So You Want to Ace the Group Interview?

In the words of one of my professors, I'm a "recovering introvert". This means I'm trying new things, slowly coming out of my shell, and building much needed confidence and determination. I have a tendency to stick to the shadows while other (more extroverted) people claim the spotlight, lead conversations, and come up with all the jokes. I like to laugh along with people and follow conversations, but unless I know the person I'm talking to personally, I usually spend all my energy keeping up with social chatter rather than engaging in it. This means that I'm the typical 'fly-on-the-wall'. I observe more than participate. Although I'm slowly breaking these old social habits, certain situations bring my old self back to light. One of those certain situations is—yup, you guessed it. Group interviews. *cringe*

Group interviews aren't my strong suit, and I find them slightly unfair and biased, because let's face it, the loudest most in-your-face person usually gets the job. When I go to a group interview I can usually tell who will get the job. Since I'm not observing myself, I can't always tell how well I did in an interview. I make a mental note of which person talks first after every question the interviewer asks, which person makes the most jokes, and which person the interviewer seems to look at the most. All of these factors help me weed out potential opponents—yes I said opponents. Interviews are like a battle field. In most cases, there's only one winner. One person will claim victory and revel in the glory of their new job and envious paycheck.

But, no matter how much I don't like group interviews, it doesn't change the fact that they form a barrier between myself and the job of my dreams. So, I've decided to except the unfavourable environment of group interviews. I've stopped whining and moping about my lack of chances and disadvantages and I've created some tips that will help me every time I go into an interview.

So here are my tips for acing a group interview:

1. Practice!  Try coming up with potential interview questions when you have spare time and interview yourself. It might seem weird at first, but it's extremely helpful. Knowing the answer to interview questions prevents the “ums, uhs” and awkward pauses. Why say, “Let me think” when you can already know the answer. Also, searching websites like glassdoor.com is great for getting feedback from other people who've had an interview with the same company.
2. Be prepared/Do your homework. Don't forget your resume, references, and anything else you think you'll need. Also, it's a good idea to research the company if you don't know much about them. Interviewers almost always ask the question, “what do you know about the company?” While your researching, find something interesting or something that stands out about the company that would impress the interviewer when you answer the question.
3. Dress appropriate to the company's standards. Business casual is always a safe option. Some interviewers might tell you what to wear, but if not, something comfortable and business-like will be perfect. Don't over do it if it's not required, but don't under do it either. You definitely don't want to be the only one wearing jeans when everyone else is in dress pants/skirts and a dress shirt.
4. Show up earlier than everyone else. There's nothing wrong with being early. It gives you time to survey the area no matter what job you're interviewing for. This is great for retail opportunities, as you'll get more time to look around and test out products and get a working knowledge of the brands the store offers.
5. Talk to some of the current employees. If you think there's time, and the employees aren't busy, feel free to introduce yourself and ask them questions about the job. 9 times out of 10, they'll be able to give you valuable information, or at least take away some of your nerves by talking about their experience when they were interviewed.
6. Get to know the candidates. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to the other candidates. You'll get a sense of who's up for the position and what they have to offer. It will also ease your nerves to realize that they are people too and are in the same boat as you. When the interviewer walks out and sees you conversing and showing your people skills it might win you a few brownie points.
7. Let your confidence shine! This is your first impression on the interviewer. They don't know you, so they can only go on how you present yourself. Since there are other people in the room, try to be outgoing and maybe chime in and agree with something someone says after they're done talking. Don't be afraid to jump in when a question is asked. As I said before, usually the loudest person wins. This doesn't mean you have to be loud, but just be as enthusiastic as you can.
8. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. This shows how interested you are in the position. A starter question could be, “What brought you to this company/What made you decide to work here?
9. Ask for a business card. This also shows how interested you are; and the extra time that it takes for them to get the card can be used for a few conversational points.
10. Send a thank you note. When you go home, send a thank you card or email. It'll remind the interviewer how awesome and thoughtful you are. It'll also refresh their memory and help you stand out among the rest.
11. It's over; don't stress about it! Put your best self forward, and if you don't get the job, don't sweat it—move on to the next opportunity. The right job will come along.

Happy hunting!

Seven Awesome Web Shows You Should Watch

Since I happen to love surfing internet, I'm noticing a rise of web show making, and in turn, a rise of web show audiences. So, here are a few web shows that I think are more than deserving of a binge-watch.

Seven Awesome Web Shows

Adult Wednesday Addams

Wednesday Addams might have been a disturbing kid, but now she's all grown up...and with her disturbing tendencies now comes a whole new world of discoveries as she tries to integrate herself into society. This witty crazy character makes it hard to not get hooked. 

Emma Approved

A modern retelling of Jane Austen's Emma. Like the Lizzie Bennet Diaries, this web series tells a story through vlogs and is just as awesome. Even if you don't know the story of Emma, you don't need to. Just give it a try! 

The Unwritten Rules

This web series follows Racy, a newly hired manager thrown into the corporate world in a company where she is one of the only few black faces. This series plays with stereotypes and adds a touch of humour. It follows Racy and also shows her documented vlog-style videos as she comments on her day. The commentary adds so much more awesomeness to the show.  

The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl

The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl is a popular web series that started on YouTube. This web series breaks the stereotypes of black women by introducing "J", a character who is awkward, quirky, and at times timid. It is actually pretty hilarious and anyone can relate to the struggles of being an average awkward individual.

Job Hunters

This series is kick ass...literally. Imagine yourself fighting to the death to secure a spot in the career of your dreams. That's exactly what these college graduates have to do in order to be placed into a job by the MAEWIN corporation. With a pass-rate of about 20%, the process is also a way to control the population. During their time at MAEWIN, recruits fight in an arena from 9-5, while the rest of the day they deal with adjusting to their new life, roommate issues, and impending doom.

The Homes

Chelsea Kane is great in this, and the music is fantastic! The Homes is about a girl relocated with her family from L.A. to Pittsburgh, and the adventure that ensues as she makes her way back to L.A with her new next-door neighbor and his band. Although the webisodes have ended, it's definitely worth a watch. 

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries 

I cannot say enough about this show. It is absolutely amazing and such a great adaptation. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is a modern day retelling of Pride and Prejudice that is told in a series of vlogs by Lizzie Bennet, with the help of her best friend and aspiring filmmaker, Charlotte Lu, "practically perfect" older sister, Jane, and easily excitable younger sister, Lydia. This web series has ended, but with over 100 episodes, you'll still have so much to watch.

Canadian Pride: Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics

Oh Canada, how I love you.

There's something about watching the Olympics that brings a sense of peace to my day. Seeing team Canada in all of the events, whether having won or not just warms my heart. One of my favourite moments was when Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir skated for the ice dance event. They were absolutely breathtaking and incredible on that ice and I couldn't have been more proud. They won silver, and even though most people take all the pride in the gold medal (I'm guilty of that from time to time), the way they skating, and the passion that they displayed on that ice – it was too beautiful to ever be disappointed in a silver. And even if they didn't win a medal at all, my heart would still be with them. They remain in Canada's heart forever.

Of course there were other incredible memories, like Alex Bilodeau making history as he won a second gold in a row on freestyle skiing moguls, or both men and women's curling teams winning gold, and the most proudest of all... the men and women's hockey team winning gold to close out the last few days of the Olympics. We all know Canada loves its hockey. 

I saw a sign at one of the events that said “All Ice Is Home Ice.” My brother pointed it out to me and I stopped to admire it, because it's true. These athletes love what they do and no matter where they are in the world, Canada makes them feel at home. Canada is a great country, especially in times like this, when we stand together and cheer on our Olympic team.

The Olympics is when my family comes together to watch and cheer for the same team. My brother and I go crazy for each event, impatiently waiting for the Canadian team to show their face. My mother wasn't born in Canada, but there were times when she was cheering even louder than me. I could hear her yelling, “Go Canada!” as I went to kitchen to grab a snack.

#CanadianMommaPride <3

I'm a proud Canadian. Canada's spirit warms my heart. It's times like this that I never want to end.

As long as we can keep our Canadian pride in everything we do, we'll be okay.

#WeAreWinter :)

P.S. How awesome is that hashtag? 

Bucket List Ideas - Part 1

I love making lists, as you can probably already tell. One thing that I love to do is compile ideas for my bucket list. I have over 600 items on my bucket list, which is crazy, but I'm always finding new things to look forward to. It's good to have goals and dreams and maybe just small mundane things that you've always wanted to do. You should love your life as it is, and love yourself as you are, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for less than you know you're capable of. There's always something more that you can do to add more joy and extend the happiness you've already achieved. And I know there probably are a few silly things you've wanted to do from high school that you haven't done. So what are you waiting for? You're always young at heart!

1. Pick a random number, then get on a train and get off at that stop number that you picked. Do something spontaneous and fun. Don't forget to bring your camera, you might find something extraordinary!

2. Live in another country for a month. What better way to explore another culture than to live in that culture for a month.

3. Write a letter to your future self. It might seem weird at first, but trust me, it's actually quite fun. You can write about anything and when the time is right, mail it to yourself. It could be five years later, but you'll be glad you wrote it so you can look back at your former self and smile.

4. Go to a fairly deserted or secluded place and scream at the top of your lungs. It can be extremely exhilarating to just let loose and get everything off of your chest. Push your limits!

5.  Fly a kite. It's something so simple, but a lot of people haven't done it before. It'll make you feel like a kid again, while also freeing you of your stresses for a moment.

6. Witness the aurora borealis. Just relax and admire. It might be a boost of inspiration that you can't find anywhere else.

7. Go to a spoken word event. Go with a group of friends and enjoy the talent of people with a passion for poetry. It can be incredibly inspiring.

8. Write a sign with an encouraging message and hold it up so oncoming traffic can see it. A random act of kindness is always a great addition to the bucket list.

9. Attend the La Tomatina festival in Spain. If you're worried about getting messy, don't! Just let go for once and give in to the opportunity to participate in one of the biggest food fights in the world.

10. Learn to say hello in 50 different languages. A great way to become more diverse.

11. Backpack through Europe. This is something I've always wanted to do. Who wouldn't want to travel through Europe!

12. Go on hike. Even if it's a simple trail, hiking can be a very calming and fun adventure.

More to come!

Things I'm Into: February Faves

I'm slightly indecisive when it comes to shopping for products that I haven't used before. I pretty much change my mind every month or so. For February I've gathered a few of my favourite things to share with you all.

1. Moonlight Path Triple Moisture Body Cream from Bath and Body Works. I got this as a Christmas gift, but haven't used it until recently. It has an incredible scent. Sometimes I put on a bit extra just so the smell lingers longer. The texture is thick and makes my skin soft. Every time I use it people ask me what perfume I'm wearing.

2. Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation, 340 shade is amazing. It has great coverage and I don't even need to wear powder or concealer when I have it on. It isn't too thick as long as I don't put on too much. For the winter season, the shade is perfect for my skin tone and it blends well. 

3. Hydrating Macadamia Dry Styling Oil is perfect for the winter season. The cold air makes my hair quite dry, so having this is great for hydration. The great thing about this is a little goes a long way. I've had the product for a while, but I've been using it much more recently. 

4. Knee-high socks are prefect for any season, especially winter, to add warmth during the cold days. You can wear it with a dress and some tights, or a pair of jeans and a sweater. It also looks great with mid-high boots, tall boots, ankle boots, heels, flats, or sneakers. It pretty much looks good with anything. Which is why I adore them.

5. Tetley's Blueberry Green Tea is my tea pick of the month. It smells exactly like blueberries and it's so strong it fills the entire room. It tastes great even without sugar, which might seem weird to some people, but since it's blueberry it's already sweet. 

20 Random Facts About Me

Since I haven't had the chance to introduce myself (I'm working on my About Me page), I thought I'd list a few random facts about me! 

Here it goes:

1. I scare easily. My sister once scared me so badly I fell backward right at the top of the stairs. I didn't fall down the stairs, but that was a close one!
2. This relates to number one. I hate horror movies. Even when it's not supposed to be scary, I get scared. I just don't like creepy things. I even get freaked out during the trailers for scary movies.
3. I got my ears pierced when I was little and around the age of 15 I decided I hated earrings so I waited for my ear holes to close.
4. I have a terrible habit of cracking my knuckles and I've been trying to kick the habit for years.
5. I've never been on a plane before. 
6. I've read 93 books and hopefully getting to 100 by the end of this year.
7. When I walk home at night, I like to pretend I'm in an action movie and someone's chasing me.
8. The first time I was truly in love was when I was 18 years old. 
9. I already have the song I want to dance to at my wedding. Never hurts to be prepared.
10. I'm obsessed with Doris Day and Audrey Hepburn movies. I think I was born in the wrong era. 
11. I'm not a fan of birthdays. I like to give gifts, but I don't really like receiving them.
12. I want to marry Jared Padelecki from Supernatural. Sam Winchester is the best Winchester!
13. I have 5 posters on my wall: Ryan Reynolds, Pitch Perfect, Travis Garland, The Hunger Games, and Katy Perry. 
14. The first concert I went to was Bruno Mars.
15. I'm obsessed with animated movies. I feel like such a kid. 
16. I think boys in books are better than boys in real life; that probably makes me a nerd and extremely weird, but it's sadly true.
17. I've moved about 15 times and have been to way too many schools; whenever I tell people they assume I have a parent in the army. 
18. My middle name is Adora and when I tell people that they immediately think of Dora the explorer
19. I don't like to where hats unless I'm having a bad hair day.
20. No matter what mood I'm in or what I'm doing, the Smash cast cover of Stand always makes me cry. I end up like a blubbering baby on the floor feeling completely out of sorts...but in a good way.

The Underdog: 5 Emerging or Underrated YouTubers

It's not a secret to anyone in my life that I am more than obsessed with YouTube. I'm subscribed to more than 300 YouTubers (some that I don't even watch--I know crazy!), and it seems like everyday I'm finding a new channels and new people to love. There are more than a few YouTubers that do such a great job but don't get mentioned enough. There are also some new faces that need a boost to grow their audience.

Since I love writing about the underdogs, here's a new list of YouTubers you may not know about.




1. JackVsLife
Jack is an adventurous. He explores new places and turns the familiar places into a journey of rediscovery. His filming technique is quite intriguing and anything but simple. He inspires me to travel, and I think he would inspire other people as well.



2. RiannaRinch
If you've heard of ApprenticeEh, you've probably heard of Rianna Finch. She is a witty, awkward, and sarcastic Canadian YouTuber. Her videos carry that subtle hint of humour that's not too in-your-face like some other YouTubers out there. She only has a few video up right now as she just started her YouTube journey, but she does not disappoint.



3. VivaLaWatts
Matt is a hilarious Canadian YouTuber who has been around for a while. His videos are very entertaining and his hyper, comedic, extroverted personality truly shines.

4. UpTheAnte
Tyler is a new YouTuber with creative skits and down-to-earth rants on topics anyone can relate to. She might be new, but she isn't afraid to put herself out there.

5. Haltiamava
I've watched Ava for a while, but only recently stopped to realize how underrated her channel is. She is pretty awesome and doesn't use any fancy production to get her point across. She just sits in front of the camera and tells it how it is. I adore her hair colour changes and her quirky personality. She's kind of like the big sister you've always wanted.