Author Archives: Jenice Armstead

About Jenice Armstead

Dr. Jenice Armstead is a military veteran, author, motivational speaker, Professor and Academic Business Department Chair with over 17 years professional experience in the public and private sector. Jenice’s expertise covers human resources, business management, the federal hiring process and government hiring policy. She understands the significance of human capital value for organizational development. She has an exceptional aptitude for teaching difficult topics with practical approaches. Jenice has a MBA with a Concentration in Human Resources from Saint Leo University and a Doctorate of Business Administration from Jones International University.

Two-Cent Tuesday

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Two-Cent Tuesday

June 26, 2013, was a historical day in our great Nation. The Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was unconstitutional. Marriage is being re-defined as simply “Loving Relationships.” On Nov 14, 2013 in a private ceremony I wedded my beloved “Husbian.” We have been together for 11 years and in the span of those 11 years anything could have happened. In the 11 years my “Better Half” and I have been together we have been through many trials. Our military careers were threaten, my “Better Half” had 3 major surgeries which disabled her from walking for up to 3 – 6 months each surgery, we were not covered by any spousal benefits, no income tax acknowledgements and a series of other personal dilemmas came against us. But, you know what “they” say? Love will always prevail!

Many of those whom are legally married are protected and afforded rights and liberties; we still have along way to go for marriage to be legal for everyone in all states and countries. The world has a lot to change, including worrying about who I love and who loves me unconditionally. Rights and liberties are for all, not only for those who feel they deserve them – but each and every one of us. Until this is fully understood, how love is defined love will continue to be divided.

Office of Personnel Management Same Sex Marriage Benefits

All the Best,
Jenice Armstead-McGinnis

Two-Cents

Two-Cents

Monday Morning Mindset

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Thoughts become things, if you don’t believe this just look outside your front or back door. That building across the street, the car you drive, the bus you ride or the clothes and shoes you wear were all once someone’s idea. Thoughts are all ideas of the mind, which have the ability to become “things.” It has been said that the average human being has up to 5,000 single thoughts each and everyday. Keeping in mind that 5,000 of those thoughts become up to 500 ideas and of those 500 ideas only 20 – 50 have the tendency to become actual things with using provoked action. Those 20 – 50 things could be up to 1 or 2 published, created, invented or researched physical or tangible objects. Thoughts are important for various reasons.

A thought is the creative and intuitive way for your brain to understand the environment for which it is viewing. There are various ways for the brain to view one single event, item or person. There are truly hundreds of thousands of ways for something to be viewed, interpreted or communicated. The whole idea of a thought is to provoke action. It is mindful to have “Think Sessions” with yourself. “Think Sessions” are a great way to build thought control. Since your thoughts have the ability to become things, it is wise to remember that those “things” may or may not be in favor of what you want to create in your life. Choose your thoughts wisely, or they will choose you.

Thoughts Become Things

Two-Cent Tuesday

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What is “Job Classification” you ask? I am glad you did. Job classification & qualifications are the “well oiled engines” that make a human resources department run smoothly. Job classification is how job descriptions are created for organizations employees. Job classification determines employee job responsibilities, duties, pay grade level and other important aspects of employee rights. Many employees are unaware of how job descriptions are created. Simply put, job descriptions are created by using job classifications.

Job classifications are ever changing and developing with the needs of an organization. Job classification is the outline for how and what a job description will state for employee development and promotion. Job or position classification standards include a plethora of information such as determining employee work schedule, Fair Labor Standards Act information, grade/wage promotion ability and exempt or non-exempt position status. In all, job classification is a full time, skilled ability that takes many years to perfect. With economy changes, job classification changes for organizational structure.

For more information on job classification check out the government site: Office of Personnel Management

Jenice

Two Cents

Two Cents

Monday Morning Mindset – Happy Veterans Day

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Veterans Day is more than a holiday celebrated for shopping sales, free meals and discounts.  Veterans Day is the day for all of us to honor those who have served both voluntarily and involuntarily for all to enjoy the freedoms of civil rights, equal rights and rights to come.  Veterans are the backbone of this country, being a veteran of the United States Navy is my honor.  I am honored to have served these United States of America.

Being a veteran has allowed many benefits that I other wise would not enjoy.  The military provided an education that my parents couldn’t afford to give me.  I earned my Associates in Science from Vincennes University, Associates in Art, Bachelors in Business Administration with a concentration in Computer Science, Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Saint Leo University and currently earning my Doctorates in Business Administration.  All this education has been provided by the opportunities of being a veteran of the military.

What most people who know about all my educational path don’t know the challenges that took place while earning my education.  The many nights I was on “watch” while cramming for an English exam.  Military deployments to South Korea; Mombasa, Kenya; Rhoda, Spain; and Iraq where I was sleep derived and living off of Ready Made Meals (MREs) while scheduling exam retake dates to graduate on time.  The training operations in Camp Pendleton for mortar missile training while staying up until the early hours of the morning to ensure I had my math test submitted on time.

Today, as you see people in your coming and goings remember the ones who have given their lives for the rights you freely enjoy.  Don’t merely “thank a veteran” “appreciate a veteran.”  Appreciation is worth more than any thank you could ever say.

All the Best,

Yeoman Second Class (Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist) Armstead aka Jenice

Great Lakes, ILL. aka Great Mistakes

Jenice Armstead Boot Camp Photo

 

Easy Proofreading

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Proofreading can be dry and mundane, but when you have some simple steps for proofreading it has the tendency to almost be fun.  Truth be told, proofreading is not just for writing, it can be used for anything from note taking to daily sticky notes.  You don’t know how many things have been taken out of context just because I didn’t take the time to do a quick proofread of a note I left for someone.

The first step toward great proof reading is to use a checklist.  A checklist allows for a quick outline of the important things that you want to convey.  It is used much like one would use an “outline” to start writing or developing a plan.  It seems like over doing it, but believe me a checklist is vital for developing great proofreading skills.

The second step is to fact check, too many times people accidentally plagiarize.  This can cause some serious creditably issues.  Make sure to check your work and fact check every thing you write.

The third step toward great proofreading is to spell-check.  There is no reason not to spell-check in this day of advanced technology; there are dictionaries and thesauruses everywhere.  You can easily down load an “app for that” and make sure to use it each time you proofread.

A step that has saved me more than once is the fourth proofreading step, read your writings aloud.  Reading aloud is different than reading something to yourself.  Often, if you read silently you will miss content, context, tenses or similar words such as their, there, and they’re.

That brings us to the fifth step toward great proofreading, focusing on one line at a time.  This one goes along with reading aloud.  While reading aloud you can take the time to focus on one line at a time.  Invest yourself in each line by developing powerful sentence structure.

Attention to formatting is the sixth proofreading step.  Formatting can be difficult, remember to utilize formatting options online for easier understanding of what is best for your writings.

Which brings us to proofreading step seven, which is start all over again and proofread your edits.  If you take the time to embrace each and every step, your proofreading skills will improve.

Happy Proofreading Writing

Jenice

Proofreading

Reference: Proofreading Helpers 

Two-Cent Tuesday

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As an employer or employee it is always good business sense to keep up with your knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) of your field of choice. There are plenty of business sites for increasing your knowledge and skill base. O*Net is a great place to start. O*Net has every and any job description you can think of which exists. Not only will you gain a healthy knowledge of the job description, but the site gives you information about similar jobs and salary or wage grades for the position. Empower yourself with knowledge and check out onetonline.org.

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Monday Morning Mindset

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Having and keeping peace in your life is all about active action toward deciding to remain constant in every situation. In a world full of turmoil, unemployment and despair “Peace” says that no matter what the situation is, you have a right to remain peaceful at all times. Peace isn’t about getting what you want when you want it. Peace is the ability to remain stable in the middle of a tragedy, uncomfortable situations or simply when you are having a bad day. Peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit. When you have peace, you can remain grounded in knowing that everything will work out and be okay in the long run. Take some time to remind yourself to remain peaceful. Set your calendar or a alarm clock to remind you to remain peaceful throughout the day. Then say aloud “I am at peace with myself, others and all situations.” Remember, thoughts become words, and words become deeds.

Peace

Jenice

Press Release: Pep Talks Vol 4: Answering Training Questions

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I am so exited to announce my latest book: PEP TALKS Vol 4 – Answering Training Questions! The “Pep Talks” Book Series, are a compilation of advice, insight, examples, sample interview questions and professional advice.

The Pep Talks Book Series clarifies difficult interview questions as the reader focuses on their goals.  The Pep Talks Book Series gets the reader moving in the right direction, and saves the reader time and effort, along with helping the reader narrow down what areas are in need of professional enhancement.  The Pep Talks Book Series addresses all types of difficult interview questions that may be asked of the reader during an interview or during a conversation being had by an interviewee.

It is important for the reader to understand that an interview can seemly happen at any given time or place, so it is good practice to have some “pre-set” answers to some of these questions to provide a more fluid professional appearance.  Nervousness often happens during interviews or with conversations with people whom are unfamiliar.

The Pep Talks Book Series are designed to assist the reader in planning, executing, and managing career goals and potential growth in the field of choice.  Each section has interactive “fill in the blank” area for guiding the reader with critical thinking examples to assist with brainstorming and “Confidence Boosting Affirmations” providing the reader with constant motivation for obtaining the “dream career.”

The Pep Talks Book Series can serve the newly looking or the long-term job seeker with methods that will assist with the career search and provide motivation for future endeavors

I know how hard the job market is, and I started this series to give you the “Pep Talk” that you need to keep your focus on your dreams and career goals!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE and SUPPORT! For more information about the Pep Talks book series go to Amazon.com

Pep Talks Vol 4: Answering Training Questions

 

 

Monday Morning Mindset

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In a world full of upset and disappointment, it is encouraging to see positive views of your perception of what the world could be. Having worked for several large corporations and small businesses, the realization has come to me that it isn’t what you do – but how you do it. When you realize how invaluable you are, you begin to see the most positive sides of everything.

The other week I had the honor of meeting a complete stranger during an interview for a business contract. In perfect hindsight it seemed that we had no common denominator with one another. But, it is always important to look past what you see. This young woman shared her hardships with me about her starting to “go natural” with her hair. She asked about my natural hair journey and advice on what she could do. I answered her questions, but it was also put on my heart to tell her about my personal and emotional depletion with my natural hair journey. I told her how I have received many adverse comments and snide remarks about my hair and how the comments often made me feel. I shared how it was one of the hardest things I had ever done, yet one of the most freeing things I had done for my Spirit. She started crying uncontrollably and I asked her if I could give her a hug. She agreed, and then we both sobbed together for a few minutes.

For a moment we shared the same pain, discord and upset about “going natural.” But, it was much more than that, we sobbed about not being accepted by society, low self-esteem and our overall feeling about how our “nappy” hair made us feel. She apologized, for being “silly” and crying. I told her that it wasn’t silly, and that sometimes you just need for someone else to simply understand your pain. She thanked me and I was honored to have shared that moment of human empathy with her.

There is freedom in sharing the truth, no matter how painful it may seem. If we took a little more time to share in each others pain, the healing for each one of us could infect the world with more love.

Jenice

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The Government Shutdown is Finally Over

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The government shutdown is finally over, for now. The Senate and the House of Representatives only delayed the debit instead of implementing a debit increase. This simple means that the United States still has to pay its bills. If the bills are not paid, there will be another government shutdown in December. Just in time for the holiday season. I’m sure Jesus never wanted to celebrate his birthday by putting millions of people in a state of anxiety, depression and upset. The fact of the matter is there are government legislation bills that must be implemented now in order to prevent another government shutdown happening.

Thinking about this gives people some real perspective on how to make small changes for the better in the financial stability of their own household. If we take this as a learning opportunity, then everyone must take a hard look at his or her financial backbone. How are you spending your money? Are you spending in more places where you should be instead saving it? Have you used your credit card like an imaginary money dispenser? Do you know what the APR is on each credit card(s)?

Here is your challenge: Take some time out and do a budget for yourself or for your family. Write down the monthly expenses and payments you make on your loan(s)/credit card(s). You will be surprised at what you don’t know about your finances. Be empowered, and learn from the federal government shutdown. You have the power to change your life for the better.

For more information on creating a budget go to: Creating a Budget

Budget

Budget

Monday Morning Mindset

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Way too often workers are under appreciated, overworked and not compensated to the proper financial amount. Being a United States Navy Veteran, I can speak from a first person stance on all of the above being valid and true. But, many small businesses are facing the same hardships. With the economy in a yo-yo state and federal programs like SNAP and WIC being cut, one has to ask themselves: How am I going to survive this event? The answer is not simple, but one that has to be continuously answered and revamped depending on the events in your life.

If you are worried about what you are going to eat, how your are going to pay your rent or how you are going to put gas in your car which probably needs serious maintenance work – you are not alone. The key to getting some of the resolutions for these simple needs is communication with oneanother. Talk about it, talk about your needs and then see if you can be of assistances to someone else that may be in an even worst off situation than you. We need one another to survive; once that is rekindled the human race will begin the healing process of progress. Until then, the individual mindset will do nothing for us except to separate us from us.

Jenice

 

 

Unemployment Benefits: Putting to Rest the Rumors

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unemployment

The 2013 Government Shutdown has caused many federal agencies to send workers home without pay or until further notice.  The question has come up if employees are eligible for unemployment benefits?  The answer to this question is: YES!  If you are ever fired or displaced from a position due to any other content other than your own accord you are eligible for unemployment benefits.  Unemployment benefits are just that … a benefit and a right of the worker.  Each state regulates for employers to pay unemployment insurance for all workers.  Contrary to what the news or peers may say, you are eligible for unemployment benefits under these circumstances:

  • If you are fired from your job
  • If you are laid off from your job
  • If your company furloughs your position
  • If your company conducts a Reduction in Forces (RIF)

Unemployment is processed differently depending on the state you file your claim in.  The unemployment amount depends on how much you earned at the position you are displaced from.  Overall, filing for unemployment insurance for most states starts with filling out an online application.

Know your rights.  For more on unemployment insurance go to the Department of Labor

The Difference between an Administrative Furlough and a Shutdown Furlough

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There are many misconceptions on what a furlough actually is and how a furlough works in reference to federal employees. There are two different types of possible furloughs. There are administrative furloughs and a government shutdown furlough. The long and short of the different is administrative furloughs are planned events and a government shutdown is an unplanned event.

Administrative furloughs can be by government agency that has scheduled reductions in force (RIFs) for budgeting reasons, not enough work for employees, a lawsuit or other foreseeable situation. It is up to the budgetary funding on which employees would remain receiving pay and those that would not. In most cases of administrative furloughs pay is reimbursable.

In the case of a federal government shutdown, government agencies, which have reserved funds for mandatory employees budgetary funds, would use this method in case of an unscheduled shutdown. This is technically namely called a “emergency” shutdown. “In a shutdown furlough, an affected agency would have to shut down any activities funded by annual appropriations that are not excepted by law.” In most cases, unless the federal agency has reserved funds for such an event, employees will be ordered to shutdown and not return to work until mandated to do so.

Either way, both furloughs have lasting effects on the Nations economy and the United States citizens as a whole. For more information on government furloughs go to www.opm.gov

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The Federal Government Shut Down: Why It’s Really Happening

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The federal government has officially shut down. It has been 17 years since the last federal government shut down; many citizens are misguided and misinformed with bogus reasons for this federal government shut down. The Federal Budget Committee has come to a census for a 6-month plan for the American Debt, but it has been rejected. The budget is only half of the reason for this federal shutdown. In addition, Republicans want to suspend the Affordable Healthcare Act for 1 year. What many Americans need to understand is that the Affordable Healthcare Act has been implemented as of today, and it is here to stay. You can go to www.healthcare.gov to enroll into a healthcare plan that fits your needs for your financial status. Here are some facts about the Affordable Healthcare Act:

  • The Affordable Healthcare Act is not a government ran program, you may choose your own plan and provider.
  • Healthcare is mandatory, but now it is affordable no matter your income status

The truth be told, the federal government shut down is a bulling tactic by the Republics that voted against fair negations of policy for the American people. Many federal and government workers will be furloughed with suspended or delayed pay. This is not the way to show how democracy works, it is the duty of those elected into office to keep their constituents in mind when creating, implementing or destroying a policy which will effect the entire Nation. The bare bones facts of the situation are that “Obama Care” is one of the best healthcare policies since the implementation of Social Security. Why wouldn’t you enroll in a more affordable healthcare program? Change has come, and it is time to embrace it – not to fight against it.

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For more information about the Affordable Healthcare Act go to healthcare.gov
All the Best,
Jenice

October Events

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  • Fri
    04
    Oct
    2013

    Travelogues Event

    7pm - 9pm

    Tampa's Cafe Hey

    Wanna hear all about Jenice Armstead’s stories from her childhood of being a military brat? On Oct 4th, Jenice Armstead will be speaking during the Travelogue event.  This is a monthly travel storytelling series, with two new speakers sharing two unique places every first friday at downtown Tampa’s Cafe Hey. More information can be found at vesselcollective.com

    travelogue-postcard-front

Jenice Armstead Featured in Saint Leo University Newsletter

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Thank you to Saint Leo University for the feature in the “Continuing Education Updates” newsletter.  I have to say, I was super surprised and excited  all at the same time.  Enjoy this quick article about my Saint Leo University experience.

Enjoy,

Jenice Armstead

 

Continuing Education Updates
(Issue #412, September 22, 2013)
Here is another reminder of why we do what we do.

Jenice Armstead ’04 ’06

Military Service: United States Navy (1997 – 2004) Yeoman Second Class (Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist) – SCWS

Alumni ’04 ’06, Key West, FL Education Center and MBA Online

“Saint Leo University opened up the doors of opportunity for the future. Saint Leo University welcomed a Navy veteran who had no idea who or what she wanted to be. Saint Leo University became my home away from home. The education which I was allowed and afforded to earned, opened and has given a plethora of opportunities. I have grown in my profession of business and human resources management in ways that would have never been possible without the education and experience gained while attending Saint Leo University. I have worked for the federal government and private companies. In my most recent accomplishments I have begun a teaching career with Saint Leo University, become a self-published author and human resources consultant. My life has surely improved and I have been an inspiration to those who want to improve their lives by pursing an education with Saint Leo University. I have been truly blessed with life, liberty and opportunity. I look forward to my professional future, as I know the foundation has been laid for success.”

For more information check out Saint Leo University

 

Professional & Career Affirmations

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Professional affirmations assist with thinking and being positive in order to motivate and focus your attention on the best ideas for what you chose for your future.  Write these affirmations down and read the aloud to boost your confidence.  Here are a few affirmations I have used to assist in achieving success in my career and life goals.

I am professionally focused on progress

I am choosing to develop myself in my field

I am professionally admired in my field

I am moving in the direction best for me

I am able to work with anyone

I am skilled and talented in my profession

I am needed for my abilities and skills

I am outstanding in my field of human resources management

For more information check out my book 10 Tips for Applying for Government Jobs

Get Your Foot in the Door with Federal Internships

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The federal government has become a “career-builder” and any federal government job opportunity can be looked at as a “leg up” on the competition.  The federal government sector, like many private sector businesses have started utilizing more internship programs as a means of “growing employees” into positions.  Simply put, government internships are all paid positions.  They may be part-time or full-time positions depending on the program.  The Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) is a program to assist with helping current students gain work experience while still going to school.  The benefit to the internship program is the flexible and opportunity to make additional income for the student.  The agency keeps track of educational milestones of the employed student and graduation dates.  In many cases the STEP Intern will be offered a position based on their time-in-position, generally an entry position with the possibility of growth for the future.  Many executives received their “in” by utilizing internship programs such as the STEP program.

Another internship program is the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) is a program focused on exposing the student to the career field, which the student is focused.  Normally, an entry position this program allows for students to learn from their peers and supervisors in their educational field they are currently studying.

With both programs there are eligibly and qualification requirements for a potential candidate selection.  Not all interns are offered a permanent position with the federal government agency, yet these programs are a method for potential permanent federal government employment and getting a “foot in the door.”

Basic STEP/SCEP Eligibly Requirements:

Current Student

Field of Choice

Copies of Transcripts

Agency Student Contract

Part-Time or Full-Time Academic Program Status

To read more about applying for federal positions check out my book:

10 Tips for Applying for Government Jobs

For more information on Federal Internship Programs:

http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-authorities/students-recent-graduates/

Using Veteran Educational Benefits

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Online degrees have come a long way from your basic degree, now there are a variety of different options for degree programs with excellent online universities. Now, with technology you can earn your degree in more than one way.

Online degrees are becoming the new way for people to go to school and still work. Going to school online is a great way to “get ahead” in your career and to make yourself more value and stay competitive. Here are some tips for you to start or continue to earn your degree online. There are tons of online schools. Some schools have special “Military scholarships” for active and veteran military personnel.

The Montgomery GI Bill and Post September 9/11 educational programs allow for all military personnel serving during that time also received 9/11 educational benefits. Another excellent educational program for veteran graduate students is the Yellow Ribbon Program. These benefits are transferable to other military dependents from any active duty or veteran military personnel. Many online schools can offer up to 50% military scholarships to all undergraduate degree programs and a 20% military scholarship to all graduate degree programs. There are time stipulations on utilizing your military educational benefits. Make sure to check the termination of time requires before you begin a program.

Many online schools have regional and national accreditations. It is important to know whom your school is accredited through in case you want to transfer or get a job in a different state than the school you are attending.

For more information check out www.va.gov and www.saintleo.edu

Answering Job Interview Questions on Future Plans

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When you are interviewing you will be asked about your future plans. This is a question that selecting officials use to see where you plan on “being” in a determined amount of time.

You will be asked: What are your long-term goals? What are your long-term career objectives? This is not an opportunity for you to “spill your guts” keep it professional and stay focused. Think about this question before you interview, you shouldn’t take more than 5 – 7 minutes. Talk about your professional goals and what educational aspirations you have. DON’T talk about your personal life or what personal projects you are working on.
Selecting officials want to know: How do you plan to achieve your career goals? They don’t want details, this is a rhetorical question that is meant for them to see if you know how to lay out goals and patterns on how to achieve goals. This is actually a tactic to see how you focus on objects and how you plan to achieve objects. Again, keep it professional not personal – stay focused.

The final future plan questions the selecting official will ask: What do you see yourself doing in five years from now? and What plans do you have for continuing your education? They questions help selecting officials to determine what kind of professional “drive” and motivation you actually have. It is my personal advice to answer all interview questions, keep in mind you can “respectfully” decline to answer any interview questions that you don’t feel comfortable asking. If you don’t plan on continuing your education or haven’t thought about what your goals are for the next five years, it’s okay – use your imagination and stay focused on the professional conversation.

For more information on answering job interview questions check out my Pep Talks Series