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!
Showing posts with label dress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dress. Show all posts
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
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.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
say it with a smile
Recently, a friend of mine was scheduled for a phone interview and she asked if I had some tips. It seems like there are more and more of these now-a-days. My guess is because there are so many people on the market for a new job that companies are having to add an extra step for screening applicants. So, here are some tips if you find yourself on a phone interview.
* As with any interview, ALWAYS BE PREPARED!!! Do your research on the company and the job opening - check out their website if you already have that information.
* Anticipate questions from the recruiter or hiring manager like the ones in my top ten. Have an idea of how you want to respond to these questions.
* Type up a list of questions that are important to you and ask them! Remember, an interview is a two way street. You're interviewing the company to make sure its a right fit as well.
* Say it with a smile. Do the interview in front of a mirror and smile at yourself. I know it seems wierd, but it really does make a difference in the sound of your voice.
* Dress as if you were going to the interview in person. Trust me, you'll feel more professional in a suit than your PJs.
* At the end of the interview, always ask "What's next?" This shows your interest in the process and the position!
Go forth & good luck!!!
* As with any interview, ALWAYS BE PREPARED!!! Do your research on the company and the job opening - check out their website if you already have that information.
* Anticipate questions from the recruiter or hiring manager like the ones in my top ten. Have an idea of how you want to respond to these questions.
* Type up a list of questions that are important to you and ask them! Remember, an interview is a two way street. You're interviewing the company to make sure its a right fit as well.
* Say it with a smile. Do the interview in front of a mirror and smile at yourself. I know it seems wierd, but it really does make a difference in the sound of your voice.
* Dress as if you were going to the interview in person. Trust me, you'll feel more professional in a suit than your PJs.
* At the end of the interview, always ask "What's next?" This shows your interest in the process and the position!
Go forth & good luck!!!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
twenty minute simple skirt tutorial
I've been sewing since I was a little girl. Pillows, toys, blankets, halloween costumes - that sort of thing. When I was in college, my grandma gave me her old sewing machine. I've since upgraded, but love any chance I have to pull it out!!! Here's a great way to make some simple dress skirts for casual work days or the weekend!
Twenty minute Simple Skirt Tutorial AND GIVEAWAY!!!!: "skirts are elastic I would say they would fit a size 2-8.
Twenty minute Simple Skirt Tutorial AND GIVEAWAY!!!!: "skirts are elastic I would say they would fit a size 2-8.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
everyone loves a top 10
Hello all. This week, I have two top 10's for you. The other day, I mentioned that I was able to go to the Atlanta Children's Shelter to work with the parents on tips and tricks for interviewing. So I wanted to give you the two top 10 lists I provided them. Enjoy!
Top Ten Do’s and Don’ts For an Interview
1. DON’T wear something that is too revealing or flashy.
Stick with dress pants or a knee length skirt. Conservative is the safer way to go!
2. DO be aware of your personal hygiene!
Take the time the morning of to shower, and brush your hair. First impressions are everything!
3. DON’T leave your cell phone on or answer it during an interview.
Turn it off or put it on silent. If you missed a call, return it once the interview is over.
4. DO bring a copy of your resume and any prepared questions.
Always be prepared!
5. DON’T chew gum during an interview.
It’s distracting and unprofessional.
6. DO wear a watch!
Plan on being there at least 10 minutes early!
7. DON’T use inappropriate language.
Try to avoid using slang. Keep the interview as professional as possible!
8. DO have a firm handshake.
It’s okay for women to have a firm handshake.
9. DON’T lie.
There is no need to lie if asked a question directly, but be careful about going into too much detail.
10. DO come with a positive attitude.
Treat all people you encounter with courtesy and respect. First impressions are everything, even that of the receptionist!
Top Ten Do’s and Don’ts For an Interview
1. DON’T wear something that is too revealing or flashy.
Stick with dress pants or a knee length skirt. Conservative is the safer way to go!
2. DO be aware of your personal hygiene!
Take the time the morning of to shower, and brush your hair. First impressions are everything!
3. DON’T leave your cell phone on or answer it during an interview.
Turn it off or put it on silent. If you missed a call, return it once the interview is over.
4. DO bring a copy of your resume and any prepared questions.
Always be prepared!
5. DON’T chew gum during an interview.
It’s distracting and unprofessional.
6. DO wear a watch!
Plan on being there at least 10 minutes early!
7. DON’T use inappropriate language.
Try to avoid using slang. Keep the interview as professional as possible!
8. DO have a firm handshake.
It’s okay for women to have a firm handshake.
9. DON’T lie.
There is no need to lie if asked a question directly, but be careful about going into too much detail.
10. DO come with a positive attitude.
Treat all people you encounter with courtesy and respect. First impressions are everything, even that of the receptionist!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
shoes that work for you
Hi there. This one is going to be geared to the lady trainers out there, but men, you can probably take a tip or two from it at as well.
A few entries ago, I talked about our dress for success panel. For those of us in training or recruiting roles, we are in very visual positions. We are, at times, the very first person a potential employee meets. so for me, at least, its very important to look my best. To present as professional an image as possible. One thing that many of you may not know is that I'm 5'3" and I definitely do not look my age. We'll just say that I have my own sorted issues with feeling that I'm not taken seriously because of my appearance. Because of this, I tend to wear heels a majority of the time. Nothing to obscene, but just enough to make me feel a tid bit more significant. As a trainer, I spend approximately 4-5 hours a day (at least) on my feet. So those really cute heels tend not to work out so well with the hours of standing, walking, & moving boxes, tables, computers, etc. Needless to say, if I can find a comfortable heel that actually looks cute too - I buy it!!!! Ladies, I have found probably one of the best brands out there for stylish women's shoes designed for you to be on your feet all day!!! That brand is aerosoles!!!! Especially the What's What by Aersoles! These shoes were originally designed for female nurses & doctors that are obviously on their feet all day. These shoes are amazing! I even wear them on the weekend because they're so comfortable. So if you're looking for a way to sharpen up your image but continue to stay comfortable - I definitely suggest these!!!
A few entries ago, I talked about our dress for success panel. For those of us in training or recruiting roles, we are in very visual positions. We are, at times, the very first person a potential employee meets. so for me, at least, its very important to look my best. To present as professional an image as possible. One thing that many of you may not know is that I'm 5'3" and I definitely do not look my age. We'll just say that I have my own sorted issues with feeling that I'm not taken seriously because of my appearance. Because of this, I tend to wear heels a majority of the time. Nothing to obscene, but just enough to make me feel a tid bit more significant. As a trainer, I spend approximately 4-5 hours a day (at least) on my feet. So those really cute heels tend not to work out so well with the hours of standing, walking, & moving boxes, tables, computers, etc. Needless to say, if I can find a comfortable heel that actually looks cute too - I buy it!!!! Ladies, I have found probably one of the best brands out there for stylish women's shoes designed for you to be on your feet all day!!! That brand is aerosoles!!!! Especially the What's What by Aersoles! These shoes were originally designed for female nurses & doctors that are obviously on their feet all day. These shoes are amazing! I even wear them on the weekend because they're so comfortable. So if you're looking for a way to sharpen up your image but continue to stay comfortable - I definitely suggest these!!!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
dress for success
I'm sure that most of you have seen Julia Roberts and her portrayal of Erin Brockovich. There's no doubt that the work of the real Erin Brockovich is nothing short of absolutely astonishing and she continues to inspire others as a dedicated environmental activist. Even with all of this hard work & natural talent she obviously carries, my mind cannot help but wonder how many obstacles she has encountered in her lifetime simply because of the way she dressed while on the job? When I hear her name, my first thought is of tight mini-skirts and enough cleavage to make some people blush.... then, my mind goes to the excellent work she has done. Let's face it... we live in a visual society and it's almost impossible to escape the ramifications that come along with that.
Recently, careerbuilder.com surveyed employers to discover that 41% say that people who dress better or more professionally tend to be promoted more often than others in their organization. The survey dug in a little bit deeper to find that employers give more weight in an interview to candidates who show up wearing a business suit than those who do not. In an effort to encourage employees to continually look professional, some employers have made the decision to ban certain items of clothing such as flip-flops, mini-skirts, & even jeans.
Just like many other companies, mine faces these same issues. In an effort to find an out of the box way to address these issues, we came up with our own Dress for Success Panel. For the first panel we held, we brought in one of our departments that is 100% female-based & put together a panel of 5 women from our organization that were director level or above. The moderator posed a few questions to get the session going and to keep it moving if need be, but for the most part the ladies kept the conversation lively and upbeat. You could see the enthusiasm in the group to find out what tips and tricks that they could each use to help further their own careers. It was so interesting to hear the questions from the women of our organization and the concerns they already have about being able to dress to impress. It was even more impressive and ultimately humbling to hear one of our vice presidents (one of our best-dressed vice presidents at that) talk about sharing suits with her roommate when she was fresh out of college to appear like she had more clothes than she did.
Since the inception of the first panel, we now hold the panel monthly with a different set of panelists each time. We've also encorporated men in the panel to ensure that each and every employee can get the most out of the experience. I think that with out a doubt this program has been a success. It's provided a fresh perspective on how being aware of your personal style can only positively enfluence your career.
Recently, careerbuilder.com surveyed employers to discover that 41% say that people who dress better or more professionally tend to be promoted more often than others in their organization. The survey dug in a little bit deeper to find that employers give more weight in an interview to candidates who show up wearing a business suit than those who do not. In an effort to encourage employees to continually look professional, some employers have made the decision to ban certain items of clothing such as flip-flops, mini-skirts, & even jeans.
Just like many other companies, mine faces these same issues. In an effort to find an out of the box way to address these issues, we came up with our own Dress for Success Panel. For the first panel we held, we brought in one of our departments that is 100% female-based & put together a panel of 5 women from our organization that were director level or above. The moderator posed a few questions to get the session going and to keep it moving if need be, but for the most part the ladies kept the conversation lively and upbeat. You could see the enthusiasm in the group to find out what tips and tricks that they could each use to help further their own careers. It was so interesting to hear the questions from the women of our organization and the concerns they already have about being able to dress to impress. It was even more impressive and ultimately humbling to hear one of our vice presidents (one of our best-dressed vice presidents at that) talk about sharing suits with her roommate when she was fresh out of college to appear like she had more clothes than she did.
Since the inception of the first panel, we now hold the panel monthly with a different set of panelists each time. We've also encorporated men in the panel to ensure that each and every employee can get the most out of the experience. I think that with out a doubt this program has been a success. It's provided a fresh perspective on how being aware of your personal style can only positively enfluence your career.
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