MSCCN Blog

A Note of Thanks for Our Mission

11/28/2019

During this Thanksgiving Season, I’m thankful for the privilege to serve our military community. It's an honor to work with dedicated team members who believe in our mission, the way that Dan and I do.

During this time, please let us be mindful of those less fortunate and struggling in our country and around the world. Thanksgiving is a perfect time to rededicate ourselves in our own special way that could make a difference to the most vulnerable members of our communities.

In closing, we express our gratitude to the men and women, and their families, who selflessly serve to protect our country and our American way of life.

As 2019 comes to an end, with continued success for our mission, I’d like to reiterate how grateful Dan and I are to this team.

God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving!

Written by: Deb Kleoppel, Founder & President

Deb and RADM Dan Kloeppel (ret),
founders of CASY & MSCCN

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Thanksgiving Is A Time Of Appreciation

11/21/2019

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Thanksgiving is a time of appreciation. A time to appreciate family and friends, and the many wonderful things in your life that bring joy and happiness.

Sometimes the busyness of the holiday takes over and the reason we take this time for Thanksgiving is lost. No one is immune to stress, and I’m sure that the holiday season doesn’t change that. Whether it’s the stress coming from the fact you have a full house of guests to please, or it’s the stress in knowing that you are going to be overindulging in sweets and jumping off your healthy track, or even the stress of the official start of the holiday season. Whatever the case, the purpose of this article is to help you overcome that feeling of stress, and simply enjoy the time and holiday.

What is my trigger?
In order to properly deal with any stressful situation, we must first identify what triggers our stress. Is it the people, the process, the planning/schedule? If it’s the meal, plan ahead, here is an article to help with your plan. Plan out the menu days, even weeks ahead of time, allowing for a smooth shopping and prep phase. Select dishes, drinks, and even meal substitutions should anything be unavailable to you, etc. Purchase groceries as early as possible, without risking food spoilage. If you can, prepare dishes ahead of time. Let go of the reins a bit and ask (or allow) others to contribute to the meal. Lastly, but certainly not least, plan out the actual day. This way you will be able to appreciate the people you are with and enjoy the meal. To do this, organization is key. With Thanksgiving only one week away, now is the time to act so that you’re not flustered the day of.

Just taking a few moments to relax and organize your plan will do a lot to reduce stress down the road

How can I deal?
Now that you know what causes your stress-- try to implement things that allow you to alleviate that stress. Do you enjoy working out, taking a bubble bath, reading, or even just phoning a friend? When it comes to prepping and taking time out for yourself, do so before the day has really begun. If you read my last article, I mentioned I love to workout. I believe it clears my mind, body, and spirit, and helps me focus. Specifically in times of added stress and anxiety, working out allows me to refocus my energy, and get an endorphin booster. Plus, if you work out beforehand, that is just a cherry on top, or in this case, the gravy on the turkey, allowing for a little less guilt in that second or third helping.

Make it a group effort!
Don’t spend Thanksgiving alone in the kitchen while everyone else is in the living room. Delegate a few tasks to family and friends - this way you can all be together. It will make the task less daunting, it will be more fun, and it will keep everyone together. Remember, it’s okay to let go of the reins a little bit.

Keep your priorities in order!
Did you burn the turkey? Did the pie not come out as great as you planned? IT’S OKAY. Thanksgiving is about the people, not the food. People coming together to appreciate one another and all we have. Besides a little burnt turkey never hurt anyone.

So, remember, know your stressors, compartmentalize tasks, adapt and overcome and, whatever you do, do not lose the true meaning of Thanksgiving; appreciation. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Written By: Alexandra O'Neil, Communications Manager

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Why I Almost Walked Out Of An Interview

11/14/2019

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Interviews are exciting and stressful all at the same time. We want the employer to like us and make an offer; constantly checking our phone for the “call.” But, we rarely talk about what happens when we have a terrible experience. Have you ever had an interview where you hoped you didn’t get an offer? Let me tell you about the time I was this ===> | | <=== close to walking out of a job interview, and what I learned as a result.

I was just starting my job search, so I was excited to get interview requests after submitting my resume. While the majority of employers were great, I want to focus on employer B.

Employer B started the interview process with, “Please come in for an interview at XYZ time.” I was a little concerned that I wasn’t asked if that worked, or given options, but since my day was open at that time, I arranged childcare and happily accepted the time slot.

On the day of the interview with Employer B, I walked into the reception area where two other candidates were waiting and realized that they were doing batch interviews. One of the people ahead of me was called back 15 minutes after my scheduled time, so I could tell they were behind. Even though I wasn’t notified I was forgiving about it, understanding that things come up and that, sometimes, interviews run long and time gets away from us. After 35 minutes I asked for an update, and it was an hour after my scheduled appointment before I was called back.

Sitting in the waiting room, watching the interactions between employees, gave me time to observe and learn. When my name was finally called to interview, I was no longer as excited as I once was. I was concerned, they left me feeling unappreciated, and the atmosphere in the office wasn’t a positive one. My hope dropped and my enthusiasm for the job waned as I realized I didn’t really want to work for this employer.

I almost walked out, but instead, I decided to use this experience to learn from… here are a few lessons that I thought would help others.

First Impressions Are Really Important: Practice Makes Improvement
Even though I was “just” a candidate waiting and preparing, I was also observing interactions in the company. This was my opportunity to see if the environment was where I wanted to spend the majority of my week. Getting there early, and having extra time, gave me insight into how the organization treated others. My impression was negative, my gut was telling me that this isn’t the right job for me, so I resigned myself to make the best of a bad situation and practice my interview skills without the pressure. I had already made up my mind about working for them before I sat in front of their interviewer…but I almost changed my mind because he was courteous and professional.

A Little Consideration Goes a Long Way, So Be Courteous
As with any relationship, personal or professional, appreciation and communication go a long way. While giving full details is not necessary, when things do not go as planned, it is important to keep people informed and give the benefit of the doubt. Maybe this job isn’t the right one, don’t burn the bridge by being inconsiderate. Continue communications until you are 100% sure about what you are going to do. Don’t GHOST or be rude to the employees, they are doing the best they can.

You Don’t Have To Accept A Job, Just Because You Got An Offer
You are a job seeker, the company is an employer, and BOTH parties have to agree prior to starting a job. Going to an interview, or continuing the interview, doesn’t mean you are LOCKED into that job. You do not have to accept the first offer. This isn’t like the military where you have to accept whatever assignment you get, you can negotiate or hold out for a better position.

Trust your GUT: Know Where You’re Valued
It isn’t always easy to recognize your value, especially if you are in the middle of a tumultuous job hunt. It is better to find a reputable employer, who offers a fair wage and environment for you to work in. If you feel like there is something “off” about what they are offering you, DO RESEARCH, and think carefully before getting yourself into a bad situation.

It is currently a jobseeker’s market, meaning that there are more open jobs than people to fill them. I know that it isn’t always possible to be selective due to financial constraints... but I hope that you don’t feel like you have to accept an offer just because it’s there. Accept an offer if you can see yourself fitting happily into that workplace, and where your time and talents are appreciated. If you feel like you need help with finding a job you would be happy in, practicing your interview skills or even just general guidance through the job hunt process you can sign up for one-on-one services with our dedicated employment specialists here.

Written by: Zaneta Padilla

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Career Corps, Workforce Development Program

11/7/2019

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Living the nomadic and unpredictable life that the military often brings, you are probably facing some gaps in your resume. Perhaps you’ve managed to have a steady career but you’re looking to change directions in your career path, or you’re transitioning out of the service, and you want to have some “civilian” experience. Do you need a reference for your job search or industry relative experience?

If any of these scenarios sound like what you’re going through, we have the PERFECT solution for you! Career Corps!

This is our workforce development program available to you, at no cost. This program will place you on one of our established teams where you can learn the ins and outs of the industry. This program is done 100% remotely and is flexible around your schedule.

How does this program benefit you?
By joining our Career Corps program, you will get valuable experience in Human Resources, Social Media, Writing, or Employment Services. You’ll work on a team, and get direct mentorship through your supervisor, who will then be a great reference for you. And if positions are open within the organization, our Career Corps members have preferred job placement through the hiring process.

Does this sound like the program for you? We can’t wait to work with you, click here to get started!

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MSCCN Blog

A Note of Thanks for Our Mission

Thanksgiving Is A Time Of Appreciation

Why I Almost Walked Out Of An Interview

Career Corps, Workforce Development Program

Deb Kloeppel,
Founder & President MSCCN

Authors

Archives

Categories

MSCCN Blog

A Note of Thanks for Our Mission

Thanksgiving Is A Time Of Appreciation

Why I Almost Walked Out Of An Interview

Career Corps, Workforce Development Program

Deb Kloeppel,Founder & President MSCCNAuthors

Archives

Categories

Deb Kloeppel,
Founder & President MSCCN

Authors