blog

Blog post thumbnail
Tackling "Tell Me About Yourself" in Job Interviews

Maddy Meislin on December 17, 2024

Job interviews often start with the deceptively simple yet challenging question, “Tell me about yourself.” For cancer patients and survivors navigating a return to work or changing careers, this open-ended prompt may feel especially overwhelming. How do you answer authentically while staying professional?

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
Managing Health Insurance When Changing Jobs

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW on December 5, 2024

There are many factors to consider when looking for work and/or changing jobs. Health insurance is typically a benefit that many job seekers prioritize when looking for work. For those who are working with a cancer diagnosis, it can be an extremely important aspect when deciding whether or not to take a job.

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
How to Take Control During an Interview

Scott Sinclair on September 13, 2024

posted in Interview, Job Search

Many people walk into an interview feeling a lack of control over the process. They see the interview as the hiring manager/potential employer holding all the power, asking all the questions and leading the conversation. But there are ways for you the candidate to regain some control.

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
Strategies for Returning to Work After A Resume Gap

Maddy Meislin on August 12, 2024

Returning to work after a cancer diagnosis can be challenging, especially if you’ve had to take time off for health reasons and prefer not to disclose your diagnosis. Gaps in your resume might make you feel uncertain about how to present yourself to potential employers. However, there are effective strategies you can employ to showcase your skills

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
Listing Skills on a Resume: Which Ones Are Best?

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW on May 17, 2024

While experience listed is always important on a resume, don't overlook the importance of which skills you are presenting. Many people applying for jobs may not have the exact experience being requested, but by listing out specific skills, hard and soft, an applicant is able to show their potential in a role, which can be even more important.

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
Networking: Unlock New Opportunities: Webinar Recap

Scott Sinclair on May 8, 2024

Our longtime collaborator and career coach Julie Jansen joined us once again and covered the basics of networking, why it's important and how to effectively network. We often hear from people who hate networking and feel uncomfortable at the idea of it.

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
Does This Job Fit Your Needs? What Questions to Ask

Maddy Meislin on May 2, 2024

While an employer is learning things about you in an interview, you are also learning more about the company, and if the opportunity aligns with your needs. For someone who has been diagnosed with cancer or another illness, one may have specific concerns about health benefits, flexibility, and accommodations, adding an extra layer to navigate.

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
Building a Professional Network

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW on April 26, 2024

Networking has been cited as the best way to get a job when looking for work. But, so many people shy away from the practice. Given it's importance for landing a new job, it's a good idea to be well-versed in how to effectively build a network. Read on for how to establish a strong professional network.

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
First Impressions: Resumes and LinkedIn: Webinar Recap

Scott Sinclair on April 12, 2024

We held a webinar last week on First Impressions: Resumes and LinkedIn. Check out some advice on writing resumes and setting up a LinkedIn profile, as well as a full archived recording of the webinar.

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
Career Shifting: Webinar Recap

Scott Sinclair on March 15, 2024

We held our third Balancing Work and Cancer webinar on March 6th. Longtime CAC collaborator and career coach Julie Jansen led the session on Career Shifting: Tips, Tools & Techniques. A main focus of Julie's presentation was going through her three-step process for changing careers

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
Debunking Job Search Myths

Sissy Silva on January 19, 2024

posted in Job Hunting, Job Search

Embarking on a job search can be both exciting and challenging. With the seemingly endless options and expectations for roles, the process can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing a cancer diagnosis, and often comes with a myriad of myths that can confuse and create unnecessary stress for job seekers

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
Considering a Career Shift After a Cancer Diagnosis?

Maddy Meislin on January 12, 2024

Many cancer patients and survivors find themselves seeking a career change – either because they are seeking a sense of purpose and fulfillment; or because they are looking for a career that is more conducive to their “new normal”. Here are some ways to navigate considering a career change post-diagnosis.

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
Questions to Practice Before an Interview

Scott Sinclair on January 5, 2024

Preparation is one of the best ways to make a great impression on whomever you're interviewing with. It's also a great way to avoid accidental disclosure when navigating a job search with a cancer diagnosis.

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
Marketing Yourself: Webinar Recap

Scott Sinclair on December 7, 2023

We hosted our final Balancing Work & Cancer webinar of 2023 yesterday, December 6th. Author, speaker and career change coach Ariane Hunter joined us to lead a session on Marketing Yourself: Job Search and Beyond. She discussed how to establish and refine your personal brand and how to implement that brand into improving your job search process.

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
Looking for Less Stressful Work

Tatiana P. on December 1, 2023

It’s common to hear from survivors looking to return to work after a cancer diagnosis the importance of finding less stressful work. Those of you feeling the same way may be wondering… But how can I tell how stressful a job may be solely based on the job description? Or the interview?

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
Regaining Control: Your Digital Footprint

Maddy Meislin on November 9, 2023

In today's digital age, our online presence plays a significant role in our personal and professional lives. For cancer patients and survivors, the question of whether to share their diagnosis and treatment journey online is a complex one – and sometimes it can even be accidental.

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
9 Free Online Classes to Boost Your Career

Maddy Meislin on August 30, 2023

Opportunities for online education have been expanding over the last few years, with many courses and programs are low cost or free! Whether you’re looking to get back to work after treatment, hoping to move up in your current job, or planning a career change, continuing to develop new skills can be a great way to make yourself more competitive.

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
Protecting Privacy When Reviewing Healthcare Providers

Maddy Meislin on July 31, 2023

Online reviews of healthcare providers can be a valuable resource for patients seeking care and/or looking to provide feedback. But it's also a way to potentially accidentally disclose a diagnosis

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
Job Search: Webinar Recap

Tatiana P. on June 9, 2023

Our latest Balancing Work & Cancer webinar was held on June 7th and we were joined by career coach Julie Jansen. The webinar provided valuable insights and practical tips on creating an effective resume, sharpening interviewing skills, addressing resume gaps, mastering the art of networking and more!

Read More

Blog post thumbnail
How to Calm Pre-Interview Anxiety

Tatiana P. on May 12, 2023

It’s common to experience a range of emotions before interviewing for a job – and those emotions might be heightened if you’re returning to work after taking time off for treatment and recovery. Acknowledging and processing these emotions, especially that pre-interview anxiety, can be helpful as you prep.

Read More