Health and Human Services Professional Development

Is it REALLY not a good fit, or do you just suck at interviewing? by   Jill Bowers   on   April 20, 2014   In most places, you will have a few hours, sometimes minutes, to create impressions that make them believe “this is someone I want on my team,” or “we cannot let this one get away.” Based on my own interview faux pas and stories I’ve heard others tell, I give you five general tips for not sucking: If you suffer from  permanent mean face , figure out how to change it.  See  Chronicles of a Girl with Chronic Bitch Face  if you need a more refined definition of “permanent mean face.” In other words, think about how the look on your face might come across to others. Interviewers are often looking for someone with whom they want to work. Your focus and seriousness may appear to interviewers as cold or unfriendly. You may be fun, a great team player, and all of your peers and former coworkers may rave about you in this regard. Yet, you have ...

You are what you wear? by   Jill Bowers   on   July 26, 2014   Does your attire really reveal your identity? Do your clothes affect your own mood or emotions? According to research, Yes! Studies have shown that personality and mood can be managed and reflected through one’s attire (Moody et al, 2010; Ruetzler et al, 2012). Yet, when individuals say, “dress appropriately” or “wear something professional,” do you understand what this is? To add to your confusion, sometimes “what is appropriate” can differ based on the event or occasion. The definition of professional or appropriate attire can also vary by service industry or the type of job. For example, business-casual in a setting in which you work with young children may mean to wear khaki pants and a polo shirt, something that allows you to get on the floor and work with young children. In a Fortune 100 company, however, khakis combined with the polo may be viewed as too informal. Thus, you have every right...