Q: “Hi, Felicity, I feel like I never know how to prepare for interviews or what to do when I get there. What are your best tips for job interviews?” – Alejandra
A: Great question! I’ve been through my fair share of job interviews and have found that the most valuable traits you can exhibit are confidence and positivity. Greet your interviewer with a big smile, a firm handshake, and genuine small talk. This initial interaction alone will establish a warm and friendly first impression, and this will truly take you miles. Take some time before your interview to pick out a career-friendly outfit (dress for the job you want!), practice good hygiene, and run some mock interviews with someone you trust or look up to as a professional. Study up on the organization you are interviewing with so that you may both cater your responses to that business and be able to spout some trivia, if necessary. Polish your resume and maybe have a few people review it with you. Focus on experiences in your past jobs or extracurriculars that prove you are a great worker, a solid team player, and that you are super cool under pressure. The majority of interviews I’ve experienced ask about my familiarity with problem-solving as well as my strengths and weaknesses. Before your interview, run through some common interview questions and review your resume with a trusted mentor, concentrate on your successes and personal achievements, and throw on an outfit that makes you feel capable of running for president. Take a deep breath before you go in as the right amount of self-confidence will take you almost anywhere in life. You got this!
Q: “What are some ways to keep productive during isolation?” – Sofie
A: First of all, I hope nobody is feeling pressured to get fit or become adept at any number of skills during this quarantine. This is an incredibly stressful and unprecedented time, and it is totally okay to cope in whatever way you need to do so. If you have the good fortune to be employed during this, illustrate insurmountable work ethic to show your employers your worth and be that hero who many people nowadays need so desperately. At home, do whatever makes you feel fulfilled and content. If you’re one of those people who needs routine to feel productive, set an alarm and get up with the roosters to start your day. Stick to a schedule by which to complete your priorities, and then relax. Try something new if you’ve gotten restless. I’ve picked up running in the middle of the night (carrying a taser, of course) and have found that I look forward to that part of my day. Being lucky enough to work from home, I like to take my laptop to the patio or to the couch (with our dog, Toby, at my feet) for small changes in scenery so that staring at my laptop all morning is a bit more comfortable. Whoever said you can’t wear your PJs to a Zoom conference, anyway? We are protecting ourselves and others by staying home, so reward yourself by picking up some new hobbies, exercising, cooking, baking, and simply enjoying your time with the people in your home. See the positive in all of this mess.
Q: “What are some ways I can stay healthy/eat well while I’m in quarantine?” – Jennifer
A: While you shouldn’t feel like you have to get crazy fit, I am happy to hear that you’ve chosen the healthy route! These quarantine snacks tempt me daily, and it’s a conscious effort to stay away. There’s a ridiculous number of workout videos on YouTube, if that’s your thing, and finding a routine you enjoy can help motivate you to work out regularly. You can also go out for walks or runs while maintaining a safe distance from other people, or work out on your own in your yard, patio or living room. Eating healthy is always tricky if you’re used to eating out or eating instant or frozen meals. A website called SuperCook actually helped me find a three-ingredient recipe for a pot roast the other day: Enter what ingredients you have, and it will generate hundreds of recipes for you to choose from. You can brave the stores by going out with a mask and hand sanitizer to collect groceries yourself, use curbside pickup if available, or have them deliver (tip your delivery drivers, FYI!). Only purchase what you need and find some healthier options. There’s no time like the present to experiment with healthy dishes.
