In November 2011, I received a call that I had an interview for a Program Assistant position. Wait, ME, I thought. I had been unemployed for TWO years, living back home with my parents, finally left my toxic marriage and was know where near prepared for an interview in two days. Not to mention the stress of the beginning stages of a divorce and of my past, I was EXTRA skinnnnnnnn-tttttyyyyyy (skinny) and could not fit a thing in my closet and know one else closet so I thought.
Everything I tried on, you guessed it, fell off of my thin skeleton of my body. My self esteem was super low so whatever I wore, I didn't feel my best. Until one day I reached out and asked for HELP! One of my dearest friends from high school, allowed me to come over her house and try on some of her clothes and even gave me the favorites I picked out (what a blessing and I'll never forget that). She didn't want anything in return, we were about the same size, I'm teasing, she was a size thicker than me LOL, and didn't hesitate to give up what she had available in her closet.
Moving forward, I stepped in that interview, shared a bit of my testimony of a soon to be divorcee and needed a job to regain my independence (I relied on my ex-husbands income). I GOT THE JOB!!!!! I have been at that agency ever since and even moved around in a different position of a Violence Prevention Specialist once it became available and for once, I felt, I QUALIFIED FOR THE POSITION.
When you are returning to the working field, I suggest you bring the best YOU possible. Some companies hire based off of need, qualifications or you know someone that knows someone that knows someone....you get it.
I know a woman who I call my big sister, said to me before that interview back in 2011, "the universe can tell you no so many times before it HAS to tell you YES! Claim it! Receive it!" I tell you, with that message and my final prayer before walking in that office to be interviewed, I finally felt a peace that passed all of my understanding.
My former boss, later told me it had narrowed down between me and another candidate and it was my confidence, energy, qualifications, my attire and my NEW testimony of deliverance from domestic violence that employed me and not the other candidate. With that being said, be the best YOU on the interview by doing the following:
- Get plenty of rest the night before so those bags under your eyes won't exist.
- Map out your route for the interview (check traffic updates on the radio or with all of these fancy apps out).
- DRESS APPROPRIATELY!!!! Do NOT show up to an interview in jeans, club attire, play clothes, etc. I don't care if it's for a job at McDonald's. If you don't have the appropriate attire or aren't sure of what to wear, do as I did and borrow something (dry clean and return if possible) or find the nearest thrift store (don't sleep on thrift stores) or shelters or local agencies that assists with donating clothes. Be presentable at all times and tame that mane (hair) too.
- Bring pens (minimum of 2), professional looking notepad, binder, folder, portfolio or something to put MULTIPLE copies of your CURRENT resume in.
- Ask questions for clarity on things you don't understand.
- SAY YOUR PRAYERS, MEDITATE, etc before it's showtime.
- Eat a healthy breakfast or snack before the interview (no one wants to hear your stomach growling).
- SPIT OUT THAT GUM!
- TURN OFF THAT CELL PHONE, iPod, iPad or anything that beeps, buzzes, alarms and just makes noise always at the wrong time.
- SHARPEN up your resumes often.
Hope these tips help and if you need tips to finding a new job when you already have one, here's a link to check out: http://madamenoire.com/65129/tips-to-finding-a-new-job-when-you-already-have-one/
Keep me posted and/or share other tips you found as you went on interviews.
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