Virtual Mentorships

Happy Monday! We hope that you all enjoyed the holiday weekend with family and friends, and of course keeping safe always. Today, we’re here to help all of our virtual interns navigate their mentor relationships through a screen. If you’re feeling intimidated or nervous about initiating these types of interactions, this article is for you. Keep reading here to find out a few easy strategies to implement that will help you cultivate meaningful discussions and interactions…

Keep an Open Mind…

  • Open Up the Door to All Possibilities: It’s easy to feel like you’re seeking mentorship from another employee like you, in a role you’d hope to pursue, or from the same academic or personal background. However, at Esquire. we are firm believers in the importance of all types of networking! It is in the relationships where you connect with people who are not like you that you will learn the most and even identify new areas or roles to pursue in a long term career. Make sure to engage in chats and conversations with employees of all types of identities and responsibilities to gain the most well-rounded understanding of the company at hand.
  • Come Prepared: In order to gain a meaningful amount of knowledge from your conversations, make sure that you are setting up chats with employees that you have a true interest in (whether that be their role, background, accomplishments, etc.). When entering into this conversation, you should have previously conducted a quick search on their background, and a light gauge of their current work so as to avoid taking a large portion of time dedicated solely to introductions. Also, make sure to have a few questions prepared that you can slip into the conversation in the chance that there is a lull or gap.
  • Maintain the Relationship: A coffee chat might be a periodic occurrence, but communication should not be. Make sure to maintain the relationships that you’ve worked to schedule and cultivate! Whether this means a weekly check-in, email update of your recent accomplishments, or a quick link to a relevant article, make sure to keep consistent contact and follow-up after your thank you note!

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

Click here to learn about our three tips to start off your week!

Gauging Your Workload

Especially for our summer interns, if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “doing enough work”… this article is for you! Today, we’re here to help provide some strategies for you to use to assess your own productivity and to gauge whether it’s time to ask for more. Keep reading to find out how…

Gauging Your Workload…

  • Getting Acclimated to a New Environment: It takes far more than one day, week, or even month to become completely comfortable in a new position, company, and culture. In fact, this could take a few months and often a year! It is crucial to understanding your capabilities to allow this time period to pass and to pay attention to your comfort level in your responsibilities. If you’re reading this and thinking about the fact that you haven’t had much “new” lately or pushed yourself out of your comfort zone, you may have reached the level of “comfort” we’re speaking to! This is a tell-tale sign that you’re ready…
  • Open Space in your Schedule: It’s completely normal to feel waves of business and blank spaces throughout the days and weeks of a job or internship. However, if you’re finding that you have short to no breaks throughout your entire day, you may be spread too thin. Especially in a temporary position, it’s essential to maintain an open conversation with your manager each day to chat about what meetings are crucial to attend and where you could take advantage of some open time to complete independent work.
  • Taking Advantage of Resources: While it may seem easy to complete the work you are assigned, taking the extra mile to get involved internally within your new company and grow your network of employee connections will prove essential to your overall success. Make sure that your schedule has a balance of professional and personal outlets for growth. Whether that means joining a new employee resource group or scheduling a coffee chat each week, taking advantage of all aspects of a company’s culture will give you a well-rounded workload and path to acceleration.

In addition to your feelings about work, taking time to assess your comfort in your current position, the balance of schedule, and daily or weekly commitments will help to give you an even more clear picture of your workload. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, this may be a great time to initiate a conversation with your manager and start reworking your obligations. Find out how to do so Thursday!

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

Click here to learn how to develop confidence in asking questions!

Virtual Language

Now that we’re almost all working full-time from home, it is crucial to adapt your body and literal language to a new, online format. So, keep reading today to find out more about specific communication skills that will help you portray your best professional self through the screen…

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.
  • 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.

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!

Even though it’s Thursday… click here to learn about our three tips to start off your week!

Three Tips to Start Your Week!

Happy Monday everyone! If you’re still feeling that weekend slump and seeking a quick strategy to channel back in that motivation, this article is for you. Keep reading to find out our top 3 tips to start your week off…

Start Off Your Week Right…

  1. Plan out Your Days: One of the best ways to foster accountability before even beginning your work obligations is to schedule out your days and weeks as they begin. Creating a list of “To-Dos” throughout days, hours, etc., will help you to create a routine to stay up to date with as well as a means of checking in with yourself. Especially as we all continue to adapt to WFH, it is crucial to make sure you’re staying on top of all obligations as usual.
  2. Set Goals: Piggybacking off of our last “tip,” setting goals simultaneously with tasks is another great way to create accountability and foster motivation. Even small goals, like making your bed each morning, are a way to help you feel accomplished and proud!
    • Goal ideas: Make your bed each morning, tidy up your room each week, workout 2x per week, finish checking emails by 5:00 pm, put your work “away” by 7:00 pm, keep ordering into a minimum of once per lunch and dinner each week, etc.!
  3. Eat Breakfast! While this may seem obvious, integrating breakfast into your daily routine is a fantastic way to jet start your morning as well as your metabolism. In addition to obvious and extensive health benefits, eating breakfast will give you the energy you need and a great schedule to work off of as if you were truly in the office. This may only include a piece of fruit and coffee, but any bit works.

By creating routines and schedules to hold yourself to, you will be able to mimic an office life at home in no-time. It is incredibly important and a great personal asset to be able to adapt to change; so there is no better time than the circumstances of today’s environment to prove to yourself that you can embrace and thrive when change is thrown your way!

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

Read this article to discover why you should stay in touch with recruiters after the job search is over! 

Initiating Recruiter Conversations

Are you in the midst of a job search and considering a recruiter’s help? At Esquire Recruiting LLC, we know how invaluable a recruiter can be to a job search. It’s a great way to find a role that is fit for you. Continue reading below to find out some important questions you should be asking your recruiter!

What are the main qualifications the employer is looking for? 

  • This is an essential question to ask because you need to know more about the position. This question will give you insight into what the recruiter’s client is expecting from candidates and you if applying for the position. The recruiter has most likely spoken with the employer about qualifications and potentially even received a list of exactly what the employer is looking for.

What is the job description?

  • Asking this question will tell you what the client/employer expects. It’s basic information, but also very important to know if you choose to move forward and apply. Just like the qualifications, the recruiter knows what the job description is and what the expectations are.

How long has this job been open?

  • This is a fair question to ask because you want to know all the details. The job search process can be tedious and overwhelming. If the job just opened, you may be one of the first candidates to interview, which means the employer is probably going through other interviews as well. This isn’t a necessary question to know, but it can help you determine a time frame for how long you may be waiting to hear back from an employer or when the position will be filled.

What experience do you have recruiting in this industry?

  • Recruiters are filled with knowledge. They see endless amounts of resumes per day and speak with multitudes of people. Asking them their experience is a fair question and can help you gain trust in them for your job search. Recruiters with good experience know the field like the back of their hand.

What information do you have about the company?

  • The recruiter most likely has a relationship with this company or even exclusively works with the hiring manager. Asking this question can help you understand more about how the company operates and what their work culture is like.

Asking recruiters questions is a great way to establish a relationship with them and make a great first impression! There are so many more questions that you can ask them- don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Recruiters can provide you with such great information, such as- resume help, tips for interviews/interview process, and even insight into information about an employer.

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

Read this article to discover why you should stay in touch with recruiters after the job search is over! 

Resume Upkeep Part 2!

In case you missed the first half of our resume upkeep series, make sure to click here before you keep reading today! On this exciting Monday, we’ll be expanding on easy resume strategies to implement from your own couch at home. By maintaining an up-to-date, relevant resume, you’ll be ready to re-enter the job market, expand your network, or elevate your professional brand in no time.

Resume Upkeep Part 2…

  • Appearance: The appearance of your resume is often the key component in whether an employer will choose to take the time to review it. In order to solidify their interest, confirm that yours is clear, organized, and proof-read! It is no challenge to create an excellent resume, in fact, there are several resources available online for free that will help you either create a new resume or update your current one. Here is one example!
  • Some extra components to consider when evaluating the physical appearance of your resume:
    • Reverse chronological format!
    • Not covered in bright colors, but instead written in black (or dark-colored) font over a white background.
    • The font type is readable. Fortunately, there are several fonts available to help you craft a resume that matches your style while still maintaining a professional appearance.
    • Keep in mind what kind of role you are applying to:
      • i.e.: An accounting position is generally serious and does not require creative content. Your resume should reflect that with a standard, black font. However, a digital studies job which requires great creativity can be paired with a more unique looking resume, potentially enhanced by colors or spatial format.

With these compiled tips and easy steps to take, we’re confident that you’re resume will leave you at the front of an application pool. If you have any additional questions, comments, or confusion, make sure to leave a comment on any of our posts or reach out to my personal email, [email protected]. We’re here and happy to help!

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

Resume Upkeep for the Weekend!

Today, we’re here to expand on this week’s latest article and teach you a few tips about resume upkeep from the comfort of your home! First… a quick recap…

One of the most important ways to assert yourself as a marketable candidate for any job is to maintain a well-formatted and well-marketed resume! Make sure your resume is user-friendly, well-formatted, easy-to-follow, and tailored to the job you are applying for. Recognizing and emphasizing an experience that will best equip you for any given role is crucial to standing out as a well-prepared candidate.

Perfecting a Resume…

  • First Impressions: Your resume is your first impression for your future employer. Because recruiters scan dozens of resumes every day, it’s crucial that yours must help you immediately stand out and prove that you are the most qualified applicant. Furthermore, most social media pages like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, often do not show professional appearance; LinkedIn is the most important virtual representation of who you are for your next potential employer. Your LinkedIn profile, which showcases each of your professional experiences, must align with your resume. The jobs you include on your resume should paint a picture of who you are to your employer, and your LinkedIn profile should further extend the self-image you wish to promote. However, not all experiences shown on your LinkedIn profile will be able to fit on your resume, so make sure to pick the experiences most pertinent to the job you are applying and customize your resume for each individual application!
  • Content: All content included must be both relevant and recent. So, if your first job as a 15-year-old Summer Day Camp Counselor is still included on your 24-year-old resume, reevaluate if that is the most on-topic piece of information that will help you stand out in an application pool. Additionally, make sure that the information you include on each resume you submit is in tune with what the company is looking for. For example, if you are applying for a Marketing role, make sure to include an experience that illustrates your ability to think creatively, and promote a brand. If you are applying for a Financial role, highlight any financial-related experiences you were responsible for in clubs (even if in college), organizations, or other companies. However, while information should be relevant and recent, do understand that there are times when crucial experience stems from several years ago –  so always be the ultimate judge of what “snapshots” will ultimately guide your employer’s decision to advance your application.Extra Tip: Set a routine for resume up-keep – make sure to do so every 3 to 6-months! This way, you will constantly be adding and deleting new experiences and successes, and when the time comes to submit your resume to an organization, you will be well-equipped to provide one that is relevant, recent, and ready!

Make sure to tune-in Monday for the second half of this topic!

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

Are you Marketable? Take our Quiz!

Happy Monday everyone! We hope that, as we have, you have each taken the last week to evaluate the current events within our nation while working to educate yourselves on such important matters. We feel that it is now an appropriate time to resume our “normal” content whilst continuing to recognize movements such as #BLM as we work to become allies to the black community. So, today we’re here to offer you a short 5-question quiz to help you evaluate whether you’re a marketable candidate to recruiters like us!

Are you Marketable?

  1. Tone and first correspondence?
    • The tone of the first correspondence you have with a recruiter will set the “vibe” of your relationship. As we seed through thousands of candidates each day, it is essential that you write a polished email, without any grammatical, punctuation, or spelling errors, and with a tone that will paint you as a warm and excited candidate for whichever job you’re applying to. Tools like Grammarly and spell check have made this as easy as possible – so make sure you’re double-checking every word!
  2. Brief but exciting content?
    • Leave us hooked! While it would be impossible to read through dozens of paragraphs and a biography on each candidate, we are hoping that you will be able to integrate short blurbs about who you are outside of your work. Do you watch a certain TV show? Like to cook? Have a favorite hobby or exercise regime? If so, make sure to touch on your personality by leaving little hooks about who you are and how we can relate on a personal level.
  3. Cover letter errors?
    • As we noted on the content of emails, always make sure that your cover letter is error-free. When piecing through dozens of resumes each day, it is unfortunately all too easy to eliminate a candidate as a result of a few mistakes on a page. This is an easy slip-up to avoid – so keep a close eye on your content!
  4. Well-formatted and well-marketed resume?
    • We will absolutely be touching on this note as it expands to full future articles, but to leave you with a short-and-sweet tip – make sure your resume is user-friendly, well-formatted, easy-to-follow, and tailored to the job you are applying for. Making sure to recognize and emphasize experience that will best equip you for the given role is crucial to standing out as a well-prepared candidate.
  5. Personal nature?
    • In the same way that your tone will help you represent who you are, noting short personal accolades or accomplishments will help recruiters to understand what you value in your professional or personal life.

So, how’d you score?

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

Where We Search!

Hello everyone! We hope that you each enjoyed a bit of a long weekend and some extra allowance for relaxation as we continue to stay at home during this time. Today, we’re hoping to elaborate on a few of the strategies, activities, and even recipes we offered last week by teaching you a bit about “where we search” for our resources. If you are someone who’s interested in trying out new things but can’t yet grasp where to start… this article is definitely for you!

Utilizing Social Media…


While Google has always been and continues to be a fantastic outlet for just about any question that comes to your mind, we’re hoping that by chatting a bit about a few different platforms, you may be able to expand your online resource portfolio… So, let’s chat about Social Media!

  • Instagram: As a “Gen-Z” young adult, I have grown up using the Instagram platform to connect with others, as well as learn about things that I didn’t even know I’d be interested in! Instagram offers an endless number of accounts, hashtags, locations, and pages home to a variety of different subjects. If you’re seeking new recipes, looking for other foodies, searching for home decor inspiration, looking for a cute gift, piece of clothing, or jewelry, Instagram is the place for you! Personally, I encourage users to search hashtags or users which pertain to their desired topic (i.e.: “#vegetarianrecipe”) – doing so will open your eyes to hundreds of thousands of new resources!
  • LinkedIn: Specifically, regarding networking tips and different business practices, LinkedIn is an unmatched platform of professional advice and resources. Again, using hashtags or searching accounts which are in line with the topics you hope to explore will connect you with the best resources.
  • Pinterest: A personal favorite for searching arts and crafts, recipes, or home decoration and room inspiration, Pinterest is an everchanging community of humans seeking to help other humans! Again, use the search bar to explore just about any topic you can imagine; from there, you will be directed to a multitude of articles and redirections to personal blogs, lifestyle pages, and others interested in your same hobbies.

With the extent of online resources at your fingertips, now is a better time than ever to try out a new recipe, activity, craft, or hobby. Identifying the strengths of each social media platform through this article will help you accomplish your goal in no time!

Esquire’s Motivators and Activities at Home

Welcome back! Today, we’re continuing with Monday’s series focusing on our employees and their favorite recipes, motivators, and activities to stay busy while WFH. Keep reading here to obtain more ideas about activities you can try out at home!

Favorite Hobbies at Home…

  • Laura McDermott finds motivators in helping people, working with others to improve their interview and job search skills, being a role model to her children, and balancing a job she loves with the rest of life. Her hobbies and favorite activities surround rollerblading, cooking with kids, walking, and playing “online” canasta with her friends!
  • Shay Fischer loves gardening, hiking, outdoor biking, and exercising with her daughter. However, she’s also been able to keep busy with lots of cleaning and reorganizing around the house!
  • Amy Altman finds that her days are kept very busy by her 4-year-old and 1-year-old; she tries to find new fun and creative ways to keep her 4-year-old entertained by teaching him things like letters and numbers, as well as art and science projects. She’s also been working with him on learning to ride his bike and helping her 1-year-old to learn to walk; she takes her kids on very long walks every day to all different places where they are able to explore parts of their town that they have never been to or seen before.
    • She’s even managed to cram in working out through the peloton app as much as possible!
  • Hannah McDermott has been exploring new books and genres, such as The Last Mrs. Parrish, and Educated. She loves trying new recipes and trends from online platforms and social media channels!

A Special Note from our CEO…

“While this has clearly been the most tragic experience of my lifetime and perhaps for both generations before and after, I have taken full advantage of the home sheltering time to improve my “handyman” skills.  I found that after purchasing a power screwdriver, no home improvement project was beyond my ability. In the past few weeks, I have tackled everything on my “to do” list as well as those bigger projects that I would have hired outside help to get done.  There is not enough time to list every task I have accomplished but I am most proud of; repairing my outside fence, installing 4 new light fixtures, repairing closet doors, and finishing the rehab of my basement.  When not doing repairs, I have been working out on my Peloton bike, experimenting with new recipes, and spending tons of quality time with my wife, daughter’s, and English cream golden. Not all has been lost during Coronavirus but I must admit to my anxiousness for a return to some form of normalcy.” – Scott Fischer

Missed our last article? Learn about our favorite recipes here!

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

Esquire’s Favorite Recipes!

Happy Monday! We are so excited to release this week’s new series on Esquire’s Employees where we’ll be offering you a few of our favorite recipes as well as what we’ve been up to this quarantine to stay busy and motivated. Keep reading to find out and make sure to let us know what you try out…

Cooking Opportunities!

  • Hannah McDermott has been kept busy with “Tik Tok” recipes – she encourages all viewers to try out the “whipped coffee trend”! All you have to do is combine a tablespoon of water, instant coffee, and sugar into a bowl and electric mix for 4-5 minutes.
  • Shay Fischer has been trying out new appetizers at home, specifically Spicy Asian Lettuce Cups (makes 2 dozen cups).
    • Ingredients:
      • 2 TBS vegetable oil
      • 1 medium onion, cut into medium dice
      • 2 garlic cloves, minced
      • 1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained, rinsed and chopped medium-fine
      • 1 pound ground turkey, beef, or pork
      • ¼ cup soy sauce
      • ¼ cup ketchup
      • 4 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
      • 2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
      • 2 teaspoons hot red pepper flakes
      • 2 TBS light or dark brown sugar
      • 1 head iceberg lettuce, core removed, leaves separated and torn into approximately 4-inc cups
      • ¼ cup sliced scallions
      • ¼ cup chopped peanuts

    • Instructions:
      • Heat oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and water chestnuts and sauté until onion softens (3 to 4 minutes). Add meat and cook, stirring frequently, until meat loses its raw color and liquid has mostly evaporated (about 5 minutes).
      • Meanwhile, mix soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, oil, pepper flakes, and sugar in a small bowl.  Add to pan and continue to cook until the mixture has thickened to the consistency of thick sloppy joes. Remove from heat.
      • Fill each lettuce cups with 2 tablespoons filling, garnish with scallions and peanuts, and serve!
  • Laura McDermott has ventured down the pescatarian route, gearing towards plant-based meals such as @halfbakedharvest’s Sheet Pan Chipotle Salmon with cilantro lime special sauce.  Founder of the blog and renowned chef Tieghan regards the dish as, “the perfect easy sheet pan dinner to serve any night of the week. Incorporate this healthy recipe into your weekly meal prep and enjoy for lunches and dinners throughout the week.”
  • Amy Altman has been taking advantage of working from home to use her grill as many nights as she can! She’s been specifically loving Grilled Chicken Bruschetta from this recipe. Posted on the “skinnytaste website”, the entree is quoted as, “a summer staple! Made with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, red onion, garlic, and balsamic, it turns plain grilled chicken into a delicious weeknight meal in minutes!”
  • Scott Fischer enjoys a warm dessert and especially Brown Sugar Butter cookies at home from this recipe. As quoted by Julie Clark, “these chewy Brown Sugar Butter Cookies are an easy dessert to make! If you love sugar cookies, see all of our recipes here.”
  • Try out Teighan’s Hermione Granger Cocktail here – filled with, “fresh raspberries and sweet raspberry jam, smashed together with rosemary, lemon, apple cider vinegar, vodka, and fizzy sparkling water.”

We hope that you’ll be able to try a new drink, appetizer, entree, or dessert personally “endorsed” by our employees. Make sure to let us know what you think and share any of your favorite recipes with us too!

Missed our last article? Learn about the benefits of journaling here!

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

Professional Upkeep at Home

And just like that, we’ve got another weekend in the “q” coming up! Before it starts, we’re hoping to extend our week’s message of keeping busy at home by teaching you a few easy ways to maintain your professional status as well as refresh your network. Keep reading to find out how…

Professional Upkeep at Home…

  • Like we mentioned on Monday… Catch up with mentors, colleagues, and recruiters: At Esquire, we are firm believers in the importance of networking as the underlying framework of all business operations. Now is a perfect time to utilize those relationships you’ve worked hard to build…
    • How to do so:
      1.  Schedule a call to obtain resume feedback and critique.
      2. Schedule a catch-up call and learn more about your colleagues, past coworkers, mentors, or other people’s accomplishments and life updates from the past weeks, month, or even year.
      3. Schedule a call to chat about job opportunities or temporary employment.
      4. Schedule a call to become more informed about industry trends so as to stay up to date with relevant information.
    • As you can see, there are a variety of reasons to catch up with people in your network. Especially in quarantine and whilst having vast amounts of free time, people are more willing and excited to chat than ever before. Take advantage of this downtime in talking and maintaining connections!
  • Send an update to your network: Maybe you aren’t seeking a specific chat or catch-up with one person – if that sounds like you, then we encourage you to explore ways in which you may still update your network about what you’ve been up to this year professionally and personally. I have been personally told by recruiters that doing so keeps “your profile” in their minds, which is somewhat like putting a foot in the door a little advantage for when our economy begins to open and these same people may be looking to hire…
  • Initiate something new… In the same way that people you already know may be more willing or have greater availability to hop on a call during this time, this is also a great opportunity for you to reach out and try out an informational interview or chat with someone who inspires you or holds a position you’re interested in. For this, we are lucky to have LinkedIn!

Connecting and chatting with others (even through a screen) is essential to maintaining a positive outlook and professional profile. So, the next time you find yourself staring at the wall with nothing to do… we encourage you to try out one of the strategies listed above, good luck!

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

Learn about the benefits of journaling here!

Staying Busy at Home

Happy Monday! Today, we’re here to piggyback off of our idea last week where we introduced some of the benefits of scheduled journaling as a form of gratitude, and also as a new hobby. In light of that encouragement, we’re hoping to help provide an additional few strategies and activities that will allow you to stay busy while staying at home or WFH. Keep reading to find out…

Staying Busy at Home:

  • Finding new hobbies: Although it may seem restrained within the walls of your home, finding new hobbies is absolutely feasible indoors. While journaling is at the top of our list, many people have found new hobbies in cooking, art projects, puzzles, podcasts, exercise videos, cocktail recipes, skincare, beauty and makeup exploration, closet cleanouts, deep cleans around the house, and many more! Each of these activities will help you to fill empty space in the day and activate a new skill.
    • Extra tip: Sometimes even a simple reorganization of your workspace or room will help stimulate creativity and fresh, new ideations.
  • Take up an online class: Many universities, such as Open Yale Class, are providing anyone interested in their online learning. Especially for those college students and others who are in the interim of internships, school, and other responsibilities, cultivating new skills to put on your resume will prove a fantastic asset and way to stand out to recruiters (wink, wink!).
  • Find new ways to be with others: For those of us who have been fortunate enough to stay home during this time, finding new ways to spend time with family, partners, etc., will provide a fresh way to interact and pass time. One of our favorite ways to “bond” with our family members is through cooking – even exploring the easiest possible recipe will help you to build teamwork and ultimately gain a reward in the form of everyone’s favorite… food!
  • Catch up with mentors and recruiters: As we’ve mentioned numerous times in the past, at Esquire, we are firm believers in the importance of networking as the underlying framework of all business operations. Now is a perfect time to utilize those relationships you’ve worked hard to build to get some resume feedback, chat about new job opportunities or temporary employment, and stay up to date with a variety of industry trends. Maintaining relationships is not only a great way to stay fresh professionally but also a means of socializing from a distance!

We have all felt that longing feeling in the “q” where time just can’t seem to pass and everything feels used up. However, trying at least one of these new activities will allow you to stimulate new skills and strategies, give your brain some activity, and hopefully put your mind at ease.

Missed our last article? Learn about the benefits of journaling here!

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

Journaling as a Form of Gratitude

Happy Thursday and an early TGIF! Today, we’re hoping to show you some of the benefits of scheduling time to journal as a form of gratitude. Especially during quarantine and days of WFH, many people find it helpful to maintain a routine and/or schedule so as to keep up motivation and regular behaviors. One of the ways to do so is by practicing gratitude; we find it helpful to journal! So, if this is something you’re interested in, keep reading here…

Benefits of Journaling…

  1. Accountability: As we mentioned above, it can often become tough to hold yourself accountable to a variety of responsibilities when you’re entire day seems to drag on like one long mass of time. Scheduling in a “journaling” period will hold you accountable for a task while also filling some of the empty space of the day. We recommend setting aside a specific amount of time for each day (i.e.: 15 minutes) – this does not have to become a large task but instead a fun little break from reality!
  2. Thought Organization: I’m sure we’ve all caught ourselves in a moment when our head is spinning with different thoughts… did I do my laundry? Is that email due today? Did I see a response? Am I still taking that workout class later? Well, a journal will solve all of these problems as you can also use it to function as a schedule or to-do list! If you’re someone who is struggling to keep all of your thoughts in order, a journal is a great way to jot down what you hope to accomplish each day and how.
  3. Reflection and Improvement: At Esquire, we are huge supporters of self-improvement; keeping a journal will help you reflect on your strengths, successes, and identify areas of improvement. Doing so will help you to better yourself every single day as well as gauge a clear picture of who you are on a personal and professional scale to better address your daily highlights and/or some struggles.
  4. Stress Reliever: Setting aside a few moments each day to “unplug” from your tablets, phones, laptops, or other forms of electronics is a great way to bring yourself back to YOU. This time is all about you and that in itself is a way to relieve work, relationship, family, and many other types of stressors.
  5. Creative Boost: When is the last time you just let yourself go? A journal is a perfect place to store your creative thoughts or ideas… and yes, these may even be those “Shark Tank” ideas that even your family do not yet know about! Whatever it may be, writing ideas down in a journal is a fantastic mechanism for channeling and stimulating creativity.

We hope that after reading this you may feel inclined to start journaling this week! There is no better time than the present… so let’s get started…

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

Click here to find out what it was like to be a student in a foreign country!

Travel Tips for Students!

Andddd we’re back! Hoping you all had a relaxing, warm weekend (especially if you’re living in Chicago like our Esquire team!). Today, as promised, I’ll be diving into tips and tricks for students hoping to get the most out of their weekend excursions abroad, and where to head to. Even if you are not seeking a study abroad experience, planning a weekend trip to any location, near or far, requires effective preparation and planning. So, keep reading to find out exactly what you should do to accomplish your goal…

Selecting a 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.
  • Check Airbnb and/or hotel availability:  Before jumping into the planning stage, it’s crucial to check for availability and places to stay. This may lead you to a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb, but you must check these out before booking flights. As there are large price changes among weekends for flight, there are also high fluctuations in lodging costs.
  • 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.

Planning Ahead…

  • Second evaluation of the trip you’re seeking: 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 in mapping the distance between sites you want to see EARLY ON! This is an easy mistake to avoid, as accidentally placing two locations which are far away from each other back-to-back on an itinerary may lead you to lose several hours of the few days you have… So, 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.

My favorite spots in Europe: Paris, London (priciest and hardest to conquer in a short time period – London is huge!), Amsterdam, and Prague. 

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

Click here to find out what it was like to be a student in a foreign country!

Life as a Student in a Foreign Environment

Hello again! I hope that everyone is having a cozy week in the “q” (a.k.a. quarantine) and finding comfort in new hobbies, pastimes, and activities. As I mentioned on Tuesday, today we’ll help to introduce you to what it’s like being a student in a completely foreign environment…

Leaving Home…

The most obvious “first step” of studying abroad is leaving home! Whether this means you’ll be traveling to a new University, state, or an entirely new country, step one will always be the same. So, how do you start?!

  1. Check out online packing lists: One of the best resources we have is Google! Online, there are a plethora of packing lists to help students plan to study abroad, as well as embark on their weekend excursions. One of my favorite blogs is written by Margot Lee: How to Pack for Study Abroad and Packing List! Always remember, pack light!! You will likely pick up a few souvenirs and new pieces of clothing during your time abroad, so make sure to only pack essential items and leave room for some fun, new purchases!
  2. Come prepared! It may seem more obvious than not, but preparation is your key to success. This may mean buying a new phone plan, adapters, extra locks or a safe, or even a notebook and a few school supplies… whatever you choose, keep an extra eye out for things that may be harder to locate in a new environment.

Life as a Student…

  1. Be outgoing! It may be easier said than done, but if I’ve learned one thing in Spain, it is that they are home to some of the kindest, most caring people on the planet. And even more, those people are willing to help, engage, and build relationships with you! You might find your greatest success when stepping outside of your comfort zone, so always make sure to be friendly to new faces and say hello.
  2. Plan ahead and schedule routes: In any new environment, the most overwhelming component comes from feeling, quite literally, lost. However, we are super lucky that through almost any form of technology, we can access Google maps or other resources to help us get from point A to point B. Especially during your first few days, make sure to plan ahead and look into your routes to class, back to your home, on the train or bus, etc., to avoid being late or feeling anxious.
  3. Take stock of your resources: Regarding program managers, professors, online teaching platforms, or software (like Canvas), take advantage of all forms of aid that you are provided. Many programs even offer weekend or weeknight activities, trips, or excursions – this is a great way to get to know the staff, your environment, your peers, and local residents.

Keep an eye out next Monday for our tips and tricks for getting the most out of weekend excursions, and where to head to!

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

Click here to find out where I was before I left and how I spent my fall semester!

Returning to Esquire… from Barcelona?

Hi guys, it’s Hannah! I am SO excited to be back at Esquire as the primary content creator. As I transition back into this role, I hope to provide meaningful, valuable, and exciting information to our wonderful followers each week. That being said, please feel free to submit requests surrounding new topics you’d like to learn more about, aspects of our responsibilities in the recruiting industry, how you can become the best candidate from your living room couch, and so much more! Today, we’ll start off with a quick recap covering my last four months in Barcelona and Europe, as well as my return home and coping with our battle against COVID-19. Stay tuned…

Barcelona

This Spring semester (beginning January 1st, 2020), I was given the amazing opportunity to take my studies across the sea to Barcelona, Spain, after being accepted into their CIEE: Business and Culture academic program. Keep reading to find out more about my experience in and out of the classroom and throughout the continent!

Academics

My biggest tip of advice for any college students exploring study abroad opportunities is to PLAN AHEAD! What this means for me is scheduling, even sometimes years in advance, which specific courses or general requirements are viable to take abroad and transfer back to your home University. At UW-Madison, I was able to fulfill my Philosophy requirement, as well as two business course requirements, and two general electives (one being a Spanish course!). Knowing I would be able to do so allowed me to narrow down on specific cities and schools that would help me stay in line with my degree requirements. So, look ahead or schedule appointments with study abroad advisors to beginning “saving” courses that are offered overseas. Each of my credits was able to transfer over at home, and all of our courses even transitioned into an online learning format as a response to the global pandemic; that being said, I 100% recommend checking out a program hosted by CIEE (click here to check out their website and find out more about the types of programs they offer and where!).

 

Next time, I’ll elaborate a bit more about what it’s like being a student in a completely foreign environment, as well as my tips and tricks for getting the most out of weekend excursions, and where to head to!

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

Click here to find out where I was before I left and how I spent my fall semester!

Virtual Interview Tips!

During this unknown time of the COVID-19 pandemic, our job searches must go on and we are seeing more virtual interviews than ever! Virtual interviews are slightly different from in-person interviews. It can be scary to talk through a webcam and try to get your point across on camera. We understand the apprehension around virtual interviews, which is why we are going to help you prepare! Continue reading below for some tips on how to ace your interview!

  1. Environment! The environment you are in will be important for the interview. Make sure you’re in a quiet place so there are no interruptions. Good lighting and a clean space are a must-have as well to ensure you have a neutral environment for your interview.
  2. Technology test! Test your technology prior to your interview. Make sure your webcam and microphone are working properly. Double-check your wifi connection as well! Completing these tasks before your interview is necessary so you don’t have any technology mishaps right before or during the interview.
  3. Prepare! Prepare for interview questions normally, as you would for any other interview. Practice interviewing and answering questions in front of the camera before your virtual interview.
  4. Dress for success! Even though only your top half will be showing for the interview, dress up fully! Dressing up will help you feel confident in yourself and show the interviewer that you are taking it seriously. Your body language will still be an indicator of whether or not you are confident – even in a virtual interview. Sit properly and maintain good posture!
  5. Be yourself! Just like an in-person interview, try to open up by letting your personality shine through – you are giving them a glimpse of who you truly are. Be authentic and don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer questions to open up the conversation!
  6. Follow up! After a virtual interview, you still need to follow up with the company and interviewer. Reach out by phone or email, and thank them for their time! Reiterate relevant information from the interview to show them you are serious about this role!

Virtual interviews may seem scarier than in-person interviews, but as long as you prepare beforehand and test your technology you will be set to go!

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

Prepare for tricky interview questions by checking our article here!

Professional Benefits of Social Distancing

During this time of the unknown due to COVID-19, we may feel like we are operating in unchartered territory. The experience of working from home and completing schoolwork online can be a big transition. Luckily, there are many things you can do during this time to take care of yourself and grow professionally. Continue reading below to find out!

Read: Take some time during the day to read a book! Reading something other than your work emails or a textbook is extremely beneficial for your mind. Reading can reduce stress, strengthen your brain, and help improve your memory. Reading will give you an escape from your work and school during this time.

Resume: Update your resumes! Esquire Recruiting, LLC is committed now and always to help make your job searches successful. Focus on making your resume top-notch! Read here for some resume tips from Esquire recruiters!

Certifications: Completing online certifications are a great way to use up some of your time, but they’re also extremely beneficial and resume boosters. Learn all about certifications here!

Free Classes: A great way to utilize your time wisely is to take some classes online! Taking an online class is a great way to add more skills to your resume. Click here to find a list of classes specified to your career!

Social Media: During a job search, many companies and employers will look at your social media. Update your accounts, like LinkedIn and Glassdoor, and make sure everything is current and relevant.

These are just a few ideas on how to spend some of your extra time! Remember that we can still grow professionally, even during this time.

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

Find out here what recruiters are truly looking for!

Motivation is Key!

Today, we are going to talk about staying motivated while working out of the office or from home. This is a useful topic right now, as many of us are working remotely. The first step to being motivated is to have commitment! Commit yourself to your work, don’t make it an option. Continue reading below for ways you can stay motivated!

Schedule: The best way to ensure you get your work done is to stay on a routine. Keep a regular, regimented schedule with set work hours so you don’t feel like you’re all over the place. A schedule will help you stay on track.

Rewards: Reward yourself! After accomplishing a task, give yourself a five-minute break or a snack. Something small, but rewarding will help you stay motivated. Or rather than a reward after finishing each task, pick a big reward to give yourself after you finish your workday.

Workspace: Where you physically sit down to do your work is a big factor in whether you will stay motivated or not. If you are sitting in bed with your laptop trying to get things done, chances are it is not the best environment. Pick a space that will make sure you stay focused without too many distractions.

Talk: Working outside of the office may feel like an isolating experience. It’s hard to have no contact in person, but this doesn’t mean you cannot communicate with others. Talk to your colleagues over the phone or email. Having a conversation with someone else will make it feel like you are not alone all day long.

Get Dressed: They don’t say “dress for success” for no reason! Get dressed in the morning as usual, maybe not full business attire, and get out of your pajamas. Putting on real clothes when you are working from home can give you purpose and help you stay motivated.

Working out of the office and from home can be a challenging task. Use the tips above to help you stay motivated while your office is now your house. 

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

Check out our article on how to advocate for yourself!