by Solange Lopes | Jun 11, 2015 | Career
So, there you are, stuck in the elevator (literally) on your way down to the lobby, as the CEO gets in. Yes, the CEO, as in your boss’ boss’s boss’s boss (and then some bosses in between). And there’s also the opportunity of a lifetime to show yourself as the totally unforgettable employee who single-handedly marketed herself into executive management between the 42nd and the 40th floor…Or to just stand there and melt into a puddle of self-consciousness and over-polite, non-memorable side glances…
I have to admit, I was that woman shrinking in the corner of the elevator on the way down to the lobby of the John Hancock building. Yes, the one staring at her immaculate Nine West pumps as the big partners stepped in, wishing some really annoying fly could come in and distract everyone else from the tension I single-handedly created. Except the John Hancock elevators are uber-sanitized and there is no chance in corporate hell for a single fly to stroll in…And at the time neither was there a chance for me to stand out without a well-crafted elevator pitch…
But really what is an elevator pitch?
It’s nothing else but a short, well-prepared, and concise way of marketing yourself. It’s only a few sentences long, yet when well done, can pack some serious punch into your job search and career growth. A well-crafted, powerful elevator pitch can land you a job, accelerate your career growth, and make you seriously unforgettable. It can also get you from struggling entrepreneur to striving startup owner, just like that, within a few powerful words… A not-so-well crafted one can embarrass the living hell out of you too, but we won’t go there today…
Fast-forward a few years (and a few jobs) later, while I try to bury some of these shy young associates’ memories in the foggy depths of my professional mind, here are a few lessons I’ve learnt about crafting a seriously unforgettable elevator pitch that makes you noticed by your boss’s boss’s boss’s (and their bosses):
- State your professional identity, NOT your title! Do not start with “I am a Manager of Operations”, for instance. Instead, start with “I create”, or “I teach”, to position yourself as an expert in your field.
- Define your expertise. These would be the skills and competencies you make use of in your work.
- List your super powers! What makes you unique? Why are you different than everyone else in your field (in a good way, please don’t state your ability at building paper planes)? Talk about your particular technical knowledge, advanced certification, or networking connections, or special approach to a problem.
- Define your dream work environments. This would be where you have worked (and enjoyed), or where you would love to work in the future.
Reflect on each of these to build a compelling elevator pitch. Remember, it shouldn’t be longer than 30 to 60 seconds, and should sound effortless and conversational. Always look at the person you’re speaking to in the eyes, and deliver your message with as much confidence as you can muster.
Are you ready to craft your elevator pitch?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jun 8, 2015 | Career
Photo credit: nordstrom.com
Loving this Adriana Papell pleated crepe dress from Nordstrom! The lively color is perfect to go from the office to the board, and the cut is absolutely slimming!
This dress is $98 at Nordstrom!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jun 8, 2015 | Career
Photo credit: 12kaky.com
When I started my career as a young associate in Big Accounting, I thought this was it. I had a nice, polished degree from a nice, polished college in one of the most educated cities of the world. I had gotten a gleaming offer from a great accounting firm, I was on my way to bigger and better things, and that paycheck would definitely not hurt either, especially in the shoe department. Life was good…
Until I started on my very first inventory assignment out of town, in some remote hospital where I had to perform a count in the…morgue. And did I mention the “busy season” busy work hours, which would not end until I had put on an extra 10 pounds and worked more than I ever thought possible…Life had become more real than it was good. That’s also when I started noticing the stark difference between those who could manage their careers successfully, and those who let it just happen to them, natively believing in some imaginary “Career Fairy” that would magically steer towards a path filled with promotions and amazing work opportunities.
Many young and seasoned professionals alike do still believe in this “Career Fairy”, doing their work day in and day out, not quite sure of their next career step, trudging along as they help others meet their goals and achieve their objectives. All the while hoping all their hard work will take them where they ought to be someday…Except where most end up being is buried in a bottomless pit of unfulfilled career dreams yet still growing work expectations.
How does one take control of their careers from the start, or regain control of it after letting it go for some time?
1. Be clear about your goals! Whether you really want to become an entrepreneur or you’re eyeing the corner office, set clear goals for your career. While these may evolve as you develop in your career, keep communicating them clearly as you go. This will help you monitor your own progress, ask for advice, and attract the right people and opportunities to get you closer to your objectives.
2. Use your talents! Do not hesitate to use your natural talents to further your career. Even if you’re not sure of your final career destination, capitalize on your strengths to help steer you to the work you’re best at. Ultimately, it is your best work and the mastery of the tasks at hand that will make you noticed, and push you in the direction of your career dreams.
3. Raise your hand! Refuse to stay on the sidelines, doing your work head down, and not participating in the conversation. Let your opinions be heard, share your insights, add your own approach to the work, and contribute to the larger scope of work. It is by being present and visible that you will make an impact, and get closer to opportunities that otherwise will not reach you on their own.
How can you stop believing in the career fairy and start managing your own career?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jun 7, 2015 | Career
Happy Sunday!
Hope everyone’s having a great week-end, we’re enjoying the sun on this side of the blogosphere. And while we’re at it, here are the news that made our week:
- If you were wondering where the highest-skilled employees are, Forbes lists the world’s top countries for high0skilled employment;
- For all of you voicemail-avoiders, Fortune reveals this massive bank just decided to completely do away with voicemail (you may want to share this information with your employer);
- Fast Company gives you tips to be your own inner mentor (and never be too busy to talk to yourself);
- AdWeek asks you to vote for the ads that best inspire and empower women (you have until June 19 to cast your votes, the winners will be announced at #BlogHer’15 in New York on July 17, 2015);
- To our utmost relief, Inc. confirms working 9-to-5 is becoming a less popular way to make a living;
- In news that warmed my heart, Entrepreneur writes “Quiet” author Susan Cain (who quit corporate law to start a “Quiet” revolution), is launching a company to help managers deal with introvert employees at work;
- The Harvard Business Review gives you tips to get your passion project moving without quitting your day job;
- It’s always a good day when Miss Piggy tells it like it is, and oh did I want to give her a hug when the Huffington Post wrote about her embracing feminism;
- Inc. lists the 10 words you should never use at work (and I’ve been guilty of number 3);
- To finish on an inspirational note, Bloomberg interviews this 99-year old Wall Street veteran who reveals her secrets for success.
Happy Sunday!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jun 3, 2015 | Career
Print Front Zip Cardigan – Photo credit: nordstrom.com
Nordstrom is having its Designer Sale, and we’re liking what we see. This Tracy Reese print-front zip cardigan packs a serious punch, with its original prints and shorter cut. I like the 3/4 sleeves, perfect for the office in the summer (think A/C blasting all day), and the shorter hem which makes it a contemporary option to pair with your best bottoms.
This print-front zip cardigan is on sale for $148.50 at Nordstrom!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jun 3, 2015 | Career |
The Savvy Girl’s Guide to Getting the Job Done
Today, I have the distinct pleasure of interviewing fellow career blogger and published author Zena Thomas, about her first book, “The Savvy Girl’s Guide to Getting the Job.” I had the pleasure to collaborate with Zena on earlier “Ask HR” posts on the Corporate Sister, and am so happy to feature her once more on the blog.
In this interview, Zena tells us about her amazing book, and provides us with valuable career advice. The Savvy Girl’s Guide to Getting the Job is a great go-to for anyone searching for a job, or even looking to refresh their job-hunting skills. Here’s Zena:
Could you tell us a bit about yourself and what prompted you to write this book?
There are so many things that I could say to describe myself or answer the “tell me about yourself” question but in short, I’m passionate about helping others succeed at work. I found my “calling” and I’m truly working in my purpose. At the moment I live in two worlds. I’m a HR professional at a tech company in the DC area where I support 200 employees. But more excitingly, I’m the founder of Her Savvy Career, a company dedicated to helping women navigate the world of work.
I started Her Savvy Career in 2014 out of my desire to reach more women and provide them with the tools and resources they need to be successful at work. Not long after I started blogging I knew that I wanted to write a book. I wrote The Savvy Girl’s Guide to Getting the Job so women would have a go-to guide to walk them step-by-step through the job search process. The thing that makes this book unique is the real talk advice from a Recruiter and Hiring Manager perspective.
In your book, you give valuable tips about “getting the job”. Which one is the most important to you?
The book is about “getting the job” but it’s really deeper than that. There is no magical formula to landing a job. There are tons of little steps you need to take everyday and start to commit to habit in order to create a situation where you are in a position to land the “right” job for you. Almost all of the tactics and advice I give in the book can fall under one category, preparation. If you are intentional and deliberate about your desire to find the “right” job, then you will put in the prep work to make it happen.
Would you say your book is more targeted to millenials in particular?
That’s an interesting question. When I think about my ideal reader, she is 25, college-educated, on her second job, and trying to discover her passion. However, I’ve found the advice I give in the book is applicable to readers of all ages. Some of the topics I discuss you’ve heard many times but not from an HR perspective. On the other hand, there are tips you may be hearing for the very first time. While this book is not specifically targeted to millennials, the sooner you read it, the easier your job search process will be for the rest of your career.
Would your advice apply to both professional men and women, or would you make some distinctions?
Most of the advice in The Savvy Girl’s Guide to Getting the Job is applicable to both males and females. The process of landing the “right” job is challenging for everyone.
What change do you hope your book will have on professionals?
I want this book to be read, reread, and shared. I wrote The Savvy Girl’s Guide to Getting the Job because there is so much information about landing the “right” job that candidates never know. They don’t know how to land the job of their dreams because the people with the information never told them. I want to make it easier on job-seekers to find the opportunities that will provide them with successful and rewarding careers. Specifically, I want women to have all the tools and resources they need to be in the driver’s seat of their career choices and achieve career-happiness.
Last but not least, when is your next book coming out?
Great question! I have not started writing my next book but I promise The Corporate Sister community will be the first to get the inside scoop.
Zena Thomas is an author, blogger, entrepreneur, and Human Resources professional. With an education in Marketing and Human Resources Management, she has worked for small start up companies and Fortune 500 organizations. Zena is passionate about helping women achieve career success and provides tools and resources through her blog, Her Savvy Career. Additionally, she is a contributor to several blogs and websites on the topics of work and careers. Beyond the web, she is considered an expert in developing professionals into leaders.
by Solange Lopes | Jun 1, 2015 | Career
Photo credit: idiva.com
So here it is, it’s day 1 at the new job, and as nervous as you may be, the one question that is making you even more nervous, is around your schedule. You couldn’t exactly ask about it during the interview. You tried alluding to it while finalizing the employment terms with your recruiter, but did not want to come off as uninterested and un-committed. Now that you’ve started and are getting your professional feet wet, is it OK to ask about the hours at the job?
My $0.05: Subtlety is KEY on your first day. Perception matters, and most of your colleagues and managers will get their first (and maybe last) impression of you from your behavior and appearance on your first day. Is it fair? No, but it’s just the reality. Unless the conversation turns around scheduling, or you are expressly asked about your preferences, I would not deliberately bring it up on your first day.
Take some cues from your manager’s and colleagues’ working style, their hours, and how they structure their work, before coming out and asking the question. If you feel comfortable enough to pick some of your colleagues’ brains about the typical schedule, you may. However, always proceed with caution on your first day. The rule here is: Listen and ask questions, subtle questions that is!
What do you think? Can you really talk about your scheduling preferences on your first day at work?
The Corporate Sis.
