Goodwill Industries of New Mexico is in the business of helping individuals gain the skills they need to find fulfilling work. So, once you've tailored your resume and found your dream job, what next? If you're a good fit for the position, you might receive an interview!

The interview process can be stressful for those who don't know what to expect, but feeling confident is essential to leaving a good impression. Lucky for you, Goodwill not only has the insights and resources to help you, but also the thrift stores where you can find to wear on the day of your interview! Follow these tips for professional dress on your big day, and you're sure to feel great during the interview process, and move one step closer to your professional goals.

First Impressions
Whether you like it or not, your appearance is the first thing people notice about you. In fact, research suggests that others start to form opinions based on the way you look within 30 seconds of first meeting you. That's not a lot of time! Make sure hiring managers are able to visualize you in the role you are applying for by dressing the part at your interview. Visit one of our  Goodwill store locations and find an outfit that is appropriate, professional, and most importantly, comfortable. If you're uncomfortable in your outfit, your body language and confidence will suffer, which also impacts the impression you leave with your potential employer. The same goes for shoes. Find something work appropriate that you can easily walk in. Remember, you don't have to spend a fortune! Just stick with something conservative and professional. And to save even more, shop at a Goodwill store on a Monday for 25% off your entire purchase!

Keep It Simple
In addition to comfort and simple styling, make sure your power outfit is clean and ready to go the morning of your interview. Pay special attention to the accessories you are pairing with it. Keep jewelry minimal and simple- nothing too flashy, distracting, or large. The idea is to communicate that you will be a good fit within the company's culture, so researching the environment you may be working in is a good idea to help you select the right accessories. Keep fragrances to a minimum, too. Lots of people suffer from allergies to perfumes, and that is certainly not how you want to be remembered!

 Grooming
Pay as much attention to your general grooming as you do to the outfit you select. Make sure your hair and nails are smooth and polished, and of course, enter and leave your interview with a big smile! Goodwill has developed a number of programs to help our New Mexicans secure a better future through employment. Take advantage of the resources available to you through Goodwill and you'll secure an interview in no time!

About The Author

Maggie Grimason is a blog writer living in Albuquerque, NM. She grew up in a family of social servants and teachers in northern Indiana and finds that blogging for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico satisfies creative energies as well as her commitment to ethical living and community service.

For fashionistas on a budget, there's nothing quite like browsing local thrift stores like the many Goodwill locations for vintage clothing finds. For aspiring vintage connoisseurs, however, the process may seem overwhelming. So  here are some tips for newbies on the thrifting scene. 

At Goodwill you'll find clothes from every era- from all the most current trends to funky retro gear, and you'll be able to shop with the peace of mind that comes with knowing your hard earned money will be returned to our community in the shape of job skills training courses, and much more.

When it comes to shopping for vintage wares at thrift stores, you should first become more attuned to exactly what constitutes a vintage item as opposed to what's simply second hand. A hard definition of “vintage” is difficult to come by, but generally, vintage denotes “special.” Timelessness of style, quality, and feel can be strong indicators of a vintage piece, as can the kind of cultural language that comes with it.

Tip 1: Seeking out timeless pieces that you can get a lot of use out of is a good avenue to take as you become familiar with thrifting and what to look for.

Tip 2: Hunt for and invest in basic vintage pieces that won't lose their appeal for you quickly- a little black dress for example, or a classic cardigan.

Tip 3: When you find something you really love, don't let the size on the tag dissuade you from trying it on.  Size standards have changed over the years, so always try on a piece you fall in love with at Goodwill before buying it.

 You may be asking yourself, why go to all the trouble of seeking out vintage or quality secondhand clothing? The answer is in the question- the timeless quality! Many clothing manufacturers just don’t make them like they used to, that’s why shopping at Goodwill stores offers such value. At Goodwill you’re sure to find well-made clothes that suit your style, and you won’t spend a fortune either!

Ready to get started shopping for vintage clothing at Goodwill? Check out their New Mexico store locations and hours.


About the Author
Maggie Grimason is a blog writer living in Albuquerque, NM. She grew up in a family of social servants and teachers in northern Indiana and finds that blogging for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico satisfies creative energies as well as her commitment to ethical living and community service.

Many of us can still recall the days when it was necessary to carefully turn a dial on your television or adjust the antenna to tune in some stations and get a clear picture.

For decades, the donation of these analog TVs to Goodwill filled our stores with useful merchandise and funded our mission of changing people’s lives through the power of work. Unfortunately, the declining demand for these analog TVs, the increasing volume of donated analog televisions to Goodwill and the sky-rocketing costs to recycle them have forced us to adjust our policy on the acceptance and sale of older televisions.

For 2015, Goodwill Industries of New Mexico is not able to accept donations of older televisions – tube tvs, wooden console or projection televisions. However, we will continue to accept working flat-screen televisions (such as LCD, LED and plasma models). In addition, we will still be accepting computer monitors of all ages whether they are in working condition or not. We are able to do so because of our recycling partnership with Dell Computers and the Dell Reconnect program.

For those seeking to recycle older model TVs, we suggest contacting your local municipal or county solid waste department for more information. We appreciate your understanding of this new policy and your continued support of Goodwill Industries of New Mexico and our mission.

About The Author
Melissa is a thrifty shopper who knows the importance of supporting local charities. She has been the community relations coordinator with Goodwill Industries of New Mexico since 2013 and takes pride working for an organization that’s part of the community. Melissa knows how to organize, DIY and weed through all the info and ideas the web has to offer.