How-to, Career Julia Hudson How-to, Career Julia Hudson

16 Things to Avoid During Your Virtual Interview

Zoom interviews have become a ubiquitous part of our professional lives, making it crucial to know the do's and don'ts to ensure a successful meeting. While there are plenty of tips for what to do during a Zoom interview, it's equally important to be aware of what you should never do. You’d be surprised by the things that happen in Zoom interviews!

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Career, How-to Julia Hudson Career, How-to Julia Hudson

16 Reasons Why You Didn’t Get the Job

You've polished your resume, thought you aced the initial interview, and left a lasting impression on the hiring manager. But….. When the inbox remains empty from that recruiter, and that anticipated ping for a second interview never comes, it can be disheartening and leave you wondering where you went wrong. While it's natural to feel frustrated, it's essential to reflect on your interview performance and identify areas for improvement. In this post, we'll explore the top 16 reasons why you may not have been called back for a second interview, helping you understand what you can do differently to increase your chances of landing the job. We focus on roles for Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, Chiefs of Staff, EA Managers, House Managers and other support roles - however - this post is applicable to every job seeker! Learn more.

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How-to, Career Julia Hudson How-to, Career Julia Hudson

Everything You Should Be Doing on LinkedIn

Are you seeking a new job opportunity that aligns with your skills and aspirations? Look no further than LinkedIn – the ultimate professional networking platform that has revolutionized job hunting. In this blog post, we delve into a step-by-step strategy that harnesses the power of LinkedIn to help you secure your dream job. From crafting an attention-grabbing profile to networking with industry professionals and leveraging advanced search features, we'll walk you through the essential tactics to maximize your job search success. Discover how to optimize your profile for visibility, connect with decision-makers, and access a wealth of job postings. Elevate your job hunting game with our expert insights and make LinkedIn your pathway to a fulfilling career transition.

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How-to, Career Julia Hudson How-to, Career Julia Hudson

Everything You're Doing Wrong on LinkedIn

Are you on a mission to land your dream job through LinkedIn? Before you dive in, learn from the missteps others have made. Our blog post reveals the key mistakes to sidestep while job hunting on LinkedIn. From incomplete profiles to generic connection requests, we guide you through the pitfalls to ensure your LinkedIn journey leads you to your next career triumph. Stay ahead of the competition by discovering these must-avoid missteps for a seamless job search experience on the world's premier professional network.

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Career Lisa Casson Career Lisa Casson

Supporting a CEO: The Importance of Professional Development Training

In today's dynamic business landscape, executive assistants working with leadership teams need professional development training as a strategic necessity. Their proficiency can make the difference between a team that stumbles and one that soars, as they are the glue that holds the leadership structure together. Executive assistants who receive specialized training can enhance their organizational skills, refine their communication abilities, and develop a deep understanding of the changing demands of their leaders. Thus, they become more than administrators; they become invaluable strategic partners who anticipate needs, streamline processes, and elevate the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the leadership team. The professional growth of executive assistants is akin to strengthening the backbone of a successful organization in this era of constant change. The following professional development trainings will enhance an assistant's understanding and representation of their CEO, as detailed in our blog post here.

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Career, How-to Julia Hudson Career, How-to Julia Hudson

Crafting a Standout Resume

A carefully crafted resume is your initial impression during job hunting, showcasing qualifications and attention to detail. It reflects dedication, presenting qualities sought by employers. An error-free, polished resume underscores precision and effective communication, crucial in the professional realm. In a competitive market, your resume symbolizes potential – more than a document, a potent tool to captivate employers and create impact.

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Career, Inspiration Julia Hudson Career, Inspiration Julia Hudson

Better Done Well

In today's world, where productivity and efficiency reign supreme, it's easy to assume the mindset of getting things done quickly rather than focusing on doing them well. That said, striving for perfection can lead to procrastination and missed opportunities. In this post, come along with us as we explore the importance of balancing productivity with doing things well and how this approach can lead to more satisfying and successful results.

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Career, Lifestyle Julia Hudson Career, Lifestyle Julia Hudson

Support for Every Family and Executive: Exploring the World of Personal and Professional Assistants

Today, executives and busy families alike often find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of modern life in the fast-paced world of today. Whether it's managing the hectic schedule of a day-to-day office or maintaining a harmonious household, there is no doubt that we all need support from time to time. There are, fortunately, a number of options available to you when it comes to hiring part-time or full-time help, including executive assistants, personal assistants, house managers, and family assistants. In this post, we will delve into the valuable roles these professionals play and the myriad tasks they can help take on. We firmly believe that time is our most precious and irreplaceable asset. A common misconception is assuming that we all possess equal amounts of time; in reality, we do not. Those who invest wisely in their time find themselves with more to allocate towards career growth, entrepreneurial pursuits, family, well-being, hobbies, and moments of joy. As a result, they often experience a heightened sense of fulfillment, success, health, and deeper connections with the most significant people in their lives. The support roles mentioned earlier are not exclusively reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Numerous executives and families recognize the importance of having the necessary support during the most demanding and pivotal phases of their lives and careers. While such a structure may not be a permanent fixture, it serves as a valuable asset during a specific chapter where delegation and additional support prove most advantageous. We often emphasize that time is a finite resource, and how we choose to utilize it impacts the building of businesses, legacies, nurturing personal relationships, and ensuring future well-being.

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Career Julia Hudson Career Julia Hudson

Spotting the Warning Signs: How EAs Can Identify Potentially Toxic Bosses

An Executive Assistant's role is crucial to maintaining an organization's smooth operation. These professionals are often responsible for juggling a multitude of tasks, anticipating needs, and ensuring operations do not veer off course because they serve as the right hand to high-level executives. There are a few things you should keep an eye out for when embarking on a journey to find your next boss, so you are mindful of potential red flags that might indicate a less-than-ideal working relationship.

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Career, How-to Julia Hudson Career, How-to Julia Hudson

Navigating the Path to Harmony: Challenging Work Situations 

There is a wide range of situations, personalities, and temperaments we encounter in the professional world. It is true that some of our co-workers are easy to get along with, but there are others who can present challenges that can affect our productivity, morale, and overall work experience. Even when the circumstances are challenging, it is possible to foster positive relationships if you have the right mindset and use effective strategies. Our goal in this blog post is to provide some practical tips to help you navigate these tricky waters and foster a harmonious working environment in the workplace.

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Career, How-to Julia Hudson Career, How-to Julia Hudson

How Managers Can Support Working Parents

Working parents are a valuable asset to any company. They are often more motivated and productive than their non-parent counterparts, and they bring a wealth of experience and perspective to the workplace. However, working parents also face a number of challenges, such as finding affordable childcare, juggling work and family commitments, and dealing with stress. When companies support working parents, they reap a number of benefits. Visit our post today for more information on how to support your team!

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Career, How-to Julia Hudson Career, How-to Julia Hudson

Onboarding for Success: Your New Executive Assistant

The role of executive assistants in any organization is crucial. It can be misunderstood how integral they are to the success of the day-to-day operations, but also the overall success of the leadership and the business. We believe executive assistants play a significant role in the bottom line. Their responsibilities include managing an Executive's time and priorities, handling complex logistics, and developing relationships, among others. As such, it is important to onboard a new executive assistant in order to set them up for success.

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Career, How-to Julia Hudson Career, How-to Julia Hudson

Hiring a Personal Assistant or House Manager in Chicago (and beyond)

Pennyworth proudly serves families across the entire United States, from the sun-soaked shores of California to the iconic New York island. We cater to many major regions, with a special focus on two dynamic hubs—Silicon Valley to Wall Street—ensuring we connect exceptional individuals with our valued clients, regardless of where they are located. With a dedicated presence in the heart of the Chicagoland area, spanning from vibrant Chicago to charming Lake Forest, Glencoe, Hillsdale, Deerfield, Winnekta, and Wilmette, we bring our expertise to your doorstep. Whether your family seeks assistance within the household, at the bustling office, or in the virtual realm, we've got you covered. And for those with multiple residences throughout the country or the world, our services extend seamlessly to ensure you have the right support, wherever you are.

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Career, Hiring Julia Hudson Career, Hiring Julia Hudson

The Essential Guide to House Management at a Private Residence

The House Manager plays a crucial role in maintaining the smooth functioning of a private residence. Individuals, families, or residences that lead busy and complex lives can benefit greatly from having a house manager on staff. In most cases, people who hire a house manager have large estates, multiple properties, a multitude of assets, or demanding careers that leave them with little time to manage it all. For high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, or executives who want to maintain a well-organized and smoothly-running household, this role is especially vital. In addition to the value of efficiency, attention to detail, and a desire for a stress-free living environment, a house manager is indispensable in managing everything from household staff coordination to property maintenance to event planning. Join us below as we dive into the responsibilities and skills required to excel as a House Manager.

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Career, How-to Julia Hudson Career, How-to Julia Hudson

10 Ways to Empower Employees

An organization's culture of innovation, productivity, and collaboration depends heavily on employee empowerment. Employees who feel empowered are more likely to take ownership of their work, contribute innovative ideas, and produce outstanding results. A great motivator is trust and encouragement. As Steve Job said, “It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” In this post, we will explore the top 10 tips to empower your employees and create an environment where great work and great ideas flourish.

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Career, How-to Julia Hudson Career, How-to Julia Hudson

10 Things to Avoid - Interviewing 101

You can increase your chances of success by preparing for job interviews and knowing what to avoid. As a part of this blog post, we'll discuss ten things you should never do before, during, or after an interview. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you make the best impression on your potential employer and present yourself in the best possible light.

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Career Julia Hudson Career Julia Hudson

The Indispensable Role of a Personal Assistant

The role of a personal assistant or house manager is much more than just administrative support in the lives of busy, high-profile executive families. In addition to providing efficiency, organization, and peace of mind to their employers, they are indispensable partners and strategic support systems. Whether it's managing time, coordinating household affairs, safeguarding privacy, or orchestrating events, their contribution is invaluable. It is essential that those who can (and need!), recognize the need for such support in order to optimize their productivity, enhance their quality of life, and focus on what is truly important.

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Career Julia Hudson Career Julia Hudson

Top 15 Qualities of a Great Executive Assistant

Every successful executive has an Executive Assistant who plays a crucial role in managing their affairs. Outstanding executive assistants possess a unique blend of innate qualities and learned skills that enable them to excel at their jobs. This blog post examines the top 15 qualities that make a great executive assistant, emphasizing the importance of both natural talent and acquired skills.

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