Health and Human Services Professional Development

Hey You! Salutations for Success…and Disaster by   Jill Bowers   on   February 22, 2014   Hey you! Hi Jill! Think you are close enough with a professor or boss to address them with the salutation of your preference? You might want to reconsider. It is not something that gets to me (assuming that the salutation does not have a negative tone and there is no name calling). I have, however, heard enough other professors and supervisors complain about this that I can tell you that it’s something that means something to many of them. It will serve you well to think about the salutation you use. It’s not as if the professionals who have an issue with it are on any kind of “power trip” (most of them anyway), rather the pet peeves surrounding the proper salutations are centered on the belief that young adults should respect individuals who are in positions of authority. Generally, they have worked hard to earn their degrees and titles so they can be in positions to hel...

Preparing for Interviews by   Jill Bowers   on   June 3, 2013 The article, “ 4 Ways to Prepare for an Interview ,” on experience.com provides strategies on preparing for job interviews. This article offers tips for dressing appropriately, being prepared for talking about what is on your resume, doing your homework on the employer or business to which you are applying, and planning for unexpected turns in the interview process. To read the article on experience.com:  http://www.experience.com/entry-level-jobs/careers/jobs/4-ways-to-prepare-for-an-interview/ *Originally posted on the Career Skillet website (Permission granted by Jill Bowers).

Depression May Not Be What You Think! by   Mikki Sherwood   on   February 22, 2014 Anyone can struggle with depression.  Kevin Breel discusses depression in this Ted Talks video,  “Depression May Not Be What You Think.”  He says that everyone sees him as a typical teenager, but he sees himself differently. He is an individual that battles depression. Kevin makes the point that there are misconceptions about depression, stating that those that are depressed are not just sad when a situation is negative, they are sad when everything is going well in their lives. He explains that he was often afraid to tell people he was depressed for fear they would run away. In reality, Kevin says it is better to look someone in the eye and be truthful, saying “I’m going through hell and need help.” If you, or someone you know, is depressed, this video is a resource for helping you know that you are not alone. If you believe you are depressed and need help, here ar...

Know your Audience by   Jill Bowers   on   June 3, 2013   Similar to preparing to present at a conference or workshop, it is important to know your audience in an interview…or at least be able to read some of their cues and get a rough idea of what type of personality you are dealing with. Read more at  The Undercover Recruiter . Infographic from http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/job-interview-101/ *Originally posted on the Career Skillet website (Permission granted by Jill Bowers).

Can Physical Health Impact Happiness? YOU BETHCA!! by   Mikki Sherwood   on   March 2, 2014   The body’s natural desire is to be healthy, says Dean Ornish in this Ted Talks video,  “Healing Through Diet,”  Dr. Ornish states that optimal health, and therefore happiness, occurs when you follow a lifestyle that includes a low-fat and plant-based diet, stress management training, moderate exercise, no smoking or drinking alcohol, and the psychological support of peers. Dr. Ornish also states that it is important to be aware of behaviors that can have a negative impact on health later in life. For example, it is important to eat a well-balanced, low-fat diet consisting of all the main food groups: dairy, protein, grains, fruits, and vegetables. It is also important to stay in shape by exercising on a regular basis. On the other hand, drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes can negatively impact health.  Dr. Ornish states that it is relatively easy to...

Types of Interviews by   Jill Bowers   on   June 3, 2013   Although you may generally think “Office” when you think of getting an interview, there are actually several types of interviews in which you could be asked to participate. For example, your interview could be over the phone or at a restaurant. How you dress and need to prepare may vary depending on the type of interview. See The Undercover Recruiter for  6 Interview Types you Must Know as a Candidate . Source:   http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/6-interview-types-you-must-know-candidate/ *Originally posted on the Career Skillet website (Permission granted by Jill Bowers).

Avoid the Email Train Wreck: Five Tips for Writing Professional Emails by   Danielle Wolf, Guest Author   on   March 23, 2014   As college students, we are all focusing on that next phase in our lives. This can be different for each and every one of us. Yet, whether we are on the track towards social, teaching, health care, or other professional careers and our next step to success in the “real world,” it is important to have a good understanding of how to write a professional email. If you don’t, you could be at-risk for a trainwreck of negative responses (for example, you could miss out on an internship opportunity, be the subject of your professors’ Facebook posts, begin to notice that your boss is avoiding you, or try to make important points in meetings only to have your supervisor ignore you).    Email etiquette is important. Thus, as we apply for jobs, graduate school, or communicate with our professors, it is important to show these...