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“Why Are You Looking for a New Job?” 4 Tips for Crafting Your Best Interview Answer

Rachel Becker, LMSW on April 24, 2017

This question comes up frequently during job interviews and can be challenging to answer — particularly for survivors whose reasons for seeking work may be tied to cancer-related concerns. Here are four tips to help you create the best possible answer.

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Changing the Way You Think Can Change Your Life

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW on April 17, 2017

One’s mindset during cancer can have a profound impact on self-esteem and positive thinking.

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4th Annual Midwest Conference on Work & Cancer: Roundup

Nicole Franklin, MPH on April 10, 2017

Cancer and Careers hosted its 4th annual Midwest Conference on Work & Cancer, in Chicago, on Friday, March 31st — and what a day it was! To accommodate our incredible (and growing!) attendance, this year’s event was held at a new venue.

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How to Go from Volunteer to Career

Nicole Franklin, MPH on April 3, 2017

There are many things you can do to help yourself transition from volunteer to employee, which can be particularly useful for cancer survivors who took time off from work but volunteered during/after treatment. Here are some tips for turning your volunteer gig into a full-time job.

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Meet CAC’s new Vice President of Development!

Patricia Donini on March 27, 2017

posted in Meet the Staff

Hi! My name is Pat Donini and I am thrilled to join Cancer and Careers as its Vice President of Development. Before coming to CAC, I was Founder and President of Avail Consulting Services, where I worked with nonprofits of all sizes to maximize and sustain their private support.

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Changing Careers? Knowing Your Transferable Skills Is Key.

Rachel Becker, LMSW on March 20, 2017

For many career changers, their first impulse is to take a professional development course or start networking. While these are both worthwhile initiatives, according to a recent article by Après Group, an important first step in this process is to identify transferable skills.

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How to Make Age an Advantage in the Job Search

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW on March 13, 2017

Many older job-seekers express concern that their age puts them at a disadvantage when job-hunting. Check out these suggestions for how to make it a positive characteristic.

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See What’s New for This Year’s Midwest Conference

Chrissy B. on March 6, 2017

In a few short weeks Cancer and Careers will return to Chicago for our 4th Annual Midwest Conference on Work & Cancer — this time, with exciting changes in store!

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Calming Your Cancer Anxiety

Maddy Meislin on February 27, 2017

posted in Managing Stress

Stress and anxiety are common company of a cancer diagnosis. If left unchecked, your body’s reaction to these stresses can lead to impaired immune function and an assortment of troubling symptoms. Thankfully, there are tools and techniques that can help you combat fear and anxiety, and regain a sense of control.

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Addressing Professional Weaknesses During a Job Interview

Nicole Franklin, MPH on February 21, 2017

“What is your biggest weakness?” is a common job interview question. It’s also one that can be difficult for many people to answer appropriately. However, there are ways to effectively prepare for and address this question.

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How to Overcome Your Fears of Looking for Work

Chioma Onyekwere on February 13, 2017

Finding a new job can be challenging, so succumbing to job-search fears is not uncommon. However, by changing your mindset, you can overcome your anxiety and make progress in landing your dream job.

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The Role of EQ in Balancing Work & Cancer

Rachel Becker, LMSW on February 6, 2017

Emotional Intelligence, also known as EQ, refers to our ability to understand and manage our own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. EQ plays a very important role in the context of our professional lives, and this is particularly true when it comes to balancing work and cancer.

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5 “Cultural Fit” Questions You Should Ask

Maddy Meislin on January 30, 2017

An article by Monster Worldwide Inc. shares some of the best questions you should ask during the interview process to help you gain a sense of the work culture you’ll be walking into.

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Don’t Meet All the Qualifications for a Position? That’s Okay!

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW on January 23, 2017

When job-searching, it is common to read a summary of the position and rule yourself out if you do not meet every qualification listed. However, you are doing yourself a disservice by not applying just because you don’t fit the exact description.

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A Benefit’s Only a Benefit If It Benefits You

Rachel Becker, LMSW on January 17, 2017

The Society for Human Resource Management’s 2016 Employee Benefits Report found there are approximately 350 different benefits being offered by today’s employers. If you are a talented candidate evaluating job offers, consider the actual value these benefits provide, particularly if your needs have changed due to cancer.

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Meet CAC’s New Manager of Programs!

Nicole Franklin, MPH on January 9, 2017

My name is Nicole Franklin and I am Cancer and Careers’ new Manager of Programs. As a public health professional, I am continuously dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all people, which is why I am so excited to work for CAC.

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The Beauty of Giving Luncheon Was POWERFUL

Alicia Chin on December 19, 2016

posted in Beauty of Giving

CEW’s annual Beauty of Giving Luncheon benefiting Cancer and Careers was a huge success! Not only did it raise funds for our free programs and services, it gave us the opportunity to recognize and honor companies and individuals who have shown their commitment to philanthropy.

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What to Say If You Left on Bad Terms with Your Previous Employer

Chioma Onyekwere on December 12, 2016

For cancer patients and survivors whose departure from their previous job was in some way related to their diagnosis, formulating a response to the question “Why did you leave?” is hard.

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How to Deal with Workplace Distractions

Chrissy B. on December 5, 2016

These days, when there’s so much emphasis on staying connected through social media, and the “bullpen” office layout is becoming the norm, it’s no surprise that the inability to stay focused at work is on the rise.

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What If My Job References Know I Have Cancer?

Maddy Meislin on November 28, 2016

“What if my job references know I have cancer?” is a question we are often asked at Cancer and Careers. Our Chief Mission Officer, Rebecca Nellis, shares some of CAC’s ideas for what to do in this situation, on our Ask a Career Coach discussion board.

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