Health and Human Services Professional Development

The Role of Body Language and Nonverbals by   Jill Bowers   on   June 30, 2013 As you prepare for job interviews, conferences, career fairs, or other networking opportunities, have you considered the role of your body language? This could include posture, handshakes, and facial expressions. In this Ted Talks video, Amy Cuddy (social psychologist, professor and researcher at Harvard Business School) talks about her research on  nonverbal cues, how they can influences others’ perceptions of you , and how  you may be influenced by your own nonverbals .     Watch the Ted Talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are?language=en   *Originally posted on the Career Skillet website (Permission granted by Jill Bowers)

8 Tips to Nail a Job Interview by   Dina Izenstark   on   July 19, 2013 When I was working as a Leisure Services Supervisor, we interviewed over 200 candidates to fill 150 counselor positions each summer.  It was a difficult job because we only had a 20-30 minute meeting with each candidate to decide whether or not they would be right for the position.  Because most candidates’ education, experience and activities were so similar, performance in the interview was often the deciding factor for whether or not they were selected.  Because interviewing skills can be critical in getting the job, I want to share with you 8 Tips to Nail the Job Interview from my perspective as a supervisor. Apply Early!   For example, for summer jobs, most park districts begin recruiting staff in December and start interviews in January. Many times we had outstanding candidates apply in June, but could not offer them a position because we already had filled all ...

What is Active Listening? by   Jill Bowers   on   August 8, 2014   Sometimes you may look like you are listening, but are you? Active listening is an important interpersonal skill and includes… 1) Giving your undivided attention to the speaker Image source: http://media.tumblr.com/e4de8214a2678d9391502aaf1e8076c8/tumblr_mvzfvarWV11qg1qx9o2_250.gif The text you just received is likely not that important. Looking at your phone, the clock on the wall, or others passing by are all examples of NOT giving your undivided attention to the speaker. 2) Being okay with silence Image source: http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3gy5msVOC1rs2k5vo1_250.gif Sure, silence makes many people uncomfortable, but it can give the speaker a chance to think about what he/she wants to say or decide if they want to say it at all. You might be surprised the information people will tell you if you just stop talking. 3) Making an effort to understand the speaker Image...