Summer Adventures 2022

After three years, I finally made it back to Europe! This trip was two weeks and started in Croatia, led to Paris, and ended in the Champagne region of France! It was absolutely incredible to get back to Europe and experience new cultures.

We also left the day Roe was overturned, so it was honestly a really emotional time and I was happy (and privileged) to leave the country. The state of America also came up quite a bit while we were abroad and I tried my best to answer questions thoughtfully as well as listen to the concerns of others about the United States. What does this have to do with travel tips? EVERYTHING. Travel is a privilege. Experiencing other cultures, meeting people who live life so differently than I do is WHY I do this. The more you can travel and experience other cultures, the more empathy and compassion you have for others. I am beyond lucky to get to do this. It matters to me to come back better for it (and to be a good human while I’m there). You are a GUEST, act like it.

Let’s talk some brief general travel tips!

Planning

I’m a planner for work and by nature. If I’m spending the money and time to fly across the world, I’m doing it right. We usually start planning about 6 months in advance. This allows us a better chance at finding reasonable flights, places to stay and get reservations at the restaurants we want to go to. Especially in a post Covid world (LOL, post covid…right!) where gas is expensive, everyone is traveling and others are planning up to a year in advance, having your shit together matters. Sure, you can wing it, but I know the things I want to see and do and I’m not willing to miss them, so I don’t take that chance.

Flights

• Fly the airlines you have status with if you can. It might be a tad more expensive, but it’s worth it in the long run

• Skyscanner is a great resource if you’re flexible and able to do some research

• The Points Guy gives awesome tips/tricks/reviews for flying abroad

• If you only have enough money to upgrade one way, upgrade your flight home. That’s when you’re more likely to be exhausted and ready to get home in comfort.

• If you can’t afford to upgrade from economy at all, find the rows that don’t have anyone in front of you and snag the aisle seat (this is why you book in advance, get the best seats!)

• Fly in the morning if you can, morning flights are less likely to be canceled and usually on time. Before 10AM is morning

Accommodations

• I don’t stay in Air Bnb’s in the US, they’re usually where all the issues you’re seeing in the news occur

• Air BnB’s abroad are fine but I look for folks with 4.8 stars or more and are super hosts or I don’t consider it. Read the reviews!

• I'‘m a Marriott rewards member who saves their points. We were able to stay 3 nights free at a stunning resort in Dubrovnik (ocean view balcony room!) because of that. Use. Your. Points.

• Stay places that provide you walk able access to the city you’re staying in.

Restaurants

• Now that restaurants are open again, they book fast! Make reservations for every dinner. We even made some breakfast reservations and I’m glad we did

• Do your research. Ask friends, check TripAdvisor, browse the blogger sites. The best restaurants book fast. And I’m not just talking the high end ones.

• Be specific in your reservation. Ask for a table outdoors, with a view and then tip well when you get it

Activities

• I love tours. I love boat tours, tours to National Parks, wine tours, all the things! Book them early and be strategic. Leave time between tour days for wandering the city or lounging on the beach

• TripAdvisor has awesome tours with reviews and you know you’re booking with a reliable company

• Read the reviews! Make sure they talk about locals running these tours so you’re getting really awesome info and the best experience possible

• Bring cash to tip. I cannot emphasize this enough. Do not be the jerk who doesn’t tip!

Summer 2022 Trip Details

Croatia

Some basics:

• Croatia is SO inexpensive. It will be on the Euro soon though so that won’t last long!

• Dubrovnik was by far my favorite city. It felt more idyllic, clean and historic! Split felt really dirty, crowded, and touristy

Dubrovnik

Where we Stayed: Sheraton Dubrovnik (used points, we had a Twin sea view)

• This property was 15 minutes by car from town, so it wasn’t walk able but it was less touristy, stunning and we were able to walk around some smaller villages that were clearly local. It was absolutely perfect to be able to easily access other areas of the city quickly and then retreat back to our quiet resort after

• Splurge for the sea view, it’s stunning

• The spa is WAY less expensive than in the US. I paid $90 for an hour and a half massage and it was easily the best massage of my life

Where we ate: Restaurant Marinero, Panorama Restaurant, Orsan at the Yacht Club, Konoba Bocana

• Everywhere we ate was incredible. Not a bad meal.

• Panorama has the best views ever, take the cable car and go for brunch EARLY. Get the first reservation you can and go enjoy coffee and a meal for hours

What we did: Pool day, spa day, Old Town exploring day! We tried to rent a small boat for the day by the hotel but didn’t reserve in advance so we lost out!

Split

Where we Stayed: This Air BnB. Highly recommend! It was walking distance to everything but wasn’t IN old town where it’s loud. HUGE size and the host was wonderful.

• Don’t stay in the city center, it’s more expensive and super loud/chaotic

• Everything is walk-able from where we stayed

• If you’re there in later summer, ensure your place has AC or it’s unbearable!

Where we ate: Dvor (Michelin Star), Portofino, Bajamonti, Ma Toni, Kat’s Kitchen, Ciri Biri Bella (also a hostel if that’s your vibe!)

• The best and cutest breakfast place was Ciri Biri Bella (we ate there twice!)

• Dvor was amazing, great views, amazing staff but they were out of quite a few menu items when we went, so the experience wasn’t as good as it could have been

• Portofino is the cutest little spot in between two buildings and was SUCH a romantic little setting

What we did: Plitvice Lake Tour, Speedboat Tour, Gooster Beach Club

• Full transparency, if we didn’t have such fun excursions planned, we would have left Split early. It was not an interesting city for us at all

• Plitvices has been on my bucket lit forever so I was beyond happy we did this. it is a LONG day so if it’s not on your bucket list and you don’t like walking or nature, it’s not for you!

• The boat tour was hands down the most fun we had the entire trip. The guides we had were incredibly fun and knowledgeable and the islands were stunning. Bring water shoes, the beaches are all SO painfully rocky

• Gooster is outside of town at Le Meridian and is not a party spot at all. It’s more for relaxing, lounging and getting sun. It was exactly what we wanted and super inexpensive to reserve beds with towels ($40 for the day)

France

Some Basics:

• France is notoriously expensive

• Paris is busy and restaurants require reservations because they’re so small!

Paris

This wasn’t my first time in Paris and we were there for such a short time, we did a TON of walking! We also met up with friends for drinks. Paris in July is beyond crowded. It didn’t interfere with the experience for us, but if you’re crowd adverse, it’s not a good time for you to go!

Where we stayed: This Air Bnb. I cannot recommend it enough. The location is PRIME in the middle of restaurants and shops and easy access to the rest of the city. It is also hidden so it’s quiet inside. The actual apartment is HUGE by Paris standards and extremely comfortable. No AC but the place stayed beyond comfortable and cool and the shower was enormous (which we know is rare in Paris!).

Note: It’s located on a street with sex shops so if you’re conservative, IDK, that might bother you. Please keep in mind, sex in Paris is not taboo or like how we treat it in the US. It was an awesome location and the hosts were AMAZING.

Where we ate: Pink Mamma, Seine Dinner Cruise, HollyBelly

• Pink Mamma is a big “Instagram” spot. It’s the spot to go for cute photos and the line was out the door the entire time we were there. The food was DIVINE (drinks too!) but the service was atrocious. Truly nothing special and I don’t recommend it. There’s plenty of other places to have a better experience in Paris

• HollyBelly is so cute and has the most delicious food! I would definitely go again

What we did: Seine Dinner Cruise, Walked 18 miles around the city!

• The Seine dinner cruise might sound touristy, but locals actually recommend it too. It’s a great way to hit the hot spots from a different viewpoint. There was also a live singer, great food, and decent wine! Highly recommend it!

• When I say we walked the whole city, I mean it! We got in 18 miles because it was our only real day in the city. It was fun to explore shops and see the sights, but definitely prefer to have time to explore more leisurely.

• I recommend going to Luxembourg Gardens with some bread and wine and a book and people watching if you have half a day to do so

The Champagne Region

This was my second time doing a French wine region and did not disappoint. We stayed in Reim (pronounced Ranse), which is the largest city in the region. It has all of the gorgeous French architecture but is small, clean and very idyllic. It’s super easy to navigate and easy to access if you chose to just take the high speed train from Paris for the day.

Where we stayed: This perfect Air BnB. This location was perfection. Literally across from the train station and just a short walk to downtown. Between the train station and this building is also a gorgeous park we hung out in during the day. The host was the sweetest and most accommodating woman and the actual apartment was so cute!

Where we ate: Le Jardin (Michelin Star)

• We stayed here only two nights and tbh, the other two places we ate were just ok so I haven’t listed them

• Le Jardin was pure magic. Easily one of my favorite places we are on the trip. Divine food, gorgeous garden setting. Walk around the French Estate that’s also a hotel before dinner!

What we did: This wine tour

• This was SO much fun! Our guide was a born and bred local who knew his stuff and made the day FUN.

• You definitely get large tastings but also you learn a lot about how to select good champagne and a lot about the history of the region. Truly a really cool experience.

• Choose a tour that shows you local smaller champagne houses as well as a big one. I loved the smaller houses a lot more!

Final Thoughts

We really crushed this trip from a planning perspective. Having reservations, planning out activities as well as down time was truly the best way to go. I really enjoyed that we were able to see and do everything we wanted without feeling rushed or exhausted. There’s nothing that I wish I had seen that we missed. And although I said I didn’t like Split, I’m really glad we went because the excursions we went on were a must do!

Next up? Wait and see…I’ve got some things in the works!

Boundary Buddies

I have a really hard time setting boundaries at work. I am a token overachiever, type A, OCD human and I find it almost impossible to detach from that. I can finally say that at this point in my life, I am unwilling to priotize work above all else. My personal time & life matters to me so much. Work doesn’t define me and I am not defined by my work.

Now that I’m starting a new job, I want to set expectations and bnoundaries in advance and avoid burning myself out. The only way I’ve determine that can be done is with the help of a boundary buddy. Or an accountability partner? Whatever term you use, I’m getting one.

My boundary buddy actually suggested this to me. She saw my anxiety over getting myself in another situation where I feel the need to prove myself and forget to set boundaries and she said you’re too old for this and it’s not happening this time around. We also deeply connect on a spiritual level and understand each other and whatb we want in life.

And thus the boundary buddy was born.

We have set biweekly check ins with each other to ensure that I’m sticking with my new plan. We also talk about things we both struggle with between work, love and life because that’s what buds do - they help each other.

For me — the focus right now is boundary setting.

Having someone checking in and calling me out on my actions is really important. It keeps me accountable and to be honest, I don’t want to let her down because she believes in me and a well rounded life.

I get that being a grown woman and having someone else keep me accountable seems a bit off. But I deeply struggle with boundaries and if I’m left to my own devices, no boundaries will be set. I need a coach and an accountability buddy to get me in the groove and on the right track.

The hope is that eventually I’ll be able to set boundaries and hold to them on my own.

Moral of the stroy today? Sometimes life is really hard. Sometimes we struggle greatly with aspects of it. Sometimes we need a little help.

That’s brave. And that’s progress. Saying I can’t do this on my own, please help me is the scariest and bravest thing I have ever done. The fact that I’m even at this point is something I attribute to a mix of therapy, medication and doing the damn work.

I am one independent babe, but needing help isn’t shameful, it’s recognizing that life is meant to be done in teams. And I want to be on a winning one.

The Tipping Point

Let’s get a little controversial today and talk tipping. Personally, I think we’ve gotten to a place in America where tipping is expected rather than earned. Let’s get that out of the way right now. And let’s also note I’ve spent some solid time in the service industry so I firmly relate to the brutal grind that life entails. Yet I firmly believe that a tip should not be implied.

It’s a slippery slope and while I don’t believe in simply tipping as a requirement, I do reward really good service. I’ve tipped 40% before because service was above and beyond my expectations. So it’s not that I’m cheap. It’s that I believe in giving your best and earning the over and above of what the bottom line is.

I want to break down some scenarios.

The Where: Restaurant

The What: The food is bad

I don’t penalize the server for this. It’s not going to take away from a tip because the server didn’t cook the meal. If it’s so bad I have to send it back, I’m still not deducting from the tip. To me, this isn’t a service issue. Get a manager if you must, but if the meal is taken off the bill, you still owe a tip.

The Where: Restaurant

The What: The server is rude

I’m deducting from the tip. I get it, the server has to tip out the bar back, the runner, etc. Then I suggest the server has a better attitude. Plain and simple.

The Where: Hair Salon

The What: Bad haircut

I’m not deducting from the tip if they can fix the mistake. If another stylist has to fix the mistake, I’m paying one tip. If it’s so bad I need to go to a different salon, I’m honestly probably lobbying not to pay at all.

The Where: Hair Salon

The What: All is normal and good

Ok so in general I’ve learned across the board that tipping at a salon is inconsistent. I know some people who tip $15 no matter what. I had bee tipping 20% consistently. But then I realized that can get absurd on top of some really steep prices. I honestly hover closer to 15% these days. If it’s a tough job, I’ll get to the 20%. But if you’re just trimming my hair, I’ll probably stick closer to the flat $10.

The Where: Restaurant

The What: The server makes consistent mistakes

I’ll probably honestly ask for the manager. If the situation is corrected or some sort of consolation is offered, I’ll keep the tip at 20%. If it’s never acknowledged and the place isn’t busy, I’m deducting from the tip.

The Where: Bar

The What: Takes forever to get a drink

Eh, honestly across the board I’m tipping $1 a drink. If I’m at a place serving craft cocktails that are an art form, I’ll go $2 a drink. I can’t remember a time I ever didn’t tip or left something less than $1/drink.

Ok so most of these have to do with restaurants. But honestly, that’s where I’m hearing the most controversy these days so that’s what I’m addressing. I think tipping is such a sensitive topic because it’s such a brutal industry to be in if you’re working for tips. I feel for you, but I also don’t think you get a pass just for existing in that industry.

Plain and simple, I think tipping should be earned, not expected. The service industry is based on service. Are the people well paid? Generally no. Is it an easy job? No. But it’s also a choice to work in that industry. Maybe I’m harsh, but if I don’t do my job, I get fired. If I’m bad at my job, I get in trouble and probably don’t get a raise. If you’re at your job and you want a tip, be a generally pleasant and effective human being please.

What are your thoughts?

Practice What You Preach

I'm very hard on myself.  A lot of us are.  Life comes with a lot of pressures.  I think one of the greatest things you can do for yourself is remind yourself what makes you great.  That being said, I'm very bad at actually following through on it myself.

As a woman, we are often trained to be humble.  To downplay attributes and successes.  We beg off compliments and are taught to be caretakers.  A lot of the time, we forget to be selfish and celebrate the things that make us great.

So I'm going to put my list out there.  I'm pretty great because:

1. I am a fiercely loyal and protective friend
2. I am a passionate person
3. I give to others
4. I'm a talented athlete
5. I am successful
6. I take risks
7. I've got a contagious smile
8. I impact others by being a source of sunshine
9. I'm a good writer
10. I sparkle

It seems easy, but writing down qualities that make me great is actually quite hard.  I stopped many times to wonder, does this sound conceited?  Will this be taken negatively?  And that sucks.  Being kind to yourself is hard.  Openly saying - "I'm pretty MF fabulous" is even harder.  But it's necessary.  Life is hard.  Being kind to yourself shouldn't be.  What does your list look like my sequins?

Social Media Savvy

Social media is the new wave of connectivity.  Billions of dollars are spent on research determining the best days, times, and platforms for engaging with business and consumers.  For most of us building brands for our small businesses, this strategy looks a little bit different. But if you ever hope to have a successful brand, you better have a very well thought out strategy to get you there.  I'm no expert, and I'm also no social media star.  My brand is in its very early stages of infancy, which is even more reason to develop my approach strategically.  As someone who consistently does her research, creates a plan, and then evaluates the plan, I like to think I know a little bit about being social media savvy.

So whether you're creating an empire, or simply looking for likes - create a plan for engagement and while this doesn't always ensure your success, it does increase your chances.  

Create your Voice

Who are you?  What is your brand?  What do you want your presence to say?  My blog is authentically my voice.  How I speak on here is eerily similar to how I speak in person.  I knew I wanted to be a brand that speaks to keeping it real to my experiences, values, and personality.  Whenever I write, I keep that voice consistent.  Don't confuse your base by being inconsistent.  If your followers cannot figure out who you are, they're very quickly going to lose interest in trying to find out.

Define your Audience

I get it - you want to appeal to the masses to maximize your following.  Realistically, that's not how it works.  If you don't define who your consumer is, you won't appeal to anyone.  Define what your brand is, define who that brand best relates to, and target your voice to that audience.  For example, my peers (millennials) are who spend the most time engaging with my content.  That includes young professionals and those in their early 30's.  I know that's where my strength lies and that's who I write to.  

Set a Goal

Every single thing you do in life should have a goal.  A very clearly laid out goal.  Stop saying "I want to be famous."  Having "millions of followers" is not a targeted goal.  Create a series of goals based on where you are in the building process and up your goal every time you reach success. I'd like to write a book one day.  To do that, I'd like to create a fan base - a group of people who consistently engage with my content.  In my mind, that looks like a minimum of 10,000 blog subscribers.  Everything I do for my website - I keep these goals in mind.  Of course there are many more layers to my goals, but a girl can't share her master plan with everyone.

Follow Through

I know far too many people who always want to do something.  They're going to start a fashion line, become a photographer, start a consulting firm.  But 98% of those people don't do any of those things.  They're not even mediocre at their day jobs and if you're barely keeping your main hustle, your side hustle doesn't stand a chance.  Treat your side hustle (your dreams) like a real job - because it is.  Dedicate time, hold yourself accountable to that time, and remain organized.  Sure, you could leak a sex tape and maybe be a Kardashian one day - but for 99.9% of us, that's not happening.  You're not getting discovered.  Nobody is waiting to give you a deal.  Everyone is talented, and everyone has an idea.  Not everyone is willing to put the time and effort in.

As short a list as that seems, that's a lot to do.  It's a lot of time, discipline, and making the choice to give up some fun for some good ole fashioned work.  Sure, some people get lucky.  But luck only gets you so far.  Even if you're the 1% who breaks in, I can promise you that without a plan, a brand, and a goal - you'll be just as quickly back to being a nobody before your next IG post.

Career Corner, Part 324856

Can we celebrate the fact that I remembered I was going to call these pieces on business "Career Corner?".  Today, on this episode of Career Corner, we are going to talk about email etiquette.  Something I've noticed lately is a lack of effective communication when it comes to emailing and it's due to:

Poor spelling and grammar

Inappropriately informal writing

Aggressive verbiage

Poor Spelling and Grammar

Nothing makes me cringe faster than seeing misspelled words or improperly formatted sentences.  This is the most basic effort you can show when composing an email.  Your computer even helps you with the spelling.  When I read an email with more than one spelling or grammar mistake, my respect for that person's work ethic drastically declines.  If the person is young, I can already tell they're not committed to hard work.  If they're older and more experienced, I question if they value how they engage with those around them.  Do a spell check, review your formatting - if you don't have time to do this basic task, you're not setting yourself up for success.

Inappropriately Informal Writing

I'm not a formal person.  Not at work, not in my personal life.  But I take the way I represent myself very seriously.  Know your audience, understand how you're writing your email.  Don't add a bunch of emojis to your signature, do not use slang, when in doubt, go more formal.  It's ok to incorporate your personality into the way that you write at work, especially between same ranking colleagues, but if you're young or informal in general - if you write too informal, you're going to be seen as young and immature.  There's also something to be said for not trying too hard and going way too formal.  Don't bust out the thesaurus in an attempt to sound smart if these aren't words you're using in your everyday life.  Understand the company culture, the person you're writing to, and how you want to represent yourself before you hit send.

Aggressive Verbiage

I've been victim of this before and I'm especially cognizant of it now.  I've gone too formal and come off extremely aggressive.  Do not use the "per my previous email."  Don't utilize language that feels like it's pointing fingers.  I'm a big proponent of picking up the phone in situations like these and summarizing in a follow up email to diffuse any unnecessary tension.  The point is, when you're angry or you're trying to get a point across and you're really in a passionate moment, slow down.  That's when you should be especially aware of how you're writing your email in order to avoid any ruffled feathers for no reason.  

The art of the email is very difficult in a world that is growing more informal by the day. Millennial tech companies are encouraging the relaxed lifestyle and way of engaging.  Be mindful and aware that while it's perfectly acceptable to forego the suit and tie way of life, don't let your guard down so much that your communication becomes sloppy.  Review everything before you send it.  When in doubt, ask for advice on how to manage a difficult email. 

Often times we spend about 80% of our business relationships in the digital space.  So who you are in email, is who people see you as in a professional setting.  Emails are in fact a huge part of your brand.  Do you want that image to be of someone who is sloppy and difficult to communicate with or do you rightfully want to be seen as a team player who cares about the details?

A Guide to Job Hunting

In the 10 years I've been working, I've held 7 jobs in 5 states.  Whether there be no room for growth, an unhealthy culture, or not what I want to be doing - if I'm unhappy at a job, I leave.  Because I spend so much time at work, I believe that I should be passionate about what I'm doing, with a company I believe in, surrounded by an environment that supports me and encourages positive teamwork.  And while not a lot of people choose the journey I do, most people can agree that being at a job you love is a lot easier than dreading going to work everyday. 

I have no interest in competing with anyone.  If I can help someone else grow and flourish, I'm going to help them do so.  When others grow, I grow, and that creates a cycle of knowledge and success for everyone.  Unless you're just a jerk, then you're on your own.

Having had so many jobs, I've spent a lot of time researching, interviewing, and discovering what works in job hunting.  While most of my experience is within the sports, entertainment, and University setting - a lot of the tips and tricks I have apply to the general process. 

Getting Started

Find your passion

Before you can work on your resume or begin to even search for jobs, you need to narrow down what it is you're looking to do.  Make a list of what you love, what you hate, where your skills lie, and what your 5 year plan is.  Keep in mind if you're early on in your career, this may be a broader spectrum but you should still have a general idea of the field you want to be in.

Perfect your Resume

As someone who's been a recruiter as well as participated in the hiring process at various organizations, I can attest to the importance of a good resume.  For most positions that are your "dream job" there are hundreds of other applicants to be sifted through.  If your resume is a dud, you will be passed over in 30 seconds.

• Create a clean and professional template that isn't boring.  If you choose to utilize a little color, make sure you're mindful to go with cool appropriate colors (blues are the best)
• #1 rule for content?  Make sure your name and contact information is clearly labeled and correct.  If it's not easy to contact you, you're not getting an interview, let alone the job
• Entry level candidates your resume should be one page.  Mid-level and above, two pages maximum.  Technical fields, this doesn't apply to you.
• Forget an objective, its a waste of space.  Your objective is to get the job, duh!
• For each position, bullet point accomplishments, skills developed, and numerically measured contributions.  Never write "I did this or that" always ensure each bullet gives value to you as a candidate.
• Be mindful of word tense.  Be consistent and use appropriate tense for each position.
• Give your resume to at least two people you trust to review for spelling, tense, and overall readability.

The Job Hunt

Job hunting needs to be strategic.  You need to do your research and actively look for positions in companies that match your career goals.  Just because you find a position that seems like a dream does not mean its culturally a good fit for you.  I can attest to the fact that a job could be your dream but if the environment isn't right, your dream becomes a nightmare.

• Create an excel sheet.  Organize the companies you've researched and that fit your checklist and put them in this document.  Include your top requirements for a good fit and use these as headers to your excel document.  Put check marks for each quality that company fits. 
• Utilize broader job search sites.  I highly recommend Indeed and Glassdoor as well as LinkedIn.  Those are the only three generic job sites I use.  For sports, Teamworkonline is the place to go.  But unless you have a contact inside the company, your chances of getting a phone call are slim.
• When finding positions you're interested in, save those jobs so that you can apply later (see the next step for why!).

Applying to the Job

Do not apply to any and every job in hopes of increasing your chances for getting a position.  You are your own brand.  If you're out there applying to jobs you aren't qualified for or have no interest in - that will come back to haunt you.  Only apply to a job you have genuine interest in and are genuinely qualified for.

• Do your research on the role.  Checkout potential salary and benefits using Glassdoor.  If you know anyone at the company, ask questions and potentially ask for a reference when appropriate.
• Before you apply, tailor your resume to fit the role.  Use some target words from the job description, research the company and incorporate words from their mission statement.  Show that you've gone the extra mile and you care about this opportunity and what the organization stands for.  Cover letters are huge.  Make them eye catching and specific to the role.  Don't ever just list your qualifications. 
• After applying to jobs, create a document to keep track of your applications.  Note the date, the company, the role, and insert the job description wherever possible.  If you do get a callback you want to be able to have all the information at your fingertips to remind yourself of the opportunity.
• Use your network.  If you have a connection to the company you're applying to, reach out to your contacts.  Be sure its appropriate to do so.  I can't tell you how many people have reached out to me for sports opportunities and I haven't spoken to them in 5 years.  Be aware and know what's appropriate to ask of your network.

The Interview

An interview is a test.  It's an opportunity to showcase yourself as a brand and its absolutely something you should study for.  I don't care if you're taking part in a 20 minute phone call or a full day interview, preparation is the key to success.

• Create a highlight reel document (sensing a trend?).  This should have information about your accomplishments in each role, facts and figures supporting achievements and include some of the standard interview questions and your answers to them.  This document serves as your basis for all interviews.
• Research the role an the organization you're interviewing for.  Crate a supplementary document specific to the role and the industry you're interviewing for. Have a one sheet with pertinent basic company information.  At any given time you should be able to comfortably talk about the company purpose and values, the CEO, and have knowledge of the product or services it represents.  Include specific questions relating to the role and industry and your answers to those questions.
• PRACTICE.  Study up all of your documents.  Get in front of people you trust and talk.  Get comfortable with the awkwardness that is an interview.  Ask for feedback.
• Remember that an interview works both ways.  Learn as much as you can and ask real (not stock) questions about the role and the culture of the organization.  Be diligent in finding the right fit.
• If you're offered a second interview, go back and add to your document and keep practicing for the second round. 
• If you are not offered a second interview, reach out and ask for feedback.  Most hiring managers are impressed by this and happy to help you in your growth. 

Post Interview

• The thank you.  I'm so sick of the standard thank you email.  If you've got the opportunity, send a note card.  But read the situation. Often times a thank you is stupid and if the process is moving quickly or its early on - expressing gratitude during the interview is enough.  If its deep in the process - create a unique thank you that showcases your excitement and why you think you're the best fit.
• Evaluate the fit.  If this is a position you're still heavily interested in, keep working for that next step.  If its not a match, don't waste your time or the time of the company.  Be thankful and gracious for the opportunity but let them know its not the best fit for you.  Do not blame the company or say anything negative about them. 
• Get back to studying if you've been offered another interview.  Talk to your network for information.  Do more research.

The Offer

• You made it!  You got an offer!  Congratulations!  Don't take the first offer.  Be comfortable negotiating until you're happy with the overall package.  If you're afraid to ask for what you deserve, you'll never get it.
• It's ok to ask for time to consider the offer.  Talk it over with the people important to you.  Make sure you're excited about the opportunity and its a company you believe in.  Taking a job is a personal and important choice.  Don't take it lightly.
• Don't be afraid to turn down an offer.  If you don't feel right, if they can't offer you what you're worth, don't settle.  I just spent 6 months looking for the right fit.  It wasn't easy but I'm so happy that I didn't accept something and get myself back in a miserable situation.
• If you choose to accept the offer, be excited.  Be proud of yourself.  Take time to celebrate. 

Certainly this guide requires a lot of work.  Job hunting is a lot of work.  I'm probably overly prepared and OCD about the process, but if you're familiar with my resume, you'll understand why.  The coveted roles I've been in are because I'm diligent and prepared.  Success is not an accident.  Success and creating a dream career is about organization, preparation and careful planning.  I can attest that although a role might be your dream job, if the culture isn't right, it will quickly become a nightmare.  Finding happiness in the workplace is not luck.  It's opportunity and hard work.  Give yourself the best chance at achieving your dreams by actively participating in the journey to making them a reality. 

Happy Hunting my Sequins!