Is This Thing Still On?

So, I'm alive, how are you doing? I hope the end of 2012 was full of fun and joyful happenings for everyone! Things were out of control busy for me the last time I posted and then everything got even worse. Now that some of those things have passed I am excited to get back to blogging but, I need to share what happened first so we are all on the same page. Shortly after Thanksgiving I was let go (dun duN DUN) and am now currently a member of the unemployed masses of America. I can't say I was completely surprised but, it was definitely unexpected. Apparently that's how it is in big business: cut the "dead weight" before bonuses (even amidst the holidays,) save some moolah, and start fresh in the first quarter.

I (like the majority of people) do not enjoy being rejected but, I am feeling pretty positive about everything that happened. Things hadn't felt right in that job and I was in the process of doing some soul searching regarding what my next career steps might be. I was going to wait until my two year anniversary before I made moves to leave but, it happened this way instead. I'm not sure exactly where all of this is going to take me but, I am focused on finding a good fit for my current interests and my past experiences. I've been applying, interviewing, and connecting with people. Hopefully, all of these activities will result in something sooner rather than later. In the meantime I am just trying to stay positive ex: This situation would not be presented to me if I couldn't handle it. Send me some other positive thoughts/vibes! Overall, last year was not the best but, I have a really good feeling about 2013... it's going to be a good one. How are you feeling about what's on the horizon for you this year?

Image courtesy of dreamstime.com

In terms of blogging, I'm back! I still have some past outfits and manicures to post. While I will not be wearing a different outfit to work everyday (for obvious reasons) right now I am still wearing clothes... Frankly, I think it's important to share my outfits with all of you so you know that I'm not running errands in pajamas all the time ever and my casual attire is just as fabulous as my business attire also other things as they arise. Do you have any suggestions for me in 2013 moving forward?

What To Wear To A Job Fair

When you are going to an interview you know that your best bet is to get a really spiffy suit and some sort of basic blouse (I'm not a fan of button downs. A largely catholic school education will do that to you) classic low heeled shoes or flats and pearls, studs, etc... But, what about a job fair? After my experience today I feel like many people aren't sure what to wear to these events and sometimes the impression you make there can be the only chance you get.

This might seem to some like I'm stating the obvious but, don't wear jeans or pajamas! This isn't a casual affair for most employers this is them casting a net to potential employees and if you want to be thought of as such you should dress the part. The same goes for wearing clothes that is too big or too small, you will look sloppy and unkempt. If you think you look that way people probably see what you see especially when they are trained to do so. You can wear a suit but, if you don't have one or want to save that look for a potential interview you can try out some of the styles I've illustrated below.

These are just a few general ideas of what you could wear. I wouldn't say that you have to dress in completely formal business attire to attend a job fair (although, it wouldn't hurt.) Perhaps you don't even own a suit yet (ahh, college) either way, you do want to convey a sense of professionalism in what you are wearing. The person you meet at the fair, whether hiring manager or recruiter, is your ticket in and you don't want to make the wrong impression!

Question: Where Can I Find Eco-Friendly Interview Clothes?

As I have mentioned before I work in HR and in my time functioning as a Recruiter I have seen alot of hilarious resumes and cover letters, met some "interesting" people, and gotten a good amount of questions. One of the more difficult questions was posed to me by a college student at a job fair. I remember complimenting her on her suit (I feel as thought those people are more serious about their search. First impressions, people!) then we proceeded to discuss a greening initiative that she had worked on at former internship listed on her resume... standard job fair stuff. The two topics melded together and we talked about the accessibility of eco-friendly products and clothing made out of organic/sustainable materials which led her to the questions, "Where can a college student on a budget get an eco-friendly interview outfit?"

To be honest, I was a little stumped... OK fine, really stumped! There are lots of places to buy eco-friendly products made out of organic materials or repurposed items but, where are all the suits? Either way, I was hard pressed to find anything particularly affordable in the standards of a college budget. My best solution: thrifting!! What could be more green that using the resources we have and not consuming or expending more? I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. That should be the answer to all of life's issues.

You can get a beautiful suit that someone was tired of or doesn't fit into anymore for a small fraction of the price. More importantly, I don't think I've ever seen a suit in a thrift store that cost more than $25! If you don't have one of the big name thrift stores by you you can shop Goodwill online or smaller consignment shops. Anyway you go about it there is a gigantic potential there to find what you are searching for at an affordable price if you take the time to look. Plus, it keeps those discarded clothes out of landfills. Where else would you look?

I love these questions!! Keep them coming...