Q.  I know the clients have to go through three interviews and must pass two.  Should I be interviewing them any differently for their 1st, 2nd or 3rd interviews?

A.  I get this question a lot, and the answer is no.  Your interview technique and assessment method should remain consistent regardless of the interview sequence.  We ask that all volunteers are thorough and tough, but also realistic, as the clients are interviewing for entry-level positions. 

We love that you want to help the clients out, but we never want to pass anyone who does not earn it.  Passing clients who are not ready only hurts them in the end by shortchanging them any additional attention from staff that they may need.  During your review of their interview performance, please do not reveal whether you have found them to be "READY" or "MORE PRACTICE NEEDED."  This could be an awkward moment, and I also do not want to put you in the position of having to justify your decision to the client.  I have also had volunteers change their minds between the review with the client and the completion of the evaluation form.  For these reasons, please let your determination be revealed and explained by their Career Services Representative in the post interview reviews. 

Lastly, reviewing areas of improvement with the client is great but completing the interview evaluation form fully is very important. Ideally, we would love written comments for each field. The form is the only information the Career Services Representative learns about the individual areas of improvement for that client.  If you mark a category "Excellent" that's great, but if you mark it as only "Good" or "Needs Improvement", then we need to know why.  And of course, additional words of praise are always welcome!

Do you have any questions or comments about volunteering at JFY?  If so, please don't be shy.  Please email me at lkearney@jfychicago.org.

Bright Ideas 

Meet Kate Vukelich

Regional HR Director from Walmart

Kate started volunteering in 2010 after being introduced to JFY through our partnership with Walmart.  Her superstar HR skills are a perfect match for challenging our clients to be their best in Mock Interviews. Early on, Kate committed to bringing a coworker with her every time she volunteered to introduce them to the magic of volunteering.  Because of her, we have three new volunteers from Walmart. Something tells us there are more to come! If you have a friend or a coworker you'd like to bring or introduce to JFY, please let me know. 

Class Acts

Well, I sent out the word that we needed help with more instructors for Internet Job Search and boy, did you deliver!  Special thanks to Jasmine, Henry, Patricia, Rachel and David for jumping on board so fast.  I consider myself incredibly lucky to have such great support.  Thanks all.  

Welcome Mat 

We are thrilled to welcome 18 new volunteers from Chubb Insurance.  They are such a smart and talented group. 

Welcome aboard and thanks for your support of Jobs For Youth.  Thank you to Lauren Litchfield and Sean Hearden for organizing both the visits.

Life Support

I know how busy you are.  In recognition of your many spinning plates, and in thanks for letting JFY be one of them, the e-book "Focus: A Simplicity Manifesto in the Age of Distraction" is my gift to you.  The e-book shows how strategic unplugging can reduce distraction and increase your productivity, creativity and quality of life.  Of course, you will need to find the time to read it first.  Enjoy.

The Last Word

Friday, February the 11th was JFY graduation day for Latateka (Teka) McCarty, and she gave us a LOVELY note to share how much her experience at JFY meant to her.  Take a look and celebrate her success because you were and are part of it:

"You all have been a huge inspiration in my life in just these three short weeks.  I have learned so many more life skills in these three weeks than in my four years of college, and my 22 years of living. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge, telling your story, and for your encouragement.  I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to grow, develop and acquire new skills (free of charge I might add). 

You are all truly a special group of people who have the desire to touch the lives of young people who are the future, and the selflessness to impact the journey of others.  I feel so blessed to have had this remarkable life changing experience at a young age.  Thank you all for your input, support, and encouragement."

March 2011

December 2010

November 2010 

October 2010

September 2010

August 2010

July 2010

June 2010

May 2010

April 2010

March 2010

February 2010

Click the above image to learn more about JFY Junior Board's second annual The Spring Escape fundraiser.

 
TRAIN THE TRAINER VOLUNTEER TRAINING

March 21
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. 

Volunteer training is fun and easy and is required of all JFY volunteers.  If you haven't attended yet, please sign up on the volunteer calendar. 

THE CONTINUED INTERVIEW COACHING CLASS (CIC)

March 8th and beyond

The class is offered on an as needed basis for clients who did not pass two out three Mock Interviews and still need more practice.  CIC is very similar to Mock Interviews in that you will usually conduct two interviews and evaluations.  Your written feedback is important, but pass or fail determinations are not required.