Competition Time!

In preparation for the re-launch of my blog under its new name and domain, lgfgdg.blogspot.com, I have decided to put up a little competition for you lovely readers.

The prize is a £10 off discount voucher for The Body Shop which can be used on purchases over £25 in store and online. Currently, the competition is only open to UK residents only.

To win the voucher all you have to do is take two simple steps:

1. Like the blog's new Facebook page

2. Comment on this blog post, telling me which post you like so far and why.

Competition closes at midnight (British Summer Time; GMT+1) on Sunday the 19th of May 2013. The winner will be contacted via Facebook.

Good luck everyone and stay tuned for the big re-launch on 3rd of June 2013, when I will be posting three articles online at the same time, the blog's new image will be revealed and you lovely readers will discover some more surprises!

How to Fight Against Career Depression

As the time for graduation approaches, many university students are starting to feel anxiety, panic and desperation engulf them. It's not the loss of friends, carelessness and ridiculous dress up parties that is the cause of these feelings. No, it's the bleak prospect of finding a job that torments them.

We've all been told how hard it can be to find a well-paid job we love. Yet, this does not make the job hunting process any easier. In fact, more often than not many begin to feel discouraged, if not depressed, after sending tens of CVs and attending as many interviews without securing a job.

But if we want to live 'the good life' (a.k.a. independence and money), we've got no choice but to keep on trying. So here are some tips and ideas how to avoid 'career depression' and keep yourself motivated until you get that dream job.

Image courtesy of winnond at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

• First of all make sure you know who you are and what you want to achieve in life. As spiritual as it may sound to you, it is often the case that many graduates leave university not quite sure what they are passionate about and what path they want to take in life. Investing some time in developing your 'identity capital' will pay off in the future. To make this search more career-oriented begin by asking yourself these questions: What am I good at and how can I use my natural abilities to their greatest effect? What do I really want from a job and what field of work genuinely fires me up? What sort of work environment would work best for me? Would I be happier starting up my own venture, or would I work best connected to an existing organisation? Reading, watching and listening to inspirational stories, such as the Ted Talk I mentioned in another post, can be of great help.

• Once that is out of the way try to set specific goals in your job search process. Figure out the best way to break into your industry of choice, be it (paid) internships, speculative job applications or additional training. Decide when and how often you will apply for jobs. Sometimes quality is better than quantity. Surprise your prospective employer with a hand written cover letter or a short video attached to your email application. Be realistic - applying for jobs takes time, especially if you want to impress, so start with smaller goals, such as applying to two companies this weekend, and increase them gradually.

Image courtesy of pakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

• Of course, sending your CV and cover letter is only half the work. It's easier to secure a job if you have contacts within your preferred sector or company, because they will speed up the selection process by referring you to the right people. Making contacts can be done through networking. We've heard that many times but how do you network exactly? The Guardian says that "It is possible for graduates to find connections everywhere, from university alumni to your cousin's friend's mother." Find out where key people from your industry meet to network - both online and offline (LinkedIn groups are a good place to start). Attend career and industry related events and bring with you basic, but professional-looking business cards. It's the best way to make sure people remember your name and contact details. Browse through your existing contacts and your university's alumni list to see if anyone has connections to your preferred industry or organisation. If you are a shy bird, you can use Twitter to connect with potential employers. A little goes a long way.

• If all else fails, do not despair. Don't underestimate and undervalue yourself. You spent time and money on education and you deserve a decent job. As the job hunting process stretches over time, be creative and look for other ways to fill in your time. If you don't have the luxury to sit in your mama's house and wait for that dream job, try taking up a part time job or looking for work in companies within your chosen industry but not in your preferred department. Rumour has it that starting in admin/reception positions could lead to promotions and opportunities to move to other departments within the company. If you have the time and resources you can also try to come up with a small scale enterprise idea which will bring you some quick cash and loads of business skills.

So there you go. These tips are just a starting point. Each person will have a different approach to things based on their situation and preferences. Remember to keep your head up and keep on trying.

*This blog post was inspired by Grads.co.uk, a brand new, cool and exciting jobs site dedicated solely to graduate and student recruitment.

Fresh and First

It's time for an update. Spring is here (apparently) and as we all know spring is all about changing, reshaping and refreshing looks, be it the colour of your hair or your house. Well, I've decided to change things up a bit here on lfashionl.blogspot.com to keep in line with this tradition.

First off, you, lovely readers, can now comment anonymously and without the need to be a member of a particular social network on my blog posts.

Secondly, as you might have noticed by now, the name of the blog has changed. It's no longer Life Fashion Love. It's Feel Good, Look Good, Do Good now. Yes it's longer, but I feel it conveys much better the purpose of this blog.

Indeed, it took me quite some time (hell, almost 2 years!) to figure out what the purpose of this blog is. Now I can tell you it's about helping you feel good, look good and do good by sharing tips, how-tos and useful information.

To those of you who have been following my blog for some time now I say thank you and I hope this change will inspire you to start thinking about making changes for the better.

To those of you who have just joined me on this journey I say welcome to a place where the self is explored, loved and nurtured. I hope you stay with me in this search of how to lead a more wholesome life and see yourself flourish as the blog develops and grows.

To all of you reading this now - close your eyes and dream, discover and explore. 

“Begin challenging your own assumptions. Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in.” - Alan Alda