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Monday, September 26, 2011

Dress For Success

I'd like to share something that might rescue you from a disappointing interview experience.  Many years ago I was a professional singer (mostly waitress).  After several restaurant jobs, a singing gig in South America (Disco Diva) and aspiring recording artist, I decided it was time to join the rest of the world and get a "real job" (?).  As strange as that seemed to me, I forged ahead with enthusiasm and naivety. 
 
I was thrilled to get an interview with a major travel agency thinking it would be a great fit as I eased my way into unfamiliar territory.  Let me backtrack for a moment.  For years I was told by my father that I dressed very drably.  Not exactly a compliment (that's another discussion).  Fast forward to travel agency interview preparation.  Remembering my father's comment, I decided I wasn't going to be drab for my very first interview.  So off I went on my merry way wearing a very garish, flowery, billowy, hot red blouse with black pants (also billowy), open toed sandals and accessorized with large hoop earrings (at least they were 14k).  I had a great interview (so I thought) and was contacted the next day by a woman in HR explaining that my interviewer was concerned about how inappropriately dressed I was (gee, what a surprise).  In essence, my judgement was in question.  Needless to say, the interview process came to a disturbing halt. 
 
Tip For The Day:  Dressing appropriately professional is not the same as drab.  When in doubt, be on the safe side and dress "up" not "down".  Appropriateness is crucial in the interview process.  Don't make a painful mistake as I did. 
 
Come to think of it, I would have been a lousy travel agent....
 
"Good Night, And Good Luck"
 
Laura Rivchun
 
 

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Preparing For The Interview - Step # 1

I have a confession to make.  I'm a terrible night owl.  When most people are in the REM stage of sleep, I'm up eating dinner, watching "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" (I admit I'm addicted), surfing the web, reading or meditating.  I'm not talking 12 or 1a.m. night owl.  Try 2 or 3ish night owl.  It's a carry over from childhood.  I always loved to stay up late and my mom would yell up the stairs, "Laura, go to bed!".  Obviously, it didn't help.  In my 20's I was a professional singer (and waitress to support my in-between gigs) and would perform in smokey clubs til wee hours of the morning.  Many a night I was coming in when normal people would be headed to work.  That's another story....

What has all this got to do with interview preparation?  Everything.  How can you look your best, feel your best and be on your toes in an interview if the night before you didn't take care of yourself?  Most likely,  you won't get to round two of the interview if you're not at the top of your game.  So, do yourself a favor and turn the TV, computer, Smart Phone and your brain off and rest.  Now, I'm going to take my own advice and go to bed while it's still early (only 1:00 a.m.!).

More to follow......

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Hello world!




For anyone out there who wants to make the change into a better position in their company, or to change jobs, I am here to provide you with the vital tools you'll need to get there.
Tune in for my thoughts and ideas about making it work in the work world!

"Good night and good luck!"

 Laura Rivchun