Women Getting Ahead by Any Means Necessary

Financial independence is a cornerstone of empowerment, especially for single-solitary women. And by single and solitary, I mean just that. No man, no kids, no family, no friends. Many find themselves trapped in the first level of the socio-economic hierarchy—struggling between blue-collar jobs and the challenges posed by poverty. These barriers are keeping solitary women stuck at this level and without government aid that's reserved for women who have babies (w/o means to cover the immense expense of raising children,) there's next to no aid to assist regular women! No one-time loan, no grocery tickets, no rent-stabilized / efficiency housing help No utility discounts.... Nada. Zip, zilch, zero.

Unfortunately, a great many American women are slipping through the cracks of an old foundation and clawing through financial obstacles can feel like an unending race for many. The first, lowest level, characterized by blue-collar work and the financial instability of poverty, is a reality for countless individuals. Societal expectations, lack of access to continued education, and insufficient/non-existent support systems often perpetuate a cycle of criminal lifestyles or benefactor dependencies - both of which limit personal growth.

Personal take aside, actual statistics reveal that women are disproportionately represented in low-wage jobs. Many juggle multiple roles and without adequate support. The multifaceted struggle is overwhelming, making it easy to fall into a stagnant trap. Recognizing these challenges is crucial; and it’s the first step toward change.

Building a Solid Foundation:

It goes without saying, but education is a powerful tool for breaking free from the constraints of socioeconomic status quo. But it's not just about getting a college degree; it's about acquiring practical, hands-on skills that will enhance employability.

● Fibbing, of course is a last resort and only used here to assist in the betterment of oneself by using trickery when we fall short of experience needed to land a much better, higher paying position.

YOU HAVE TO BE CLEAR-HEADED TO MANIFEST A PROSPEROUS DESTINY! Make a conscious decision to do you. Allllll your focus, Allllll intention, movements and plans are positive steps in the right direction.

When jumping into the game, consider: Escape the scape goat and climb out of the rut and up the financial ladder, consider the following avenues:

• Craft a strong cover letter: Get noticed FIRST, Command attention and keep your targeted audience enthralled! I've concocted a nice little intro that I believe has helped me in the past. It goes like this:

"Hello, there! I am a spicy, punctual, Spanish bilingual woman with vocations that include excellent customer service etiquette. I'd love an opportunity to utilize my skills to contribute to your company's success!

• Thank you, in advance for your consideration. Best Regards, .

➡️ During an in-person interview: Your gestures are to be controlled yet fluid-like... and it is highly advisable to use the chameleon effect; a method where you subtly mirror the interviewer.

• Customize each application: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experience to whichever job you are applying for. Embellish past job titles and accentuate each job position's responsibilities (to a T!) You don't need to remember lies to pull this off either. I have found that the best way to lie about a past position is to simply recall the responsibilities of my superiors from a past job. For example: I listed a former job position as a manager when in actuality, I was a clerk. I then proceeded to list the responsibilities of my former supervising manager as my own. Voila!

Not only does this regal pose 'protect your modesty', but it also keeps your posture as poised as a queen surveying her kingdom. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, throw in a Cambridge Cross; (it’s like the Duchess Slant’s slightly more formal cousin) just remember to keep your back straight and your feet flat and together. Be comfortable.

• Follow up after interviews:

• Send a thank-you email: Express your appreciation for the interview and reiterate your interest in the position. Schedule at least 2-3 interviews in the same week so as to have contingencies in place.

Check in with the hiring manager if you haven't heard back in 2 business days and politely inquire about the status of your application.

Remember, sis: You don't need luck when you got skills! Now go slay!!!

• Be confident and articulate: No fidgeting, and no fussing with any rings, pens or paperwork, et cetera. Mind your posture and be seated as they do in the royal family. The good ol' ankle cross, side swoosh with hands placed calmly in front of you. The silent power of this Duchess Slant is a secret weapon for nailing that job interview using this elegant and assured poise. Imagine walking into the room, smiling delightfully, smelling scrumptious and dressed to kill. You initiate a sturdy handshake and seat yourself gracefully, as a Duchess would.

• Quantify achievements: Use concrete examples like diplomas, certifications and licenses to showcase your accomplishments. If you do not have any physical proof of completion, you can usually look up and print out archive records from the website of wherever you received your official recognitions. If you do not have any, refrain from applying for positions with certification requirements. It's that simple. If you lie about accolades, you'll eventually get caught. Bear in mind that many employers don't take too kindly to being lied to as fabrications such as this makes you a costly liability and some institutions will go beyond termination and seek legal action so save yourself the embarrassment.

• Proofread carefully: To ensure your documents appear legitimate and are free of any errors. 
• Research the company and role thoroughly to understand company culture.
•Ask questions to demonstrate genuine interest. 
• Network! Connect with people in your field; create a separate professional profile:  join professional social media groups, along with using online job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and other company websites. 
• Prepare for interviews by practicing common interview questions. 
• Dress professionally: Stylish appropriate attire for the company culture avoiding a prude, cold and unwelcoming aura. I've used a little SATC styling secret that has never failed me... Take from each character! Depending on the interviewer, I channel my inner Miranda for my torso, Charlotte covers my ass, while Samantha and Carrie add a pop of pizazz and sexiness to my ensemble. You get the picture.
• As superficial as it sounds, yes, be 100% sure of your lipstick application-first impressions are burned into memories so yea, make sure you face is on point! Speak up and clearly state your badass skills and experience. Smile invitingly here and there and keep steady eye contact as you highlight your value to the company. You got this!

• If a potential employer checks, they're only allowed to verify the length of employment of the applicant with said company.

So don't not lie about the duration.