DEF JAM's 25th Anniversary Party!

Jay Z's club 40/40 hosted Def Jam's 25th Anniversary Party on Monday, May 19th.

Music lovers and Industry leaders joined to celebrate a label that represents endurance, freshness and the epitome of urban culture and music.

FAB's J.Styles was on the scene with friends to witness the hotness of today's music industry!

Check out the pics below.

Former BET 106&Park host Julissa

Nick Storm and Bad Boy's Henroc

FAB's J.Styles and MTV Friends

DJ Webstar

BET 106&Park host Terrence J

HOT 97's hottest on-air host and sexy socialite, Egypt

On the Floor View...

J.Styles and BET's Kiarra Smothers

Who's Who in BLACK - New York City

On Monday, May 18th Apollo hosted New York City's Networking Event of the YEAR! The world-famous Apollo Theater hosted the Who's Who in BLACK New York City event. Any and every Black professional in NYC was honored last night - celebrating the best and brightest of movers and shakers in the city. Some of the 2009 Honorees were Russell Simmons, Soul Food Entrepreneur Sylvia Woods (Sylvia's Restaurant in Harlem), Actress Ruby Dee, Rev. Al Sharpton, Jr. and many, many more! Many names were recognizable, yet some of them are the quiet shakers that make tremendous differences in the lives of many, without the glitz and glamour.

Founder and CEO C. Sunny Martin gave his remarks at the event to honor every individual who has made a conscious effort to make a positive difference in the community. He made it very clear that this prestigious award was not to solely honor the top ranking corporate execs, but instead an award to acknowledge those individuals whose accomplishments speak louder than wealth or title. The Who's Who Award is a gigantic movement toward recognizing the black community in a whole new way. Mr. Martin went on to say that he is honored to be apart of such a prestigious organization, one that stands for change and service.

It was truly an honor to be in the presence of such hard-working and accomplished professionals.

Founder and CEO, C. Sunny Martin

FAB's Founder, J.Styles

J.Styles and Former MTV Employee, Shantelle Guyton

J.Styles Rubbing the FAMOUS Apollo Tree Trunk

Apollo's Famous Faces

CEW: Career Insights (Learning Keys to Success!)

Thursday, May 14th at 6PM. CEW's Career Insights & Networking Program

Harmonie Club, NYC

On May 14th, CEW hosted several career workshops that tapped into all aspects of career development. During this economic distress, it is essential that we revamp our strategy on climbing our way to success.

The Workshop Choices Were:

*Personal Finance - It's Time To Take Control
*Resume Rescue
*Bulletproofing Your Job
*Social Networking
*Resiliency and Reinvention: Strategies for Turbulent Times
*Beyond101 - Next Level Networking

Leading Industry Professinals attended the event, shared their knowledge and expertise as well as provided well-needed support.

CEW Board Members and Industry Leaders participated in the following Workshops: Beyond101 - Next Level Networking:
Robin Burns, Chairman, Batallure Beauty

Bulletproofing Your Job:
Joy Atkinson, Vice President Sales, North America, Body & Home Care, Firmenich
Veronique Gabai-Pinsky, Global Brand President Aramis and Designer Fragrances, BeautyBank, and Idea Bank
Diane Nicholson, President Beauty, NPD Group

Personal Finance - It's Time To Take Control
Rhona Stokols, Vice President, Global Accounts Director, Robertet Fragrances

Resiliency and Reinvention: Strategies for Turbulent Times
Liz Kaplow, President, Kaplow Communications
Claudia Poccia, President, mark, Avon Products, Inc.

Resume Rescue
Kate Greene, Vice President, Marketing, Givaudan
Caroline Pieper-Vogt, Senior Vice President, Group Business Development, Clarins USA

Social Networking
Christine Beauchamp, President, Ann Taylor Stores
Lynne Greene, Global President, Clinique, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc

FAB's Founder, J.Styles attended the Resiliency and Reinvention: Strategies for Turbulent Times. Lauren Ashwell lead the workshop. She is a seasoned corporate professional with an array of experiences, such as banking, education, and corporate consulting. She understands how this economic downturn has affected seasoned and upcoming professionals and she was very successful at sharing her knowledge on how we can turn our hardships into fast flying success stories.

Workshop Recap: Quick Things to Note...

*Self- Management: don't let your emotions drive your actions

* Resiliency: be able to bounce back

* Building blocks of resiliency are: be realistic (depersonalize what's going on today's industry), set boundaries, sustain and expand your network

*Work-Life Integration: Self, Career, Family, Community ----> learn how to determine which is most important. This table is not stagnant, it will change constantly. Each day may be different. In order to truly be successful at finding a balance, learn how to determine what each day requires and act accordingly.

* Learn how to have an adaptive philosophy. Many things are changing around us, we can either change with it or get left behind.

* Key Takeaway: What are you going to STOP, START, and CONTINUE doing. Put this action plan in place to make real changes in your life.

The workshop was a great platform for a melding of stories, encouragement, networking and learning. If you missed out, you should definitely stay tuned for more CAREER INSIGHT workshops. FAB will keep you posted!

Take a peek at the event photos.

Lauren Ashwell teaching the workshop.

FAB's J.Styles

CEW Beauty Awards - BEAUTY EVENT OF THE YEAR!

NEW YORK, May 1, 2009— The beauty industry came out to celebrate its finest, as Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) honored the most innovative beauty products of the year. The CEW Beauty Awards are determined by those in the know—over 4,000 professionals working in the field. For manufacturers, the Awards represent the industry’s highest honor. For consumers, they serve as a trusted guide to top product performers.“Women don’t want to make buying mistakes. They’re looking for performance and value. With the CEW Beauty Awards, consumers have the advice of more than 4,000 beauty experts to lead them to the best products the industry has to offer,” says Carlotta Jacobson, CEW President.

This year’s prestigious list of CEW Beauty Award Winners was announced at a gala event at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City.

Hosted by Mario Cantone, star of Sex and the City. Presented by: Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City: Jill Zarin, Alex McCord, Ramona Singer and Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, Gretta Monahan, Style Expert for The Rachael Ray Show and Bravo NetworkSimon Doonan, Creative Director of Barneys Ingrid Grimes-Myles, Michelle Obama’s Makeup ArtistShontelle, Spokesmodel and Popstar.

Nearly 550 entries, 140 Finalists 28 categories, ranging from Makeup to Hair Care, Sun to Scent Both mass products (available at the drugstore) and prestige products (available at department and specialty stores) were honored In addition to recognizing product innovation, the CEW Beauty Awards announced the winner of the Indie Beauty Award for the brightest new start-up in the world of beauty. This year’s winner is NIA 24®.

Check out the exclusive RED CARPET and behind-the-scenes pictures of BEAUTY's BIGGEST event of the year!

The Place: Luxurious Waldorf=Astoria

Host: Sex and the City's Funniest Guy, Mario Cantone

Ladies of Style and Drama: Bravo's NYC Housewives

Friend of Rihanna and Popstar Singer, Shontelle


Mario Cantone and Shontelle strike a pose on the red carpet



Group pic!

FAB's Founder J.Styles hits the red carpet

J.Styles

J.Styles (right) with Sephora's own, Kemoy Duhanney

J.Styles volunteering

ALLURE: the official sponsor

Beauty Products Galore! Gift Bags FOR ALL!

Beauty Executive Gives Mini Acceptance Speech

Beauty's Heavy Hitters in Attendance!

Finally: THE AWARD!

SHINE MAGAZINE: 30 Minutes with J.Styles

SHINE Magazine is the #1 online destination for college students and recent graduates. The Magazine shares need-to-know information about college life and beyond, as well as trend setting lifestyle tips that keep college students edgy and chic.

Recently, SHINE interviewed FAB's Founder, J.Styles, in a new section of the magazine called "30 Minutes" in which the Editor-in-Chief spends 30-minutes with someone reaching their dream and ready to SHINE.

Check out the interview that highlights the evolution of J.Styles - corporate enthusiast turned entrepreneur!

RISE TO THE TOP

J. Styles, Jessica, or Jay are some of the names that Jessica Styles goes by. During our "30 Minutes" with Ms. Styles, we learned that like her name(s), she is full of variety and is a modern-day renaissance woman. Styles, a 25-year-old, Furman University alum has a communications studies degree under her belt and has interned with DKNY and Bad Boy to name a few. And she has worked for MTV and Givenchy. She is the founder of her own non-profit, FAB: Fashion, Arts, Beauty - an organization set to enhance the professional dreams of young people everywhere. Right now FAB is in its early stages, in the form of a blog, full of helpful information from a worthy source . . . Ms. Styles.

(L-R) At her desk at MTV, 2007; Jessica (on left) pictured with former Givenchy co-workers (Artistic Director of Givenchy, Nicolas Degennes center); Jessica (right), pictured with Grammy Artist, Chrisette Michelle (MTV Building)

To read the complete SHINE Magazine article, click on the link below:

http://www.shinemagazineonline.com/sub.asp?pageID=146

http://www.shinemagazineonline.com/

Perry Ellis Summer Internship: In Sales, Design, Merchandising

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS- SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS (Unpaid - School Credit Only)

Perry Ellis International

Category - Apparel

Code - Summ Internships - StylCar

Function - Intern/Entry-Level

Location - New York, NY

Description - SUMMER INTERNSHIPS (Unpaid - School Credit Only) Summer Internships available for Perry Ellis International in Sales, Design, and Merchandising departments.

TO APPLY - Submit information to one of the below methods.

EMAIL: nyjobs@pery.com

FAX: 212-536-5870

Attn: HR MAIL: Perry Ellis International 1114 Avenue of the Americas 36th floor New York, NY 10036 Attention Human Resources Dept.

*Include JOB CODE on all correspondence.

*Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D – Drug Free Workforce

ABOUT THE COMPANY: Perry Ellis International is a leading designer, distributor and licensor of apparel and accessories for men and women. The company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, owns or licenses a portfolio of brands that includes 27 of the leading names in fashion such as Perry Ellis®, Axis®, Savane®, OriginalPenguin®, Cubavera®, Ping® Collection, Nike® Swim, Jantzen®,Gotcha®, and Grand Slam®.

Internship Season!!!

If you are an INTERN or about to be an INTERN, you should note the following:

Dress for Success (Even though you're a student, don't wear just any thing. Dress for the part you want in the office, not for the part you currently have!)

Be on Time (Trust me, your employer is noticing your timeliness)

Be organized (You don't want to be the one that can't find something, your job is to be on top of everything!)

Be the glue (You want to be needed, when you're not there you want your team to miss you. Learn how to be the glue that keeps the office and projects in order)

Save everything (I can't reiterate this enough. What's the point of having an awesome opportunity if you have nothing to show for it!)

Make copies (Keep a copy of important documents. This will serve as a valuable resource during future internships, jobs, opportunities, etc.)

Make a copy of inner office phone numbers (When you leave, make sure that you have garnered a list of every one's contact information)

Put everything in email (All business conversations and deals must be documented as proof. If there is no paper trail then there's no proof. Cover all your bases and reiterate everything via email - you will sound organized and knowledgeable)

Make the most of opportunity (Many times students complain they are bored, when their down time is the perfect opportunity to prove your creativity!)

Use time wisely (You only have a couple months to learn all that you can, make the best out of everyday. You should be a sponge soaking up knowledge, experiences, contacts, information and more!)

Be unforgettable (Make your team love you!)

Never burn bridges (It doesn't matter if you hated or loved your team, when you graduate you will need a launching career pad and your former employer can be a valuable resource!)

Get a couple letters of recommendation (Before you complete your internship, make sure you have management write you a letter describing your attitude, work ethic, etc.)

Build relationships with your team and the company (It is a good idea to extend your network beyond the immediate team you are working with. Network with the entire company, not just your team! It is crucial to leave a good impression with as many people as possible)

Collect business cards (Every time you meet someone, get their business card and put in a business card holder. DO NOT just lay them around!)

Send a good bye email (Never leave an internship without saying good bye. The email should include when you're last day is, what you learned, how instrumental the experience has been to you, etc.)

Give everyone you worked with a thank you note and/or small gift (Very critical to show your appreciation. Always try to leave on good note)

JAMROCK Magazine "Makeover Issue" Event

***Mark Your Calendars: May 14th***

JAMROCK Magazine is delighted to invite you to celebrate the "Makeover Issue" of JAMROCK Magazine with Hip Hop/ R&B favorite Estelle and Reggae icon Buju Banton featured on our new double, flip-side cover. The new issue bursts with creativity, style and design takes you to a place where no urban lifestyle publication has dared to venture to before.

DJ Kevin Crown and special guest DJ Mick Boogie will be spinning the hottest tunes all night long. Sponsored by Spar & Bernstein, R.A. Travel, JN Money Transfer, VP Records, Riddim Driven, Colour Heritage, Ostrick Clothing, Interscope Records, LinkUp Radio, SAIGE PR, Reggae fest and Reggae Radio Station.

**Note: This is an invite only event, you must RSVP in order to attend. Make sure you put "ULTRA LOUNGE" in the subject line.
Thursday May 13th
Ultra Lounge
37 West 26th Street
Between Broadway & 6th Avenue
Chelsea Manhattan
8pm-3am
Rsvp: http://us.mc1102.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Rsvp@Jamrockmagazine.com
DRESS CODE IN EFFECT

Banana Republic Job Opening: Associate Production Mgr.

Title: ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION MGR - Banana Republic (Belts & Sml Leather Goods)

Code: 00E5

Organization: Gap Inc.

Category: Category - Bags/Accessories

Function: Product Management

Region: NY Metro

Description: ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION MANAGER, Banana Republic Men's and Women's Belts & Small Leather Goods

DESCRIPTION:

• Management of production time lines, reviewing reports and recommending solutions to exceptions
• Develop time and action calendars for all programs managed
• Work with New York pre-production team to develop production ready samples for quarterly design presentations
• Work closely with all vendors and agent offices to ensure that monthly production capacity is utilized and recommend appropriate action when issues arise
• Monitor production status of all programs by season
• Track shipments from vendor to distribution center
• Assist Manager in placement strategy and follow-up by recommending product placement plan and action plan for chase
• Support costing process by creating and distributing packages, issuing spreadsheets for tracking and conducting initial negotiation
• Analyze test reports, making recommendations to manager and communicating exceptions to SF and vendors
• Assist Manger in managing flow
• Assist Manager in fabric reservation
• Confirm fabric and trim with mills
• Coordinate and lead weekly production meetings with SF global production
• Develop relationships with mentors, peers and all sourcing channels
• Assist manager in developing bench strength and serve as mentor to assistants

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detail oriented with strong follow through; organize and prioritize multiple projects
• Have a sense of urgency in managing time and accomplishing tasks
• Demonstrate proactive problem solving skills
• Use basic retail math needed to determine costs, margins and turn
• Create and maintain a cooperative team environment that promotes high performance standards and attainment of goals
• Ability to react to change• Ability to solicit feedback for self-development
• Make effective presentations
• Must be computer literate (excel, word, etc)
• Ability to manage work according to deadlines
• Excellent time management skills
• Basic costing and negotiation skill
• College degree preferred
• 3-5 years experience w/apparel production management

TO APPLY: You may apply directly to this job listing with the link below.

http://www.applytracking.com/x.aspx?x=vKA68MOXCfF2NJKHxr0oE3CnHDOO1%2brUkGiPTqYlS%2fI%3d

Liz Claiborne, Inc: Seeking Associate Account Executive

TITLE: ASSOCIATE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE - (International) Organization: Liz Claiborne, Inc.

Category: Apparel

CODE: 10524

FUNCTION: Sales/Lines

OFFERED REGION: NY Metro Location: New York, NY

DESCRIPTION: ASSOCIATE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE - (International)

OVERVIEW: The Associate Account Executive is a key member of the sales team who is responsible for selling the division’s line of product and services. This individual also possesses functional knowledge of sales dynamics, an exceptional sensitivity to product, and the ability to perform assigned tasks properly.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for selling the division’s line of product and services
• Prepare and distribute picture packs, order forms, and marketing materials
• Prepare and process shipping, projections, orders, and confirmations
• Communicate with customer service and store buyers on a daily basis.
• Identify and react to new opportunities.
• Keep abreast of competitive selling information and business dynamics in countries of distribution.

QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum Qualifications:

• 1 + years of prior sales experience in a retail or wholesale environment
• Ability to present product
• Reasonably thorough understanding of Retail Math is required
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong relationship building skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong problem solving skills
• Strong sense of urgency and attention to detail
• Self motivated
• Able to multi- task

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Software, languages, etc.
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

TO APPLY: Visit direct site below.

https://jobs-lizclaiborne.icims.com/jobs/10524/job

Resume: One Page (NO EXCUSE!)

To all of you who believe that a resume should spell out everything you have ever done professionally and should be lengthy and beefy - WRONG! You are mistaken and this mistake, can be very costly.

The key to creating a working professional resume is to remember these 3 simple words:
- Simple
- Concise
- Detailed

One-Page resumes signify that you know the rules of the game and you're able to define your professional experience in a short, concise manner. Attention spans are short and it is very critical to engage and spark the interest of your reader. Your resume needs to be an attention grabber and highlight the major points early on. Every word in your resume should have meaning - leave out space fillers, fluffiness, extra words with no point, and information that is not relevant to the position you are applying for. You want to intrigue your reader, not give away all the details. The point of a resume is to provide short and detailed bullet points that showcase your intention, experience, talents, and skills. It is not the goal of a resume to tell your life story - it is rather a snapshot of who you are and what you're seeking.

Despite the experience level, industry, or job you're seeking, ALL resumes should include the following:

*Note - You can word these categories differently; however, be sure to include the information below. Information listed below is in no particular order.

- Profile Statement - a brief 2-3 sentence personal description that states your objective, skill set, work ethic, and strengths

- Educational Background - school, date of graduation, state, city, degree, honors, affiliations

- Professional Experience - you can list all of your experience under the caption "Professional Experience" or categorize/label your experience (i.e. Work Experience, Non-Profit, Beauty, Nursing, etc.) - by doing this, you are highlighting a portion of your experience that you want to stand out. This is particularly important if you have a variety of professional experiences and/or seeking to switch industries and need to separate your job experience.

- Skills - typing speed, office programs that you are proficient in, languages, special talents

- Professional Affiliations - organizations, volunteer work, etc.


Of course, every resume is going to be jazzed up with varying fonts, font sizes, and layout - despite the different stylistics used, all resumes should include the most relevant information that will draw in the employer.

Other Details to Note: (information that the books don't teach you!)
- Always put the most important facts first (bullet points should read most important to least important) - remember, attention grabbers go at the top
- Use the same tense throughout each bullet (if its past tense, stick to it) - don't change tenses within the same job description
- Pay attention to detail (be consistent) - each line should look uniform and neat
- Be creative - find a way to make your resume stand out (in a stack of 50 resumes, how will yours make a difference?)
- Use strong language - each word listed should have value (this will help with conciseness)
- Be clear and direct - resumes are not the time to be fluffy (describe each experience in detail, using an elevated vocabulary that accurately depicts your experience)
- Write for dummies (your resume should be clear to anyone reading it, even if they are not familiar with your work experience or industry). Do not use terms that are not for general use or acronyms that are not for the common reader.
- Provide examples - it's always a good idea to illustrate your job description, it brings life to your experience and showcases specific examples of your work
- Include details - list information that adds credibility and growth (i.e. promotion, award, certificate, leader of round table discussion, etc.)

CEW: Requests Volunteers - Career Insights Workshop

Interested in attending a beauty event FOR FREE, networking, and adding some volunteer notches on your belt?! If so, please sign up asap as there are limited spaces for volunteers.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, May 14th

Volunteer Time: *4:30pm – 6:30pm (Exact time TBC)

Location: Harmonie Club 4 E. 60th St. NYC

Attire: Business (Dress Shirt/Sweater and Pants/Skirt is acceptable)

Assignment: Assist with check-in, ushering attendees to the correct workshop, etc.

***Note: Volunteers will be provided with a Gift Bag upon availability.

Sign Up: Email ahamilton@cew.org directly.

How to WOW Your Interviewer...

Times are hard. Jobs are scarce. Stand out. Bottom line.

Before your mind even ponders on what you're going to wear or how you're going to do your hair - let's be clear that it's the entire package that is going to count in today's competitive market. The days of getting brownie points for wearing cute shoes is over. You must be overly prepared in every capacity to WOW the employer - that's the key! What does this mean, you may ask?! It means that there are 4 main buckets you need to consider when trying to ace your interview.

4 Buckets to INTERVIEWING SUCCESS:

1. Personal Branding: In simple terms - personal appearance, attire, hair, demeanor, vibe, attitude. The "personal branding" effect really happens before you open your mouth. You can always revamp your personal branding statement with words, but it starts with first impressions. When you walk in a room, you're representing yourself - question is, what are you telling the world about who you are? We are all guilty of pre-judging others based on several factors but it's nothing to be ashamed of, it's natural and it's not going away. We must consider putting together a personal branding package that speaks to who we are and who we want to be. Even if you're not CEO but you aspire to be, you must carry yourself in a CEO-type manner to garner the respect that any top ranking executive would call for. We must play the part we want in life - don't get caught up in where you are, get lost in where you want to be.

There are many facets to the personal branding concept, but the major things to remember are:

• Dress for Success: Research your atmosphere. Make sure that your style of dress makes sense for your interviewing environment. If you're going on a construction site interview, it's probably not a top priority to wear a suit. You want your interviewer to feel that you are automatically in sync with the environment, which helps them to envision you as part of the team. Always dress professionally regardless, but it is always a good idea to add your own spin to society's idea of "professionalism," you can do this by simply adding a piece of jewelry, scarf, or pin that adds your flavor to it. Isn't the point to stand out - in a good way?!
• Who are you? From the moment that you walk into the building, your GREEN light has to be turned on and you must let all your passion run freely. The biggest mistake that I find people making is that they tone down their passion and fierceness during interviews. They're so determined to be polite and professional, they forget to be real. People can talk freely and confidently to their friends and family about why they want they the job; however, during an interview they are shy and timid. NO!!!! This is the time to get excited, passionate, and enthralled in the conversation. Don't back down now - the employer needs to feel your sense of urgency about why you WANT this job versus the 10 other people being interviewed. I understand that nerves can sometimes take over, but you have to sike yourself out. Be an actor for a day and pretend to be confident and daring, even if you're not. Put nerves aside and claim your dream!
• Demeanor: Demeanor is the way in which you carry yourself - which encompasses many characteristics such as attitude, confidence, and the vibe you give off. In order to ace this portion of the interview, it's critical that your swagger is on point. You must walk with confidence, yet humility. You must be charismatic, yet calm. You must be positive, yet real. You must sound knowledgeable, yet open for feedback. It's a fine balance - just remember, you have to believe that you're capable of handling the job before they can. If you truly know that you are perfect for this job - your MAIN purpose during the course of the interview is to ensure that the employer is also on board and believes you're capable.

2. WOW Factor aka Point of Difference: There is a crowd vying for the SAME job you want. What makes you stand out? Why should the employer give you the job? How are you different? What is your WOW factor? Before the employer can answer those questions - you have to know the answers first! Figure out what makes you different and hone that skill, exploit it to the best of your ability. We are all different and bring various skills to the table, so it's important to figure out how to highlight your strengths and downplay your weaknesses. In order to achieve this, you have to be self-reflective and honest with yourself. When your interviewer walks away, you want them to say, "wow I've met with 6 other candidates, but no one had the energy, drive, and knowledge that she did. Interviews over! I want her!"

Brainstorming Wow Factors:

• Portfolio: Professional way to show your work and experience in an organized an impressive way. Such a great talking point. Instead of just bringing in the typical flat resume and cover letter, ignite life into the interview. Bring in some interesting work pieces that you've done to add interest and excitement to the conversation. Great way to earn brownie points!
• Resume Wow-zer: Make sure your resume is error-free, buttoned up with all necessary details, easy to read, professional, clear and concise, and would stand out in a stack of papers. What does your resume have that is interesting enough to make someone actually want to read the entire page? Note - it should only be ONE page. No excuses! Moral of the story: a resume wow-zer is one that encompasses all the main ingredients, but has that spark of interest and cherry on top that makes everyone say WOW!
• Spark: Your friends love you, your co-workers think you're hilarious, your family thinks you're great...question is, how can you communicate your greatness sitting at a desk in front of a complete stranger?! That's the real challenge. Find a creative, subtle way of revealing your "spark" to your interviewer. They should not be aware of your scheme. All they should think is, "wow, I LOVE this girl. She's GREAT!"

3. The Connection: Despite the title or the big office or what the business card says, everyone has a soft side - you just have to find it! Sometimes the connection is inherent and comes natural, other times you have to dig a bit deeper. Make a connection with your interviewer and appeal to their emotions in a way that allows you to connect with them aside from asking generic interviewing questions. This allows you to build a bridge between being Jane Doe to Jessica Styles. Now you have identity and a real connection that will make them remember you and consider you in a whole new way. Isn't it easier to give to friends than strangers, why - because we have a relationship with them. Same here, you have X amount of time to build a mini meaningful memorable relationship, get started, go!

Connection Ideas:

• You: "I love your shoes." Employer: "Thank you, yours are nice too. Love your style."
• You: "Wow, I have never been on an interview and felt this instantly connected to the company." Employer: "Wow, I am so glad you feel that way. Makes me feel really good. We love to hear that."
• You: "I really want this job. I have never felt this passionate before. I really feel like I will be able to make a difference." Employer: "That's great, we're looking for someone to be really excited and eager to take on this position."
• You: "I really admire how you've been able to achieve your level of success. Is there a lot of room for growth here?" Employer: "Thank you, I have really worked hard and through the years, this company has been really great with helping to promote within."
• You: "In this role, I truly feel that I will be able to hone in on my skills and truly impact the company." Employer: "Wonderful, in today's market, we really need a go-getter!"

4. Expertise: All of the above topics are critical and very important; however, if you are not an expert on the company, the position you're applying for, what you bring to the table and how you see yourself fitting in - you're doomed! Nothing else matters. Sorry to be so blunt, but you must be thoroughly educated and prepared. Actually, more like overly prepared - just to be on the safe side. Don't get caught slipping.

Preparation Strategies:

• Research: Everything. Know the company and job you're applying for inside out. Be prepared with talking points to show you've done your research. Even if you aren't asked specific questions, find a way to slip in a few facts - very impressive. Don't go overkill, but do show that you're well informed and engaged.
• Prepare Questions: Already have a mental list of questions you want to ask, this helps you to seem engaged and interested. Don't ask random questions, create questions that are interesting, relevant and thought-provoking.
• Bring a Notebook and Pen: Be prepared to take notes and write down any pertinent information. This shows that you're organized and well prepared.
• Bring Several Copies (of everything): Resume, Cover Letter, Pen, etc.
• Be Organized: Don't shuffle through papers and begin to look flustered. Have all papers readily accessible so that when the interview begins, you are on cue and ready to go!

If you have read, considered, and mastered the 4 buckets listed above: Personal Branding, WOW Factor, The Connection, and Expertise - you are ready to ACE your interview. Good luck and make FAB proud!

In today's competitive market, we must be overly prepared with a savvy plan that will eliminate the competition!

Calvin Klein: Job Opening - Advertising Account Executive

POSITION SUMMARY: The Account Executive within CRK Marketing and Licensing assists with the management of all marketing, advertising and promotional campaigns; provides primary account support for assigned businesses within the CRK account group Reports to: Account Director, Account Supervisor

OTHER KEY RELATIONSHIPS: Licensees, Studio, Production, Photo shoot Production,Domestic/International Media, CRK Fashion Team, Public Relations, Special Events, Legal, CKI International Offices, Finance, Design, Visual, Buyers, Retail Stores

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Advertising or Marketing preferred
• 2 + years marketing/advertising experience
• Flexibility to tight deadlines and demanding environment
• Exceptional organizational skills with high level of attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills required
• Strong computer skills - Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Powerpoint)

TO APPLY : You may apply directly to this job listing with the link below: http://ars2.equest.com/?response_id=c7474ad5eb8dabeaabc51aa8afa19cef

Spring Fever: Rejuvenated Spirit!

Spring agenda items are starting to formulate. Winter coldness has dissolved into the warm atmosphere. 2009 jitters have settled and dreams are revamped. It's time to FLY. Time to enjoy the moment and wallow in our accomplishments and implement our goals. There is nothing more satisfying than using the warm weather as a launching pad for our happiness and contentment. Under a tree or in the park or quiet walk with a friend - spring sensations are now alive and thriving in my bones. Every season brings a different feeling, but it's something about spring that makes you want to blossom into an individual that enjoys the moment, smiles at a stranger, laughs at an obstacle and takes in all that's happening around you - good or bad. As a young professional, being in career limbo or not fully understanding how to bridge the gap between ideas and success can be very draining and tiresome. If we let this feeling consume us, we will end up wondering where did our 20s go and wondering why the supposed "best years" of our lives were taken up with grief and frustration. Don't be a victim of fear or frustration - make a conscious effort to change your circumstances, don't let your circumstances become your life. As we analyze the seasons and our feelings, don't forget to incorporate the warm, fuzzy feeling of spring into your personal and professional lives. Never underestimate the power of positivity. If you've fallen off the band wagon, get back on. I promise you - you can do it. Make a conscious effort to become a victim of happiness and self-assurance. In the spring time, we have to live fruitful and blossoming lives . . . it's just a must! Let your inhibitions go and fly, fly, flyyyyyyyyyy.....

Stay Warm. Stay Positive. Stay Driven. Stay FAB!

J.Styles