Now that finals have wrapped up, it is time to do something we all tend to put off during the school year. Yes, that’s right—read for pleasure! What a concept! There is nothing better than sitting outside with an iced coffee and actually reading a book that isn’t a textbook and/or an assignment by a teacher.
So often we get asked by our Style Gurus—”What are you reading?” So we decided to bring together the CollegeFashionista community for a summer book club! Each month, we will be highlighting a must-read book in our summer series—#CFReads. Besides a good read, you will also get exclusive insights from the authors right here on CollegeFashionista!
To kick off the series, it is our pleasure to welcome Hillary Kerr and Katherine Powers, the co-founders and media pioneers behind Clique Media. You may know these boss ladies as the brains and style behind some of your favorite content platforms, such as WhoWhatWear, Byrdie Beauty, MyDomaine and Obsessee. As a true media innovators, Kerr and Powers know a lot on how to successfully cut through the clutter and make a career in the competitive and always evolving worlds of fashion, beauty and social media. They are now sharing all they have learned and dispensing some seriously sage advice in their new book, “The Career Code.”
For valuable advice that is perfect just in time for the kick-off of internship and job season, be sure to grab yourself a copy of the “The Career Code” (or enter our contest to win a signed copy as well as $1,500 to INTERMIX!). As a bonus, Kerr and Powers are giving us their exclusive “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for starting out in your career!
DON’T write a basic, one-size-fits-all cover letter. This is your first—and possibly last, if you don’t nail it—opportunity to demonstrate that you understand the company and would be perfect for the position, so write something thoughtful and meaningful.
DO include specific, detailed facts on your resume. What sounds better: “wrote many stories for the school newspaper” or “conceived, wrote, and published 47 articles for the school newspaper in a four-month period”? Exactly.
DON’T spend a ton of money on interview clothes. Instead, we always suggest wearing simple, polished basics you already own, love, and feel confident in, and making sure your shoes and bag are in excellent condition. If you want to get a great blowout or a manicure, that’s always a good idea, too, but certainly not required if you can do both well yourself.
DO check all of the privacy settings on your social media accounts and clean up your online presence. If you’re public, make sure your older posts are “on brand” for you as well; most people only tidy up their most recent posts, not realizing that a potential employer might scroll back a year or two.
DON’T text your interviewer to say “thank you.” Instead send a handwritten note, a thoughtfully written email or, ideally, both.
DO remember that you need to look professional first, and fashionable second. Show your taste level through subtle things, like of-the-moment colors on or-trend jewelry, rather than wearing the season’s most daring silhouette. Ultimately, if you’re working in an office, a polished look is more important that a fashion-forward one. Save that for your off-duty time, when it will be appreciated.
DON’T slack off after you quit. Your performance during your final weeks in a job will be what everyone remembers about you, so leave a positive lasting impression by working hard and being exceptionally professional.
DO be a proactive, problem-solving employee, once you’re hired. The most valuable things an entry-level employee can do are: think ahead every day, anticipate any potential problems or needs, and come up with solutions for solving these issues.
Be sure to enter our contest to win a signed copy of “The Career Code” and $1,500 to INTERMIX to help build your dream career! For official rules, including how to enter, click here!
Photos via @hillarykerr
