How to excel in your interviews...TIP # 5: Be exciting no matter what!!

No matter what your situation, you need to realize that the people who most consistently land the jobs they want are resilient and able to put their best foot forward in all of their interviews.

One poor interview can engender a negative vote that will turn a potential offer into a rejection. You must remember to think of yourself as a professional during each of your interviews. You need to be resilient and keep yourself in a positive state of mind throughout every stage of the interviewing process. You must also remain calm, even if you're asked 10 separate times why you are deciding to move. Each time you answer this question, you need to respond with the same amount of enthusiasm that you displayed the first time the question was asked. Remember that every interviewer will be watching you closely; always assume that each one has a veto.



Enthusiasm and "being up" involves more than just indicating your desire to work for a particular employer. All organizations want a person with "spark" or something that sets them apart. The tendency of all of us is to be circumspect and cautious during interviews. Of course, there will always be that "threshold" cat-and-mouse moment after you first meet when you and your interviewers will attempt to "size up" each other. Was your handshake too firm, too soft or just right? Are you trying to avoid eye contact with your interviewers? Does your voice indicate that you're experiencing stressful feelings? Do you appear meek and self-effacing or filled with self-confidence and the ability to take charge of situations? Are you too aggressive or passive? All of these questions are designed to shed some light on the subjective ways your interviewers will be evaluating you.

The sad fact is that some of us simply go into interviews on bad days. Others get flustered at some point in their interviews or lose enthusiasm during the latter stages of the interviewing process. While no one can tell you how to act with each specific person, we can tell you this: You must exude serene self-confidence without appearing arrogant. Regardless of your age, your employer expects you to be able to talk with high-ranking corporate officials and the press. When you project the right demeanor, you are indicating that you can do the job. If you miss the boat here, you stand a chance of flunking the interview and losing a great job.

Happy 51st birthday Michael Jackson!!

Here are tributes I found (on google where else?) to the late great King of Pop. I didn't know him personally, but I'd like to take this opportunity to pay my respects to him. I send my condolences and prayers to the Jackson family in this difficult time. I hope he finds peace in death that he didn't have in life. May he forever REST IN PARADISE.

What better way to celebrate the KANG than to take a music break and enjoy some of his greatest hits?

P.Y.T


Dirty Diana


Smooth Criminal


The Way You Make Me Feel

Interview strategies that work...TIP #4: Know your strengths

HUSLToday recommends that candidates try and make up a short list of approximately five of their strongest selling points related to each particular hiring organization. This list should reflect your most notable legal achievements so that it will help distinguish you from the other candidates for the job.

Here is a sample list of 5 strong selling points:
1. Organized
2. Works well with people
3. Prompt
4. Diligent
5. Open to new opportunities



As an added step, we also recommend that you are prepared to discuss your weaknesses. However, if asked about your weaknesses do not bash yourself; instead, use the question as an opportunity to emphasize the things you are building on and that you recognize you are not perfect. We do not recommend that you say you do not have weaknesses, it will make you appear arrogant and out of touch. Here is a sample Q&A:

Interviewer: Please describe your biggest weakness.

YP: My biggest weakness would have to be that I struggle to maintain a work/life balance. Often times I get caught up in trying to be a perfect sibling, spouse, etc. while simultaneously trying to be the perfect employee. Sometimes my family suffers in my quest to reach my potential in my work and I feel bad about that, but I have to be honest with them as I help them to understand the reason I am a workaholic is because I want to successful.

Note: Its important to emphasize the need to improve upon your weakness and how you think it may have affected you. This will give the interviewer a better opportunity to assess your ability to recognize and remedy adverse situations.

Interview strategies that work...TIP #3: Understand your goal

There is one key goal you must focus on during each stage of the interviewing process. You need to make a positive impression. Never express concerns or doubts during an interview. There are probably plenty of candidates for the same position who will not express doubts during their interviews. Your goal is to get the job and you can only accomplish that if you make a positive impression.



You made a positive impression back when you applied to law school and when you landed your current position. Try to remember how you managed to do that. Never forget how important it is to make a positive first impression. You will have numerous opportunities in life to make a bad impression. Resist the temptation to be lazy and arrive fully prepared. Think about everything you're planning to say during an interview before you say it.

Photo: I found it on google, sheesh!

Interview strategies that work...TIP #2: Be prepared

People who prepare for interviews are much more likely than not to be hired. Preparation is the most important component of any interview. You should do everything possible to ensure that you are prepared for your interviews. Research starting salary and bonus structure information, facts about the people you will be speaking with, and insights into the events currently taking place inside the hiring organization that are motivating the interviewers to consider hiring you. It will help you to look up recent articles about the company/firm so that you can learn even more about it. Find out as much as you can about the organization's operations, market niche and corporate culture.

Be sure to review the following questions that may be posed to you during your interview. Your ability to answer these questions calmly and intelligently will indicate just how well you really have prepared yourself. Amazingly, many people fail to land their "dream jobs" because they cannot properly answer these rather simple questions. For the first interview, steer clear of asking questions about salary, vacation allotments, and other benefits. You want to reserve such questions for the call back or second interview. The first interview should be a platform for your to emphasize your interest in the company and to get a feel for the company's work environment.




Here are a few common interview questions:

*Why do you want to work here?
*Why should we hire you over the other candidates?
*What new things can you contribute to our company/firm that we do not already have?
*What practice area do you want to pursue? Why?
*What are your long term goals?
*Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
*Why did you choose your college major? How many times did you change it?
*Describe a situation where you had to overcome a difficult situation. How did you get through it?
*Give an example of a time when you were placed in a leadership position.
*Do you prefer working with a team or individually? Why?



HUSLToday also recommends that you simulate your interview at least once (the more the better) before your actual interview. You may even choose to wear the clothes you plan to wear to the interview in order to make the experience more realistic. Even if the person practicing with you is not familiar with your subject area they can still provide valuable and honest information about your posture, eye contact, body language, fidgeting, and preparedness. It is your accomplishments that have gotten you in the door, you need to appear confident and prepared in order to get over the interview barrier.

Note: You should always be prepared to discuss EVERYTHING on your resume.Including gaps in employment and how you occupied your time


photo and some of the tips: acetheinterview.com

Interview strategies that work...TIP #1: Understand your interviewer's goals

Interviewer's job at the Interview:

* Make sure that the candidate is comfortable so that he/she can perform their best
* Ask questions to assess the your knowledge about the company
* Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes/no answer
* Let the candidate do most of the talking, just listen and evaluate
* Get a feel for candidate's enthusiasm about the company
* Tell all good things about day-to-day life at the company
* Tell you how the company can make you financially rich :-)

New advice series: Interviewing strategies!!!

Considering (for lack of a better and less annoying phrase) "the current state of our economy," many people have found themselves jobless, underemployed, or employed and miserable. If you've been forced into one of these categories and you want to change your situation, consider employing the strategies in HUSL Today's new series of advice: INTERVIEWING STRATEGIES.



Before the interview:

* Identify your strengths and weaknesses, goals, skills, etc
* Research the company/law firm/organization
* Rehearse what you plan to say
* Practice answers to common questions
* Prepare questions to ask the employer

During the Interview:

* Make sure you arrive a few minutes early
* Be aware of nonverbal communication. Situp straight, look alert, speak clearly and forcefully, but stay relaxed. Make good eye contact, avoid nervous mannerisms, and try to be a good listener as well as a good talker. Smile!
* Follow the interviewer's lead, but try to get the interviewer to describe the position and duties to you fairly early in the interview so that you can then relate your background and skills in context
* Be specific, concrete, and detailed in your answers. The more information you volunteer, the better the employer gets to know you
* Offer examples of your work and references which will document your best qualities
* Answer questions as truthfully and as frankly as you can. Answer honestly, while trying not to say more than is necessary

Day 4: 2L year

You're scared to death 1L year
You're worked to death 2L year
You're bored to death 3L year

I can't wait to be bored to death...for now I am content with being worked to death.

Photo: I found it on google, where else?!

Spotlight: Support Minority Owned Businesses-Trinity Law Center

Trinity Law Center, L.L.C.
326 S. Broad St.
New Orleans
LA 70119
Contact: Triscelyn L. McDonald, Attorney At Law / Notary Public
Phone: 504-821-7571
Fax: 504-821-7671
E-mail: 9trinity@bellsouth.net <9trinity@bellsouth.net>


Trinity Law Center, LLC is a general civil litigation law office which provides affordable services with an emphasis on convenience, flexibility and efficiency. Our areas of practice include, but are not limited to; Family Law (divorce, child support, custody, marriage contracts, alimony and adoptions); Bankruptcy (Chapter 7); Wills, Trusts and Estates; Personal Injury; Traffic Citations; and Real Estate Transactions.

Whether a professional athlete or single mother, we make a true effort to meet the needs of every client. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.

Hours of Operation: M-F 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Evenings & Weekends by appointment

Photo: www.eastbaycollegefund.org/category/news

Motivation to-go

You were born carrying a package to deliver to the world. Have you done that yet?

Words to know: Expand your vocab

I challenge you to learn this word and to use it in your daily conversations.



Inchoate [in-koh-it, -yet] adj. Not yet completed or fully developed.
Synonym: Rudimentary.
*Since the robbery was foiled by the FBI, it is considered an inchoate crime.

Motivation to go...PERSISTENCE IS KEY

Photo source: ehow.com

Words to know...Expand your vocab

I challenge you to learn this word and to use it in your daily conversations.


Sine qua non [sahy-nee kwey non] noun: An indispensable condition, element, or factor;
Synonym: Essential
*Her presence was the sine qua non of every social event.

Just Because...

Motivation to go

The difference between interest and commitment is that when you are interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstances permit but when you are committed to something you accept no excuses only results!!

Investing in your appearance: TIP # 2 for YP Females-Your undergarments are nobody's business

A woman’s ensemble can be ruined if she is wearing the wrong undergarments. You must ensure that they fit properly. If you are not sure of your size, consider asking an underwear associate in a department store to help you find your size. The associate should take your measurements and then determine your underwear size. Having comfortable underwear is a great foundation to a woman’s professional look. Having a pleasant attitude is easy when you do not have to worry about unsightly gathering or pinching. On a side note, your underwear is your preference and it is nobody’s business, make sure it is not visible to the naked eye. In more conservative business environments, you may choose to take advantage of the opportunity to maintain your uniqueness through your underwear choices. The important thing is that you keep your unique undergarments to yourself. Consider control top panty hose or other shapewear to give a smoother look under your clothing.

Investing in your Appearance! TIP #2 for Males: Make your clothing work for you!!!

Men’s apparel. The choices are endless and a suit is no longer the only choice for a professional look. You may choose to don a suit, or slacks with a blazer. Regardless of your preferred attire, keep in mind that it is an investment and you should treat it accordingly. It is recommended that you wear mid-calf length socks with your loafers, preferably darker hues. Black loafers with white socks should only be worn by people on stage as they perform 80’s music. As for the shirt, you can never go wrong with long-sleeves in white, conservative stripes or a solid light blue. Polo shirts should be tucked in and are acceptable for casual occasions. No matter your final choice of apparel, remember the Golden Rule: your apparel should add to your appearance,not detract from it.

After you’ve chosen a quality article of clothing, your next concern is a proper fit. If you are not sure of your size, ask a tailor take your measurements. Once you know your size, your shopping experiences will be more pleasant. Do not be afraid to have your clothes altered. Men who are shorter or taller than average, may find it difficult to find clothes that fit and should account for the cost of altering garments in their budget. The investment will be worth it. A pair of jeans or slacks that fit properly will go a long way. You will feel more comfortable in clothing that fits thus allowing you to increase your confidence. Eventually, there will come a time when you can glance at an article of clothing and know it is your size. Until that time comes, you will improve through trial and error.

Note: I do not claim ownership of the above photos. I found them on google...where else?

Investing in your appearance: TIP #1 for YP Females-Get to know your body

I have realized that a professional look for women of all shapes and sizes is like great art. The picture must be clean and the frame must serve to highlight the picture without overpowering it. When the two work well together, it is a wondrous spectacle. Your body and mind are the artwork and your attire is your frame. Women face a unique dilemma. Moreover, it is difficult to choose one area that is more important than the others. We must dress to ensure that while our attire fits, it does not take away from our mind. As a YP woman you want to be respected for your intellectual capabilities and you want your presentation to reflect this. A woman’s professional look begins with an understanding of her body type. Whether you are busty or bootylicious, you must acknowledge and embrace your assets. Doing so will prompt you to shop in places that cater to your body type, thus increasing the chance that you will find something that works for you. Do not endeavor to fit into your clothes, make your clothes fit you. For example, acknowledging that you are bustier than the average woman may prompt you to shop in departments that cater to busty women. Women should consider having their clothes altered as well to achieve a great fit. Your clothes will feel better, and you will be more comfortable in them. Keep in mind that having a few appropriately fitting pieces trumps having a wardrobe filled with the opposite. Stay tuned for more TIPS!!!

Note: I do not claim ownership of the above photos, I found them on google...where else?!

Investing in your appearance: TIP #1 for YP males-Quality over Quantity

Quality is the precedent. Make use of the best quality textiles when it is possible. I realize the best fabrics are more expensive, but they are good choices for a number of reasons including their durability. Clothing made from better quality fabrics may repel stains better or be more wrinkle resistant. Having a wardrobe comprised of quality fabrics is not only for the rich and famous, it is also an essential tool for a YP. Beware of expensive clothing that are made from cheap materials; a price tag alone does not guarantee that the article is made from the best textiles. In fact, you will pay extra for designer labels which are not always the best merchandise. Department stores and boutiques will arrange their merchandise so that it will make the most money. The newest products are placed near the aisles while products from last season are bumped near the back of the store. This is why you will find most of the clearance items in the back of the store. The items are put together in such a way to encourage you to purchase the entire outfit as opposed to the one pair of slacks you came into the store for. You can learn to navigate the arrangements if you become familiar with the store’s selection. By doing so your shopping trips will be more efficient as you will already know how to find what you are looking for. I encourage you to shop around and to check online for exclusive bargains and coupons that you may not otherwise know about.

Note: I do not claim ownership of the above photos. I found them on google...where else?

Dresscode Terms: "Casual"

A casual look connotes the most comfortable attire. However, please be aware that a casual look for the office is not the same as a casual look on a family outing. Flip flops and t-shirts are rarely ok. Take special note of what the higher ups in the company/firm are wearing. A YP casual look for males should include khakis or nice jeans and a polo shirt (yes, even on casual Friday). On casual Friday, you may opt for either jeans or a plain t-shirt, but wearing both may appear too casual. Therefore, if you wear jeans, you must wear a polo. On the other hand, if you wear a t-shirt, you must wear slacks or khaki pants. A YP casual look for females includes a clean pair of jeans in a solid color and a conservative blouse. You may also choose to wear capris with a matching blouse. For both genders, shoes color should match the outfit and jewelry should still be non-distracting.

Photos: Google and dillards.com

Take Charge: Personal Responsibility

Everyone has their own idea about what personal responsibility is and what it should be. I think the above photo sums it up pretty nicely...enjoy!


Picture source: pofile.blogspot.com/

Words to Know: Expand your vocab!!

I challenge you to learn this word and to use it in your conversations.


Ubiquitous [yoo-bik-wi-tuhs] adj.: Being or seeming to be everywhere at the same time;
Synonym: omnipresent

*When David is working, his supervisor seems ubiquitous as he always catches David slacking.

Investing in your appearance: THE GOLDEN RULE!!

The Golden Rule: Your appearance is an investment. It should never be a distraction, it should complement your features while exemplifying that you are sophisticated and well-groomed. Before you begin to assess your wardrobe choices, you should always consider the occasion. You are not trying to stand out for your innovative fashion sense as professional attire is classic and does not change according to fashion trends. Choosing the right attire is important regardless of whether it is for a job interview, or for happy hour after work. When in doubt about any aspect of your look, observe what similar genders in your profession wear. If you are a new employee, during the interviewing process be conscious of the attire of current employees. Peruse company dress code policies and take note of company pictures (if available). For invitation-only events, the invite is a great gauge for the apparel. It is better to be a little overdressed than underdressed. The advice for obtaining a professional look has been bifurcated according to gender.

Photos: Google

Words to know...expand your vocab!!

I dedicate this post to both my fourth grade teacher Mrs. Lively and my AP English teacher Mr. McGowan. I didn’t appreciate their efforts to build my vocabulary until my junior year in college. After many years, they are still my inspiration to never stop learning. In the spirit of learning, I challenge you to learn the words and to use them in your conversations.


Vituperate [vahy-too-puh-reyt] verb : To use or address with harsh or abusive language; revile.
Synonyms: censure, vilify, berate.
Antonyms: praise, commend.

*After she wrecked her brand new car, Sharon’s parents vituperated and grounded her indefinitely.

Just my thoughts: Savvy shoppers are the best shoppers!!

Unless you have been living under a rock or in a cave for the past few years, you are probably sick of hearing stories about the recession. There are anecdotes about how the recession is affecting the American people and the trickledown effect of the credit crunch. Countless news stories and online articles offer tips for how to “recession-proof” your life. Unfortunately, most of their advice is not geared towards the younger generation. My suggestions apply to everyone, young and old. I propose that everyone takes control of their expenses and become a savvy shopper. A savvy shopper is a person who can find a great deal the average shopper overlooks. A savvy shopper can be wealthy or living below the poverty line. They are charming enough to get what they want and smart enough to know how to ask for it. A savvy shopper never pays full price for anything and they never stop looking for good bargains. If you are not already shopping savvy, it is time for a change. Here are 4 tips you may find helpful:

1. Use your resources. You can your mission to become a savvy shopper by using the resources you already have. If you are a member of an organization, ask if they offer any discounts to dining, entertainment, or restaurants. Take advantage of the discounts and participate in the promotions to ensure your organization remains valuable to the company.

2. Ask for discounts. Wherever you shop, ask if they offer any discount programs or frequent shopper incentives. You can find such programs almost everywhere including greeting card stores and specialty shops. These incentives will allow you to participate in events and the savings will add up. I have saved over $150 in eight months at my local grocery store just by signing up for their free customer reward card. Additionally, I have saved hundreds more at local stores which offer family and friends discounts if you sign up for their e-mail list. I realize some of you may cringe at the thought of junk e-mail, but strategically subscribing to the companies where you spend most of your money can prove to be beneficial. You may save money on shipping costs, receive special discounts/coupons, participate in member-only clearance events, receive free merchandise and many others.

3. Be forthright. Sometimes the employees may forget to mention promotions, do not be afraid to ask. Their failure to mention potential discounts should not discourage you. Case in point, the employee at my favorite sports store failed to mention their discount program at checkout. I asked the manager if they had a frequent buyer program and they did. For every $200 that I spend, I receive a $20 coupon.Other companies offer a dollar to point reward system that allows you to earn points for every dollar you spend. The points can be redeemed for different prizes. Most of the reward programs do not require you to submit substantial personal information (name, phone number, address, and age) and you could save hundreds of dollars just for signing up. Sometimes, you can receive discounts just my showing and ID card. The important thing is to ask. Everything we purchase is an investment and investing without a return has never made sense.

4. Shop around. Comparison shopping involves looking at the prices of several products to evaluate which one is the best value. The best value does not always mean the cheapest product. The best value is unique to each person and requires that you decide what is important to you.

The skills of a savvy shopper can be used all the time. I suggest comparing restaurant prices, hotel rates, apartment rental rates, gas prices, textbook prices, shipping rates, computer programs, movie rental fees, vehicle maintenance services, and the list goes on. The internet makes this easier and cheaper than ever. You can shop around in the comfort of your own home, or during breaks at work. Once you determine what you are looking for, shopping around is just a matter of asking for it. If you can find the time, I recommend shopping around for all of your big purchases (i.e. apparel, household items, items for your vehicle, vacation deals, etc.). There are several websites dedicated to online comparison shopping, use them. Peruse the company websites for special deals, mail in rebates, etc. If you do not find the best value at your favorite company/store, ask for a manager and alert them to your findings. Some companies have price match guarantees which encourage shoppers to compare competitor prices. In such instances, if you find a comparable product at a lower price, the company will honor the lower price.

Note: I do not claim ownership of the above photos. I found them on google...where else?

A time to celebrate...HUSL Today's first official post and a note of thanks!!!

Well today is the official launch date of HUSL Today and I am very excited! Before beginning what is certain to be an interesting journey as a new blogger, I must first pause to acknowledge those who have helped me get thus far. I believe in the power of saying thank you. It is a classic phrase that still goes a long way. I thank God for blessing me in ways only he and I know. In the spirit of thanking people, I want to thank my parents for allowing me to pursue my dreams. I thank my grandparents for saying yes when my parents said no. I appreciate my aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers who have been my motivation since day one. I want to thank my hubby who has been my muse and has stayed up many nights listening to all of my ideas while motivating me to reach higher. To my fellow HUSL 2L’s “LT” and “Shug” who helped me get through my first year of law school. I’m thankful to “LT” for leaving my very first comment. To my mentor, XW, I thank you for motivating me to be a great law student and for being a great friend. To my adopted mentors, I thank you for your many blessings, which words would not suffice to describe. I thank B for all of the wonderful graphic design work. I thank all of my friends and associations who have all motivated me in ways they will never understand.

I am honored that you have chosen to visit my blog and read my words. Here you will find valuable information, tips, and lifestyle suggestions for my fellow HUSLers. Stay tuned...

Note: I do not claim ownership of the above photo. I found it on google...where else?