Preparing for The Dream Job Interview

Last week I had the fortunate experience of being called for an interview by what I consider to be my "dream job".  I had sent out a resume a little over a month ago - out to cyberspace as is the case these days - and began the process of landing my "dream job".  I strategically called a few friends hoping they had a connection to make on my behalf to get the resume noticed.  I checked out the company website and did a little homework.  Then, I waited - waited until the job posting closed and kept my fingers crossed. 

When the call came for a phone interview, I was ecstatic!  A million thoughts ran through my mind as I prepared.  What would they ask?  Was I what they were looking for?  The phone interview lasted about 20 minutes.  About a day later, I was asked to come downtown for the "in-person" meeting and now I am waiting and hoping for the offer.   As I wait for my "dream job" to come calling, chanting over and over "dream job, dream job",  here are some tips that I found useful and helpful in preparing for the process.

The Targeted Resume:
For those of you that have a resume ready and raring to go, look at it again.  The best advice I ever received about resume writing is to revamp and reorganize.  Target your resume for the position you are applying for.  Include things like volunteer work, special assignments or projects related to the job you desire.  Working on the school fundraiser could be just the small item of experience that can get you noticed.

The Phone Interview:
I have two words for you - research and prepare.  Have all of these at the ready and handy during the interview: your resume, the job posting, facts about the company and the position.  Use the job description and research the company and their programs relevant to the position you desire.  Look up key words within the job description, searching for relevant articles and news tidbits.  Be prepared by having these facts at your disposal during the interview.  Mention some of the company's pet-programs and ongoing projects.  Often it's the smallest detail that will push you through to the next round.

The In-Person Meeting:
Relax.  No one is trying to trick you so make eye contact and be straightforward and forthright with your answers.  Being interviewed by a "panel" can be intimidating!  But if you exude confidence and know your stuff, you'll be fine.  Try to anticipate the questions and have some answers at the ready.  Be enthusiastic, professional and somewhat easygoing.  Ultimately, your experience will speak for itself, but your professional personality has to shine through as well.

The job finding process can be grueling.  Just remember that there is a perfect job out there for you.  A little patience and preparation will go a long way in getting you hired and landing the "Dream Job".

Go Green

This week is Green Week.  Everywhere you look these days, we are being told to "Go Green."  It's really not as difficult as you would think and the benefits to our planet are big.  Think about it like this - the more we reuse, recycle and repurpose, the more we will be able to renew our resources and our planet for future generations.  Even if you don't have kids, this is a good thing.   

Here's a few simple things you can do to "Go Green":

1. Get a reusable water bottle.  Plastic bottles, even though they are recyclable, are still wasteful.  Get a cool water bottle, fill and refill it over and over again.
2. Bring your own bags.  When you go to the grocery store or pharmacy, bring your bags!  They are inexpensive, hold more than either paper or plastic and are good for the environment.  Keep them in your car - they store flat so there's no excuse.
3. Change your light bulbs to energy efficient bulbs.  They've come a long way and really do use less energy. 
4. Unplug your electronics when not in use.  Put your TV, DVD player and cable/satellite box on a power strip and turn it off when you aren't using them.  You'd be surprised how much energy you save.
5. Try planning all of your errands and do them on the same day.  You'll save a little gas and send less emissions into the atmosphere.
6. Use your dishwasher.  Believe it or not, washing dishes by hand uses and wastes more water than running your dishwasher.  Save your hands while you save the planet.
7. Turn off lights when you leave a room.  No one likes a dark house, but lighting up your house like a Christmas tree is ridiculous.  You only need lights in the room you are actually using.  Get into the habit: leave the room - turn off the light.
8. Recycle, recycle, recycle.  Check your county website for the dos and don'ts of recycling in your area.  Most counties are accepting more and more for recycling.  Request separate bins if you have the space to store them to make it easier for your household and the recycling centers.

Remember, it's our planet and we need to take care of it!  Future generations will thank you.  Happy Earth Day!

The Tax Man Cometh

Just in case you were asleep at the wheel, yesterday was tax day.  This was the first time ever I was responsible for filing my own taxes and I have to admit, the thought was a little daunting.  For those of you who got yours forms, took out the pen and calculator, filled out the paperwork and filed yourself - kudos.  I on the other hand went the Turbo Tax route and found it to be easy and relatively painless. 

What I liked about Turbo Tax was the step-by-step instruction.  It definitely walked you through the whole process and tried everything it could to get you a refund.  The graphics actually made the process pleasant and about as simple as you could imagine.  Every possible deduction was explored and with a little information gathering before I actually started the process like having last year's tax return available and any donation receipts to deduct - it made the process that much smoother.

Now, I am not knocking some of those other tax prep services, but for the money, you cant beat Turbo Tax.  And when all was said and done, I was able to schedule the payment on the date I chose and had it come directly from my bank account.  Go technology.

So, now I've crossed another milestone of sorts.  I have filled out and filed my own taxes.  I guess now I can honestly say, I am an adult.  Well, at least Uncle Sam thinks so.  Go me.
 
Enjoy your post tax day.

Making Room In A New Home

A few weeks ago, I posted a blog about moving.  Now I am in my new home and finding the quirks of being in a new space and trying to find everything.  It's like being in a foreign country and not quite understanding the language.  The new house is a bit larger which is a good thing, but it seems our "stuff" has expanded to fit the space - no actually overrun it.  So in the spirit of new beginnings and new things (I did blog about that a while ago as well) I am purging.  My materialistic tendencies are going wayward and I've decided its definitely time to simplify.

For those of you feeling the walls closing in, I offer this advice:

• Like the closet, if it's something, an appliance or platter or table linens, you haven't used in a year - sell it, donate it or trash it
• Be honest, the knicknacks from Aunt Flo were never really your taste to begin with - sell them or donate them
• Your kids are teenagers and way to old for those countless board games - donate them
• All those craft supplies you rarely use - donate them to a school
• Seasonal items - go through them and see what you really don't like or use anymore.  Sentimental items aside, I'm betting there's an old wreath or old garland you never use - donate it or trash it
• Be brutal in your closet and get rid of the stuff that doesn't fit, is no longer in fashion or you just won't wear.  Stop holding on to things you really don't need.

Make room in your life for the things that are important, like the people who live with you or come to visit, not the items you think make life important like the perfect cocktail plates or serving pieces.  I think you'll find things a little less crowded and perhaps even a little more serene. 

Moving - The Next New Thing

Several of my last few posts have been about the newness of 2010. That being said, it is only fitting that my next "new" big thing for this new decade is a move. I was actually pretty content in my current home - had just started the whole nesting thing. But you never know what fate has in store and it often deals some interesting and unexpected hands. Ergo, we are moving. Moving to bigger and better, moving to be able to fill my house with more family and laughter, moving for a much needed change. As Martha Stewart would say, "it's a good thing."

Of course what that comes the not so fine art of moving.  Packing and wrapping and throwing things away.  What to take, what to donate, what to simply get rid of.  It's such a daunting task.  Personally, I am looking at it as a cleansing - out with the old, outdated or unused and in with the fresh, the new and the absolutely can't live without.  Still, packing your belongings is never fun and can be very stressful.  So, in the spirit of making things less complicated and celebrating my next new thing, I have a bit of advice for any of you that find yourself in the midst of boxes and bubble wrap.

1. Do not use newspaper.  Home improvement stores have paper wrap just like the stuff used in stores when you buy breakables.  Use that instead.  That way your stuff is protected but you don't have ink all over your hands or your things on the other end.
2. Label your boxes; invest in a Sharpie.  Mark your boxes by room, their contents and even their weight.  If something is really heavy and/or fragile, note it on the box so you or your helpers (you know they'll be lined up!) won't break anything.  Also, if the box clearly states a room, it alleviates confusion on the other end - imagine hearing, "Mom? Where does this go?" all moving day long!
3. Do a little at a time.  You always have a few weeks before the big move.  Pack a couple of boxes every day and it will be less overwhelming.  It will also give you time to let things go.  Trust me - even a small condo can turn into a huge (and emotional job) if you leave it all to the last few days before the movers show up.
4. Get rid of stuff.  Whether you donate it, sell it (gotta love Craig's List) or throw it away, you know you have accumulated lots of stuff you simply don't want or don't need.  Be strict with yourself.  If you haven't used it in a while or it really has served its purpose - get it out of the house!  Do not move it with you to take up valuable space in your new abode.

Remember, moving is really supposed to be a happy thing.  You get to decorate a new space, re-purpose things and maybe even have a little gathering to celebrate your new diggs.  It's not always fun to pack up and move, but it can be a great experience to have new walls and a new place to call home.


image courtesy of www.boxshop.ca 

Four Steps To An Organized Closet

Ask most anyone and they will agree that organization is the key to a home that runs like a well oiled machine.  But don't confuse organized with scheduled, that's a whole other ballgame - and blog post!  With the start of a new year comes inspiration to organize in some way, shape or form.  I immediately start in the closet.
Now I am one of the fortunate blessed with a lovely, spacious walk-in closet.  Unfortunately, I am also cursed with a bursting at the seams, overladen with the trendy, the outdated or the very ill fitting closet.  Call it the shopaholic syndrome. Consequently I too must start 2010 with not only resolutions - "I will not shop for any more clothes" - but more importantly, solutions to purge, organize and reorganize my closet. 
Luckily, there is a  four step method to the "organize your closet" madness which I confess to having borrowed from Tim Gunn - fashion guru extrordinair.  In his book A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style he states that "a closet is a catalog of the different personas we have auditioned and discarded." With that in mind, it is time to discard the clothes that go along with some of those discarded personas that really didn't fit your style.

1. Throw it away. This should really be self-explanatory.  Overworn (and it looks it), faded, torn, snags, holes - these equal throw away.  It really is that simple; very black and white.  It's old so get rid of it.  Thank it for it's usefulness and move on. 
   
2. Give it away. This can be trickier especially since emotions are bound to get involved.  Rule of thumb, if you haven't worn it in a year, give it away.  Seriously, what are you waiting for?  It hasn't stirred your emotions enough to wear it for at least 365 days so trust me, it's not going to any time soon.  Someone else will love it and wear it.  Be strong.  Put it in the give away pile.  Free up some of that valuable closet space!
3. Repair it.  Everyone of us has items that never quite fit, have some kind of odd boxy feel or is just too snug.  If you really can't part with it and it is stylish,  find a good, reliable tailor or seamstress and have these items taken-in, restyled a  bit or repaired.  Stick to classic items for this pile - clothes you'll wear for years to come if they just fit correctly.  Who knows? You just might find a brand new outfit in the mix.
4. The Keepers or Soul Stirrers.  This is the pile we can all relate to.  Not only is it the stuff we love, but it's the clothes that make us feel confident, beautiful and often invincible.  It's the comfortable sweater that makes you feel safe, the perfect fitting jeans that make you feel sexy, the gorgeous blouse that makes you glow.  These are the staples of your wardrobe - the classic, chic pieces that transcend time and look good no matter what kind of mood you're in.  Go ahead and set these aside. Some may be oldies, but as long as they're in good shape, they are definitely goodies and worth wearing over and over again.

Remember, no matter what size closet you have, every one of us has a few fashion mistakes that need purging and we could all definitely use a little reorganizing in our everyday lives.  Good luck!

Doggie Dead Fish Smell? Douche It Away

"Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes."  This was all I could think of yesterday as I got a whiff of our puppy who came back in from her afternoon walk.  As I stood there holding my nose trying to put my finger on what the horrific odor was, my son informed me that our just groomed puppy had unfortunately found a dead fish during her walk and decided to roll around in it!  Ugh!  I quickly put her in the tub - not something she likes at all - and proceeded to shampoo, rinse and repeat.  I made sure I got every inch of her - from paws to the top of her furry little head.  Sophie squirmed and yelped, jumped and barked.  Water was everywhere.  Still, I washed her little body until I thought the stench was gone.  I towel dried her and used the blow dryer as best I could only to find that the dead fish smell was still quite pungent.  What to do.  Tomato juice?  My first thought - you know the whole skunk thing.  But bathing a puppy in tomato juice?  Not really top on my list of things to do.  To the internet.
I checked out several sites and the general consensus was...douching.  No really.  News to me but apparently washing the dog with a vinegar and water douche neutralizes the dead fish smell.  Seriously.  So who do you think drew the short straw to go and buy the douche?  My poor, and very embarrassed 17 year old son!  Well he was the one who let the puppy roll in the dead fish to begin with!  The phone call from Publix was priceless.  "What fragrance do you want her to smell like - Spring Rain or Fresh Baby Powder?"  I couldn't help but giggle.  "How about just plain vinegar and water?" He found it, extra cleansing, and thankfully bought the economy pack.  Back to the tub for the puppy.  We had to use all 4 treatments then shampoo, rinse, repeat - again.  And guess what?  It actually worked.  Who knew.  Sophie no longer smells like the fishes!  Thank goodness!  And we all learned something new.  Dead fish smell beware - the disposable douche is here!  Go ahead and laugh, but thankfully, it worked.        



quote courtesy of The Internet Movie Database - The Godfather

Putting Up Drapes

I decided to take a cue from my interior designer sister and "nest" my rental. You know, hang artwork, put up drapes, add the decorative accents? I should point out that I am not a nest-er by nature. I would say that I am more of a gypsy but only in the no-roots, no attachment to houses kind of way. Still, I had been here over a year and had to admit that it was time to make my 1900 square feet more of a home. This of course meant several trips to Home Goods and Bed Bath and Beyond - the thrifty decorator's paradises!

Now the artwork, was pretty easy - pick what you like and hang it up. The decorative accents, no problem - go with your decor and display in pleasing vignette's preferably in sets of threes. The Drapes? A whole other story! Who knew? First there was measuring. Here we should all take a lesson from Norm Abram, "measure twice, cut once." I definitely should have measured at least twice before attempting to attach the rod to the wall. Spackle anyone? And not only that but when the top of the window to the floor measures 84", do not think you can get away with 84" panels! Hello! As my sister told me, go about 4" above the window and let the curtains pool beautifully on the floor. Back to Bed Bath and Beyond did I go.

Once I had the rod up, it took me a few tries to get the rings on. Now, I am a college graduate but let me tell you, the drapery rod should really come with some suggestions for hanging the drapes. I think I had to unscrew the finial off both ends of the rod about half a dozen times not only to position the rings, but also to ensure that I was accounting for the wall brackets and the panel hanging outside the bracket. It was hilarity at it's best - like a Laurel and Hardy moment with the dog nipping at the curtain, the little clips falling off the rings and me trying to get the finials on without moving the rod's position.

I am happy to say that in the end, I do have lovely drapes in my dining room. It only took 4 trips to the store, two different rods (the first one was too short!), two different sets of drapes (the first set were too short and I changed my mind about the stripes), a little spackle and paint and voila! Hanging drapes. Now, I have to tackle the family room! Wish me luck.