hello friends.
i've missed you all. it's been over a year since i've written a post and BOY OH BOY has a lot transpired. i come to you with new perspective, greater faith, and a new job.
let's play catch up:
last time we talked i was working as a marketing assistant for a small company. i worked there for little under a year and it was an excellent experience. i would advise anyone who is about to graduate or new in the post grad world to work for a small company. you get to do a lot which means you learn a lot. consequently, you learn and grow into a better person. from one small marketing role that started with sales calls, i got to write marketing collateral, social media posts, and produce a monthly newsletter. i also got vendor management experience as well as account management experience. it wasn't without bumps in the road, but it was extremely beneficial.
lesson one: walk before you crawl. it makes walking a lot easier.
if i hadn't worked in this role, i wouldn't have been able to move into a bigger and better role feeding off my previous experience. we're all in a rush to make 6 figure salaries and be financially secure, but who are we kidding? we're still kids trying to figure this game called life out. success will come, if you're willing to humble yourself in learn.
i was definitely rushing. i got my first loan statement and said "Jesus, have mercy - how am i going to afford this?". instead of managing my money, i began looking for more money. i worked two second jobs to no avail and then i started seeking a new full-time position. i was exhausted, underpaid, and unhappy. i searched for three months and couldn't find a new role.
lesson two: discipline is everything. you could be rich and still broke if you're not willing to say no.
so i pushed although life (in my case) Jesus was telling me it's not time for you to switch jobs. to give myself a break from financial turmoil, i applied to graduate school. BEST DECISION EVER. it was something i did for all the wrong reasons, but worked in all the right ways. I always wanted my master's degree and i'm so glad i'm now pursuing it. back to my job situation - so after about 6 months of searching i found a position! joyous rapture right? NOT.
it was completely the wrong role for me. i found myself in a old, dirty warehouse with miserable people doing hardcore sales on the phone while other employees were playing basketball behind me (strange, i know). i cried driving there everyday.
lesson three: trust the timing of your life. AKA trust God.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - romans 8:28
in a situation so crazy that if i explained it you would think i made it up, i found myself without work...for seven months. it was the longest seven months of my life full of many challenges both personal and professional. i lost two dear friends to death, a relationship, and my peace of mind. i had no idea why this was happening. i was angry with God and myself.
however, we must realize that nothing is in vain, but rather everything has purpose. from these ashes of my former life, i was given another. we focus so much on what we lost rather than what we can gain. on monday, i start the job of my dreams. this position is key to my future as a project manager. i just finished my first year of graduate school with a 3.85 this semester ( i want a 4.0 grr).
lesson four: temporary. everything is temporary including pain.
there were moments when i thought my life was over, where i didn't see the light at the end of the tunnel or the purpose in the pain. we must recognize that almost all feelings and situations are temporary. this means they have an end. life is made of building blocks and tunnels. you go up based on experiences or you go through experiences to another experience. in all of this know - there is a destination.
"Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be." - psalm 139:16
cheers.
amb
Over the past week or so, I've been discussing the transition from college to the real world with several current and past students from my alma mater. One of my friends expressed anxiety as she approaches the transition. Another friend expressed how difficult it was for her post graduation to move on and began working. My boo's parent expressed how difficult it is for recent graduates who are expected to pay their student loans on entry level salaries. As I had these conversations I knew I had to write about how I personally transitioned from class to corporate.
The beginning of spring semester I was absolutely terrified of graduation. I was under the impression that I would have an internship in philadelphia for the summer for the beginning half of the semester and then I discovered the internship was given to someone else. I was devastated. I drove my friends crazy trying to put together every little piece of my future. I had to have a plan.
I must of applied for 20 jobs or more pre-graduation and went on 3 interviews that were all unsuccessful. Other seniors I knew began to get offers who had less experience then I did and I got really discouraged. Graduation quickly approached and I prepared to move out of my apartment and back into my parents' house. I had built an entire life in Reading, PA that I had to give up and move back to a place that I had nothing established in. I didn't have a job, car, friends, or money saved at home.
Graduation was the best day of my life. As I looked out at all my families from SGA to my sisters in Alpha Delta Pi. I felt so loved by everyone in the crowd. It was amazing to see everyone who was instrumental in my success. As I walked across the stage that day, I smiled at my family and I knew that I had picked the perfect place for my undergraduate education. I couldn't of asked for a better experience.
Life took an unexpected turn when I had to be admitted to the hospital for a routine procedure gone wrong. To make things worse I entered the hospital on my birthday. I was so discouraged, but my spirits were raised when I got a phone call for my first job interview. Little did I know that this would be one of many interviews, all would leave me disappointed and unemployed. I finally started working for a local hospital in food service based on my past managerial experience. I was so happy to be employed, but hated being in food. After three months of being employed part time at the hospital, I prepared for
my student loans by searching for a second job. Instead of a second position, I found a job as a marketing assistant around the corner from my current job. How ironic? I'm in love with my job now and have gained so much experience. My company is small which allows me to learn many different skills and act in different positions.
I'm now seeking a second job to pay for my crazy loan bills and save money. At the end of the day, I can't complain. I am blessed. I know many people who are still working retail or haven't been able to find a position making enough money to afford their loans. Even though it's difficult, my problems are solvable with hard work and discipline. I'm telling you this because post graduate life can be discouraging at first. Applying to jobs and getting turnt down or not finding a positioning your field can be hard to handle. You may feel like giving up. You may reminisce and want to go back to your college days.
Don't look back. Press ahead.
The biggest mistake you can make is thinking that what's behind you is better than what's ahead. College was a building block to opportunities. These opportunities wouldn't have been available to you without your degree. Know that those four years weren't in vain and whatever you're doing now is a building block to bigger and better things. It's okay to be broke in your twenty's because you're establishing yourself. My biggest advice to bony graduates and further graduates is:
1) getting a job is a job. You'll only get out of it what you put in it
2) don't fret at small beginnings, they make big endings
3) Work hard. Save your money. Don't forget to have fun.
4) memories are okay. envy is not.
Remember college, don't be envious of those who are still in college
5) Grow.
Even after six months you won't be the same person and that's okay. You're officially growing up.
6) no matter what look towards the future and not at the past
-amb
I so fondly remember waking up on a Tuesday and being so excited that I wouldn't have class today because it's about to snow holy heck outside. How exciting?
Snow means I'm going to spend the day laughing with my apartment mates, watching tv, and eating chips & dip ;) (shoutout to my senior year roommates, Karly & Imani!! Love ya'll) I can take unlimited naps today. I definitely won't be doing any work and I'm just waiting for that beautiful email that says class is cancelled.
Now I wake up to the weather report letting me know that it's going to snow 6-12 inches today with low to no visibility. Guess what? I still have to go to work. And the worse time to travel will be the evening commute. Wonderful. I've discovered that most employers really don't care if the heavens open up and a massive snow cloud pours upon us for the next 15 hours. You better make it to work....on time.
At least we got snow days from elementary to now.
WELCOME TO ADULTHOOD!
-amb
p.s. What was your favorite thing to do on a snow day at college? Represent the school and activity in the comments section. If you have a google email you can comment :)
i love getting Dunkin Donuts in the morning or stopping by the local bagel shop for a egg everything bagel toasted with cream cheese.
reality is these small purchases are depleting my bank account. do you know how much a $5 a day breakfast adds up to for the month? let me break it down:
$5 a day x 5 week days = $25 a week on breakfast only
Okay that wouldn't be so bad if I was just eating breakfast out....but I the only thing I love more than breakfast is lunch lol
$9 a day for lunch x 5 week days = $45 a week
So, I've been eating up $70 a damn week?!?! That's a lot of cash!
with that money I could of purchased a pair of shoes, jeans, booked a hotel, purchased a gym membership, filled up my gas tank twice, or purchased several bottles of alcohol. basically ten minutes of greasy satisfaction has been costing me my social life so, this week I am ending my relationship with
fast food breakfast and lunch. #1 it's horrible for you health wise #2 I'll gladly take the extra $140 a month back
I urge you fellow graduates to take a look at your current expenses. What are you spending the most money on? Is the money truly money well spent?
Think about how much you could save or all the bills you could pay off early. Repurpose your money today :)
-amb
hellooooo post grad friends! i've missed writing to you so much. in the past couple months, i've transitioned from one job to the next and been elected to a community board so, needless to say, i am BUSY. however, i want to get back to writing and sharing my post grad experience. to all of you who asked me to continue writing, thank you. i truly enjoy it. now on to business....today's post is a bit of a rant about the monster that no one really talks about that lives under your bed during your college days: student loans.
WARNING: i am about to be EXTREMELY transparent in hopes that it will encourage someone else.
hi, my name is alysha and i am over $100,000 in debt.
no, it's not because i have a ridiculously addiction to shopping (although, i really do have a shopping problem, but that belongs on another blog.) this debt has been accumulated while trying to better myself through higher education. i had no idea what i was getting myself into freshman year when i signed my first loan agreement and within seconds placed myself $18,000 in debt.
i don't think any of us do. it isn't until four years later after we've experienced the happiest moment of our young adult lives, graduating college that we realize exactly six months later we'll have to pay for our happy years every month. furthermore, we don't realize HOW MUCH we'll have to pay for those years...every month. unfortunately, not one of my undergraduate classes prepared me for the horror which is my monthly loan bills.
it wouldn't be so bad if i was in a job making 45k+, sitting in the shade drinking lemonade, and had ample amounts of extra cash. but, it is quite the contrary. i am a broke graduate counting my change in the mcdonald's drive thru. my loan providers have no remorse. when i call them to lower my payments, they tell me there's no way out. i didn't know signing a loan agreement was like signing over your soul to the devil. so now, i have a job i love dearly, but the money i make will soon not be enough for me to actually live and pay my loans at the same time.
the crazy part is: i prepared for this. i calculated out how much i was going to have to pay every month after i graduated college. my estimates were way off to say the least. i honestly don't know what the answer is to this problem my fellow grads. what do you do when your skills qualify you for one salary, but your bank account asks for another? my answer is: you work and have faith. i know that some way, some how i will not go under. if it means getting another job, i'll do it. if it means changing jobs, i'll do it. applying to graduate school? i'll do it. (fyi: if you're going to graduate, they'll defer you longer as soon as you get an acceptance letter).
bottom line is: don't stop fighting ladies and gents. if you're experiencing loan issues:
#1 call your provider
if you get the right person on the phone, they may be able to help you. you have the most wiggle room with the federal government because they have several payment options. i called and had my payment split in half. (thanks jesus)
#2 know your options
whether it's consolidation or forbearance, research what you can do. i don't really suggest forbearance because it's basically another deferment where interest continues to grow on your principal. however, if you seriously can't make payments, it's an option. consolidation is great if you have horrible interest rates. consolidate with a credit unions because they give better interest rates and have incentives with membership. you don't have to currently be a member of a credit union. there are sites online such as CuGrad that will help you through the process of becoming a member and consolidating. you can also try to consolidate through your current bank. sometimes they offer incentives if you bank with them and then consolidate with them. here's some additional information on options learn your options
#3 work your little booty off.
set up a budget and save as much money as you can. in the case of a emergency or if you're strapped for cash, you can borrow from yourself. look for part time positions that are not stressful or difficult to take on for a short period of time.
remember, all situations are temporary and all problems are fixable :]
thinking of ideas for my next post...i was thinking a resume breakdown. how many of you need assistance with your resume? what topics would you like me to write on? comment below & share this post with your friends.
-AMB
For many college students all over the nation, it is the first day of class. However, for many recent college graduates, it's just another day of naps or watching movies from your couch.
Some of you may have nine to five jobs already, but the majority is still searching for employment in this new chapter. I come to say my fellow graduates:
It gets better.
I can neither confirm or deny this notion because I've only been living the post graduate life for a few months now. I am employed, but not in a position in my field or using my degree. This will be the norm for most of us. At some point, following graduation, we must stop mourning the past and move on to the future.
It's natural to feel sad and nostalgic at this time of the year. We've been programmed to move in and attend class for the past four years. Now that we've graduated it's almost like well, what do we do now? We live. We now have the power to make our new lives whatever we would like. You find new things to do, new people to hang out with, or new ways to hang out with old people. The best part of finding employment is you now have real income to do things with. You can afford to travel or plan fun activities with friends on the weekends. Yes, there are some elements that are out of our control like WHEN we will find such employment. Nonetheless, the rest of our lives is what we make it. It's just like our college years. College was what we made it whether we choose to make friends, join clubs, go to parties, or go to class. We made choices that made our experience are great as it was.
It's time to make those choices again. What are you going to do now? What are your goals for the next year? What can you now do that you weren't able to before?
Personally,every time I begin to mourn the days of old I think about the family I gained from my alma mater. Although my time attending class is over, I always have those connections to fall back on. I haven't lost anything truthfully, only gained some amazing people and experiences that have shaped me. We can only assume it gets better from here because I see graduates living highly fulfilling lives all around me.
& the best thing about it is they are still benefiting from the relationships and knowledge they built during college.
-amb
I know, personally, I didn't realize how much money it takes to live on your own. It wasn't until I realistically priced an apartment that I realized how difficult it would be for me to maintain one directly out of college. Unless you want to live with an apartment and that is all, you will have no money. Sometimes you can have just an apartment and STILL have money. Why? All the hidden expenses. You can't live in an apartment without heat, air, insurance, electricity, or savings. You really need three months of rent saved before you're prepared to move.
I say all of this to say: as you begin working after college, you need to budget.
I'm now working on a template for my monthly budget. I have monthly bills for loans, a credit card, and I'd like to purchase a cell phone separately from my parents. I need to record and track these expenses. I need to track my pay checks. It's important to know how much you make, how much is deducted for insurance, and how much you're contributing to your 401K. Some of you maybe thinking: retirement? This early? Yes. The sooner that you start, the more you have. Plus, most companies match your contribution or a portion of your contribution. Why not take advantage of that?
Outline your expenses. Allot money for EVERYTHING. Not just the big bills, but the small expenses. For example, I can think of something to buy with every paycheck I make lol. So, I'm planning on allotting a certain amount I can spend on the desires of my heart. The basis of my budget is as follows:
10% to God
10% to Savings ( for the next couple months before my loan payments kick in, this will be increased)
80% to live on
The 80% will be divided as well. I'm going to determine how much I think is acceptable to spend on entertainment( movies, dinners, nights out). I also am going to budget for gas and car related expenses when I start driving at the end of October. There's so much more, but I won't bore you. It is essential to take everything into consideration.
The reality is 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. I have no desire to work 40 hours a week and still be broke. How do we prevent this? Dumb logic would say "Well if you make enough money, you won't be broke" No. If you're a good steward over the money that is supplied to you, you won't be broke. You could be making $80,000 a year, if you don't manage it well you'll be left with zero. Make a plan and work your plan. ( When I find a budget template I like, I'll post it!)
Be money smart :)
-amb
Whenever I see great articles, I love to share them.
Here's an article from Campus Philly about How to Master a phone interview:
Campus Philly is an awesome resource for many things from upcoming job fairs to fun events in the city of Philadelphia.
I often see updates about free concerts and seminars on their site. I really like that they do a list of the top five
internships in the area. 
If you're in the Greater Philadelphia Area,check
out Campus Philly!
Another great article was on LinkedIn about how to discuss compensation during job interviews, I know a lot of people struggle when it comes to brining up money but, this article gives a lot of wonderful and real tips. The author holds nothing back lol
Click the link to read ---->>> http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130731192028-52594-how-to-bring-up-salary-on-a-job-interview?trk=tod-home-art-medium_0&_mSplash=1
Most of us use LinkedIn for a professional online profile, but it's an excellent resource for informative articles.
I always check the news section when ever I log on.
Executives from large companies often contribute to the site and write features so, you can get advice from someone
with experience.
-amb
I have a confession to make: this job is not the position of my dreams.
I'm going to be the new food supervisor for a big hospital in my area supervising two staffs at two different locations, a total of 100 employees. It's a job in the food service industry... A place I never thought I'd find myself again. Here's a little background: almost from the beginning of my work experience I've worked in food service. I was a hostess for a fancy restaurant during high school, a food service worker a my college, and worked at a hotel catering weddings during the summer. I served room service and breakfast to guests at the hotel as well. And to place the icing on the cake, for the last two academic years I was a shift supervisor at my college's main dining facility.
Working in food isn't terrible. It's just a lot of long hours and a very broad job title...your title may say one thing, but you could be doing anything and everything. I wasn't looking for that unpredictability in my new big girl life. I was seeking something more scheduled, predictable to say the least. Something in an office, in a cubicle with air conditioning lol. Life is anything but predictable so, here I am.
I want to say to all of you that during this job search, you have to start thinking like an adult. By that I mean: making decisions that you can build on that may not necessarily be comfortable. This job was an excellent big girl job choice because although its not in marketing:
1. It has excellent benefits.
Coming from class to corporate, college graduates know very little about the importance of benefits. Realize that now, as an adult, you will need medical insurance, a 401k or another type of retirement plan, and other essentials. Your job has to provide these for you or you'll be paying a pretty penny out of pocket. Benefits can add thousands of dollars in value to your salary. Working at a hospital, I can get medical insurance and many other perks for little money. For example, not only is my medical insurance great I get discounts on my cell phone plan and movie tickets. Ask yourself: how much money am I saving or gaining on my salary from benefits? ( You can find this information on sites like salary.com or Monster's salary center)
2. It provides me with an admirable job skill and experience.
I'll be managing on a higher scale giving me management or supervisory experience. Even if I do not continue in food service after this, management experience is a great thing to have going into other fields. It shows responsibility, leadership, time management, interpersonal skills, and so much more. I'll get experience with scheduling, budgeting, and everything that goes into running a high volume facility. The position may seem limiting, but in actuality it opens me up to higher positions in other fields. Ask yourself: what skills am I obtaining in this position that other jobs look for?
3. It can be built upon.
Your first job is a building block. It's an opportunity to gain experience and build to the next step. You don't want to work somewhere or in something where there's no room for advancement. This management experience can be built upon. I can work in this position for a year or more than rise to a higher position or take this experience to another field. Eventually, I could manage an entire location, a whole region, or be a director. Ask yourself: what does this position build to? What can I use this experience to achieve?
Overall, this job is a great choice for the present. I'm not saying you should give up on your dreams or seek positions that are not your interest, however you should see the big picture of every job opportunity. Often, we see experienced professionals working in a different industry then their major and sometimes a different industry then their experience. Why is that? They got experience after leaving college, discovered their true interest, and built on that. I have a family member whose background Is in the biomedical industry, but a strategic management company was interested in them. Don't feel restricted to one industry or one goal. Diverse candidates are treasured like specialized candidates.
I wanted to share this confession with you because I know that many of you will have the same emotions that I currently have if you take a position that wasn't what you imagined. It's not the end of the world, but the beginning of a new one :) the job title doesn't define you, you define who you are and who you are to be.
-amb
There are countless sites online where you can search for jobs, but which ones are effective? Maybe you don't know where to start or what keywords to use. Maybe you aren't using as many job sites as you should. In today's post, I'm going to review several job sites that are easy to use and have produced results for me.
read me first....
I suggest that you use every resource available to you in your job search. Majority of these sites are free and allow you to list your resume for potential employers to review. In fact, you can then later use your profile and uploaded resume to quickly submit job applications when you find a position of interest. In today's digital world, your online presence is almost as important as your physical presence. When receiving your application, its not unusual for your potential employer to search Google for personal information, check your Facebook, or review your LinkedIn profile. Consequently, maintaining an up-to-date and positive online presence is extremely important. Review your online profiles often and be sure to post an updates or inquiries you have. Furthermore, use the internet to your advantage. Google search companies you're interested in! Add a recruiter or headhunter on LinkedIn and express your interest!
Jobs, Jobs, and More Jobs: Sites that produce results
1. Indeed
Rating: A-
Pros:
Combines a variety of job posting sites into one simple view
Opens job postings in a separate window so you don't lose your results
Provides a review of the company right under the job posting
Sponsored jobs are revelvant to your search and usual a good fit (in my experience)
Allows you to save your resume and in some cases offers quick apply option
Cons:
Sometimes lists inaccurate locations for companies
Filters could be improved
Sometimes lists jobs from paid membership sites that can not be viewed in full
Overall - I really like Indeed. It was one of the first job sites I used in my job search and allowed me to find many available positions I'd be interested in. I like the simplicity of the format. The site is easy to use and allows you to save positions, keep a record of jobs you selected, and gives you the option of whether to get emails on listings or not. I do not like the filters for this site. It can be really difficult to get a large search down to more specific results with these filters. Watch out for sites like Doostang in results if you're not a member of Doostang. The posting may interest you, but you will be unable to view it without a membership.
2. Monster
Rating: B+
Pros:
Like a Facebook profile for the professional world
Widely used by employers
Easy to apply with quick application option
Variety of job listings
Email Notifications
Cons:
Email Notifications (lol)
Inaccurate locations for companies
Incomplete job listings
Very limited filters
Overall- Monster is "an oldy, but a goody". Its been around for quite some time and has built an excellent reputation. Consequently, many employers use and trust this site to post their openings on. I do find a good amount of poor postings on this site though. This isn't necessarily Monster's fault, but the poor employers who decide to list jobs on the site. I love the online profile portion and I do find that potential employers review my monster profile. The biggest con for me is the email notifications. They can be really annoying! Especially since sometimes its not anything new, but just old search results. Sometimes I receive 3-5 emails a day from monster with just search results. In addition to these emails, I receive 'personalized' emails with jobs that a Monster recruiter feels I would be perfect for. These jobs are usually positions I already applied for. I do find that Monster postings often pop up on other sites such as Indeed in search results.
3. JobFox
Rating: C-
Pros:
A lot of entry level positions
Apply to jobs in one click
Specializes in job alerts via email
Cons:
Must create an account to receive email job alerts
Excessive emails
A lot of sponsored jobs from Vector and another scam-like companies
I personally haven't had a lot of luck with postings here
Overall- JobFox kind of comes off as a site where sales companies can pay to have their job listings posted multiple times. 75% or more of almost every email I receive from job fox consists of sales, commission jobs despite what my search asked for. Not my favorite site.
4. Bright
Rating: C (updated 7/14)
Pros:
Collective search job site (brings all different job sites and postings into one)
A lot of listings
Great and reputable companies listed
Extremely easy to use
Cons: (Updated 7/14)
Filters aren't specific enough, maybe 6,000+ results in one search
Lots of repeats
Opens jobs in same tab as search results
Can't see full job posting sometimes on mobile devices such as iPhone/iPad
Overall- So far, so good with Bright. I love the layout. Its refreshing because it lists the site on which the jobs were found then the job listings. The listings tend to be spot on to my keywords and they literally search EVERYWHERE. I get Yahoo! results right along with Monster results and company's websites. I definitely will be using Bright in the future. It's a great site along I wish it was more specific with its filters at times. UPDATE (7/14) - used bright more and decided I'm not a fan. If your search is broad, it maybe helpful. It's similar to a search engine in the sense that it pulls all results: relevant or irrelevant, repeat or new.
5. LinkedIn
Rating: C+ (Based on its job search only)
Pros:
Everyone has one, every company has one
Large exposure
Great social networking element
Direct contact with recruiters and potential employers
Networking
Cons:
Not a lot of job selection for entry level job seekers
Not a fan of the search set up
Overall- I like LinkedIn, but I don't find that it has a lot for those new to the professional world. It's a great tool for networking and connecting with others on a professional levels however, its job search capabilities are limited. I will say that your LinkedIn profile is still extremely important. You may not find a job with LinkedIn, but you will have your profile reviewed by an employer you may have found someone else. As a result, it is still a crucial step in your job search. Keep your profile up-to-date, you never know who is watching!
6. SimplyHired
Rating: A
Pros:
All the pros of Indeed :]
Excellent filters
Fabulous Results
Cons:
I have none so far!
Overall - SimplyHired is a God send! This is where most of my applications come from. I find that the variety of jobs is excellent. I love the filters which allow me to get straight to jobs that fit my needs. They have unique filters like "New Graduate", "GLBT Friendly", and "Socially Responsible". How cool is that? Sorry, I get excited. I love the set up and options. You can decide whether you want emails or not for the day with one click. You can connect with your LinkedIn profile with one click. You can even get salaries with ease. Awesome site!
That's all for now :] I've heard things about FlipDog so I will be trying that. If you're looking for hourly wage jobs, check out SnagAJob. It was very helpful to me my pre-graduate job search. In closing, remember to pay attention to everything on the job sites.
Quick Tips -->>>
- Read the requirements over for every posting that you're interested in.
- Cross reference the company's location with Google maps. I find that they're often listed improperly.
- Make sure the resume you uploaded is the resume you want to use for that particular application
- Customize cover letters for every posting
- Pay attention to how you should apply: via email, via the company's website, or via the site the job is posted on
- Make a profile on every site! [Yes, every site] Record all the passwords and usernames in one locations
- Use your professional email
Happy Job Searching to all my readers! I know you'll be successful with confidence, proper preparation, and faith :]
-amb
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 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
Please comment and share your thoughts :]
-amb
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
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.
Happy interviewing :)
-amb
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 ;)
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
- 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
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
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
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!
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
