Remember that first day at your job? You were pumped, right? Full of energy and ready to take on the world. But now, years later, maybe that excitement has faded. The daily routine feels a bit...meh. You're starting to wonder, "Is this all there is?"

If you're nodding your head, you're not the only one. It's common to hit a wall in your career. You start to feel stuck, unappreciated, or like you're just another cog in the machine.

But guess what? It doesn't have to be that way.

This is where your personal brand comes in. It's basically your professional reputation, what people think of when they hear your name. A strong personal brand can open up new doors, boost your confidence, and help you get to where you want to be in your career.

Think of it like a career glow-up. It's time to show the world what you're really made of.

Ready to get started? Let's do this...

Step 1: Discover the Foundation of Your Brand

Before you...

Virtual interviews have become the go-to method for companies to connect with potential candidates, especially in the wake of the global shift towards remote work. While the convenience of interviewing from your own home is undeniable, it also presents a unique challenge: how do you stand out from a sea of faces on a screen?

In today's competitive job market, simply having the right qualifications isn't enough. You need to make a lasting impression, showcase your personality, and demonstrate your passion for the role.

That's where these 11 uncommon, yet incredibly effective tips come in. We'll go beyond the basics of "good lighting" and "strong internet connection" to help you truly shine in your next virtual interview.

Get ready to leave a mark and land that dream job!

Tech Savviness That Impresses:

1. Embrace the Virtual Background (Strategically): A virtual background can add a touch of personality or professionalism to your...

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?...

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...

Starting on a new job or career path can be both exhilarating and daunting. Amidst the excitement of new opportunities, it's crucial to cultivate confidence in your abilities and embrace the possibility of change. Confidence acts as a catalyst, empowering you to take bold steps, navigate and overcome challenges, and seize the career of your dreams.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of developing confidence when changing jobs or careers. We will also dive into imposter syndrome, a common confidence hurdle, and provide strategies to overcome it.

The Significance of Confidence in Career Changes:

Confidence plays a crucial role in career changes for several reasons:

1. Taking Initiative: When you have confidence in your abilities, you're more likely to take the initiative to pursue new career opportunities. Whether it's applying for a challenging position or starting your own business, confidence empowers you to step out of your...

LinkedIn has become more than just a social media platform.

It's a professional online hub for people like you to connect, network, and showcase their talents. Recruiters and employers are increasingly relying on LinkedIn to find top talent, so having a strong presence can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

1. LinkedIn will help you establish a professional online presence and amplify your personal brand

In today’s interconnected world, potential employers and recruiters will likely look you up online. Having a LinkedIn profile allows you to create a strong first impression by showcasing your skills, experience, and accomplishments in a polished and professional manner. 

Create a strong online presence. Your profile is like a digital portfolio that highlights your accomplishments, professional journey, and expertise. Make sure to craft a compelling summary that captures your unique skills and what you bring...

If you’re asking yourself this question, then you’re at a crossroads. You need to decide whether it’s time for a change—and what kind of change—and how big that change should be. 

If you’re unhappy with your current job, it can be tempting to just want to change industries altogether. But how do you know if it's really the industry that’s the problem, or if all these issues could be resolved by simply changing jobs? 

Today, I’m here to help you unravel the dilemma and empower you to make an informed decision. 

Understanding the Dilemma

So… you’re standing at this crossroads, knowing you need a change, but unsure whether it’s the industry that’s draining your enthusiasm or the job itself. It’s natural to feel a little uncertain, but the important thing is to break it down. 

It’s important to take a step back and analyze the...