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 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!"

Preparing for The Journey

The Trip
It's so "interesting" how God, The Universe, Fate, or whatever celestial energy you believe in, works.  I'm always amazed at how people and/or opportunities enter my life just when I need them.
Here's an example for yall...
My daughters and I have been getting our hair done at the same salon for over four years.  The salon owner, Jennifer, and I have become good friends during this time and every once in a while she would always mention another friend of hers named Linda who I have never met; which was strange in itself because I have met many of her friends over the years and Linda wasn't one of them. 
I was starting to think that Linda was a figment of Jennifer's imagination...
When I finally did meet Linda, it was totally by chance and that's a crazy thing to say since we eventually did meet at a networking event...IN THE SALON!  No one introduced us.  She was just a random woman who started a conversation with me and whose name didn't click until later on in the day when Jennifer asked me, "Did you meet Linda?"

Needless to say (but I will), timing is everything. A chance meeting is everything. 

When she and I eventually sat down for a good 'ole chat, we discovered that our paths were in parallel.  Linda Street works for Dress for Success Hudson County and is the Program Coordinator for the Going Places Network by Walmart.

This program, funded by a national grant from the Walmart Foundation, is designed to help unemployed and under-employed Dress for Success clients gain professional skills, accelerate their job search and build confidence through weekly training sessions, one-on-one career coaching and networking in a supportive environment.

Linda was thinking it would be nice to have someone sit in and document the program's workshops so that she could post the summaries and outcomes on their website, and guess who was working towards beefing up her blogging activities??? Amazing.  I met Linda almost two weeks before the program was about to begin and this is the preview post written to prepare myself and the reader for our journey.

Your Guide 

• Always tell people you meet, what it is that you do or want to do - I have a good friend who teases me about this.  Every time we hang out and meet new people, I always ask them "What do you do?".  She thinks it's a turn-off for guys, but I don't care.  I'm not trying to find out how much money they make.  I want to know so I can see if there is any way we can help one another...that's all :)
• Always follow-up - even if you can't put your finger on what it is you have in common with someone you meet, make sure you follow-up with a phone call, text, or email.  You never know when you will need to reach out to that person and you want to make sure they remember you.
• Keep your mind and heart open - being positive has never failed me.  I didn't say it was easy, BUT keeping your mind focused on the goals you want to achieve and visualizing yourself doing what you want to do, makes that "dream" a reality...cliche, but true.

The first program group  of 15-20 women will meet every Wednesday 10a-12p April 13 – June 29 at a lovely loft complex in Jersey City, NJ.  Stay tuned for more!