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Midday Encouragement 2 : The Purpose of Rest

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 This is an excerpt from a daily devotion from biblegateway.com called Girlfriends In God. This particular posting is from June 26, 2013 and written by Mary Southerland. I highly recommend this devotion for women of all ages who are seeking Christian spiritual guidance. 

However, I believe this excerpt is a important lesson for everyone. I'm not going to lie, lately I've been feeling discouraged in this job search. Although I seem to be finding better job postings everyday and my cover letter writing skills are wonderful, I'm not getting the response I want. I've went on several interviews, yet the right position hasn't came my way. I recognize that I want the right job not just any job. By that I mean, I truly believe that there's a position that God has chosen for me. That position will lead me to my future career, provide me with the finances I need, and develop me. Everyone has a position that is the perfect fit for them. Now perfect doesn't necessarily mean comfortable. It may not be excellent money or glamorous, but its right for you right now. 

As the bills come rolling in for my enriching, yet highly expensive liberal arts education, it's easy to lose hope. I began to lose confidence in my skills and lost faith that a position that will provide would appear. I began to stress as my anxiety about the future built. What I was failing to see was the beauty in waiting or as referred to above: rest. 

If you haven't read the excerpt in the photo already, READ NOW! :) 

The writer uses a story from her childhood about learning to play the piano. Long story short, she wanted to jump to playing and skip all the preparation. Her piano teacher was trying to instill the basics in her: the notes. She was completely uninterested until her piano teacher came to the most important concept in music, a rest. This was so profound to me. The most important step is rest. 

Without rest, we won't be prepared for what God has for us in the future. Rest means preparation, growth, restoration, and dependence. You must prepare for everything you do in life. We can't skip to being CEOs and millionaires without networking and hard work. This is what this time is for. It's important to have a pause where you grow and evaluate. When I get a full time position, I won't be able to sleep all day or paint my nails fun colors or wholeheartedly pursue getting my license. Recognize that just because you haven't found your dream job, doesn't mean that there's not work to be done. What should you be doing today that you haven't done? Do you need to simply rest and take a minute away from your busy schedule? What can you achieve now that cannot be done later? 

Secondly, there's the dependency portion. My mom always used to tell me to pray before the test the following prayer: 
Lord, I did my part by studying now do your part. 
If you prepare, God will do the rest. It's one part preparation, one part dependence. You have to be confident in not only your abilities and work, but also in God's faithfulness. Know that it can and will work out. Your loan bills will be paid. You will get to six figures one day. We spend too much time stressing instead of truly resting. By resting I mean having peace by doing own part then handing it over to God.

This portion of your life right now, let's call it  PRE-EMPLOYMENT is exactly that. It's the PRELUDE for the best portion of your life. It's the calm before the storm, the preparation before the prize. It is not in vain, for it has a purpose. You cannot play piano without learning how to read sheet music. You have to learn every note and practice reading before you actually get to sit down and play. When you start playing, you won't be a star piano player, but the preparation and practice will help you. The more you prepare and learn, the better you will be at playing piano. 

Don't lose hope for God has a plan and it's perfect. The bible says its better that what we've dreamed and imagined. Rest in that today. 


-amb 

INFORMATION CONNECTION: "11 Reasons Graduates Lose Out on Jobs"

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Information connection will be posts linking you (my readers) to resources that maybe helpful to you. I saw this slideshow/article on my LinkedIn timeline today and I thought it was so relevant to my topics lately. This was created by the Managing Director of an international marketing communications firm. It was interesting and informative to say the least. He touched on several elements of the perfect interview and preparation that recent college graduates forget about. Some of these elements I've touched on in posts, but this slideshow drives the point home. I definitely suggest you review this resource and take it into consideration during your job search. I've embedded it for your viewing pleasure.





Congratulations Graduate! Eleven Reasons Why I Will Never Hire You. from Mark O'Toole

Please comment and share your thoughts :]

-amb

dress the part pt. 2: dressing for your industry & other outfit tips

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OUTFIT NUMBER ONE 






This outfit would only be appropriate for industries where you want to display your fashion sense or creativity. This industries include fashion, advertising, design, architecture, or some marketing firms. 

Quick Tip -->> ladies and gents, I picked up this J.Crew button up at the thrift store. Yes, the thrift store. Check them out for business essentials especially blazers, pants, and button up shirts. 

The black tapered pants and black cardigan are definitely business wardrobe staples. You want a basic pair of straight leg pants in black, brown, tan, and navy. A cardigan in black and brown can be thrown over any dress or top to make it more conservative.   

The first makeup look is more of a glamorized day time with a bright red lip and highlighted eyes. This would specifically be cute for a interview at a fashion magazine or fashion design. I did not wear my geek glasses inside the interview because I felt they would be a distraction to the interviewer. This look is displayed on the left side of the first picture. 

The second makeup look in the second picture is what I actually looked like in the interview minus the glasses. I wanted to be taken seriously so I removed the bright red lipstick and decided on a clear gloss instead. I kept the highlighted eye and removed my glasses when inside the interview. 

The third picture is to remind you to remember to insert interesting details in your outfit. I decided to wear a tie which is not typical for a female. This creates a memory in the interviewer's mind for later. They may not remember Alysha, but they will remember the girl with the tie. Furthermore, I tied the tie in a unique knot that I found on YouTube. The tie became more than just a tie, but rather a conversation piece. 

Lastly, notice I wore flats because they were most comfortable. I was going to an area that I was unfamiliar with and did not know if was going to have to walk a long distance to the office building or use stairs. 


OUTFIT NUMBER TWO 







This outfit is a way to show personality and have a little fun while still looking professional. The hot pink on the top is bright and summery, but not over the top. I only wore a print on the top and kept the bottom classic with a black knit pencil skirt. You could add a black blazer or cardigan to this look and remove the necklace for more conservative industries such as legal or finance. For these industries, you would want a closed toe shoe as well. Interviewers want to know that you will represent the company with the highest level of professionalism and fit in with the corporate culture.

I added a belt to create definition at the waist. Notice the belt is not overly tight or bright colored. I picked a dull leather built vs. a patent leather to keep the look conservative. Patent is more flashy and dressy. The belt is also small in size. 

Quick Tip --> wrap the annoying hanger straps around your bra straps to keep a top like this in place!  Nothing is more embarrassing or inappropriate then exposed bra straps. 

Once again, neutral makeup is key. I look awake, alert, and naturally pretty. When the interviewer looks at me they'll see my face not a huge bang or bright green eyeliner. My hair is nicely cropped, but not in my face blocking my eyes. 

I choose a summer ready leather sandal. The sandal is not strappy sending the message of a night out or just another summer day. It's specifically designed for more formal occasions like church, work, or special occasions although it could be wore everyday. This is an example of how to do a sandal for work : Simple, not too strappy, and classic colors or small details. 

Lastly, I wanted to show the detail in the necklace. It's another conversation piece for today's follow up interview. I kept all the busy prints and details at the top of my outfit. Too much going on is simply that...too much going on. I'm not wearing earrings with this look. Studs are simple and keep my top half uncluttered. 

The best accessories are confidence and proper preparation. If you've dressed the part, prepared for the part, and are confident in your abilities, you will succeed! 

Happy interviewing :) 

-amb



JOB ALERT!

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Campus Philly Career Fair this Thursday in Philadelphia, PA! 
The list of employers sounds excellent and they're doing on the spot interviews. It's a great chance to make a good first impression. If you do go, make sure to check out my post on interview 101 and be sure to bring PLENTY of resumes. Register on the website. Who knows....you may see me there ;) 

interview 101: steps to prep

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i'm preparing for an interview tomorrow so, i've decided to share with all of you some important tips and tricks. we all want to be interview ready. preparation is key. if you don't prepare for an interview, you're not  serious about employment. searching for a job is a job and you much treat it as such.

STEPS TO PREP


  1. you are a salesperson. 

what are you selling? yourself. think of yourself as a product with benefits and drawbacks. the company is a consumer with wants and needs that you seek to fulfill. you want to highlight why they need you and why your product is better than the competitors. 

2. know your resume. 


you need to know everything about your product. thus, you should memorize your packaging. go over your resume until you know it front to back. they're going to ask you about things that you've listed so be prepared to answer without looking. 

3. rehearsal typical interview questions


there's some questions that they going to ask...guaranteed. prepare for it ahead of time. it will prevent you from going through an awkward moment of umms and silence. also, it will increase your confidence knowing that you already have half the interview memorized. good preparation is key to success. you'll feel better and do better if you prepare for what's coming. 

some typical questions include:
tell me about yourself
what are your strengths?
what are your weaknesses?
can you review your work history for us?
tell me about a time where you had to resolve a conflict
why do you want to work for our company?

here's an example of how to answer the question "tell me about yourself"

my name is alysha bellamy and i recently graduated with honors from albright college in may of this year. i graduated with a degree in business marketing. i always was curious about the role that marketing and advertising plays in convincing the consumer to go from interest in a product to purchasing a product. now i recognize that i would like to pursue a career in advertising where i can help transfer a company's vision into the mind of the consumer. i believe my strong communication skills, leadership, and creativity will help me in this pursuit. 

4. know WHO and WITH WHOM you're interviewing


a) research the company before the interview. look at reviews of the company as well as their website for information and potential questions. they're going to ask you, as listed above, why you want to work for them. this step will help you answer that question. they most likely will also ask what you know about their company. gather as much information as possible so you can give a complete and full answer. if they've provided any company literature, read it prior to the interview. they may ask about it.

b) know the name of who you've spoken with and who you're interviewing with. nothing is more embarrassing then not knowing who you are interviewing with when getting to the office. furthermore, your custom cover letter should be addressed to this person

5. based on your research, have questions for the company


this interview is just as much about them getting to know you as you getting to know them. ask questions! as many as you can. make sure you have a understanding of what the job and company are about. asking questions shows that you're intrigued, listening, and seriously considering employment.

here's some good questions i like:

how will my leadership responsibilities and performance be measured? by whom?
can you explain what a day in the life of the position would be like?
what sets this company apart from its competitors?
when and why did you start working for this company?
is travel required for this position?

tricky business ---->> compensation questions
some say let the employer bring it, but i think that it is only fair for a potential employee to know the salary and compensation package for the job they're applying for. 
prepare for this conversation by researching online what this position typically makes. good resources are sites like glassdoor.com
base your expectation on these numbers factoring in your education and experience.
know what you're worth, but be realistic. consider the worth of the entire package aka your benefits and retirement not just your annual pay. 

6. check your online presence 


keep your online persona clean. moderate your twitter, facebook, instagram, vine..etc for inappropriate content. i don't care how private your page is or what fake name you put it under, they will search for you and find you. 

7. pack your bag properly

you'll need: multiple copies of resume and cover letter, a pen, a note pad, business cards(if you have them), porfolio( if you're in a creative industry), copies of recommendation letters or your degree if necessary, and the name of who you're interviewing with

8. get there EARLY 


15-20 minutes early is excellent. make sure to provide extra time for your commute, finding the office, and checking in. if there is any paperwork to fill out prior to interviewing, that may take time too. 

9. say thanks 


after the interview, mail or email a thank you to your interviewer. make sure you have some method of contact information to do so. it's a good practice and it shows you're respectful and appreciative of the interviewer's time. 
fun fact --> i got my thank you cards at staples for $3.99, they're fun colors that show off my personality and i handwrite them. 

10. follow up


don't leave the ball completely in their court. ask for a timeline for the consideration process then follow up. if it's been a week, its absolutely appropriate to call and inquire about your application's status. you are your own advocate. don't stalk the company, but don't go with the flow either. 
 

need more information?

i referenced a few things i read in passive panda's article about interview tips. it's an awesome read with tons of helpful tips and tricks. see it here

rock that interview! go in with confidence and own it. a successful interview is one part preparation and one part finesse. hope i helped with one portion. 

-amb 

allow me to introduce myself...

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NAME: Alysha B 
AGE: 22
LOCATION: New Jersey 
EDUCATION: Graduated from Albright College Class of 2013 
INTERESTS: Fashion, Makeup, Cooking, and Music 
CAREER GOALS: Work in marketing and advertising specifically doing brand/account management in the Tri-state area 
FUN FACT: I've been to New Zealand and Australia! Held a koala and hung out with baby kangaroos 
PET PEEVE: People who think the rules don't apply to them 
PURPOSE OF THE BLOG: To speak on all things post grad life. To be both a resource and a means of connecting people 

Coming soon....
Job Features
Resume Workshop
Salaries 
Midday Encouragement
Mock Interview 
Building References  


Recent Grad Features 
Wanted to post these and give all of you out there the opportunity to be featured on this site. 
I want to give people the chance to network with others who may have the same interest as them or be going into the same industry. I would like to feature a different recent graduate every week and share graduation pictures, career goals, and basic information. Then, readers can take that information and connect with others. For example, maybe someone else in the Tri-state area is also looking to work in marketing. I could connect with them and share resources. We could email each other job postings and review each other's resumes. I'm also looking for fashion bloggers and motivational speakers to be featured. You can be a recent college graduate or future graduate. If you're interested in being a feature on class to corporate, email me at truthbehindbell@gmail.com. 

-amb 

dress the part: outfit tips for interviews

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There are many opinions are what's appropriate for a job interview. Some say stick to the classics like a black pant suit. Others say it depends on the industry. I did a lot of research and I've came up with a few guidelines.


My Outfit for my interview today 

CLOTHING GUIDELINES 
1. Take a classic then add a piece that shows your personality. 
For me, it was this shirt with a neck tie. I love classic pieces, but I enjoy a little conservative funk. 
2. Watch your length! 
If wearing a shirt or dress, make sure you can sit appropriately and move freely. You don't want to sit down and your interviewer can see your unmentionables. This includes necklines. 
3. Footwear 
If you don't regularly wear sky high heels DO NOT start now. Wear flats or kittens heels. Something that you've wore before and you'll comfortable in. Close toe only please. Whip out the sandals another time. Wear stockings for finance and business industries. 
4. Be Comfortable. 
Never wear something that doesn't reflect you or that your not comfortable in. It will negatively effect how you present yourself during the interview. 
5. Layers are good. 
Having a jacket or cardigan that you can take off always is a plus. Never go sleeveless. It can be seem as too casual for the office. 
6. Jewelry 
Don't overdo it! Choose one bold statement necklace or ring. You don't want to distract the interviewer from your abilities, but you also want to create a memorable experience for them. I sometimes wear bright pink lipstick during my interviews. You can remove body jewelry like piercings if need be. I have a small nose stud that I keep in at all times. 
7. Dress like your interviewing, not like you already have the job 
The culture at each company is different. You may show up and everyone is wearing jeans, but you want to respect the interview process and dress business casual or higher. You don't have the job...yet. Dressing appropriately shows the company you're serious and professional. 

MAKEUP/ HAIR/NAILS GUIDELINES 
1. Keep it neutral. 
Invest in neutral makeup palettes like Naked from Urban Decay or golden/brown shades to create a sun kissed, natural look. The key is too look pretty, but not over done. A daytime smoky eye could also be appropriate. No heavy eyeliner or bright colors. I love a peach or coral blush for an interview because it creates that natural glow. 
2. Hair goes back and out of your face 
Keep your hair out of your eyes. It's distracting to both you and your interviewer if you're constantly fixing your hair while trying to talk. Stick to simple styles that say neat and classy. For example, a high bun or big, controlled curls. 
3. Nude nails 
Once again, you don't want to distract the interviewer with your bright, long, ghetto fabulous nails lol 
If you have acrylics, keep them short and either with French tips or a neutral polish. Luckily, nude colors are extremely popular right now so a nice shade shouldn't be hard to find. It doesn't have to be a brown based nude. Try a pink or purple pastel tone for something different! 
Some of my favorites:  

Wet n Wild MegaLast Polish in Undercover 

If you're impatient with nail polish try my favorite quick drying polishes: 
NYC In a New York Minute Polish in Brownstone or Fashion Safari 
Photo Credit: My Life My Thoughts By Emily 


& those are my tips for proper interview attire. 
When going on an interview remember to be confident! That's the best fashion accessory :) 
Look out for interview tips in a future post. 

I found some awesome articles along the way. Check em out! 
http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/30/interview-outfit-fashion-forbes-woman-style-budget.html
This resource goes through different industries and tell you what to wear: 
http://www.redbookmag.com/money-career/tips-advice/legal-job-interview-outfit

Happy Job Hunting Fashionistas :) 

-amb  

P.s. I'd love a male guest blogger to do a post about men's fashion and interviews. Email me if interested! 

midday encouragement

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Here's some encouragement I found last week that really lifted my spirits. I've been re-reading this day after day and its really empowering. Success is about persistence paired with positivity. What could you accomplish if failure wasn't an option? If you were truly focused on the prize? 

Think on that today!

-amb 

unemployment: making the most of your time.

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"things to do after graduating college" 


i typed this phrase into google several times. there are many lists of things to do after you graduate college. 
you can travel. you can work. you can apply to graduate school. you can start doing yoga. 
there were many suggestions. the lists, in my personal opinion, were either too real (THERE'S NO JOBS OUT HERE SO GET USED TO BEING BROKE) or too soft (become a hippie until you figure something out). 

i'll save you the trouble of sorting through the good, the bad, and the ugly. here's my very short list of things to do after college that i believe kill two birds with one stone. everything on this list will benefit you in your future career while giving you something to do for the moment. don't you love accomplishing multiple things at once? 

things to do after graduating college
  1. volunteer
benefits: 
  • valuable experience that i can now list on my resume.
  • keeps you busy and out of the house
  • a variety of experiences keeps you well rounded and thinking
  • may produce things you can use in your portfolio
i volunteer weekly at my mother's job. she works for a busy church office that can always use help. in total, i've accumulated three years of  office/administrative experience that i can now list on my resume. you can list skills and experience that you've gained from hobbies and/or volunteering. find a place where you can volunteer that is relevant to your future or that will help you acquire favorable skills. if you can't find anything relevant, volunteering is an excellent answer to the question "what have you been doing since graduating college?". 

2. network 

benefits: 
  • builds your social network 
  • collecting leads for potential employment 
  • building bonds in your local community 
approximately eighty percent of jobs aren't advertised consequently, you have to get out and learn about opportunities. networking is key to accomplish this. ask around to your peers, neighbors, family, and friends about opportunities or people they know that can lead you to opportunities. many sororities and fraternities have message boards where members exchange information. alumni associations for college also have forums. check out linkedin to connect with these organizations. keep your profile up-to-date. i've had several potential employers check my linkedin profile. join a club for professionals in your industry and attend events. be sure to bring business cards and copies of your resume! 

3. exercise or any personal improvement activity

this one may sound ridiculous to some, but it's important to take care of yourself and your health. number three is really any activity that will lead to your personal improvement. do things that will allow you to grow as a person whether that's fitness, learning to cook, taking a trip, or being social. 

when you do get a full-time position you won't have as much free time to do things that truly make you happy. identify those things now and pursue them so that when you do step fully into adult life, you are developed. personally, exercising and cooking relieve stress and place me in a positive mindset. i feel that when i get a full-time job i'll do these activities as my break from office life. 


overall:
 i think all post graduates should be realistic, yet positive. don't be discouraged if you don't get any bites at first. i received fourteen rejection letters before my first interview. as the days go by, stay positive. the job search is a process that requires you to put work in. you have to do your part. someone once told me that searching for a job is a job. it's all about the hours and effort you put in. hard work pays off.

 number four is try, try, and try again. keep reaching for your goal whether it be employment or graduate school. opportunities are on the horizon for those who are hungry. 

this is post grad life. 

-amb

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so you've graduated, congratulations!
now what?

three weeks ago, i asked myself the same exact question. in the weeks leading up to graduation i wasn't excited like my classmates. i was nervous. i was scared. what would i do now that my schedule wasn't made for me? i would no longer have the responsibilities of a college student, but rather the duties of working girl.

what does that even mean?

a lot of my friends were annoyed with my sometimes ridiculous desire to have my whole life mapped out before graduation. they called it unrealistic and said it was okay not to have everything figured out. funny thing is...they now are feeling the anxiety and uncertainty that i was feeling about the future. everyone wants a plan, something that they know is going to work out.

so, being the intellectual that i am, i decided let me research post graduate life. i kept thinking there has to be a resource for recent graduates. i didn't really find one. i found clothing blogs about what to wear to interviews. there were articles here and there listing advice for recent graduates however, there was not a single source that i found for the total package. after seeing dozens of hopeless, depressing statuses and tweets i decided to create a blog where i can share tips and tricks i have found. i'm going to document my journey while passing along any helpful information i find.

this is "from class to corporate: #postgradlife"

-amb