Monday, March 30, 2009

You've heard the talk... Now watch Brooke walk the walk!

After several months of career coaching, suit shopping, hair styling, networking, and resume critiquing, Brooke’s career makeover is almost complete! What’s left? Her big premiere of course!

You’ve read the blogs and followed her Facebook group, but now it is time to watch the actual transformation. Okay, so maybe the word transformation is a bit drastic, but we did sharpen her professional skills and refine her professional look. And now, Brooke is ready to share her exciting journey with you all at her premiere night entitled Extreme!

Extreme!, set for Tuesday, April 7th from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in Upper Convo, will feature the debut of Brooke’s Extreme Career Makeover DVD, which will provide you with a glimpse of the makeover whirlwind that Brooke had to undergo. Along with that, you will also have a chance to see her complete professional look and hear what she has to say about her experience. Excited? You should be! But guess what? There’s more!

In conjunction with Brooke’s debut, Extreme! will also include a Career Fashion Show. AU students, whom you all know and love, will be modeling appropriate professional wear for the workplace. There will be a wide variety of styles appropriate for business majors, art majors, and every major in between. You will even be provided with insight on how to dress appropriately for interviews, business casual days, and even for those always anticipated, but sometimes confusing, casual Fridays too.

Come on out to celebrate Brooke’s success and support your friends’ brief modeling careers at Extreme! The evening will be fun, upbeat, educational, and one that you do NOT want to miss! See you there!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

What to talk about

Interviewing for a position, especially one that you really want, can be nerve racking. You have the clothes, the shoes, and the freshly manicured hands, but what do you say? How do you impress an employer enough to make them want to hire you? Well I am glad you asked. Here are some suggestions that will allow you to have a successful interview where you are composed and compelling.

Do research on the company you are applying for. You should never go into an interview wondering what they do at this business. You should have a strong understanding of the company's mission, values, clients, positions etc. This way you can incorporate what you know into your answers. Additionally, you won't look studpid or uninterested.

When they say "tell me about yourself"...have an answer. Say your majors, minors, career goals, past internships, what your involved in etc. Have most of it be applicable to a professional environment, don't say things like I enjoy playing video games and going shopping.

Have a copy of your resume with you...and know it inside and out. You should know everything on your resume and have three extra things to say about each experience. This is so you don't look stupid. It also makes you look prepared, and shows that you really did do everything that is listed.

Sell yourself. Do not just answer the questions. Show enthusiasm and passion for what you do. The passion will be contagious and the employer will see the true reasons you are applying. Your attitude will make you fun to be around, and employers want to hire people like that.

The important thing in an interview is be yourself. Do not let nerves get a hold of you. Be casual and confident, not rigid and unsure of yourself. Have a strong understanding of the company and incorporate that into your strong understanding of yourself. Stick with me

Friday, March 20, 2009

Speed Networking

Do you feel the need for speed?

Speed Networking is coming to Ashland University on March 24, 2009. The event will kick off at 7:30 pm. 20 alumni and/or area professionals will be participating in the event. Speed Networking is designed for the busy professional to meet as many contacts in as little time as possible. It is the catalyst for starting a professional network.

Students will rotate every 3 minutes down the row of professional networkers. They will have time to
introduce themselves, swap contact information, and discuss their career objectives. After the event, participants will have the opportunity to continue building on the professional networks they have built as a result of Speed Networking by keeping in contact with the professionals.

For more information or to sign up for speed networking, contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilt2@ashland.edu.
Speed Networking FAQ
  1. What is it? Speed Networking is a brand new program hosted by the Career Development Center to encourage students to begin their professional networks while in still in school.
  2. Can I just show up at the event? No. You must RSVP prior to the event by emailing Nicole Hamilton at nhamilt2@ashland.edu to ensure your spot the day of the event.
  3. Is this only open to business students? Speed Networking is open to all majors. We have a wide variety of Alumni and Local Professional Networkers. This year there will be representatives from the business, social work, religion, higher education, law, etc.
  4. What is the attire? Business Casual will be required for the event.
  5. What time is the event? Speed Networking will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 in the Ridenour Room. The Speed Networking Portion will take place from 7:30-8:30 and then there will be additional (and optional) networking time following from 8:30-9:30. Please stick around and enjoy refreshments while continuing to network.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Put Your Hands Up

I have disgusting hands. They are dry, I bite my nails, I pick at my cuticals, my hands look twice their age. But I have an interview tomorrow. What am I supposed to do?

I know this sounds silly but hands tell a lot about a person. Just as a handshake is a measure of confidence, hands can show what kind of person you are. The fact I bite my nails shows that I worry about stupid stuff. This is not something I necessarily want to advertise to my potential employer. Most of the worrying comes from being a type A and wanting to get things done. But still...so what am I going to do? I am going to get a manicure!

Toppers, just down the road from Ashland, has a $17 manicure. This will soften up my wintery chapped hands, shape my tattered and torn nails, and give a much needed polish to my overall appearance.

Confidence comes from looking your best and feeling your best. Having messy hands may make you feel self conscious. So do something about it. Guys this is for you too. You can get a plain clear polish put on your nails, just to brighten them up. Unfortunatly, looks have a lot to do with first impressions. Any way you can look your best helps. Stick with me.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Brooke's Trip to Toppers

What goes perfect with a new suit? A new haircut of course! And maybe even a manicure while we're at it!

After a good two hours spent at Toppers Hair Design here in Ashland, Brooke came out with a fabulous new hairdo and freshly polished nails that compliment her new suit quite nicely. No boundaries were set with this aspect of the makeover, as Brooke told the stylist to do whatever she thought would look good (which is quite a gutsy thing to say when the stylist herself has all three of the primary colors in her hair at one time!)

Brooke's hair, if you do not know, is curly. Actually, that is a bit of an understatement. It's extremely curly, and with all of those lovely curls, I was not sure what the stylist would be able to do to change up her style. Well, there is a reason that I do not work at a salon, because the stylist was able to give Brooke the perfect new hairstyle! Her hair now has a bit more volume, and she has some trendy side bangs to complete the look. Just wait until you see her! It looks fantastic!

So with this great new hairstyle and manicure, what's left for Brooke? Plenty actually! We still have to find a few more accessories for her suit, send her to an executive luncheon, and even schedule another hair appointment to give Brooke some touch ups (and maybe even some highlights!) before her big premiere! More updates will be coming your way! So stay tuned...