Transition to College and Career

 

Photo Credit: Google Public Domain Images

 

Want to start a career? Have you been thinking about college, but don't know if you are ready, yet?

 

Holyoke Community College has a program, Transition to College and Careers (TCC), which helps students be "ready, confident and successful."

 

TCC is a FREE college prep class for adults.  In the TCC program, you will build your proficiency in math, reading and writing skills as well as study strategies and computer skills.  TCC is a supportive community in which the learning environment enables students to succeed.  Students are supported in identifying career pathways and navigating the college admissions process.

 

Applicants to TCC  must be:

• 18 + years old
• have a GED or HiSET  - OR
• have a high school diploma from at least 4 years ago
• plan to complete a certificate or degree program

The next class will begin in January, so contact  

Mary Martone (413-552-2245  mmartone@cepholyoke.org) or  

Marie Troppe (413-552-2728  mtroppe@hcc.edu) 

now if you are interested in joining TCC. 

 

 

The All-Important Thank You Note

Saying "Thank You" is a very important practice, especially when you want to make a positive impression on a future employer.  Putting together a thank you note that shows your gratitude and helps you get the job can be tricky.

Follow these simple steps for creating you "Thank you for the interview," note.

1. Salutation: Dear… (Unless you know the person very well, always use Mr., Mrs., Ms., etc.)
 
2. Write a sentence that says, "Thank you for the opportunity to talk with you about… (name position and company)"
 
3. Write something positive about the company (Why do you want to work for them?)

4. Write about a connection you made during the interview with either an interviewer or with the company (Did someone go to the same school as you?  Is there an interest that is similar to yours?)

5. Remind the interviewer(s) of why you would be good for the position (This is where you highlight your skills and strengths. Pick your top two to mention.) 
 
6. Close with: "I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely,  (your name)"

Remember to make your note short but to the point. You can email your thank you, but make sure you follow the steps as if you were writing a handwritten note.

Example: (Notice that the parts of the note match the steps above.)

Dear Ms. Butler, 

Thank you for the time you spent with me today interviewing for the position of hostess at Mom’s Café. Mom’s has such a warm atmosphere with great home-cooked food. 

I enjoyed learning that you also attended CNA when you first came to the US.  You are an inspiration.

I know that my cheerful personality and understanding of home cooking will make me an asset at Mom’s. 

I look forward to hearing from you about this position. 

Sincerely, 
Maria Santoro

Interviewing Tips

Photo Credit: By Grey Geezer - CC - via Wikimedia Commons 

Here are some tips for having a successful interview.

• Always arrive on time. (Being late can lose you the job.  Being too early can, also.  IF you must be late, call the person with whom you are interviewing and explain the problem.  Things happen and a good employer should understand.)

• Remember that your interview starts before you arrive! (Pushing past someone on your way to the door, or driving unsafely into the parking lot in order to get a space, might be seen by your prospective employer, thus giving a bad first impression.)

• Don't fidget.  (Not only is it distracting to others when someone is always messing around with their hair or clothes, it makes the person doing it look unprofessional.)

• Stand up straight and look people in the eyes when you speak.  (In the US, standing/sitting straight and looking people in the eyes is a sign of confidence.)

• Give a firm handshake. (People, both men and women, in the US look for a firm handshake, not bone-crushing and not weak.)

Dressing for the Interview

When you go for an interview, how you dress says as much to your potential employer as your resume or job application.  Here are a few tips to follow.

• Always wear clean, ironed clothes.
• Do not wear jeans, cutoffs, tank tops or T-shirts.
• Do not wear open-toed shoes or sandals.
• Avoid any kind of heavy perfume or after-shave.

Women may ask their CNA advisor or someone at the OneStop Career Center about Dress for Success, an organization that helps low-income women find the clothes they need for interviews and work.  They also offer various seminars, workshops and networking for women.

Photo Credit: Google Public Domain Images