Quote of the Week

"Don't cry because it is over; smile because it happened!" -Dr. Suess

I don't know about you, but after the holidays, I start to feel a little bummed. I miss all of the fun and family time and just the excitement that Christmas can bring. This can really put a damper on everything from work to home life.

As simple as this quote is, it really speaks to cherishing the memories we have made, instead of wishing for more. Think of all the fun that you've had and be happy! Remember your blessings and smile!

Seasons Greetings!

Stepping Out #2--Interview Skills

The series, "Stepping Out" is dedicated to preparation for a job interview. I know that job interviews will never be a breeze, but if you take the time to prepare, it will definitely go a lot smoother.

The most important thing I think you can do before an interview is practice. You've always heard that practice makes perfect, and the same goes for interviews. The more comfortable you can get answering tough questions, the better you will do when you are put to the test.

Most likely you will ask a friend or loved one to help out. Although, they can definitely be a great asset, it might be worth going a different route. Career Centers at colleges have people on staff that would be happy to put you through a mock interview. Because you may not know your mock interviewer as well as your friend, this will be much closer to a real interview.

This role-playing will definitely put you more at ease when you are faced with the big interview day!

In the Shoes of a Supply Chain Resident

Well this month, I decided to interview someone I know super well...my hubby, Mark.
He has been in the residency program through the AHS Corporate Office for the last six months, but before that, he worked at Shawnee Mission Medical Center from the ages of 15 to 22!

Mark graduated from Union College (where he met the girl of his dreams), but also attended Andrews University. He was initially attracted to AHS for employment because of the excellent job it has done being a successful and forward thinking company without losing the identity of being Seventh-day Adventist belief based. He enjoys working towards a vision and mission which aligns with his own personal values.

He describes a typical day in the life of a supply chain resident as being full of opportunities to learn the different functions of supply chain. Supply chain includes all purchasing, contracting, sterilization, delivery and other functions of a facility to "get the right product, to the right place, at the right time, for the right price." (Don't worry, I didn't know what it was either.) The best part of his job is working with excellent people. He describes his coworkers as "friendly and helpful".

Mark describes himself as laid-back, balanced and thoughtful. When he's not at work, he's being active. It doesn't really matter what he is doing as long as he is moving. He is especially happy if it involves a basketball, football, golfball, etc. He is working on his MBA, because he enjoys "getting his learn on".

Mark's biggest heroes are Michael Jordan, his grandma and me (loving sigh)! Michael Jordan because he is not only the greatest basketball player to ever live, but because he worked hard to be the best, Grandma because of her positive outlook despite her circumstances, and me, because of my unconditional and forgiving love (tear).

Mark says he still can't understand how or why the silk shirt ever went out of style. He is waiting on pins and needles for it to come back! (I really hope he's kidding)

Anyway, that's my guy! He's pretty awesome.

Quote of the Week

"Anger is contagious." -- Sandra Cisneros, Award-winning author of Caramelo, "The House on Mango Street" and "Loose Woman"

This is so true! When someone is all fired up and mad about something, they can usually ignite a lot of others to join in. Think about this before you may say something in the workplace that you don't mean or will regret later!

Just as contagious as anger?--laughter! That is a whole lot more fun to spread!

Stepping Out #1--- Interview Skills

Your first interview can be so frightening! To be honest, every interview I have ever had has been pretty nerve-wracking. It may not ever get easy, but with practice and preparation, it can definitely get easier! In the next few weeks, I will highlight different things to remember before a big interview. Check back often for updates!

#1 Pre-Interview Research:

It is so important to know the company you are interviewing with.
Some important questions to find out and think about before the interview are:

1) Who are the prospective employers and what do they do?
2) How old is the organization?
3) What is the organizations mission or goals?
4) Where is the organization headed?
5) Have you noticed any thing special about the organization that sets it apart from others?
6) How can the job you are pursuing contribute to the organization’s success?
7) What is the organization’s public image?

It also is important to know a lot about the position you are interviewing for. The more you know about the position, the better you can prepare for possible questions asked by the prospective employer. You will also have better questions to ask them.

Remember, the more you can set yourself apart from all of the other candidates, the better! Knowledge of the company can be a great way to accomplish that!