Do’s and Don’ts for Phone and Virtual Interviews

By: Silvia Rabanales and Molly Scherle, Job Center Representatives

Preparing for any interview can be a little stressful and confusing. Most companies have started doing phone and virtually interviews, but don’t worry we have a couple of tips on do’s and don’ts for phone/virtual calls.

Do’s

  • Be prepared with your resume at hand, this way you can look over details regarding your skills and job history.
  • For virtual calls make sure you have a clean, clutter free surrounding with natural lighting.
  • With virtual calls make sure you are wearing appropriate attire.
  • If you must call-in for the interview, make sure you are prepared with the name of the interviewer to get directed to the correct person.
  • Look over common interview questions, you can do so on by searching this on the internet. This will help you better prepare.
  • Look up information about employer to be well prepared.
  • Do make sure you have a good cell phone connection and make sure device needed is charged.

Don’t

  • Don’t be in a cluttered room with background noise.
  • Don’t be late on calls or virtual calls.
  • Don’t chew gum or candy.
  • Don’t sit in a public place that has a busy background.
  • Don’t use a silly username.

Building an Active Community

Goodwill of the Great Plains is in the planning stages of a new mission facility to be located across the street from our current West 4th Street campus. Goodwill has owned the land for about 30 years with a vision to use the property to expand mission.

The facility being planned will allow for expansion of services in a modern facility. Our current Adult Day and Day Habilitation services have grown exponentially, and we need more space for program offerings.    The new building plans will offer a multi-use community center with gymnasium, specialized space for programming, space for meeting rooms and team member offices. We will have adequate space for Goodwill sponsored events such as career fairs, the Shoe Party, and a variety of vocational training offerings.

Goodwill’s mission is centered on empowering individuals through employment and education leading to self-sufficiency and higher quality of life. We are grateful for community support in the form of household donations and customer purchases through our retail stores. This project is an opportunity to enhance the community and add service offerings aligned with Goodwill’s mission thanks to this local support.

Dress Code 101

By: Anna Garcia and Daniela Lopez, Job Center Representatives

Have a job interview but don’t know what to wear? Always go conservative. Every company has a different dress code. Industries have different expectations on how employees should dress. The appropriate dress code can vary depending on position, company and location. You should wear in a professionally way the position they are applying for. Avoid bright and flashy colors. First impression is key with a potential employer.

Tips

  • Make sure your attire is clean
  • Wear clothes that fit
  • Set up your attire the night before
  • Neat hairstyles and minimum accessories

Once you found your interview attire, give yourself time to prepare for the conversations you will have with the employer. Research the company, gather and prepare your experience to share with the employer about your previous employment. Remember first impressions are lasting impressions.