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Mock Interviews: Practice Makes Perfect!

2/28/2013

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Today, MND welcomed four professionals from the Baltimore community to practice job interviews with our clients: Frank and Sherri who work at different insurance companies, Christine from a local printing business, Karen from an assets management corporation, and David from banking.

For Frank and Sherri, this was not their first time helping clients reach higher in their job searches. This was Frank's third time participating in MND's mock interviews, and he remarked that the clients from this group conducted themselves very professionally, more so than any other group he has interviewed here so far.

Sherri had participated in Connections Friday in the past but was happy to help clients develop their interview skills today. She told job seekers, don't be afraid to end the interview by saying you believe you are the best person for the job, and ask when can you follow up with the interviewer. Also, while there are times when you may actually feel comfortable and friendly during an interview, never forget you are there to demonstrate that you know how to act in a business environment.

Our clients enjoyed meeting new volunteer Christine. Clients thought she had a great way of approaching interviews and liked the way she asked questions and listened. Christine said that the professionalism and confidence of the clients she interviewed were great strengths, and that counts for a lot!

As a recruiter for a large business, Karen had a lot of interviewing experience and enjoyed meeting our clients. She emphasized the idea of being prepared and making sure you know how to communicate the top three key points that would make you qualified for a job.

David also has a lot of experience with hiring and team building and also had a lot of great tips to share. When asked by a client how to know when to stop talking, David said to read the body language of the interviewer. If the interviewer has stopped writing notes, that may mean they got the answer they wanted. He also said, don't always feel the need to talk during silences. Sometimes an interviewer needs time to finish writing their notes, and it usually does not help to start talking again while they're doing that. That rarely adds to your previous response and may distract them from writing down their positive thoughts about you.

Thanks once again to our guests and clients for doing a great job today! 
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After the one-on-one interviews, our volunteers debrief with clients in a group.
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Thanks to David, Frank, Karen, Christine, and Sherri!
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Today's group of clients. Great job, everyone!
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Follow your Passion

2/25/2013

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The four guests who shared their career journeys with our clients at last week's Connections Friday had very unique stories to tell.  However, one thing remained consistent: passion. Whether facing life's curveballs, the pressure of piling bills, or the uncertainty of what to do next, our guests stayed true to themselves and never lost sight of the "work" they really loved. 

And yet, many of our clients challenged them with the same question: how do you keep yourself motivated to make your passion your career when it would be easier to just give up? Our guests were familiar with this feeling: Motivational speaker and small business owner Kenya reminded them to take small steps and to show any nay-sayers that they can get it done. Andrea, a holistic wellness practitioner, noted how important it is to really feel the negative emotions: anger, disappointment, etc. "Don't shut down those emotions," she said, "or they will come out in other ways."

All of our guests stressed how imperative it is to surround yourself, whenever possible, with those who resonate with you and support you, and Christopher R. summed this up  when he said: "stay true to yourself, and the right people will notice and encourage you."

Derrick quoted a familiar adage that fit the situation well: "it is often darkest before it is light---keep going no matter what."

How do you follow your passion even in tough circumstances?

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Perseverance, positivity, gratitude and self awareness

2/15/2013

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On Friday, February 8, Maryland New Directions hosted four guests for Connections Friday, a new weekly event that brings in local professionals to share their career stories and tips, and network with clients. 

This week, our guests really focused on the power of perseverance, positivity, gratitude, and knowing yourself.

It is true what our guest Matt said, everyone who is job-seeking has a job, which is to get up everyday and look for work.  Staying in bed until 12 and shooting out two or three applications doesn't keep you motivated. Don't underestimate the value of a good work ethic and positivity, because having a good attitude and letting on that you work well with others can sometimes get you a job even without the skills and experience necessary. Matt told our clients that often times he would present employers with 10-20 qualified candidates and none would get the jobs. Then, he would present the same employers with 5 or 6 candidates with the right eagerness and attitude, and all of them were hired!


Communications expert Bob spoke about taking charge of one's own future and reaching out for help when it is offered. It doesn't matter where you come from, success is attainable for those who want it.

Gratitude is also key. When someone gives you a job lead, even if it might not be exactly what you are looking for, don't forget to thank them. Our guest Vickie shared that it can be hard to feel like you are more qualified than the work you are doing, but if you want friends and colleagues to continue to think of you when opportunities come along, don't look a gift horse in the mouth! 

Lastly, find your passion. As Sandy told the group, you may not be able to have your dream job right away, but don't lose sight of those hobbies and interests that make you happy and define you. If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.

How have perseverance, positivity, gratitude or self-awareness helped you when looking for work?
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Maryland New Directions.  2700 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218. Tel: 410-230-0630. Fax: 410-230-0275. E-mail: info@mdnewdirections.org
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