WS Chronicle

Ahead of the career fair today at Sprague Street Community Center, residents and others in the community had the opportunity to brush up on their interview skills during the First Impressions Seminar last weekend. 

The seminar, which was free, was designed to give attendees the opportunity to improve their chances of becoming the “perfect candidate” for job openings.

Held on Saturday, Jan. 27, the event featured informative sessions on a number of topics including the general application process, resume writing and interview preparation. 

Guest speakers Marlin Wilkins, Mary Clark-Jackson and Linda Davis, director of human relations at Bradley Law Firm, gave advice on things to do before walking in for the interview. 

Wilkins, who is the CEO of Freedom Bail Bonding and a life coach, encouraged attendees to be confident. He told them to remember that they are interested because they were asked to come in for the interview. 

“Remember that you’re there to get a job. They have a job that’s really the only difference. Just look at it that way.” Wilkins said. 

Clark-Jackson, who served as the skill training community outreach specialist for Goodwill gave tips on what to do before the interview. She stressed the importance of learning information about the company, and wearing the appropriate attire. 

Another point of emphasis during the presentation was having all the necessary documents to be hired on the spot, including a state ID and Social Security card. Clark-Jackson said, “Come prepared to be hired on the spot. Most companies are not going to hire you on the spot, but be prepared.”

To wrap up the seminar, Toya Witherspoon, who came up with the idea for the seminar and job fair, provided attendees with a list of questions that should never be asked during an interview. Witherspoon also provided free business attire for those who needed it. 

After looking through the selection of neckties, Desmond Howell said he was glad he came to the seminar because it gave him a chance to make sure he was prepared for the job fair and interview in the future. 

“I knew about most of the things they talked about, but it’s always good to get a refresher,” Howell said. 

The Sprague Street Community Center Career Fair is scheduled for today, Thursday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Representatives from Aramark, the U.S. Army, City of Winston-Salem, Goodwill, Forsyth County, Winston-Salem Police Department, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools system and others will be at the fair. 

For more information on the Career Fair or the First Impressions Seminar, contact Toya Witherspoon at (336) 650-7680.