Week 12 - End of this Road, but the Journey Continues

The Trip

I may have mentioned in an earlier post that when I signed up as a volunteer for this program, I initially thought that I would play the role of an invisible fly on the wall; here to observe program participants and report on the Going Places Network by Walmart program in its first installment in Hudson County, NJ.

I immediately realized from the very first session that I was mistaken.  I discovered right away that there was much for ME to learn as well.

The clients are amazing.  Their insights about life are revealing and their passion to move forward and build better lives for themselves and their families is inspiring.

This week marked the last week for this particular group and in review of such a huge milestone for many of the women, program coordinator, Linda Street, asked the women to offer some feedback about their goal progress and what they would take away most from this program. Here are a few soundbites from our very last session:

Words from Your Fellow Travelers
"I am sorry that the program is over, but I feel that this experience has helped me a lot"
"I found a nursing school right next to my house"
"I've started school"
"I graduate from school this month"
"The mock interviews gave me more confidence"
"I have an interview today!"

Your Guide

And speaking of interviews...this week's guest speaker, Abby Kohut aka Absolutely Abby, gave us the "inside scoop" on what recruiters, head hunters and potential employers are really looking for when trying to fill positions.  Her insight in regards to Linkedin profile strategies was even eye-opening to a "know-it-all" like myself.  I made dramatic changes to my own profile as soon as I returned home. As an added bonus, Abby also gave us all free copies of her book Top 12 Interview Questions Exposed.  It's a quick read, but incredible resource that puts one right into the mind of the interviewer.  I highly recommend it!  Check out Abby in the video below:

Lastly...

I want to thank Dress for Success Hudson County for giving me the opportunity to sit in with these wonderful women in the Going Places by Walmart program.  I have made new friends and valuable contacts.  Hopefully my time and input has been helpful to at least one person because quite honestly I have been inspired by every participant in the group.

Thanks also goes to Cristina Nieves, my fellow blogger, who has filled in on those weeks I could not attend and last but not least a big 'ole hug and squeeze for Linda Street for pulling me to the side that lovely Spring day in the hair salon to ask the simple question "What do you do?"

Week 11 - A Rest Stop

The Trip

The energy in the room was filled with expectation, wonder, sadness, curiosity and presence.  How do I know this?

As a group, we were instructed to breath, relax and remain quiet for a moment. An invisible cloud seemed to rise above us and from us. This cloud was was a "pressure system" filled with everything all of us were feeling when we awoke that morning and brought with us to this next to last session.

Our guests for this week's session were Miranda and Lissette from Heaven on Earth Associates. This session was like none other because we had the chance to remove ourselves from the stress and fatigue of everyday life and transfer that energy to a more spiritual connection with our fellow travelers in the program.

Miranda, led us in a brief meditation session and as a result, we were able to clearly vocalize the feelings we had buried that morning.

It was amazing!

Your Guide

Heaven on Earth Associates' mission "to educate & connect people to their rightful self through the healing power of massage therapy/bodywork" became apparent as both Miranda and Lissette told us the stories of their journey, struggles and chance encounters which culminated in the achievement of their dreams as massage therapists and healers.

They asked us to believe in ourselves and to believe that we could do anything if we just visualize it. Visualization is the practice of seeing oneself (drawing a mental picture) in the position or situation that is desired.
The ladies were treated to wonderful chair massages that provided an even more relaxing element to the session.  I think quite a few are now hooked!

Words from Your Fellow Travelers

"I feel so relaxed"
"I should get this done more often"
"I don't usually reveal myself emotionally like this, but I feel glad that I did"

Week 10 - The Scenic View - Hooray for Makeover Day!!

The Trip
You could feel the nervous energy in the air as the ladies prepared for their makeovers; the purpose being not only to provide them with fantastic and winning professional head shots, but also to give them that boost every woman can use to create a positive shift in their self-confidence.

The amazing talents of make-up artists Misty Easler and Pamela Barrios transformed the client's on the inside as well as the outside.  Smiles were brighter and postures were straighter.  You could sense the difference. 

Here's one example of a transformation courtesy of fellow blogger and DFS Hudson County client Cristina Nieves.  For a look at the "after" pics of the other fabulous ladies click here. They look amazing!

She was also gracious enough to answer a few questions about how she felt afterwards:

Your Guide

What is it about a makeover that makes me think of Maya Angelou's Phenomenal Woman? Instead of blabbing on and on in this week's blog post about my experience, I'd like to use Ms. Angelou's poem as "Your Guide" to feeling better about everything we have to offer as confident, beautiful, and empowered women.

Phenomenal Woman

By Maya Angelou 

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size

But when I start to tell them,

They think I’m telling lies.

I say,

It’s in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.

I say,

It’s the fire in my eyes,

And the flash of my teeth,

The swing in my waist,

And the joy in my feet.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered  

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can’t touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them,

They say they still can’t see.

I say,

It’s in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Now you understand

Just why my head’s not bowed.

I don’t shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing,

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It’s in the click of my heels,

The bend of my hair,

the palm of my hand,

The need for my care.

’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Words from Your Fellow Travelers

"Bangin!"
"Wait til my kids see me!"
"Oh My God!"
"You look amazing!"
"Wow!"
"You guys really know what you're doing" (in reference to the make-up team)

Week 9 - All Aboard the Social Network Bandwagon

 

The Trip
Personally, I love social networking and everything that comes with it. I find that it comes naturally to me. That wasn't always the case though. I had to learn that in order to open doors and create opportunities I would have to peek my head out of my protective turtle shell. That is not the case with everyone, some have to draw it out gradually and others have to draw it out daily.

 

 

In this week's session we had the privilege of having Mrs. Ericka Shoulars as our guest speaker. Ericka Shoulars is not only an IT Project Manager with AGI but is still active with the North Jersey Chapter of the Delta Theta Sigma Sorority, Incorporated, a public service organization with over 200 chapters. She came by to give us the ins and outs of social networking. 

 

The information was definitely helpful in this crippled economy where sometimes you have to know somebody who knows somebody to find an opportunity. She informed us that networking is basically creating links that link to other links. :) The more links you have the more opportunities you create.  

 

Your Guide

Key Features of Networking:

• Networking is constant, not a one time thing (constantly have to work it like a part-time job)
• Realize the power of a network; it involves reciprocity. Which is basically exchanging for mutual benefit. Click the link for a full definition.
• Work on your elevator speech (what you can offer). Tailor it to your audience
• Even though they are not a potential employer, treat them like one (keep an open mind as to who can be helpful to you/don't burn bridges)
• Be true to yourself, consistency is very important!

Use Connection Tools

• Create an account on LinkedIn or if you're searching for a more personal connection (different crowd) create an account on Facebook or both to create an even larger network.
• What you do with social media can't be take lightly, what you put out there is important
• Join an organization (stay active in that organization). You can easily find an organization by using a search engine and keywords such as non-profit, art, etc. Business/Calling Card is always a handy tool but especially in times where you lack the time (quick meetings) & LinkedIn actually gives you a website you can include on your calling card

Words from Your Fellow Travelers 

 

"I'd like this session to be interactive."

 

"I might not like you but I will respect you."

 

"It's a small world."

 

"Their perception is their reality."

 

"You only have one chance to make a first impression."

 

"You have to be very diligent and vigilant."

 

"Like anything it's how you use it."

 

"You drive your social media personality."

 

"Use the tool, don't have it use you."

 

Travel Advisory

http://www.linkedin.com/

http://www.facebook.com/

http://northjerseydeltas.org/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 8 - The Connection between Space Travel and Interviewing

The Trip
Raise your hand if interviewing scares you.  Many years ago, I would have had my arm held high.  I was terrified of interviews.  Granted, I was young and a girl from the hood who wasn't exposed to the muckety mucks in corporate America; even during my college years, but I wouldn't use that as an excuse for my discomfort.  Plain and simple??? I was intimidated because I somehow felt that the person sitting across the desk from me held my fate in their hands.
Then something changed.  I took a trip to American Museum of Natural History's Rose Center for Earth and Science.  I had no idea what an impact a screening of the Hayden Planetarium's Passport to The Universe, would have on my life...forever...
Aside from Tom Hank's narration (LOVE HIM!!), the visual journey was breathtaking; the underlying message being:

"There comes a time in each of our lives when it first dawns on us that we are not the center of the universe . . . that we are part of something larger than ourselves."

As Earth became smaller and smaller in the overhead dome's "virtual universe" presentation, I had an epiphany...that we are all tiny, tiny specs; significant yes as individuals here on this planet, but the same, nonetheless in our relation to the Universe.  With this in mind, I no longer felt unworthy of or lesser than the person sitting across the desk from me.

I'm not sure if this exhibit is still open, but if it is, I implore you to go see it.  Here's the trailer:

Your Guide 

So once one conquers the jitters, there are some finer points you need to know about the interview:

Converse, Connect and Convince
The Handshake – First Impressions Mean Business

• Shake - Smooth, not limp or over-enthusiastic.  Shake from the elbow, not the wrist or shoulder
• Flow - Establish eye contact

Be Prepared

• Re-examine the job posting
• Review your phone interview notes
• Research interviewer
• Revisit the company website
• Review module “Putting Your Best Face Forward”
• Print copies of your résumé
• Get directions/transportation information
• Pick your clothing
• Write and organize your questions - Think bigger than yourself and the job.  Be sure to ask questions about the interviewer
• Plan Your Answers
• Active Listening - Paraphrase the question. Pay attention to non-verbal communication. Ask for clarification if needed
• Soft Selling – Answer the question asked. Stay on point.  Be specific and give examples. Confirm you’ve answered their question
• Relax, Be Yourself and Smile!!!!!

Follow-Up

• Send a Thank You note right away - SAME DAY
• Call - At least 5 days after

Words from Your Fellow Travelers

"I'll try to be myself"

"What can a prospective employer legally ask?"

Travel Advisory

 

Interview Thank You Letter Resources

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/thankyouletters/a/samplethankyou.htm

http://www.quintcareers.com/sample_thank-you_letters.html

http://career-advice.monster.com/thank-you/employment.aspx

http://jobbankusa.com/CareerArticles/Interview/ca10706a.html

Week 7 - Travel Gear

The Trip

I've interviewed several people during my professional career.  Not once did their attire factor into my decision as to whether I should hire them or not.  I wasn't your typical run of the mill hiring manager though and thus, one shouldn't use me an example for any case studies on the do's and don'ts of interview dressing.  I dance to the beat of a different drummer my friends...
That being said, I do know what employers-at-large come to expect and our program coordinator, Linda Street, gave us a very consise and visually entertaining presentation on building a professional wardrobe.

Your Guide

Why Build a Professional Basic Wardrobe?

• Looking professional makes others view you as professional
• Having a polished look puts you in a more "business like" mindset.
• Stocking up on those few key pieces without spending a lot of money provides easy, interchangeable options to wear.
• It’s fun to play the savvy professional woman’s role –a smart wardrobe can help you do that.

Here are the recommended 10 Wardrobe Essentials

1. Suit - well fitted
2. Blouse/Shell - not low cut
3. Dress Tees/Camisole - not tight
4. Pencil Skirt - slim all the way around
5. Blazer - well fitted, 3-button
6. Spring Dresses - wrap or sheath
7. Pants/Trouser - flat front
8. Cardigan Sweater - fitted, not tight
9. Trench Coat - belted
10. Accessories - foundation garments, pumps, ballet flats, belts, stud earrings, pearl necklace, tote/professional shoulder bag, and summer scarves

Words from Your Fellow Travelers
"Think fitted, not tight"
"I'd love to be able to keep my style"
"These ideas can work for me!"

Week 4 - It Seems, Your Bags are Already Packed!!!

The Trip
One of the best, most rewarding jobs of my life was awarded to me even though I had no experience in the field…or so I thought.

I wanted to enter an emerging industry and quite frankly at the time, there weren’t many people out there who knew how to do the job. So I was fortunate enough to get an interview with a company that was looking for someone that had other skills that were “related” to what they really needed. After a series of meetings, I got the gig and loved working in an environment where I was free to shape the course of that company’s future success.

This week, our guest speaker at Dress for Success Hudson County’s Going Places by Walmart workshop, was Ms. Pamela O'Halloran formerly of Dress for Success Worldwide. The topic of this session was Transferable Job Skills; in other words how to identify and use what you've already got.
Pamela started off the discussion by asking clients to think about how to apply their life experiences to:

• Asses the skills they already have
• Extract key terms from those life experiences
• Come up with language to put in their resumes

This task may seem like a waste of time to some, but a couple of really cool examples of how to apply this exercise to roles a few of us take for granted:

   BUSY MOTHER                          EFFICIENT MULTI-TASKER
 

EXPLAINING A PROCESS               TRAINING PEOPLE


Your Guide

• Networking is valuable – Talk to friends and reach out to former colleagues to help refresh your memory about certain results you accomplished
• Borrow Language - Use wording from job postings in your resume
• Volunteering builds skills and your network – let the people you’re working with and for, that you are serious about working there full-time if an opportunity presents itself

Words from Your Fellow Travelers

“Treat volunteer work like it’s your real job!”
“I like the energy in this group!”
“Looking forward to working on my resume more to change some of the wording.”
“When I get feedback about certain skills I lack, I go out and get training to learn that skill.”
“I have MANY interviews now!”
“Create the highest, grandest, vision possible for your life because you become what you believe” - Oprah Winfrey

Travel Advisory

Rising Tide Capital – The Community Business Academy
Linkedin – Get the most from your professional network