Introduction: The Tale of Two Candidates

Imagine two people, Alex and Jamie, interviewing for the same job at a tech company.

Alex answers questions by listing tasks completed and results achieved. Jamie, however, shares a story about a time they unexpectedly had to lead their team, highlighting how they helped everyone succeed during a tough situation.

Alex’s answers aren’t wrong but they also don’t really stick in your mind. Jamie's storytelling does more than just share facts; it makes the interviewers visualize the situation and feel impressed by how Jamie handled it.

This way of using stories isn’t just about sharing what happened, but about making it interesting and memorable. Jamie turns the interview into something special, and that helps them stand out.

Step 1: Understand the Power of Storytelling

Storytelling isn't just for bedtime; it's a potent communication tool that resonates on a deeper...

Introduction: The Importance of Rapport

Imagine walking into an interview where instead of a tense exchange, the atmosphere feels like a thoughtful conversation with an old friend.

This is the power of building rapport.
 

It transforms the interview from a series of queries into a mutual exchange of ideas, where you're not merely a candidate, but a potential future colleague discussing future possibilities.

Effective rapport helps the interviewer see beyond your resume to the real potential you could bring to the team — turning what could be a stressful ordeal into an engaging discussion about future successes.

Rapport sets you apart in a pool of similarly qualified candidates.

It shifts the focus from what you’ve done to how you’ll fit, not just into the role, but into the company culture itself. This deeper connection not only leaves a memorable impression on the interviewer but also enhances your understanding...

Fall is in the air . . .
 

The leaves are changing.

There's a crispness in the mornings, and pumpkin spice lattes (warm apple cider for me!) are back.

It's a season that naturally inspires change and new beginnings. And just like nature, maybe it's time for your career to experience a bit of a refresh too.

As a mid-career woman, you've likely achieved a lot professionally. But perhaps you're feeling a little stagnant, or you're wondering if there's more out there for you. Fall is the perfect season to re-energize your career and set yourself up for continued success.

In this blog post, we'll cut through the fluff and give you actionable steps to revitalize your career this fall. From getting clear on your goals to learning new skills and expanding your network, we'll cover the essentials to help you make real progress.

So grab your favorite fall drink, get comfortable, and let's dive in!

1. Reflect and Reassess:...

Remember when Michelle Obama said, "Success isn't about how much money you make; it's about the difference you make in people's lives"?

It's a powerful reminder that our worth isn't measured solely by external achievements. It's about recognizing the unique value we bring to the table.

And that's what we're talking about today: ditching the doubt and owning your wins. Because, just like Michelle, we all have a story to tell, talents to share, and victories to celebrate. But sometimes, that inner voice of self-doubt creeps in, making us hesitant to acknowledge our accomplishments. Well, it's time to turn down the volume on that negativity and turn up the volume on self-advocacy!

Mindset Makeover

Let's start by addressing those pesky thoughts that hold us back. 

You know the ones: "I don't want to sound arrogant." "My achievements aren't that special."

We've all been there.

But here's the reality check: recognizing and...

Many of us have been there: dreading Mondays, counting down the minutes until 5 p.m., and working out of financial necessity, not out of a passion or because the work makes you feel fulfilled in some way.

You might even be applying for other jobs secretly during your lunch break. 

If this sounds familiar, you’ve probably repeatedly asked yourself: Should I stay in my current job or is it time to move on to something else?

What's Making You Unhappy? 

Let's figure out why you're feeling this way. Take some time to reflect and answer these questions honestly:

What are the specific things about your job that you dislike? Is it your boss, your coworkers, the tasks you do, or something else?

Do you feel bored or unchallenged? Are you not learning or growing in your role?

Does your job align with your personal values and interests? Does it feel meaningful to you?

What are your biggest frustrations at work?...

Feeling a little blah about work lately?

Waking up on Mondays with a sense of dread?

Daydreaming about doing something completely different?
 

Don't worry. It's common to feel a bit lost or unfulfilled in your career at some point, especially when you’re mid-career. Let's call it a "mid-career check-in" – a time to look at where you are in your career and figure out if it's time to switch things up.

Grab a drink, settle in, and let's have an honest convo about some signs that might indicate you're ready for a career change:

1 The Sunday Night Blues
We all get them sometimes, but if you're consistently dreading Monday morning, that's a red flag.

What to do: Instead of simply feeling bad about it, try to figure out what exactly is causing the dread. Is it a particular task, a difficult co-worker, or a lack of challenge in your role? Once you know what's bothering you, you can start to explore solutions.

2 Ennui
Do you...

When applying for jobs, every detail matters.

 

From crafting the perfect (and tailored) resume to fine-tuning your cover letter, it's easy to overlook seemingly minor details in the rush to submit your application. One often overlooked detail is the name of the document containing your resume.

Believe it or not, a poorly named file can make a big difference in how your application is perceived. 

Pour a cup of tea because it’s story time! 

Imagine a hiring manager, Sarah, who receives hundreds of resumes for an open position. She downloads each file to review later. Among them is a file named "Resume_Final_Version_Updated_July_2023.pdf." Another file is simply named "Document.pdf."

Which one do you think Sarah will find easier to identify and open quickly? Unfortunately for Lisa, the applicant who named her file "Document.pdf," her resume might end up lost in Sarah's sea of applications, overshadowed by those with clear...

We've all been there.

Heads down, hustling, grinding away, chasing that next promotion or raise.

We're told this is the path to success.

But let's be honest – sometimes, even when we achieve those external goals, we still feel like something is still missing.

What if I told you there's another way?

A way to not only feel happier and more fulfilled but to actually become more successful?
I'm talking about gratitude.

What Does Success Really Mean to You?

Before we dive in, let's take a moment to rethink what success means to us.

Is it just about the corner office, the fancy title, the overflowing bank account? Or is there something more?

I'm betting many of you, like me, crave a deeper sense of satisfaction. We want to feel like our work is meaningful, our relationships are fulfilling, and we're making a positive impact on the world. And that's where gratitude comes in.

Having an Attitude of Gratitude

So,...

If you're feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders, trying to be everything to everyone while keeping your career on track (and maybe even dreaming of a little Me Time), I totally get it. Been there, still doing that!

This stage of life can feel like a never-ending balancing act, but it's also a time when we can truly shine and create a life that we love.

Let's explore some ways to navigate this juggling act and find a rhythm that works for you, where your career and personal life can thrive together.

The Juggling Act: Unique Challenges at Mid-career

 

We've gained experience and confidence but we're also facing some unique challenges. Maybe you're sandwiched between caring for kids and aging parents, or perhaps you're feeling like you’ve plateaued in your career. You might be questioning your path, wondering if this is all there is.

But hey, we're all in this together. We've got this!

Shifting Our Mindset: A Balanced...

Let's be honest. Job hunting sucks! 

When you’re a mid-career professional, you've got years of experience, diverse skills, and a proven track record, but somehow, your resume seems to get lost in the shuffle.

Many of us struggle with making our resumes truly stand out. Our unique strengths can easily get buried under generic phrases and a long list of job duties. 

But here's the good news: you have the power to change that!

This blog will help you unlock the hidden potential of your resume and showcase the skills that set you apart. By the end, you'll have a clear strategy for creating a targeted resume that grabs the attention of hiring managers and opens doors to new career opportunities.

‍ Step 1: Unearth Your Hidden Superpowers 

The first step to building a killer resume is a self-assessment. Take a moment to reflect on your career journey so far.

What are you most proud of? Think about the projects you...