Author: Tyler Sumter
Returning to Work After a Break is Not Impossible
Returning to your career after a break can be difficult but, with the right preparation it is achievable. Show employer in an interview that although you took a break you are committed to the business. In today’s society the biggest set back is technology. People who have been away from the working life for a while may not be up to date in the current technology use of their department. Volunteering in your field is also a good way to keep your mind and body active. Provide examples of your work experience prior to the break that show you are willing to be fully invested. Don’t apologize for being out of the game prove to them that you are at the same level if not above your peers because of your break. Stay positive you are not the first person to take a career break and you will not be the last.
Do You Know Your Rights?
The U.S. Government created strict guidelines for employers to follow when interview potential candidates. These boundaries were created for your safety and privacy. When being questioned for a position it is important to know what you are not required to answer to avoid bias in the workplace. Employers are not allowed to ask question pertaining to race, nationality, religious beliefs, age if over 40, sex, including pregnancy, marital status, domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, physical disability, AIDS/HIV status or mental disability. In New Jersey the law is called New Jersey Law against Discrimination and federal anti-discrimination laws. This law prevents employer discrimination based on personal information. These are examples of questions they are not allowed to ask you during an interview.
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In what country were you born?
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What languages do you speak at home?
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Are you physically disabled?
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Are you married?
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Do you have a domestic partner?
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Do you have children?
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Do you plan to become pregnant?
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What religious holidays do you observe?
OIC Encourages Me
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” Henry Ford
“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” —Stephen Hawking
“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me?”
—Ayn Rand
“The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible.” —Charles Kingsleigh, Alice in Wonderland (2010)
“If something is wrong, fix it now. But train yourself not to worry, worry fixes nothing.”
— Ernest Hemingway
Getting Interview Ready Men vs. Women
Men
- Dress appropriate for the position you are applying for.
- A fitted suit is always a safe option.
- It shows that you are serious no matter the task of the business.
- Avoid loud colors.
- Employers want to hear you, not your clothes.
- Don’t overuse your cologne.
- Axe is not having an interview you are.
- A fresh haircut is a suggestion but not always necessary.
- Don’t smoke before an interview.
- A simple collar-shirt is also a good choice for a interview.
- Clean nails.
- Even if the job doesn’t involve you working with your hands, clean nails are a must.
- Wear black socks that cover your ankles if you cross your legs.
- Casual jewelry.
- A watch is fine, but earrings and expensive things should be worn after you get the job.
- If you don’t have an iron, hang your clothes in the bathroom while you take a steaming shower it will get all of the wrinkles.
- If you have a choice in when you like to interview pick a time around 10:30am.
- The morning rush has slowed down and the employer is eager for lunch.
- Sit up straight.
- Try not to use too many hand motions.
- Smile big but not too big.
- Shake the employers hand firmly before the interview and after while thanking them for their time.
- To be a boss you have to dress like a boss!
Women
- Dress appropriate for the position you are applying for.
- A fitted suit is always a safe option.
- A skirt or pants is suitable.
- Avoid loud colors.
- Employers want to hear you, not your clothes.
- Don’t overuse your perfume.
- Victoria’s secret perfume is not having an interview you are
- Hair should be pulled back or neatly done.
- Don’t smoke before an interview.
- Makeup should be a neutral shade.
- Anything on your face that you have to question is not appropriate.
- Clean nails.
- No bright colors or chipped polish.
- Heels should be below five inches.
- No open toed heels or open back.
- Stocking hose should be your skin tone.
- Casual jewelry.
- A necklace is fine, but earrings and expensive things can be worn after you get the job.
- If you don’t have an iron, spray your clothes with hair spray.
- If you have a choice in when you like to interview pick a time around 10:30am.
- The morning rush has slowed down and the employer is eager for lunch.
- Sit up straight.
- Try not to use too many hand motion.
- Shake the employers hand firmly before the interview and after while thanking them for their time.
- To be a boss you have to dress like a boss!
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ABOUT US
OIC of Greater Paterson is a non-profit community- based organization that has been meeting the needs of the economically disadvantaged individuals throughout the community.
