“Oh, no! The interviewer just asked for my weaknesses!”

No list of the most challenging interview questions would be complete without the ol’ weaknesses question. Today I’ll explore why they’re asking it and strategies for answering. Bear in mind, no single answer is necessarily best or worst, although I have a couple definitely in the running!

Steamy Summer Days: When Giving the Cold Shoulder Isn’t So Bad

Is anyone out there in the middle of a heat wave? I love the warm weather, but sometimes, to get through these steamy summer days, we do need to think of some unconventional ways to cool down. Air conditioning is great and all, but if it’s not available where you are on an especially stuffy day then you may realize that giving the cold shoulder isn’t always such a bad thing. Not sure what I mean? Read on for details about a few style suggestions that sneak a little breeze into your ensemble.

Nonprofits Can Help Increase Voter Turnout

Nonprofits like Goodwill play a unique role within our American society. In addition to providing needed services to communities across the country, nonprofits have the potential to help strengthen our democracy by helping to increase voter participation and turnout.

Handling the Interview Question: “What’s Been Your Biggest Accomplishment?”

Some interview questions make you squirm. Others, you should welcome. Today I’ll tackle one you should welcome. Most employers will ask about your accomplishments. Your challenge now becomes two-fold. First, what sort of accomplishment should you bring up? Second, how much detail should you provide?

Summer Breeze Room Divider DIY

Let’s just call this the year I finally build the bedroom of my dreams! For spring, I fixed up the nook of our room where the bed resides (it felt so good!), but there’s one other thing that has always bugged me about this space and summer has finally brought its solution.

Goodwill Celebrates the 4th of July

The 4th of July has long been one of my favorite holidays. As I sit around with my friends and family eating all the hamburgers and hot dogs humanly possible it’s difficult to not appreciate the country we call home. Over 242 years our founding parents gathered together to establish a new country and a new system of government. Rather than being governed by a royal family like those in Europe, this new nation would be ruled by the people. The founding fathers and mothers, many in their early 20s and 30s, understood the importance of allowing the people to voice their opinion and to have their say about the individuals and laws that would govern their new nation.

Ask for the Job and Keep Control

I’m occasionally asked about when to follow up after an interview, particularly if nothing definitive was indicated as the interview wound down. Let’s have a closer look at a strategy for ending your interview. I call it, “Ask for the job and keep control.”

Vintage Americana for Independence Day

Happy birthday to our dear ol’ U.S.A.! This year I’ve been eyeing weathered and worn decor and clothing choices that remind me of our country’s history. One thing that I love about shopping at Goodwill is the surprise of stumbling upon items from eras past. It’s entirely possible that I could find something over a hundred years old while thrifting and the magic of that drives my curiosity. Although the finds we’re looking at today aren’t actually that old, it’s still fun to take a quick walk down memory lane with these Americana-inspired pieces.

Celebrating the Class of 2018

It’s graduation season, a rite of passage for students around the country. In my own family, my five year old niece graduated from pre-school, my eighteen year old cousin graduated from high school, and my thirty nine year old brother graduated from his plumbing apprenticeship program. Within the Goodwill network, hundreds of graduates are exiting the Excel Center, an alternative adult high school started by Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana, Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana and now replicated in around the country.

My Story: Jason Norris

When I was young, my parents were plagued by addiction and I had to live with my grandparents. I was 17 years old and was working for my grandfather’s landscaping company until I became a father. Unfortunately, I acted immaturely and decided to supplement my income with drug dealing. From 1999 to 2008, I was […]

Fun in the Sun: 3 DIY Projects to Kick Off Your Summer!

Now that summer is officially here, it’s the perfect time to get out, enjoy the weather and let your creativity sizzle in the sunshine! To help you get started, here is  a list of summery ideas that are sure to inspire you. DIY Bee & Butterfly Bath Craft a sipping station for your flying neighborhood pollinators with a […]

Should I Take a Job Through A Staffing Agency?

My job seeking clients ask lots of questions about recruiting firms and staffing agencies. In future blogs I’ll explain some of their differences and help you try to identify firms better positioned to help you. Today I’ll cover the specific question about whether you should accept a position through an agency. I hope to provide some background so you can make a more informed decision.