Situation - Provide details and context for the situation or circumstance you'll be describing
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Task - What was the challenge or task that you had to work through?
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Action - What steps (or actions) did you take to address the issue or complete the task?
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Results - What was the result of your action? Did you save the employer money? Or make a customer happy? How was the challenge resolved?
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Remember employers are looking for results. So don't sell yourself short by forgetting to include them in your answer. 
#CareerTipTuesday #InterviewTips #STARMethod

1. Be Authentic
Be yourself. Share with family, friends and other connections what you're looking for and why. Don't pretend to be someone you are not to get a job. Chances are if you need to do so, it's not the right fit for you.
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2. Be Intentional
Think about what you're seeking and where you want to be - then reach out to folks you know who may be in (or connected with) those areas. Think former coworkers, friends, peers as well as THEIR connections.
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3. Be Considerate
Remember that those with whom you're networking are people too. Take time to reconnect before jumping into an ask, but also be thoughtful about timing for busy professionals.
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4. Ask for Advice
Ask for Advice - NOT a Job!  Most folks will not be able to hire you directly. Asking for advice opens a door for folks to make introductions, provide guidance and connect you with opportunities. If they have the ability to hire you, they just might...but if they don't, they can still help you. Plus they won't be put on the spot or feel exploited.
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5. Utilize Tools
Professional networking platforms like LinkedIn can help you reconnect more directly with folks you already know & with those in industries of interest. Additionally, being present on these platforms can expose directly to hiring managers, recruiters, as well as training opportunities & hiring events. 
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6. Reciprocate
Generally, folks like to be helpful, but they also like to be helped. If you can assist others, do so. You'll be far more likely to maintain strong professional relationships if you're invested in their success as well.
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Remember, networking is simply getting to know people, discussing goals and interests and supporting one another. Doing so may just open a door to your next career step. 
#CareerTipTuesday #Networking #NetworkingTips

1. Practice
Practice makes progress! Practice answers to common interview questions. Use a mirror, practice with a friend or even record yourself to build confidence & check your body language. 
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2. Research
Take time to learn about the employer in addition to the specifics about the position. Your efforts will display a true interest in the position & work with the company. Many interviewers start by asking what candidates know about the position or company. Don't miss the opportunity to put your best foot forward!
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3. Map Out Your Route
Doing a dry run the day before can help to ensure you don't get lost or arrive late. Try to do so around the same time of day as the interview to account for traffic or public transportation schedules.
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4. No Surprises! 
Confirm your transportation, childcare & anything else that could interfere with your ability to arrive as your best self at the interview! Have backup plans in place should something fall through.
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5. Prepare Your Attire
Select your most confidence-inspiring professional outfit! Make sure it is clean, wrinkle-free & ready to be worn. If you need assistance with suiting, you know who to call!
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6. Sleep
Get a good night's sleep to make sure you are rested & ready to deliver your best! Getting enough rest also helps to ensure you don't sleep through your alarm & miss the interview! 
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Remember, the more you can do ahead of time to prepare, the less you'll have to worry about the day of the interview! Set yourself up for success! 

#CareerTipTuesday #InterviewPrep #InterviewTips

1. Reflect:
Take time to think about your career goals, the positions you've enjoyed the most, the leaders who have supported you and the types of environments where you've thrived. Identify how much you'd like to earn and how much you NEED to earn.
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2. Research: 
Research local labor market information to determine a reasonable salary range given your education and experience. If you're looking for a career change, interest assessments and other tools can help you identify best fits.
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Additionally, before applying for specific openings, research the potential employer (including employee reviews) as you may be able to gauge certain criteria before even applying. 
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3. Prioritize: 
Once you have your "wish list" of what makes up your ideal position and environment, prioritize! Which items are negotiable and which are absolute deal-breakers?
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You know your situation best. Only YOU can determine which are non-negotiable!
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4. Ask:
Prepare your list of questions before each interview based on what is most important to YOU. What do YOU need to know in order to make an informed decision for yourself?
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Timing is extremely important in this area as some questions should be reserved for later on in the process. However, if you've received an offer and certain things don't feel right, ask! Do so BEFORE you accept. Don't forget, you don't have to accept every offer you receive!
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5. Observe:
Utilize each interaction as an opportunity to observe the environment, the team culture and the overall professionalism of staff and leaders. Identify red flags or confirm positives! 
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6. Decide:
No matter how intentional you are, it is impossible to know everything there is to know about a position, team, leader, organization or environment. Once an offer is made and all questions have been asked, you have to determine if what you do know meets your requirements.
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While it is important to be reasonable with your requirements, it's equally as important to be honest with yourself about what you can and cannot compromise...otherwise, you'll be back to job-seeking before you know it!

#CareerTipTuesday #BestFit #Priorities #ClothingConfidenceCareer

1. "Arrive" Early
Just like an in-person interview, employers expect you to arrive on time. Do what you need to beforehand to allow yourself to log in 5-10 minutes early. You don't want to keep folks waiting even in a virtual setting. 
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2. Test Your Tech
There are a variety of platforms that employers use for team-based virtual communication. Make sure to give yourself enough time to test your connection, audio and video to avoid unnecessary delays! It is likely that the position will require use of this platform. So practice beforehand if you have a hard time with new technology. Also, make sure you have proper lighting and a background that is clean and free of distractions...including excessive noise and interruptions from family and pets. 
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3. Use Non-Verbals
A lot of communication takes place non-verbally, including body language, facial expressions and eye contact. Set up your camera so that interviewers can see you clearly. Maintain open and confident posture as you would in person. It can be hard to remember to look into the camera instead of at the folks on your screen. Be sure to make "eye contact" by looking into the camera while answering questions.
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4. Dress for Success
Just because you are not in the office, doesn't mean you get a pass on interview attire. Employers expect you to dress the part even if you interview at home. We recommend wearing your full outfit (including pants) to get in a professional mindset.
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5. Prepare
Prepare the same way as you would for in-person interviews, Practice your answers to common questions, research the employer and prepare your own questions. This is still an interview after all. 
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A Good Rule of Thumb: Anything that you would do in an in-person interview should be done in a virtual interview, including greetings, sending Thank You notes, follow up, etc. This is your time to shine! Don't let your location change that! 

#CareerTipTuesday #InterviewTips #Careers #VirtualInterviews

1. Brief & Honest: 
Explain briefly what happened. Be direct and factual without providing unnecessary personal details.  While it may have been a painful or emotional transition, don't place blame or be negative.

For Example:
"I resigned from my role 6 months ago to care for an aging family member. We have since hired a full-time caregiver and I am fully available to prioritize my career & get back into _________ work, which is why I am so excited about this opportunity. "
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2. Ready:
Emphasize your readiness for this next career step or explain what has changed about your situation that allows you to commit to and prioritize your career at this time. For better or worse, employers want to be sure that you're able to commit to the job, be consistent in performance and not need "excessive" time off.

For Example:
"I was laid off in March when my company downsized and eliminated my position. Since then, I have been focusing on building _________ skills through ________ training in order to transition into a career in _______. Now that my course is complete, I am eager to find a ______ role, where I can apply my new skills and knowledge, which is why I am so interested in this role with your company."
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3. Eager:
Always end your answer by expressing your interest in the position for which you are interviewing.  Be sure to do this throughout the interview to help the interviewer understand how this position fits into your career goals.

For Example:
"I was laid off a few months ago and immediately began my job search. I've had many interviews over that time, but haven't found the right fit. I'm looking for an organization that delivers person-centered services with a trauma-informed framework. This company has a reputation of being extremely client-focused, which is why I am so interested in being a part of this team within this specific role."
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Rule of Thumb: Frame your answer in a way that indicates that you are an in-demand candidate, even if you've been job seeking for several months. Emphasize that you're looking for the right fit...which is likely true! It is your career, you have the right to be selective! 

#CareerTipTuesday #ExplaininGaps #InterviewTips 

​But this day - a day that had been postponed and reimaged more than once due to the realities of starting something new in the midst of a global pandemic -  was 2 years in the making! After intentional community assessment, congregational survey and months of planning, preparation, learning and relationship-building, this ministry has moved from a vision to a reality. 

We could not have made it to this point without all of the love and support from our friends, ministry leaders, volunteers, Community Partners, Referral Partners and supporters and most importantly the love, call and provision of God. This celebration marks a beginning. While we had a soft launch this Spring and began delivering services at that time, this celebration was more than ceremonial. It served as an opportunity to publicly dedicate this work to God, to celebrate with our friends and community this exciting thing to which God has called us and to bear witness in the midst of our community that God is at work. 
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Following prayers, scripture and a reflection from Pastor Steven Curry Gallego, the gather marched out from the confines of the sanctuary to the ministry site, our Suiting Space, while singing the hymn "God's Work Our Hands" - a favorite of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Attendees proclaimed the lyric "God's work, our feet: traveling together, following Jesus to places unknown. Walking as friends, marching for freedom, running the race with God's future the goal. Bless, God, our feet as we follow your way, sharing the good news of the Gospel." (God's Work Our Hands - ACS)

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The service culminated in a blessing of the Suiting Space by Pastor Steven and a Ribbon Cutting.  "May all who pass through these doors experience the love of God and understand that they are loved beyond all measure by their creator. We dedicate Well Suited for Work to the glory of God who provides more than enough for all." Pastor Steven proclaimed before the ribbon was cut by Council President, Colby Suchland, and Ministry Director, Alice Curry Gallego. 
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The day would not be complete without the presence of so many who have made this work possible! We are so grateful for our partnerships with Connie’s Workforce Connections, Jobs for Life, Lighthouse Ministries and the Naomi Project, who deliver such meaningful services to jobseekers (among other members) of our community. We also want to thank White Swan Cleaners, the Mailroom Barber Co. and the Mailroom Studio for sharing your products and services with our clients as they prepare for interviews and new employment. 

​The celebration wrapped up with a reception complete with delicious treats, tours of our Suiting Space, silly pictures with friends and props, and meaningful fellowship. A special thanks to our Fellowship & Hospitality committee at Cross & Crown Lutheran Church and St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church for hosting such a beautiful reception. 
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This is only the beginning! 
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​For more about the event including video and pictures, visit our Facebook Page or read event coverage by the local press. 

...or any other protected category - unless directly relevant to the position. 

*For Example, age may be relevant for a bartender position as individuals may have a legal requirement to be at least 21 years old to serve alcohol. In such cases, interviewers ought to ask whether a candidate meets the legal requirements and if they can provide proof of age upon hire. This is very different from simply asking "how old are you?" 
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Questions like: "Do you have any children?" may be intended by an interviewer to simply build rapport with a candidate. However, they are (perhaps unknowingly) asking an illegal question. Some employers may use this information to make assumptions about a candidate's ability to work a particular schedule or an assumed need for frequent and unscheduled time off. 
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So how do you respond to illegal or inappropriate questions during a job interview?
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Our Tip: Be Polite, Professional & Direct. 

1. Redirect:
Politely steer the conversation back to the position. Avoid answering directly and refocus on the job itself. If it was an honest mistake, they'll likely follow your lead and refocus.
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For example, if asked about children or other family-related topics, you may respond with:
" I've read that this is a very family-friendly environment, but I'm most interested in learning more about the position..."
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2. Answer Broadly:
If the question seems innocent, you may decide to simply answer the question. However, keep your answers short, broad and general.
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For example, if asked about a disability, you may decide to respond with:
"I'm able to perform all the requirements of the position with or without accommodations."
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3. Relevance:
If the interviewer keeps pushing a particular question, even after you've tried to refocus, professionally ask about the relevance to the position.
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For For Example:
"Can you help me understand how this question is relevant to the job I'm applying for?"
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The truth is even if an interviewer is unaware that a question is off limits, it does not mean that they won't use your answer to impact their decision. So use your best judgement when responding. 
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Ultimately, it is YOUR decision HOW and WHETHER to answer these questions in an interview. Either way, the presence of these questions within an interview can be a red flag for YOU and an indicator as to the type of employer with whom you're interviewing. 
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Discrimination:
If you do believe that you have been discriminated against by a potential employer within the interview process, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  

Stay informed and remember, interviews are an opportunity for you to identify if the employer is a good fit for YOU as well! If they're toxic in the interview, they'll likely be toxic in the workplace. 

#CareerTipTuesday #InterviewQuestions #Discrimination #EEOC

...Because sometimes making progress requires taking a rest! 
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Life is full of hustle, stress and hard work, and the job search (not to mention our careers) can be equally as draining. Be sure to take the time to you need to refresh, refuel and re-energize so that you have the strength to keep moving forward! 
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Be safe, be healthy and be kind...to other and yourself! 

#CareerTipTuesday #Rest #ClothingConfidenceCareer ​

Be Professional.
Every interaction that you have with a hiring manager or with an HR representative is an opportunity to put your best foot forward and demonstrate your professionalism as an individual. Declining an offer is no different. Just because you are not accepting THIS particular position, doesn't mean that you may not apply for another position with the employer in the future, or that your work will not lead to collaboration with this employer. Always be polite and kind. 
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Be Appreciative. 
ALWAYS thank the hiring manager or HR representative for their time, consideration and for the offer! They've invested a lot of time in this decision and in you as a candidate. Showing your appreciation goes a long way! 
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Be Honest. 
Be brief, specific, honest and positive. If you've decided to accept a position with another employer that is more in line with your career goals, let them know.
For example:
"While this seems like a great opportunity, I've decided to accept another position that will offer me more opportunities to pursue my interest in marketing and social media." 
or
"After careful consideration, I've decided that now isn't the best time to leave my current position."
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Be Communicative.
Always provide an answer. It is never a good idea to "ghost" an employer at ANY STAGE in the hiring process. Therefore, be thoughtful and timely with your answer. If you haven't yet made your decision, ask for a reasonable amount of time to decide and follow through on that timeline with your answer. 
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Remember, while it may be uncomfortable to say "No" to an employer, it is always best to be kind, courteous and direct. You never know when you may cross paths in the future! 
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#CareerTipTuesday #DecliningAnOffer #Careers #ClothingConfidenceCareer