As exam season quickly approaches, today, I’m hoping to offer some of the best and unique studying tricks that I accumulated through college! Whether you’ve returned to in-person classes or are still tackling mid-terms from your home, these tips are guaranteed to take you on a path toward success. So, take a breath, sit back, and read below to best prepare for the weeks ahead.

Let’s Mid-term Prep!

Time Management and Early Preparation

Yes, despite the ease of procrastination that often leads us to wait until the last minute to complete assignments, projects, and study materials, the key to success is managing time and beginning the study process early enough. Doing so not only helps you to stay organized, as we also encourage you to block off a relatively short, but significant, amount of time each day leading up to the exam, but will help you divide out the bulk of studying so as to not have to account for loads of materials in a short time period. Additionally, it has been scientifically proven that our brains retain information much more efficiently if spaced out over time, instead of in the 48 hours leading up to the exam. So, how do you get started? We recommend compiling your notes from the semester into a document where you can read, interact, and even create flashcards or other resources based on the most important topics.

Write, Listen, Learn

We strongly encourage you to incorporate a variety of study strategies into your overall plan of attack. Simply going on Quizlet, studying the same set of flashcards, or chatting through topics with a roommate is not enough to supply your brain with a full and thorough understanding of courses material for the exam. The key to incorporating altering strategies is to space them out over time – we encourage you to take a “daily approach” and choose a strategy per day leading up to the exam. However, if time does not pertain you to do so, try an hour or two per tactic and see the reflection in your score!

Listening to Your Brain

This may sound unique, but yes, I am encouraging you to STOP studying when your brain alerts you! We’ve all been there, it’s midnight, we’re basically asleep but still pushing through to get in that last hour of studying for the exam. While you may think I sound crazy, I am a firm believer in the importance of sleeping, taking a walk, grabbing a cup of coffee, or otherwise removing yourself from the material to avoid going crazy. Even more, it’s highly unlikely that in your state of exhaustion you will be capable of retaining important information. So, by blocking off little time periods for a week or two leading up to the exam (doesn’t have to be more than 30 mins/day!), and avoiding the late hours of the night, you’ll be able to ace your exam without giving up your mental health and stability.

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

If you’re like me, then you are about half a year into your first, true full-time experience at a corporate office. You’re likely feeling confident in your role, and finally, have a sense of understanding of how your team operates, who is responsible for what, and all of that good stuff. However, with confidence may come comfort, and with comfort may come change. Is your manager affording you greater opportunities to lead projects you were once shadowing? Tackling an upcoming presentation to leadership? If you are taking on my work in your current role, keep reading HERE to find out how to do so effortlessly. 

Taking on a High Work Load…

  • Make Lists! The best thing to do to stay on top of your assignments is to make lists and organize as much as possible. Whether this means on a daily or weekly basis, setting a to-do list with priorities and timelines will help you keep track of your obligations, the ones you’ve accumulated, and all of their respective due dates.
  • Time Block: We at Esquire Recruiting are huge fans of making time schedules with time blocks assigned to various activities, tasks, assignments, and of course breaks too! Doing so will help you stay on track with the priorities of the day, remind yourself to take a brain break and eat, exercise, walk around and leave your desk, and keep the prioritized tasks at the front of your mind.
  • Communicate! Communicating the additional work that has dropped onto your plate to your teammates and any available management is a great way to be transparent about your work-life balance, stress levels, and mental health. When your support system at the office is aware of your situation, they will be much more readily equipped to offer a helping hand!
  • Set Expectations: Make sure to set work hours and completion obligations with your coworkers and management! If you already know that there is no feasible way to complete an assignment before it’s due, looping other teammates in to delegate tasks and split up the work is not only an opportunity to showcase teamwork skills but a means of staying on track. We also hope that you set a balanced expectation for yourself and make sure to set boundaries around screen time, your “online” status at the office, and brain breaks.
  • Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to ask your team, your boss, or your other coworkers from differing departments for help! There is a reason that an office is made up of several teams of employees bringing a variety of skills and perspectives. You never know when a fresh set of eyes may be the key you need to perfect an assignment. Plus, the more criticism and feedback you obtain before the due date, the less you’ll hopefully encounter afterward.

Google! 

Our last piece of encouragement, utilize a search engine! I vividly remember the first time I was given the advice to look around online for answers, as you would be surprised by the quantities of tutorials and information you can find on the web. So, engaging in a quick Google search before extending an assignment or question to the team may provide you more answers than you ever expected!

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

Welcome back, everyone! We hope that you had a great start to your week and are entering into Tuesday with a positive mindset and desire to grow and learn. If you are a manager or a leader at a company, this article is for you! Keep reading here to find out our best strategies for creating a positive environment to foster employee well-being today…

Acknowledge Burn-out

Let’s be real here, we have all been working from our homes and staring at screens for almost two years now! What does that create? Fatigue and burn-out! Employees have succumbed to so much repetition that it almost feels like every day is the same. In order to mitigate this, we recommend leading with time to recharge. As a leader, it is important to acknowledge that you are the one that sets the atmosphere and expectations for your team. Leaving space (whether this is an hour or a day each week) for self-care, growth, personal development, reflection, etc. is a great way to remind employees to put themselves first every so often. Doing so will also demonstrate the value you see in their motivation and maintain a sense of direction over repetition.

PTO For a Reason!

PTO is a privilege that should be put on the same priority list as our compensation. Remember, it’s a benefits package for a reason… and make sure to always remind your team to USE their benefits. Take a day off for themselves! And by using it, they are guaranteed to reach a level of rejuvenation that could have been otherwise lost to stale routines.

Create a Space Safe

Your employees and especially your direct report should feel comfortable discussing their bandwidth and capacity with you. After all, you’re there to lead, and they are there to learn and follow! So, create regular check-ins and set aside time for employees and teammates to discuss their well-being, mental health, motivation levels, and more.

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

Hello all! I can’t believe another week has passed and we are already getting geared up to enter into the weekend. While our homes and sidewalks are blanketed in snow (for at least our Chicagoans), I hope that these next few days bring you relaxation and an opportunity to cozy up in your home. If you’re like me, you’ve been participating in end-of-year follow-up and wrap-up discussions throughout this month. Initially, I engaged in a review on my individual performance with my manager, but the next step that came surrounded compensation adjustments and bonus opportunities. So, how do you approach this conversation with grace and ease? Keep reading to find out HERE!

Engaging in Compensation Discussions…

  • Educate Yourself on Company Policies: Above all, we are firm believers in engaging in any type of preparation before meeting with leadership. Whether this is a weekly touch base or an annual compensation discussion, entering into the conversation with a clear understanding of what to expect is the best way to come across as knowledgeable, responsible, and accountable.  You can often access this type of information in your offer letter, goal setting, on an HR portal, or otherwise noted on your internal company page. Anticipate engaging in approximately 30 minutes of investigation, and jotting down any notes about metrics to take into the conversation (ex: target bonus rate, average compensation increase, company performance percentage and annual earnings, etc.).
  • Express Gratitude: Addditionally, no matter what happens, showing grace in the conversation by thanking your manager and any additional leadership is a key strategy of composing yourself and creating a positive atmosphere for years to come, You must remember that, on the other end of the call, your manager wants the best for you and any feedback is given so that you can achieve your greatest potential! If you didn’t achieve the bonus or salary increase that you had hoped for, this is a great time to truly hone in on and clarify the critique you’ve received to incorporate it into your growth for the year to come.
  • Ask Questions and Gain Clarity! On that note, ask questions! You should leave that meeting feeling completely well-informed about your compensation and bonus expectations, how that may grow over the next year, and how to track the performance metrics to tie back into your individual ownership. Remember, you are a participant in the conversation just as your manager is. They prepare and anticipate questions as you do as well, and it’s your responsibility to guide that component of the conversation.

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

Welcome back, everyone! Today, I’m here to introduce you to a process that I was recently tasked with – engaging in year-end review and compensation discussions. If you’re like me, then you have very little prior experience with these conversations and were not briefed on what to expect. But, we don’t want you to feel overwhelmed! So, let us help and read below…

Year-End Review Conversations…

  • Stay Aligned with Your Goals: If you work for a corporation, you’ve liked engaged in the goal-setting process. What this means is that we use online platforms to input different types of goals (professional, cultural, behavioral, etc.) so that we can create a measure of accountability on a bi-annual basis.
  • Create a Comfortable Atmosphere: Remember, you will get out of the conversation exactly what you give! Put meaningful effort into evaluating how you’ve met goals, made progress towards goals, turned in unanticipated directions, adapted goals, or even fallen short. It’s okay to learn and to grow! Goals are fluid and not fixed, so they can change to adapt to how your role ebbs and flows throughout the year.
  • Call out Your Own Constructive Criticism: Before entering into the conversation, identify areas that you could personally see a need for growth or that you anticipate a person in leadership may call out. That way, you’ll avoid ever coming across as arrogant or unaware of yourself. I specifically measured the metrics in my goals against my performance (ex: aim for 5 meetings with various company leaders – did you have 3 meetings? 6? How do you measure up?), and in doing so, was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to seek out my own areas of improvement.
  • Say Thank You: While you should always thank someone else for taking the time to engage with you no matter what the topic, it’s especially important to thank your manager for feedback and not express any animosity depending on the result. Getting constructive criticism is a part of life, and a vital skill to success is being able to channel those types of messages with action and appreciation.

Tune in Friday to chat about… compensation!

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

Happy Thursday, everyone! Today, we’re here to discuss a topic that may feel taboo at times but is the reality of almost every single professional career – changing jobs. If you feel stagnant in your current role, itching to try something new, desiring a new feel or skill development, or even want to try out a new company culture, this blog is for you. Read along to learn our best tips for initiating a job search (mainly online)…

Initiating Your Job Search…

  • As Early as Possible! Yes, that’s correct! If you have not yet started sending out applications, go ahead and do so today. Getting your name in the door or starting to reach out and utilize your network is essential to getting through the application process. Many jobs open in the Spring and around Fall recruiting periods (often geared towards college seniors and soon-to-be graduates), so make sure to stay in line with timelines so as to avoid being swept away by lost time.
  • Do Your Research: You absolutely must conduct research about all job opportunities! Many online platforms offer a variety of resources to explore jobs in certain industries, cities, levels of seniority and experience, etc. For example (to our students), Handshake is a common website where companies are given the opportunity to post their job opportunities to an online platform for college students. Applications may be as easy as clicking a button and submitting a resume – so make sure to exhaust all options here (especially on LinkedIn)! Remember, these are free resources sitting at your finger tips that you can access from the comfort of your home, so make sure to use them whenever they are available to you.
  • Practice Your Elevator Pitch: Even if you feel that you will be able to produce an elevator pitch on the spot, we encourage you not to do so. With phone calls and interviews naturally come nerves, and nerves may lead to filler words, stuttering, stammering, and unprofessionalism when not practiced in advance. Keep your elevator pitch short and sweet, but definitely to the point! Include a brief intro to your experience, potential interests, and if there is time, a short reason as to why you were drawn to the company you are speaking with.
  • Plan an Interview Outfit: Although over a screen, we hope that your physical appearance will still treat virtual interviews as if they were regular, in-person events. Showcase your dedication and care for presentation by dressing in business casual or professional clothing. Even if we’re all communicating solely through the online format, you’re guaranteed to help yourself stand out by treating all interactions as if they were the exact same as in-person. You’ll be surprised by the extent of commonalities between the two formats, so the more you prepare, the better.
  • Be Ready Early: To anticipate inevitable technical challenges, like wavering Wi-Fi, poor connection, etc., make sure to log on much earlier than the anticipated interview so as to be able to mitigate as many barriers as possible.

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

Welcome back, everyone! We hope that you had an enjoyable and relaxing weekend, and if you’re in Chicago like us, are preserving through the snow. Today, we’re here to offer you our best strategies for working through and managing inevitable stress. Whether you’re a student, graduate, professional, or anyone under the sun, we know stress is a part of natural life. So, how do you confront these feelings in a productive manner? Find out here!

Stress Management Strategies…

  1. Crafts: Let’s start with arts and crafts. We’ve encouraged you a bunch of times in the past but are here to nail this idea into your minds one more time… crafting is a key to relaxation! This may look like coloring, hands-on pottery, drawing, sketching, or even digital/online graphic design… it’s a personal and creative outlet that looks different for every participant. No matter how this manifests for you, we encourage you to explore this unique activity to trigger an often unused area of your brain!
  2. Artistic Outlets: On that same note, engaging in artistic or musically-focused activities is a wonderful way to explore new hobbies and develop previously “unexercised” skills. This may mean music (like drumming, playing piano, or attempting at guitar lessons), singing, acting, or otherwise engaging in performing arts. However, pushing ourselves into new environments and out of our comfort zone is not only a great way to segment your life away from purely work but a relaxing means of personal growth.
  3. Get Outside! If you can take just a moment to watch the sunrise, step out for a cup of coffee, follow the sunset, or take a breath of fresh air, the scientific benefits of activating Vitamin D are unmatched! This does not have to look like a full-blown activity and may just be the opening on a window, but we are confident that it will be worthwhile.
  4. Exercise: Finally, we apologize if we sound like a broken record, but we essentially “beg” you to work out if you are physically able to do so! Especially the effects of walking have been proven to decrease stress and increase one’s ability to manage those emotions. So, clear your mind, throw on your favorite podcast or music, and get to moving!

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

Hey everyone and happy (early) weekend! We know that if you’re like us, and live almost anywhere in the Midwest, the past few weeks have truly reminded us of what winter entails. For that reason, it’s likely you haven’t been spending as much time outside as you may during warmer months. So, how do you find things to do indoors and from home? Keep reading HERE to find out…

Passing Time From Home…

  1. New Recipes: Getting back in the kitchen is a great way to fill an afternoon with fun, and a welcome distraction from other necessities and obligations of daily life. Now more than ever, there is an endless number of recipes online relating to all cuisines and diets. So, find a friend, a partner, a family member, or take on the endeavor by yourself!
  2. Movie Marathon: There is nothing more nostalgic than bundling under a blanket, grabbing a bowl of popcorn, turning off the lights, and cozying up to a movie marathon. Unsurprisingly one of our favorites is Harry Potter or The Hunger Games, but more than just the actual film, it’s a great way to just relax with those you love.
  3. Engage in a Massive Puzzle: If you’re looking for some brain stimulation, this one’s for you! Getting a hold of a thousand-piece puzzle will keep you occupied for days or weeks to come.
  4. Try out a New Craft: Whether painting, coloring by number, using clay, creating DIY jewelry, or even face painting, channeling your inner creativity is a great way to fill a day and also in a way that you’ve likely not engaged in any time recently.
  5. Self-Care Day: And of course, what’s a true weekend without a bit of self-care? Stocking up on some face masks, painting your nails, making a cup of coffee, or engaging in any activity completed intended for your own care is encouraged and recommended.

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

Welcome back, everyone! We hope that you enjoyed some well-deserved time off and also took a moment to appreciate the history of Martin Luther King Jr. and the legacy he left on our country. Now that it’s Tuesday, we are likely all back in our offices or working from home, so… what if you’re still on weekend mode? How do you get back into a motivation mindset? Keep reading to find out HERE!

Reframe into Work Mode…

  • Hydrate – One of the best ways to stay awake and help your body get back into the swing of a healthy week is to keep yourself hydrated. Keep a water bottle by your desk and try to drink the entire thing multiple times throughout the day; and if you’re worried about forgetting, set reminders on your calendar or mobile phone to do so! There are also a variety of water bottles available everywhere that track time stamps on the side to remind you to keep up through the day.
    • Extra Tip: In order to encourage yourself, try forcing yourself to finish a glass of water prior to a morning juice, matcha, or caffeine! That way, your drink of choice will serve as a reward instead of as a starting point for your day.
  • Nutrients! As enticing as it may feel to snack on chips, morning sweets, or any junk food, try to jump-start your week with nutrients instead. Starting off the week with healthy meals will rejuvenate your body and ensure that you are feeling energized and prepared for all obligations. On the same note, we also offer you the tip to bring workout clothes to work, as it may be your key to stepping back into the gym (and will also save the time of having to stop back home).
  • Stay Organized – Making a to-do list, filling out a daily planner or calendar, or even using a sticky note and writing down what you need to complete is proven to help individuals accomplish their daily tasks and goals. This will also keep you organized and decrease your chance of forgetting a meeting or assignment.
  • Check-In – with your inbox! Try out a “priority” folder to move all of your most important emails from the weekend into a different space, as we all know how crowded an inbox maybe when we take a momentary break.
  • Let Yourself Breathe – Finally,… schedule breaks into your day as you would any other obligation! Letting yourself have time to relax is equally as important as completing your work to your mental clarity and ability to maintain motivation.

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

It seems like just yesterday we were embarking on a never-before-seen journey of transitioning our lives into the virtual world. Now, and with new COVID variants, it’s like no time has even passed! As many of us transition back into full-time WFH mode, we found it important to refresh our minds with the best online practices to maintain motivation, the connection between ourselves and coworkers, and a positive attitude. Keep reading to find out!

Best Practices Online…

  • Leave Time to Chat: I’m sure we’re all used to hopping on calls and cutting right to the chase almost immediately. However, when we are not in the office and passing each other by throughout the day, it is all too easy to lose the bits of the day to personally connect and catch up. So, make sure that when you’re developing your meeting itinerary to include a few minutes for everyone to hop on and share little tidbits about their lives that don’t just revolve around the task at hand.
    • Extra Tip: If you work for a company where this doesn’t seem feasible, initiate a team-building exercise or happy hour! This way, you won’t feel any sense of pressure or lost work time, and can block off personal time for you and your team to enjoy.
  • Personal Recognition: Think about how you would behave if someone walked into a meeting you coordinated, or if you walked into a meeting in person. It is common courtesy to greet each new employee who walks into the room, so treat it the same in a video chat! When a new user joins, make sure to say hello and acknowledge their presence to mimic an in-person interaction as much as possible.
  • Incorporate Fun! Now that we spend almost all of our time on screens, we might begin to, even if subconsciously, resent what we constantly see in front of us. For that reason, it’s important to still incorporate bits of fun and laughs into our daily routines. Whether this means a virtual happy hour, coffee chat, lunch date, or even meme-filled chat box, there are many ways to keep things playful and engaging at work. We also encourage you to switch up your routine when and where you are able! This may look like a new workspace or room in your home, trying out a new coffee shop, going on a mid-day walk, or finding pockets of time to use as a refresh. Whatever works for you, make it a priority!

While the virtual format undoubtedly diminishes components of the socialization that we are all used to, by banning together and collectively altering and updating some of our work behaviors, we can mirror in-person interaction as much as possible! Sharing these tips with your team will help you to be a personal outlet, leader, and admirable professional.

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

Welcome back from the weekend! To our early birds and late risers… this article is for you both! If you’ve ever wondered what you could add to your morning simply by waking up a bit earlier than usual, we are here to help. Below you’ll find a list of beneficial morning activities for your mind, your body, and your overall clarity as you enter into the weekend or a workday. Keep reading to find out…

Capitalize on Your Morning

  • Meditation: Achieving a clear mental head-space ahead of completing errands, spending time with family or friends, or entering into a workday is key to setting you up for professional and personal success. Meditation does not have to look like a big undertaking, and can be as simple as 5 minutes of your day! Remember, listing attributes of your life that you’re grateful for, clearing your mind, engaging in breathwork, or any other form of mindfulness counts! It’s all about figuring out what works for YOU!
  • Substantial Breakfast: Let’s be honest, we know that when you say you’ve “had breakfast” it often means grabbing a cup of coffee and maybe a banana on the way out the door. However, with a few extra minutes in the morning, you can create a breakfast that will fill not only your tummy but your mind with delight. Transforming this component of your morning into one that brings you peace and happiness will change the way you view morning food! We encourage you to make some eggs, avocado toast, and omelet, a fruit bowl with yogurt or oatmeal, granola or cereal, or any other “substantial” meal that will prove more nutritious than before! Getting your mind and body ready for the day will show you more energy, a healthier diet, and increase brain effectiveness to its highest potential.
  • Exercise or Stretching: Exercising may look like a morning walk, a short run, an elliptical, a weight online video, a yoga routine, or a stretching sequence! The world of exercise is at our fingertips with just a quick online search, so make sure to incorporate some time for this highly rewarding experience into your morning. Similar to incorporating breakfast into your day, quick morning exercises will help you feel a higher sense of energy and productivity too.
  • Daily Preparation: Finally, allowing yourself to relax and sit down for a few extra moments each morning will help provide you extra time and space to prepare for the day ahead. This may look like a google calendar, a physical planner, a quick sticky-note to-do list, or any other form of “scheduling” – regardless of the form it takes, planning out your day will create a sense of accountability and organization all at once!

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

Hello everyone! We are so excited to enter the New Year while sharing our success and new hires with you, reminding you to check out our open jobs page (linked below) if you’d like to work with our team, and ultimately providing you with short resources to consistently improve all aspects of your life. On the topic of students traveling abroad, and understanding that the new Omicron COVID variant has caused the immense need to adapt quickly to changing environments… today we’re teaching you our best practices through which to navigate change!

Navigating Change…

  • Maintain Routine: One of the greatest challenges of change is losing structure. Many of us rely on our daily routines as a form of consistency and something to rely on. For our students quickly transitioning into remote learning, our workers shifting between going to their offices and WFH, and any other person undergoing a rapid change in their lives, we know that uncertainty may feel uncomfortable. However, we encourage you to identify components of your “regular” routine that can be replicated in your new situation. For example, while you may benefit from those extra few minutes of sleep given back when you go to school from home or work, we encourage you to try to keep your morning routine by waking up at the same time, getting dressed, making coffee, or breakfast, and otherwise acting as you normally would. That way, your body will continue to behave as it would had you been commuting and will maintain a sense of motivation to get the day started.
  • Curate Your Environment: Additionally, you may feel fatigued in your bedroom, home office, or working space after spending so much consistent time in one area. That feeling is completely normal! We encourage you to “spruce” up your environment by picking up a new scent (candle or incense), gifting yourself with something that brings you happiness (maybe a new piece of wall art or desk accessory), and otherwise making your space somewhere you want to spend time.
  • Identify leadership: Remember, if you are undergoing change, it is likely that many others are too. Whether this is your teacher, professor, mentor, manager, boss, or teammate, we highly value the importance of using your resources! Identify those who are senior in their experience and ask for help, recommendations, advice, or best practices to maintain a sense of motivation, dedication to your work, and accountability to your goals.
  • Ask for help! Above all, you are not alone! So many of us feel fatigued in our day-to-day life, lacking motivation, or a need for a refresh. Seek help from your friends and family, in your work or school resources, or even through therapy! Talking through feelings and avoiding a build-up of frustration is the best possible way to mitigate burnout. And if you’re ever seeking additional advice and guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team!

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

We touched a bit on manifesting in our last post, specifically:

“Google defines this concept as, “the action or fact of showing an abstract idea”… but we call this documentation and speaking your goals out loud for the universe to hear! There are several manifestation outlines that you can fill in online, or you can simply speak these thoughts out loud in a form not too far from meditation so as to verbally document your hopes for the future. It is “proven” (this, we are not 100% sure of), that putting these thoughts into the world will help you bring them to fruition, so why not give it a chance?

Today, we’re here to expand on this idea and teach you about different strategies that will help you manifest goals and affirmations into the New Year. Keep reading to find out which process works best for you…

  • Verbal Affirmation: The most common method of manifesting your goals and hopes for the future is by speaking them into the Universe! There are many famous manifestation quotes that millions of people use to affirm their days on a daily basis, but we encourage you to identify a frequency that best fits your schedule. Repeat your mantras and one day you’ll be surprised by how naturally they come to you.
  • Transcribe: If the idea of repeating a phrase into the mirror to essentially speak to yourself sounds funny, then instead of writing down manifestation is a perfect strategy for your needs. And, make it fun! Treat yourself to a trendy journal, a notepad, or a physical place for writing that will promote the behavior and make it an activity to look forward to.
  • Mood Boards: Another topic we’ve referenced is creating mood boards! If you are more of a visual learner or find yourself more heavily inspired by images, then creating a visual board of your goals is a perfect means of manifesting. Grab your favorite magazine, scroll through Pinterest, or even draw your own images!

We know that the past few years have looked quite a bit different than you may have anticipated. With COVID still comprising a large part of our lives, it’s easy to feel “stuck” in this seemingly new normal. However, through manifesting and maintaining a sense of routine, positivity, and normalcy, you’re sure to stay on track with motivation and goals as you would any other year. We are so excited to help you find new positions, reach your goals, and follow your career dreams in the New Year and will see you then! Happy 2022!

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

Welcome back, everyone! We apologize for our short hiatus and will push the blame towards holiday relaxation, carb-loading, and time with friends and family. However, we didn’t want to miss out on a special opportunity to reflect on 2021 ahead of the New Year. We know that especially now, it may feel difficult to maintain a hopeful vision for what 2022 may hold, but COVID aside, there are several ways to enter the New Year with a positive mindset and gratitude.

Ringing in the New Year…

  • Resolutions: Even though this concept may feel overworked or cliche, the idea of setting goals to better yourself and become the best version of you is an idea as old as time for a reason… it works! So, if you are still feeling the residual effects of working from home, screen fatigue, and more, there’s no better time to get ahead of productivity, goals, and measures of accountability than right before the new year begins. Whether this be a metric for days you go to the gym or workout from your home, minutes you hope to spend meditating, a new diet you’re hoping to test (I recommend plant-based!), new friendships you’re seeking, or any other small life alteration, documenting these goals is a fantastic way to create accountability.
  • Manifestations: This leads us into a theme that has stayed strong over the last few years…manifestation! So, what does this mean? Well, Google defines this concept as, “the action or fact of showing an abstract idea”… but we call this documentation and speaking your goals out loud for the universe to hear! There are several manifestation outlines that you can fill in online, or you can simply speak these thoughts out loud in a form not too far from meditation so as to verbally document your hopes for the future. It is “proven” (this, we are not 100% sure of), that putting these thoughts into the world will help you bring them to fruition, so why not give it a chance?
  • “Mood Boards”: Yes, you heard us right. And no, we’re not expecting you to create the top of line, Pinterest-esque picture to share with the world. But, we hope that you will consider finding a few inspirational visions online and collecting them in a shared space to look back on throughout the year and measure how you are weighing up against your aspirations for the new year. Whether this is a new pet, a friend or family expansion, relocation, new job pursuit, small goals, a new piece of clothing, a fitness regime, a vacation destination, a new hobby, class, journal, or anything your mind leads to… it’s right for you! And there is no better time to start than the present!

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

Welcome back! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving break! I definitely filled up on as much food as possible and spent the break relaxing with friends and family. But of course, right after Thanksgiving, the decorations are immediately swapped out for holiday décor. As the holiday season is quickly approaching, today I will talk about the importance of reaching out to clients over the holiday season.

Do you have to reach out to clients during the holiday season? Yes! Personal touches like this can make or break a relationship. Clients will take note of who is reaching out and store that information away for later so be sure to follow these three tips.

 

  • Get Ahead: don’t wait until late December to reach out to clients. It is important to get ahead to avoid when clients may be on holiday and work is the last thing on their mind. Be sure to think about your industry and when reaching out will be most beneficial.
  • Make Friends: This is not your stereotypical sales pitch. You want to understand your client’s needs and address them. You should not be aggressively pitching your products but instead, make a connection with your client. is important to tone down your message and take interest with new and existing customers on a personal level. Pro tip: if this is a long-term relationship, be sure to remember some facts about your clients. Using things they have mentioned down the line will let them know that you care about the relationship and will bode well for more business.
  • Set Next Steps: In a conversation, it is always important to set the next steps so clients can understand when your next communication will be or what it will look like. Relationships are all about communication! Make sure to let the client know when you will be out of the office and when you will be returning. This way, you both can have a relaxing break and then you can plan your next check-in.

 

I hope this gets you thinking about reaching out to clients this holiday season. It will strengthen relationships and that is critical for success.

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As my first semester of senior year wraps up, this is especially relevant to me in both a school and work setting! However, this blog post speaks to anyone who is looking to prep for an interview and yes it does require some prep work!

  • Research the company: having background knowledge of the company you are applying to is critical. Not only does it show that you are interested, but they may directly ask you what you know. You want to be prepared to answer any questions that may be on the company’s website. Take a look at the company’s mission statement, its different business lines, and its values. Check out anything else that is important on their website and that would be relevant to your job. Pick a couple of things you could bring up in the interview but know that if you bring something up. If they don’t bring it up, this is an opportunity to show that you did your research and you can pose questions at the end of the interview about how the employees live their values or link to anything you see that interests you.
  • Research the culture: this may be a bit more abstract but dive into the culture at the company and field. I have found that looking at their social media channels and seeing their comments is a great way to see what people think of the company. You could also look at competitors. How do values differ across companies? What can you tell from their websites and social media?
  • Research the job: looking at the job description is the first step. Once you have taken a good look, do you have any questions? Can you talk about experiences that you’ve had that make you a good fit for the job? For the interview process, you will want to have a handful of questions ready and some of these can come from the job description. An example would be: how is success in this job measured? Make sure to have a good handle on the job and what would be required of you.

One great resource to dive into the company, culture, or specific job is to check LinkedIn and see if you have any mutual contacts to the company that you are applying to. If you have any connections, reach out! It’s best to talk to someone at the company before interviewing to get a better sense of their culture. I hope this blog post helps to get you ready for your next interview.

 

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Hi everyone, today we are keeping it light with some life lessons! These will be a great reminder before the holidays to appreciate everything you have and to get in the right headspace.

 

  • Smile: it always works out in the end. You may not see it now, but things always find a way to work themselves out. It may be hard to see but take some time today to reflect on some instances where you weren’t sure how things were going to pan out and what ended up happening. Are you currently worried about anything now? Try to come up with a plan and smile in the meantime:)
  • Be kind: you have the power to make people feel good. Being nice to people is one of the easiest things to do. Go out of your way to compliment someone every day. It not only will make the other person feel better, but it will help you too.
  • Don’t give up: if it doesn’t work the first time, find another way. Persistence is so important. You might not get exactly what you want on the first try. Keep going and learn from your mistakes and you will get there.
  • Don’t compare: everyone is on a different journey. Along with this point, social media has made the nature of comparison omnipresent. It is important to not compare yourself to others. Put your head down and focus on yourself and you will be better off for it.
  • Avoid negativity: avoid negative thoughts, situations, and people. One thought experiment to leave with you today is the question of whether you would be friends with the person inside your head. Talk to yourself the way you would talk to your friends. Also, take a look at the people you surround yourself with. Who is always there for you? Who is there during your happiest moments? Be sure to stick by these people.
  • Make peace with your past: focus on being present and creating a better future. Let go of the past and commit yourself to make a better future. You will regret not going through life focusing on the present.
  • Take care of your body and mind: one struggles to survive without the other. Especially before the holidays, make sure you are taking care of yourself. With winter weather comes sickness. Take some time this weekend for a little self-care however that looks to you.

 

These tips gave you a lot to think about, so I hope that you take some time out of your day to consider these 7 rules in life to live by. They were a great reminder to be kind to myself and take some much-needed time before the holidays to relax. Have a great weekend!

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

Congrats!! Receiving a job offer letter is very exciting and is often a huge weight off your shoulders. The interview process can be stressful and involves lots of preparation and now the hard work is over. Time to take a deep breath.

With the excitement that comes along with a job, now you have one more hurdle which is the job offer letter. Next week, I will discuss what to say if you are 100% ready and willing to accept the job offer but this blog will take you through negotiating which I highly recommend!

 

Check the obvious. At first, you will want to check out the job title, start date, and salary. You will want to make sure that these are in your range of expectations; however, the benefits are often overlooked. You’ll want to look through the benefits in the job offer and see what are included as well as other perks like a gym in the office or free lunches. Benefits may have room to be negotiated which is what this blog will help you do.

Why I said earlier that you should negotiate is because the worst they can say to your requests is no. If you frame your email the right way, it can at best land you in a much better position. To begin, if a previous job had more perks or paid time off, you have the upper hand to negotiate. This will give you room to respond with what benefits your previous job held and put the ball back in their court.

As for negotiating pay, you will need to prove your worth to the company when asking for a higher salary. Do your research first to determine the going rate for your job. This will ensure that you aren’t shooting too high or way too low. Next, you want to go in confidently and give them a specific number. If you have a range in your mind, you can begin with the high-end which leaves room to wiggle down. If the employer counters, you can continue to negotiate or throw in bonuses/benefits/perks with their number. One thing to keep in mind is that you do not have to disclose previous salaries. It is best to ensure that for each role you take, your salary is fair regardless of what you have made in the past.

 

I hope this blog helped a bit with learning how and what to negotiate in a job offer. You can and should go back and forth with the points that are most important to you. Next week, I will discuss how to send the final YES to the job offer!

 

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

 

Hi everyone! Today’s topic is important in every aspect of life. From first impressions to conversations with friends and co-workers and very importantly interviews, this idea is always present. Whether or not you think you notice, body language is so important and can be a silent killer or land you your dream job.

Body language is the most powerful signal of non-verbal communication. It allows us to express and interpret other people without thinking twice. This is crucial to understanding those around you. Figuring out how best to control your body language and adapt to the situation will help you improve daily interactions. Here are a couple of things to consider:

  • Posture: posture can be very noticeable on other individuals but not always yourself. Having great posture is not only a health benefit but also exudes confidence in the workplace. Lack of posture often signals boredom or grogginess, so it is important to pay attention to your posture both sitting and standing.
  • Eye contact: eye contact is such a great way to show that you are actively listening to someone. It shows that you are dialed in and care about what they are saying. With that being said, staring can be weird so you want to maintain eye contact and can casually look away when appropriate. Great eye contact is the fastest way to build a personal connection.
  • Personal space: besides staring at someone for minutes on end, another way to make someone uncomfortable is to speak to them too closely. Everyone has their personal space, and a good rule of thumb is to leave a couple of feet between you and the person you are talking to. Based on your relationship, you can adjust if you find it necessary, but you never want to be infringing upon someone’s personal space.
  • Mirror image: when in doubt, mirror the other person! Like I explained in the golf etiquette blog post if you don’t know what to do just follow whoever you are with. This goes well for when you are in an unknown setting or don’t know the proper manners for the situation you are in. It is always best to lead with professionalism but based on your company’s body language, you can mirror their movements.

How might this relate to recruiting? I found some great statistics (here) showing how this can affect an interview candidate.

  • 67% of hiring managers cite lack of eye contact as the biggest mistake candidates make
  • 26% of applicants in an interview get rejected because they fidget too much
  • 21% of interviewers will reject candidates who give a weak handshake
  • 39% of interviewers are put off if a candidate fails to smile

These statistics alone should make you want to perfect these skills. Non-verbal skills are extremely important and as crucial as it is to practice interview questions and responses, you sure want to add non-verbal skills to that list. I hope you found this blog post helpful – have a fun and safe Halloween weekend!

 

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As promised, today I will discuss ways to keep employees motivated. This is important given last week’s findings that employees want to work from home. 2022 is around the corner so as you head into the new year, it is important to think about how to look out for your employees or ways to stay motivated yourself.

  • Team building events: the dreaded team building event! Although some may roll their eyes at this title, there are ways to get employees together without forcing employees to complete an obstacle course. There are virtual trivia games, escape rooms, book clubs, and Netflix watch parties that can act as a great way to get people together. If your team is hybrid, it is important to ensure that everyone still feels like they are a part of a team.
  • Communication is key: having open lines of communication and support for your team is essential. With increased level of stress, you want to make sure your employees feel heard. Try scheduling time every week to check in with others or ask at the beginning of meetings how everyone is doing or what they did over the weekend.
  • Offer flexibility: According to the Harvard Business Review, motivation can be increased if employees are given flexibility. Letting employees choose their location may not be too bad after all!
  • Recognize and reward: in a virtual setting where tasks may go unnoticed, it is important now more than ever to recognize and reward positive behaviors. It can be frustrating among communication challenges and Wi-Fi troubles to be quite as efficient but words of encouragement to the team can go a long way.

These are just a couple of ways to keep your team engaged or remind yourself of ways to stay motivated at work. As a team leader, you want to ensure that you are doing these things to create the best environment for those you are leading.

 

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