When she isn’t enjoying life with her boys, baking and cake decorating you can find Shanaka at Mama Bee Does. She survives being a single mom with lots of laughter, coffee, sweet tea and Dr. Pepper. Sometimes it feels like she’s hanging on by her apron strings, but she tries to make the most of every day. She believes that every body is unique and beautiful no matter the shape, size or color and that’s why she loves dresses like the Patti from Karina Dresses because they offer dresses for every body. Shanaka loves being social and you can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
The need for me to throw on a square neck dress and return to work out of the house had become a necessity. I started applying to different jobs and signing up to job boards online- Application after application, typed resumes and online filling out of forms. I haven’t had a job since the early 2000’s. I’ve been a stay at home mom for 10 years. I was scared, doubtful and a nervous wreck. Could I handle working with the public again after so long? Sure I have been blogging but online socializing is a bit different than working in the public, or is that just my thinking? Would I stumble over my words as I tried to answer questions in a interview? Would I even get call backs to have interviews?
I was told I wouldn’t be able to handle working, taking care of my children, keeping up with my blog and life in general all at the same time on my own. When someone tells me I can’t do something that puts a fire under my bum and makes me want to work even harder to achieve the goals. I know of many single parents that make life work for them on their own. I don’t really consider myself alone though. The father to my sons is very much involved in their lives. I also have my Mom, family and some fabulous friends that have helped me make it to where I am today.
After months of applying to different places I received some call backs a couple weeks ago. They wanted to meet with me for a face to face interview. Ok, so my application and resume impressed them enough to get my foot in the door, now what? I had to brush up on my interview skills and find something to wear! My first thought was my Karina Dresses, more specifically my square neck dress, the Patti, would make a nice interview dress. It can be dressed up with tights, a cardigan and boots or you can go casual with flats and a jean jacket. For an interview though I wanted business attire. The Patti was my first choice because it has a square neck so I didn’t feel like I had my breasts on interview. The colors of the navy floral print gave me options of accessories, colors of tights/leggings and shoes to wear. I don’t ave interview day photos but this is what I wore…
Prepare for an interview in your square neck dress…
- Have a plan. Once you get a call back for a company be sure you know who you are going to work for. For my particular interview I looked my company up online and did some research on who they are, what the brand believes in and what they offer employees.
- Dress for success. Even if your job position will have you in jeans and a tee all day while at work you want to give a good first impression at the interview so wear a nice dress or dress pants and top and have yourself looking like you mean business.
- During the interview be yourself and don’t let your nerves get the best of you. I noticed with my interview I was smiling a lot and I kept eye contact with the people doing my interview. Pay attention and look interested. Take the time if you need it to compose an answer to a question. If you have questions for the interviewer, don’t be afraid to ask. At the end of the interview thank them for their time and consideration for the position.
I am happy to report that after 10 years of being a stay at home mom I rocked my first interview and was offered a position on the spot and started my new job this week. Time to celebrate- I’m sure I have a square neck dress for that too.