Resumes can be tricky, frustrating, overwhelming, and time consuming. Sometimes it looks like a laundry list of skills with no personality, and others a myriad of experiences with little skills attributed to them. I personally love reviewing resumes. Over the years I have reviewed many friends, co-workers, and strangers resumes. It is your ticket in the door, so you better have a good one.

Working mothers returning to the office after birth face some unique challenges. Office buildings are often out of date and do not include spaces designed for pumping. In addition to finding time to breastfeed, they must also work with child care hours, requiring a more flexible work schedule. Whatever your unique challenges, know that you are not alone.

If you are on the fence as to whether you should invest the time to develop your brand, keep in mind this thought from Brittany Cole: “Cultivating an authentic person brand to clearly communicate your value is essential to thriving in any career. If you aren’t branding yourself, you’re giving permission for someone else to do it for you.”

“Research indicates that workers have three prime needs: Interesting work, recognition for doing a good job, and being let in on things that are going on in the company.”

“Your network of contacts is important. You’re able to have doors opened and get opportunities through your network that maybe your education, integrity, or job experience won’t get you. The ability for someone else to open a door for you is invaluable.”

You know her.

Maybe you are her.

The woman who walks into a room and commands attention and respect without saying a thing. What is it about her that demands so much reverence?