#rpcv

[artos-the-bear-ii]

Felt cute, wanted to rep the Peace Corps today.

[nationalservice]

11 Tips To Not Be Awkward at a Career Fair

Attending a career fair can be a really awkward experience. We get it. So before attending our AmeriCorps VISTA Career Fair on Thursday, October 25th, read these tips on how to prepare so it’s a productive and not-so-awkward experience. 

1. Research who will be there. 

Before the career fair, take a minute to see who will be attending. Research the agencies and possible openings. By knowing who is there, you can strategically plan your time and impress recruiters with specific questions.

 2. Ask questions. 

Create a list of questions. Specific questions indicate interest. This may be the only chance you have for face time with an agency representative during the application process.

 3. Look professional. 

(via Giphy)

First impressions can be lasting. Your clothing choices make a statement about who you are and where you want to go.

4. Keep an open mind. 

Stroll around the fair and chat with all recruiters. You might be surprised by the variety of different positions available -- even at agencies you might not expect. Keep an open mind.

5. Don’t be intimidated. 

Recruiters attend career fairs not only to look for potential new employees but also to conduct outreach on behalf of their agency: they are there to chat.

6. Talk to other participants.

The job search is all about networking. Who knows, maybe the person next to you in the registration line is your next job lead.

7. Prepare an elevator pitch.

Prepare a brief pitch about your background and career interests. Recruiters want to determine if you are a good fit for the position and agency.

8. Leverage your AmeriCorps VISTA service & NCE status.

Your NCE status means you can be hired outside the standard federal hiring process. NCE status = No USAJobs.

9. Bring your resume. 

Recruiters like to receive paper copies of resumes. They can make notes about your conversation and remember you better

10.   Be yourself 

You will stand out to recruiters if you smile and tell a story about your service. Try not to be nervous and let your personality shine through.

11.   Follow up 

Ask for business cards! Email right after the career fair with thanks and follow-up questions. Perhaps the recruiter can help you with informational interviews or provide insight to the hiring process. 

Now put this knowledge to good use and check out the AmeriCorps VISTA Federal Career Expo for AmeriCorps VISTA members & alumni, returned Peace Corps Volunteers and Peace Corps Staff on October 25 in Washington, DC.

[allenpcmorocco]

"If he (the average citizen) were allowed to contact with foreigners he would discover that they are creatures similar to himself and that most of what he has been told about them is lies. The sealed world in which he lives would be broken, and the fear, hatred, and self-righteousness on which his morale depends might evaporate"  from 1984 by George Orwell

Thus, exactly a month ago, I finished my Peace Corps service and I’m now proud to call myself a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer.

عندي ألمغرب في قلبي 

[passportandpack]

Saying Goodbye

After two years in my village, it definitely feels like home. The students I have come to know and love are a part of my life and it feels so hard to say goodbye.  My last Saturday in site as a PCV, they threw me a goodbye party at the Youth Center where I have concentrated most of my work. 

Per the usual, the guys played songs broken up by testimonies about how I have meant something to them. It was emotional. 

And of course I was called upon to make a speech... in Darija. It started with laughter at my language mistakes and ended with tears and no words to explain how precious their love and openness has meant to me. 

And then, photos! First with all the girls, then with all the boys. Then with my beginner girls’ class (my most faithful group of the two years!) 

Clockwise from top left: GLOW club, English club, girls from my aerobics class at the women’s center, and random youth! 

Once the photos started, it was hard to stop them! Soon all was chaos as selfies were demanded by all. And even an autograph. Selfies probably constituted an hour, but it was so nice to have a little personal moment with everyone I’ve worked with and known. 

But even after all this, I was not ready to say goodbye. Some of us lingered until the the Youth Center closed and still unable to let go, we went for a walk.

Soukayna started singing “I’m gonna miss you when you’re gone” as we danced and roamed through the town. More selfies, more singing, more tears... I didn’t know how to tear myself away. But the sun had set and it was time to prepare for my morning train, so we finally parted ways. Goodbye for now, not forever.

[midnightmurauder]

One of first shots I ever took in Panama. Today marks the 5 year anniversary of me starting my Peace Corps Journey. So thankful to my second home Panama, to showing me to myself. #peacecorps #thetoughestjobyoulleverlove #Pcv #rpcv #group70 #photography #portrait #children

[artos-the-bear-ii]

If you ever labor under the delusion that I am cool, let these photos dispel you of that belief.

[artos-the-bear-ii]

Just had a meeting with a representative at USCIS (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services) about available positions. How do you think I looked? Impressive enough to hire perhaps?