top ten things to remember at a job fair

hi there. today i represented my company at the job fair sponsored by congressman peter roskam. in college and as an intern, i attended several job fairs as a potential employee. however, this was the first time that i had attended one as an employer. there were some things that instantly stood out to me and i thought i'd share them in my newest addition of my top ten's.

1) breathe.
the first woman i talked to today was so nervous & i simply reminded her to breathe. she instantly became more relaxed.

2) do not show up in a tshirt and jeans.
or shorts for that matter. you can't compare to the candidate next to you in a suit...

3) prepare your one minute elevator speech.
know what information you want to relay to me and keep it short & sweet.

4) do not solicit.
we're there to talk to potential employees. don't take time away from them!

5) bring a notepad.
take notes and reference the companies and jobs you're actually interested in so you can circle back to them.

6) do not stop by just for the pen.
at least talk to me... otherwise, you're wasting time for both of us.

7) pay attention to your personal hygiene.
wear deodorant, eat a breath mint, brush your hair.

8) do not assume you're going to get an interview.
you still need to sell yourself & have a great resume.

9) have a firm handshake!
a limp handshake conveys weakness and lack of self-confidence.

10) do not give your resume to every company.
you're allowed to be picky. take this time to interview the company! ask questions about culture, values, jobs, and benefits!

cast your vote!

well it's vacation time. well, almost. i've got one more work week then i'm taking this show on the road.

there are three objectives for this vacation: plenty of beauty-rest, plenty of beach time, and finally catching up on my reading. that's where you come in. i am planning on taking 5 books with me & want your input! which of the following ten books should i bring and write a quick review on? cast your vote & stay tuned for the reviews!



1) elizabeth gilbert's eat, pray, love
2) barbara ehrenreich's nickel & dimed
3) chelsea handler's chelsea chelsea bang bang
4) ian mcewan's the innocent
5) gary vaynerchuk's crush it!
6) michael j. fox's always looking up
7) kathryn stokett's the help
8) sue grafton's u is for undertow
9) stieg larsson's the girl with the dragon tattoo
10) jacqueline jones' saving savannah

also posted at grits&lime

small obsessions are a good thing, right?

one of the great things about my "day job" is that i can truly do what i love and be myself 100% which is admittedly quite quirky and precisely what has inspired this post.

a large part of my quirkiness is that i have some fairly random obsessions. i was reminded of a few of them recently, so i thought i'd welcome you into my world!

i absolutely love to cook. it's yet another way for me to be crafty and try new things. don't get too excited... that's not the obsession. it's my choice of cooking utensils. i am in love (aka have a deep obsession) with wooden cooking utensils. it seems you can't have too many. at least not in my world. i found these gems over the weekend from crate&barrel! so pretty!!!



i've also always had a little obsession with buttons. i don't actually collect many things. however, buttons are definitely one of them! i have jars of buttons. i buy buttons, save buttons, pick up buttons that i find. i know, i know... random. but i warned you!



the last of my tiny obsessions that i'll share (before i scare you off...) is journals/notepads. i've always had a fascination with paper products! ironically, one of my best friends was a print management major in college so she was always working on projects for school that quickly became little gems for tiffany! today, i game across these beautiful journals and desk sets at papercrave. yes, please!!! they're gorgeous!!!



so what little obsessions do you have?

also posted on grits&lime!

why pay?

With the economy the way it is and less companies engaging recruiters, do you think it is worth it for individuals to pay a recruiter themselves?

No matter what type of economy we're in, there is no need to pay for a recruiter. There are tons of firms out there where it is free for the candidate (they'll get the fee from the hiring company).

I'd recommend researching recruitment firms that are free or just keep at it yourself. You can do the same work! Drive around town and write down names of companies you see on buildings. Google companies that you're interested in. Talk to your friends. Attend social/professional networking events. The more you talk to people, the more leads you'll have (and it's still free!).

Ask me anything

interview the interviewer

Interviews are often a chance for the employer to sell the company to a potential employee. How can you tell if company is stretching the truth a little about how great they are? What are some little signs to look for that show it's a great workplace?

You are correct! An interview is a two way street. You've got to sell yourself and so does the company! As an internal recruiter, it's my job to be a cheerleader for the company and discuss our best qualities. Just like any relationship, you should know what qualities, values, or personalities are most important to you. You should take the time to write these down and then ask questions during the interview to find out if the company matches them.

Is customer service a passion of yours? Ask about their customer service creed. If they don't have one, clearly customer service isn't a priority.

Is respect or integrity more important to you? Ask them about their corporate values (most have them).

If employee engagement and fun at work is important to you, ask about teams or leagues employees can participate in.

Take the time to interview the company.

Ask me anything

a continued effort

Okay.... So I may be slacking at the posting of my days... But I'm still keeping up with them! New years resolution continues!

Day 66. Had a great revelation that there is no need to put a title on something that's great.
Day 67. It never ceases to amaze me the unprofessional ism of some candidates. One wanted to reschedule 45 minutes before their scheduled interview. Another accepted a different position but still wants to come in for an interview...
Day 68. I had a really great conversation with someone I really care about. Walls are down.
Day 69. I love my artwork and it's very hard to give it away even if I know they will take care of it.
Day 70. I decided to take a nap at lunch. THAT was a GREAT idea!
Day 71. For the first time ever. I did not pre-pack for a weekend trip. I'll just do it in the morning.
Day 72. I went home to Savannah for the first time in years to celebrate St. Patty's!
Day 73. I got to see my sister at work. It was very exciting to see her in that role.
Day 74. I was reminded that something as small as a hand-written note can really lift your day.
Day 75. I shared a very personal story with the executive and senior management teams and felt very proud of who I am.
Day 76. I finished the train the trainer program for our new values initiative.
Day 77. I made five job offers in four days and then received another four staff reqs the same day...
Day 78. I do not deal well with rejection mostly because I'm so considerate. I know I need to work on that but not sure which part.
Day 79. Having my best friend in town is the best medicine and distraction.
Day 80. I went to "the dump." I was not impressed.
Day 81. I missed my flight to Chicago. That has never happened before... I was able to stay calm and it really paid off because great Delta folks helped me out and got me on a flight!

There's more... But I didn't want this post to be too long....

continued growth

We've moved into the third month of the year which is the time when most people start slacking on their new year's resolutions. I'd like to note that I'm still going strong!

Day 52. I treated myself to some new work clothes with my newly won LeasePlan money!
Day 53. Sometimes its worth putting your opinion out there because you never know who's listening.
Day 54. Successfully started to tear down some walls.
Day 55. I trumped the expressway entry from the last time... Make that... I successfully drove on the expressway during a snow storm!
Day 56. I nearly doubled the number of participants at the Chicago Career Fair compared to last year.
Day 57. I visited West Palm Beach, FL for the first time. This trip was also a huge leap in faith that I haven't been willing to take in a long, long time.
Day 58. A rainy day in Florida equals a GREAT movie day!
Day 59. I had the best date night EVER!
Day 60. I realized that, sometimes, home is not where you live...
Day 61. I was nominated for a front-row parking spot by a front line employee who appreciated the career fair. I felt so honored.
Day 62. I drafted my first sales offer letter complete with a confidentiality agreement.
Day 63. I bowled my all time high score - 153!!!
Day 64. I was reminded that I should focus on the things that I can control.
Day 65. I pulled out my paint brushes for the first time in months and created two new pieces!

astronomical insight

I know its been a bit since I've actually posted about my new year's resolution, but I assure you that I've been keeping up with it. Taking the time to go on vacation was great for me, but what I've learned about myself since that time has been astronomical.

Day 38. I don't typically back down from a fight. But this time I did, offered a peace offering, and still feel really good about it.
Day 39. Taking steps to build my recruitment network. Big steps for me since I've always been scared to...
Day 40. Trying to be tech savvy... and adding new things to my blog (you can now ask me anything)
Day 41. Completed the full cycle of an interview process in one day. phew!
Day 42. Negotiated my first salary deal. Took some hard work but we came to the best resolve!
Day 43. First time in a long time... Went with a gut feeling and told someone how I really feel about them.
Day 44. Sometimes its best to just be yourself and let it shine through loud and clear.
Day 45. Had a valentine for the first time in years.
Day 46. Realized that my passion is noticed by others and valued.
Day 47. Even great people in the organization got there by chance.
Day 48. Be prepared for anything and stay calm (the apartment flooded).
Day 49. A peer asked to meet with me for advice on her career. I feel very honored.
Day 50. The next step in my career is on the horizon. I'll find out next week what that looks like.
Day 51. Drove on an expressway in Chicago (if you know how much I hate driving, you'd understand the importance of this experience).

formspring.me (gaining computer skills)

I would like to work on developing my computer skills. Due to my current situation, I do not have a home PC. How would you recommend that I get the training I need?

Take advantage of the resources around you. First (if you are currently employed), discuss training opportunities with your current manager. There are several CBT courses available that you can do from your desk. Additionally, check with the local library. Often they have computers for use. As well, there are multiple training classes you can take online. Lastly, check with local colleges or universities. Typically, they offer continued education classes and you may find something related to gaining computer skills. Best of luck!

Ask me anything

formspring.me (strange resumes)

What is the weirdest thing you've ever seen on a resume/application?

I don't know if there's one specific thing that I've seen that really threw me off kilter... The main thing that always throws me off guard and makes me ask "WHY????" is the format. Let me tell you... simple is always the better way to go. If it's too flashy, uses crazy font, or simply has no organization, I typically won't read it...

I think I'm going to start saving "bad resumes" as examples for people... Maybe that will help!

Ask me anything

formspring.me (creating a professional image)

I'm wanting to enhance my professional image but don't know how to do that? Suggestions?

You professional image is very important to developing your career. First, consider the qualities that you want to portray. Then, make a list of people you admire that represent those same qualities. The list may start out with "famous" people. When it comes to dressing for success, you may want to consider mimicking their style. Make sure that you add people to your list that work at your current organization, as well as people in your network (school, professionals in the same field, church, or other social activities). Take the time to sit down with these people. Ask them questions about tips they have for you to develop your personal image.

Ask me anything

formspring.me (what not to do in an interview)

Can you describe the worst interview you've ever conducted?

I imagine that you're asking this question so that you know best "what not to do" during an interview. So, I'll describe the worst interview and then give you some lessons to remember along with it.

The worst interview was with a gentleman that had been unemployed for sometime. Because of his situation, he had created two resumes - one for entry-level positions and the second for more advanced positions. He was interviewing for a fairly entry-level position and, clearly, forgot which resume he was referencing in the interview. As well, a defined requirement for the position was advanced Excel skills and he rated himself as a 9 out of 10. He definitely was not a 9 out of 10 as he had, quite possibly, the lowest Excel scores of anyone I've given the test to. On top of that, a large part of my job as a recruiter is to weed out those candidates that will not fill it with the culture of the organization. Not only did I feel that he would not fit in with the culture, at one point, I became very uncomfortable sitting in the room alone with him.

So, what lessons should you take away from this story? 1) Although, I recommend customizing your resume to the job, there is no need to down-play or over-indulge your skill set, 2) There is a big difference between being confident and proud of the work you've done compared to being cocky and over-exaggerating, 3) Be honest, and 4) Be yourself.

Ask me anything

formspring.me (degree vs. years of experience)

When recruiting, in the long run, which looks better to you as an applicant; A degree or years of experience in the field?

Every hiring manager is different. Some managers may put more value on a degree over years of experience. However, I'm sure you're aware of the trend where it's no longer a high school diploma that's required, but a college degree.

I make sure to sit with each of my hiring managers to evaluate what their needs are. Some need a higher level of formal training, whereas others value the real world experience. However, have both doesn't hurt either.

Ask me anything

formspring.me (resume: 1 page rule)

I just got an 8 page (technical) resume to consider for a potential hire. Whatever happened to the single-page rule? Are the best resumes you see generally shorter or longer?

Great question! Let me just start by saying there are ALL TYPES of resumes out there.

When I first started as a recruiter, I was doing IT recruiting and only knew the 1 page rule... That quickly changed. I quickly learned that for technical resumes, they need to be longer. Especially for candidates with lengthy experience. Technical resumes require so much detail because you can't simply say that you worked with a specific technology (i.e. Cisco) because that could mean ANYTHING. As a recruiter, I need to know specifically what type of Cisco hardware, firewalls, switches/routers you have worked with. So, the 1 page resume immediately goes out the window unless you just graduated college and have no work experience.

In general, I do not pay as much attention to the length of the resume rather the quality of the resume. The quality of the resume encompasses not only the information provided, but the layout as well. A recruiter is most likely only going to scan the resume at a first glance so you want to make sure that the important information can be found quickly (i.e. education/certifications, job responsibilities, and achievements). If you catch my eye the first go-round, I'll look at it more in detail later.

Ask me anything

formspring.me (preferred job boards)

Which job boards/sites have you used, and which did you like the best?

Traditionally, I've used either Career Builder or Monster. However, I've had to be a bit more creative with other postings. I've used LinkedIn, as well as sent out e-blasts to people in the industry.

It's about finding what works best for you, your company, and the specific position you're trying to fill.

Ask me anything

formspring.me (tough market and no response)

Lots of job seekers take it personally when they never hear back from companies to which they've applied. What advice would you give to new jobseekers vis a vis maintaining a thick skin and being persistent in a tough market like this one?

This is a tough one for me to answer. Mostly, because it consistently tugs at my heartstrings.

Its easy for me to say "Don't take it personally...", but I truly understand that it is VERY personal. Of course it's personal! Before I give you any advice... Let me give you some perspective and a little insight to how I function as a recruiter.

If a resume is handed or emailed to me as a referral from someone who works with me, I attempt to reply to either those individuals directly or the internal referral with the status of the position or their candidate's qualification.

If I post a position on one of the major job boards (Career Builder, Monster, Indeed, etc), I'm sure you can only imagine how many resumes I get a day. In every job description, I attempt to be VERY clear on what the requirements of the position are. So, I quickly go through all the received resumes and delete those that do not meet the basic requirements. You read that correctly... I delete them without responding. Then, I go through the remainder to look for the ones with the desired qualifications. The reason that this tugs so much at my heartstrings is that I WANT TO respond to every candidate, but it would be physically impossible to do so.

So, my first piece of advice... NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK. As for names. Talk to people. Let them know you're looking. You are ten times more likely to get your resume in front of the recruiter if you know somebody at that company than you are with simply applying online. It it impossible? Absolutley not.

Which brings me to my second piece of advice and I'm going to borrow the next quote from a famous poster "Keep Calm and Carry On". If is a very touch market out there right now, but I will tell you that things are picking up. Slowly, for sure, but they are picking up. Keep a think skin. Be persistent. DO NOT GIVE UP. The right job will come along. Everything happens in its own time.

Best of luck!

Ask me anything

formspring.me (make the recruiters stop)

Now that I have a job, how do I get all these recruiters to *stop* calling me?

First of all, Congratulations!!!

Now, for those pesky recruiters.... (just kidding).

First, make sure that if you do not want to be called any more that you remove your resume from the Job Boards (Career Builder, Monster, Indeed, etc). As a recruiter, those are the first places I go to look for candidates. If your resume is out there, I think that you're actively looking for a position.

Second, contact the recruiters that you worked with during your job search. Let them know that you have found a job and would like to remain as either an INACTIVE candidate in their database or to be removed completely.

Hopefully the calls will stop after that!

Ask me anything

formspring.me (brainteasers)

Seems like there's a fad for asking really oddball brainteaser questions in job interviews these days...is there any way to prepare for those? Is there anything wrong with just saying "I really don't know"?

You know... It does seem like that's the fad right now... Although, I'm not a huge fan of it. My goal is not to trick you or make you uncomfortable. I've been told often that my interviewing style is more conversational. I want to make sure that you not only have the right qualifications for the job, but that you're going to fit in with the culture of the organization.

However, simply because that's not my interview style, does not mean that it still does not happen. What I can tell you is to prepare for those "typical" questions. Here's a list of the top ten most frequently asked interview questions: http://distinguishingyou.blogspot.com/2009/06/another-top-10.html

Now, for the oddball questions... If you honestly have no clue what the interviewer is asking you, do not reply with "I really don't know". Instead, ask for clarification. Have them expand on the question, or give you an example. Hopefully, this will provide you a clearer picture as to what they are asking you. Best of luck!

Ask me anything

formspring.me (resume objective)

How do you feel about resumes that start off with an Objective? They always seem vague and banal--is there any way to make them effective?

I was actually just having a conversation about resume objectives with a fellow colleague the other day.

Often, objectives can do more harm than good, especially if they are vague and lack any originality. If you're not going to take the time to right a GREAT objective, then you're better off not writing one at all. Let your resume speak for itself. No one says that its required and, quite frankly, most would not notice that it was even missing.

However, if you are going to take the time to write an objective... DO NOT be vague. Be specific. Take the time to not only customize your objective, but the ENTIRE resume to the job you're looking for. Here's the best "formula" I've found to help with writing an objective.

(BLANK LEVEL) position in (BLANK FIELD) where (BLANK EXPERIENCE) will add value to (BLANK AREA).

The level is what level of a position you're looking for... entry level, intermediate, senior, management, etc
The field is what field you're looking to go into... Sales, Finance, Marketing, Media Relations, etc
The experience is what you are bring to the table... # of years, education, industry knowledge, etc
The area is where your experience will add value... operations, customer service, project management, etc

Ask me anything

formspring.me (desired salary)

How do you answer the "desired salary" question on a job application? When is it OK to just say "negotiable"? And if you're applying for a job you really want, and you're willing to take a paycut, how can you communicate that w/o undercutting yourself?

Great questions!

The "desired salary" question is a tough one and requires the same amount of thought an effort as you would to applying for a specific position. Take the time to think about not only the dollar amount, but what benefits do you want as well. It's always okay to give a range rather than an exact number. Who knows? You may be willing to take a lesser salary if they give you an extra week of vacation or a company car.

As a recruiter, I despise when candidates say "negotiable" because it makes me think that you haven't put much thought into it. Of course, it's negotiable. Everything's negotiable.

The best piece of advice I can give is to ask the salary range up front so that you know what you're dealing with. Of course, salary isn't everything, especially if you're lucky enough to find your dream job... So, go ahead and ask the question, take the time to decide what your needs are and then communicate it effectively. It makes the offer process easier if all the cards are already out on the table.

Ask me anything

check it out

Well, well.... Who would have known? I am attempting to be tech-savvy. Thanks to the help from Nicole! Thankfully Blogger makes it fairly easy to be tech savvy. It's mostly point, click, copy & paste. Phew!

Anyways, I've added the feature on the right-hand side giving you the opportunity to ask me anything related to training or recruiting. I guess you could ask personal questions too... But that doesn't mean I'll answer them...

a break FOR inspiration

I took the last week to finally take a vacation. I went on a cruise to Cozumel and Grand Cayman. This break was the perfect time to reflect on who I am as a person, enjoy the company of some amazing people, and get some additional inspiration for grits&lime. Of course, I kept up with my New Year's resolution and really put myself outside my box and had a blast doing it!

Day 27. Got a phone call from my sister and it really was my niece asking for me. My sister and both of her beautiful daughters are soooo very special to me.
Day 28. Great planning makes even the most hectic of days go smoothly.
Day 29. One of my special talents is packing. I managed to pack 6 days of clothes in 1.5 carry on bags.
Day 30. I took my first vacation in 1.5 years. This trip was much needed.
Day 31. I put myself really outside my comfort zone and hit on a guy! woo!
Day 32. Went to Grand Cayman for the first time. I also sang karaoke for the first time. I sang Donna Summer's "Last Dance" and it was soooo much fun!
Day 33. We returned to Cozumel and I drove our Jeep around the island. Thank God I know how to drive a manual!
Day 34. I took a moment in time to acknowledge and stand up for who I am, what I believe in, and my expectations.
Day 35. I started reading an inspiration book and found a quote that reminded me to not be afraid to be by myself. This is the best time to find out who I am.
Day 36. I logged into my work email to catch up even though it was my day off... And actually restrained myself from actually doing any work. That's a first!
Day 37. I spent the day in my pjs and completely ignored my to-do list. For those that know me, know exactly how out of the box that is for me.

I should also note that while on vacation I came up with three new dress designs for grits&lime. Taking a break was an amazing time for inspiration!

3 weeks is a habit

Did you know that it takes 21 days of doing something consistently to build a habit? Just so you know, if you stop doing that something for even one day, you break the habit and have to start all over again! Well, we are now on day 26 of my new year's resolution, and I'm keeping up with! Woo hoo! Again, let's see if I can keep this up for 3 months.

So, what have I been up to since the last blog? Well, find out!

Day 18. Its a very small world and it got smaller. Ran into someone from work at trivia and ironically, someone else at my table works with someone from his table!
Day 19. The "my dog ate my homework" excuse is sometimes true, especially with my dog, and sometimes it's better to just buck up and be honest.
Day 20. Looked back at my 2009 accomplishments list. It made me feel great to see what I'm capable of.
Day 21. I'm currently involved in our Quality Improvement Process team. During a QIP session, I learned about benefit cost analysis, solution finding based on root cause, and documenting proposed process improvements. As a side note, I was described as a firecracker today. I'll take that as a compliment!
Day 22. Realized fully how you have to take time for yourself BEFORE you get burnt out (yeah, I'm there...).
Day 23. You know you're getting older when you go to a "Rock Band" (yes, the game) party on a Saturday night and they pull out a wet-vac to clean up a spilled beer.
Day 24. I was able to use my creativity, resourcefulness, and craftiness to help fix a friends dress for an upcoming wedding.
Day 25. Did you know? Lacrosse is the national summer sport for Canada.
Day 26. I was reminded while reading a fellow sewer's blog that I need to continue to make beautiful things out of sad, ugly things. There are others in the world who have very similar stories to tell.

a small sense of accomplishment

I lead several management training classes on giving feedback, both positive and constructive, and completing performance appraisals. The main piece of advice that I give my managers is that you need to document conversations had throughout the year whether its a notebook, file of pieces of paper, or in electronic format.

Last year, this concept got me thinking a little more about myself and the feedback that I receive throughout the year. So, at the start of 2009, I decided to keep a list of all my accomplishments throughout the year. This simple list turned out to have multiple uses in the long run!

* When it came time this week to complete my 2009 self-appraisal at work, this list helped support my reasoning for "Meeting Expectations" and, even more so, in those cases where I felt like I had "Exceeded Expectations." Merit raises are attached to our performance score. If I can document that I not only stepped up to the plate, but actually hit a grand slam, I'll more likely be eligible for a higher increase! Fingers crossed!!!

* Currently, I'm in the process of updating my resume. Not because I'm looking for a new job, because let's face it.... I have my dream job and I work for a GREAT company! However, it's always beneficial to have an updated resume (but that's a completely separate post). Having this list will help me clearly define my job responsibilities and accomplishments!

* I think the most important use of this list is that it helps build a sense of self and in the best way too. This list shows that I am talented and that when I put my mind to something, I can create and deliver wonderful things! This list proves one thing. I. am proud. of me.

Some of you may be thinking... Tiffany, this sounds very similar to your new year's resolution. Well, you're right. This small list of work-related accomplishments reminded me that I've accomplished many other things in my personal life as well.

So, here are a few of my favorite accomplishments from 2009 that I'm most proud of:
* Designed and implemented a training & certification program for our online tool
* Proposed, Sold the Concept, Designed, & Implemented an internal Career Fair designed to build retention and encourage career development
* Introduced & lead new training program for managers
* Took over responsibility to write articles for the Training & Development portion of our monthly newsletters
* Designed three new online surveys to encourage feedback and obtain metrics on satisfaction for Training & Recruitment
* Successfully filled 24 positions (10 of which were internal transfers!!!)
* Documented the recruitment process & joined our Quality Improvement Process team to improve upon the Internal Transfer Process

how long is a new year?

How long does a new year last? Well, at least until you stop referring to it as the new year? Well, we're still here and I'm keeping up with my new year's resolution! Although, they say that it takes three weeks to make something a habit... Day 17 - not so bad. Although, check back with me in three months... That will be an accomplishment!

Day 10. Not only do I thrive in situations where I can learn something new, but also in those that allow me to be creative (i.e. previous post)
Day 11. While at the townhall meetings for my company, I learned the results of 2009 and the goals for 2010. Most importantly, I was reminded why I love working for LeasePlan
Day 12. I can use my creativity to hone in on my insomnia issues. If I get the idea out of my head and on paper/ on canvas/ on fabric, I'll be able to sleep easier.
Day 13. The notion of starting my own company with my best friend is becoming a reality. Welcome grits&lime!!!
Day 14. I read a great article about self image and ways to remind your how special you are.
Day 15. Sometimes all you need is a good night's sleep for a little fresh perspective.
Day 16. Always go with your gut. It usually steers you in the right direction.
Day 17. I finished my first sample for grits&lime and couldn't be more excited and proud of myself.

a little inspiration: with a twist

This blog was originally created to provide tips, feedback, new ideas, and suggestions about recruiting, training, and career development as a whole. Some of the information is geared toward my fellow recruiters and trainers, although even more so for my fellow followers, friends, and those looking to distinguish themselves. More importantly, this blog was designed to be a creative outlet for myself. In a way, it was really a chance for me to distinguish myself.

In recent months, I've come to realize that I am, in fact, a creative person. Not only do I thrive in situations where I am continually learning something new, but in situations where I can be creative and put my hands to work. I've been sewing as long as I can remember and have always loved making gifts for my family. Most recently, I started painting which has been an amazing release for me. Now, you may be asking yourself why I'm so surprised at realizing this about myself... Well, I'm always great at using the analytical side of my brain. I've always been good at math, love working with spreadsheets, and even come up with random equations in my head while running (trust me, I know how odd that sounds). My entire family is like this and I've always been steered in that direction because its what made the most sense.

Well, it may have taken almost 28 years to figure this out about myself, but I couldn't be more excited. Actually, let me rephrase that. I couldn't be more inspired. That inspiration has lead me to work with one of the dearest and most creative friends I know, Nicole, to start grits & lime. So follow us @gritsandlime for updates on what's to come and check out {nicole galletta} for a great explanation of how we came up with the name!

a new outlook and a new year's resolution

Hello everyone! Okay, okay... I know. It's been way too long since my last post and I'd like to thank several friends for pointing this out to me. So in an effort to improve upon my noted-ly poor blogging consistency... I have specifically centered my new year's resolution around my blog so that I will be more consistent. So, what is said new year's resolution? Well, it comes from three parts: 1) I need to blog more, 2) I need to start taking more risks and putting myself outside my comfort zone, and 3) I always have had a need to increasingly expand my knowledge (as mentioned before... I'm a learner by nature). Wrap these three parts into one and you have my new year's resolution! In 2010, I resolve to learn/do something new every day, keep track of it, and consistently blog about these learnings/activities.

It's been a little over a week since I started this goal... and when you hear the saying "you learn something new everyday", you never realize how true this really is until you actually start writing it down. So, here are days 1-9:

Day 1. Sometimes its okay to take risks and I should challenge myself to do so (i.e. new year's resolution).
Day 2. This was more of a reminder... I love my family very much. I have a unique relationship with each member, and may not tell them all the time... but they're each very special to me.
Day 3. While reading the Post Secrets blog... My secrets are not any stranger than anyone else's...
Day 4. While attending Trivia Night at Wild Wings Cafe... I learned a lot of useless knowledge including that of Simpson's trivia and Eric Clapton's nickname (note: it's not "the clap").
Day 5. Interviewed a candidate for a sales position and learned a lot about the fleet industry from someone who had been in it for almost twenty years.
Day 6. Completed a half day at the Fulton County Superior Courthouse for jury duty and walked around downtown Atlanta by myself.
Day 7. I realized the power of Facebook in rallying support and the color of too many women's bras.
Day 8. I only have so much patience... and its not with my dog....
Day 9. I visited Stone Mountain for the first time and actually hiked down the mountain - Snow, ice, and all.