Project Lemon-aid

Project Lemon-aid is unlike any other event you will attend. Geared towards those in job transition, Project Lemon-aid's mission is to:

Educate - The speakers will will provide relevant, real, tangible, information you can turn into behavior for success.
Equip - The speakers will provide you with resources and tools that you can walk away with and use now.
Connect - This event will create a forum that will allow you to share connections and networks to find a career.

The agenda for Monday, 20-Jul will include information on:

• How to find the jobs that aren't advertised and get the interview
• Learning a new way of creatively connecting with people in the business community
• Selling yourself with confidence and purpose
• Facing your fears and overcoming them in your search
• Identifying your talents and strengths with new clarity
• You will leave this event with new approaches and a new perspective on your job search

The first session will offer a variety of professional services, including free professional photographs for every attendee. There will also be drawings for free services, including:

5 - 30 minute free career coaching sessions
5 - 1 hour personal leadership coaching sessions
5 - free video resumes
3 - 30 minute social media personal consulting sessions

This event will be from 8 a.m. to noon on July 20 at Staybridge Suites, 6905 Lake Drive, West Des Moines. Registration will start at 7:15. For details or to RSVP, write to ProjectLemonaid@yahoo.com.

Be Yourself - If They Don't Like You, They Don't Like You

If you haven't done so already, I would invite you to subscribe to this blog. You can do so on the right side of the page.

I went to Grandview's career workshop today. It was a 3 hour session covering job prospecting, career transitioning, resume development and interview skills. The event was free.

The event today was informative and well-attended. Although I've been to quite a few of these events, you always learn something new. One thing that I've known for a while, though, is that each employer has their own opinion about how resumes should be organized; each employer expects a different answer when they ask the question, "Tell me a bit about yourself"; and some employers appreciate it when candidates bring a bit of their personality to the interview.

During our career searches, we've all heard what to do and what not to do in order to land that job, but at the end of the day, if the employer doesn't like you, they just don't like you. So, why not be yourself and let them get a glimpse of what they could have in you as an employee. I guarantee you'll be more comfortable and confident during the interview if you just be yourself.

In my experience, there are on average 200 other people applying for the job that I want. Sure I'm going to do everything I can stand out. I'm going to organize my resume how I want to, while still including all experience related to the job. I'm actually going to tell the employer about MYSELF and what I'm passionate about while also relating my experiences to the job. If the interviewer takes interest in a funky ring I'm wearing and I tell her I got it in Guatemala, they're going to remember me (this has happened in two interviews already where I've been called back for a second interview). With this said, do use some common sense in presenting yourself.

At the end of the day, don't compromise who you are on the outside in order to get a job. Sure, you might get the job, but when do you get to be yourself on the outside; after you've been there 6 months, a year? Just some food for thought today. I'd love to hear your comments.