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Cover Letters Tips for Jobs & Internships

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Whether you’re a college student or graduate, many jobs and internships require resumes and cover letters. Cover letters can be more difficult to write than resumes. While a resume is a summary of your work experiences and accomplishments, a cover letter digs deeper into the who, what, when, where, why and how. It’s a story of how you entered that profession and what motivates … [Read more...] about Cover Letters Tips for Jobs & Internships

Is an Apprenticeship a Good Option for You?

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If you are pregnant, planning to have a family, or find yourself the main support for one or more children, choosing a profitable career path becomes a priority. However, time might seem to be your enemy. One way to streamline your route to a worthwhile job is through an apprenticeship. At a basic level, being an apprentice means learning while on the job. Although sometimes … [Read more...] about Is an Apprenticeship a Good Option for You?

What does the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act mean to you?

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Sometimes a pregnant woman or someone who has just given birth needs some help to get  her job done. This can be a difficult conversation. You may feel nervous asking for help. In comes the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act which goes into effect on June 27, 2023.   The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act gives workers a right to appropriate and reasonable … [Read more...] about What does the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act mean to you?

Free Résumé Writing Resources from Harvard

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Your cover letter and résumé are often your first impression on a future employer. You want that impression to be the best. Now, what if I told you that Harvard (yes, that Harvard) has free resources online to help you in your job search? Here are 4 resources we have found: From the Undergrad Resource Series: This free document has tips on how to make a good résumé with … [Read more...] about Free Résumé Writing Resources from Harvard

Jobs You Can Do from Home

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Looking for a job with more flexible hours? Want to spend more time with your children at home? Hoping for a change of pace when it comes to your work, or maybe a job that allows you to be more creative? Regardless of the reason, many find non-office based work to be extremely beneficial and convenient. Here are some ideas for non-office based jobs that could be right for … [Read more...] about Jobs You Can Do from Home

Setting Up a Nursing Room at Work

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Being a nursing mom is very rewarding, but it can certainly be difficult, especially while in a workplace setting. Some schools and workplaces have nursing or lactation rooms that make things a little easier on nursing moms! Here are a few ideas for how your workplace can create a nursing room for employees that are breastfeeding their child. The initial setup is fairly simple, … [Read more...] about Setting Up a Nursing Room at Work

Top Remote Jobs Today

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As out-of-office work continues to be prevalent in the job market, various companies have reportedly observed high productivity from employees working from home. Many federal, state, and local governments have moved to hybrid work or majority telework. According to Flexjobs.com, several private companies are now offering long-term flexible work positions, including Adobe, … [Read more...] about Top Remote Jobs Today

Learn the Basics of Unemployment Benefits

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Unemployment benefits are for eligible people who are unemployed through no fault of their own. An eligible person receives a cash payment through the unemployment insurance program. Each state administers its own program, but all states must follow federal law guidelines. Who Is Eligible? Generally, you must meet both work and wage requirements. The state agency that … [Read more...] about Learn the Basics of Unemployment Benefits

How to Ask About Compensation

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Asking for an adequate wage may feel awkward, but you are owed an income proportional to your education, skills, experience, and the area you live in. Being prepared for your interview — or follow-up interview — can make a gigantic difference in your compensation. What is compensation? Essentially, it’s a salary or hourly wage. The word “compensation” makes very clear … [Read more...] about How to Ask About Compensation

Employed Mom Tips and Tricks: Moms to Moms

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1.It’s important to have “me” time. Employed mom Donna shares that since she spends time away from her kids working, she often felt guilty about separating from them beyond what was necessary. However, she realized that her identity was not solely in her motherhood, and she found ways to be a mom AND the woman she was before becoming a mom. She encourages other working moms … [Read more...] about Employed Mom Tips and Tricks: Moms to Moms

Postpartum Options: Breastfeeding, Formula, and Weaning

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How and what you want to feed your baby is a personal decision. You, as a mother, deserve to know all the facts of the various options without feeling ashamed or guilty about your decision. Nutritional possibilities for your baby’s first few months include breastfeeding (temporarily or long term) and formula feeding.  Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is often considered … [Read more...] about Postpartum Options: Breastfeeding, Formula, and Weaning

How to Network and Build Your Personal Support System

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Workers across industries know this proverb to be true: “It’s not what you know, it’s whom you know.”  The key to building a great career is networking, or growing the circle of people in your field of work who can help you find a job. Although your skills and qualifications do matter, here is why networking may matter even more: Recommendations. Words on paper … [Read more...] about How to Network and Build Your Personal Support System

Pregnancy & Contagious Illness: Know Your Rights in the Workplace!

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Did you know that women, and disproportionately women of color, are on the front lines during every respiratory virus season?  According to the Center for Economic Policy and Research, nearly two-thirds of frontline workers are women and people of color, who are overrepresented in industries such as:  We know these workers are at risk, but what if they are … [Read more...] about Pregnancy & Contagious Illness: Know Your Rights in the Workplace!

Surprise! You’re Working from Home: 7 Tips to Make the Transition

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Many professionals are learning that their jobs can be done from home right now. This is likely a position you may have dreamed about but never thought possible. This is certainly a position you never thought you’d be in. Here are some tips from a work-from-home veteran of nearly a decade: Make sure you have everything you need to do your job. Sit down and make a list of … [Read more...] about Surprise! You’re Working from Home: 7 Tips to Make the Transition

Pros and Cons of the Gig Economy for Moms

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The booming gig economy can provide great opportunities for moms and caregivers to make money while allowing for schedule flexibility. But as with all great opportunities, there are also risks. Here are some of the pros and cons of working in the gig economy with children. Pros: Set your own hours: The gig economy is great for fitting in pediatrician appointments, school … [Read more...] about Pros and Cons of the Gig Economy for Moms

Tips for Night Owl Moms

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This could be called the insomniac’s guide to being a night owl, but there’s more to staying up all night than biological conditions. While I am an insomniac, I still struggle — especially as I grow older — with the need to be awake at times when it’s necessary. If you could be a fly on my wall, you’d find less movement at night, but you’d still find it pretty busy, probably … [Read more...] about Tips for Night Owl Moms

What Is a Trade Certificate?

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers requiring trade or vocational training are projected to have the most growth between now and 2026. Thus,  the next step to achieving your career goals might be a trade certificate. What is a trade certificate? A trade certificate is a career-specific certificate earned in no more than two years. Students take … [Read more...] about What Is a Trade Certificate?

5 Tools to Find Job Training Opportunities

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Starting a job search can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have experience in the field you are applying for. Thankfully, the United States Labor Department funds some very helpful tools for people looking to acquire skills through Training and Employment programs. And these resources are just the first step! By investing time in acquiring the skills employers … [Read more...] about 5 Tools to Find Job Training Opportunities

Career Considerations for Parents

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The best career for parents meets the needs of the family. In American culture, we tend to think of careers in terms of money, how much can be made, how much can be bought. What’s left out of that equation is economic status and scheduling. For some, these factors can be determinant of a career choice even debilitating at times. So what if we didn’t ignore them? What if we used … [Read more...] about Career Considerations for Parents

9 Great Re-Entry Programs for Moms

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So, you’ve been away from the workforce for a while and you want to get back in. Your employer doesn’t have a returnship program and you’re not sure what to do to get back up to speed. Luckily, there are nine companies out there waiting to help you get back in. They will help you in a number of different ways, be it networking and interviewing or finding temporary work to gain … [Read more...] about 9 Great Re-Entry Programs for Moms

What Is a Returnship and Why They Are Awesome

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A growing trend in the workplace is returnships. Returnships are programs that help working moms and other caregivers return to work after taking time off to stay at home. These awesome programs include: Programs like this help employers attract and retain talented workers and help mothers get back to work and continue their careers with minimal interruption. Many … [Read more...] about What Is a Returnship and Why They Are Awesome

Is CNA Work Right for You?

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Are you interested in working in the medical field? Are you looking for a job that pays well and includes paid training? Do you like to help people? Do you want a physically demanding job, not sitting behind a desk all day? If you answered yes to any of those questions, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) may be right for you. What Does a CNA Do, Where and … [Read more...] about Is CNA Work Right for You?

4 Top Tips on Taking Maternity Leave for Business Owners

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Being a working woman can be difficult, and this can be amplified when you own your own business. You are working all the time, your hours can be crazy, and you have a lot of responsibility. So, when a woman who owns a business wants to take a maternity leave, it can seem impossible, but based on the experience of other female business owners, it can be done! Below are a few … [Read more...] about 4 Top Tips on Taking Maternity Leave for Business Owners

3 Tips for Choosing When to Start Maternity Leave

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Choosing when to start your maternity leave may seem like an easy task, but for many mothers, this can be very difficult. Everyone’s circumstances are different, so finding what is right for you may take some time. Below though are a few pieces of advice from a new mother for when you are choosing when to start your leave. Be Flexible Planning your leave time is … [Read more...] about 3 Tips for Choosing When to Start Maternity Leave

3 Places to Find Professional Peer Support When Requesting Maternity Leave

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Having a good support network is important for any task you are trying to accomplish. This is especially true whenever you are trying to take maternity leave. Thankfully for working moms, it can be easy to find professional peer support from women who have gone through what you are experiencing, if you know where to look! The first place to look is your informal network … [Read more...] about 3 Places to Find Professional Peer Support When Requesting Maternity Leave

Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

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As a new mother, your life has been very centered around your baby. However, now it is time to return to work, and you may not be sure where to begin. This is a very emotional time, and it can be tough. You are probably sleep deprived, a lot of change is happening, and the anticipation for work to begin can be very nerve-wracking, but do not stress! Many women feel anxious when … [Read more...] about Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

What Is Paternity Leave?

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The time before and after a baby is born and brought home is crazy and exciting. Many working mothers decide to take medical leave during this time to recover themselves and to care for and to bond with their new baby. Thankfully, this time off is protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act, but it is not just protected for mothers. Companies that are large enough to adhere … [Read more...] about What Is Paternity Leave?

4 Financial Tips for Parents Taking Unpaid Leave

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Thanks to the Family and Medical Leave Act, institutions with more than 50 employees are required by federal law to allow eligible women and men up to 12 weeks of medical leave for specified family and medical reasons. Two of these specified reasons are birth of a daughter or son or adoption of a daughter or son. However, these possible 12 weeks are unpaid, so some parents … [Read more...] about 4 Financial Tips for Parents Taking Unpaid Leave

How to Confront Sexual Harassment

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Confronting a potential incident of sexual harassment can be difficult. There are times confrontation is not possible, in which case going directly to the supervisory chain is preferable. And remember to document, document, document. However, it is amazing how much one can handle at the lowest level, having a conversation to let people know what is and is not acceptable. When … [Read more...] about How to Confront Sexual Harassment

4 Tips about Maternity Leave

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Maternity leave, also known as parental leave, is your time for you to relax and prepare for your new baby, as well as care for your baby after birth. The following tips may be useful in finding an agreement that works for you, your employer, and your new child: Estimate How Much Leave You Will Need One of the first things your employer will ask you is how much time you … [Read more...] about 4 Tips about Maternity Leave

How Do I Apply for Unemployment?

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If you have become unemployed through no fault of your own, applying for unemployment benefits is an essential first step to carry you over until you are hired for your next job. There are some basic qualifications that need to be met, including having already worked a certain number of weeks and hours. Typically, if your employer lays you off due to lack of work or … [Read more...] about How Do I Apply for Unemployment?

5 Tips for Going to Work While Pregnant

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If you decide you want to continue going to work—whether for personal or financial reasons, know that it is entirely possible to do so! These tips will teach you how to manage some possible discomforts during pregnancy so you are able to have the happiest and healthiest work experience possible: Tip #1: Snack, Snack, Snack — and Drink H2O! One of the most common side … [Read more...] about 5 Tips for Going to Work While Pregnant

Maternity Leave and Your Career Path

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Maternity leave, also known as parental leave, is a time to relax and prepare for your new baby, as well as care for your child after he or she arrives. The following tips may be useful in finding an agreement that works for you, your employer, and your new child. Estimate How Much Leave You Will Need One of the first things your employer will ask you is how much time you … [Read more...] about Maternity Leave and Your Career Path

How to Ask for a Raise

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Picture this: You’ve got a great job, you’re performing well, you’re happy—but you know it’s time for a raise. The scenario is undoubtedly familiar, but the realization can often be accompanied by some significant doubt. What’s the best way to approach the subject with your employer? What should you say? What should you not say? Here’s a step-by-step guide with some helpful … [Read more...] about How to Ask for a Raise

5 Steps for Negotiating Your Salary

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One of the most difficult problems facing professionals, especially those relatively new to the working world, is pay negotiation. However, while the situation might seem intimidating, there’s no reason that it has to be. Here are a few rules of thumb to keep in mind when navigating the issue of compensation: Be Realistic The people who have the most success negotiating … [Read more...] about 5 Steps for Negotiating Your Salary

Considering an Apprenticeship

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One option for career training is the apprenticeship. The concept has been around for a long time. Charles Dickens wrote his character Ebenezer Scrooge into an accounting apprenticeship in the early 1800s when on-the-job training had already become an established method of breaking into a career. That was before education beyond a few years of basics was available to most … [Read more...] about Considering an Apprenticeship

Pursuing Jobs in the STEM Fields

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As a woman or mother entering the workforce, you may desire a job that offers both a high salary and flexible hours. If that’s the case, you may consider pursuing a job in a STEM field. Not only are STEM jobs high-paying, but they are becoming more and more abundant as we live in an increasingly technological world! What Is “STEM”? STEM stands for “science, technology, … [Read more...] about Pursuing Jobs in the STEM Fields

How to Create Your Own Portfolio

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Portfolios are a way to help make you stand out from the crowd in an interview and in your job search. Portfolios show your potential employer a tangible track record of your accomplishments in a particular field. Having a succinct portfolio shows not only your achievements and skills but also that you are a serious candidate for a given job. Depending on the type of … [Read more...] about How to Create Your Own Portfolio

What Is Telecommuting?

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Many individuals will experience working in a traditional environment, whether it be a store, office, and so on, at least once in their lifetimes. Yet there is another job category, telecommuting, that often flies under the radar. Telecommuting, which most commonly refers to working from home via the phone and internet, may be a useful career alternative for any parent in need … [Read more...] about What Is Telecommuting?

Is This Job Right for Me?

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Whether you are returning to the workforce after years of stay-at-home parenting or searching for a job for the very first time, the hunt for employment can be a daunting and overwhelming process. There are several factors to consider when it comes to selecting a job that satisfies your goals as both a professional and a parent. It may be helpful to ask yourself the following … [Read more...] about Is This Job Right for Me?

How to Write a Résumé

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A good résumé will significantly increase your odds of obtaining your dream job. The internet is filled with resources on how to make the ultimate résumé, but this article will focus on some of the most important tips for building your résumé. Formatting is very important as most résumés are simply scanned quickly by busy hiring managers. In fact most résumés are scanned in … [Read more...] about How to Write a Résumé

Job Search Resources and Networking 101

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Finding a job can be both a time-consuming and frustrating task, but there are many resources to help make it easier. The internet will be your best friend with your search, but it will also be your enemy. There are many great resources online and now many jobs opening are also posted online, but the internet can also seem overwhelming and is full of scams. There are useful … [Read more...] about Job Search Resources and Networking 101

Interviewing for Jobs As a Parent

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As a parent, re-entering the job force may seem daunting, especially if you don’t have experience balancing a family and career at the same time. Before you begin your job search, you may want to think about what requirements you want your job to possess. For example, you might decide whether working full time or part time works better with your schedule. Additionally, you may … [Read more...] about Interviewing for Jobs As a Parent

What Are Your Rights with a Large Company?

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In determining how any size employer accommodates families, a good place to begin is Feminists for Life’s Family-Friendly Workplace Evaluation, from “Raising Expectations in the Workplace.” This tool helps to identify what policies, resources, employer and community support, and communications strategies employees and employers can use to work together. Among the issues covered … [Read more...] about What Are Your Rights with a Large Company?

What Are Your Rights with a Medium-Sized Company?

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In determining how any size employer accommodates families, a good place to begin is Feminists for Life’s Family-Friendly Workplace Evaluation, from “Raising Expectations in the Workplace.” This tool helps to identify what policies, resources, employer and community support, and communications strategies employees and employers can use to work together. Among the issues covered … [Read more...] about What Are Your Rights with a Medium-Sized Company?

What Are Your Rights with a Small Company?

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In determining how any size employer accommodates families, a good place to begin is Feminists for Life’s Family-Friendly Workplace Evaluation, from “Raising Expectations in the Workplace.” This tool helps to identify what policies, resources, employer and community support, and communications strategies employees and employers can use to work together. Among the issues covered … [Read more...] about What Are Your Rights with a Small Company?

How to Start a Military Career

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A military career can be an excellent opportunity for many women seeking a career. There are various branches of the military to consider, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and National Guard. Joining any branch of the military is a serious decision, and it is not a field to enter into without careful thought and consideration. However, it also important to remember … [Read more...] about How to Start a Military Career

How to Find Employment and Training Programs

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You may have a job now, but perhaps it isn’t what you want to do long term. Or maybe it won’t pay enough for your new family. Don’t panic! There are actually many communities that offer a wide range of employment and training programs. These are programs that offer on-the-job training and preparation for careers in a wide variety of fields from health care, industrial, and … [Read more...] about How to Find Employment and Training Programs

How to Work with Your Employer for Family-Friendly Solutions

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When preparing to go to your employer to make your job harmonize better with your situation as a parent, keep in mind that any changes will be more attractive if you can demonstrate that the new policy will benefit the company. And preparation here is key. First, know what policies are already in place. Talk to human resources or get a copy of the policy manual to study. It … [Read more...] about How to Work with Your Employer for Family-Friendly Solutions

How to Interview for Jobs When Pregnant

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Being pregnant can add new urgency to finding a job and will often change your priorities in your job search. It is unethical and illegal for a potential employer to ask if you are pregnant or to discriminate against you because of it. If you are asked about it or feel you have been discriminated against, you can report it to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. … [Read more...] about How to Interview for Jobs When Pregnant

Your Rights As a Birthmother in the Workplace

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Being a birthmother can be difficult, and one part of that difficulty can be navigating the minefield at work. How to discuss it with your co-workers? How to discuss it with your boss? Are you entitled to the same benefits as your co-workers who do not place their child for adoption? A mother who places her child for adoption is still entitled to the same benefits at work as a … [Read more...] about Your Rights As a Birthmother in the Workplace

How to Talk to Your Employer About Your Pregnancy

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THE FACTS: Talking to your Employer about a Pregnancy What the Law Says: Your Rights The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) forbids discrimination based on pregnancy when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits—such as leave and health insurance—and any other term or condition of … [Read more...] about How to Talk to Your Employer About Your Pregnancy