resume – Page 2

I recently attended a scholarship breakfast for a local school of business in the area. A top businessman was the keynote speaker and the topic was “Disruptive Leadership.” It was really interesting to hear about leadership, uncertainty and strategies on thinking ahead and preparing for change and industry advancements. To sum up the talk, sometimes to get things done things have to be disrupted. I thought this discussion could definitely apply to job seekers.

As you look for job opportunities there is a measure of uncertainty, because once you express your interest in a company or position, often times you are left wondering what will happen next. If you want the “Hotline to Bling” you need to implement a disruptive leadership approach to job searching. You can’t just sit there and wait! Let’s think outside the box and be unique. As a recruiter, I love when quality and qualified candidates reach out to me via various mediums it show grit and well, disruptive leadership. In a situation where there is a mound of uncertainty, a candidate took the time to find me and express interest, that’s AWESOME! All of the jobs I’ve had in my career have been because of God and the guts to go out and get what I wanted. Here are some things that you probably already know but that stand as reminder of what you need to do for companies to call you back:

Use Social Media
- There are literally conferences that recruiters go to that teach them how to use social media to find great candidates. Reverse engineer that and initiate engagement with recruiters or hiring managers on social media for your benefit.
Go to Networking Events
- Networking events have become much more results-oriented than those random career fairs at large conference centers. Let Google be your friend and find out what’s going on in your city to network with companies, in person.
Pick up the phone!
- Some online job descriptions say ‘no calls please’ but those that don’t are fair game. Pick up the phone and call the recruiter or hiring manager (don’t stalk them and call repeatedly but you can call to see the status of your application if you hadn’t heard anything in a while).

Now that I’ve reminded you of “disruptive” things to do, what are are you going to do to get your hotline to bling?

Career and Style Summary:

The Career Salon is proud to feature Faith Wimberly, for our Thursday, Style Resume Series. Faith serves as one of the Lead Recruiters for Sales Empowerment Group. She is an MBA with a broad range of experience in Business to Business sales, Corporate Sales Recruiting, Leadership, and training both in corporate America and in the non-profit sector. Faith currently serves as Founder of The Empowerment Group, a nonprofit that focuses on community development. She has won various awards, one being “40 under 40” from WVON radio station for her work with mentoring girls and working with women in the community. She brings a variety of experiences in the work place that allows her to connect with people and help them reach their goals. When Faith, is not at work, she can be found hanging out with friends and family, traveling, laughing, singing, and spending quality time with her husband and two beautiful children. The Career Salon is honored to highlight such a mover and shaker!

Experience:

What’s your current occupation and how long have you been in your career?

I am currently a Senior Lead Sales Recruiter for a small boutique recruiting firm, in a hip area of downtown Chicago. Lots of good eats and hang out spots in this area and great shopping as well. Since college I have spent most of my career in a professional Sales role, but I have also done recruiting as well. I have been in my current role for over two years and I love it. I am pretty certain, connecting and helping people via finding their dream job, and helping clients hire top talent is where I am meant to be. My career, all of my experience and quests landed me here and I am happy camper. This role is going to open doors for bigger opportunities in my career. #StayTuned

Education:

Where did your style originate and who or what are some of your influences?

My mother was pretty stylish growing up and so were both of my Aunts. I especially loved playing in my Aunt Sissy’s shoes and clothes as a child. Like most, I appreciate certain trends and I follow fashion bloggers and Hollywood to check out what’s hot and best for me. I love a good mix of Trendy, funky, classic and chic. Hip hop (old school) was always an influence as well.

References:

Who are some of your favorite designers? What stores do you prefer to shop?

Some of the designers I love are Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Diane Von Furstenburg, BCBG, Marc Jacobs, Elie Saab, Givenchy and Tracey Reese. Of course, being more practical (hello? Lol) I tend to shop at Top Shop, Nordstrom (who always has super different styles from different designers to try), H&M, Zara and gotta love a quick stop at Forever 21 to piece some things together.

Do you think personal style is important as it relates to your work? If so, how?

I think it’s important to be true to who you are and to always be the best representation of yourself both inside and out. In my line of work, recruiters come a dime a dozen, and being a fashionista isn’t very important depending on the industry. However, it’s always important to stand out with confidence no matter what your style may be. That speaks louder than anything else.

If you had a dream career/occupation what would it be?

This is a great question. I have wanted to be and do different things throughout my life and I have always been of the mindset that it’s never too late to try! I wanted to be an Attorney, a real estate mogul, owner/operator of community centers throughout the city of Chicago, radio personality, you name it. I think my dream at this point is to be the captain, owner, and operator of whatever it is I do. I want to be CEO and call all the shots, while being a resource for others and helping people.

What’s the best career advice you could give someone seeking a new career?

Talk to people in the field and reach out to them. Network and connect with others via LinkedIn and other avenues. Never be afraid to step out, introduce yourself, and sell yourself. No one can sell you, like you can. If you can afford it, seek out a professional resume service (I have just the person you need :)) and invest in yourself and your future. Lastly, never, ever give up. You may have a million interviews and get NO’S… But always KNOW, that NO’S lead to YES and a door will open just for you!

Quote that keeps you motivated?

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” -Philippians 4:13

Thanks Faith, for stepping into the salon to chat!

Hotline Bling: Getting Companies to Call you Back

Style Resume: Faith Wimberly