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
Showing posts with label advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label advice. Show all posts
cheers.
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
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
"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
- 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
