Learn the right hand part first, then the left. Don't try to play them together until you can play them both individually, fluently. That way you'll know when you go wrong and you'll be able to memorize it easier. Rather than trying to play all the way through, play one line a few times, then add the next line, then the next. Don't try to play it at full speed until you can play it slowly without making mistakes. You'll end up feeling frustrated if you try to do it all at once. Take regular breaks and play other pieces which you can play while you're learning a difficult piece.

Summary: Practice each hand individually. If it is a popular piece or song that you know, try to play along to the lyrics/music in your head when practicing your right hand. Add to the piece bit by bit. Slow it down. Take your time.


The purpose of a pain letter is to connect more directly to a hiring manager and demonstrate your skills in a more forward way. The pain letter is a good idea for entry level jobs as well as higher level positions. It will often get your resume more attention than a traditional cover letter. The one possible downside of the pain letter is that it may take more time to draft than a cover letter. This is because each pain letter should be unique to the needs of a specific company or organization. You will need to research the company beforehand to write a good pain letter. Review the job description for a list of issues or problems that the company would like to address. Look for statements like, “We are seeking…” or “Our company needs…”. Identify one pain the job description is addressing.  For example, the job description may note, “We are looking for someone who can help us restructure our Human Resources department.” This is the pain you will then address in your letter. If you are not responding to a job description and are writing the letter blind, do research on the company or organization. Look at their “About” page on their website. Review their client list. Ask yourself, what do they need help with? What kind of problems do they need to solve? Think about any skills or abilities you have that can help you solve the problem. This could be past experience in the field or in your education. You may also have current skills that you can lean on in the pain letter when you talk about your solutions to the problem. For example, you may write down, “I can solve the problem of how to boost employee morale during slow season” or “I can solve the problem of employee training on a budget.” Pain letters follow a four part structure. The letter should be no longer than one page long, with four short paragraphs. Make an outline for the letter with the following sections:  First paragraph: the hook. In the first paragraph, you will grab the reader’s attention and make it clear you have researched the company or organization. Second paragraph: the pain hypothesis. In the second paragraph, you will address the hiring manager’s pain. Third paragraph: the solution. In the third paragraph, you will discuss your solution to the pain. Fourth paragraph: the closing. In the fourth paragraph, you will wrap up the letter concisely and confidently.

Summary: Confirm the purpose of the pain letter. Identify the hiring manager’s pain. Determine how you can address the problem. Make an outline for the letter.


Keep your abs and glutes tight to keep the ball from moving around.

Summary: To make this exercise more challenging, sit on an exercise ball while you perform it.


Career fair recruiters will be most attentive at the start of the fair. Get there early to beat the crowds, make a punctual first impression, and have plenty of time to meet with all the representatives on your priority list. Arriving early will also give you time to see where each company is located and to map out the order that you will meet them in. Make it known that you want to be there. Putting out positive vibes will make it seem like you're ready to work on whatever task a prospective employer gives you. When you meet a potential employer, you can introduce yourself, then say something like, “I was really looking forward to hearing more about your company.” When meeting with potential employers, a strong handshake is the best etiquette. Be polite when talking to career fair representatives; listen to what they have to say, don't interrupt, and avoid using slang language, as it will make you seem unprofessional.  If the representative has samples or giveaway items like pens or magnets, only take one. A great question to start with is, “What's your favorite part about working for this company?” It's a casual question that shows you're truly interested in playing a positive role in the company or organization. Use your pen and paper to write down important details like phone numbers and contact names. Creating a contact list will make it easier for you to review the positive and negative aspects you learned from various career recruiters and follow up with representatives after the fair. You can also collect business cards and company brochures.
Summary: Get there early. Be enthusiastic. Be polite and respectful. Ask the questions that you prepared. Take notes.