by Solange Lopes | Oct 13, 2017 | Career
Welcome to our weekly career, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and fashion news roundup! Think of it as your online watercooler/work gossip station/coffee break spot for now…Want to add anything to our list? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
- October 10th was World Mental Health Day. Evil Hr Lady advises us on how to work when depressed;
- Want to start a singing career? Recruiting Blogs lists 6 steps to start;
- Are you an introvert? So am I, and here are 7 tips to best network as an introvert;
- Levo recounts an edifying account of microagressions from a Black woman in Finance;
- Want to work less than 40 hours a week? Business Insider lists 16 high-paying jobs where you can just do that;
- Forbes Woman shares 3 ways to differentiate yourself in your career;
- Ellevate Network shares the side of female empowerment we’re not talking about;
- A
bad horrible workweek happens to all of us. Corporette tips us off on how to recover;
- The Muse shares 4 inoffensive ways to say “No” at work;
- This free Power Point template will help you ace every presentation, every time;
- Negotiate much? Ellevate Network shares 5 negotiation mistakes that are tripping you up;
- Making Sense of Cents shares 10 budget recipes and cheap easy meals you should try;
- WhoWhatWear shares 22 gifts your co-workers will use;
- Food 52 reveals the best time to drink coffee (and it’s not first thing in the am);
PS: Don’t forget to get your FREE list of 50 networking questions!
Cheers to the weekend!

by Solange Lopes | Oct 12, 2017 | Career

Workwear: Cashmere Belted Sweater – Photo credit: anntaylor.com
Our Workwear feature presents various pieces of work-appropriate attire at different price ranges and sizes.
Ok, people, Fall is officially here and the chill in the air is here to remind us to get our sweaters ready. Hence our very Fall-ish workwear pick, this Ann Taylor cashmere belted sweater. The refined quality of this classic cashmere is perfectly paired with its very flattering silhouette. It’s available in yellow ochre and gold at Ann Taylor.
I also like this cashmere cold shoulder sweater, as well as this gorgeous wrap front number, also from Ann Taylor.
What pieces of workwear would you like us to feature? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
This post contains affiliate links and The Corporate Sister may earn commissions for purchases through links in this post. Thank you!
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 12, 2017 | Find A Job You Love
I’m an introvert. Which also means that the way I’m set up, crowded places filled with strangers and small talk don’t exactly agree with me. When it comes to networking, it seems the stage is open and reserved for extroverts. You know, those who can start small talk about just anything and look comfortable in pretty much any setting…Hence the reason why many introverts refrain from engaging in networking at all…
If you happen to be an introvert, and are not sure how to be more effective, and fulfilled when networking, here are 7 rules that will take your networking from blah to wow:
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Be clear about your why!
One of the biggest mistakes that I made was to network for the sake of networking. I wasn’t clear about my goals and why I really wanted to connect with a certain group of people. As it turns out, I wasn’t clear about my why!
Why are you attending this networking event? What are you hoping to get out of it? What connections are your hoping to make and why? What are you open to contributing to this event?
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Prepare, prepare, prepare!
Let’s be honest, I’ve had times when I failed to show up at networking events because I went to the wrong place. Or I would forget to bring my business cards, show up late, or spill wine on the host. With the exception of spilling wine on the host, some of these mistakes can easily be avoided with some advance planning.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare:
- Locate where the networking event will be taking place (do a test drive to it if you can)
- Make sure to bring your business cards and an extra name tag
- Go over the list of attendees and tentatively pick at least 2 people you want to connect with
- Brainstorm on a series of questions you can use in your conversations
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Start with women’s networking group
One of the things that really helped me when I decided to push my networking efforts forward was to attend women’s networking groups. Attending networking events with fellow working women can be more comfortable and feel more familiar at first. This is a good place to start practicing your networking skills and get over some of your initial fears. You’ll meet fellow working women like you who may be facing the same or similar obstacles you are.
While you may not want to limit yourself to women’s networking groups, these are a great start if you’re an introvert or just want to hone your networking skills. Organizations like Ellevate Network are great places to begin as well.
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Start with a buddy
It’s normal to dread stepping into unfamiliar territory, especially as an introvert. However, taking a buddy with you can relieve some of the pressure and make the whole experience fun!
Can you find a buddy or girlfriend who can tag along with you at networking events?
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Tap into your listening skills
Introverts have a natural ability to listen. When it comes to networking, it’s an invaluable skill. Learn to tap into your listening skills to learn as much as possible about the new connections you’re making and building a relationship with them.
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Take time out
As introverts, we can only handle a certain amount of socializing time before we need to replenish our mental resources by spending some time alone. Don’t hesitate to take some time out during networking events, so you don’t end up drained and depleted.
This may be stepping out for a minute, or taking a short break to grab a drink.
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Challenge yourself
Challenge yourself to take your networking efforts to the next level. If you’ve attended one networking event this month, why not take it up a notch and attend two next month? Why not join that organization that you’ve been dreaming to be a part of?
The more you challenge yourself, the better you get!
What other tips would you add to this list?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 10, 2017 | Career

Workwear: Plaid Flounce Dress – Photo credit: loft.com
Our Workwear feature presents various pieces of work-appropriate attire at different price ranges and sizes.
Fall is the perfect season for plaid! I love this sweet and smart plaid knit flounce dress from Loft. The easy fit and flattering silhouette are perfect for work and beyond. It’s available in Black, and in sizes XXS to XXL at Loft. It’s $79.50 with an extra 30% off!
In a similar style, I also like this Vine flounce dress, also from Loft.
Plaid Flounce Dress.
What pieces of workwear would you like us to feature? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
This post contains affiliate links and The Corporate Sister may earn commissions for purchases through links in this post. Thank you!
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 10, 2017 | Find A Job You Love
As a working woman, how would you like to have a secure space for yourself and other fellow women to discuss your careers? What if you could bypass the rampant sexism, discrimination and good ol’ “Old Boys Club” that still very much exists in our businesses and organizations? What if you could call the shots when it comes to your network, and by extension, your career?
This is the simple, yet powerfully effective premise of Bumble’s latest app, Bumble Bizz. The Bumble app started as a dating platform geared at women, with a social networking side called Bumble BFF focused on female friendships. The product has now evolved into Bumble Bizz, a modernized take on professional networking for women. The concept is the same as the original dating app, whereby women are the ones to make the first move and initiate a professional connection. With over 20 million users, the app makes it easy and empowering for women to establish connections.


Bumble Bizz app – Photo credit: thebeehive.bumblebee.com
The Bumble Bizz app includes a safe photo verification device to confirm people’s identity. When you register on it, you will be able to set up your digital resume, as well as fill out your skills section and even provide work samples. It’s free and has been available in the US, Canada, France and the UK since the beginning of October 2017. It will be available on Google Play on October 18, 2017.
I personally love the concept, as it may very well help bring down many of the barriers and obstacles women face when it comes to networking. Society has unfortunately excluded many women from traditional networking avenues, which has definitely impacted our ability to grow and progress in our careers. With such apps as Bumble Bizz, working women can get re-acquainted and grow more comfortable with networking.
While I salute this innovative app, I also recognize that we mustn’t limit ourselves to networking solely among women. It’s important to also grow and extend our network as much as possible, while still reserving our right to nurture our own “Old Girls Club”.
What is your take on this? Do you agree that this is a great initiative?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 7, 2017 | Career
Welcome to our weekly career, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and fashion news roundup! Think of it as your online watercooler/work gossip station/coffee break spot for now…Want to add anything to our list? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!

Cheers to the weekend!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 5, 2017 | Find A Job You Love
Resumes is one of the most critical tools in making a first impression on a potential employer or recruiter. If you’ve created your own, you may know that there are a number of templates out there. From super professional to creative resumes, there are many templates available.
Before you even set out to look for the perfect resume template for you, you should first clearly identify your career goals. Additionally, you should evaluate your employment history as well as its length and progress, to determine the type of resume you may need.

Here are 10 resume templates you may be able to use, based on your specific goals and work history:
FREE OPTIONS
If you’re looking for a basic (and free) resume option:
- Microsoft Office Word Resume Templates
For Microsoft Office fans, you can access these simple Word resume templates which are already part of your software package.

Microsoft Word Resume Template
Microsoft Word Resume Templates
- Google Drive Resume Templates
If you have a Google account, then you may have access to the Google Drive Resume Templates. These are free of charge, and are always accessible in the cloud. These may be basic, however keep in mind that they originate from the Google hiring process. Not too shabby for a start…

Google Drive Resume Template
Google Drive Resume Templates
- Resume.com
Resume.com has some free and customizable options. From traditional to creative formats, this will take you through various steps to set up your own. You can simply follow the prompts to enter your education, employment history, professional skills, etc. You can also save and share it to your social networks.

Resume.com Template
Resume.com Free Resume Templates
- Hloom
Hloom also provides great (and free) templates, and even adds in some tips for more creative resumes as well. Hloom also offers 18 free CV templates, to use only if your specific role or position requires one.

Hloom Resume Templates
- Resumonk
Resumonk offers some free templates. These templates can be downloaded on PDF or Microsoft Word. There are also premium templates available at a cost.

Resumonk Template
- Resumizer
Resumizer offers free templates as well. You don’t have to create an account to use these templates. While they may not have as many bells and whistles, they do pack on enough resume punch!

Resumizer Templates
PAID OPTIONS:
- Super Resume offers various template options. You can either start from scratch or upload your original resume for further formatting. The cost is $1.95 for a 14-day access.

Super Resume Templates
- Resume Help
Resume Help offers 23 different resume templates. In order to download your final product, you have to sign up and create an account for less than $2!

Resume Help Templates
- Creative Market
Creative Market offers thousands of resume templates for download. The great thing about these templates is that they let you show off your personality as well.

Creative Market Templates
- Etsy
Etsy offers a wide selection of resume templates, from professional to more creative. These are available at a range of prices, from under $25 to over $100.

Etsy Resume Templates
There are a lot of resume templates on the market that you can use. However, you must first keep in mind that the first and most important step is to determine your own careers goals, history and objectives.

To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister