The Wooden Group

Rising seniors in college need support, coaching and direction as they prepare to enter the real world.

As a parent, you want what’s best for your child. You realize that a college education is great at opening doors. But a college degree does not always equal a successful career.

A common misconception among students and their parents is colleges are very effective in “placing” students in the work force upon graduation. In reality, colleges are in the business of education, not job hunting. To their credit most colleges have set up placement offices to help students’ job hunting efforts. Their results, however, are mixed

Regardless of any school’s placement office efforts, your child is responsible for success or failure in his career. After investing many thousands of dollars in an education is it wise to not do everything possible to ensure you’re on the right track?

Find out more! Call our office at 336.793.8040 or visit www.woodengroup.com.

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Come to our free workshop, get all your questions answered and receive a complimentary resume critique!

The Wooden Group’s one-hour “Get Hired” workshop is every Thursday at noon where we’ll discuss how you can improve your marketability,  make your resume stand out,  figure out the best way to network, improve your interviewing skills…and more!

We cover all aspects of a job search.  Workshop content is largely driven by you – the attendee.  So, bring your questions!

The Wooden Group’s office is located in the Broyhill Office Suites on Clemmons Road next to the Clemmons Public Library.

Seating is limited, so call 336.793.8040 or email randy@woodengroup.com to confirm your spot.

Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com.

STAY CONNECTED!

By: Randy Wooden
www.WoodenGroup.com

Here are 8 great ways to make a good first impression in an interview.

 1.     Preparation.  This takes many forms, but make sure you understand what the employer’s looking for and cite examples from your past to show you meet their needs.

2.    Resume.  No typos, one or two pages in length, include key words which match with those listed in the requirements or qualifications.

3.    Stand up in the lobby.  Make sure you’re standing when the employer pops his head into the lobby.  Why?  People first look to other people at eye level.  By standing you appear enthusiastic and ready for business.

4.    Dress appropriately.  This can mean different clothing for different jobs, but always err on the dressier side when in doubt. 

5.    Appearance.  Don’t detract from your message of being a competent professional by exhibiting poor hygiene or inappropriate hairstyles.

6.    Body language.  This includes everything from maintaining good eye contact to a firm handshake to sitting up to avoiding nervous fidgeting. 

7.    Ask good, open ended questions.

8.    Relax.  The interview is an exchange of information.  It’s a chance to convey why you’re a fit for the position.  The employer’s not simply hiring a robot with skills, they’re hiring a personality.  Let yours be one of enthusiasm and confidence.

To learn more, call us at (336) 793-8040 or visit www.WoodenGroup.com!  

STAY CONNECTED!
       

Unemployed?  Underemployed and concerned about your future? Have you tried everything, but don’t seem to be getting anywhere?

How can you improve your marketability? How can I make my resume stand out? What’s the best way for me to network? How can I improve my interviewing skills?

Come to The Wooden Group’s one-hour “Get Hired” workshop every Thursday at noon and get free tips and information on all this and much more!

We cover all aspects of a job search.  Workshop content is largely driven by you – the attendee.  So bring your questions!

The Wooden Group’s office is located in the Broyhill Office Suites on Clemmons Road next to the Clemmons Public Library.

Seating is limited, so call 336.793.8040 or email randy@woodengroup.com to confirm your spot.

Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com.

STAY CONNECTED!

              

Look for The Wooden Group’s booth at the Winston-Salem Employment Fair on Tuesday, April 13, at the LJVM Coliseum Annex. 

The fair begins at 10am and Randy will provide an information session on networking at 11am. 

This year we’ll be giving away one “resume makeover,” so be sure to drop off your business card or fill out an entry slip. 

While stopping by our booth sign up to attend a future “Get Hired” workshop.  For more information, call 336.793.8040 or contact randy@woodengroup.com.

STAY CONNECTED!

              

In part one I shared some thoughts on the first part of reading an interviewer relative to whether they’re following you and want you to continue. 

Typically, a simple nod of the head signifies the other person follows your line of thought, but also signifies they are open to hearing more.

In part two, let’s look at a second level of interaction.  When an employer has more fully heard and understood your point, be on the lookout for them to utter some sound.  Not words.  Just sounds, sometimes accompanied by a nod of the head.

When I hear such sounds I know I need to begin to wrap up.  The interviewer is, in effect, telling me they’ve largely understood my point, but perhaps may not be fully ready to interrupt me with their own verbiage.

In the coming days I’ll share stage three in knowing whether you’ve talked too long.  Be aware that you can talk yourself out of a job.  Pick up on both verbal and non-verbal cues to make the most of your interactions.

Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com. You can also connect with Randy on LinkedIn.

STAY CONNECTED!
       

Despite the overnight bad weather we had a strong turnout for Saturday’s “Get Hired” workshop.

We discussed topics such as dealing with age on your resume… the “gee, you’re overqualified” concern… salary issues… determining what sorts of key words to include on a resume… the use of verbal “cushions” to appear more at ease… how to handle the “weaknesses” question… and how to deal with employment gaps on your resume. 

These workshops are typically a Q&A designed to answer your search questions.  The workshops aren’t sequential, so you’re not missing part of a series if you join in midway.

I hope you’ll consider attending and perhaps telling friends from your church, your activities, or your co-workers.  All I ask is that you contact us with your cell phone and email, along with how you learned of the event.  My assistant Suzanne will contact you to confirm your attendance.  It’s important, since seating is limited.

Hope to see you Saturday or at future “Get Hired” workshops.  Our office is located in the Broyhill Office Suites on Clemmons Road next to the Clemmons Public Library.

Seating is limited, so call or email to confirm your spot.  336.793.8040 or randy@woodengroup.com.

Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com. You can also connect with Randy on LinkedIn.

STAY CONNECTED!