Howdy Everyone!

Hope you've got the turkeys and the cranberry sauce ready. I've been back in the office for about a week and a half now, I was at training for administrative professionals three days. I was so happy to have been selected to attend this training, plus it was nice being in the city (D.C.) for a few days. The instructor was cool and even encouraged us to keep in touch with her (which I just might do). The room was about normal classroom size with administrative professionals from all over the world (literally), one person cam all the way from Beirut! As with most conferences or workshops we spent time getting to know everyone. Through the modules in the training several people shared their experiences at work from issues of bosses not liking them or entering total isolation because of lack of respect. For a minute it seemed like a counseling session as people spent their whole lunch period telling the "counselor" (I mean instructor) their issues at work. It almost became depressing, learning that people (women) faced so many issues in their daily work lives. Sheesh, I thought I had it bad. One lady said her male boss thought she was better than everyone because she dressed professionally each day at work. One lady had a wall built around her desk with glass, to keep people from interrupting her workday. To make matters worse, I sit beside a loud-mouth older lady who was extremely outspoken and made herself look crazy. There's always one in every bunch, I learned that I was happy to have sat beside her because I learned about that type of boisterous, controlling and "challenger" type person (new word from class). I also learned a lot about myself too- that I do like some control, yet I do believe in including everyone. I so know what it is like being left out, I also like attention and collaborating. So, what have you learned about yourself recently?

Have you ever received a letter from Who's Who? There are several variations of Who's Who and they will have difference names attached to them. BEWARE: They are all the same and just a scam to get your money. In May, I got a letter from Cambridge Who's Who. I kind of felt like I knew what this was about, but opened the letter to see what it was about. It was some tastefully designed letter about how I had been chosen to be in the Who's Who Directory for professional women. I was so excited about this opportunity; I could put this on my resume, not to mention tell friends and family. They had gotten my number some how and had left several messages almost everyday. I always forgot to record the number to call them back, so finally I call and speak with some lady. So, we're on the phone and she is conducting my interview. The interview was pretty easy and before you knew it I was in! The excitement of this membership had me grinning from ear to ear, proud of myself and the professionalism I obtained from four years of college and great mentors. To burst my bubble, the lady conducting my interview "presents" two membership options: gold or platinum. The gold package was $500 I believe and the platinum membership was $1,000. Mind you it did include a prestious membership with gold certificates and networking up the butt, but...no. Stuck in my tracks, I pretended to get out my credit card, put her on "hold" and hung up. Thinking why did I do this, she calls back again and again to complete her transaction. I'm completely non-confrontational and will avoid the heck out of something. She calls the office again until she stops. I figure I can't allow this to continue, so I call when I get home and ask her to not call my home or office because I'm not interested in the service. Word of caution: Do not accept any letters or phone calls from Who's Who- it's just a scam. Google them and see for yourself.

From yesterday to today I was thinking how easy the week should be since Thanksgiving is near. I just knew today would be a breeze, not that it wasn't but still. I get a voicemail asking me to cover the front desk answering phone calls and directing them to the appropriate staff person. I was not thrilled, number 1 I had not done this since the earlier part of the year and number 2 I just didn't want to do it. I felt like it was not my job, but as usual I grinned and bared it. I was able to reach the Office Manager who helped me get into the system. After that if was smooth sailing. Don't you ever just feeling saying "no" (on the job)? It seems as though I am the only person available to help with ANYTHING. They say this is making yourself indespinsable and build character. Well, to me it is tiring and makes me feel like I'm always being picked to do the laborious tasks. I also work with a lady who makes most projects taxing and like a chore. What's odd is she does the type of work that I enjoy, but I guess it's her presentation that makes everything such a bumpy ride. I have come to the point I have tried to dodge her in the building or pretend I am working on some other important task.

This has been on my mind for quite sometime now- feels good to have this off my mind and chest.

Oh- did I mention she brings work to be done like the last hour of the workday?

Please pray for me: )

Good Morning!
I am glad it's Tuesday and I am so looking forward to the three day weekend that is coming up. Another Labor Day and I don't have any plans ( does sleeping in count?) I was trying to take a long awaited trip to North Carolina to see my mommy. I miss her so much. Buuut, since I over did it on my budget I may not be able to do such.

Anywho, I can't stop looking at my finger nails- I went to a local beauty supply shop and purchased my first bottle of OPI nail polish in a feminine and polite color that is Coney Island Cotton Candy. I'm excited about mentioning it because it is the perfect color for the workplace, interviews or for the conservative woman who opts out for the brighter more noticable colors. I recommend this sweet color for anyone. A co-worker mentioned that she liked how it looks as if I'm not even wearing any nail polish- it's matches my nails just that much.
To score this great color at a great price, visit one of your local beauty supply shops. Take a look to see what I mean! This fabulous color is what I'm rocking on my toes right now.

You're villa or Mine?
by
OPI

Happy Friday Everyone!

For those of you that are going on that first or several job interviews- be prepared with the perfect interview suit and wow your prospective employer before you say a word! Below you will find tips of exactly what women should wear on their job interview. Happy Hunting!

Tips for Dressing for the perfect interview
Dress for the level of position one level above the position for which you are interviewing. This shows the employer that you will represent them well in higher level positions.

Match your shoes to the belt color and make sure that each is well polished and not worn. Shoes should be closed toed and have small to medium heels. No platforms, sneakers, or strappy sandals.
Women’s hosiery should be skin colored and men’s socks should be dark and high fitting. No hairy legs protruding between the pants and socks!

Shirts should be white, off-white or blue with a conservative neckline. In certain industries, shirts should be starched and professionally laundered. Women should not wear shirts with ruffles.

Hair and nails should be clean and well groomed with no bright colors like green, orange, etc. Hair should be understated as you want the recruiter to focus on what you are saying, not how you look.

Use a breath mint before the interview and use a minimal amount of cologne.

What is Business Casual?
Business casual has become a major recruiting tool for many employers. However, the definition of business casual can vary from industry to industry. In the conservative financial services industry, business casual might be the absence of a necktie for men and the use of pants by women. In the more trendy high tech industry, business casual may include sneakers and jeans. When in doubt about the attire for a business casual meeting, the best rule of thumb is to avoid denim and instead use khaki pants and casual, collared shirts. Business casual is often the appropriate dress for employer information sessions the evening before on-campus interviews.

It's all about Attitude
Recruiters are seeking candidates with the right qualifications to perform the technical aspects of the job, but they are also seeking candidates who have a personality profile that matches their corporate culture. Most recruiters are seeking candidates with a positive orientation toward work and a desire to work well with others. Recruiters want candidates who are eager to accept a position them. A candidates smile, posture, questions, knowledge of the company, and eye contact can leave non-verbal cues for the recruiter which affirms interest in the company. Other attitudes that recruiters seek are enthusiasm and motivation. Find ways to show these attitudes during your interview through your smiles, questions, and statements.

Business Etiquette--Mind your manners!
Having polished social skills is an asset during the hiring process. Employers believe that candidates who demonstrate good business etiquette will represent the employer appropriately to clients, associates, and the community.Some common business etiquette includes:
Arrive for your interview 15 minutes before it begins.
Be respectful and friendly to the receptionist or secretary.
Smile and offer a handshake when you first meet your interviewers.
Be prepared for small talk following your greeting from the interviewer.
Address your interviewers as Mr. or Mrs. unless they ask you to address them by their first name.
In the interview room, don’t sit until invited to do so.
Do not listen to phone calls that may interrupt your interview. Occupy yourself with your notes or resume.
Stand up and greet each person who enters the interview room.
Always accept a beverage if it is offered.
Don’t smoke or chew gum.
Remove your sunglasses as soon as you enter the employer’s building.
Know the name of your interviewer and the phone number to ease clearance through security.
Have good posture and sit straight in the chair.
Don’t make derogatory or negative comments about anything.
Watch what you say and how long you take to say it - This ranges from how you address others to avoiding slang expressions such as, "you know" or "like"; an intelligent response to an interview question should be between 2 and 6 sentences, not 6 paragraphs or 6 words.
Don’t bring anyone to the interview with you. If someone accompanied you to the city, they should remain outside of the employer’s building unless the employer specifically requests you to bring a guest.
Don’t carry your coat into the interviewers office unless directed to do so. Leave it with the receptionist.
Remember--smiling is never out of style!
REMEMBER, how you look only establishes the first impression as a credible candidate. Once you have set an impression of credibility, you must answer the interview questions in a manner that shows that you have the skills, knowledge, and ability to perform the job that you are seeking.
Assessment Questions Asked by Employers Questions You Can Ask During an Interview Education Interview Tips Interview Responses
Need Help? Attend an Interview WorkshopMake an appointment with a Career Counselor for a Mock Interview



www.jobsrv.eiu.edu

Today has been a great day! I received my first on-spot bonus at my job today. At this moment I am still in shock- I never thought I would or could be deserving of this monetary award. I have convinced my boss that my work these past 6 months has greatly improved. Looking back over somethings I agree, what I attribute it to? God. I can honestly say, we have formed a close-knit bond and I wouldn't have it any other way...

God you are so amazing.

Good Afternoon All,

I decided that I would share a few tips I found on MSNBC on how to have your boss like and respect you. I have this exact advice taped to my bedroom wall. Good luck on that new job!


20 Ways to Impress the Boss

Be a Better EmployeeKate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com EditorWhether you're vying for a promotion or just want to make a good impression, here are 20 ways to show you're dream team material:

1. Know the mission. Align yourself with your boss' and company's goals and values. Make your boss' priorities your priorities.

2. Understand how you'll be evaluated. Know precisely which skills, behaviors and accomplishments you will be judged on and rewarded. Focus on them like a laser.

3. Be dependable. Do what you say you're going to do. Better yet, under-promise and over-deliver.

4. Project positive energy. Don't be the one to whine or criticize the boss or company direction. Be a motivator: the person everyone wants to be around.

5. Make your boss look good. Finish your work on time and with a high level of professionalism. Bring your boss ideas that will help him and the department and offer to take charge and implement them.

6. Own up. Take responsibility for your mistakes by focusing on what you've learned rather than what you've done wrong. For example, "I think this project could have been better if we'd gotten the group's buy-in early on," or "Next time I would talk more with the end-users up-front..."

7. Be organized. Plan your next day before you leave work. Rank your tasks by urgency and importance and make a point of doing at least the top two items on your list.

8. Be punctual. Arriving for work or meetings on time (even early) shows you're enthusiastic, dependable and able to manage your life effectively.

9. Be resourceful. Don't run to the boss with every question you have or setback you encounter. Think things through first. If you must report a problem to the boss, develop possible solutions to present.

10. Broaden your horizons. Take advantage of company-sponsored training courses and volunteer for projects in areas outside your everyday expertise.

11. Stay informed. Keep abreast of industry and company trends by reading trade journals and attending professional association events.

12. Be trendy. Stay current with technological, legal and knowledge advances in your area. Upgrade your skills and learn new ones.

13. Be courteous. Show respect and loyalty to your boss and speak well of her to others. (At the very least don't bad mouth her to anyone.)

14. Be flexible. Change is inevitable. Companies need people who can adapt and go with the flow.

15. Take care of your health. When you're run-down, productivity and ambition suffer -- as does your image.

16. Leave your personal life at the door. Using your co-workers as therapists not only hurts productivity; it damages your credibility and can contaminate your work relationships (even if people seem sympathetic).

17. Go beyond the call of duty. Take on added challenges, put in extra hours, and never use the phrase, "That's not in my job description."

18. Be a team player. Show your boss and co-workers you have their best interests at heart by being empathetic and offering to help out when they need it.

19. Take a break now and then. A clear head and balanced life can give you energy and perspective.

20. Look and act promotable. Don't let anyone think you work because you have to.

Okay, I'm trying not to make blogging at work a habit. I just came from having my 6 month evaluation with my boss, so I had to write to ya. It looks as though I'm doing extremely well, I've grasped most projects that have come my way as well as support two other people effectively, gracefully and graciously. Although there is room for improvement I guess you can say I passed my first 6 months! It looks like there may be an opportunity to go back to school and advance on my communications degree which so what I want to do- particularly in the area of PR/Marketing. My division has been working on its marketing plan I may be the front runner for this ever-important project. I have been praying on this opportunity for so long- this goes to show that God really does hear our prayers and each time I'm convinced and my faith grows more and more. My dream has been to work on the communications side of a corporate company providing counsel and eventually overseeing publications and other matters concerning the company. I'm excited that more projects are coming through for me and that I will have a future with Exceed. God you are so good to me! I'm so elated right now. Who knew that I would be on a job which is not even related to my major, yet I am allowed to utilize my degree across the board, while obtaining some other skills along the way. Again I say- thank you God! Who knew... well except Him?

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.

Jeremiah 1:5

I feel the need to back track for you just to show you how good God has been to me. Before I found my current job- I decided to try freelancing. I was very excited about the idea of such, my article was of interest- fashion. I interviewed a lady with her own consignment shop, if you've never been to one I suggest taking a stroll. You are sure to find quality peices that can go a long way. Like after my interview was done, I bought a pink wool blazer by Ann Klein that was only $13. You and I both know you can't walk away with anything Ann Klein for $13 (can't wait for fall!) Okay, so my article was published in April. I immediately expected my paycheck to come in anytime soon. I found myself logging onto my bank account hoping and wishing the payment was there. Finally I contacted the editor because he was the one telling me when to expect payment. He felt the frustration in my email so he increased my payment by $50. So, we do this dance for about two weeks and I get hip and contact the Finance office. I'm thinking I should have called her all along, she was able to give me the information I needed and days later the payment hit my account! I was so happy- thank God!

Since then I was supposed to do a story on a physician, but his publicist kept trying to 'spin' the story so we decided to not do that particular story. I've asked my editor to keep me in mind for future stories and he has mentioned he would. I write him every two weeks to keep me fresh in his memory. He hasn't contacted me yet, but I don't feel down or depressed, not after all I had to go through just to get paid for my article. Who knows... but I'll keep you posted.

Where do I begin? I've been on my job as a program assistant for 7 months now! This has been a great experience for me- my first year out of college. I've learned so much from co-workers and my boss. By being allowed to exercise my creativity, I have been rejuvenated and it makes me feel good coming to work knowing everyone values my opinion and sometimes will take me up on it. I don't know how many people can say this- don't get me wrong I have been doing "grunt work", but is making me stronger and is helping me become more organized. I am still in shock and excited that I am utilizing my communications degree, not in your typical journalism or broadcasting enviornment though. Through the course of seven months I have edited a marketing brochure, drafted letters of recommendation, scheduled and planned meetings, travel and lodging accomodations. This is what I enjoy! The fact my job allows me to do this just brings smiles to my face.

My social life has been improved- I'm always looking for ways to get out of the house. Some of the help has come from my boyfriend, we are always out and about. Just last weekend, we sailed the Hudson River along with his friends and a close relative. I have contributed to my rising socialite status as well, searching community events on local radio stations and even using google to rely on my weekend dealings. My sister will visit this Friday and I am looking forward to having her here. My other sister and I will have plenty of fun things planned for her and her son.

In addition to my 9-4 or 8-4, I'm researching other possible streams of income... don't really know if I should share that though, unless we will be networking!

It has been over 2 months since I last made a posting. Fortunately, I have landed a job in Lanham, MD as a program assistant for a project management company. You will not believe how happy I am, just how blessed I am to have received a job in time for the new year. God truly looks out- they saying is true trouble looks down, worry looks around and faith looks up. My duties and responsibilities vary; I support 3 people on a daily basis. I am responsible for composing and maintaining company tracking documents, scheduling, and making presentations. Just recently I was charged with a yearly project with Job Corps to host a Groundhog Job Shadow day. I am a coordinator along with another co-worker and I am excited about this because I enjoy events planning. I am looking forward to the job shadow day.

Each time I think about it I thank God for where I am in my life- my job, a new home, food, warm clothes, sound mind. I can say I now look at the glass half full instead of half empty. Things could be a lot worse. To make a long story short- I never thought I would be where I am today. When I first began job searching deep inside I had a sense I would be working but didn't where or what I would be doing. Until one day I decided I would stop feeling sorry for myself and dedicate my time to finding a job and it paid off! My journey took 3 months! Thank You Jesus!

1/26/07