As we approach Summer, a time when "the living is easy," at least according to Ella Fitzgerald, perhaps you can think about carving out some time for yourself. Maybe it's the right time to take some long week-ends; a vacation? A recent report said Americans use, on average, about 77% of their paid time off. This is not so surprising considering how much of our days are spent putting other's needs ahead of our own. It is surprising how many people view this as a luxury rather than a necessity; particularly when it comes to job search.

The following blog posts can, hopefully, offer you some tangible steps for giving yourself equal billing with the rest of life's demands.

Take a moment and think about all the people in your life that you feel some sense of responsibility for. If you were to map out a typical day, how much time would be spent doing things for yourself? Try to go beyond the nuts and bolts of adult responsibilities like bill paying and grocery shopping. I’m talking about experiencing moments where you feel fully alive. How often does this happen in your life?

10 Tips to Remaining Positive in your Job Search (#1 Stop job searching)

Would you describe yourself as a job seeker? If so, I invite you to stop. Rather than seeing yourself as a person with your hand out hoping for the right opportunity, I want you to see yourself as a person of unique value offering your skills and experiences to the lucky candidate. Stop swallowing your worth and remember that everybody lands in that place of “in between jobs” at one point or another. How you handle your stay there says more about you than when you are comfortably employed.

Email us to chat about dusting off your resume, refining your personal branding messages or updating your LinkedIn summary. Info@careerfolk.com

Mind the Gap! Bridging the Gap Between Grads and Employers

College students and recent grads, you do not have it easy. The job market is competitive and some potential employers can give off that “you’re lucky to be considered for a job right out of school” attitude. Chances are everyone is asking what makes you different or what sets you apart from your competitors. The reality is, you’ve only just begun to accrue experiences beyond your education and that may leave you feeling unsure about what it is you can really showcase. I’m here to tell you, do not despair.

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Donna Sweidan, MCC, LMHC, founder of Careerfolk has, for over 15 years, helped motivate, facilitate and inspire job seekers and career changers to reach their career goals. She is known for her passion and insight, combining her expertise in the new Social Media landscape with a highly compassionate and yet strategic approach. The heart of Donna’s customized approach is a strong brand, an exciting current resume, and an online network that represents what it takes to succeed in today’s marketplace. She is a well-known expert and advocate on the “new” job search, which demands that all professionals build a professional online identity with tools such as LinkedIn, Twitter or Blogs to create a robust profile and increased level of “G-cred”, and is asked to speak regularly on the topic.

Donna is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor and holds an MA in Counseling from New York University, a BA in Psychology from the University of Witwatersrand, and a BA, Honors in Applied Psychology from Rand University, both in Johannesburg, South Africa. Donna has also trained at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy.

Tava Auslan is a career counselor, certified resume writer and dancer. After earning her BA in Psychology from SUNY Purchase and an MSEd in Counseling from Fordham University, she began her career with Donna at The New School Career Services Center in 2002. There she worked with students and graduates pursuing a variety of careers. She later went on to serve as the Assistant Director of Disability Services. This background has shaped her foundation for working with college students, recent grads and individuals with disabilities. A skilled counselor, she is compassionate, insightful and delivers the right amount of “push” to motivate her clients. She is known for her ability to help people assess their challenges, determine where they are stuck and offer tangible solutions to get them back on track. An astute writer, Tava earned her ACRW credential from Resume Writing Academy and crafts resumes that tell a compelling story for job seekers of all ages and stages.

Additionally, Tava is an adjunct professor of dance at Norwalk Community College where she lectures and offers programs for a diverse student body. She is also skilled at helping artists/dancers who may be transitioning to other career paths or looking for multiple income streams.