Category: Job Center

By: Anna Garcia and Daniela Lopez, Job Center Representatives

Have a job interview but don’t know what to wear? Always go conservative. Every company has a different dress code. Industries have different expectations on how employees should dress. The appropriate dress code can vary depending on position, company and location. You should wear in a professionally way the position they are applying for. Avoid bright and flashy colors. First impression is key with a potential employer.

Tips

• Make sure your attire is clean
• Wear clothes that fit
• Set up your attire the night before
• Neat hairstyles and minimum accessories

Once you found your interview attire, give yourself time to prepare for the conversations you will have with the employer. Research the company, gather and prepare your experience to share with the employer about your previous employment. Remember first impressions are lasting impressions.

By Klari, Job Center Representative

Do your homework.

Research the company you are interviewing for and learn more about who they are and what they do. Most companies have a website full of useful information about their mission, vision, and business goals that the interviewer could ask in the interview.

Be Prepared

Learn the name of the person who will be interviewing you and know the location of the interview. If you have never been to this place before, map out your route a day or two beforehand and how long it will take you to arrive.

Be on Time.

Be at least 5-10 minutes early for every interview. This will show the interviewer you are reliable and responsible. If you arrive earlier, wait in your vehicle, and review your notes.

Dress Accordingly

Be well-groomed.

Men: Dress shirt with dress slacks. No t-shirts with printed logos, torn jeans, or tennis shoes.

Women:  Nice blouse with slacks, skirt, or a modest dress with dress shoes

Avoid wearing leggings, torn jeans, and large, chunky jewelry.

Stay Focused

Be short and to the point. Stay focused on the questions being asked and do not ramble. Stay on-topic but do not go overboard on why you are the “be all, end all” for the position. Make eye contact with the interviewer and sit up straight in your seat. Try to avoid fidgeting and speak clearly. Leave your cell phone in the car or at home to eliminate distractions.

Do not Bad Mouth.

Do not talk badly about a previous employer. If you cannot say anything nice about someone, do not say anything at all.

Respect is Crucial

Treat everyone you meet with respect from the Janitor to the CEO. Offer a firm handshake and always thank the interviewer for his/her time. Write a thank-you note and send it to the interviewer as soon as possible.

If you are seeking assistance on job searching, writing a resume, or additional interviewing tips, stop by your local Job Center and one of our Job Center Representatives would be happy to assist you.

Welcome our new Job Center Representative, Jessa! We are excited for her to join the team! Let’s learn more about Jessa!

Jessa:

“I am a soon-to-be graduate from South Dakota State University with Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Global Studies.

I joined Goodwill’s Mission Services Team because I wanted to use my knowledge and education to give back to my hometown community of Rapid City.

I look forward to providing resources and support to the public as we help improve and uplift the lives and opportunities of our neighbors.

I am an adrenaline junkie amateur, with a love for water sports, snowmobiling, and motorcycles. My bucket list includes: skydiving, bungee jumping, and scuba diving with sharks.

I also enjoy camping and hiking, cuddling with my dog, and trying new cuisines. I plan to join the Peace Corps in the future and would like to travel to Northern Africa for a cultural experience.

Goodwill offering IdentoGo Services in Job Center

Sioux City, IA- Goodwill of the Great Plains has partnered with Idemia to offer IdentoGo services including TSA Precheck, Hazardous Materials Endorsement and Transportation Worker Identification Credential enrollment screening.   Additionally, customers can have their passport photo taken at our site.   These services are being offered by appointment at 3100 West 4^th Street located inside the Retail Store in the Job Center.  Appointments and pre-enrollment should be completed online at https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/ or calling the Customer Services Center at 1-844-321-2124.

Hours of operation are:

Monday – Friday: 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Monday – Thursday: 01:00 PM – 05:00 PM

For more information about Goodwill of the Great Plains, please visit our website at www.goodwillgreatplains.org or connect with us via social media.

By Randy Wooden, Director, Professional Center by Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina

Some days feel like they are 30 hours long. Other times, we feel like we need 30 hours to get everything accomplished.
Since everyone is given the same 24 hours each day, how can you make adjustments to feel like you’re accomplishing what you want or need to get done? Here are five tips to help you improve your time management skills. Let’s get started!

#1. First, understand where your time goes. Whether you use a phone app to track your time or write it in a journal, you will want an accurate accounting of your time. Are you wasting time checking your phone or on social media? Talking to friends? Taking long breaks? Checking emails constantly?

#2. Create a to-do list. Write your tasks in the journal or enter them into an app. Do not rely on your memory, even though some of your tasks may be repetitive. Think about grocery shopping: if you go in with a list, it will help you remain focused instead of bouncing around from aisle to aisle, scooping up impulse items. Another benefit of using a list is the sense of accomplishment when you cross off an item.

#3. Prioritize. Your list is only a start. Make sure you do the most important or time-sensitive tasks first. Do not do the things you enjoy doing, saving the less enjoyable tasks for later. There is a wise saying that holds true, make the main thing the main thing – and put first things first.

#4. Delegate. Is it possible for others to do some of the work? There may be other people that have the training or knowledge to help ensure tasks are completed on time. Even if you don’t need or receive help, it can be good to help others when they feel overwhelmed.

#5. It is okay to sometimes say no. Instead of delegating tasks to someone else at your workplace, saying no may refer to your personal life. As you prioritize your life tasks, unforeseen requests have to be weighed against pressing deadlines. Learning to say no to distractions or temptations is among the toughest lessons to learn.

Despite your best intentions, sometimes life happens when unforeseen crises occur, and sometimes priorities change. No matter what happens, try to be clear and stay focused on what is most important by keeping yourself organized with good time management skills. It will serve you well in both your work and your personal life. Good luck!