Monday, August 26, 2013

Let's Talk Business: Résumé Do's and Don'ts

So you've had some work experience, done some extracurricular activities and made some great achievements, but how can you fit so much information on one single document? You're résumé is basically you're professional identity so it's important that you sell yourself to employers the right way. Check out these do's and dont's on how to successfully catch an employer's eye.
 DO create a résumé that has a simple format. A simple font, proper spacing and appropriate arrangement makes a resume easier for a recruiter to read.

DON'T make your résumé look too "busy". Weird fonts and odd spacing make the résumé unpleasant to read and can often be rejected by recruiters right away. Also, make sure you proof read! Very important that your résumé is typo free!

DO include your name, address, PROFESSIONAL email and phone number in the heading of your résumé. Providing this information will help recruiters to easily contact you if interested in your qualifications. 

DON'T put unnecessary personal information. This includes your race, age, a photograph of yourself or your social security number. This information will not help you gain your future job and does not provide good use in what you really have to offer for the position. 

DO include a thorough objective. Clearly stating an objective that includes the position you are applying for or career objective that you have shows that you are primarily focusing on the employer's needs. Make sure it is clear, concise and no more than 3 lines.

DON'T include an objective that is vague and not specific. Make sure when applying for jobs that you change your objective according to the position. For example, you don't want to your objective to say "A teller position at _____ bank..." if you're applying for a receptionist job at another company. Embarrassing! 

DO include your college name, your major/field of study and your anticipated graduation month and year in the education section. This is very essential for employers to know your skills and level of education.

DON'T incorporate your GPA if it is not too impressive. A low GPA will show your lack of work ethic and will not be a good look in showing your best qualifications.

DO list your work experience in chronological order. It will look much better if you put your most recent job first to see what jobs you've been doing while attending school.

DON'T list any jobs that will not benefit your chances of gaining the position. You don't have to put EVERY single job that you've held. Most likely that job you had working at a fast food restaurant in high school will not be an asset in gaining that accounting internship. This is only acceptable if you don't have too much work experience, then it is better to show that you've held a couple jobs.

While these are amongst many do's and don'ts of résumé writing, it is important that you display yourself in the most professional way possible. Display your most important qualities and show recruiters that you have the skills and education to gain the position.

What are some important do's and don'ts that you think are most important when creating your résumé? Share your thoughts by commenting below!

Stay fabulous and sassy!



Thursday, August 22, 2013

Fashion Forward: Carry Your Books in Style

Who says you have to carry your books to class in a boring backpack? You can display your style on campus just by the bag you carry your books in! Check out these 3 different bags that'll make you look fab while carrying your books to class!

Tote Bag 
Perfect for carrying your notebooks to class, tote bags are spacious enough to double as a purse and book bag. From designer to studded, you'll definitely be carrying your books in style with an oversized tote bag!
1. Michael Kors Jet Set Signature Tote($178) michaelkors.com 2. Ecote Mixed Graphic Tote Bag($9.99) urbanoutfitters.com 3. Harley Studded Tote($39.90) alloyapparel.com

Printed Backpack 
Trade in that boring Jansport for a printed backpack! With so many different styles, printed backpacks defintiely make will make a statement on campus. The prints are endless, so choose one that shows your unique style!  
1. Mossimo Supply Co. Cassie Printed Backpack($29.99) target.com 2. Sequin Backpack($49.50) victoriassecret.com 3. Crochet Trim Camo Print Backpack($26.99) charlotterusse.com 

Messenger Bag
Messenger bags are the perfect size to fit EVERYTHING! Just throw it around your body and go! Perfect for carrying your laptop, they come many in different styles and sizes! 

1. Rothco Vintage Explorer($36.99) walmart.com 2. Messenger Bag($184.00) pendleton-usa.com 3. Chevron Messenger Bag($34.99) lillianvernon.com

How do you like to carry your books in style? Tell me your fashion book bags by commenting below! 

Stay fabulous and sassy!

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Commit To Be Fit: Staying Fit On Campus

Staying fit while on campus is probably one of the hardest things to do. Why? Well, being so busy with classes, working a part time job and being involved in extra curricular activities, the only exercise we really get is walking to class and the cafeteria. BUT there should be no excuse to squeeze in some extra workouts during the week. Trust me ladies, it is not impossible to plan fitness into your schedule. You don't have to workout every single day, but burning those extra calories will make a difference. Here are 4 ways you can stay fit on campus:

  1. Take a fitness class - One way I love to stay fit is taking fitness classes. Most schools provide free fitness classes for students such as Zumba, Spinning (my personal fave) or even Yoga. Do some research at your school to find out and if not check out a gym near campus that provides fitness classes. They're usually about 45 minutes to an hour long each so it's not too time consuming. 
  2. Join a team - Sport teams are probably the easiest way to stay fit and committed. Check out a sport you like to play and try out for the team! Just want to play for fun? Join an intramural team! You'll get to play your favorite sport but compete against those at your school. 
  3. Go to the gym - Okay this one might seem a little obvious but just do it! Going for 30 minutes to an hour is better than not going at all. Go in between classes or even at night but fitting it into your schedule should be no problem. Most schools have gyms you can go to for free so take advantage of it!
  4. Challenge your friends - Working out alone is not as nearly as fun as working out with friends. Go for a jog around campus or challenge your friends to see who can burn the most calories on the elliptical. Make it interesting! Challenging your friends make it fun and easier to burn calories. 
What are some ways you like to stay fit on campus? Tell me you calorie burning activities below!

Stay Fabulous and Sassy!


Thursday, August 15, 2013

Career Path: How to Banish Your Major Problems

Choosing a major and actually sticking with it can be a challenge. For some of the freshman coming into college you might be thinking, "How can I know what I want to do for the rest of my life in such a short amount of time?!" Although it may seem difficult, it is not impossible. There is a career for everyone! All it really takes is some self evaluation and thinking about your goals for your future. So try asking yourself these 3 questions to give yourself an idea on what major is perfect for you.

What are my academic interests? Think about those subjects you were really good at in high school. You're academic interests can gear you into the right direction. For example, if you really enjoyed your math classes then think about majors that involve crunching numbers such as Finance or Engineering. We're you really interested by the topics in your history class? Think about majoring in Anthropology or Political Science! The possibilities are endless. The most important thing is that your major is something you enjoy and interests you!

What environment do I work best in? This question can not only help you figure out what major is best for you but also what kind of career you would like to have. If you are the kind of person that likes to work individually think about majors such as Computer Science or Accounting where you are mainly focusing on your own tasks. If you are looking for a career that will help you meet new people and interract with others, think about the Education field where you can interact with students or even Criminology. Thinking about your best working environment can help you decide what major is best for you.

Do I see myself working in this field in the future? It's safe to say that if you do not see yourself working in that field for at least 5 years, then that major is definitely not for you. You spend a lot of money and hard work in college so why waste it on a degree that you wouldn't use? Choose a major that involves a career you see yourself working longterm. Although there may be many careers within the major you choose, make sure they involve opportunities for you to grow in that field.

The most important thing is that your major is something you love to do. It is better to sit down and think about what major you want to choose than changing your major 4 times within your college career. The best way to figure out which field is best for you is experience! Ask your friends what their majors are and why it interests them. Their opinion can definitely influence yours! You can even choose an elective to see if that field fascinates you! Also, contact your academic advisor to help guide you on what majors are right for you.

What is your major and why did you choose it? Let us know by commenting below!

Stay fabulous and sassy!


photo:blog.peertransfer.com

Monday, August 12, 2013

Fashion Forward: 10 Things Every College Girl Should Have In Her Closet

Being in college, sometimes wearing yoga pants and a hoodie to class isn't the best way to show our unique style. It's important for us to showcase our style or we wouldn't stand out on campus! So, here are 10 things I think every college girl should have in her closet:

1. Blazer 
Every college girl definitely should have a blazer in her closet! Whether you're going on an interview or attending the career fair on campus, a blazer is essential! Not only can you wear it for professional reasons but you can also pair it with a cute dress or a t-shirt and jeans to dress it up a little. If you don't have one, go buy one NOW! 
Photo: PW Style
2. Rain Boots
The sun won't be shining every day on campus as you're walking to class.  No one likes having cold and wet feet while walking around on campus! Invest in some rain boots because you'll definitely need them. From MK style to bright colored, choose a pair that fits your personal style. A rainy day doesn't have to be a boring one! 
Photo: Wanelo 
3. Black Dress
For my ladies who like to go out on the weekend and look cute, a black dress is a MUST! The best thing about having a black dress is that you can pair it with any accessories and shoes that you want! Whether you want to rock bright neon colored shoes or metallic jewelry, you can make a black dress look stylish in your own way. 
4. Running Sneakers 
There are days where we have errands on errands to run and the most comfortable thing to wear while doing them are running sneakers. Or even if you want to get a quick workout in before class running sneakers are a good thing to have. By the way, your running sneakers don't have to be boring! Buy a pair that are bright or your favorite color. Seems to be the new trend these days and I am loving it! 
Photo: debshops.com 
5. Printed Scarf
I personally LOVE printed scarves. From cheetah print to floral print, they make an outfit look so much cuter. Even if you're wearing a t-shirt and jeans, adding a printed scarf makes your outfit look effortless! Definitely a must-have on my list. 
6. Cross Body Purse 
Majority of the time we're carrying our book bag around campus full of books and well..stuff. So what do you carry on the days you're not going to class or the library to study? A cross body bag! Designer or not, cross body bags are not only cute but are definitely useful. Perfect for those days where your going to the mall or making a target run.
7. Jean Jacket 
A jean jacket is such a great thing to have especially during those chilly days in the fall. Make it casual or put in on over a maxi dress. The best the about it is you just put it on and go! 
Photo: H&M 
8. Flats
From ballet to loafers, there are so many different kind of flats you can wear and for any occasion. Whether you want to wear them to be comfortable or you need a good pair of shoes for your interview, flats should definitely be in your closet. Don't just resort to the plain black flats, think printed and pointed toe too! 
Photo: CCSU 
9. School Spirit T-Shirt
Well we are in college and if you're like me you like to chant and support your college team in the stands. So how about wearing a t-shirt that represents your school! It's only right to show your school spirit! Most schools give out free t-shirts during the year but if not go buy one at your school bookstore. It'll be worth it! 
Photo: Wanelo 
10. Printed Leggings 
Printed leggings are a hot trend these days and if you don't have a pair then you're missing out! Comfortable and sassy, printed leggings are beyond cute. Here's a tip: Make sure you don't pair your printed leggings with a printed or "busy" top. Make your leggings the focus of the outfit and wear with a plain t-shirt or even a graphic tee. 

What are some must-haves that you have in your closet? Share them with me and comment below! 

Stay Fabulous and Sassy!

xo, 
Nastaja 

First Day of Sass

Welcome to Subject Sass! Designed for college women to learn what professors can't teach us in the classroom. As a young college woman, I want to share my personal take with you on what it's like to grow as a female through the college years. Don't you wish there were more opportunities to get tips on resumé building and interviewing skills? Or how about tips on how to look cute around campus within a reasonable budget? Or maybe how to not pack on the pounds while munching during study sessions?

There are so many things that us intelligent girls need to know but is much more valuable than what a college tuition can pay for. I want to not only share my personal experiences with you but also share tips, thoughts and tricks about everyday life. From fashion and fitness to career and goals, we'll always have questions and thoughts about them but sharing them with others makes it a much more fun experience. Hope you enjoy!

Stay Fabulous and Sassy!

xo,
Nastaja