3 Things You Need in Your Next Interview!

Let's talk about everyone's favorite topic - interviews! Ok, probably not your favorite thing to do, but everyone experiences some form of an interview. For college and career women, interviewing for a job is a popular one. 

It can be a nerve-racking experience but it doesn't have to be. As an HR pro/recruiter, I'll tell you a secret- an interview is simply a conversation. You and the recruiter agree on a time and setup a meeting, similar to your other meetings. You come prepared to discuss your qualifications and why you're good for the job. For the most part, the recruiter enters the meeting with the intention of finding the right candidate for the job. 

What happens when you're in the interview together? You TALK! You're having a mature, professional conversation. To rock this interview, remember to bring the most important piece- your confidence. You're reading this blog so I know you're smart, organized and focused. Your experience is robust and compatible to the position. I know you'll have your resume memorized like your favorite Beyoncé song, so when you answer the questions, really go for it! Tell the interviewer about your accomplishments and experiences with pride and integrity.

You can also show your unique experience. 2nd thing to remember is a hard copy of your resume and a professional portfolio. Yes, you sent your resume via email. The recruiter can print it out and probably will print it out. However, bringing your resume is classic professionalism and it's a kind gesture. Your professional portfolio can be emailed or brought in, if appropriate. For example, my 9-5 job is in HR. When applying to a different job, I will send a recruiter a link to CMB's website because it highlights experience not included on my resume. Graphic designers may bring in a portfolio to share. Interviews are not the time to hold back and be shy about your experience, especially as a recent grad. Did you complete a branding strategy for a small business during your capstone project in school? Did you write a policy brief in your political science course? Before an interview, think of the requirements and responsibilities for the position and make a list of all your experiences that would be helpful to mention. Then, practice answering some questions you’re sure to get. 

Check out the episode of “Krystal & Courtney’s Career Chat” that covers interviews. We include sample questions and how to answer them.

You have to look super cute for your interview! 3rd thing to bring is an amazing outfit! When you look good, you feel good. When I'm feeling my outfit, you can't tell me nothing! My confidence is at an all-time high. Next time you have an interview, put on your favorite professionally-chic outfit or buy a new one. If money is funny, no problem. Call your best friend, and borrow something from her. When you get to her house, discuss a hairstyle that will be on point, for the occasion. You can also practice a couple interview questions with her.

We want to do a webinar about interviews! Would you be interested? What difficult interview questions would you like me to cover?! Let me know in the comments!

For more information about career development, networking and work fashion, go to our website at www.thecolormeb.com and join our mailinglist!

My Natural Hair in Corporate America

Without fail, every day, I take a moment in the morning and make sure my nappy hair is ready for the work day.

Please excuse me if you find the word "nappy" uncomfortable or offensive. I don't intend to offend anyone. However, my hair is happily nappy, thick, curly and kinky. I am so thankful and grateful that I work with highly intelligent people that embrace and love my hairdo. 

To some folks, this probably doesn't seem like a big deal. For me, someone that has been treated adversely because of my natural blackness, acceptance of my natural hair at work is huge. I love feeling comfortable and not worrying about my supervisor staring at my tightly coiled curls.

When I started my job in December 2013, I straightened my hair every day.

Ain't nobody got time.

I wanted to make sure I was "appropriate" for the office. Millennials in corporate America are well-aware of our age, seniority and position in the workplace (because countless articles and baby boomers remind us daily). As a young woman of color, in corporate America, working in New York City, I wanted to put my best foot forward and set myself up for success. After two months, I was over it. I didn't have time to do that every morning, and it was hard on my thick hair. So what was I to do?

Coming to work with my big hair would already make me stand out. Wearing a weave was out because I've stopped paying hundred of dollars for hair. Don't have time for that either. I didn't want to approach my supervisor and risk turning a non-issue into an issue. 

So what to do?!

I asked my homegirls at work. They told me to be free. I did and everyone loved it. Now, I don't know if that will work in everyone's office but I do have a couple tips for you to consider:

1. What is your company's culture? Since having the come-to-Jesus moment with my homegirls, I decided that I'm comfortable straightening my hair if I ever have to interview for a job or become client-facing. I believe client interaction warrants changing your hair because you are now representing your company. Is your company culture business-professional? Or casual? Look around and talk to your peers. 

2. Is your hair distracting? My hair is big and nappy and I LOVE it. We sit in cubicles so my hair doesn't block anyone's view- I'm good. Now, if I were to dye it purple, people might turn their heads when I walk by. Just like you wouldn't wear a super tight pencil skirt with a donkey booty, you probably shouldn't wear your Cassie-shaved-on-the-side to the board meeting. If you're in San Francisco, at one of those cool millennial-run tech companies, DO IT!

3. Is it cute? No shade but make sure your hair is on point. There is no specific style you have to rock in the workplace. I'd be hypocrite if I said your hair has to be bone-straight; but I do think your hair should be like your outfit- on point and super cute :)

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xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

10 Work Wardrobe Essentials!

When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you do better work. I feel exponentially more confident at work when I look fly. From my hair, to my accessories, to my outfit and of course, my shoes, I like to look suited and booted at work. I am dressing for the position I want, a potential networking opportunity; and, as Papa Pope would say, because "we have to be twice as good."

Building a full-blown, all seasons, flawless work wardrobe can be daunting and costly. I want to open my closet and see Ann Taylor and Banana Republic pieces. I also want to pay my student loans in a timely fashion; so I have learned to balance my financial priorities with my love for over-priced blouses.

To build your wardrobe, you should start with the essentials and slowly add your personal favorites. Here are our 10 favorite work wardrobe essentials. You probably already have some of these pieces. Great! If you’re wearing one this week, post it and tag us in it @thecolormeb!

1. WORKING watch

This is the watch I wear to work every day. It matches pretty much anything I wear. It is fashionable and professional. Wearing a working watch also let’s your colleagues and supervisors know that you are aware of time and (hopefully) punctual! MK and other designer watches can be pricey. You don’t have to buy one a month, but maybe consider splurging. Until then, you can fake it until make it or buy a similar style watch from a less expensive brand.

2. Wool scarf

A nice scarf can add a pop of color to a work outfit and keep you warm in a chilly office.

3. Blazers

Blazers can easily “dress up” an outfit. I like to wear a blazer with a plain dresses. Depending on the accessories and shoes, I could be in training for the day or meeting with external clients. I’ll add a big necklace, comfy shoes and I’m ready for anything.

4. Ballet flats

If you know me, you know I LOVE flats. They’re easy, comfortable, fancy, versatile, all of the above. You can find flats at any apparel store but finding cute and professional flats are clutch. I love Tory Burch’s signature flats.

5. Nice fitting slacks     

Sigh, my favorite – not. When you have a butt, hips and thighs, it is hard to find pants period. For the office, it is almost impossible to find pants that fit AND the fit is appropriate for work (not hugging your goodies). For well-fitting pants, you have to go to the grown women stores. I like buying Banana Republic’s tailored pants. H&M and Forever 21 have cute work clothes and if you can fit them, go for it. However, if you’re thicker than snicker, go ahead and upgrade.

6. Tights/Stockings      

Stockings and tights are essential because they keep you warm and they help you pull off skirts that are just a bit too short for work. I recently started wearing more patterned tights. I usually pair them with a very plain dress and cardigan and add pearl/stud earrings.

7. Black pencil skirts

Black pencil skirts are flattering, super cute and really easy to match and dress up. Keep in mind, your black pencil skirt should fit loose enough that it is appropriate for work. When I wear a pencil skirt, and it’s too tight on my bottom half, I wear a longer top and/or a blazer. J.Lo always looks flawless. In this pic, the skirt is too tight to wear to work (perfect everywhere #werk), however. If it's your only option, definitely consider wearing a long blazer.

8. Pearl/gold/diamond stud earrings

Accessories are great for dressing up you work wardrobe. However, sometimes we can’t use the same accessories at work that we use at brunch with friends. You can wear colorful jewelry but it should never be distracting or too flashy. Stud earrings are classic and chic. I like wearing oversized studs to compliment my toned down outfits.

9. Comfy Pumps          

A nice, reliable, comfortable pair of black pumps are also essential. Actually, you can get them in every color. Comfort isn’t a requirement either. When it comes to shoes, the more you have, the better. They can be fun – just not distracting. Please please please make sure you know how to walk in them #noshade.

10. A smile

:)

Follow @thecolormeb for more #workfashion tips. When you post a pic, wearing one of these work wardrobe essentials, tag us! 

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

Help Your Girlfriend Find a Job

"Girrrrrllll my boss had the nerve to ask me to...."

"Yea, they told me 'it's just not a good fit' and let me go"

"I'm giving these people another two weeks and I'm out!"

My girlfriends and I have started too many stories with these phrases. How many of us work somewhere where we feel undervalued? How many of us have been denied a job because we, in all of our beauty and uniqueness, are not "a good fit?" (What about us doesn't fit is another post for a different day, perhaps February). How many of us have girlfriends that simply work for some out of control managers?!

It's part of the journey that every woman experiences in the early stages of their career. Employees work through many situations that can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction with the workplace. And vice versa. You know you have that one girlfriend that tells her work stories and leaves out a week's worth of information! Sometimes employees let their negativity affect their work; and employers may choose to let them go. Whether it's voluntary or involuntary, two things remain true. You shouldn't feel trapped at job where you're unhappy and unfulfilled. Secondly, if you call on the courage to leave, your girlfriends will have your back and help you get through it.

5 ways to help your girl!

Here are 5 suggestions to aid you and your girlfriend find her a position:

1. LinkedIn! Update your linkedin profile with information that will accurately describe the work you've done in your more current position. Yes, you might have had a bad experience, but you worked diligently to make it better and do your job. Incorporate that skillset into your resume and Linkedin profile. Please use a super cute and professional profile picture. Use a friendly, welcoming photo that will invite potential employers. I chose mine because it looks like me going to a job interview. Try a combination of the two, with the understanding that your Facebook or Twitter profile pics will not work #justbeinghonest. Finally, get recommendations from former supervisors, mentors and professional colleagues. This is a great way for recruiters too see that you perform well and maintain a good rapport with colleagues.

Good Profile Pic 

NOT Appropriate for Linkedin Profile Pic

2. Your College/University! 

Check out your college/university's alumni relations page. More than likely, your college has an office that engages alumni. These offices also tend to have networking opportunities and job boards. Your college may also have an office of career services. These offices help you throughout college and some have staff dedicated to supporting alumni. As an alumni, you probably still have access to the university job board. Check that out!

3. Indeed 

Sooooo many companies post on this website. Also, Indeed searches the web for positions that match your preferences so there are a ton of jobs there. If you upload your resume, Indeed will forward it to employers for consideration. If you're like me, you ignore the jobs that say, "sponsored by," in pink. Look at those! Many people don't realize those are priority jobs!

4. Staffing Agency

A good staffing agency can help you tremendously during a search, especially if you're searching while working. Do some research for your girlfriend and find a reputable agency in your area. Robert Half is a popular, nationwide agency.

5. @thecolormeb
Direct your girlfriend to my organization's website. We have links to job boards, interviewing tips, work fashion inspiration and more!

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

How to Be Successful in Your Fall Internship

Are you starting your first or 6th internship this fall? Listen to a couple experts on how to leave an awesome impression!

Besides grades, what do you look for when hiring an intern? Do you really care about grades?

Courtney: I have hired interns at a law firm and a consulting firm. In these two settings, hiring managers use GPA’s to evaluate full-time employees candidates because they’re looking for intelligent and studious people. Of course we want someone that is well-rounded, but when I receive a resume from an intern candidate, I look for the GPA because many students have little to no job experience, so I use GPA to gauge focus, determination and to certain extent, creativity. I look at full transcripts to see what types of classes students are engaged in and where they’re challenging themselves. If you’re interning at a place where study/academic prep skills are needed, we’re definitely looking at your GPA.

Dennis: Grades can be an important factor in the hiring process, especially if the internship is academic based. I was a summer intern for a non-profit agency and one of the roles that I applied for was an Academic Intern, which meant I attended classes and helped the instructor by preparing the required materials for the day. They wanted someone that was academically successful and could role model positive behavior in the classroom. For this particular internship, which was a company that prepared principals to oversee struggling and underperforming schools, they wanted someone that was comfortable working with an older population; someone that was mature, responsible, hardworking, and could work in a diverse group.

When evaluating a group of interns, do you compare them to each other and rank?

Dennis: The comparison aspect is especially relevant when it comes to selecting the staff members to begin with. When picking the orientation leaders, we want them to represent and mirror our current student population as much as possible. We consider a number of different factors: race, class year, major(s), hometown, special academic classification: honors, business scholar, service scholar, etc. We want to ensure that we represent our diverse student population to the best of our ability and we want to make sure that the incoming freshmen students can identify with the leaders they are seeing. Picking the Summer RAs works in a similar manner. We want to make sure that we are picking staff that will benefit the most from the free housing over the summer, but we also want to make sure they have the skill sets that will make them successful over the summer. During the summer we have many different conferences that visit our campus and spend part of their summers here. We want to pick RAs that are especially mature and have excellent customer service skills.

Courtney: No, I try to refrain from comparing interns to each other in their class, and comparing intern classes to other intern classes. We have a formal intern evaluation process. At the end of the 6-week internship program, we have interns fill out a self-evaluation; and supervisors complete an evaluation for each intern.

Can an internship ever lead to a job?

Courtney: Yes! Some internships are designed to lead to a permanent job. Other internships are not, but employers will not hesitate to offer an extraordinary intern a position. Work hard on all projects you receive – no matter how boring or administrative the task is, complete it to the best of your ability.

Dennis: For my particular education internship employment opportunities were realized. One of my fellow interns applied with the company when she graduated college, and was hired. She’s currently still working with the same company. I think it’s important to ask your supervisor if potential employment is a real possibility, especially as someone that’s a junior or senior and will be looking to enter the workforce soon. Some companies are willing to hire interns, especially if you impress them, and go above and beyond on a consistent basis.

Is it ok to ask a lot of questions?

Courtney: Yes! There is no such thing as a dumb question. Your manager would much rather prefer you ask questions and get clarification instead of wasting hours doing a project incorrectly. At the same time, pay attention and take notes at meetings so you retain as much information as possible. If you’re on top of your projects and working with a sense of urgency, managers will note your maturity, confidence and diligence to do work.

Dennis: As an intern, it was made clear that I was expected to ask questions if I was unsure of something. My supervisors made it a comfortable working environment, and I always felt at ease asking them questions.

Whether this is your first internship or your 6th, ask a lot of questions and consume as much information as possible. Internships help college students gain job skills that are essential for their industry, but internships also teach you how to function in a professional setting. Ask your boss for more responsibility and demonstrate that you are ready for that transition. Make sure you dress appropriately. Check out @thecolormeb on Instagram and pinterest for tips on dressing professional and fly at the same time.

Dennis Velez holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science and  Master’s Degree in Sociology with a Concentration in Diversity & Inequality. A Connecticut native, Dennis attended college and graduate school in New York City where he immersed himself in studying issues of diversity. Dennis is passionate about being an advocate, resource, mentor and ally to all students, but especially students of color and students that identify in the LGBTQ community. He serves on the Board of Advisors for CMB Professional Development Agency.

Courtney Ball holds an MA in Urban Studies from Fordham University and a Bachelor's of Arts in Politics from the University of San Francisco. Courtney's masters thesis research was named the 2011 Best Graduate Student Paper at the California American Studies Association Conference. She has been managing interns and working with college students for 10+ years, helping to cultivate a professional pipeline for people of color. She is the founder and executive director of CMB Professional Development Agency.