The most important thing I’ve learned in life, and I can’t stress this enough: you gotta make a salad in a bigger bowl than you think.

@chefbae

My favorite food group is salad and I read cookbooks for fun. There, I said it and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Yesterday I read a recently-published (by Kat) and newly-purchased (by me) delight: Big Bites by Kat Ashmore. I’ve been following Kat on social media for a long time and thoroughly enjoy her Hungry Lady Salad series. It is always salad season in our family, but especially this time of year. Of course I love a good new recipe, or three, but I also love learning. I read cookbooks to learn something I don’t know. Every single time I come away with an improvement and an application for my own kitchen. And with every new learning, my cooking tastes better and better! 

Leading up to a career change, or the launching of one, I recommend this same approach, minus buying a cookbook. But you do need to do your homework. Ideally, you’re researching the company and the interviewer (if you know their name). 

1. Is this company a good fit for YOU?

2. Are you following (or looking at) them on social media?

3. Does their mission statement align with your values?

4. What position does the interviewer hold?

5. How long has the interviewer been with the company?

6. What information does Google tell you about both?

7. What does their organization value?

8. What is their timeline for filling this role?

What’s your key takeaway? How will your approach improve now that you’ve done your due diligence?

I’ll share with you my favorite new tip from Big Bites (and I can’t believe I didn’t think of this myself) — freeze leftover coconut milk in an ice cube tray and store in a freezer-safe container for future use and no more waste. 

Here’s to delicious salads and successful presentations of self. Let me know if you need my help; it’s what we’re here for.