#MagLife
National Boss Day
Finding a new job is sometimes easier said than done. You have to research potential employers, practice interview skills, and make a lasting impression. This week we have some pointers to help you to find, land, and keep the job. Also, be sure to earn some brownie points with your boss on October 16th -- It’s National Boss’s Day! Getting your boss a gift is an unexpected way to show them that you appreciate all they do. Research, Resume, and Resilience The first step to finding a new job is researching potential employers. Start by using an established job-search website. Narrow down your search by industry and region. Once you find a position that interests you, look up the company’s website or any reviews that might be posted about the business. Getting to know the company’s history, philanthropy, and reputation might help you choose which job will be the best fit. You can also use the company’s information in the interview to show that you have made an effort to get to know them. Make sure you have a genuine and professional cover letter to accompany your resume (don’t just copy and paste a cover letter from a web-search template). Your resume should be thorough but concise, easy to read, and shouldn’t take up more than one page. There are some creative and unique resume templates out there, but be sure to match your resume style to the style of the company. For example, a graphic design company might like to see geometric shapes, colors, bar charts, and clip art. However, an accounting firm would probably prefer to see a traditional resume. After you’ve sent in your cover letter and resume, follow up with a phone call. If possible, get the contact information of the specific person that is hiring. Following up your resume with a polite phone call shows initiative that might give you an edge over other applicants. Be prepared to answer some basic questions regarding your interest in the job and your work experience. If the company is nearby, you might also consider stopping in for a face-to-face visit with the hiring manager. A face-to-face visit will show the employer that you are dedicated and ambitious. It also gives them a chance to see how you present yourself and make a first impression. Make sure to be dressed for success and interview-ready when you stop in. Most importantly: the interview. Once you’ve landed an interview, confirm the day, date, time, and name of the person you’ll be interviewing with. Go over the company’s information again, review your resume, get a good night’s sleep, and eat a hearty breakfast. Dress professionally and portray a clean, tidy appearance. Show up at least 15 minutes early in case you have trouble finding parking or the location of the office space. When talking with the hiring manager, be yourself! Over-rehearsed interview answers are easy to spot and awkward. Most of the time the interviewer wants to see your personality come through, regardless of your experience. It’s also a great idea to have two or three company-specific questions prepared for the interviewer. You are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you. Smile, offer a firm handshake, and say thank you. If the interviewer doesn’t contact you when they say they will, follow up with a phone call. Being prepared, genuine, and resilient will make a great impression on the employer that is right for you. Of course, once you get the job, you’ll have to continue displaying positive qualities and pursuing excellence each day. Boss’s Day Often times bosses, managers, supervisors, etc. do work behind the scenes that goes unnoticed. They maintain relationships with clients, analyze and develop best practices, and overall ensure that the operation keeps running smoothly. Show your boss on October 16th that their dedication is appreciated with their very own Maglite -- the gift that keeps on giving! The Mini Maglite Pro LED Pocket/Purse Flashlight makes a great, classy addition to any boss’s desk or briefcase.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although cancer is a topic that we usually don’t like to talk about, most of us know at least one person that has had some form of it. Keep reading to learn the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and how to support those that are either going through treatment or are currently in recovery. Signs and Symptoms A monthly breast self-exam is an important part of your healthcare routine. However, sometimes breast cancer doesn’t have any noticeable symptoms. If you’re over 40, get a mammogram annually to catch lumps or abnormalities that aren’t obvious. According to the American Cancer Society, any of the following changes in your breasts could be a symptom of breast cancer: swelling, skin irritation, dimpling, inverted nipples, pain, redness, scaliness, discharge, thickening, and lumps. These symptoms don’t necessarily mean cancer, but if you notice any changes in your breasts be sure to make an appointment with your doctor for an evaluation as soon as possible. Be Present but Non-Intrusive Breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. With an increase in breast cancer awareness and funding for research, survival rates are steadily increasing. Still, receiving a diagnosis can be devastating. Besides considering the survival rate, women (and men) have to think about how their bodies will change and how it will affect their daily activities and personal and professional relationships -- among countless other things. As family members, friends, and coworkers of those affected by breast cancer, we should do our best to learn how to be understanding through this difficult time. We’ve compiled some pointers on how to be supportive below, but realize that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Be available to listen without feeling the need to give advice. Talking about emotions can be hard, so try to be comforting. Sometimes just having a conversation can help them sort through their thoughts and make decisions. It might also help to be light-hearted to help them keep their spirits up and feeling normal. Like the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. Offer to help with specific tasks like washing the dishes, going grocery shopping, or walking the dog. If you accompany them at their next doctor appointment, take notes and remind them of any questions they may have had. This process can be overwhelming, so the little things go a long way. Be present but non-intrusive. Everyday is different when going through treatment, so extend an open-ended invitation. They may not feel like eating or seeing anyone some days, so bringing over food or showing up unexpectedly can add unnecessary stress. Call and leave a voicemail or send a text message to let them know that you’re available whenever they are feeling up to it. Support the NBCF Maglite is a proud partner of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). The NBCF’s mission is to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer through education and by providing mammograms for those in need. Maglite donates partial proceeds from the sales of five limited edition flashlights to the NBCF. Get one for yourself or as a gift!
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Fall Into Self-Improvement
September is Self-Improvement Month! Self-improvement can mean something different to everyone. It can be physical fitness, mental health, or simply #selfcare. Here you’ll find some ideas to kick-start the fall season in a positive way. Can you believe September 23rd is already the first day of fall? Get ready for breezy days, colorful leaves, and (finally) a break from the summer sun. Take it One Day at a Time What does self-improvement mean to you? Remember that everyone’s path to improvement looks different, so don’t evaluate yourself based on someone else’s standards. Start by thinking about an area of your life that you would like to change. It could be eating and exercise habits, your career, your education, the way you think about yourself, etc. The first step is becoming aware of the opportunity. Then, set a timeline with realistic and achievable goals. Want to pay off debt? Calculate your total debt and divide it by how many months you’d like to pay it off in (for example, twelve, twenty-four, or thirty-six months). You’ll get an idea of how much you can really afford to set aside for debt-payoff each month and then start chipping away at it. Want to improve your professional image? Consult a wardrobe stylist that cares about your career, image, and budget as much as you do. Once you learn what to look for, invest in new pieces each month for a year until you build a wardrobe that helps you feel empowered and confident in the workplace. The most important thing is to keep the process positive! Don’t be too hard on yourself if you stumble or backtrack along the way. Take pride in the small, daily victories and keep pressing forward on your self-improvement journey. Enjoy Friends, Family, and Foliage Ah, Fall! It’s all about pumpkin spice, sweaters, foliage, and the start of the holiday season! It has finally cooled down from summer and it’s now the ideal weather for taking long strolls through the neighborhood with family and friends. Don’t forget to bring along the Maglite ML150LR(X) Rechargeable LED flashlight. It will keep you safe with a beam throw of 5 football fields and up to 79 hours of usable light. It’s also the perfect household flashlight because it recharges to 80% in only half an hour. The best part? No more scrambling to find batteries in the junk drawer! Fall is also a great time to get ahead of holiday shopping. Take advantage of end-of-season sales and start checking people off your list. Don’t wait until the last minute, because no one needs that kind of stress! Check out Maglite’s best sellers for some great deals on iconic gifts for your loved ones. Take Care Take some time this week to think about self care. You’ve conquered back to school this month, so before all the hustle and bustle of the holidays takes over, be sure to take a moment to relax and unwind. Try a face mask and a bath bomb, go on a jog through the trails, or listen to some music with a glass of wine. You deserve it!
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From Summertime To School Time
With summer ending and back-to-school in full effect, the work/home balance and hectic schedule may need some getting used to this first week of September. There’s back-to-school night, sports games, family dinners, etc. -- all while making sure you and your loved ones feel happy and healthy. Here are some #maglife tips that might just help make the transition from a carefree summer to a busy school year a little easier. Your plans at-a-glance It might seem a little obvious, but planning ahead is a great way to begin to tackle the chaos this fall. With so many responsibilities and commitments these days, the mental file cabinet isn’t always enough to keep track of everything. Utilizing a family calendar can help take away the stress of remembering dentist appointments, parent/teacher conferences, piano recitals, and which-kid-needs-to-be-where-at-what-time. Wall calendars are helpful because all members of the family can see what’s happening at a glance and can add to it as things come up. Try using different colored pens for different kids, or convenient multi-colored sticky notes that you can move around as plans change. You can also utilize your phone calendar to make sure you and your family are in sync. Set reminder alerts and color coordinate tasks in the calendar app and your week will feel streamlined in no time! What’s for dinner? Sometimes deciding what to eat can be the most stressful part of the day. Try planning out meals for work and home so that you and your family will be well-nourished and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Meal prepping takes some work up front, but having a meal ready to go helps to make sure that you don’t skip a meal when the day gets hectic. You can also make a grocery list of fresh food, grab-n-go snacks, and frozen favorites. Make a list for two weeks and then alternate throughout the months so that mealtime doesn’t get monotonous. Taking the guesswork out of shopping will help create healthier eating habits as well. Instead of snacking on junk food or stopping by the drive-thru, you’ll have a fridge and pantry that’s well stocked to take on the week! Hit the reset button One thing that often falls by the wayside during stressful weeks is exercise. Exercising is refreshing for the mind, body, and soul. Be sure to take a few minutes out of the day to unwind. Take a couple laps around the block, go for a swim, or play catch in the yard. Getting some fresh air will help you press the reset button on your day and reconnect with your family. You can even do some exercises at your desk at work to get the blood flowing when that two o’clock feeling sets in. Maybe try something new -- yoga, running, cycling, crossfit, jiu jitsu -- sometimes finding a new passion can help kickstart your energy levels and ease your stress. Lust for life No matter what the beginning of this school year brings your way, the Maglite Complete Home Bundle has got you and your family covered! Bring the ML300L 4D LED flashlight along for walking to the car after late night soccer games. The Mini Maglite Pro LED flashlight is perfect for taking a twilight stroll through the park. The Solitaire LED flashlight is made for your keychain and will come in handy as a quick light in any situation. However you choose to relieve your stress this week, remember to live the #maglife way -- with a lust for life and adventure!
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Prepping For Back To School
Yep, it’s that time of year again! August is back to school for all ages, which means stocking up on crayons for little ones, snagging the new “it” backpack for teens, and styling dorm rooms for college freshmen… all while making sure the kids are well-fed, well-rested, and well-dressed. Back to school is an exciting time for kids and parents alike... It’s the start of a new adventure! And wherever there is adventure, you’re sure to find Maglite there too! Backpacks, Lunchboxes, and Water Bottles (Oh, My!) As a kid, the best part about going back to school (besides seeing your friends) is back to school shopping. The first day of school is all about showing off your cool new gear -- of which backpacks, lunchboxes, and water bottles are the essentials. Backpacks these days come in all shapes and sizes, so how do you pick the right one? Start with making sure to grab all of the school supplies (pencils, highlighters, notebooks, etc.) that are on the class list from your child’s school. Many retailers will also have your child’s class list available on their website or in person at guest services. This way, you will know exactly what your little one will need to be toting around all day, and you can help them choose their backpack accordingly. Other factors to consider for a backpack are durability and style. Of course, no backpack is complete without a keychain -- that is, the Maglite Solitaire LED Key Chain Flashlight. This nifty little flashlight has a beam throw of half a football field and can run for almost two hours on just one AAA battery. These flashlights are great for emergency situations, saving your phone battery for important calls, and finding items in your kid’s backpack-black-hole. It comes in nine colors, so there’s sure to be one that will match your child’s new backpack and personality! Whatever you’re looking for in a lunchbox, the right one is guaranteed to be out there. There are bento boxes for neatly portioned meals that come with a reusable cutlery set. Dual-compartment lunch bags keep cold items separate in an enclosed, hard-bottom cooler. This feature is great for storing cold items with an ice pack to make sure they stay fresh until lunchtime, or for storing items that you don’t want to get smashed. Lunch totes are the perfect carry-all -- just throw it in the bag! There are even lunch bags that are fashionably disguised as purses. Pick the lunchbox that perfectly balances form and function, and your kid will be sure to thank you! Make sure your child stays healthy and hydrated by getting them a reusable water bottle that is BPA, BPS, and BPF free. Bottles with a flip-open valve or pop-top are great for tossing into a lunchbox or backpack without worrying about spillage. Don’t forget to snag a tumbler for your morning coffee or tea. Look for ones that are conveniently dishwasher safe and are made out of quality materials that won’t burn your hands or fall apart after a few uses. College is the start of a new adventure! Prepping for the dorm is just one part of the going-away-to-college adventure. Here are a few essentials that will make dorm living a little easier: A storage ottoman is a great way to add an extra seat and utilize every square foot for stashing clothes, books, snacks, etc. A toiletry tote is a must-have for dorms with shared bathrooms. Stock it with everything one normally needs for the bedtime routine, plus shower slippers with a non-slip sole and a comfy, absorbent robe. Don’t forget to double check the measurements of the dorm bed to make sure that you get the right size sheets. Worried about late night walks from classroom to dormroom? Snag an iconic Mini Maglite Pro LED Flashlight, perfect for your pocket or purse. It’s beam throw is almost two football fields -- much more powerful than a phone flashlight. Plus, it comes in nine colors, so you can stay safe and make a #maglife statement. Keep your back-to-school cool Back to school can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Stay ahead of the to-do list and take it one day at a time. Remember that life is an adventure, and Maglite is here for you every step of the way!
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Simplify Your Life
As fall approaches, back-to-school and end-of-summer blues may start to creep in. Take this opportunity to refocus on what’s important in life -- living! Getting rid of mental and physical clutter is a great way to simplify your life and embrace the #maglife -- it’s all about more living and more adventure! #GOALS Setting Simplifying your life sounds simple enough… until you actually try to start! Setting (realistic) goals is the first step towards getting where you really want to go. Try asking yourself: What are the three most important things in my life? If I had more time, how would I spend it? What do I want to accomplish in the next few years? Evaluating your priorities and setting goals will help the path towards simplifying become more clear. #MAGLIFE Unplugged With all the technology out there right now, disconnecting from social media, email, etc. is easier said than done. Have you been to a family gathering and everyone was either on their phone, tablet, or watching TV? Being present, having conversations, and spending quality time with loved ones has almost become a thing of the past. That’s why #maglife calls for adventure! Unplug and enjoy life the way it was meant to be -- go on a hike, plan a stay-cation, or just take a walk around the block or a lake with your loved ones! It’s also amazing what some fresh air can do to help de-clutter the mind. Wherever your #maglife adventure takes you, make sure to get yourself a Maglite flashlight to bring along. Conquer the Clutter When our environment is physically cluttered, it can make the mental clutter feel that much more overwhelming. Whether it be your house, your car, or your desk, organizing your space is a great way to simplify and feel both productive and at peace. Start by utilizing the good ol’ “have I used it in a year?” trick to purge unnecessary items. Next, make sure that everything has a proper place (don’t just stick it in the junk drawer!). When you know what you have and know where everything is, you will have conquered the clutter! There's also a sense of achievement that is important for your mental health when you start getting organized. Every little bit that you do will make you feel better about your life and yourself. Conquering the clutter is as much about self-empowerment as it is about self-improvement. Find time to unwind! Life is complicated enough to always worry about tomorrow. Do what you can today and find time to unwind. Keeping your mind healthy is just as important as keeping your body healthy. Reading a book is a great way to unwind, whether it's fiction or non-fiction. Go sit on the beach or by a lake. Or, go for a drive on your favorite scenic route (be sure to have our Roadside Safety Pack in your car). There are just so many ways to unwind. A quick search on Google and there'll be plenty of ideas to choose from.
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