benefits package. For more information, please email Scott Fischer at [email protected]
  2. Legal Recruiting Manager – Our prestigious and globally recognized AM LAW 100 client is hiring an experienced Legal Recruiting Manager for their Chicago office.  Qualified candidates will have experience with on-campus, lateral, and partner recruiting.  The client is offering a very competitive salary and benefits package. For more information, please email Scott Fischer at [email protected]
  3. Director of Legal Electronic Records and Conflicts – Our prestigious, full-service, mid-sized law firm is hiring an experienced Director for Records and Conflicts in their Chicago HQ office.  Related experience is required. The client firm is offering a very competitive salary (to $180,000) and benefits package. For more information, please email Scott Fischer at [email protected]
  4. Sales Account Manager Manufacturing – Our privately-held metal machining client is hiring an experienced Sales Account Manager for their Aurora facility.  Related experience is required. The client firm is offering a very competitive salary (to $100,000 plus bonus) and benefits package. For more information, please email Scott Fischer at [email protected]
  5. Manufacturing Engineer (Metal Forging) – Our privately-held metal forging client firm is hiring an experienced manufacturing (process) engineer for their Chicago (south-side) facility. Related experience is required. The client firm is offering a very competitive salary (to $80,000 plus bonus) and benefits package. For more information, please email Scott Fischer at [email protected]
  6. Communications Specialist – Our mid-size full-service law firm client is hiring an experienced Communications Specialist to play an integral part in the firm’s strategic marketing plans. Primary areas of focus include managing an editorial calendar inclusive of all internal and external firm communications; writing, editing, and distributing communications; driving and measuring digital content and social media engagement; assisting with legal directory rankings; maintaining an experienced database. Target salary to $80K. For more information, please email Laura McDermott at [email protected]
Searching for a new position? Open to exploring? Itching to know what’s available in the market? If any of the above sounds like you,…. Make sure to check out our FULL open jobs list!

Good morning, everyone and welcome back to this week’s blog! This week, we are full of a bunch of exciting news and updates for our team. Not only are we bursting with new open jobs that we want YOU to fill and apply to, but our own internal team is expanding too! That being said… we are overjoyed to introduce to you our new recruiter, Becky Shelton! Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Becky below.

Let’s Get to Know Becky!

After a 12 year career at Dell Technologies, Becky Shelton set aside her corporate career to start a small business from the ground up. In her corporate life, Becky provided her skills in corporate finance, including areas such as R&D, intellectual property, financial planning and system administration, enterprise software, and corporate IT. As a small business entrepreneur engaged in worldwide e-commerce, she understands the challenges of meeting customer expectations and driving successful marketing strategies to attract new customers, grow the community, and keep them coming back time and again through superior customer service. Her well-rounded experience allows Becky to understand all aspects of her client’s needs and how to connect their goals with the talent pool.

Becky’s volunteer passions are overseeing 20+ volunteers at the annual Dell Match Play PGA event in her hometown of Austin, Tx, president-ing the local high school tennis booster club, filling in at her church, and with her sketchy tennis skills on a local tennis team (basically anything social and outdoors.)

Let’s Get Applying…

With a job market that is growing at the seams and full of unique and wonderful opportunities, we hope that you will take some time to read through our open jobs list and reach out to the team with any questions! At Esquire, we are ready and prepared to link you to your best fit and help you connect to your next opportunity every day of the week.

Searching for a new position? Open to exploring? Itching to know what’s available in the market? If any of the above sounds like you,…. Make sure to check out our open jobs list!

Hello everyone! As many of our college students are finalizing internship and full-time offers, and in an ever-changing job market bustling with candidates and new roles each day, it is super important to maintain an awareness of how to negotiate your worth and your offer. Do you feel like the role is under-compensated? Do your PTO days feel underserved? Is the work arrangement inflexible (WFH vs. in-office)? Are you comparing multiple offers? Find out everything you need to know below!

Negotiation Focus Points:

  • Salary Increase: First and foremost, salary is a point of conversation through which to negotiate a higher compensation, and is often a first go-to for candidates. For that reason, make sure to conduct research to be able to compare the salary you would be provided with the rest of your industry or candidates with the same experience. Approaching the conversation having conducted background research and with preparation is the best way to be taken seriously and considered for a “yes.”
  • Pursuit of Education: If pursuing a higher-education degree (such as a Master’s program) is an integral component of your professional future, having these expenses either partially or majorly covered by your employer is a fantastic weigh to negotiate benefits as well as accelerate your professional career and profile.
  • Sign-on Bonus: Sign-on bonuses may be tightly linked with your overall salary compensation, or are measured on the basis of your need for relocation or other resources to get started in the new position. For this reason, sign-on bonuses may be a negotiable part of your offer. So, come prepared with reasoning as to why you need more resources to become your most prepared self and ready for the first day on the job.
  • PTO: The famous acronym we all know and love, “Paid Time Off.” Your days of PTO may be linked to your experience at a company, your position in the hierarchy, or your specific role and its associated responsibilities. If salary negotiations are not up for discussion, focusing on PTO may be a great way to increase your compensation through another route.
  • Flexibility:
    • Hours: Especially for students and with part-time positions, flexibility relating to your weekly, daily, or monthly hour count in a position may be crucial to our ability to accept a role. So, be transparent with your hiring manager as to what your hourly expectations are, which schedule you prefer, and if there is a way to reach a middle ground so that you can be best suited for success.
    • Hybrid environment: As we transition back to work in person, it’s essential to know your optimal work environment. Do you prefer WFH? Go into the office every day? Some days? Make sure to clarify the expectations of the company to measure against your own.
  • Extra Aspects to be aware of: Make sure to look into 401K matching or participation programs, opportunities for growth and promotion, parking permits or commute incentives, etc.!

Remember, the above attributes of an offer letter are not the end all be all of how you will feel waking up for work every morning. Measuring the importance of location, collaboration, room for growth, team dynamic, and CULTURE are equally as valuable to your overall sense of fulfillment and contentment in your role. Follow whatever path makes you feel most confident and secure in your career and you are bound to reach success wherever you go.

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Hello everyone! As I engaged in a mentoring activity this week through an internal company organization pairing, the topic of LinkedIn was quickly brought up. As many of you are aware, LinkedIn is a driving force of today’s job economy, ecosystem, and connection between recruiters and candidates. So, what are we looking for when we view your profile? How can you make sure you are expressing your most valuable traits? Keep reading to find out!

LinkedIn Profile Attributes…

  1. Profile picture – Formal, professional dress, against a plain background (a dorm room wall is often a good place!), smiling, and crop from the chest/shoulder area up so that your face is clear to see from that small little circle!
  2. Header – Have fun with this! Try to think, “if my interviewer were to ask me about my header, how could I describe it?” I know that mine, throughout college, symbolized my favorite place in Madison, which could easily lead me to an overview of my college experience and favorite things to do on campus.
    • This may look like an activity, an environment, your campus, a building, a location, a sunset, a hobby, anything that is eye-catching and relates to your identity!
  3. General profile below picture – Make sure your occupation is documented in the headline (student, full-time, part-time, etc.)! Include as much info. as you have: first name, last name, pronouns, location, etc.!
    1. This is also where you can “add profile sections” if you don’t see any listed. Always make sure if you are seeking work to include this at the top of your profile for easy viewing by a recruiter. 
  4. About section – personal attributes about yourself! Remember, recruiters view so many profiles, so keep it concise (6-8 sentences). Communicate your year in school, university, major path, career interests, and anything personal (in my free time, I love to…../you can find me/…. something like that!).
  5. Featured – totally optional! If there is a school project you’re proud of, a website you’ve created, a portfolio of graphic work, a video about your University, or anything to embellish your experiences/personal interests this would be a great place to add!
  6. Experience – copy from resume! If you have experiences that didn’t make it onto the resume because of the now page restrictions, add them here if you find them valuable!
  7. Education – University, majors, student organizations.
  8. Volunteering – any volunteering experiences you’ve had (and also a great way to communicate your values). 
  9. Skills – grab from your resume, things like Excel/teamwork/collaboration/creative writing etc. These can be endorsed by your professional connections so make sure they are relevant to previous experiences and accomplishments. 
  10. Honors/Awards – Anything else you find relevant that you’ve been recognized for (scholarships, honor societies, etc.)
  11. Languages 
  12. Organizations – expand on any student organizations you referenced in the education section!
  13. Interests – last one, navigate through LinkedIn to “like/follow” any companies, topics, people, etc. that you are interested in. This is yet another way to find common ground with someone, like a recruiter, who is using your profile to evaluate how you come across as a candidate. 

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Welcome back, everyone! Today, we’re here to talk about one of the biggest keys to success in personal and professional endeavors. And that is… the ability to focus and eliminate all “outside noise.” Working from home comes with several additional challenges, as we are sometimes lacking the motivation to even leave our own bedrooms! But we are here to ensure that you maintain motivation and the ability to plug-in by following the steps below…

Avoid Multi-tasking with these Steps…

  • Ditch Your Phone: First things first, your phone will almost always be your main point of distraction. Whether this is from personal calls, texts, or social platforms, our phones keep our eyes glued to screens. Whenever possible, instead utilize online work chat platforms like Microsoft Teams or Jabber, and ditch your phone! The best way to completely mitigate distraction is not to create the opportunity for it at all. If this isn’t an option for you, we recommend scheduling phone breaks throughout the day instead of keeping it next to your desk: explore 10 minutes breaks every few hours or a gap for lunch as our top strategy!
  • Create Schedules: Another way to stay accountable is by creating daily schedules highlighting goals, tasks, deadlines, and other priorities of your work, week, or even month! Doing so will help you stay in line with an organized list and also keep you from getting lost amongst a variety of tasks and ideas.
  • Be On… and Off! When you’re on… be on. And when it’s time to be off,… be off! There is nothing more important than making time spent in and outside of your job meaningful. Trying to spread yourself across both responsibilities at once will leave your productivity and final outcomes at half the value that you can truly reach! Always remember, you’re not expected to work around the clock for a reason, so put in effort when appropriate, and know when it’s time to unplug.
  • Time blocking! A key phrase that’s been gaining serious traction over the last few years is “time blocking.” So, what does it mean and how do you achieve this strategy of time management and optimization? We encourage you to batch out certain obligations or facets of your role across different points of the day. Maybe this means you dedicate your morning hours to necessary meetings, your afternoon to online training courses, your lunch hour to a walk away from your screen. This will take time and practice, but entering a workday and having that sense of organization will allow you to optimize your time and focus on certain tasks without having intrusive thoughts about what you “could be doing” in addition!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Good morning (or evening) to our students studying abroad! I cannot believe that we are at a place where we are back to travel, and I am so glad on behalf of each student fortunate enough to spend time overseas that they are able to do so (and safely!). So, if this sounds like you, keep reading below to incorporate my best tips into your upcoming travel plans as you round out the semester!

Location

  • Evaluate the type of trip you’re seeking: When it comes to weekend trips, the reality is that there is a huge time constraint. So, the first step of planning your weekend comes down to deciding what kind of trip you’re seeking: a relaxing vacation, cultural exploration, historical journey, etc… Once you’ve got that idea down, you’ll have a much easier time narrowing in on a location.
    • Example: When I was seeking a vacation I went to Valencia, Spain (an easy train ride away),… a more cultural experience led me to Prague!
  • Compare flight costs against different weekends: A quick Google flight search will help you compare your flight costs depending on a variety of weekends. If there is a large gap in price from this weekend vs. a few more weekends out, it may be beneficial to delay that certain location to a future date. This being said, being flexible abroad is a key to success! Try not to hold yourself too strictly to certain timelines as things always change.
  • Check Airbnb and/or hotel availability: Before jumping into planning, MAKE SURE TO check for availability and places to stay. This may lead you to a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb, but check out all of your options prior to solidifying flights!
    • Pro Tip: Always try to book flights and lodging as far in advance as possible! Although it sometimes appears like a hassle or is easily procrastinated, you will almost always save money and a headache by doing so.

Preparation

Now that you’re in the “fun” stage… it’s time for your second evaluation. Do you want a jam-packed weekend full of sightseeing, a relaxing few days to chill out, or a “go with the flow” walk through a new city? Whichever of these types of trips you choose, it’s time to start scheduling a loose itinerary.

  • Itinerary: An aspect of weekend travel that I became aware of quite immediately was the benefit of mapping the distance between sites you want to see – this is an easy mistake and absolutely avoidable. Start looking into certain shops, experiences, tours, sites, restaurants, or other places you’re hoping to see and how they are spaced amongst one another before touching down on your trip.
  • Budget! Finally, it is always important to maintain an awareness of your spending on each trip. Some places are inherently more expensive than others, so saving costs on lodging/travel vs. picking up souvenirs are great ways to stay in line with a similar budget on each trip.

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Welcome back, everyone! Today, I’m here to chat about a few ways that I love to stay on track with industry trends, important updates, partnerships, developments, investments, and more. Not only does doing so help me perform my best in my day-to-day role and obligations, but it sets me up to show my best professional self in an office-based or networking-focused conversation. So, are you hoping to stay in the know? Find out everything you should know about online resources (and newsletters) here!

Staying Up-to-Date in Your Industry

  • The Skimm: Pretty much the “OG” of online newsletters and new distribution, the Skimm is an incredible platform through which to “get your feet” wet and incorporate a piece of reliable news into your morning routine. The Skimm provides a quick, literal skim of significant world events, developments, political updates, and even tops off with links to popular and useful products (often even paired with discount codes!). If you’re looking to stay knowledgeable without digesting too much detail at once, this is a great resource for you.
  • The Morning Brew: Very similar to the Skimm, the Morning Brew also gives a boost of knowledge in several topics, is often tech-focused, and always updates its reader on stock trends. Another easily digestible form of content, the brew is meant to be paired with a nice cup of coffee and a refresh to your morning.
  • The Hustle: Also similar, the Hustle is slightly more entrepreneurial and Marketing focused, as it often calls on new products or companies initiated by developing professionals. I love to read the Hustle during a light news day to explore topics I would not have normally sought out, but provide a fresh and unique perspective to guide the day.
  • PYMNTS.com Daily: Finally, I mainly use the PYMNTS.com daily newsletter as a means of staying up to date with financial trends, innovations, partnerships, and political intersection. If payment forms, credit cards, buy now pay later, and other financially motivated trends aren’t up your alley, this may not be your favorite. However, understanding the ecosystem of how money drives our economy, global influence, and day-to-day lives is undoubtedly an invaluable component of being holistically knowledgeable about the world.
  • The New York Times: The New York Times is home to an endless number of newsletters: daily, political, cooking, fashion, marketing, and reading are just a few! You are nearly guaranteed to find a variation of the article that piques your interest and can rely on as a historically reliable source.

Basically, with the number of tech-based resources we have at our fingertips, it’s never been easier to become well-versed in the corporate conversations and worldly developments happening every day! Make sure to sign up for one of the above once you wrap up this read and have a great week.

Looking for a new job? Check out our open jobs list!

What is it? How do you do it? “Me” Time has quickly become some of my favorite parts of the day, and here’s why. It is so important to carve out time in your day for YOU, whether this is to simply accomplish errands, get work done in the “zone,” listen to a podcast, exercise, do crafts, or more, it is crucial that you put special attention towards prioritizing yourself with pockets oof time just for you. Keep reading to find out what “Me” Time is and how you can engage and curate your own…

What is “Me Time”?

When we refer to “me time”, we are encouraging you to actively disengage from work, obligations, errands, or other items on your “to-do” list at a blocked off hour of the day. Now, don’t think that means completely ignoring any extra obligations that do not fit into the daily schedule, but it is super vital to set a boundary for yourself that separates your personal time and your professional time. For example, if you work from 9 am – 5 pm, set a boundary for when you will “unplug” from work, whether it is at 5 pm or at 9 pm. By setting a cut off for yourself, you will no longer feel the guilted obligation to continue to check your work email or any notifications past that time, and until your next day at work begins. Remember, you are expected to work 9-5 for a reason; working 24 hours around the clock will pile on the stress and tire you out! Setting a boundary for yourself and being 100 percent present during the time before it hits will help you stay more productive, focused, and motivated.

What to do During “Me Time”?

There is pretty much an unlimited number of things to do to fill your “me time.” This is the most personal, customizable component of your schedule, so make this time all about you! If you need some ideas as to how to fill this time, don’t stress, we have a bunch ready for you!

  • Write in a journal – doing so will help you relieve emotional stress, log any thoughts or ideas of the day, and ultimately allow you to keep an active log of your day-to-day life.
  • Exercise – Exercising is the ultimate way to relieve stress at a rapid pace. There are countless ways to exercise – whether walking, running, lifting weights, trying out new classes, cycling, practicing yoga, or swimming. Find the option that is most enjoyable for you, and try to incorporate it into your day at least 3 days a week.
  • Pursue a hobby – Ever thought of something that sounded fun but you can’t seem to find the time to try? Do it! Some super fun, easy-to-try activities are cooking or art classes.
  • Meditation or mindfulness – If you are interested in meditation, practice before bed or when you wake up. There are many meditation applications, websites, or even CD’s that will guide you.
  • Listen to music or podcasts.
  • Read a book.
  • Book a massage or spa day.
  • Get a manicure or pedicure.
  • Spend time with friends or family.
  • Go see a new movie or play.
  • Try a new restaurant.
  • Try a new recipe.
  • Take yourself to lunch, dinner, or dessert.
  • Track down a new nature path.

We hope these ideas have fueled your desire to reward yourself for all of your hard work! Always remember, you deserve it!

Looking for a new job? Check out our open jobs list!

Welcome back to the blog! Today, we’re returning to regular programming and tackling the idea of getting involved on college campuses or in high school during the spring semester. While the fall may bring a greater sense of traction, the Spring months are equally valuable as it relates to involvement in student organizations, Greek life, volunteering opportunities, and more! Find out how to get involved below…

Spring Involvement

Student Organizations

Above all, it should come as no shock that joining a student organization is the easiest, most convenient, and quick way to increase your student involvement outside of coursework. Whether this includes an application process or an opportunity to join an org. without prior requisites or an interview journey, student organizations offer a variety of different interests, skill builders, or new friendships. At most universities, there are campus-wide organization fairs and virtual events to learn about the span of options to join new groups! So, reach out to an advisor, friend, or even professor to identify your next and closest resource.

Volunteering Opportunities

Another great way to increase your extracurricular involvement or achieve a holistic routine while increasing fulfillment and satisfaction is through volunteering. Not only through student organizations, but in personal searches, you can identify a vast array of volunteering opportunities (especially during this year and while a large portion of our population is experiencing increased hardship). We encourage you to seek out student volunteering platforms, identify volunteer-based organizations, and ask around to find a group that will join you in your new efforts to give back!

Greek Life or Business Fraternities

Similar to the above, a large component of greek life includes their philanthropic efforts! Many organizations “COB” in the spring, meaning they provide an additional opportunity to rush their organization, get to know their members, and potentially join as a permanent and active member. If you are more interested in the professional, network, alumni, or academic side of fraternity life, then joining a business “frat” may serve as an even better opportunity to fit your preferences!

T.A. or R.A. Positions

Finally, if you’re looking for academic credit, potential scholarship, or paid opportunities, applying to be a teacher’s assistant in a course that you have experience in, or living in a dorm or residence hall and working in a “management” position as an R.A. might prove a fantastic option for you to try out this semester or in the future. Make sure to look into these opportunities as early on as possible to solidify your placement in the position!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Over the past few weeks, our hearts have felt especially heavy as we read and educate ourselves about what is going on on the other side of the world. The reality is that it feels like a broken and senseless time, with so much violence and terror in the news that it may be easier to avoid it in total. However, while you may not be able to fly overseas and physically contribute to what is going on, you can donate and remain mindful and grateful for the life in which you live.

Remaining Mindful and Grateful

    1. Remind Someone That You Care: There’s no greater way to show gratitude than by telling someone, in person, that you appreciate all that they do for you. In the midst of the digital age, it’s easy to thank people through emails, text, or even phone calls, but one of our most valued ways to express gratitude is in person. Think of the people you interact with on a daily basis that you may not even think about, a transit worker, a doorman, a mailman, a server, or anyone whose work contributes to the ease of your life. Oftentimes, the value of these people goes unnoticed, so remember all that they do for you.
    2. Pay for the Person Behind You: As we steer towards a greater sense of normalcy, it’s easy to look over the ever-lasting effects that the pandemic has had on an endless number of people. Many are still struggling to pay bills, maintain a lifestyle they are used to or are even seeking work! So, the next time you find yourself at a coffee or sandwich shop, and if you are able, consider doubling your bill for the person behind you. With such a surprise and act of kindness, you are guaranteed to make that person’s day!
    3. Clear Your Schedule for Someone Special: This may be a parent, spouse, child, close friend, or even a mentor. Regardless of the relationship, find a day to completely clear your schedule on their behalf. Although our “days” may not look like they used to, taking a long walk, binging a Netflix show, or cooking dinner with company is a great way to showcase to someone that they’re a priority in your life.
    4. Leave an Extra Tip: Especially in places where the bill doesn’t run very high, leave a tip larger than you regularly would! We can guarantee you that your extra note of gratitude will go a very long way. Especially during a time blanketed by job uncertainty, “donating” a few extra dollars to a server or anyone who assists you throughout the day is a great way to pass kindness forward and make a positive impact.
    5. Save Space for Those In Need: Not physically but in your mind. If you practice daily gratitude or mindfulness similar to how we do, leave space for all of those displaced, in need, injured, or seeking help. It is more important now than ever that we continue to acknowledge and emphasize every global disaster so that it remains top of mind and never overlooked.

Above all, remember that the little hiccups in your day may feel detrimental at the moment, but will they matter in 5 minutes? In 5 days? In 5 months? Try to remember perspective, the fortune of living in a free world, and the privilege of being where you are right now. We are so grateful to have all of you as followers, as candidates, and as friends. Don’t ever hesitate to reach out if we can help shape your life through a new role or career!

Searching for a new position? Read through our open jobs list!

How do you know that you are marketable? What resources should you have on hand? What are recruiters looking for these days?! Complete our checklist here to make sure you are as prepared as possible to apply to any position and stick out amongst any candidate pool!

Resources to Have on Hand:

  1. Resume: A tale as old as time… yes you absolutely need a resume in order to apply to a position (and we are sure you knew that!). However, as the times change and platforms to create resumes before ever more accessible, now might be the time to create a few different versions to best cater to differing positions. If you are applying to new and more creative, digitally-focused, or “modern” roles, a pop of color or unconventional layout may make the most sense! Having a variety on hand to choose from when you click apply is the best way to “customize” your application and showcase your dedication to roles.
  2. Cover Letter: Similar to our advice above, it’s a fantastic idea to accumulate a variety of cover letters detailing different strengths, unique “tidbits” about you, and custom formats that will appeal to the eyes of differing recruiters, roles, responsibilities, or experiences. Make sure to acknowledge specific attributes of positions, companies, and reasonings as to why you’re pursuing a role in the letter to avoid sounding generic or impersonal.
  3. LinkedIn Profile: As much as it may feel redundant, we HIGHLY encourage you to keep your LinkedIn profile page up to date at all times! We use LinkedIn Recruiter on a daily basis as we seek an endless quantity of candidates for a wide range of roles. While your resume may speak to your experience, keeping yourself current online and especially on LinkedIn is equally crucial to your succeeding in portraying your “best professional self.”
  4. Portfolio or Creative Attributes: If you’re applying to a creative role or come from a background where having a portfolio is common to your field, make sure to submit these materials when you apply to positions or create links that make them accessible on resources like a resume! You want to always make sure your hiring manager or recruiter has a full picture of who you are and what you bring to the table… so lay it all on the line!
  5. Social Platforms: Finally, make sure your social platforms are professionally appropriate and private where you see fit! In today’s environment, it should be expected that your socials contribute to how you are perceived as a candidate, so make sure that they do just that.

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Welcome back, everyone! We hope that, if you’re from the Midwest like we are, you’ve been enjoying this quick winter-reprieve and warm weather throughout this week. If you’re able, we highly encourage you to spend some time in the fresh air, take a break from screens, and soak in the sunshine (we definitely know we needed it!). Today, I’m here to switch gears briefly and discuss some of my favorite at-home items and desk necessities to keep me excited, motivated, and able to avoid burnout while still working from home.

At Home “Office” Curation

  • Coffee Routine: While caffeinated drinks certainly don’t jive with everyone, curating my perfect cup of coffee is admittedly my morning highlight. I encourage you to find a reason to get excited every morning; maybe your cup of coffee takes form as a bagel, bowl of yogurt, cup of fruit, smoothie, matcha, tea, or simply water… whatever it is, make it uniquely yours. I specifically enjoy K-cups, with Trader Joe’s chocolate oat milk and a tablespoon of cinnamon (sometimes with a spoonful of collagen when I’m feeling extra motivated). Spending an extra few moments to feel like a barista makes coffee an activity to look forward to instead of another task to complete, it’s all about framing it in your mind.
  • Pictures! Smiling at a picture of my puppies is always a pleasant and shining moment in my day. I haven’t yet gotten around to doing so, but I also plan to print a bunch of pictures of my favorite things (activities, restaurants, vacation spots, memories, family, and friends) to serve as a visual reminder of why we work…. to live (and certainly not the other way around)!
  • Candles and Scents: Another way that I make my space as pleasant as can be is by lighting a candle each morning when I sit down. Crafting a perfect scent to blanket the room and my space makes my day feel curated, custom, and exactly what fits my preferences. This could look like incense, candles, wall plug-ins, flowers, or whatever else you need to feel your best in your space.
  • Colorful Pens and Sticky Notes: This is extremely detailed, but I find unexpected pleasure in writing in colorful pens, crafting notes on colored stickies, and making my space colorful. Whether these details impact your mood and productivity is, of course, a personal preference, but I would definitely recommend it! It is also crucial that you identify the most productive way that you can retain information – whether this is on your computer, physically on a sticky, or even in a notebook, make sure to collect the materials that will allow you to accomplish your best work!
  • Organization and Separation! Always organize and separate your space from the rest of your life as much as possible. Work belongings and materials should not spill into your bed (or bedroom if you can avoid it). Isolating work hours from personal life is a key to achieving work-life balance and sustaining productivity. And moreover, making sure your space is concise (and not overflowing with junk!), is a key to creating a clear mind.

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Welcome back, everyone! We hope that you had a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend and are ready to dive into another read with a fresh mind and perspective. This week, I saw it valuable that we discuss a topic that others may find uncomfortable, unprecedented, and difficult to navigate…. what do you do if your manager and your communication styles are not aligned? How do you resolve conflict and meet in the middle? Where should you compromise? Find out everything you need to know HERE!

Embedding Etiquette…

Let’s be realistic, throughout your career, you will likely run into a superior (a boss, manager, director, or even teammate) whose communication style does not match your own. Maybe this person is blunter than you are used to, requires touch base conversations more often than you’d hope, or micro-manages in a way you hadn’t seen before. How do you move forward in a way that works for you both?

  • Implement the 24-hour Rule: Especially for those unavoidable days when nothing seems to be going your way, remember the value of the 24-hour rule. Although you might feel agitated or frustrated at the moment, by allowing yourself a day to cool down, you will be able to assess any given situation with a greater understanding of someone else’s perspective and with a clearer mindset. After 24-hours pass, you are in a much better position to take the action you believe is appropriate. This may mean confrontation, an assessment of what went right or wrong, the initiation of a discussion with your coworkers before management, etc… it’s all better than acting out of initial rage!
  • Taking Stock of Your Strengths and Weaknesses: In order to get to the bottom of the communication gap, circle back to your own strengths and weaknesses to find the root of your emotion. Are you being tasked with projects that take advantage of your strengths or weaknesses? Is your boss providing you with responsibilities because they see your true value and potential? Have you expressed areas of improvement with your manager? Tackling the root of your feelings by identifying why a given situation is making you upset will allow you to see the bigger picture of why you were given the work in the first place.
  • Preparation is Key: Before you initiate a discussion with this person to create a common ground and guide communication strategy in the future, do some prep work. Having the ability to enter a conversation with concrete examples of the gaps you’ve seen, or what has been causing your disagreement will make for a far more productive conversation. This is also a great way to prove to this person that you’ve done your homework, have a basis of belief and key points to target for potential change.
  • Set Boundaries or Expectations: I also want to reiterate the importance of transparency… if you give this person the benefit of the doubt or take a moment to step in their shoes, you may be pleasantly surprised with what you find out. More likely than not, communication gaps are a result of misinterpretation and can be avoided or resolved by simply documenting and discussing your preferences. Set expectations for when to touch base, what responsibilities belong to who, and how to meet in the middle to optimize both your efficiency and preferences.

Make sure to always be cautious of your tone (avoid being accusatory!), facial expressions, body language, and pace (take a breath and slow down!). Conflict, as we know it, is a part of life that we cannot avoid! So, learning the strategies to handle it appropriately is your key to success.

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

And just like that (cue: Sex in the City reboot…), we’re heading into another weekend! If you don’t have plans, don’t want to bear the cold outdoors, or need a break off of the usual night out, this article is for you. Keep reading HERE to find out how to fill a weekend with things to do when you have nothing to do…

New Weekend Hobbies…

  • Exercise: First and foremost, we encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to move your body, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and get into exercise! Whether this looks like weight-lifting, cardio, yoga, or any other type of workout, every step counts. Doing so may look like going outside but can also be accomplished from the comfort of your living room!
  • Walking: While exercising or physically going to the gym can be intimidating for first-timers or those interested in immersing in fitness, walking is a fantastic medium to get your body moving, stay healthy, and still get a great workout in. Even just 20 minutes around the block will help you build up stamina each day to increase your endurance more and more – and again, if you can’t make your way outside because of weather constraints, try locating your nearest walking track or neighborhood recreation center.
  • Meditating and Mindfulness: If you’re looking for an activity and time-filler, we highly encourage you to investigate mindfulness or meditation activities. These can span as short as a few minutes and as long as you see fit, and are an amazing measure of feeling grounded before embarking on the day and gathering your thoughts in a meaningful, succinct way.
  • Reading: A key to relaxation, falling asleep, and simultaneously activating your mind is through reading. There is such an enormous variety of book genres, lengths, channels (audio!), authors, and more that we are CONFIDENT you will find one that fits your mold perfectly! So, take a trip to your nearest community library, grab a librarian, and find out the book that best fits your interests.
  • Crafting: Another way to clear your headspace and create inner peace is by crafting! Pick up that paintbrush, purchase that sketchbook, sign up for a class, and find your groove. Crafting can take on an endless quantity and variety of forms, so finding what works for you can be an amazing adventure and a way to step outside of your comfort zone.
  • Cooking: One of my favorite ways to spend the day is by trying out new recipes and cooking new things in the kitchen! This is a great way to connect with family, friends, and roommates, and to build a new skill.
  • Reaching out and Reconnecting: Finally, we encourage you to take advantage of free time to reconnect with people you may have fallen out of touch with! Whether this is a phone call, email, quick text, or any other form of communication, you will be amazed at how amazing it feels to build and maintain connections with friends, peers, family, and more.

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Welcome back, everyone! As you know, we constantly strive to provide you with the resources you need to succeed…..And one of those is the ability to evaluate an offer letter and your entire compensation package (salary and benefits). So, if you’re in an interview process, looking to switch jobs, or curious altogether, keep reading along to learn about everything benefits HERE!

Benefits: All you Need to Know

  • 401K: It’s never a bad time to begin thinking about your future, and even better, many firms offer a “match” to your 401K, meaning that they will match some portion of the money you put into your 401K throughout the year (up to a certain limit). This benefit will impact your future immensely and is vital to check for before accepting a position!
  • Vacation and PTO: I’m sure we can all agree that no one wants to spend every day of their year in their office or on their work computer! For that reason, look into the number of vacation days your organization will allow, and if they offer paid time off (PTO).
  • Amenities: If you are someone who is still or will be working in person sometime soon, look into potential amenities that your firm or office building offers. (Example: Cafes, cafeterias, gym, fitness classes, free snacks, vending machines, etc.)
  • Office: An x-factor of any office is its atmosphere and physical appearance. A great benefit of any building is their updated supplies (whether this is their computers, copy machines, chairs, etc.). How does your potential new office choose to present themselves?
  • Transportation Vouchers: If you are considering accepting a new position and it is relatively far from your home, take time to research the opportunity to receive a transportation voucher. Organizations provide their employees with an allowance to cover a portion of their transportation to and from work each day. Will this change your perspective and willingness to accept a position?
  • Sign-on Bonus: If a company is not offering you your target salary, will they provide a bonus upon signing? This may be a largely altering factor in an employee’s decision to accept an offer. Check into this and don’t be afraid to ask your recruiter.
  • Short Review Period: If you are accepting a position that may be slightly lower than your target standing, look into an opportunity to engage in a short review period. Some firms may offer the opportunity for an employee to receive a review and potential promotion after a short period (around 6 months). Will this change your opinion about accepting a position?
  • Hours and Flex Hours, Working Remote: Of course, we cannot ignore the elephant in the room that is the ever-presence of COVID. Let’s be honest, there will almost always be an altered and likely “hybrid” work format for most companies moving forward. So, it’s imperative that you understand the flexibility and options they offer to you moving forward. Are you required to go in? How many days? To which office location?
  • Additives: A great benefit that companies offer to their employee is additional supplements in order for them to complete their work most efficiently. This may entail a company computer, cell phone, or even a car. If there is a need for any of these utilities in your life, make sure to look into this policy!

Searching for a new position? Read through our open jobs list!