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 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 1 - Time to Pack

The Trip

There's something about new beginnings...

I've always had a problem with managing my expectations about new experiences in my life.  For me, the problem with setting unrealistic expectations has always been that I always made the wrong assumptions about what's going to happen.  I mean, I basically get the gist of how I should behave, what is expected of me and what the outcome should involve.  But what I always used to get wrong (and I have no idea why), were my pre-conceived notions about the people I would encounter.

So if you recall from the last post, I finally met the "elusive" Linda Street from Dress for Success Hudson County.  She's great! Check!  She recruits me as a volunteer to document the workshops she organized for the Going Places Network by Walmart. Check!  She sends me some literature on the program and links me to their website.  Check!  I read up on everything.  I jot down ideas about the blog. Check and Check! And then, (here's where it used to go wrong)...I would start daydreaming about people I hadn't even met yet.  Usually this would end with me being totally surprised (or disappointed depending on the circumstances) and caught off guard.  I've recently changed this about myself and I was fortunate enough to meet the Dress for Success clients with this new found attitude...and I'm so glad I did!

Linda gave a very comprehensive presentation which outlined:

• An Introduction to the Program
• Standards of Accountability - "rules of the road" and what to expect from the workshops
• Goal Setting - brainstorming about what the clients want to get out of the program
• Lead Topics - Change Management and Organizing Your Job Search

I sat there scribbling notes, making sure to catch as many important points as I could.  I tried to stay completely neutral until Linda posed an innocent enough question to the group:

"What strengths do you fall back on when you are struggling?"

The answer from one woman was equally innocent (to paraphrase):

"I know I have to take care of my children so I keep going; knowing that I have to care for them not matter what."

Something about her answer created excitable feedback from the other clients which in turn transformed into a very emotional discussion surrounding the issue of personal strength, self-valuation, and the fighting power in all of us. 

Tears were shed, consoling ensued, and I felt like we all had that sisterhood bondy-thingy moment that always tends to happens when you stick a bunch of women in a room long enough…very enlightening indeed…sigh.

Your Guide

·    Manage Your Expectations – develop realistic ones and measure what is working and what isn’t

·    Stay Motivated – Take care of yourself emotionally, physically and financially

·    Overcoming Obstacles - Having a positive attitude from the start will help increase the chances of an employment opportunity.  Once there is positive self-talk then the next step is planning for occupational goals.

·    Create a Support Network - Continue participation in Going Places Network by Walmart and schedule appointments with one friend a week for two months

·    Focus on Your Personal Strengths – Taking a cue from the discussion mentioned above “What doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger.” and from George Elliott, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

Words from Fellow Travelers

Quotes from clients when asked about their personal strengths:

“I love my strong personality”

“My mother is my role model”

“I’m proud of the fact that I’m a good mother”

“God is my strength”

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!

  

Week 6 - Visting Fellow Travelers

This blog post, courtesy of fellow blogger AND DFS Hudson County client Cristina Nieves!!

The Trip
Sometimes all you need is a great story or some encouraging words to spark the rocket that sends you shooting straight towards your dreams.

We were all very grateful when a former client of Dress for Success paid us a visit. Carol Graham, a Weight Loss Consultant and Life Coach for Jenny Craig, created a great wave of encouragement when she came to visit. Her beautiful words and personal experience allowed us to relate to someone who was able to overcome most of the problems we are currently facing. It was uplifting and simply what the doctor ordered. Carol had great advice and you could feel it and almost see it coming straight from her heart.

 

Your Guide

• Get out of the "I just have to do something/anything" mindset
• It takes the same amount of energy to do what you like and what you don't like, so why not do what you like?
• We find ourselves focusing on what we can't do, focus on what you can!
• Take the baby steps and with the work and strength you'll reach your goals
• Don't stop! You're in your meantime.

As Carol spoke you could see the effect she was having on all of us. It was extremely inspirational. She gave us two assignments to complete.
The first was to create a list of what you like to do and also what you are good at. What is the same on both lists? Find your passion!

The other was to make a promise to yourself to [think it] [speak it] [live it]. She wanted to stress the importance of knowing what you are capable of doing. Don't be afraid, let go, let her out! My favorite piece of advice was a very powerful statement, "They say the sky is the limit but that is not true. There is space beyond the sky, get there!" Carol Graham. Take the time to complete these two assignments because they will allow you to create a better relationship with yourself. You need to make sure you make time to listen to yourself. To realize your desires, your dreams and what you deserve.

ASK YOURSELF



STAND UP AND SAY IT!

Words from Your Fellow Travelers

"They say the sky is the limit but that is not true. There is space beyond the sky, get there!"

"I will let her out!"

"I am ready!"

"Focus on what you CAN do."

"Don't stop. You're in your meantime."

"You really changed my life today, thank you!"

Travel Advisory

Daily Inspiration!

http://www.facebook.com/FearlessWomen

http://inspirationeveryday.blogspot.com/