How to Stop Itching After Shaving Posted: 08 Jun 2019 01:00 AM PDT Dealing with itchy skin after you shave can be annoying, but you can do something about it. No matter which part of your body is itching, there's a home remedy for relieving your itch fast. However, if your itch won't go away or you develop razor bumps, it's best to see your doctor. Fortunately, you can also prevent itching after shaving with a few changes to your routine. EditRelieving the Itch Quickly - Give the itchy area time to heal by avoiding shaving or touching it. Touching or shaving your skin will only make your itching worse. Instead, give your skin a break for at least a few days. During this time, keep touching to a minimum, don't shave, and only apply gentle, fragrance-free products.[1]
- Don't start shaving again until your skin has healed.
- Don't scratch your itchy skin, as it will only make the itching worse.
- Apply a cool compress for up to 20 minutes to reduce itching. Use a wet washcloth or ice pack that's wrapped in a towel. Place the cool compress over your itchy skin for up to 20 minutes. This can help relieve your itching and will reduce inflammation.[2]
- You can use your cool compress several times a day, as needed to help with itching.
- If you're using a wet washcloth, place it under cool, running water, then wring it out before using it. As an alternative, you can place the wet washcloth in your refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes to get it colder.
- Never place an ice pack directly on your skin.
- Check your skin every few minutes to make sure it's not getting too cold.
- Relieve itching and inflammation with a thin layer of aloe vera gel. Break open an aloe vera leaf or get a tube of aloe vera gel. Use your fingers to apply a thin layer of the aloe vera gel onto your skin. The gel will help soothe your skin to help reduce your itching and inflammation.[3]
- You can get aloe vera directly from a plant by breaking off a leaf and collecting the gel that oozes out of it. Otherwise, you can buy a commercially available aloe vera gel. Just check the ingredient list to make sure it's pure aloe vera gel.
- Use an astringent to calm redness, itching, and inflammation. Choose an astringent liquid, such as apple cider vinegar, chilled black tea, witch hazel extract, or diluted tea tree oil. Then, splash your itchy skin with the astringent or apply it to a cool compress. Use the astringent once a day until your skin stops itching.[4]
- You can buy bottled apple cider vinegar on the vinegar aisle at your local store, while witch hazel extract is easy to find near the toners in the skin care aisle.
- To make chilled black tea, brew a cup of black tea using bagged or loose leaf tea, then place it in your refrigerator until it gets cold.
- To make diluted tea tree oil, pour cool water into a bowl or spray bottle. Then, add 3-4 drops of tea tree essential oil to the water. Stir or shake the water to mix the oil into it.
- Smooth oil over your skin to relieve itching, burning, and tenderness. Pour a dollop of coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, or sweet almond oil onto your hand. Next, apply the oil over your itchy skin and work the oil into your skin. This will soften and hydrate your skin to help it stop itching.[5]
- You can warm up the oil by rubbing it between your hands, but this isn't necessary.
- Take an oatmeal bath to soothe your skin and reduce itching. Add 1 cup (85 g) of colloidal oatmeal into a warm bath. Then, sit in your bath for 20-30 minutes to let the oatmeal soothe your skin. After your bath, rinse off with warm water and pat your body dry. The oatmeal will help relieve your itching and may also reduce inflammation.[6]
- You can buy colloidal oatmeal at your local drug store or online. As an alternative, you can grind up rolled oats in your food processor or blender to create an oatmeal powder. of plain yogurt, and of honey. Apply the mixture to your face, then wait for 15-20 minutes before washing it off with warm water. Finally, pat your skin dry.[7]}}
- Dab baking soda water onto your irritated skin to relieve it. Stir 1 tbsp (20 g) of baking soda into of warm water to mix them. Then, soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it to your itchy skin. Cover the affected skin with the baking soda-water mixture and let it dry. After it dries, rinse the area with warm water to remove any excess baking soda.[8]
- You can use this treatment 1-2 times each day until your skin stops itching.
- Apply an OTC hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching and inflammation. You can buy an over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone cream at most drug stores or online. Simply dab a tiny amount of the cream directly onto your itchy skin, then let it dry. Use as little cream as possible to get relief, and try not to get it on your healthy skin.[9]
- Check with your doctor before using hydrocortisone cream, as it can cause side effects in some people. If you experience side effects, such as burning, itching, redness, irritation, unwanted hair growth, bumps, or changes in skin color, stop using the cream and visit your doctor.[10]
- You can typically use hydrocortisone cream 1-3 times per day. However, read and follow the instructions that came with your cream.
EditSeeing Your Doctor - Visit your doctor if your itchy skin won't go away. It's normal to have itchy skin after you shave, and it should go away on its own after a few days. However, it's possible for your skin to develop an infection that needs treatment. See your doctor to get your skin checked so you can get the proper treatment.[11]
- You may have an infection if you have extreme redness, blisters, pus, cracked skin, pain, and swelling.[12] Additionally, you may have other symptoms, such as fatigue or fever.[13]
- Tell your doctor that you started experiencing the itchiness after shaving, as well as how long it's continued.
- Ask about a prescription anti-itch cream or corticosteroids. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you a more powerful anti-itch cream if you need it. However, they'll likely recommend that you try over-the-counter options first. If nothing else helps you, your doctor may give you corticosteroids for short-term itch relief.[14]
- Your doctor is more likely to give you a prescription treatment if your skin has developed an infection, the itchy area is widespread, or the itch is greatly impacting your life. For instance, they may give you a prescription cream to relieve persistent itching after you try to shave your entire chest or back.
- Use an antibiotic or antifungal cream if your skin develops razor bumps. If your skin has an infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal cream to treat it. Take your prescription exactly as your doctor says, and be sure to finish it, even if you feel better early. It's possible for an infection to rebound if you stop your medication too soon.[15]
- Your doctor is more likely to give you a prescription treatment if you have bumps or sores around the area, which are a sign of an infection.
EditPreventing Itchy Skin - Shave after taking a hot shower so your hair will be soft. The steam from a hot shower opens up your pores and softens your hair. This makes it easier for the razor to cut the hair, which minimizes irritation. Make a habit of shaving body hair at the end of your shower and facial or head hair right after you step out of the shower.[16]
- A warm shower will also soften your hair, though not as much as a hot shower.
- As an alternative, you can shave your legs after soaking in a bathtub.
- Use a sharp, clean razor every time you shave. A sharp razor will get a clean shave with less pressure against your skin. Additionally, using a clean razor prevents irritants or bacteria from getting onto your skin. Change your razor every 5-7 shaves to ensure that it's sharp and clean.[17]
- A good quality razor may last longer than 5-7 shaves, so use your best judgement.
- If you have thick hair or shave a large area, your razor may dull faster. In that case, it's best to change it more often.
- Apply a shave gel or cream before shaving to minimize irritation. Choose a shaving gel or cream that contains natural oils. Then, apply an even layer of cream with your shaving brush or your fingers. The cream will allow the razor to glide over you skin without causing much irritation.[18]
- You can find a shave cream or gel near the shaving supplies.
- Make short, even strokes in the direction of your hair growth. You should always shave your hair in the direction the hair grows to minimize irritation and ingrown hairs. As you shave, pull your razor slightly forward, then lift it and start a new stroke. Additionally, rinse the blade often to prevent build up on the razor.[19]
- Don't try to make long passes with your razor. This allows product and hair to build up on your razor, clogging it. As a result, your shave will be ineffective and your skin will get irritated.
- Rinse with cool water and apply an alcohol-free aftershave or moisturizer. Splash cool water onto your skin to remove any remaining shower gel or cream and to wash away the shaved hair. The cool water will soothe your skin and close your pores. Then, splash your face with an aftershave or smooth on a moisturizer to prevent irritated skin.[20]
- Make sure the aftershave or moisturizer you use is both alcohol-free and fragrance-free. Otherwise, it may irritate your skin.
- It's normal to have itchy skin after you shave, and it should go away on its own.
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How to Do an Elevator Pitch Posted: 07 Jun 2019 05:00 PM PDT An elevator pitch is a brief introduction you can give to let others know who you are and what you do. Elevator pitches usually only last around 30 seconds, and they can leave a great first impression on other people. When you want to do an elevator pitch, only give the information that's necessary so you can pique the other person's interest. Once you prepare and practice your pitch, stay confident while you deliver it so you can make contacts! EditWriting a Basic Pitch - Introduce yourself and your background. Start your pitch by greeting the other person and saying your name so the other person knows who you are. After introducing yourself, tell the person your current job title or what you do for a living. Give a 1 sentence overview of what your work duties to develop more credibility with the other person.[1]
- For example, you may say, "Hello, my name is John Doe, and I'm a sales representative. I work with customers on a daily basis to see what they need the most."
- If you don't currently have a job, tell them where you went to school or the last position that you held. For example, you could say, "Hi, my name is Jane Doe and I went to UCLA for business management."
- Explain the service you're pitching in 1 sentence if you're a small business. Tell the other person the service you provide or the product that you sell. Avoid using jargon or words that could confuse the other person since it will ruin the flow of your pitch. Mention any achievements you may have had so the person understands exactly what you do.[2]
- For example, you may say, "My company helps make independent retailers visible on the first page when they're searched online."
- You may also describe a product with a phrase like, "I've been developing software that helps you meet other people based on your shared interests."
- If you aren't pitching a business or a product, you can skip this.
- Tell the other person why you want to connect with them. Mention what you know about the other person, if anything, and why you think you or your business would be beneficial for them. Be kind throughout your pitch and give detailed examples of what you have to offer.[3]
- You may say something like, "I've been following your company for a few years and loved everything you've put out. We can help rebrand your website to attract more traffic and revenue within a few weeks."
- You could also try, "I've seen what you've done and I'm intrigued by how you manage your workflow. I've been a task manager for 3 years and would be a great asset to the team."
- Be completely genuine with the other person so you don't get caught in a lie if they ask questions.
- Ask for something specific at the end of the pitch. Near the end of your pitch, tell the other person the specific goal you want them to help you with. This could be asking for an internship, requesting a meeting, or offering them your service for a trial period. Ask them the question and wait for their response to see if they can help you.[4]
- For example, you might say, "I'm currently looking for a summer internship and would love to work with you. What sorts of summer programs do you have to offer?"
- You could also try, "I'd appreciate learning from you to help improve my skills. Would you like to get a coffee and discuss being a mentor for me?"
- Try to ask an open-ended question that can't be answered with a "yes" or "no" answer. That way, you'll make the other person talk and connect with you more.
- Thank them for their time no matter the outcome. Give the person time to respond to your pitch to see if they want to continue having a discussion. Whether they say yes or no, say thank you for the opportunity and for listening to you. Tell them that they can reach out to you if they have any more questions you can answer.[5]
- You can say something like, "I appreciate you taking the time to listen to me and I hope we can stay in touch."
- If they give you contact info, tell them something like, "I'll be sure to email you later today so we can keep in contact."
- Always be as kind as you can, even if the pitch didn't go as well as you hoped.
EditPracticing Your Pitch - Time your pitch to be 30 seconds or less. Elevator pitches are meant to pique the interest of the person you're talking to in a short amount of time. Start a timer on your phone and practice giving your pitch out loud. Try not to rush but don't talk too slowly, or else you'll run out of time. Keep practicing your elevator pitch until you can naturally finish it within the 30-second timeframe.[6]
- Try practicing in front of a mirror so you can see your gestures and body language while you're pitching.
- Record your pitch to see how it sounds. Set up a phone or camera to record the video and audio for your elevator pitch. Practice your pitch multiple times and then watch the video to see how you look and sound. If you struggle over any parts of your pitch, try revising that part so you can deliver it clearly.[7]
- If you can't easily record video, then only record the audio while practicing in front of a mirror.
- Avoid saying filler words during your pitch. Words like "um," "uh," or "like" don't add anything to your pitch and make you sound less confident. When you record yourself, note how many times you use a filler word and try to cut it out next time you pitch. Instead of using filler words, take a second to be silent and collect your thoughts before continuing.[8]
- Give your pitch to friends or family for feedback. Ask friends and family that are close to you to listen to your pitch and give you honest feedback. Talk to them after your pitch to see if anything was confusing to them or if they think any areas could be improved. Take their feedback and make any revisions you need to for your pitch.[9]
- Try practicing your speech at different lengths of time. Since you won't always have the same amount of time when you pitch, try condensing it down to 10-15 seconds instead. Keep the most important information, like who you are and what you can offer to the other person. Ask them a question to gauge interest and capture their attention.[10]
- For example, you may say, "Hi, my name is Jane Doe and I'm a marketing specialist. Have you ever searched for something online and couldn't find it?" That way, they can answer the question and continue the conversation if they want.
- Practice giving your pitch while you ride an elevator. If you really want to practice your timing, go to a building that has an elevator and ride it from the bottom to the top floor. Practice giving your pitch before the doors on the elevator open again. As you perfect your pitch, try stopping at different floors to complete your pitch faster.[11]
- You don't need to practice in a real elevator if you don't want to.
- Practice while you're alone in the elevator rather than when it's filled with other people.
EditEngaging the Other Person - Smile to show that you're interested in them. Smiling helps you seem more approachable and confident so others are more likely to listen to you. Smile throughout your pitch and especially when you introduce yourself. Don't force a smile throughout the whole pitch or it may seem unnatural.[12]
- Smiling also makes your voice sound more pleasant.
- Use open body language to appear more inviting. Keep your arms at your side and avoid crossing them or else you'll seem like you're closing yourself off. Stand with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed to maintain good posture. Look straight ahead rather than down at the floor so you look confident.[13]
- Make eye contact with the person you're pitching to. Look at the other person directly in the eyes so you can make a connection with them. Don't stare for too long or else they may get uncomfortable. Maintaining eye contact will help the other person know that you're genuinely interested in them.[14]
- If you're pitching to multiple people at once, then be sure to make eye contact with each of them.
- Be prepared to answer follow-up questions. The other person may ask you questions about yourself or your business after you've pitched them, so make sure you're familiar with important information, such as the number of clients you work with or how long you've been in business. Answer any questions truthfully so you can develop a good repertoire with the other person.[15]
- If you aren't able to answer basic questions, your pitch may sound too rehearsed and you may seem uninformed.
- Give out contact information if they are interested in your pitch. If the pitch went well, see if the other person wants to exchange business cards so you can reach out to one another. Try to schedule a time where you can have a more formal conversation or meeting to continue your discussions. Try to follow up within 24 hours to leave a lasting impression.[16]
- If you and the other person are actually riding an elevator and get out on the same floor, see if they want to continue the conversations.
- Watch the other person's body language to see if they're interested. Pay attention to how the other person acts during your pitch. If they're maintaining eye contact and are open, they may be intrigued by what you're saying. If they seem distracted, have their arms crossed, or are ignoring you, wrap up your pitch and thank them for your time.[17]
- Always be kind even if they don't seem interested rather than getting discouraged.
- Try asking a follow-up question to your pitch to see if they answer. The worst thing they can do is say no.
- Even if people do not respond how you want to your elevator pitch, thank them for listening. Keep pitching to others since everyone responds differently.
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How to Follow Up After a Career Fair Posted: 07 Jun 2019 09:00 AM PDT Whether you're looking for a summer job, an internship, or your first job after graduation, career fairs are a great place to meet employers face-to-face. However, even if you put in an extensive effort and make a great impression at the fair, without follow-up that effort is wasted. Send a thank you note to anyone you speak to in depth within a day or two after the fair. After that, connect with the recruiters online and continue to express your interest. Staying in touch with the recruiter gives you a better chance of snagging that coveted position. Good luck![1] EditSending a Thank You Email - Take a few notes after your conversation with the recruiter. When you send your thank you email you want to include something specific that you remember from the conversation. Given that you'll likely talk to many recruiters over the course of the job fair, take a moment to reflect after each interaction and write down the key points in the conversation.[2]
- If you told the recruiter you'd do something, such as apply for a job on the company's website, make a note to do that as soon as possible.
- Reflecting on the conversation may trigger new questions that you want to ask the recruiter. Write those down too – you can include them in your email.
- Explore the company's website to find information about the company. When you get home from the career fair, take some time to look at the websites of the companies you're most interested in working for. Take notes of things that catch your eye. You may want to ask questions about them or express interest in them in your email.[3]
- On the company's website, look for a tab for press releases or recent news. This is an easy way to get up-to-date on what's going on with the company.
- Write down the names of managers or department heads who oversee the department you want to work in. You may want to connect with them later on.
- Draft a professional and personal email. A thank-you email is relatively brief and has a relatively universal structure. You can use the same basic format for all of your thank you emails – just make sure you send them to the right recruiter. Here's a basic template you can follow:[4]
- In the first paragraph, mention the name of the career fair and something you talked to the recruiter about. If you promised to do something, such as apply for a job on the company website, let them know if you've done that. Your first paragraph should be 2 or 3 sentences.
- In the second paragraph, ask any questions you have based on the conversation or information you gathered from exploring the company's website. If you don't have any questions, mention any particular things that interested you and explain why. Your second paragraph should also be 2 or 3 sentences.
- In the third paragraph, restate the particular position you're interested in. Mention 2 or 3 things that you think make you a strong candidate for that position, and note that your resume is attached for their reference. This will likely also be 2 or 3 sentences.
- Include a closing line thanking them again. Let them know when you'll check back in with them. Drop down two lines, then use a professional closing, such as "Best." Drop down another two lines and type your full name.
- Add a specific and professional subject line. If the recruiter can't tell specifically what the email is about by glancing at the subject line, they may never even open it. Include the name of the career fair where you met them and thank them for their help.[5]
- For example, your subject line might read "Thank you for your help at the Unicorn University Career Fair." You might also write "Quick thank you and follow-up after the Unicorn University Career Fair."
- Keep your subject line brief and specific. There's no need to include your name or mention that your resume is attached.
- Use a more formal email address. The best email address to use for your job search is one with your first and last name, or your initials and last name. If you have a relatively common name that isn't available on the major email services, add your middle initial or a professional descriptor, such as "sales" or "engineer."[6]
- If possible, make your email address all one word. For example, "SuzySunshine" or "LunaLovegood."
- Never use numbers in your email address. They could be construed as your age or the year you were born, and never look as professional.
- Avoid separating your name with hyphens, underscores, and periods. These are difficult for recruiters to remember since they make your email address more complicated. Underscores may be difficult to see in some inbox layouts. A single period, however, is fine. For example, "Suzy.Sunshine" or "Luna.Lovegood."
- Attach your resume to your email. Take a moment to tailor your resume to the specific company where the recruiter works. Then make a PDF copy of that resume to send along with your email. If you already gave the recruiter your resume at the career fair, note in your email that you're merely including it for reference.[7]
- Save your resume file with your full name and the word "resume" before you attach it. If you use a generic filename, the recruiter may not be able to locate it again.
- Send your email within 48 hours of the career fair. Ideally, you should send thank you emails within 24 hours of the career fair. However, it may take you some time to research companies and pull together your notes and information. As long as your email is thoughtful, polished, and professional, 48 hours is fine.[8]
- If the career fair was on a Friday, you may want to wait until Monday to send your email so that it doesn't hit the recruiter's email account over the weekend.
- Generally, it's most professional to send your email during normal business hours (typically between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.) Earlier in the morning looks better than later in the afternoon.
EditConnecting with Recruiters - Open a LinkedIn account if you don't already have one. Many recruiters make extensive use of LinkedIn. The platform is designed to help you get your name out there and find a new job. You can open an account for free, then set up your profile page by adding information about your education, work experience, and skills.[9]
- Keep the information and language on your LinkedIn profile professional. Use a picture of yourself in which you are well-groomed and professionally attired. If you have a recent school photo or graduation photo, that may work.
- Take a moment to search for people on LinkedIn you might know, but keep in mind that LinkedIn is not a "social" network like Facebook or Instagram. Just because you're friends with someone doesn't mean they'll necessarily add value to your network. On the other hand, connecting with former teachers, bosses, or coworkers is always a good idea.
- Search for the recruiter on LinkedIn. The recruiter's business card may have an address for their LinkedIn page on it. If not, you can use the LinkedIn search function to find them. Simply type their name into the search bar.[10]
- When you find the profile for the right person, look over it briefly to get some more insight into that recruiter's career history and their work at the company. You may find other things you have in common with the recruiter. For example, they might have graduated from the same school as you.
- Send a brief message with your request to connect. Type a brief 2 or 3 sentence message mentioning that you met them at the career fair and would like to connect with them. Mention the name of the career fair specifically, along with the date it took place. You might also include detail about something you talked about to help the recruiter place you.[11]
- For example, you might write "Hi Ronda Recruiter! We chatted at the Unicorn University Career Fair on April 1. I'd like to connect with you here to keep up-to-date with any opportunities that may open up in your organization. Thanks!"
- If you simply send a request to connect without a message, the recruiter likely won't accept your request. Most LinkedIn users don't accept connection requests from people they don't know or have a business relationship with.
- Use your LinkedIn to follow companies you're interested in working for. Not only do individuals have profiles on LinkedIn, but companies also do too. By following a company's LinkedIn page, you can stay in the loop about new developments and job openings at that company.[12]
- Many executives and business leaders are also "influencers" on LinkedIn. You can follow an influencer's posts without sending a request to connect with them directly. Influencers often write posts about industry developments, ideas, and needs in the workforce. These posts can give you a lot of insight into your chosen field.
- LinkedIn has videos and other resources that can teach you how to use the network to jumpstart your career. Go to https://university.linkedin.com/linkedin-for-students to get started.
EditWriting a Formal Follow-up Letter - Mark a follow-up date on your calendar to send a formal letter. It's appropriate to follow up with a formal letter if you don't hear much from the recruiter after you send your brief thank-you email. Wait about a month if you're not looking to start work for several months. However, if you're hoping to start work in the next month or two, send your letter 10 to 14 days after you send your thank-you email.[13]
- You may also want to set a reminder a couple of days before the follow-up date so you have a little more time to draft your letter.
- Format your letter in formal business style. Your word processing app likely has templates you can use to create a formal business letter. Address the letter to the recruiter you spoke to at the career fair.[14]
- Use a conservative, readable font, such as Times New Roman or Helvetica, in 10- or 12-point size.
- Use the information in your email as a starting point to draft your letter. Begin your letter by mentioning that you spoke with the recruiter at the career fair. Include the specific name of the career fair and the date it was held. You can also add the details from your conversation that you mentioned in your initial thank you email.[15]
- If anything has changed since you sent the thank you email, add that information to the first paragraph. For example, if the recruiter recommended that you talk to a department head in the company, you could let them know that you reached out to that person.
- Highlight skills and experience that would be valuable to the company. In the second paragraph of your letter, talk about how you would be an asset to the company in the position you're seeking. Include soft skills, such as leadership or self-motivation, to round out this paragraph.[16]
- For example, you might state that you are proactive and self-motivated, then note how you spearheaded a volunteer program to walk dogs in your local animal shelter as an example.
- Close your letter with a "call to action." For the last paragraph of your letter, let the recruiter know what you're going to do next or what you want them to do in response to your letter. Provide a date by which you'll follow up again.[17]
- For example, if you're anticipating an interview, you might let them know when you would be available by saying "I would like to discuss this opportunity with you in person. I am available Thursday and Friday afternoons after 2:00 p.m."
- Proofread your letter carefully before printing and signing it. If you send a letter with typos and grammatical errors, your effort may backfire. Reading your letter out loud can help you notice grammatical errors and spots where the phrasing is awkward.[18]
- It can also help to have a friend, instructor, or school advisor read over your letter. They can give you tips on how you can make it stronger and more persuasive.
- Enclose a copy of your resume. Read through the resume you previously sent to the recruiter and update it to account for any changes. Then give it another proofread before you print it up.[19]
- Print your resume on quality resume paper. You can find this paper online or at office supply stores. You might also want to print your letter on the same paper.
- Organize all of the business cards, brochures, and other information you receive at the career fair so you can access what you need easily. Creating a spreadsheet of potential leads may help you keep track of the contacts you've made and when you need to follow up.[20]
- Since handwritten cards are rare, a handwritten thank you note on professional stationery can really help you stand out from the crowd in the recruiter's mind. Just make sure your handwriting is neat and legible or this idea could backfire.
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