Two weeks ago I had my first job interview since 2002. Though I had performed an internship last fall, I was worried about the interview. I decided to change my approach and make some adjustments. First, I purchased business cards. They were not expensive and they offer free templates online. I bought resume paper and business letter envelopes. I had some address labels, so I used the same template as the business cards.

The day before the interview, I got a haircut and chose the clothes I would wear. I had a business suit and a shirt. I cleaned my shoes to ensure no dirt was visible. I made sure my clothes matched and there was no visible damage or dirt. And that night I practiced. I dressed in my suit and walked around the house. I wanted make sure I would feel confident and comfortable walking into the room. I was given the choice to interview at 8:00am or 12:45pm. I the later time slot, so I would not feel rushed.

I arrived 30 minutes early, so I could find parking and review possible questions. As a veteran, I visualized this interview like a military promotion board. Anyone who has ever been in front of a military promotion board knows, you arrive early and your uniform must look impeccable. I was walked into a conference room where I would wait with other potential candidates. I had never interviewed this way, so I was glad I arrived early. As I sat in the conference room, I looked around and wondered if I was overdressed. There was only two candidates in the room wearing a business suit and I was one of them! As I continue to look around, I noticed I was the only one with a fresh haircut. Before the interview began another candidate walked in like they just ran a marathon. I was glad I made it 30 minutes earlier; because, I looked fresh and relax.

I was a nervous wreck as I waited for my name to be called. Every time the door opened, I wondered if they would call my name. Finally, a representative from Human Resources called my name and asked for my resume. I gave her my envelope, and she immediately noticed the difference. She was impressed with my business card and my resume. She assured me that I was next for the interview. The moment of truth was quickly approaching!

Finally, I they called my name. I answered each questions with honesty. If I didn’t know the question I told them I didn’t know the answer at the time. I was also honest with the supervisor and I said I was nervous. At the end of the interview I was offered the job. I was proud of myself; because from the moment I received the invitation to interview – I began preparing.

I believe that dressing for success and being prepared was the key to standing out from the rest of the candidates. Sometimes you need more than a shirt and a tie to stand out. Here are some points I learned from this interview:

• Wear clean clothes.
• Don’t wear chains hanging out from you jeans
• Don’t wear jeans
• Get a haircut
• Comb your hair, Groom your beard, or shave, but don’t look like you just woke up.
• Wear a tie that matches your shirt
• Make sure the tie is adjusted right around your neck

I didn’t have all the answers to the question for the interview, but I was honest and I presented and acted professionally. These are things I learned during the workshops I attended with St. Petersburg College and from my experiences in the United States Army. I didn’t start as the CEO for the company, but I now have one foot inside a company. Now I have the opportunity to put in practice what I learned at SPC and I can gain experience that can match my education. I learned all this at the Employment and Internship workshop: be prepared and be professional. Next stop – completing my B.A.S. in Technology Development and Management!

James E. Chambers recently finished his certificate in Food & Beverage Management at St. Petersburg College.

Shortly after finishing his certificate he was hired by the Loews Don CeSar Hotel. His journey from unemployment to job security is an inspiring story of student success.

My name is James E. Chambers, I live in the Seminole area and I attend the SPC campus at Seminole. I’m very glad to be in college even at the tender age of 54. I took eight years to get back in school. It was eight years ago I said that I wanted to go back to school after hearing our president encourage all Americans to extend their education even if you already have a degree. Help others in learning. I made plenty of excuses, usually about money or time. Money, because I made a certain amount that cancelled my eligibility for financial aid, and time because it would interrupt my routine; my comfort zone.

I lost my job unexpectedly and found myself with the time and no money until one of my veteran friends asked why not go back to school. There is a program called V-rap that will pay you to go back to school. I fit the criteria due to my age and being unemployed, so I began researching this. This renewed interest in coming back to school also helped me not to focus on the loss of my 23 year-old son and divorce that both happened within the same year.

I started at Pinellas Technical College in St. Petersburg. I also joined the SkillsUSA organization finding great support and resources. I graduated 13 months later. I then enrolled in the Food & Beverage Management certificate program at SPC, which ties into the hospitality industry that I have come to love. After completing the certificate I was hired at the Loews Don CeSar Hotel where I am proud to be a team member. To anyone that may have second thoughts on how, what, or where, don’t forget the why. It’s never too early or too late to educate. Enjoy your journey. : )

Thank you, James for sharing your career success story with everyone at SPC. We are proud of your accomplishment and wish you luck with the next chapter of your life!

If you have a success story you would like to share with SPC, or know someone who does, feel free to connect with the Career Center that is closest to you.