SavvySugar

Savvy Notes: Savings Awareness Event

SavvySugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:44:00 -0800

There are few things that can tear me away from my computer, but the possibility of watching people grab flying dollars in money booths is one of them (and the rare SoCal-esque weather here didn't hurt, either.) Yesterday I took a mini field trip with LibertySugar and Vidiot - we walked a few blocks to Union Square where Wachovia was hosting its Savings Awareness Event that challenged Americans to save more. To check out a fun video and my chat with the onsite economist just read more.

The event featured eight glass money booths where people had the chance to grab flying dollars. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to participate but I did have the opportunity to briefly speak with Dr. Julianne Malveaux, an economist and author who was there grabbing dollars for charity. I asked her what she thinks is the number one thing young women should be doing now for their financial future. To see what she had to say just read more.

Dr. Malveaux said that the best action you can take right now is to invest in yourself. By that she means building up your savings and retirement accounts, and to make it easy for yourself by "taking it off the top" of your paycheck. Paying yourself first is the best way to invest in you and secure your financial future. She added that in order to serve our finances best, we must distinguish needs from wants and that's often a difficult lesson for young women to learn.

Source

Savvy Notes: Finding the Best Deals Online

SavvySugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:41:28 -0800

I've always had the opinion that my time is too valuable to spend endless hours shopping around for the deal of the century. Sure, I'll wait for certain things to go on sale, but that's about where my patience tapers. There have been a handful of web applications introduced lately that would actually save you money without driving you crazy. In fact, they make it pretty painless.

These sites are great for more expensive electronics or gadgets that maybe you received or generously gifted for the holidays. If that's the case you may still have time to take advantage of any price reductions. Using these sites is simple: You create a free account, enter the URL of any items you've purchased from their supported merchants, and they'll email you if the price drops during the protection period. Check out Price Protectr.

Source

I'm Asking: Have You Ever Canceled a Vacation?

SavvySugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:00:01 -0800

After the oft-annoying planning and booking process, the last thing on my mind is canceling a vacation. However, I once preliminarily booked hotel rooms for a pal's birthday with a 24-hour-notice cancellation policy directly from the resort's website. I knew I'd secured something at a good price while I diligently monitored my favorite travel sites to see if a room at a more desirable hotel would significantly drop in price (it did) or if I changed my mind and decided to go a different weekend (did that, too.).

Sadly my parents have to cancel their planned Caribbean vacation next week - however, since the doctor won't let my father fly, he's faxed notes to the hotel and, thankfully, they'll be fully refunded and the card credited for their flights.

Whether intentional or not, have you ever backed out of a trip (and, if so, did you lose any money in the process)?

Got a cost-saving travel tip? Join our Savvy Travel Tips group and share your expertise!

Ask Savvy: My Interview With a Plastic Surgeon Ended Abruptly

SavvySugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:00:32 -0800

Dear Savvy,

I applied for a receptionist job at a plastic surgeon's office (I have experience in this field). Yesterday, I was called back and interviewed on the phone for about 15 or 20 minutes with the office manager. She asked if I'd come in to be interviewed by the doctor. I went in this morning for my interview. I met and spoke with the doctor for a while before he called the office manager and other receptionist to come and speak to me.

It seemed to be going well until the doctor came in and asked to speak to the office manager. I could hear them in the hallway saying something about "she's here early." They came back in and said, "I'm sorry, but I have to cut this interview short. We'll get back to you (or we'll be in touch, I can't remember verbatim)." So, I went and got my coat from the closet. As I was walking out, the doctor and office manager were greeting what seemed to be an important patient - judging from her Chanel jacket. The receptionist was even rushing coffee over to her.

Now, I'm confused. The interview seemed to be going well and I'd understand if something came up, but it seemed very odd and that I was being abruptly shuttled out. I'm not sure if it was just the circumstances or if I was being brushed off. If it was a brush off, it was a very unprofessional way to go about it. I'm disappointed because I felt a good vibe coming in and they were initially very nice. I just wrote and sent out a thank you note, I guess it's all I can do. Any insight into the situation?

To see my answer, read more.

Savvy says: Now I'm dying to know the identity of the woman in the Chanel jacket! Kidding, kidding. But important client or not, the interviewers handled the situation unprofessionally. How could you not leave asking yourself, "What just happened?" Your seemingly positive interview was cut off without explanation except for the small pieces you could put together, and it's just enough to leave you both frustrated and confused.

From your description of the way events played out, it doesn't seem like you were simply brushed off, but I can't say for sure. I think you did the right thing by sending them a note right away, and hopefully you included something along the lines of, "I really enjoyed speaking with you and our interview was unfortunately cut short; if there's anything else you'd like to know about me please feel free to ask." You've left the door open, and now it's in the employer's hands to knock again.

Have a question for me? Ask away by posting your questions in my Ask Savvy group.

Cool Job: Nina LaCour, Author

SavvySugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:00:27 -0700

Whether you love heading into work every day or dread the alarm each morning, hearing about people who love what they do is always inspiring. In our new Savvy series, Cool Jobs, we’ll talk to real women who have turned their passion into a very cool career.

Oakland native Nina LaCour always knew she wanted to be a writer, but over the past two years, she’s made that dream a reality. Nina’s debut young adult novel, Hold Still, was released by Dutton (a division of Penguin) last week, and she’s already signed on for a second novel.

Tell us what a typical day looks like for you.
I teach high school in the mornings, so my workday begins at 7:45. For a few hours, I sit around a big table with between 10 and 14 students per class and talk about books. When I get home I need a little while to wind down from teaching, so I use that time to answer interview questions for YA bloggers and get in touch with my agent or the people at Penguin about book stuff. They are all in New York, and I'm in California, so these calls have to take place early in my day.

No matter how often I do it, it takes me a little while to settle into writing. Usually I'll begin by reading over my newer scenes or notes. I also keep an ever-changing outline up on my wall, so I keep track of what I've written and what I need to write, and I'll cross scenes out if I decide that I'm taking a different direction. And then, finally, I start typing. I'm a slow writer, so on a good day I'll get one or two pages written. On a slow day I might just end up revising existing scenes or writing a bunch of notes, or working forever on one important paragraph.

To hear more about Nina's cool job, keep reading

Money Tip: One Woman's Garbage Is Another's Treasure

SavvySugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:00:55 -0700

Over time we each develop a unique saving style, which is why we started the How Do You Save? group for you to divulge your winning tactics. The group offers a place for you to dole out your advice to other SavvySugar readers trying to save a little moolah and learn from their experiences.

Ashley2 shared the simple, but always helpful reminder to recycle and donate your goods when you are finished with them because "one woman's garbage is another woman's treasure." She noted:

At freecycle.org you can get rid of what you don't want, and get what you do from other people in your area.

Some other ways you can can recycle, pay it forward and reap financial reward, read more.

Take a tip from Taylor Swift and donate your old dresses to DonateMyDress.org.
Conserve more money by trading some of your less eco-friendly habits for ones that are more green.
Focus on the motto of recycle, reduce, and reuse and watch your wallet grow.

Do you have a tip for readers? Join our How Do You Save? group and share your helpful suggestions! Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.

Photos courtesy of The CW

Ask Savvy: My Best Friend Won't Stop Talking About Her Job

SavvySugar — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:30:44 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I've been unemployed for a couple months and am trying to stay positive, but I find it difficult when my best friend constantly talks about how busy she is at work. It's the first thing out of her mouth every time we talk, and it seems like her job is all she wants to talk about. I'm typically very supportive of her career, but she's bringing up her job more than ever at a time when I'm working my butt off trying to find a job that will pay the bills. Any advice for how I can give her the hint to pipe it down, without offending her?

Savvy says: There are so many people without jobs right now that I doubt you're alone in this situation. It can be hard enough to turn down invitations when your employed friends want to go out and you can't spend the money, and you don't want to be reminded of your misfortune whenever you want to chat with your best friend. See my advice when you read more.

Firstly, step back and ask yourself if your friend is really talking about her job more than usual, or if you're just noticing it more because it hits a sore spot. It's important for your friendship to acknowledge if she's really just being her same old self, because that should help reduce your bitterness toward what seems like a relentless reminder of your unemployment.

Regardless of whether she's focusing more on work conversations than usual, the fact remains that you're unhappy when the two of you talk. It sounds like she's better at talking than listening, so take a note from your friend and volunteer some details about the way your job search is going and how hard you're working trying to find a job. Your honesty should remind her to be a little more sensitive toward you.

Bottom line, this girl is your best friend and you should be able to speak up if you feel like she could be more sensitive about your situation. Tell her you still want to be the first person she calls when something good (or frustrating) happens at the office, but for now it would help your state of mind if she didn't go through a play-by-play of what happened at the office.

Ask Savvy: Recruiter Asked For My Facebook, Should I Send It?

SavvySugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 06:30:17 -0700

Dear Savvy,
I was considering applying for a job in the online social media industry, but got turned off when I noticed the listing asks for a cover letter, resume, writing and blog samples, and a Facebook page link. I'm fully aware that employers use Facebook and Google to research candidates, but I don't like the fact that they want to scope me out before they meet me. I'm smart, qualified, have relevant experience and I have a fairly normal Facebook, but would feel funny sharing it with a potential employer. Do you think my application will get put to the bottom of the pile if I don't play the networking game with the recruiter?

Savvy says: Oh! The modern dilemma! To see why you should share if you dare, read more.

For those of us who hunted for jobs pre-social networking a recruiter asking for a Facebook link or online profile may seem odd. Especially given we hear stories like the one about the girl who tweeted herself out of a job or tales of recruiters judging applicants based on drunken photos on Flickr, Facebook, Myspace or even Google Image.

The chance of being selected or rejected based on your photo seems harsh, but if you are applying for a social media industry job the recruiter may just want to know how active you are online. If you really don't have anything to hide (think lingerie parties or pukey pics), and already use Facebook as a networking tool, then play with your privacy settings so that the hiring manager can't see anything you don't want them to, find a professional profile photo (or a cute pic of your puppy or favorite beach) and send her the link. Recent studies show your online reputation could actually help you get a job, so spend some time cleaning up your Internet act and just click send. If you still feel Facebook shy, you might consider sending a link to your Linkedin account to reaffirm your professionalism, but show you are comfortable networking online.

All that being said, if you don't feel comfortable sharing, then don't. It's your right to keep your private life private and if your resume and cover letter impress, you'll still get a call from the recruiter. I can't imagine anyone in her right mind would fault you for not sharing your Facebook.

Note: This advice is tailored specifically for this reader who is applying for an Internet job. I do not recommend sending a link to your profile unless you are applying for a position where your Internet activity counts as experience or expertise. A good hiring manager will know how to use Google to find all the pics, status updates and online profiles you have ever set up if her heart desires.

Photo courtesy of FX

Ask Savvy: Should I Send My Cover Letter as an Attachment?

SavvySugar — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:30:20 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I'm applying for a receptionist job and they are taking resumes through email; there is no mention of a cover letter but I prepared one anyhow. Now, I'm not sure what to do. I've converted both documents into PDF files (they requested that for the resume), but I was wondering what do I say in the body of the email?

I did some Googling on this and it seems that some people suggest you put the cover letter in the actual body of the email. Is this right? Or should I compose a note simply stating that both the resume and cover letter are attached? Wouldn't it be redundant to attach my cover letter and paste the content into the body of an email?

Savvy says: Great call on drafting a proactive letter. To see my answer regarding cover letter placement, read more.

In your particular situation, I recommend simply pasting your cover letter in the body of the email. If you choose to attach it, you're stuck writing a brief note in the body of the email directing the hiring manager to the attachments, and you run the risk of the hiring manager overlooking your cover letter - especially since she might not be expecting one.

The strongest argument against attaching your cover letter is that hiring managers often mistake your pre-cover letter for your actual cover letter. They'll think your politely straightforward note isn't anything special, and your first impression won't leave them impressed. Good luck with your job search!

Ask Savvy: Should I Make Follow-Up Calls?

SavvySugar — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:30:01 -0700

Dear Savvy,

Almost every job site I visit mentions how important it is to follow up a job application with a phone call. I have made a couple and feel like nothing came of them. I think the theory is to show employers that you are excited about the opportunity, but most simply confirm receipt of the application through a secretary. There are also a lot of job postings that don't want phone calls at all.

If I want to make one of these phone calls, what can I say to help the employer understand that I am at least a good candidate to interview? (I am entry-level and am worried that what experience/knowledge I do have doesn't come across through my resume or my carefully-crafted cover letters.) What else is there to say other than "I'm calling to check on the status of my application"? (On most of the sites I use, anyway, you can check the status online yourself.) And if they say not to call, is it okay to call anyway?

Thanks so much - all those sites that mention how important it is to make these calls never tell what to say in them!

To see my suggestions, read more.

Dear Reader,

This question couldn't be more relevant considering the current job market and how hard it can be to get your foot in the door! We only get a few chances to make an impression on a potential employer before an interview, so my first suggestion is to put ample time into crafting, editing and proofing your resume and writing a convincing cover letter. You may fear your experience and knowledge don't come across on paper, but it's safe to assume everyone else applying for the position has the same anxiety. Keep your resume concise and include any leadership positions you have held outside of work to pad your experience. If there's an option to include a letter of recommendation ask your former employer, teacher, professor or adviser to speak for your skills.

When it comes to picking up the phone you have to make a judgment call based on the company. If the job listing included a contact phone number it's perfectly reasonable for you to call to inquire about the status of your application once. Call during business hours on a lower stress day of the week like Tuesday or Wednesday and plan what you will say in advance. Chances you will call the person in charge of hiring are slim, so be prepared to list the position title and don't feel like you have to express 30 reasons why you should be called back for an interview.

That being said, you mentioned most of the positions you applied for allow you to check your status online. Do not call if the job listing doesn't include a contact number or specifically says "no calls" or "email only." The person on the other end of the call will not be impressed with your Googling skills, and will be agitated you reached out when the listing advised against it. If you've applied electronically it's appropriate to reach out via a short email after a week to express your continued interest in the position. Make sure to forward the chain that includes your resume and cover letter so it is clear you have already applied.

Once you do get the interview I suggest following it up with a sincere handwritten thank-you note instead of a call.

Best of luck!

Source