By: Angelena Pride

With the changing times, the workplace is more casual than ever before. But, sometimes “casual” is taken too far. Don’t make the mistake of showing up dressed less than appropriate, whether it’s for an interview or the day the company is doing lay-offs. Yes, your work ethic and productivity are important, but so is the image you project. Follow some of these simple rules and you are sure to be dressed to impress!

It is important to know what the standards are in your particular work place, and most of that can be determined by observing others, and by simply just asking what the requirements are.

Some jobs require a uniform, and the employer may provide you with essential pieces of the uniform. You may be expected to purchase other items, such as: black pants, slip-proof or steel-toe shoes, etc. If this is the case, be sure to ask if there is a specific type or brand you should be purchasing.

If an employer accepts ‘casual attire’ as their standard, be careful to not cross the line from ‘casual’ to ‘sloppy’. Ask your Career Specialist to help you determine what is appropriate. Here are some tips for making sure you present yourself well:

• No matter what you wear, your clothes should be neat and clean
• Never wear jeans with holes, please… just don’t
• Keep your shoes in good condition
• Your hair should be neatly styled
• Your clothes should not enter the room before you do!
• For women: makeup should be subtle
• Nails should be clean and neat and of reasonable length
• Dress for the job you want
• Go with classic essentials, not “fad” styles that will become out dated quickly (think Kate Middleton and Audrey Hepburn or George Clooney and Carey Grant! They always looked smashing!)
• It’s okay to be the best dressed person in the room

What about the job interview? You want to look your professional best, but you also want to appear as if you "fit in." This can be difficult if you do not have any prior experience with the interviewing employer. Here are some pointers for dressing for any type of work situation:

• Adhere to the employer's dress code: find out whether it's formal (suit and tie) or casual by asking around or by observing employees arriving for work.
• Dress slightly better than you would if you were an employee. For example, if the dress code is very casual, you should take it up a notch.
• Cover up tattoos and remove body jewelry until you know whether they are acceptable at that particular workplace.
• Neutral and conservative outfits are always a good choice.

Keep in mind, if you are having trouble affording what you need for an interview, there are often great finds at places like Goodwill or another used clothing stores. There may also be agencies in your area that have a “career closet” of donated clothing. If you need help, ask your Career Specialist to assist you in locating agencies in your area.

Remember, if in doubt, don’t wear it!

By Angelena Pride, Career Specialist

What is Motivation?

If you ask someone what motivation is, they will usually say “having a reason to do something.” But, is the definition of motivation truly that simple?

Motivation is knowing that the small voice in your head that says “you can do it!” can conquer the louder voice that says “you can’t.” Just because the negative voice seems louder, doesn’t mean it has more strength. All you have to do is listen to the small quiet voice and believe that it is telling you the truth; the more you listen to that voice, the stronger it will become. That is motivation.

Motivation is continuing to put yourself out there after experiencing rejection over and over. It is understanding that just because someone tells you “no thanks” doesn’t minimize the skills and abilities that you possess; it only means that there is something better in store for you than what those who turned you down had to offer. Not letting others’ decisions stop you from moving forward is motivation.

Motivation is not giving up and using your struggles to gain strength. Each of you has experienced setbacks that have brought you to the point where you are now in your life, and you have made the choice to start again. That one choice was the toughest one that you had to make. Now you just have to stay focused on where you were, how far you have come, and all of the exciting things that your future holds. Making peace with your past is motivation.

Seeking employment is not an easy task for anyone. It is a challenge that millions of Americans face each year. The key to being successful is to stay motivated and not to give up. Remember where you were before you made the decision to enter or re-enter the workforce, and where you will be once you find a job. With Human Solutions you have a team who will support, encourage and keep you motivated on your journey. The hardest part is taking that first step, which you have already done. Now use your motivation to keep on walking and remember…”The struggle you think you are in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow!”

I hope you read this short poem before and say the words out loud and feel the truth in what you say.

Today I

Today I have decided,
That it's time to take control.
There won't be anymore sitting,
And waiting, this is my goal.

Today I see it so clearly,
I am all that I have.
If I want to get something done,
It's up to me to pave my own path.

Today I will set my goal,
And work to see it through.
I'm tired of being afraid,
It's time for my dreams to come true.

Today I am quite happy,
And confidence has made its way too.
I as a person have grown,
From now on, to me I'll stay true.

By Julie Hebert

Set Your Attitude for a Successful New Year!

By Cheryl Stewart

It’s almost 2015! Can you believe it? How do you see this brand new year? Are you dreading it, thinking it will just bring more disappointment and hardship? Or do you see it as a year filled with new opportunities? In life, everything is attitude, so it’s important to check in with yourself to see how you truly feel about the New Year that is now in front of you.

Your Attitude Will Shape Your Experiences.

Scientists have long been telling us that human beings are basically composed of powerful swirling masses of electromagnetic energy. And, thoughts are energy, as are emotions. Since energy always seeks out energy similar to itself, if your thoughts and emotions are focused in negativity, you will draw more negative energy into your life. If your thoughts and emotions are optimistic and positive, your energy will seek out positive experiences and draw these into your life.

Which do you think will serve you best? Positive energy, of course! But keeping your thoughts and emotions positive when things don’t seem to be going your way can feel difficult. Still, this is what you need to do if you want 2015 to be a successful, happy, productive year for you.

Ways to Keep Yourself Positive.

When you get discouraged, it is then that you need to force yourself to find something positive to focus upon. If the bills are piling up, don’t fret over them or focus on the fear and frustration that overdue bills can create. Instead, each time you pay a bill, tell yourself how grateful you are to have the money and ability to pay that bill. Turn it into a positive experience. Smile and feel good about being able to pay it.

If you are disappointed over a job interview or any other situation that didn’t go your way, remember that all of life is experience and that disappointment is only one more experience. All things come in their own time, so realize that job may not have been right for you, and in hindsight, it may turn out to be a blessing that you were not hired. And, as we learn lessons from all situations we encounter, take a few moments and think about the disappointing situation and find the lesson it provided. Then give thanks for the lesson you’ve learned and move on.

Changing Your Attitude from Negative to Positive is Simple.

All you have to do is change where you are focusing your attention (thoughts and emotional energies). If you are feeling you don’t have enough money, demonstrate that you are prosperous by paying that extra penny. You will be changing your energy from negative to positive just by refusing to give in to fear and the idea of poverty.

Remember All Things Change and the Difficult Times Will Pass.

If your job search hasn’t been as productive as you’d like, don’t assume it never will be. Instead set a goal to send out five more job applications each week. Keep track of your resume submissions and follow up with employers. Know that your actions will eventually pay off if you keep your energy positive. Each time you don’t get hired, you are a step closer to getting the job that is right for you.

Everything You Touch, Say, or Do Affects Others Subconsciously.

Remember that you are electromagnetic energy and so is everything else. This means that your energy affects everything you touch and everyone you meet. If you are feeling negative and you send out your resume with a defeated attitude, that resume you just submitted will transmit your negative, defeated attitude to whoever receives it. Energy affects energy. It is just the way that it is, and you have to remember this.

Have you ever met a person you felt an instant dislike towards? Or have you ever felt an immediate attraction to someone who later became a dear friend or love? What you were picking up subconsciously was that person’s energy. They pick up your energy the same way. This is why keeping a positive attitude is so important. Your thoughts and emotions affect everything in your life, even when you are not aware of it. If you want your relationships to be positive, hold positive thoughts about those around you. If you want your job search to go well and result in a great job, then hold positive thoughts about your job search and expect, do the work, and know, that the right job will find you.

Celebrate Your New Year of Opportunities.

A new year brings new challenges and new opportunities to achieve all you desire. Expect your year of 2015 to be wonderful and you will charge it with positive energy that will grow into what you want. When you find yourself slipping into negative thought patterns, change it immediately. Find the positive in every experience. Find the lesson and feel the gratitude for the learning. Celebrate your new year and promise yourself that this year you will be in control of your thoughts and emotions and you will create a year worth celebrating by keeping yourself motivated and positive in every aspect of your life.

We look forward to continuing to serve you in 2015. Happy New Year to All!

Develop an Attitude of Gratitude

By Cheryl Stewart

Make a Gratitude Inventory List

Count your blessings. That’s right. Take a few sheets of paper, a pen, and start writing. Write down every good thing in your life for which you are thankful. Job seeking may be part of your life, but it isn’t all of your life. Your life is made up of so much more. And, when one part of your life isn’t going as well as other parts, then it is time to take an inventory of all that is going right.

When you focus on the positives in your life, you feel better and happier. You have more energy to get things done. Taking an honest inventory will put things into proper perspective. Is flubbing up that interview really worth all the anguish you are feeling? Or the negative things you may be saying to yourself? Of course not! All beating yourself up does is deplete your energy and erode your self-esteem, and you need both in life, and especially when you have taken on the challenge of a job search.

Job seeking, for most people, is somewhat stressful. This is why it is important to not let disappointments related to your job campaign get you down. It is only a small part of your life. You have family, friends, pets, perhaps, children, siblings, and many other reasons to feel grateful. When you don’t let one aspect of life overwhelm you, you have the energy and attitude to tackle your challenges and turn them into victories. Victories never come about as the result of negative thinking or fatigue.

So, if you have a roof over your head, food in your cupboards, and people around you that you value, write them on your gratitude inventory. Have a vehicle? Write it down. Clothes in your closet? There’s another blessing. If you have any income at all coming in, then count it as another blessing. If you can live independently, hear, see, and feel, then count these positives as well.

It is easy to get stuck in self-pity and negative thinking, but these will never serve you well. Negative thinking will keep you stuck in a “victim” role. To be victorious and achieve your goals, you need to develop an attitude of gratitude, not just during the Thanksgiving season, but every day, all year long. If you need to remind yourself, make a sign and hang it where you have to look at it every day… maybe beside the bed or bathroom mirror, over the coffee pot. Write down a positive affirmation like, “I am happy, healthy, and life is good to me.” You’ll know where to put it. Then read it every day and your attitude will change. When it does, your life will change.

Affirmation of Gratitude: I am thankful for my blessings. I focus on the good things in my life thereby giving them power to grow and multiply.