My dear friend LinkedIn has some competition coming its way–that’s right, Facebook is developing a new platform designed to let people use the social networking site at work.

The new Facebook–dubbed FB@Work (Zuckerberg couldn’t think of something more clever?)–will allow co-workers to chat, network with other professionals in their field, and work together on documents.

Many professionals already use Facebook at work, but now the company is actually testing the professional platform with companies, according to Reuters. FB@Work would be a completely separate site from the social networking site. Its main competitors include LinkedIn, Google, Microsoft, Box, and Salesforce.com

Zuckerberg’s move to create a professional networking platform gives Facebook a new edge. The tech industry is in a high-speed capability race and this new platform gives Facebook a one-up.

FB@Work’s chat tool can compete with Salesforce.com’s Chatter, Google’s Gchat, and Microsoft’s Yammer. Networking with professionals on FB@Work compares to the entire platform of LinkedIn. Lastly, providing co-workers with a space to collaborate on documents challenges Google Docs, Box, and Dropbox.

All of these features will not only be more attractive for users, but also for advertisers. The Financial Times reports the professional website will provide users with accounts separate from the social Facebook, so marketers have more space to place ads. The separate accounts would function to keep certain information private from certain audiences.

Some features will look similar; the News Feed will still be a staple of the site. The terms of confidentiality are still in question.

With FB@Work, you may portray your Facebooking habits in a more positive light at work. However, the new platform is designed to foster a more-efficient Facebook that will overall increase productivity and connectivity in the workplace.

Would you use FB@Work? Personally, I wouldn’t want to have an additional distraction. Google and LinkedIn already provide all the services I need–chat, room to collaborate on documents, discussion boards, and networking space. Creating another account means worrying about another password to remember and another networking site to keep up with. Honestly, I think Facebook is just trying to remain relevant with this new platform.

In the past, Facebook has tried to compete with other sites and networking platforms. Do you remember the Beacon fiasco? Beacon was part of Facebook’s Ads platform, but users were infuriated when the truth about Beacon’s tracking mechanisms came out. Beacon tracked users’ online activity on third-party sites–even when they were logged out or opted not to broadcast their activity to their networks.

This controversy, which occurred in 2007, was not a lone incident in Facebook’s spotty history with privacy leaks. In 2011, a similar privacy breach occurred when three applications were reported to provide users’ personal information to third-party sites. Maybe that’s part of the reason I’m hesitant to join the movement for FB@Work. Though the site is still in its development phase, I don’t trust that the social account and the professional account of Facebook will be kept completely separate nor will it be entirely secure. Until this site is fully developed and used by many early adopters, you can find me on LinkedIn.

Natasha Paulmeno

Natasha Paulmeno is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends. Contact Natasha at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post Facebook at Work: Facebook Creating LinkedIn Competitor appeared first on Law Street.

Standing out as a young entrepreneur can be difficult. There are many small steps budding business men and women can take to bring themselves closer to being successful in the field. Some strategies are as small as keeping up on current events, but others take more time and effort. From the small tips to the more significant tips, here’s a list of the Capitalista’s pointers for being a successful young entrepreneur.

Know Every Aspect of Your Industry and Then Some

Know more about your industry than just the two biggest names in that field. Maybe the little guys will be more helpful in your search. All entrepreneurs should brush up on their knowledge of the tech field. Pretty much every company today has some tech-related component. Observing and understanding your target audience’s technology habits will help you reach them better. Lastly, make sure the business you build is right for you. Does your company mesh with your personal life? Does your business have its own niche? These are all things entrepreneurs should consider before delving into the market.

Be prepared to dress for success

Sometimes the key to success starts with the way one presents him or herself to others. Entrepreneurs should always be prepared to look the part of a strong, successful businessperson, even if a suit isn’t part of their daily wardrobe. Stay prepared by keeping some vital items in your closet. For women, that could include a pair of flat shoes, a pair of dress pants and a simple button-up. For men, a clean suit, shirt, and tie will usually do. These items may be useful when you least expect it, and on a moment’s notice.

Keep Up with Current Events

What better way to connect with others than to discuss the trends? Knowing what’s going on in the world — whether it be news, pop culture, or business — is a great way to start conversations with fellow entrepreneurs. Networking is imperative for entrepreneurs, as it helps create and maintain relationships with potential partners, vendors, or even customers. Attend local trade association events, reach out to other local business people and community leaders, and participate in online discussions. Use your knowledge of current events and trends to foster these relationships.

Learn to Accept Criticism

A young entrepreneur who can accept constructive criticism exhibits his or her strength as a businessperson. Though women are more likely to receive criticism in the workplace, they should never allow these critiques to hinder their entrepreneurial spirit. Furthermore, entrepreneurs should learn to become their own harshest critics. Kelsey Ramsden, a $50 million entrepreneur and founder of four companies, says wise entrepreneurs are capable of judging themselves without bias. This means successful entrepreneurs are honest with themselves about their capabilities and maintain realistic goals.

Starting and growing a business is not an easy feat to accomplish. Oftentimes, finding funding is one of the hardest parts. In order to get a leg up on your competitors and learn about how to grow your idea, read “How Does the JOBS Act Help Millennial Entrepreneurs?”

Just remember, that in order to succeed as an entrepreneur, young entrepreneurs should keep these tips in mind to strengthen their businesses and their careers.

Natasha Paulmeno

Natasha Paulmeno is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends. Contact Natasha at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post The Capitalista’s Tips for Young Entrepreneurs appeared first on Law Street.

The Obama administration passed the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act into legislation in 2012. Two years later, the JOBS Act has been amended several times and the market for IPOs has seen some stark changes in the right direction as a result.

Accessible Capital Ventures

The JOBS Act in its initial form legalized equity crowdfunding in an effort to create more jobs. The legislation allows individuals to invest in start-up companies in exchange for equity. This act was designed to foster growth of start-up companies and create more jobs for young professionals. Furthermore, entrepreneurs were given new outlets to fundraise for their budding enterprises.

Last summer, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) added an amendment to the JOBS Act. Title II removed an eight-decade-old ban on general solicitation or advertising for private enterprises that were not formally registered with the SEC.

By requiring the SEC to remove this general solicitation restriction, Congress sought to make it easier for a company to find investors and thereby raise capital.

The success of many companies depends on the timing of their first public sales. When the JOBS Act made it possible for companies to conduct their initial paperwork behind closed doors and control the time of their public announcement, many new companies jumped on the bandwagon.

In 2013, the number of initial public offerings (IPOs) increased by 70 percent. The biotech industry has seen an incredible boom thanks to the JOBS Act. Biotech investors and CEOs of emerging companies are pushing for further legislation to make access to capital easier so they can focus on breakthrough developments and treatments for HIV/AIDS, cancer, and diabetes.

Jumpstarting Young Professionals

What does all this mean for young professionals eager to launch their own business ventures? With more control over IPOs and easier access to investors, Millennials are more likely to land investors. Rather than depending on one main investor, emerging companies can acquire several smaller investments from various investors.

For Millennials, perfecting the art of investor relations will be a key component of their start-ups’ success. Young business proteges interested in the tech or biotech industries have lots of room to grow and should start creating connections with investors.

Title III of the JOBS Act opened up the opportunity for companies to crowd investing. Individuals who invest online into private companies do not have to be accredited, though there are certain limitations set for these individuals. For example, a potential investor with an income below $100,000 can invest at most 5 percent of his or her income or net worth.

For Millennials who are interested in launching a company in an emerging market and seeking private investors, websites like RealCrowd exist. RealCrowd is an investment website dedicated to the real estate market.

Lastly, it’s imperative for start-up companies to get to know their investors. The JOBS Act allows for emerging growth companies to learn their investors’ motives and style. Because IPOs are now private, companies can back out of deals without public backlash.

The market is ripe for start-up companies – not only do they stimulate the economy, but they also create job opportunities. The JOBS Act benefits job seekers, entrepreneurs, and investors and makes it easier for start-up companies to become successful.

Natasha Paulmeno

Natasha Paulmeno is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends. Contact Natasha at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post How Does the JOBS Act Help Millennial Entrepreneurs? appeared first on Law Street.

Millennials are often accused of losing their interpersonal skills because they depend on technology for too much. Regardless of what critics may say, technology and social networking play an important role in our futures in many ways. Millennials should take to their social networking sites not only to create larger networks, but also to showcase their skills for prospective employers.

Some websites are more directly associated with professional development. The most prominent website for such uses is LinkedIn, however Millennials should take advantage of Facebook, Twitter and blogging sites to market themselves as well.

Create a social resume.

In 2012, 92 percent of employers reported using social media for recruiting, according to OnlineColleges.com. Websites like LinkedIn make it easier than ever for users to showcase their industry-related experiences, projects and connections. However, there are a plethora of other websites that allow users to create different types of curricula vitae. More creative individuals may use ResumeSocial.com or VisualCV.com while more traditional individuals could turn their blogs into CVs using WordPress, Tumblr, or Typepad. Here are some examples.

Engage in professional conversations.

Whether it leads to taking part in Twitter chats or participating in conversations in LinkedIn groups, these activities will increase users’ visibility in their respective networks. Though Facebook is often used for social interactions, becoming involved in professional conversations on the site could also yield visibility to hiring employers. LinkedIn offers groups specifically for individuals seeking jobs in certain industries–join and participate in a group that pertains to your profession.

Participate in industry-related activities.

Actively seek job listings, conferences and chats using hashtags on Twitter and Facebook. Remember that each post you publish represents who you are through your online presence. Share thoughtful comments related to your field of interest and offer valuable input to conversations as such. The more active users are in specific topics, the more likely they are to create networks who can share employment opportunities.

Create a professional blog.

Sometimes Twitter’s 140 characters merely aren’t enough to express your ideas and opinions on specific industry-related topics. Your blog can double as an e-portfolio or social resume. This platform allows individuals to present their communication skills and work experience. Blogs are jobseekers’ way of creating relevant, interesting and unique information about themselves. Check out these great examples:

• Words to Good Effect
• Gary Vaynerchuk
• Moz
• The Smart Passive Income
• CopyBlogger

Engage with influencers.

Use LinkedIn influencer profiles to monitor industry-specific updates and innovations. Tweet at big name professionals in your field. Follow blogs of leading individuals in your industry. These different channels of social media will not only provide you with the most recent news in your specific area of interest, but also prepare you with valuable talking points at your next interview or networking event. Lastly, creating connections with influencers in your field could help you down the road.

The Internet provides endless opportunities for Millennials to showcase their valuable experiences, skills, and passion relevant to their careers. With so many resources literally available at their fingertips, Millennials should begin to think creatively about marketing their assets online. While doing so, Millennials should be careful not to plagiarize, badmouth former employers, or repeatedly post about controversial topics.

Use the Internet to your advantage to contact future employers in new, creative ways. Create video or photo resumes, design your own logo and showcase your passion through personalized posts. The age of online recruiting is on the rise and Millennials can beat the curve by creatively showcasing themselves through various platforms.

Natasha Paulmeno

Natasha Paulmeno is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends. Contact Natasha at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post How to Use Social Media to Land a Job appeared first on Law Street.

Remember that saying, “no matter how good you are, there will always be someone out there better than you are?” This phrase is a bit of a downer, but it’s also a harsh reality Millennials may face in their hunt for internships and post-grad work. Competition is tough, and standing out from the pack is a real challenge.

If the first step is acknowledgement, the second step is action. How can Millennials undermine this reality? There’s no set formula for achieving success right out of college. What Millennials can do is put themselves out there and take strides outside of their comfort zones to stand out in the job market.

Nishant Bhajaria, a career coach and product manager at Nike, landed his first internship at a career fair in his junior year of college. He knew he wasn’t the most qualified for the position, but unlike his peers, he made the effort to talk to the recruiters. He ended up with the internship because he was the best fit for the position.

What can we learn from Bhajaria’s experiences? He stresses several strategies applicants can use to get hired.

Never lose hope.

If finding a job were easier right out of college, the statistics for collegiate debt in this country would be much less depressing. Unfortunately, Millennials often face rejection when applying for their first jobs after graduation. The first few applications create a sense of excitement for applicants–who wouldn’t look forward to finally starting their career? Don’t lose this enthusiasm, even if you’re rejected. Instead, use it to continue motivating you through your application process. Give each application and interview your all–prepared applicants are more successful. The right position for you may be in a place you least expect it to be.

Know how to read job titles and descriptions.

Job titles and descriptions can often be misleading. Bhajaria changed the title for the first position he received and encourages applicants to look past the labels of job descriptions. While job titles may be inaccurate, applicants must also know how to read job descriptions. Follow a sort of inverted pyramid analysis when reading job descriptions–the most pertinent skills for the position will be listed near the top. Know that not every skill listed is required for the position, but applicants should have a thirst for expanding their knowledge in the areas listed toward the bottom.

“You don’t always have to be the best to win.”

As Bharajia stresses, the underdog can come out on top. Applicants do not know who their competition is, so they should not hesitate to apply. Do you want to be an associate account manager at a large firm? APPLY! Who’s to say you won’t end up being the most qualified applicant, or have a particular skill that the job requires? Rejection may be embarrassing and a bit painful, but Millennials should not let it discourage them from applying for interesting positions.

Always continue learning.

Employees who are eager to learn more in their fields are more likely to be successful. Each organization, each cause, each project you work with will allow you to expand your skills and knowledge. The more diversity your experience and skill-base extend, the more valuable you are as an applicant. Millennials just entering the workforce should make conscious efforts to market their willingness and potential to expand and pick up skills in different areas.

Use your network.

Every person you meet in your quest for employment has the potential to resurface in your life. Treat each moment as an opportunity to network and treat all individuals in professional settings with respect. Use these tips on professional etiquette to further your career aspirations. Reach out to the connections you’ve made, no matter how weak they may seem to you. If you make a conscious effort to stay in touch, you will be more likely to succeed. Bharajia says successful networkers are active listeners, show genuine concern for their connections’ welfare and build relationships with their audiences before asking for their help.

Next time you’re applying for a job or internship, but you don’t think you’ll meet the qualifications, just give it a shot. As you don’t know who your competition is, you’ll never know unless you try. The only way to succeed in today’s job industry is to put yourself out there.

Natasha Paulmeno

Natasha Paulmeno is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends. Contact Natasha at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post How to Stand Out in Your Job Search appeared first on Law Street.

How often do you forget to respond to emails? The subject is usually not interesting enough or there are many other, more important emails you have to respond to. So, who’s to say your emails aren’t receiving the same response, or lack thereof?

Whether you’re working to reach sources before a deadline, applying for a position, or merely trying to network, making your emails stand out is a top priority. Here are some tips on how to ensure your emails are not lost in the shuffle.

1. Start your email with a catchy phrase. These phrases may include something along the lines of “Good news!” or “I’ve completed this research for you.” If you start the email off with an attention grabber, your audience will be more likely to care about the remaining content of your email and more inclined to respond. Are you applying for a job and trying to stand out in the sea of applicants? The more personalized your email is, the more likely you are to grab your readers’ attention.
2. Summarize the message content in the subject line. Be as specific and concise as possible in your subject lines. Vague subjects are uninteresting and less likely to be opened. Subjects are especially important for chain emails–reduce the confusion by clarifying the new topic of each response. When applying for a specific position be straightforward in your subject line, e.g. “Mary Smith’s Application Materials for Associate Account Executive.”
3. Avoid trigger words. Mailchimp suggests avoiding these three words: “Help,” “Percent off” and “Reminder.” Though these words won’t necessarily trigger spam filters, they increase the probability that readers will ignore your emails because they are usually found in emails that are spam-related.
4. Write with your audience in mind. Start off your message by engaging your audience. You can do this by beginning with something like “You asked me to complete this task…” You should also complete the message with a “you” in mind. Engaging your reader by emphasizing the completion of their wishes will increase the likelihood of your audience taking your message into account.
5. Avoid repeating subject lines. According to Mailchimp, recipients are less likely to open subject lines that are repetitive of previously received emails. Whether you are sending out a listserv, event reminder or weekly update, try to be creative. This will get your emails noticed and help build a consistent reading audience.
6. Keep messages simple. Each message should have one main topic. If you are planning an event or coordinating a lunch, that should be the sole subject of the email. When too many topics are involved in a message, the reader becomes overwhelmed and may not take the time to deal with responding to various topics. This strategy is especially important for chain emails. When applying to jobs or internships, keep your message (in some cases this may be your cover letter) as straightforward as possible. Explain who you are, which position you’re applying for and how your experiences and skills can overall benefit the organization.

From promotional emails, to newsletters to logistical emails to job applications, email has become a part of young professional life that cannot be avoided. Wading through thousands of emails each day is a tedious task Millennials are all too familiar with. Standing out in the wave of all those unread messages can prove to be a difficult task, but by using these tips your emails will not be ignored.

—

Natasha Paulmeno (@NatashaPaulmeno) is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends.

Natasha Paulmeno

Natasha Paulmeno is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends. Contact Natasha at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post The Capitalista’s Tips for Writing Kick-Ass Emails appeared first on Law Street.

How do you draw the line between confidence and arrogance? We struggle all the time to discuss our aspirations and accomplishments without sounding like self-promotional salespeople. While we want to sell ourselves, we fear driving our audiences away by sounding arrogant.

However, confident doesn’t always mean arrogant. Once millennials learn to use their confidence appropriately, they will stand out from their peers in professional settings and job applications.

Here are some tips for presenting yourself confidently, without the arrogance.

Believe in yourself.

Confidence starts from within. Though some degree of being confident actually depends on genetics, you must believe in yourself to show others your confidence. Know your strengths and your weaknesses and you won’t be brought down.

In interviews, know how to discuss your accomplishments without sounding egotistical. Talk about the results of your work–did you increase sales by a certain percentage? Were you able to sign any big clients? Or, were you able to manage a crisis for your company? Turn your achievements into talking points that can foster deeper conversation.

Make eye contact.

Making eye contact with someone shows that you care about what that person has to say. Maintaining eye contact exudes confidence and fosters better communication. Avoid looking past the person you’re talking to, this may suggest that you’re disinterested or arrogant.

The smaller the setting, the more important making eye contact is. If you’re having a one-on-one conversation with someone, be sure to lock eyes. If you’re at an informational session or some sort of larger networking event, try to make the most of your interactions. Whenever possible, try to be personable.

Support your own opinion.

Know about current issues in the world and form your own opinion of them. If you are knowledgeable about the issue and you can discuss in groups, voice your stance. If your view is not the most popular, don’t back down from the discussion–this is your chance to build confidence.

Midterm elections are coming up, #STOPTheGOP is trending and foreign affairs are a mess today. Every person is entitled to an opinion. Though politics is a touchy subject and should generally be avoided at networking events, if it does come up you should stand your ground. Are you particularly interested in border control or conflicts in the Middle East? Do you have a strong stance on an issue that you are knowledgable about? Make your voice heard! Not only will you impress (and maybe piss off) your audience, but most importantly, your firmness will prove your confidence.

Present yourself well.

As much as I hate to say it, appearance does matter. Dress the part for professional events. You don’t have to do anything over the top, but if you feel good about yourself, you will present yourself more confidently. Be careful not to overdress–you might come off as arrogant. Find balance.

I already covered the dos and don’ts for presenting yourself professionally, here, but it’s important to remember that different occasions call for different looks. The most important thing is to always appear well-put-together. That means avoiding wrinkly clothing, inappropriate logos, and overwhelming perfume or cologne. For more tips on how to present yourself professionally, click here.

Explore new ventures.

Not only will you have more talking points, but also you will improve your confidence. Try new things, explore life outside of your comfort zone. Once you explore new facets and force yourself out of your comfort zone, you’ll be more confident when presented in new situations. Join a local sports team or club; it’s also a great way to make new connections!

Next time you’re at a convention, a work dinner or an office party you’ll have more to bring to the table. Conversation is much more interesting when one has the real-world experience of a story and your new interests may fascinate your audience. What better way to boost your confidence than to be the life of the party?

Though the line between confidence and arrogance may be fine, it’s an important one to know. When applying for jobs or networking, confidence matters. Believe in yourself, expand your circles and you’ll be much better off.

Natasha Paulmeno

Natasha Paulmeno is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends. Contact Natasha at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post Millennials: Be Confident, Not Arrogant appeared first on Law Street.

A history of consistent temporary work may be comparable with full time experience in the eyes of senior hiring managers. So why aren’t more millennials taking advantage of their temporary work history as resume boosters and learning experiences?

Temp jobs teach young professionals a wide variety of skills they wouldn’t have otherwise acquired. These temporary work opportunities expose young business pros to many new industries and work environments. The flexibility temp workers develop under these conditions offers desirable traits to prospective employers.

Temporary work experience ranges from part-time employment to covering for full-time employees during their absences. This type of experience is unique in that it allows employees to participate in new work environments and develop skills unique to specific industries.

In order to make the most of their temporary work experience, millennials should consider the following tips to turn their temp jobs into full-time careers.

1. Ask for more work. Be eager to help out in the workplace. If you’ve finished the task you’ve been assigned, ask for more. You can be assigned jobs you normally wouldn’t be and develop valuable skills. Don’t waste your time waiting to be given a job, seize the opportunity by the horns!
2. Seek new experiences. When asking for more work, try to seek projects or tasks in new fields. The variety of skills you will develop can help you market yourself better to prospective employers in the future.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s better to ask for help than to complete a task incorrectly. Save your employer and yourself time by asking for specific instructions. Your employer will understand that you have plenty to learn and your dedication to the task will reflect in your work.
4. Get to know your coworkers. Temporary work, just like every other professional experience, is an opportunity to network. The people you meet at these jobs can vouch for your professionalism in future references. Exchange contact information with your coworkers, send thank you emails to anyone who’s helped you along the way and stay in touch even after you’ve left the position.
5. Take each assignment seriously. Temporary work should not be taken any less seriously than full-time work. Temp jobs allow professionals to develop various skill sets and each assignment should be treated the way it would be at a full-time job. Some temporary jobs may eventually become full-time positions, so leave good impressions with these companies.

Even without any full-time experience, young professionals can build their resumes with their experiences from temporary jobs. In order to maximize the value of temporary work experiences, millennials should relate the relevant skills to each job application. Include specific assignments, skills developed and awards earned during temporary jobs. With luck, millennials’ temporary positions can become full-time careers.

Aside from bolstering resumes, temporary work experiences offer individuals an edge other applicants might not have. The nature of temporary work allows employees to explore industries and earn money while developing valuable professional skills. Each temporary role functions as a stepping stone for millennials to establish a full-time career.

Natasha Paulmeno

Natasha Paulmeno is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends. Contact Natasha at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post Resume Booster: Maximize Your Temporary Work Experience appeared first on Law Street.

Richie Frieman had some truly terrible experiences with his first boss out of undergrad. Lucky for you readers, he’s turned that professional trauma into actionable advice for the rest of us.

Frieman, the “Modern Manners Guy” and a University of Maryland alum, talked to his alma mater yesterday about business etiquette for young professionals. He paid particular attention to the terrifying metamorphosis from college student to working professional that all undergraduates fear. Aside from imparting practical tips about how to act and what to say at networking events, Frieman imparted some really important lessons for Millennials, and I want to share the best ones with you.

1. “How you treat people will get you farther than money, looks, or connections.” Every individual you meet will remember you for how you treated him or her. Frieman stressed the importance of being mannerly for the sake of leaving a good impression. Let’s say you meet someone at a professional function and only spend a few minutes — seconds even — conversing with them. What are the chances you’ll meet this person again? It’s impossible to say. But a few months later, you run into this person again. You could end up making a deal with him. That’s when you’ll be happy you were polite at that first encounter. “How you treat people will get you farther than money, looks, or connections,” Frieman said.
2. Maturity helps individuals stand out from the rest of the crowd. All young professionals are encouraged to attend as many networking events, career and internship fairs, and alumni gatherings as are available to them. Everyone attends these events for the same reason: to meet people. Depending on which stage you’re at in life, people will expect certain things from you. If you’re in college, they may have set expectations for you. Frieman said one way to impress these individuals is by talking the talk and walking the walk. If you’re at a networking event, don’t be shy. Introduce yourself, shake hands, talk to people, and connect. If you come across like you’re actually “part of the game” you will be recognized.
3. Observe each of these easy-to-follow tips when you’re actually at these events.

• Hold your food or drink in your left hand so you can shake with a dry right hand. No one wants a sloppy handshake. If you have sweaty hands, hold a napkin with your drink so you can quickly wipe your hand before the handshake. For guys, try to sneak your hand into your pants pocket and get a quick dry inside.
• Ditch your phone. If you sit in the corner Instagramming your latest selfie, you will appear to others as if you are not interested in the event. You will receive no benefits from staying on your phone and you won’t meet anyone that way.
• Be conversational! I’ve already given you some tips on small talk, and Frieman also stressed the importance. Prepare some talking points before the event, learn about companies, learn who works where and target them at events.
• Excessive eating and drinking is strictly prohibited. Light refreshments are served as snacks. Drinks are served for appearance. Nothing is a greater turnoff in a professional setting than the guy who got tipsy.
• If someone asks you if you know about his company and you don’t, be honest and be inquisitive People love talking about their businesses and this could fuel a great conversation.
• When you are handed a business card, use it as an invitation for a followup. If you do not follow up after being handed a business card, it gives the impression that you merely threw it in the trash. Make connections, you never know when they might help!

While implementing each of these tips, there is one overarching aspect every young professional should remember: “You have every right in the world to be in that room with every other single person, regardless of your age,” Frieman said. Do not become discouraged by your age or your experience. At networking events and professional conventions, everyone is there for a purpose. They want to meet new people, make connections, create new business ventures. Whatever your purpose is, know that you are not alone. At the end of the day this is your experience, do your best and make it whatever you want it to be.

—

Natasha Paulmeno (@NatashaPaulmeno) is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends.

Natasha Paulmeno

Natasha Paulmeno is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends. Contact Natasha at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post This Will Get You Further Professionally Than Money, Looks, or Connections appeared first on Law Street.

Networking is a powerful tool for millennials. For example, the other day I left class and I was heading to my next activity. I usually ignore the people who stand by the door trying to sell stuff, but this week they had freebies. Obviously I couldn’t pass the opportunity for some free goodies, so I started talking to the people at the table. Next thing I know, I’m planning to attend an information session for a possible internship next summer.

Had I not stopped at this table and began talking to the recruiters, I never would have found out about the internship possibility. Making small talk with the recruiters was easy–they had their purpose and I had mine. Sometimes, small talk is not that easy. You may feel awkward and pressured to say something intelligent, which might make you clam up.

There’s no need to fear small talk. Networking is a part of every millennial’s professional development and with these tips, you’ll be sure to succeed.

Firstly, shake off the layer of anxiety you carry with you. In a professional environment, there is no need to stress about small talk. Before you attend the conference or meeting in which you will have to chat to succeed, mentally prepare yourself. If breathing exercises calm you down, breathe deep my friends. Prepare some solid talking points that you are willing to discuss–what have you read lately, where have you traveled, and what plans do you have for the next weekend or holiday?

You can practice small talking with your classmates, professors and even distant friends. The more you create casual (and appropriate) conversation, the more you will hone your ability to make natural small talk.

When you’re chatting with a prospective employer at a networking event, you should prepare a few topics beforehand. Whether this be a topic that is specific to your field of work or a general trend in the news, this will make you less nervous when the time comes to small talk. It’s always better to come prepared than freeze up on the spot.

A good way to start off a chat is to start off with a declaration. This helps to avoid an awkward situation if you are unprepared for an unsatisfactory answer. If you start off with a declaration, it stimulates conversation and can help connect you with the person you are speaking with. You can declare something as simple as, “the National Gallery of Art opened up a new exhibit today. I’ve heard it’s supposed to be amazing.” As long as the topic you choose is relatable to the people you will be conversing with, this declaration will function as a conversation stimulant.

Asking conversational questions can help lead you to others for networking purposes. The Week suggests asking the three golden questions at the end of any professional meeting or encounter:

1. How can I help you?
2. What ideas do you have for me?
3. Who else do you know that I should talk to?

Showing your audience you are an active listener is important. If you are talking to a possible future employer, you should show them you are listening and thinking about what they have to say. This will show that you value what he or she has to say and can be a powerful characteristic to showcase.

Next time you’re at a work convention, professional conference, or networking event, use some of these tips to prepare yourself better for small talk. Making small talk efficient and creating a connection with your audience is at the core of networking. These days, networking is the lifeblood of many professionals’ careers, and a valuable skill for any millennial.

Natasha Paulmeno

Natasha Paulmeno is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends. Contact Natasha at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post Small Talk Doesn’t Have to Be Scary appeared first on Law Street.

Millennial women have made a name for themselves in this century. We are strong-willed, motivated, and persistent. We are self-sufficient and independent. We have access to tools and knowledge our predecessors did not. Yet some Millennials are not taking advantage of these tools because they are simply unaware of their existence.

Let’s take the internet for example. We have access to the World Wide Web and all it has to offer through countless devices — computers, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, etc. Plenty of websites cater to Millennial women for professional networking tips. These sites are essential for motivated young women who are entering the workforce. At any moment, I can ask Siri what to wear to my interview tomorrow, visit countless websites for coding tips, or search for internship opportunities. Each of these options is literally at the tips of my fingers. Here are some great websites for Millennial women to check out:

Let’s Learn

Girls Who Code’s mission is to provide one million young women with exposure to computer science education. According to FORBES, Girls Who Code hosts events, clubs, and other activities for girls, sometimes even for those still in high school.

Lynda.com provides online video tutorials to help learn “software, creative, and business skills.” Joining is free and provides members with unlimited access to nearly three thousand courses and mobile access.

General Assembly offers courses in a variety of areas from web development to digital marketing. Members are able to attend events with the GA community or simply live-stream from home. GA helps Millennials across the world improve their businesses through various workshops, classes, and events.

Professional Development and Networking

ED2010 helps aspiring editors reach their desired status faster. The site functions as a networking hub, educational resource, and advice column for all aspiring publications professionals.

Intern Sushi is designed for college students to find internships that would be most valuable to them. Intern Sushi is focused on more creative professions, thus encouraging its users to ditch the traditional resume application and replace it with more creative styles like video and graphic visualizations.

Her Agenda is a goldmine for young professional women seeking advancement on their career paths. The site provides information and encouragement through posting events, scholarships, conferences, and internship and job opportunities.

Generation Meh targets young professionals who dislike the idea of a conventional 9 to 5. The site publishes personal and professional tips, tricks, and life hacks. This site is manned by Forbes Woman contributor J. Maureen Henderson.

Advice Columns and Discussion Boards

20-Nothings has collected “anecdotes, advice, and musings on everything from dating to body image.” The site functions as a motivational entertainment source for young women in their 20s and 30s.

HerCampus is most useful for female college students. The site features sections such as style, beauty, campus, career, health, and more. HerCampus has representatives on more than 200 campuses across the country.

The Everygirl is perfect for Millennial women looking for advice on their next vacation destination, beauty tips, and career. This site also takes on a serious tone discussing culture, politics, and finance. It’s basically a powerhouse of knowledge for all young women.

Fashionista Fun

Rookie Mag supplies fashion tips on the go. This site was started by a 17-year-old fashion blogger in 2011. Celebrities make contributions to the publication focused on modern teenage life.

The Classy Cubicle provides all professional fashionistas with the latest trends. Not sure what to wear to an interview at a creative office? They’ve got your back. The Classy Cubicle covers different “categories” of office types and suggests appropriate attire for each one.

Despite the abundance of negative comments and startling information the internet supplies, there is a huge community of support, especially for young women. Aspiring young professionals have countless resources to further their educations, careers, and personal development on the internet. These websites not only share useful professional advice but also support and humor for women of all ages. I encourage all young professionals, working women, and Capitalistas to check out some of these sites, they could change your career path.

Make sure to follow The Capitalista on Twitter at @CapitalistaBlog and on Tumblr at thecapitalista.tumblr.com for more tips, tricks, and suggestions to find your dream internships and jobs!

—

Natasha Paulmeno (@NatashaPaulmeno) is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends.

Natasha Paulmeno

Natasha Paulmeno is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends. Contact Natasha at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post Most Useful Career Sites for Millennial Women appeared first on Law Street.

Everyday professionals spend at least a quarter of their time at work sending and receiving emails. It’s our primary form of communication — it’s fast and easy. And yet in spite of the amount of time we dedicate to emailing, many users still make mistakes that undermine their professionalism. Trove provided a list of some of the most important tips for good email etiquette; below are some of the most vital tips you need to know when sending professional emails.

• Ditch your AIM email from sixth grade: Whether you work for yourself or a large organization, your email should reflect your name in some way. No professional is going to take seriously an email from sexychick99@aol.com; it’s time to trash the the old email and get a new one. Use some combination of your name so that the recipient can easily tell who is sending the message.

• Go easy on the exclamation points: Exclamation points should only be used to convey excitement, according to career coach Barbara Pachter. Overuse of exclamation points can come off as immature or emotional. Try to avoid using them completely, unless something is actually exciting.

• Use subject lines to convey your message: People open emails based on the subject. If you use a brief, descriptive phrase to correctly convey what your message is about, the recipient is more likely to open your email. Something like, “Tomorrow’s lunch meeting rescheduled” or ”Reservations confirmed” works just fine. Stick with something short and sweet.

• Don’t use informal greetings: We use email so much it’s easy to forget that “hey” and “yo” are not acceptable in a professional setting. These salutations are totally inappropriate for the workplace and should be avoided in emails. Stick with “hello” or “good afternoon” to stay professional. “Sincerely” is always appropriate for professional emails.

• Avoid typos at all costs: Avoiding typos is absolutely imperative. It’s so easy to misspell a word when you’re typing a quick email, but you will be judged if you do. Reread your emails before you hit send to ensure you avoid typos. Autocorrect don’t always do the trick, so don’t rely solely on the automatic spell checker.

• Make sure you’re emailing the correct person: Just like a typo, entering the incorrect email is extremely easy to do. But try to make sure you don’t accidentally email the wrong person! One way to avoid doing so is by entering the email address last. This way no one is embarrassed and the information is relayed to the right person.

• Be considerate of the recipient’s culture: If you are emailing someone who does not speak the same native language as you, be considerate of varying cultural norms. This can help avoid miscommunication. If you tailor your message to your audience, by using simple words for example, the exchange will run smoother.

Next time you go to press send on a work email think about these tips. Did you start off saying “hey” or miss a comma? Paying closer attention to these seemingly minor details can increase your professionalism and bolster the way you’re perceived by others in the workplace. As you continue to use email as a central method for communication in your career, implementing good habits can only benefit your reputation.

—

Natasha Paulmeno (@NatashaPaulmeno) is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends.

Natasha Paulmeno

Natasha Paulmeno is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends. Contact Natasha at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post If You’re Using Exclamation Points in Work Emails Then You’re Doing it Wrong appeared first on Law Street.

Have you ever found yourself reading a job description and asking who in the world is capable of honing so many skills? With the rise of technology and demand for well-rounded employees, Millennials often feel discouraged just by reading job descriptions. According to the Harvard Business Review, nearly 50 percent of men and women choose not to apply to certain jobs because they feel they do not fulfill all the qualifications.

Entry-level applicants face the worst of these unrealistic qualifications. Many job postings listed as “entry-level” require applicants to have a couple years of experience in addition to their college degrees. Doesn’t that defeat the whole purpose of the label?

Quartz debunks the usual perception of job postings. Companies often list many skills that would earn applicants brownie points in interviews. In addition to listing the things they need, hiring managers list skills they could use in the future or assets they are considering implementing. But once hiring managers start listing those bonuses, they often get carried away and the list grows longer and longer. When applicants see a long list of skills labeled “required,” they often feel discouraged and move on to the next application.

Fear not applicants! Hiring managers are looking for humans, not robots. If you have the core skills for your profession and you are capable of presenting those skills properly, you’re golden. Companies would rather hire people who have several relevant skills, confidence, and a good attitude. So unless you’re a robot who can learn HTML code in 24 hours or become fluent in a language overnight, don’t sweat the small stuff.

When reading job descriptions, it can be truly difficult to pick apart what is required and what is fluff. Scott Purcell, a technology recruiter, gave Quartz a few tips for deciphering job descriptions.

…a good rule of thumb is that the further you get from the core of the job’s actual function, the further down a list of skills something is, and the newer the technology or the skills term is, the more likely it’s what he calls a “nice to have” rather than a true requirement.

Keep in mind, companies still like to check off as many boxes as possible when it comes to applicants’ skill sets. When Jimmy and Johnny are competing for the same position and Jimmy racks up more checks, he’s got the position over Johnny.

Yes, job descriptions can be intimidating.  Rejection can be scary, even embarrassing, but what’s the harm in trying? So, when you are considering a job description but you’re not sure if you’re really the right fit because you don’t meet every single qualification, chill. If you can, reach out to someone who works in the industry or at the company and ask how realistic the description is. Find out more information and if it’s a position you’re really interested in then it just might be worth the time and effort to apply. Don’t let job descriptions intimidate or discourage you. Take the chance and you might be pleasantly surprised.

Natasha Paulmeno

Natasha Paulmeno is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends. Contact Natasha at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post Millennials: Don’t Let Job Descriptions Discourage You appeared first on Law Street.

No one likes a liar. So why do people put their careers and professional reputations in jeopardy just to enhance their resumes? According to Forbes, about 60 percent of hiring managers catch lies on resumes, and the number of applicants who lie on their applications increased since the recession. But why do applicants still lie if they get caught? Aside from looking bad, his or her reputation is tarnished and any future work opportunities with the company are shot.

Moral of the story is don’t do it, but we can take a look at some of the most ridiculous resume lies.

1. Do your research. According to Forbes, one guy wrote on his resume that he was the assistant to the prime minister. The catch? The country he claimed to work for doesn’t even have one. Oops.
   What we learned: When you are truthfully associating yourself with any organization or group, you should do your background research on it. Know who you want to work for. This way you know who and what you represent and ensure you hold the same ideals.
2. Don’t act a fool. One 32-year-old applicant claimed to have 25 years of work experience. She must have matured rapidly as a  seven year old.
   What we learned: Putting ridiculous claims on your resume doesn’t fool anyone, it actually makes you look like a fool. Be as truthful as possible and learn the difference between embellishing your resume to make it shine and lying to get ahead.
3. Be truthful about your history. When applying to the same position at a company on two separate occasions, one applicant provided different work history for each application. That did wonders for the applicant’s reputation.
   What we learned: Employers can and will find out about your history, so be honest. It’s better to be up front than have to confess to a lie you previously told in an interview.
4. List references who will benefit your reputation. An applicant who listed three jobs in several years was definitely disappointed when he didn’t receive a call back. When the interviewer contacted the employers, she found out the applicant held one job for two days, another job for one day, and never worked at the third job. Yikes.
   What we learned: Use references to your advantage. They should make you look and sound great and vouch for your professional skills. Also, listing references who will uncover lies you told on a resume or application will definitely make you look bad.
5. Don’t burn bridges. After an applicant was fired from a company, he promptly applied to a different position at the same company. The company was listed under previous employment on his resume, but according to the applicant, he quit his previous job. The company’s records revealed the truth.
   What we learned: In every industry, people have connections all over the country, even the world. With our highly interconnected society, word of mouth spreads like wildfire. It would be wise to make graceful exits and maintain positive relationships in your professional career.

Though these are just a few examples of ridiculous lies applicants have told, many more have been caught. Embellishing resumes is a common problem – applicants who exaggerate their capabilities with coding and design skills, for example, are often embarrassed when tasked with those duties but they’re unable to perform.

Resume fluff just isn’t worth it. Be truthful, be honest and use colorful verbs to enhance your actual experience.

—

Natasha Paulmeno (@NatashaPaulmeno) is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends.

Natasha Paulmeno

Natasha Paulmeno is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends. Contact Natasha at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post Resume Lies Really Are the Worst Decision Ever appeared first on Law Street.

Faking it. We’ve all been there.

No, not there. Come on, guys. Mind out of the gutter, back on the sidewalk ok?

We’ve all seen a job posting that is SO perfect. You’re scrolling down the page getting more and more excited. You practically have your interview outfit picked out.

And then…

Ugh. “Must be BLANK.” “Applicants with BLANK experience strongly preferred.”

Ugh ugh ugh. You’re pissed. You would have been perfect. It would have been perfect. Life would have been perfect.

But wait…should you give up on your career dreams because of one lousy prerequisite? Should you still apply?

Short answer: yes. Unless you’re WAY off (like it says “requires a medical degree” or “prior brain surgeon experience a plus”) it doesn’t hurt to still throw the application their way. You could also always take some time to actually learn that particular skill so you can say that you’re making the effort when and if you’re called in to interview. Chances are, if one job is hoping for applicants to have, say, Photoshop experience, then another one will as well.

Don’t shy away just because you might not fit 100 percent. There’s still time to brush up on your skills before you start.

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is a PR & Media Outreach Manager. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Faking It appeared first on Law Street.

As you’ve come to know, this blog is pretty millennial-focused. It has to be. We’re experiencing drastic changes in a market to which we’re newcomers. We’re learning the rules as they continually change.

Dan Schawbel, contributor at Forbes, jumped on the millennial bandwagon by publishing a piece dedicated to our generation. In “My 10 Best Pieces Of Career Advice For Millennials,” Schawbel discusses his top tips for a millennial in today’s economy.

Below I’ve listed a few of my favorites.

Take risks early and often in your career. One of the important lessons this economy has taught us is that not taking risks is risky. There is so much out of our control and if we just keep doing what we did yesterday, we can’t get ahead. By taking a risk, you are putting yourself in a position to learn, whether you succeed or fail. You’re also showing to your management that you’re willing to put your reputation on the line to make things happen. As we become an ever more entrepreneurial society, those that take risks, both inside and outside of the corporate walls, will become more successful.

Focus on making a big impact immediately. The quicker you make an impact in a company the more attention and support you will get. Millennials understand this well because they won’t want to wait five years to get on a project where they can make this type of impact. Starting on day one, you have to learn as much as possible and start mastering your job so you can latch on to the bigger projects faster and prove yourself. By doing this, you will explode your career and become more valuable in your company, which will increase your pay, title and you’ll get to work on better projects.

Sacrifice today to position yourself for tomorrow. You can’t have everything you want today so you need to work hard to put yourself in a better position in the future. From 2007 to 2009, I put in over one hundred hours a week working on something I loved. As a result, now I have the freedom to do what I want, when I want. While others would have used that same time to go out every night and party, I realized the bigger picture and you can too. The more you do early in your career, the more it will pay off later in life and you will be thankful just like I am.

Be sure to check out the full article at Forbes.

Happy hunting!

xo The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is a PR & Media Outreach Manager. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Job Hunting as a Millennial appeared first on Law Street.

A friend and I were talking recently and decided that there are three major, tumultuous situations that plague the twenty-something. They are (in no particular order): the job hunt, dating life, and the apartment scramble. I, personally, have always found the job hunt to be the worst of all. If you don’t have a job, you can’t afford an apartment, and no one dates homeless people…so you’re pretty much screwed.

When faced with an insanely stressful situation (such as any of the aforementioned) the urge is to get yourself out of it as quickly as humanly possible. That could result in settling for that apartment in Bushwick with cockroaches and five roommates. Or dating that toothless guy you met on Ok C for way too long. Or, maybe even worse, taking the first job you can find without even really wanting it. Of course, it’s always better to be employed than not, but you don’t want to do this hunt again in a few months do you? OF COURSE NOT.

Here are a few tips for the application process that will help you avoid a potential career mistake.

1. Apply within a wide range. Basically, don’t limit yourself. So what if you majored in journalism? Jobs in that field aren’t exactly easy to find. Really dig into your resume and your pool of experience when applying. If you did some design work for an internship that could open up a whole new career path for you.

2. But definitely have a range. Of course, you should still cap off your search at some point. If you’re just widely applying to jobs that you have no interest in actually doing then you’re wasting your time and theirs.

3. Consider your future self. It sounds cliche, but where do you see yourself in five years? Ten? Think of each job opportunity as an investment toward the future you want. Think of that position on your resume down the line. Will it help you get where you want? If not then maybe pass on that one.

4. Use your network. Not just on LinkedIn. Reach out to mentors, past coworkers, people you’ve met along the way. A foot in the door helps immensely and you never know what opportunities are out there until you ask.

Sure, at some point it is a numbers game. Diligence is important when you’re on the hunt, but applying to jobs that are a dead end for your future won’t be beneficial. Be honest with yourself.

Happy hunting!

xo The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is a PR & Media Outreach Manager. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Surviving the Job Hunt: Apply Yourself appeared first on Law Street.

The job market it rough. If you’re looking then you’ve likely come across plenty of listings for internships, and you’ve probably thought about applying but you were quickly turned off by the lack of payment. I don’t blame you; however, in some cases these opportunities might be worth your consideration. Here are five questions to ask yourself before shying away completely from an unpaid internship.

1. Can you afford it? If you’ve graduated from college and the price of the real world has started to sink in, anything unpaid sounds a bit ridiculous. But maybe the pros would outweigh the cons if you’re looking for an investment into your future. Which leads us to the next question…

2. What are the hours? If you’re taking anything unpaid, chances are you can’t afford to do it for 40 hours a week. You will either have another job or school. Consider how it could fit into the other parts of your life. If you can do it remotely for some of the time, or it requires little face time in the actual office, then it might not be a bad fit with your other paying jobs.

3. Will it allow you to continue your search? If you do take an internship, you’ll probably still want to job hunt. Keep on keeping on, but make sure you are dedicated to your internship and do your tasks on time and well. Internships are a great opportunity for future references.

4. Is it for a company that offers interns future jobs? A lot of companies consider internships to be training grounds for future employees. If the internship in question is for such a company, it might be worth taking it for the potential alone.

5. Is it in a field of your interest and will it provide tangible experience? Some companies use their interns as coffee mules. It’s sad but true. Internships that provide actual experience are becoming more common, though. Companies are getting busier as the economy improves, but might not want to jump to hiring a full-time employee. These opportunities allow for tons of growth and education in the field of your choice.

So, the net-net? Do your research and make sure the opportunity is worth the expense and time. If it is, do your absolute best. Every experience for your resume will only make the job search easier in the future.

Happy hunting!

xo The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is a PR & Media Outreach Manager. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Taking an Unpaid Internship appeared first on Law Street.

As any recent job hunter knows, you usually have to go through several rounds and jump through even more hoops before you even get the interview. This is the screening process. Logically, it’s a great idea. It wastes less time on both sides of the interview. Employers don’t have to bring waste time on unqualified applicants, and stressed out job hunters don’t have to go through a series of dead-end interviews.

Businesses might have a recruiter or a company representative call an applicant prior to offering an interview just to get a few initial questions out of the way. Lucky for all of us, Monster recently released recruiters’ most popular phone screening questions. Below are a few sample questions and the best responses. Spoiler: honesty is still the best policy.

Are you currently working? One of the most uncomfortable situations is job hunting when you’re currently unemployed. What do you say? It’s so much harder to find a job if you don’t already have one to use as a stepping stone. If you’re not working at the moment, be honest about it and highlight the things that you’re working on instead. Let the recruiter know how you’re capitalizing on this time by taking a class or doing freelance or contract work.

Why are you leaving/did you leave your job? This is always awkward. While honesty is the best policy with this kind of call, it’s still important not to throw your current employer under the bus. Try to spin the reason for your search into a positive attribute. You’re hoping for a place with more growth potential, you’re looking to take the next step in your career, etc.

What hours do you expect to keep? Some positions require late nights while others need early mornings. When you first apply for the job it’s good to have some sense of the required schedule if it’s not your typical 9-5 situation. Let the recruiter know your expectations before you take a job that will occupy your life and put you right back where you started when the hours become too much.

Are you willing to relocate? We’ve all been there. It’s the heat of the moment and you really want this job. You might be tempted to speak before you think and say anything that will get your foot in the door. But guess what? If you’re not actually willing to relocate, they’re going to find out when you don’t get on the plane. Better to speak up now. They might even have some local options for you, so it won’t necessarily hurt.

What is your salary range? When switching jobs, most people hope for a salary bump. This might be another one of those times when you’re feeling a bit like groveling…don’t. If you say a number a lot lower that your actual salary range, you’ll be more stressed out than if you’re honest about it. You’ve done the research for what that position should make, you know your worth and skill set, and you know your budget. This is a good time to let the company know your needs.

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is a PR & Media Outreach Manager. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Passing the “Big Screen” and Landing the Interview appeared first on Law Street.

If you’re in school and preparing to enter the job market, pounding the pavement in search of your big break, or working your way up the corporate ladder — so, basically anyone other than ladies who lunch — you’re probably swimming in unsolicited advice. Unfortunately, some of the classic job hunting tips are out of date. While some of the oldies are still goodies (a firm handshake, being on time, etc) many need a face lift. Here are some examples of classic career advice that you don’t have to take. In fact, you really should just leave these tips behind altogether:

Outdated Tip #1: Keep your resume to one page. I have to admit, I didn’t realize that this was no longer a rule until recently. I was having trouble keeping my resume to one page and then, upon some research, saw that more than one is no longer a faux pas. It makes sense that this rule has evolved. In today’s job market college graduates are taking more internships than ever before, and that bulks up a resume. It’s important to try to keep it concise and to use a bulleted, easy-to-read format rather than dense paragraphs.

Outdated Tip #2: Include an objective at the top of your resume. This is such good news! Personally, I find few things more stressful than writing an objective and catering it to each job. The objective is outdated. The company knows your objective is to get the job. They want to see why you’re a good fit. Skip right to the point — and save yourself that precious resume real estate.

Outdated Tip #3: Invest in good paper. Well, I never really knew that this was a rule to begin with…so I’m glad it’s not anymore. When was the last time you submitted a hard copy, anyway?

Outdated Tip #4: Use formal language. Your resume should obviously be professional, but it shouldn’t sound like you used a thesaurus. It’s your story. It should sound like you wrote it. A professional version of you, at least.

Outdated Tip #5: Include every job/internship. You’ve probably had a job that is completely irrelevant to your current career goals. Why clutter your resume with it? Include the jobs and internships that best highlight who you are as a candidate and why you would be perfect for the role. This is key to tailoring your resume to the job at hand.

Outdated Tip #6: Follow up with a phone call. I’ve written about a successful follow-up to an interview before. It’s totally OK (and recommended) that you check in. It shows interest and commitment. However, it’s old advice that a phone call is the way to do it. We’re in the age of email. Uninvited phone calls seem pushy and aggressive. Whoever you’re waiting to hear from would appreciate an email over a call that interrupts their day. So, put the phone down.

Happy hunting!

xo The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is a PR & Media Outreach Manager. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Six Outdated Job Hunting Tips to Ignore appeared first on Law Street.

Law Street is looking for the best and brightest college talent to join us in DC for our paid summer internship program. Opportunities are available to highly motivated students with excellent writing and research skills who are creative, plugged in to social media, and have a deep interest in the law and policy. Click below for details on each program.

Crime in America Summer Internships

Issue Briefs Summer Internships

Law School & Firm Rankings Summer Internships

Become a part of this high-growth startup while spending your summer in DC — at the heart of legal and policy action. Apply now and don’t miss out on your chance to get published and build your professional portfolio.

Questions? Email Chelsey Goff.

Chelsey D. Goff

Chelsey D. Goff was formerly Chief People Officer at Law Street. She is a Granite State Native who holds a Master of Public Policy in Urban Policy from the George Washington University. She’s passionate about social justice issues, politics — especially those in First in the Nation New Hampshire — and all things Bravo. Contact Chelsey at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post Score a Summer Internship in DC with Law Street appeared first on Law Street.

Last week we examined whether or not your undergraduate major is a big deal in the scope of your professional life. The conclusion: what you study may not matter so much. But what about where you study?

In the not-so-distant past, a fancy name under the “Education” portion of your resume was a sure fire way to the land of gainful employment. Now, not so much. As I always say, competition is fierce and the economy is not great.

So, is that pricey university worth it now? Does the name matter? Or is it a waste of money? The big-name universities generally cost more. A lot more. A study of the real cost of higher education puts the average tuition at a four-year private university at $129,700 as of 2013 compared to $38,300 at a public institution. And this is only tuition. These numbers don’t factor in room and board. So, is it worth it? It certainly was once, but maybe not anymore.

A few weeks back The Atlantic published an article stating that businesses generally are more concerned with experience and what you know than the name of the school on your diploma. According to the article’s survey, only nine percent of business leaders consider where a job candidate went to school as “very important.”

That number is surely down compared to years ago. Private institutions will have to eventually come to terms with these changes and the shift in priorities. Until then, where does that leave someone considering his or her options for college? It’s daunting, to say the least, to consider that a decision you’re making at such a young age will have a direct impact on your life, career, and financial success or failure in the future.

What is means is: don’t worry about where you go, or what your major of choice is. Do worry about building your portfolio of skills. Your future boss will want to see work ethic, and a diverse set of abilities. Take extra classes. Most private schools even offer affiliate programs you can take at a lower cost at night. That way, you can still get the big-name credibility without shelling out the big-name cash. Focus on constantly learning new and relevant skills to bulk up your resume. Do internships. Get into real-life work environments as soon as possible.

I think this changing of tides is actually really beneficial to coming generations. Employers are starting to consider applicants as whole people, rather than a set of criteria on a piece of paper. Take care to always try to grow in the direction of your career goals, regardless of where you graduated.

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post How Important is an Ivy League Degree, Anyway? appeared first on Law Street.

LinkedIn is basically a prerequisite when job hunting now. Countless companies require that you apply with your profile and the site has one of the biggest job boards out there. Despite its prevalence, many job seekers still are not entirely sure how to navigate the social media platform. We (OK, most of us — not this compassionate professional, of course) know it’s important for networking and career hunting, but how do we use it to our greatest advantage?

Forbes recently posted “22 LinkedIn Secrets LinkedIn Won’t Tell You” and I found it extremely helpful. Here are my top five tips from the list:

Be opportunistic. Join groups that will let you connect with people who are in your target audience but are not contacts. Being part of the group gives you permission to reach out to them and invite them to join your network. You don’t need to upgrade to Premium to do so.

Be redundant. Know the top five strengths for which you want to be recognized and use them in your profile – repeatedly. If your top skill is project management, describe your project management proficiency in your summary as well as in multiple experience descriptions. This will help the right audience find you.

Be ungrateful. Ask your contacts to endorse you for only your top skills. Having the highest number of endorsements for your signature strengths will influence those who are looking at your profile. Have the courage to delete or reject the endorsements that aren’t central to how you want to be known.

Be promiscuous. Ignore LinkedIn’s advice to only accept connection requests from people you know. That helps sell Premium, but it doesn’t help you get found. LinkedIn’s search algorithm favors those who are in your network. That means when people are looking for what you have to offer, the results of their searches are displayed with 1st level connections first, then 2nd level connections and so on.

Be personal.  Your profile is not a resume or CV. Write as if you are having a conversation with someone. Inject your personality. Let people know your values and passions. In your summary, discuss what you do outside of work. You want people to want to know you.

Great tips! Thanks, Forbes!

PS – Thanks for the post idea, Ashley Powell!

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post How to Link In appeared first on Law Street.

If you are/were an English major, you’re going to completely understand this post. And so is most everyone else — at least, that’s how it feels when you opted for an unspecific, general course of study in college. It can feel like you’ve signed up to be unsure about your future, like your education was a waste.

Have no fear: majors don’t always matter. Of course, you couldn’t go into a medical field without the proper training (I mean, I wouldn’t want an English major slicing and dicing my body during surgery…noooo thank you), but vague majors (English, Communications, Liberal Arts — you know who you are) might have hidden benefits. They don’t pigeonhole you. If you major in something incredibly specific, it’s sometimes harder to break out into something different — especially for your first job out of college. If you major in something more open ended you can more easily alter your resume to fit a variety of positions.

So, don’t worry — what you decide to study at 18 won’t cement you into a lifetime of potential dissatisfaction. I remember that notion always scared me as a senior in high school. I was so worried that when I started as a freshman at college, my whole life would be decided. OK, so I was a tad dramatic, but still…that shit is scary. And it’s drilled into the heads of high school and college kids everywhere.

Very few careers require that you had a specific major. Employers just want to know that you have the skills the job requires, regardless of what it says on paper. If you’re still not convinced, pick a more specific minor such as marketing or business. There are some skills that are always applicable to any position and are consistently appealing as most careers develop in accordance to our world being more technologically savvy.

Side bar, it’s never too late to change directions (well, it probably is at some point but let’s be positive). My boyfriend majored in percussion and is now working as a website developer. Sometimes all it takes is one or two extra credits or professional development courses to set your career down a whole new path.

Thanks to our Content Development Specialist, @TaylorGarre013, for the idea for this post!

Happy hunting/studying!

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Is Your Major, Major? appeared first on Law Street.

As we all navigate tax season, money is on the mind. When you’re job searching, your finances are a major motivator. Given the time of year, I thought that it would be good to discuss navigating the financial landscape when job hunting. And how better to get into the the right frame of mind than this iconic scene from Jerry McGuire?

It’s pretty unlikely that you’ll be able to replicate Rod Tidwell’s tactics in your own job hunt and salary negotiations, so here are five things to keep in mind when you’re looking for a new job and considering your bottom line.

1. Know your worth. Research the position you’re applying for. Know the average salary and starting salary for the position. There are websites you can turn to for salary research specific to the city the position is in. It’s good to go into the interview knowing this information, even if it won’t be discussed right away.

2. Think about when and if you’d be willing to compromise. Salary is one of the most important things in the job hunting process, but it is not everything. If there is a position that doesn’t quite meet your requirement range, but it offers amazing benefits and potential for growth those are worth considering. It’s not always about the actual dollars. Factor in the total cost of working at that location by calculating things like benefits and commute.

3. Think about when and if you won’t be willing to compromise. If you’re offered a sum that is way beneath your ask as well as what your research deems appropriate, that might be the time to draw a line in the sand. If you don’t feel excited by any part of the offer, you probably won’t be excited about the position, which will just land you right back where you started.

4. Research the company. While you’re researching the salary of the position, also research the norms for the company. Not all companies fall in line with industry trends, so it’s important to know that before you get in too deep.

5. Think about how to get to where you want to be. Invest in yourself and others will believe in your. Think about your resume and portfolio as a savings account — you want to continually make deposits into it for your future. Will learning a new technology or skill push you to the next level? Absolutely.

Happy hunting!

xo The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Show Me the Money! appeared first on Law Street.

There are a few ways you can screw up an interview before it even starts. Here are some common (and not so common…hopefully) mistakes that can ruin your chances.

1. Canceling/Rescheduling/Showing up late. Shit happens. Life gets in the way. It happens once in a while to everyone. But short of an emergency, there is no excuse for a last-minute interview bailout. If you do have to change things around, give as much notice as possible. If you’re a no-show or cancel at the last minute, then you need to make that choice with the understanding that you are probably not going to be in the running for the position. 

2. Not bringing your resume. This one won’t necessarily put a nail in your coffin, but it won’t show that you’re prepared. Even if they don’t need it, bringing a copy of your resume shows that you took the extra time, thought ahead, and are serious about the position.

3. Not being prepared. You will be asked what you know about the company. Prepare for that. You’ll hurt yourself right out of the gate if you don’t.

4. Talking about money too soon. I know that everyone has a bottom line and a salary requirement. Making sure you know your worth is an important part of selecting a career, but don’t bring this up until you’re far along in the process. Make sure to keep the interview about how you’ll benefit the position and the company. A salary offer isn’t usually presented until the position is offered, or close to that point, so don’t jump the gun on this.

5. Not looking appropriate. Business casual, people. Just be safe.

6. Having no questions or comments to offer. There’s a part of every interview when you’ll be asked if you have any questions. Make sure you have them — at least one. It further drives home the point that you’ve done your homework.

7. Offering unsolicited advice on how the company could do better. If you see a flaw on the company’s website or in their social media presence, keep it to yourself. Unless expressly asked, your criticism, no matter how well-meaning, won’t leave a good impression.

8. Being hungover. I saved the best for last. When I did some research, this was actually common advice. This is surprising because it wouldn’t seem like this would be necessary given how incredibly stupid you would have to be to do this. But yes, don’t show up hungover. Or worse, still drunk.

Happy hunting.

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Top 8 Interview Mistakes to Avoid appeared first on Law Street.

Job hunting is hard. The resume that you spend so much time and energy perfecting will likely go largely unnoticed among the hundreds that employers receive for each position. Your cover letter might be scanned, at best. It’s essential to separate yourself from the crowd and an online portfolio is one major way to do just that. Below are the top seven reasons why having one is a crucial addition to your career search.

1. Increase your online presence: When an employer googles you, your online portfolio — complete with all of your professional achievements and work samples — will appear instantly, making you a more attractive candidate.

2. Display your versatile skill set: Set yourself apart from the masses by demonstrating your work and experience in a modern, relevant way.

3. Earn your interview: Applicants who go the extra mile to stand out are more likely to hear from employers in a competitive market. It’s nearly impossible to convey your personality in a standard resume, but an online portfolio brings you to life for hiring managers.

4. Show all of your work in a concise and organized fashion: Most companies require some demonstrated sample of your work prior to even inviting you in for an interview. You paste links or attach samples to your application, which inevitably get overlooked or lost in the shuffle. Job hunting is tough from the employer’s end as well. An online space where your work samples, resume, and contact information are organized, clear, and really pop will help keep you in the forefront of the employer’s mind, and help you brand yourself.

5. Demonstrate eagerness: Everyone has a resume. Everyone has probably polished it. Not everyone has taken the extra step of adding another level of professional depth to their pitch. It shows that you are eager to work, motivated to get the job, and would be someone who puts in the extra effort.

6. Showcase your talents on a platform that you create yourself: The portfolio is all about your ability to set yourself apart and get noticed by employers. There’s no better way to prove your skill set and tenacious work ethic than to provide it on a platform that you were creative enough to produce yourself — especially you aren’t even a graphic design mastermind.

7. Enhance your job search regardless of career path: You might think that having a portfolio would only really benefit someone hoping for a graphic design career but that’s not true. You can have this tool customized and tailored to your specific career goals, including writing samples, professional references, web development or design samples. The list is endless.

Convinced? Want one? Yeah? Yeah! We can help. There’s still time to participate in the Capitalista Contest. Click here for details!

Happy hunting!

xo

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Top 7 Reasons You Need an Online Portfolio appeared first on Law Street.

A few months ago, I wrote a post entitled Is LinkedIn the New Myspace? It seems that social media is making yet another transformation as far as job hunting goes as Facebook is becoming the dark horse of the job hunting competition. Forbes recently examined a Jobvite survey on the subject and the results were surprising — to me, at least. I consider Facebook’s appeal to be limited to seeing a whole bunch of baby/puppy/apartment/party pictures posted by people I went to high school with. Oh, and to remind me of birthdays. I really hadn’t considered it to be a spot for the job seeker.

Times are changing. According to the survey, more people actually use Facebook for their job-seeking needs than they do LinkedIn. Why? Because it is all about networking. LinkedIn is great for that as well, but it’s not really as easy. On LinkedIn, you can’t just connect with anyone. Some profiles require that you have a premium account to send a message, follow up, make an inquiry, etc. Facebook was built on networking — you can easily search for the people behind the institution and see if you have any mutual acquaintances. There might be something to it.

Here are a few of the suggestions that Forbes gives to better use the original social network to take the next step in your career:

1. Fill out your career history section. Not a lot of people do this on Facebook — at least not beyond their current job. But taking the time to add where you’ve been can lead to the next place you’ll end up.

2. Categorize your contacts. You know that section of Facebook where you can add how you know each friend? College, an old company, an internship? You should do that. It helps group your network and would make it easier to target your connections and your work updates.

3. Pay attention to professional updates. Believe it or not, amidst all of the pictures of pets and families and vacations, people actually post valuable career tips on Facebook. Pay attention to those posts, comment on them, share them.

The takeaway? Your online presence matters, and as social media increasingly becomes the standard for networking interaction it becomes more and more important to keep that in mind. You don’t want your online identity to hinder your hunt. Especially when the competition is using theirs to get ahead.

Happy hunting!

xo

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Is Facebook the New LinkedIn? appeared first on Law Street.

Let me guess. You’re just too good, right? Too passionate. Too focused. Too hard of a worker. Right. This is not what interviewers want to hear. Why? Because it’s bullshit. You know it. And they know it. How do they know? Because they probably answered the same way once upon a time. And they probably hated that question as much as you do.

Polishing a negative until it looks like a positive is widespread advice, but not really the best. It comes off as fake as it feels. When an interviewer hears, “My greatest weakness is being too dedicated to my job,” it immediately translates to, “I’m lying and just saying the easiest thing. It’s not honest. I’m not original.” Yikes. So what should you stay instead?

I’m not by any means advocating that you fill in a potential employer on your penchant for getting a little saucy at happy hour, or that you are a perpetual procrastinator. You know where the line is for what is appropriate to share. But you can and should be honest. There must be something you’re not that great at. If there isn’t, then you’d probably already be gainfully employed. Maybe you’re stuck on certain technology or have trouble with public speaking. An employer would much rather hear that you’re facing a real challenge. And then they want to hear what you’re doing to overcome it. Maybe you’re spending extra time studying that new software package, or you’re taking a class in public speaking. This is the time to share that. It’s ok not to be perfect, just be trying.

Anyway, you know what will impress in an interview? A customized online portfolio! It shows that you’re tech savvy, current, creative, and willing to go the extra mile. And guess what? We’ll make one for you — check out The Capitalista Contest if you haven’t already.

Happy hunting!

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post What’s Your Biggest Flaw? appeared first on Law Street.

Law Street launched a new feature today — get excited, everyone! We’ve added #300Voices to the site, which is a curated hub of the top voices in law and policy. This Tweet Central brings together the best and brightest in the legal industry from the media, law schools and firms, and independent bloggers.

We did something very unique: Instead of focusing on institutions, businesses, and media outlets, we turned our attention to the people whose voices make up the dynamic legal industry. You can enjoy scrolling through up-to-the minute tweets about the most important legal news of the day from your favorite contributors.

#300Voices is as ever evolving as the topics we cover and we’re offering a unique chance for our readers and followers to contribute to this list. We want you to nominate your favorite media contributors, professors, and bloggers on Twitter — all the legal voices that are essential to your daily life. Tweet us your nominations @LawStreetMedia using the hashtag #300Voices and we will choose new contributors as their influence and relevance grow. Click here to view full nomination details and instructions.

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Introducing #300Voices, the Top Voices in Law and Policy appeared first on Law Street.

Heading out to a job interview? First, congrats! Secondly, please rethink the crop top. You might have your own style and swagger, but the interviewer might disagree and *gasp* judge you. It happens. So, let’s keep it classy.

I know that the standards for interview attire aren’t as conventional as they used to be. However, there is nothing wrong with going for business casual. Better safe than unemployed amiright?

So let’s go over the don’ts first.

1. Don’t wear tight clothes. You want to give your prospective employer a good impression, but your interviewer doesn’t need to see everything about you.

2. Don’t have any visible undergarments. Come on, people. Do I even need to elaborate? Good.

3. Don’t wear jeans, shorts, or god forbid — jorts.

4. Don’t wear anything too risqué. This includes low-cut tops, super short skirts, and anything generally inappropriate for a professional environment.

Now, a few dos.

1. Do know where you’re applying. In general, business or business casual will almost always be the best option, but there are exceptions. If you’re in the fashion or art industries there is a little more wiggle room; however, the rules above about appropriate attire still apply.

2. Do make sure you iron! Looking like you put some time into what you’re presenting is important. You don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed — even if you just rolled out of bed. Wrinkles aren’t cute.

3. Do wear something you’re comfortable in. You’ll feel more confident if you feel as though you look your best and you’re not preoccupied with your outfit. It will show!

Happy hunting

xo The Capitalista

PS – If you did just get a job interview, you know what will really impress them? A customized online portfolio to showcase your work and talents. We’ll make you one! Read about The Capitalista Contest to learn how to enter!

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post What Not to Wear to an Interview appeared first on Law Street.

Want to set yourself apart from the competition? We can help! Law Street is launching its first #CapitalistaContest today! You can WIN a custom-designed online portfolio to assist with your job search. Want to enter? Of course you do!

To Enter:

1. Like us on Facebook
2. Share the contest post on your wall
3. Write a comment explaining why you deserve the portfolio and we’ll select a winner!

Contestants can increase their chances of winning by having others LIKE Law Street Media on Facebook and tagging your name on our wall.

Benefits of an Online Portfolio:

*Increase your online presence: When an employer googles you, your online portfolio — complete with all of your professional achievements and work samples — will appear instantly, making you a more attractive candidate.

*Display your versatile skill set: Set yourself apart from the masses by demonstrating your work and experience in a modern, relevant way.

*Earn your interview: Applicants who go the extra mile to stand out are more likely to hear from employers in a competitive market. It’s nearly impossible to convey your personality in a standard resume, but an online portfolio brings you to life for hiring managers.

In today’s competitive market, the little things you do can really make a difference. This is your chance to stand apart from the crowd! The contest deadline is February 24 — enter before it’s too late!

Happy hunting, and good luck!

xo The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post WIN a Custom-Designed Online Portfolio appeared first on Law Street.

This edition of Capitalista Careers is a shout out to one of our newest bloggers, Imran Ahmed. Imran killed his interview! Basically, he was the perfect interviewee. Imran successfully did all the things that I incessantly rant about doing, and avoided all the common mistakes.

Let’s take a lesson from him, shall we? Let’s talk about the things that he did right.

1. He dressed to impress. Stay tuned for a post on what appropriate (and inappropriate) interview attire is, but until then here’s your teaser: Imran showed up in a suit. Mandatory? No, probably not. His resume was great and his personality was a good fit for our vibe. But it was a breath of fresh air to see someone who cared enough to put his best foot forward. How you’re dressed says a lot about you. It’s a first impression. It never hurts to always go for business/business casual attire.

2. He showed up early. You know my policy that 15 minutes early is on time. Imran showed up on time in my book.

3. He was prepared. He came with copies of his resume and was prepared to walk us through his accomplishment. Remember the Interview Tips post from a few months back? I talked to recruiter Jack Farrell on his top interview advice — he stressed that your resume should read like a script and that you should be prepared to highlight the important parts when asked.

4. He was well researched. Imran was able to pinpoint specific things he liked on our website. I’ve written about it to tedium before, but far too often applicants don’t take the time to google the company they’re interviewing with. It. Is. So. Simple. It will show if you haven’t looked at the site. There is no way to bullshit that. Anyway, Imran obviously went to the site, did his homework, and came prepared to discuss what he liked about it, and where he saw himself fitting in.

5. He followed up. Following up isn’t just to inquire about the status of the position. He sent thank you emails to everyone he interviewed with. This level of attention to detail just reaffirmed that he will be a great addition to our team and an enjoyable person to work with.

Keep your eyes peeled for Imran’s new blog! He’ll be featured on our site writing about the legal implications of social media.

I’m sure that the rest of the new bloggers interviewed just as well. We’re very fortunate to have such a great group. Stay tuned for more new blogs soon!

xo The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Our Newest Blogger Nailed His Interview appeared first on Law Street.

So, you’ve applied to a job. Actually, you’ve applied to everything slightly relevant that LinkedIn has to offer. You’ve taken the big leap. You’ve perfected your resume, reworked your cover letter…now what? Now, my friend, is the hell that is the waiting game.

Job hunting has become a lot like online dating. There’s no personal contact to it. You send off your resume into the great unknown. Don’t get me wrong, online jobs boards are great. They provide an ease to the search and a way to quickly scan your choices and filter your options.

But doesn’t it kinda feel like you were stood up for a date and you’re just waiting by the phone now?

You’re annoyed. You start to wonder if these people actually want to hire anyone. They seem to be taking their sweet time with responding. As soon as you click “submit” the process is out of your hands. Or is it?

Following up is a much debated topic among job seekers. Of course, we all know it’s polite to follow up with a ‘thank you’ after being invited in to interview. But what if you just submitted a resume? Is there a proper way to check in?

Apparently, there is. Here are a few tips on how to successfully navigate the follow up:

1. Don’t do it right away. I know that you probably feel anxious immediately after sending your resume, but wait it out a few weeks. Let’s say, at least two. Applying for a job is time consuming, but so is selecting a candidate. The person you applied to might have more on his/her plate than just looking through applications. You don’t want to come off like you’re rushing the person. No one wants to work with an annoying eager beaver.

2. Don’t call unless the number is given. Worse than looking like an eager beaver is looking like an eager beaver who is a bit creepy. No one will hire a stalker. Don’t seek out a number unless it is expressly given. Calling comes across as invasive. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

3. Inquire as to the status with a short email. There are many employers and recruiters who recommend a follow up as a way to stand out among the competition. It’s a good opportunity to reintroduce yourself apart from just your application. Keep it short and to the point.

4. Try to set up an interview or further communication. In your email, you can ask if there is a time that you could sit down to discuss the position in person, or if it would be OK to reach out to them again.

5. Don’t overkill. If they say no to any of the above, or if they don’t reply to your follow up, don’t keep at it. There is a time and a place to throw in the towel and this is it. But don’t worry. There are plenty of other fish in the sea.

Happy hunting!

xo The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post The Follow Up appeared first on Law Street.

Hello again! I’m sorry for everyone who had to wait a full day to see what the universe has in store for his or her career this year. But the Capitalista only has so much time in a day! So here are the rest of the career horoscope predictions. If you missed your sign check out yesterday’s post.

*Once again, I am not an astrologer. I don’t even read my horoscope on a weekly basis…so don’t go out and quit your jobs based on anything in this post. Thanks!

Libra

Yahoo’s Advice: Ride the wave of fabulousness, dear. You so deserve it! Some may have accused you of being lazy in the past, but your own sweet rhythm gets the job done in your own time. Others are finally starting to see that you work quietly behind the scenes in your own relaxed but productive fashion. You just don’t appear as stressed out as others.

The Takeaway: Well. You seem to have achieved the unattainable. Everyone desires to be recognized without having to fight too hard, ruffle feathers, or stress out too much. Congratulations! What you’ve got going seems to be working for you. Just a piece of advice in case the road becomes bumpier — you usually have to ask for what you want. If you are working your ass off and want to further your career, most of the time you have to be your own biggest supporter. Sometimes you need a little courage to fight for what you want because people might not always hand it over.

Scorpio

Yahoo’s Advice: You are a fortress of money-generating power. Plus you’re more determined to stay on top of your debt than ever before — even if that means working yourself to the bone. You have the gift of maximizing your resources and connections with powerful people and marveling at how quickly your good fortune expands.

The Takeaway: Sounds like you’re working hard. Good for you! It’s always a good idea to put the extra hours in when you can. Remember that you don’t need to get through it alone. Reach out to your network.

Sagittarius

Yahoo’s Advice: 2014 is all about who you know, Sag, and luckily you’ll be bombarded by the enthusiasm and support of friends and colleagues all year long. The biggest theme is on social networking, so don’t underestimate the power of connecting. Always carry your business cards with you, and rarely turn down a party invite this year. Doors are pretty much guaranteed to fly open via friends.

The Takeaway: It’s amazing how far networking can get you these days. Keep those business cards handy. Utilize social media. Go to Meet Up groups. It never hurts to put your feelers out there for opportunities.

Capricorn

Yahoo’s Advice: You’ve been working your tail off the past few years with Pluto and Saturn pushing you past any remaining comfort zones — and the rewards are just beginning to peak. Plus, with Mars pushing you hard for the entire first half of 2014, there’ll be no rest for the weary. But not to worry because you’re at your best — and often happiest — whilst being an industrious little goat.

The Takeaway: You’re lucky. You do well when busy — which is a sign of most successful people. Even if you’re out of your comfort zone — which the Yahoo astrologer thinks you will be — you can work with that. Jumping in the deep end is scary at first, but even if you’re on a new playing field, working with new technology or in a new environment, you will learn to swim eventually. That will only help you in the future.

Aquarius

Yahoo’s Advice: You’ve got loads of planetary support to keep you thriving in whatever new projects you decide to take on. It’s easy to overdo it with your scheduling during the first half of the year, so be careful not to bite off more than you can chew. The steady stream of work will continue, so don’t be afraid to turn down a few projects if only to save your health and sanity.

The Takeaway: Sometimes less is more. It’s easy to get wrapped up in how many opportunities are presented — especially if you’re good at your job. Good for you for putting yourself out there and continuing to work hard, but if you take on too much there is no way for each project to reach its maximum potential. Stay busy but stay sane!

Pisces

Yahoo’s Advice: The stars are demanding that you find your passion and get practical about it, Pisces. You’re a gypsy and a total free spirit by nature, but this year you’re being asked to concentrate your energies and really focus on your passion. Yes, this means coming down from dreamland and getting serious about your career goals, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use those amazing visions you have while sleeping or daydreaming.

The Takeaway: You might be torn between your creativity and your desire for stability. There are so many opportunities today for people in the job force to combine passion with career. You can start a blog. Start a business on the side. Keep that creativity flowing. You can have your head in the air while keeping your feet on the ground.

Happy hunting, and Happy New Year! I hope everyone has a successful 2014!

xo The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Your 2014 Career Horoscopes – Part Two appeared first on Law Street.

Well, it seems like I’m just riding this New Year train for inspiration, huh? Last one, I promise! Just kidding…this is a two-parter. Tomorrow will be the last one…that I actually promise. One of the most trending stories on Yahoo! over the past week is the 2014 Horoscope. Below is the career advice Yahoo! gives for each sign and our take* on how you can translate that to your work life.

*I am not an astrologer. I don’t even read my horoscope on a weekly basis…so don’t go out and quit your jobs based on anything in this post. Thanks!

Aries

Yahoo’s Advice: If you’ve wanted to rework your image, mission statement or just reintroduce more creativity into your career, this is the year to do it, Aries! It’s time to bring more sweetness and beauty to your brand.

The Takeaway: Time for revamping yourself! Rework that resume. Update your LinkedIn. Build an online portfolio (better yet – participate in the Capitalista Contest and have us build one for you). Whether you’re switching careers or happy as a clam where you are, it’s never a bad idea to polish your image.

Taurus 

Yahoo’s Advice: 2014 starts off with Mars — the planet of drive and ambition — amping up your work zone. In fact, this aggressive planet will be running an unusually long stint in this part of your horoscope (six months to be exact). This gives you the entire first half of the year to apply your energies wholeheartedly to your work.

The Takeaway: Sounds like you have a busy six months ahead of you! Time to channel your inner Britney and work, bitch. I’m glad I’m an Aries and all I have to do is dust off the old resume. Hey, if you’re feeling extra ambitious use it while you have it. Apply for that out-of-reach job. Take a class or two. Learn a new skill. You know, work, bitch.

Gemini

Yahoo’s Advice: All work and no play was turning Gemini into one cranky camper last year. But not to worry, that level of burnout is so 2013. This doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly turn into a hedonistic slacker, but you will remember why you’ve been working so hard in the first place.

The Takeaway: Maybe it’s time to take a breather from the computer screen. A stressed employee is not always a good employee. If you feel close to burning out, that will only lead to frustration. And a frustrated employee is definitely not a good one. Enjoy something in your social life. Work on a project that’s not career related for a while.

Cancer

Yahoo’s Advice: Your worldly life and professional dreams should still feel incredibly blessed in 2014. Having the support of Jupiter in your stars backing your biggest hopes and dreams isn’t shabby. You’ll be working that influence most strongly during the first half of the year right up to your birthday until the big guy moves on to your money zone in July.

The Takeaway: Way to make us all jealous, Cancer. Don’t relax just yet, though! Just because everything is smelling like roses right now doesn’t mean that is always will be. Keep up the hard work! And when the money does come in – save, save, save.

Leo

Yahoo’s Advice: You’re the golden child in 2014, Leo! This is your year to make your next big mark on the world and take your rightful spot in the spotlight. Everything you’ve been working on for the past 12 years is ready for the pay-off zone!

The Takeaway: Like your Cancer friends, life is looking good. You also need to fight the urge for complacency though! Keep your eyes on the next prize. Now might be a good time to expand your work horizons. Look into opportunities to do more at your current company if you’re happy, look to make a move if you’re not.

Virgo

Yahoo’s Advice: This is the year for really honing in on the powers of visualization and your imagination, Virgo. Work smarter not harder in 2014, especially after July. In fact, this summer you may be ready for a serious retreat, so you may want to get as much off your plate as possible during the first half of the year. Reward yourself in the summer with a blissful escape into nature.

The Takeaway: You can pull serious hours at the office and not be content with where you are. For Virgos this is the year to plan ahead. Think as hard as you work. Make strategic moves to get ahead at work, or look into what your resume might be lacking and get yourself there. Knock off that to do list. And also, apparently, take a walk outside. But wear layers if you choose today to do it. It’s freezing.

…to be continued!

Happy Hunting!

xo The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalistaand Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Your 2014 Career Horoscope appeared first on Law Street.

Happy New Year, everyone! We’re a week in…so how are those resolutions coming? One of the most popular proclamations around this time of year (behind getting to the gym more/at all, of course) is the goal of furthering your career. Below are a few examples of career oriented resolutions that will help anyone – for the hunting and for the settled.

1. Grin but don’t bear it. It’s a new year. I’m just as guilty of breaking resolutions by February 1st, but there is one that I think we all need to try our best to keep all year: positivity. A little of it never hurt anyone. Sometimes we have jobs that suck. Sometimes our boss isn’t the best. Making yourself a Debbie Downer won’t help, but job hunting might. So slap a smile on your face and do it up.

No one wants to share a cube with this chick.

2. Plan ahead. You know that rushed feeling you get close to deadlines? That panic? The sweaty palms? The overwhelming desire to hide under your desk when you don’t feel prepared? Well, guess what! You don’t have to feel that way! You’re in control of 90 percent (rough estimate) of your procrastination anxiety. Yes, there are some stressors and deadlines that you can’t help. But chances are, if you do little things (like – gasp – managing your time) most of this can be alleviated. You might even get to snooze a little the morning of that big meeting.

3. Be a good coworker. That person at work who is a constant annoyance? Try not to care so much. Bitching about him/her doesn’t help and just adds to the stress of your day. Let’s all take a collective deep breath and try to make 2014 as enjoyable as we can.

Ready! Set! Go!

Happy Hunting!

xo The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalistaand Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post New Career Resolutions appeared first on Law Street.

Happy holidays, everyone! This is the last post of Capitalista Careers until the new year, so I thought a recap of the most important job tips and cautionary tales from 2013 is appropriate. Let’s kick off 2014!

The Hunt

1. Don’t talk too much. I’m all for a good vent sesh, and it really does help, but just don’t become that scary-unemployed-person-who-isn’t-fun-anymore-because-she-can’t-stop-bitching-about-the-last-interview. That doesn’t help. Seriously, you can ask my boyfriend.

2. Think about the next five, ten, fifteen years. Think about further than that. What do you want it to say on your business card when you retire? What skills will help you with that? Even if you take a job that isn’t 100 percent what you want, consider whether it might provide you with the tools for later.

3. What are the most important things? This answer isn’t the same for everyone. For some people it’s the salary, for some the commute matters  most, the hours, the work environment, etc. Give some thought to which one or two aspects are your top priorities. Even if you don’t get everything, it will make the search easier if you know what your priorities are.

The Interview

Congratulations! You got a job interview! After days/weeks/months of hunting, searching, and groveling you landed yourself thirty minutes of face time. Go, you. Give yourself a pat on the back. Have a cookie. Hell, have a drink.

4. Google the company. This seems so obvious to me but it is amazing how often this step gets overlooked. Look through the company’s website, go on LinkedIn, google the CEO. Search the person conducting the interview. I am giving you permission to stalk unabashedly.

Things Your Interviewer Does Not Need to Know

5. That you’re occasionally/perpetually/sometimes late. Don’t be late to the interview. I’m a big proponent of the early is on time, on time is late, and late is not hired philosophy. If they ask what your biggest flaw is, being late should not be the answer. Even if it is, maybe consider this a new opportunity to say goodbye to your tardy ways.

Things Your Interviewer Should Know

6. That you’re a team player. Employers have no interest in bringing someone on board who isn’t willing to work with the other staff. Talk about how you appreciate sharing ideas and thoughts.

7. Thank you. This is such an important last step. Even if the interview had flaws, even if you were five minutes late (but try not to be), people remember those who take the time to drop a quick message thanking them for their time. It only takes a few minutes, and it will separate you from the crowd because it is amazing how many people don’t do this. Don’t be lazy.

What You Should Ask in an Interview

8. What responsibilities does the position entail? What does a day or week typically look like? Even if the job description is detailed, it is good to know the day to day. If you apply for an associate editor position it might be a surprise if they have you filing or answering phone calls. This way you can cross check and minimize the risk of disappointment.

What You Shouldn’t Ask in an Interview

9. How much will I make? I can’t even. I am always so surprised when people think this is an acceptable question during an interview. Especially an initial one. It’s presumptuous. It’s tacky. It’s going to hurt your chances of getting hired. Of course, this is a factor that you might weigh while making a decision about your career, but save that chatter for when you’re officially offered the position. Employers want you to be more “You better work, bitch” and less “If it don’t make dollars, it don’t make sense.”

Bad Coworkers

They’re your worst enemy by day, your favorite topic at happy hour by night. They’re bad coworkers. And they come in all shapes and sizes.

10. Don’t be the Over-Sharer: This person might come across super friendly. Right away. Maybe too soon. At first it might seem like harmless banter…but then you are suddenly privy to all of the intimate details of his or her life. If you know a coworker’s bikini wax schedule, you probably know too much. Catch Phrase: “This might be TMI but…” How to Deal: Politely change the subject. This is a helpful life lesson in general. Try to keep things professional with this person. Having friends within the workplace makes things fun and more comfortable, but if someone doesn’t know where the line is, it can make for awkward days. How to avoid being this person? Simple. If you have to ask if something is TMI, it probably is.

Good Coworkers!

11. Practice common sense and common courtesy. Treat the office environment like your home. A happy relationship with your coworkers is the foundation for a happy work environment overall. Keep common areas neat, don’t leave your stuff in the fridge forever, don’t steal office supplies that aren’t yours. You know, just be a normal, polite, functioning adult. And if all else fails…bring bagels. Coworkers love bagels.

Unemployed?

12. Become the person you want to be…or the person your resume says you are. Want to learn Photoshop? Do it! You have the time. Want to learn French? Oui? Go for it. There are so many online classes and downloadable podcasts. You could develop or craft an entire new set of skills. You can actually come out of this period of your life for the better. Not as a chubbier, more sarcastic and bitter version of your former self who is on a first-name-basis with the Chinese delivery guy.

And one for luck…

13. Be positive! If you’re hunting, keep your eyes on the prize. 2014 will be a fresh start for everyone. Let’s make it successful!

xo The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post The Twelve Days of Job Hunting appeared first on Law Street.

Ok, so, let’s talk about social media use while job hunting. Social media isn’t going anywhere, and neither is your need for employment. So, let’s find a way to make them fit together, shall we?

1. Don’t be creepy on LinkedIn. Having a current LinkedIn profile is almost a given in the job market. Everyone has one. And most employers check it. Let’s get one thing straight: LinkedIn is not for making friends, it’s for finding a job, researching a company, and reading articles about those two things. It is for networking. Think someone is cute? Check to see if they have a MySpace (and if they do and it’s active, reconsider). Leave LinkedIn to the searcher and the employer. Take the social out of this network. Keep your photo and content strictly professional.

2. Keep it clean, folks. Guess what? Future employers probably google you. Do you want them to see that photo of you on the mechanical bull circa spring break ’09? No, you don’t. We’ve had Facebook long enough to know this, people.

3. Keep your current work experiences to yourself. Did you fake sick? Keep it off your page. Do you hate your boss? You don’t want your new boss thinking you’re a boss-basher. Just keep that stuff to yourself. You also might want to keep your job hunting on the DL if your employer is still in the dark. You’re always just one mutual friend away from an awkward situation.

4. Make your wall private. “You are what you post” is the new “you are what you eat.” Keep your posts, shares, and friends’ comments private.  Do you want to look like a hot mess? Of course not. At least not in front of your prospective employers.

Happy hunting!

xo The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Is LinkedIn the New MySpace? appeared first on Law Street.

Law Street is gearing up for several promotions over the next few months, and one of them is to spotlight blogger talent. To kick us off I decided to interview one of of our favorites. We’ll also be highlighting legal blogging industry front-runners and guest bloggers. Law Street is always looking to feature fresh talent! If you’d like to guest blog for us, visit the connect page and check it out! Ok. That’s my plug. On to the interview.

I had the privilege of speaking with Eric Mayer this week. Mayer pens the legal blog, “The Unwashed Advocate.”  If you haven’t read it yet, check it out. It’s honest, tongue-in-cheek, snarky, hilarious, and, well, unwashed. If you don’t believe me, just read this excerpt from the home page.

Do you have legal problems? Reading this blog will not help. In fact, it will probably make them worse, and it will definitely make you feel worse. You don’t want that. If you think you may need legal representation, find yourself a good lawyer–preferably one who is recommended by other lawyers.

Mayer isn’t a full-time blogger — he has his own practice, The Mayer Group, which provides civilian counsel for military legal issues. The Unwashed Advocate didn’t start in the conventional way. In fact, Mayer was sort of anti-blog prior to starting his own, finding that blogs have a tendency to facilitate “crappy information and writing” and were using the platform merely to increase SEO and their appearance on Google. He did, however, have things to say, and after spending six years in the Army, Mayer realized he craved a voice.

“In the army, you aren’t as free to speak your mind and my family has had a history of big mouths. I started the blog slowly then finally loosened the ropes on it,” Mayer said. His blog doesn’t preach for his practice. “I don’t over advertise, I don’t interweave the blog with my practice.”

Why is The Unwashed Advocate a blog we should watch? Not only is the writing fantastic, but Mayer has a keen opinion on blogging in the current legal market that shines through. As the legal industry changes, he has managed to create a space for himself outside of his nine-to-five career. His advice on this? Not everyone should do it in the same way. “If you don’t like writing, don’t blog.”

His mantra speaks to a common struggle for young professionals: we have a lot of available technology at our fingertips, and endless opportunities to increase our visibility in search engines, to clients, and to future employers. While self promotion is extremely important, and might help propel your career, take a page from the Unwashed Advocate’s book and make sure you’re in touch with where your talents lie and not just jumping on a bandwagon. The goal, first and foremost, should be to ensure we’re presenting ourselves in the best way possible.

xo The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post The Unwashed Advocate appeared first on Law Street.

Guess what! We’re doing a very exciting promotion for all of you job hunters out there! Law Street is offering the chance to win a custom designed online portfolio for your job applications along with the opportunity to be featured in an interview in this very blog! Do you want to be featured in Capitalista Careers? YES! Do you want a custom designed online portfolio? OF COURSE YOU DO!

How do you enter, you ask? It. Is. So. Easy! All you have to do is go to our Facebook page, “like” us, then direct message us your wildest job hunting story.

As you can tell, we’re really excited about this. So go ahead and like away! Send us your juiciest stuff!

Happy Hunting! (It will be happier once you have this portfolio! Trust me.)

xo The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post #CapitalistaContest appeared first on Law Street.

Job hunting today comes down to a lot of factors. Sometimes it’s who you know. Sometimes it’s mostly luck. With so many applicants, automated responses, and email applications, it’s hard to know how often your resume gets the attention that it deserves.

A big part of job hunting, however, is technical. Your resume is a deal breaker: it can bring you in for an interview, or immediately send you to the “no” pile. Why not put in the time on it? I get it — writing, editing, fixing, analyzing, over analyzing your resume is tedious and feels like a waste of time.

Tedious, yes. A waste of time, no. Here are a few tips to ensure your resume is working for you, not against you.

1. Make sure it tells a story. A few weeks ago, I interviewed Jack Farrell about his tips from a recruitment perspective. He could not stress enough the importance of using your resume to tell the story of your employment history. Prioritize your content. Make sure the best points are properly highlighted.

2. Do your research. Choose the best format and stick to it. There are so many options for how to format your resume in the best way. Make sure you keep it consistent. Brand yourself.

3. Don’t forget the important information. While you’re perfecting the details, don’t forget to include the simple, obvious part: your contact information. Your resume could be perfect, but it won’t do you any good if no one knows how to reach you.

4. Be honest. It’s amazing how many people lie, ahem, stretch the truth in a document that they KNOW they will end up being asked about, and, if hired, having to back up. If you don’t know how to use Photoshop, it’s going to be really awkward answering questions about it in your interview. Just take the time to learn the skills you want to include.

5. Customize. Now, this part absolutely sucks. I know it’s adding additional steps to an already annoying process. It is amazing how much more successful you’ll be if you don’t have a blanket resume for each position. If you specify your resume to the job you’re applying to, you’ll have an edge on your competition. Whether you’re applying for a nonprofit position or moving up the corporate ladder, highlight your experiences and skills relevant to the exact job you want.

Now, how much better do you feel? Confident? Go conquer the job market!

xo, The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Apply Yourself appeared first on Law Street.

Yesterday I wrote about the worst coworkers you encounter in the workplace. Today, let’s take a look at a few tips on how to be a great coworker.

Be friendly. You have to be with these people a lot. Perhaps even more than you’re with your loved ones and friends outside of work. Having good, positive relationships with your coworkers will benefit the work environment. This will increase productivity since you’ll be more likely to enjoy what you’re doing. And no one likes office drama.

But know where the line is. As I said yesterday, there is a line with what is appropriate to share at work. Don’t cross it. You want to be known for the good work that you do, not for the train wreck that is your existence is outside of the office walls.

Do your work. There is nothing that will cause bad blood with a coworker like not carrying your weight. If someone feels like he or she is doing the brunt of the work, there will be resentment.

Have solid communication skills. Respond to emails in a timely manner. Answer questions quickly when they are asked of you.

Practice common sense and common courtesy. Treat the office environment like your home. A happy relationship with your coworkers is the foundation for a happy work environment overall. Keep common areas neat, don’t leave your stuff in the fridge forever, don’t steal office supplies that aren’t yours. You know, just be a normal, polite, functioning adult.

And if all else fails…bring bagels.

Coworkers love bagels.

 xo, The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post You’ve Got a Friend in Me appeared first on Law Street.

They’re your worst enemy by day, your favorite topic at happy hour by night. They’re bad coworkers. And they come in all shapes and sizes.

How do you deal with them, you ask? A bad coworker is one of the worst things because, in general, young professionals spend more time in the office than anywhere else. You’re with these people a lot. In a cramped, confined space where you’re forced to not only be cordial towards one another, but actually communicate constantly. There is no room for negativity.

Can’t we all just get along? Below are a few examples of how to spot them, how to deal with them, and how not to be one of them.

The “Missed-the-Bus Guy”

Characteristics: Panting. Sweating. Perpetually late for meetings (or pretty much everything). He/she always comes with a “valid” excuse — and your life and work are somehow always screwed up by his/her tardiness.

Catch Phrase: “I can’t believe the bus missed my stop/the train was late/my alarm didn’t work/the dog ate my powerpoint.”

How to deal: It sucks, but make sure you’re the one on top of time-sensitive tasks. If you know that you’re working with someone who isn’t going to get the work in on time, make certain that major projects don’t lie around waiting for him. Your boss will notice who is doing the brunt of the work. And don’t be this guy — it makes people cranky. Show up on time. Set your alarm earlier if you have to. Hit your deadlines.

The ‘Don’t Look At Me’ Girl

Characteristics: You know that person hiding under the desk when assignments and deadlines are doled out? Yep. That’s this person.

Catch Phrase: “I’m not responsible for that/That’s not my job.”

How to Deal: They always find a way to wiggle out of assignments and you’re left with double the workload. This is tricky, but you could try itemizing and dividing tasks. If there is someone higher up involved in the project, CC her on the planning emails. This way, there is a written trail of who is responsible for what. If that person still slacks, at least you’re covered.

The Over-Sharer

Characteristics: This person might come across super friendly. Right away. Maybe too soon. At first it might seem like harmless banter…but then you are suddenly privy to all of the intimate details of his or her life. If you know a coworker’s bikini wax schedule, you probably know too much.

Catch Phrase: “This might be TMI but…”

How to Deal: Politely change the subject. This is a helpful life lesson in general. Try to keep things professional with this person. Having friends within the workplace makes things fun and more comfortable, but if someone doesn’t know where the line is, it can make for awkward days. How to avoid being this person? Simple. If you have to ask if something is TMI, it probably is.

Co-Worker Mommy Dearest

Characteristics: This person is at the same level as you professionally, yet she always seems to know best. Whether it is critiquing the status or quality of your work, or giving “helpful” guidance…it is annoying. You feel like you’re being watched by a parent. Welcome to the professional version of high school.

Catch Phrase: “Make sure you do it this way/Have you thought about trying this/I wouldn’t have done that.”

How to Deal: The best way to combat someone like this is to kill them with kindness and confidence. You want to remain open to suggestions, but be confident in your ideas when you’re presenting them. This type of person can only really control what you allow them to.

The Take Away: There are some people with whom you just won’t get along. If it’s just an issue of clicking with someone, these tips will come in handy. However, if there is a behavior or communication issue that is preventing you from doing your job to the best of your ability, you might need to bite the bullet and have a conversation. Make sure you thoroughly understand your points, and have a polite dialogue prepared. It might help more than you know. Communication is still key.

Disclaimer: I actually really like all of my coworkers. They’re great.

xo, The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post The Definitive Ranking of the Worst Coworkers and How to Deal appeared first on Law Street.

Yesterday I brought you the first part of my talk with recruiter Jack Farrell in which we discussed his most valuable interview tips for today’s job market. Today we’re talking about the worst things you can do in an interview. Read on for Farrell’s tips for avoiding rejection due to careless mistakes. 

1. No whining. Nobody wants to hire a whiner. Be careful about how you relay the information from your resume and be sure to spin it positively. Never run down someone you used to work for. Even if it is factual or deserved, the only takeaway for your interviewer is that you might be a problem waiting to happen.

2. Don’t ignore the competition. You need to remember that you’re competing against other qualified candidates. Make a case for yourself. You can’t be complacent. Even if you think the interview will be easy, you have a connection at the company, or feel like the position is yours for the taking, you still need to show enthusiasm and ambition. Don’t be passive.

3. Don’t be shy. Share your work. You might be sending around a resume that you think is wonderful. You might have spent hours or even days perfecting it. But another set of eyes could be the difference. Have a friend or colleague you trust edit for you. Remember that less is always more. Use bullet points and keep it to the point and conversational.

Many thanks to Jack Farrell for his advice this week! Jack Farrell & Associates is a recruitment firm that offers career coaching, resume repair, and interview assistance.

Happy hunting!

xo, The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Featured image courtesy of [Alex France via Flickr]

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Interview Tips – Part Two appeared first on Law Street.

I had the opportunity to discuss the topic of job searching with someone who knows it best. Jack Farrell, recruiter-extraordinaire answered my questions from his insider perspective and I’m sharing his wisdom with you in this two part edition of Capitalista Careers.

We’re starting with his advice for the five best tips to keep in mind when you’re interviewing. Here they are! Straight from the horse’s mouth. Recruiters see the good, the bad, and the ugly.

1. THE STORY. Go into the interview prepared with the story of how you ended up there today. How is this job, and this interview, a culmination of all the other things you’ve done, places you’ve worked, and spots on your resume?

2. SUCCESS STORIES. Use success stories from different parts of your career to demonstrate your resume. Use examples. Practice these. It’s important to rehearse a few of these highlights before the interview so you don’t forget and leave them out when the time comes.

3. WHY YOU? Remember that people are selfish creatures and at the end of the day, employers are no exception. They want to hire someone who will make them look good. Don’t be afraid to express how you’ll be an asset to the company.

4. THE SCRIPT. Think of the resume as a script and memorize your lines. Internalize not only the points on your resume, but how to make them work for you. Why did you leave that job? Why are you transitioning? Tie it into the story in a positive way. You want the resume to be conversational and fluent. Do mock interviews. Rehearse in front of the mirror. Put in whatever preparation time needed to make yourself stand apart from the competition.

5. BODY LANGUAGE. Keep this in mind. How you present yourself is very important for making a good first impression. Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake. Smile and maintain eye contact. Keep your phone off and away.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Capitalista Careers when Jack tells us the biggest mistakes you could make in an interview.

Jack Farrell & Associates is a recruitment firm that offers career coaching, resume repair, and interview assistance.

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Featured image courtesy of [Alex France via Flickr]

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Interview Tips – Part One appeared first on Law Street.

So, you’re between jobs? It happens to the best of us. Hopefully infrequently, but it happens. It is a trying experience. Emotionally, physically, financially. I have a few tips below for how you can make the best of a bad situation and make it to the other side.

Disclaimer: Read these with an open mind. I know that sometimes overcoming the unemployment blues is easier said than done. It is easier to roll into your little cocoon of no-job-depression. But hear me out.

I know most of the time unemployment is bound to be spent trolling the web for opportunities (such as the Law Street Media job board!) but you need to come up for air from the screen every now and then.

See it as the gift of time. When you’re employed, more often than not your job takes up a good portion of your time. Your free time. Your friend time. Your me time. All of your time. You now not only have your weekends, but your weeks. You’re free as a bird.

Sleep. Think about all those mornings you had to drag your tired bones to work. You don’t have to do that right now! Hit snooze! Enjoy!

I think it’s helpful to still maintain some sense of order. You can let yourself go rogue for a few days, sure. But waking up, getting dressed, and filling your days will combat depression and anxiety.

Become the person you want to be…or the person your resume says you are. Want to learn Photoshop? Do it! You have the time. Want to learn French? Oui? Go for it. There are so many online classes and downloadable podcasts. You could develop or craft an entire new set of skills. You can actually come out of this period of your life for the better. Not as a chubbier, more sarcastic and bitter version of your former self who is on a first-name-basis with the Chinese delivery guy.

Work out. You have time. Go to the gym! Go to yoga! Go for a run! Just go! You’ll feel more confident in interviews if you’re feeling active. There are a lot of free classes and promotions offered, so don’t try to play the money card. Now you’re just being lazy. I’m on to you.

Reconnect. As I said, jobs do have a way of taking over your personal time. Call up your friends. Have them over for game nights, wine nights, movie nights. Whatever floats your boat. You don’t need to hibernate by yourself. Plus, you never know what opportunities your network might know about that you’ll never hear about holed up in your apartment.

Do you even want a job now? Yes? Yeah, I figured. I would too.

Happy hunting!

xo, The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Stuck In the Middle With You appeared first on Law Street.

An interview is often thought of as a one-sided question and answer routine. A nerve-wracking one at that. Remember, though, that an interview is supposed to be a dialogue. Your interviewer wants not only to hear your responses, but to hear what you’re curious about. Asking appropriate questions will also minimize the risk of confusion or surprise if you’re offered the position. Unawareness won’t help either side. This is your chance to see if this is the right fit for both of you. So, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask. Just don’t interrupt.

Below are a couple examples of the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to interview questions. I’ll post about this often, so keep checking back!

What are the responsibilities the position entails? What does a day or week typically look like? Even if the job description is detailed, it is good to know the day to day. If you apply for an associate editor position it might be a surprise if they have you filing or answering phone calls. This way you can cross check and minimize the risk of disappointment.

How long have you worked here? What do you like about the position? Talking to an employee about the company is a good way to judge the work environment. If they have only been there a short time, and mention that everyone is new (and it’s not a start up) this might raise a red flag about turn over rates. If no one wants to stay, it’s likely that there’s a reason.

There is, however, a line. And too many people cross it. Below are the things you just don’t ask yet.

How much will I make? I can’t even. I am always so surprised when people think this is an acceptable question during an interview. Especially an initial one. It’s presumptuous. It’s tacky. It’s going to hurt your chances of getting hired. Of course, this is a factor that you might weigh while making a decision about your career, but save that chatter for when you’re officially offered the position. Employers want you to be more “You better work, bitch” and less “If it don’t make dollars, it don’t make sense.”

How much vacation time do I get? Really? You’re asking about time off before your first day? Don’t be lazy. Or, don’t appear lazy at the very least.

Stay tuned for more interview advice here every week!

Happy hunting!

xo, The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Q&A appeared first on Law Street.

In my last post, we talked about what you shouldn’t share with a potential new boss on an interview. Today we’re looking at what you should say. What you should shout from the rooftops, what could be the difference between yourself and another candidate.  Below are some thoughts on what you should definitely make known during your time in the interview chair. Again, these really should be obvious. But you know how it gets in an interview. The lights get bright, your palms get sweaty, shit gets real. A refresher never hurt anyone.

That you did your homework. Show the employer that you took the time to look into the company and the position. Quote the website! Quote LinkedIn! Don’t quote their personal Facebook…too far, too far.

If you did something really amazing at your old job. Did you implement a new system? Did you select the company’s logo that everyone loves? Did you help strategize a marketing plan? Were you always on time? Whatever you did, shout it loud, shout it proud. Now is not the time to be bashful. They want to know they’re making a solid decision hiring you. That you have something to contribute. So, voice your accomplishments. You can be confident without being cocky.

That you are eager to learn. If something comes up in the interview that you don’t know anything about, let them know that you’re a fast learner. Give an example of a time that you overcame a challenge in order to contribute to the team.

That you’re a team player. Employers have no interest in bringing someone on board who isn’t willing to work with the other staff. Talk about how you appreciate sharing ideas and thoughts.

Thank you. This is such an important last step. Even if the interview had flaws, even if you were five minutes late (but try not to be), people remember those who take the time to drop a quick message thanking them for their time. It only takes a few minutes, and it will separate you from the crowd because it is amazing how many people don’t do this. Don’t be lazy.

Happy hunting!

xo, The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Featured image courtesy of [miuenski miuenski via Flickr]

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Shout It Loud, Shout It Proud. What Your Interviewer Should Know appeared first on Law Street.

The truth might set you free, but it also might ruin your chances at landing the job. I’m not condoning lying per se, but there are just some topics that are best left avoided when in a professional interview. This is one of those situations in which a first impression is everything, so you have to make it count. Think of it like a first date. Would you tell the new guy from Ok C how your last boyfriend left you because of your tendency to pick meaningless fights and be cranky every morning? No. Would you say something equally as ridiculous to a future employer? Hopefully not after reading this. Read the following to get an idea of some ways to dodge potential bullets. 

Things Your Interviewer Does Not Need to Know

1. That you’re occasionally/perpetually/sometimes late. Don’t be late to the interview. I’m a big proponent of the early is on time, on time is late, and late is not hired philosophy. If they ask what your biggest flaw is, being late should not be the answer. Even if it is, maybe consider this a new opportunity to say goodbye to your tardy ways.

2. Anything negative about your previous employer(s). This should go without saying, but you never know. I’ve been there. You’re in an interview and then you’re asked why you’re making a transition, or why you decided to leave a past position. Maybe your past employer was a maniac. Maybe she was a serial killer. Maybe he was just the worst person in the world. Regardless. Bite your tongue. Trashing anyone from a past work experience will just leave your interviewer with a bad taste and the fear that someday he or she will be on the other side of your wrath.

3. Anything about your personal life. Hey, it’s great to have friends at work. I love having coworkers I can chat with and feel comfortable around. But let’s get you hired before you start dishing out details about yourself that aren’t directly related to the position. Keep it strictly to work and the weather.

Happy Hunting!

xo The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Featured image courtesy of [val.pearl via Flickr]

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Shh! What Your Interviewer Knows Can Hurt You appeared first on Law Street.

Congratulations! You got a job interview! After days/weeks/months of hunting, searching, and groveling you landed yourself thirty minutes of face time. Go, you. Give yourself a pat on the back. Have a cookie. Hell, have a drink.

Ok. Now, back to work. Who knew unemployment would be such a full time gig, huh? After getting the news that you have an interview, it is so important to take some time to prepare. It’s really tempting to trust that you know enough about the position, I mean, you got the interview! That must mean something, right? Wrong.

Taking a few hours to do a little digging and research (how did people live without Google?) can greatly improve your chances of kicking ass once you get in the door.

1. Google the company. This seems so obvious to me but it is amazing how often this step gets overlooked. Look through the company’s website, go on LinkedIn, google the CEO. Search the person conducting the interview. I am giving you permission to stalk unabashedly.

2. Figure our how you fit into that information. You’ve done some research. Now, use it. Really understand the position you’re interviewing for. Read and re-read the details of the job description. Why does this company need your qualifications? How will your experiences fit into the bigger picture?

3. Prepare for the interview. There will be more on this in another post, but make sure you’ve done your homework and thought of potential questions, your answers, your questions. Don’t go in blind. Even if you aren’t expecting some of the questions, having solid answers in your back pocket for others will show that you took the time to get ready.

Good luck on your interview! Happy hunting.

xo, The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Featured image courtesy of [David Hilgart via Flickr]

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post You Got a Job Interview! appeared first on Law Street.

Once you’ve made the decision to look for a new career, you’re halfway there. Well, not really…but it is a pretty big step. Once you’ve made the decision what do you do? Immediately start applying? Probably not. Take some time and follow a few steps before you dive into the deep end.

1.     Think about why you’re looking for a new job. Unless you’re straight out of the dorm rooms, you’re probably making the switch because you aren’t fully satisfied at your current position. Think about the things that aren’t fitting, how you can improve, and what you need from an employer in order to do so.

2.     What came first? Is it the company you’re working for or the industry that you’re in that’s the problem? A lot of people get so stuck on the hamster wheel of doing whatever is closest to their college degree or in the same field as their first job. Maybe it’s time to shake it up.

3.     Think about the next five, ten, fifteen years. Think about further than that. What do you want it to say on your business card when you retire? What skills will help you with that? Even if you take a job that isn’t 100% what you want, consider whether it might provide you with the tools for later.

4.     What are the most important things? This isn’t the same for everyone. For some people it’s the salary, for some the commute matters the most, the hours, the work environment, etc. Give some thought to which one or two aspects are your top priorities. Even if you don’t get everything, it will make the search easier if you know where your priorities are.

5.     Take breaks. Searching the countless job sites is exhausting and frustrating. Don’t just sit at your computer hitting the refresh key after you’ve applied for hours. Dedicate time to this, but take some time away and take a step back.

Happy hunting!

xo, The Capitalista

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Featured image courtesy of [kate hiscock via Flickr]

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Beginning the Search appeared first on Law Street.

You’re looking for a job. Maybe you’re deep into your hunt. Maybe your hunt just started. Perhaps you’re a recent grad and this is your first time in the trenches. Regardless, one thing is certain: job-hunting isn’t easy.

Even if you were expecting the transition, there are so many tough things about the uncertainty. Well, kids, have no fear. This blog, Capitalista Careers, will be here to provide a little humor, helpful tips, and solid information in even the darkest hour.

Below are my tips for how to get through the experience alive, and without stressing out yourself and your loved ones.

1.     Breathe. This might sound obvious, but really try it. Before you open up your computer and dive into the land of the unemployed and seeking, take a moment and take a few deep breaths. Remember that it will be ok, and you will find a job.

2.     Remind yourself that there is no timeline. The last time I was job-hunting, I found myself incredibly disappointed that I was not gainfully employed to my liking within two weeks. The time before that had been a very quick transition, and I had high expectations. This made the process much more stressful than it probably might have been.

3.     Talk to people. Rely on the people in your life for comfort. Talking about the stress of your situation will help. And things don’t seem as scary when they’re verbalized.

4.     Don’t talk too much. I’m all for a good vent sesh, and it really does help, but just don’t become that scary-unemployed-person-who-isn’t-fun-anymore-because-she-can’t-stop-bitching-about-the-last-interview. That doesn’t help. Seriously, you can ask my boyfriend.

5.     Don’t forget that you can be a little picky, just not too picky. You want to have high enough standards to ensure that this is a move you’ll be content with long enough to stay put for a bit.

6.     See this as an exciting new opportunity. Try to alleviate some of the tough moments by remembering that this is exciting. You’re about to start a new chapter. It can look however you want it to. Clean slate. New chance. Yada yada yada.

7.     But not necessarily the career move of your life. Unless of course it is, in which case, good for you!

So, welcome! I hope you have the best of luck in your search, and that you enjoy reading our tips.

—

Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Featured image courtesy of [LaurMG via Wikipedia]

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Job Hunting Survival Guide appeared first on Law Street.