Tools to Get You Hired

Stand Out to Employers & Step Into Self-Sufficiency

Our tools focus on three major parts:

Part I: Getting Ready to Work

Best Practices for Resumes/Cover Letters, Interview Dress, Job Readiness, and Completing a Job Application

  • Aptitude Assessment & Needs Survey

    • What do you want to do? What do you like to do? What careers are best suited to your experience and interests?

    • What do you need to be job-ready?

      • Training, education, childcare, transportation, clothing, food, financial aid, credit & financial counseling, etc.

  • Dressing for an Interview

    • What is appropriate for an interview? Business casual or business professional?

      • Before choosing an interview outfit, research the company to determine how formal their workplace is. If you’ve checked the company website and social media pages but still can’t determine the dress code, try calling the company’s HR department. Explain that you have an upcoming interview and would like to know the appropriate dress code.

      • It’s also a good idea to consider the role and industry. If you’re interviewing for a corporate position in finance or law, for example, wear formal business attire. For men, this means a matching suit and tie. For women, it means a tailored dress, pantsuit or skirt suit. However, for less formal positions and workplaces, business casual is almost always the best option.

    • Appropriate grooming, makeup, and accessories

    • Outside Resources

Watch to Learn What Is Appropriate to Wear for an Interview

Part II: Acing the Interview

Interview Skills

  • Punctuality

  • Researching the company

  • Asking questions in the interview

  • Handshakes, Eye Contact, Posture

How to:

  • Negotiate salary & benefits (and when)

  • Send a thank you and/or follow up

Planning Ahead for the Interview

  • Transportation

    • Can you take the bus there?

    • Arranging prior transportation

  • Childcare

  • Planning for emergencies

    • When to call ahead

    • When to reschedule

Part III: Mental Wellness

Self-Care

There are lots of ways to practice self-care. What works for you may not work for someone else. The important thing is to make self-care a priority in your schedule. This could mean blocking off time to workout or spending some time unplugged from technology once in awhile. Here are some ideas for self-care:

  • Do something you love: Carve out time for your passions and hobbies, whether that’s hiking, crafting, dancing, reading for fun, etc. Hobbies can provide you an outlet for managing stress and can increase happiness levels.

  • Hang out with friends and family: Research shows that spending time with loved ones is the number one determinant of happiness. Take time to connect with a friend or a family member.

  • Practice self-compassion: Self-compassion is treating yourself like you would treat your best friend. Talk to yourself the way you would talk to someone you care about; replace self-critical thoughts with compassionate thoughts. Learn more about how to be kind to yourself.

Work-life Balance

  • Setting boundaries with co-workers & supervisors

  • Leaving work at work

Outside Resources

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