…Marla Jones-Price, JFS Ken Weinberg Employment Specialist
9:00 a.m.
I check messages and return a potential new client’s phone call. We set up a meeting for later that week. I email some tips for a successful interview to a current client who has an interview the following day. I want to be sure she has that information as a helpful reminder.
10:30 a.m.
I meet with a new client. We usually spend this hour-long meeting getting to know each other and figuring out what the client is looking for job-wise. If they have an old resume, I ask them to bring it in. This client does, so we talk through it and brainstorm strengths that will better highlight experience. Homework for the client includes drafting a cover letter, which we will review at our next meeting. Homework for me includes sprucing up the resume with a new layout.
11:30 a.m.
My second meeting of the day is with a current client who has been on the job hunt for the past three weeks. He is motivated but lacks computer skills so, together, we spend the hour looking and applying for jobs online. We successfully apply to four jobs. At the end of the meeting, we go to the Food Bank so he can select some groceries to bring home.
1:00 p.m.
I spend a lot of time looking for jobs online. If I find one that is a good fit, I email it to the client right away. I think I could easily list off every open job in Seattle right now!
1:45 p.m.
A colleague from Project DVORA stops by my office and has a client referral for me. I take down her information and make a note to follow up before the end of the day.
3:00 p.m.
Today is a Job Search 101 class day. These classes are offered to our Food Bank clients every few months, and I’m expecting five people this afternoon. We cover job-search tips, review a sample resume and cover letter, look at printouts of job websites and discuss how to dress for an interview and job fairs. They have a lot of questions, and one client sets up a meeting with me for next week.
4:30 p.m.
I quickly check my email after class. I had sent a revised resume to a client, and she’s thrilled with it. She notes, “I’m worth more than I thought I was. Thank you.”
4:55pm
I leave a voice message for the referred client, then I take one last look at jobs online before closing down. It’s been a productive day, and I can’t wait to start the job hunt again tomorrow.
When Marla isn’t helping others pursue new careers, she enjoys traveling to her favorite tropical location of Maui, cooking spaghetti for her family and planning parties.
By Leslie Sugiura
Savvy cook, extreme clam digger, urban gardener and mom to Stella the dog are just a few of the titles Leslie Sugiura keeps in rotation. She’s also the Director of Special Events for JFS where she spearheads the annual Community of Caring Luncheon.
