For someone who has been out of the workforce for a while, landing a new job can be difficult. Lapses in resumes and employment history can become a barrier when trying to find a job. Wanda had been out of the corporate world for over 14 years and needed help finding sustainable employment.
“My age and gender were always in the back of my mind. I thought to myself, ‘Who is going to ever hire me?’” Wanda said.
One day while Wanda was at the library, she saw a flyer about Goodwill’s Occupational Skills Training program, and the Hospitality and Tourism training class specifically caught her eye. She came to Goodwill and immediately began using its resources to better herself.
“Before I came to Goodwill, I decided I wanted a career, not just a job. Keeping that in the back of my mind helped me overcome my obstacles,” Wanda said.
Before enrolling in Goodwill’s Hospitality and Tourism training class, Wanda completed several computer courses at Goodwill to gain the technological skills necessary to find employment in today’s workforce. She then completed the seven-week Hospitality and Tourism training class and continues to come back to Goodwill to take more computer courses.
“I have learned a lot: computer skills, basic communication skills, how to keep a positive attitude in difficult situations, how to be passionate about life, and how to be passionate about the job itself, because how you come across to people determines how they interact with you,” she said of her time at Goodwill.
After completing the computer courses and Hospitality and Tourism training class, Wanda attended Goodwill’s Goodwill Week Job Fair in May where she spoke with a manager from Springhill Suites. She filled out an application and submitted a copy of her resume that day. A couple weeks later, she got a call from the manager asking her to come in for an interview. She interviewed exceptionally well and was hired on the spot.
Today, Wanda is a full-time front desk associate at Springhill Suites and enjoys all the benefits of her new career. She is grateful to Goodwill for changing her life.
“The system works. I have a newfound respect for Goodwill. I knew Goodwill was here to help the community, but I didn’t realize the extent. Everything is here and it’s free. All you need to do is walk in and let them know what you want,” she said.
Wanda’s self-confidence is higher than ever, and she is looking forward to her future.
“I feel like I can conquer the world. I feel like I beat the odds, and I’m just as happy as I can be,” she said. “I thank God every day for Goodwill.”
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