Empowering Career Advancement: Heather Talamante’s Non-Profit Provides Mentorship and Education for Job Seekers

Heather Talamante, the accomplished founder and president of Tell Us About Yourself Inc., brings 20 years of experience as a Senior Certified HR professional to her organization. Motivated by a desire to uplift her community, Heather formed the non-profit to offer career education and mentorship to those who need it most. Identifying that many promising candidates struggled due to unrefined resumes and inadequate interview skills, she was determined to help them surmount these obstacles. Consequently, her organization extends support to overcome financial barriers to employment, such as securing IDs, providing transportation, arranging childcare, and procuring suitable attire. 

Departing from conventional resume writing services, Tell Us About Yourself Inc. is devoted to teaching clients how to create their own resumes and thrive in interviews. The organization’s name highlights the difficulty of answering the common interview question and accentuates the significance of a succinct, compelling “elevator speech” for professional self-promotion. Heather’s ultimate ambition is to empower clients to realize their dreams and attain fulfilling employment. 

The organization’s mission centers on delivering complimentary career services to the local community, encompassing resume assistance, interview coaching, career counseling, workshops, and training sessions. Furthermore, Heather generates content for local newspapers and appears on local news broadcasts to share invaluable HR wisdom. Functioning within the realm of education, the organization aspires to increase awareness of various HR subjects typically deemed confidential or enigmatic. 

Navigating career paths often raises questions, such as how to broach promotions, address write-ups, or decide whether to seek alternative job opportunities. Heather’s organization is committed to helping anyone who reaches out with inquiries or encounters unfamiliar situations by offering expert HR advice and guidance. 

As a single mother of three, Heather’s approach to leadership and unwavering commitment to aiding others in achieving their goals is fueled by her aspiration to set a powerful example for her children. With her kids constantly observing and learning from her actions, she is determined to illustrate the possibilities that arise from dedication and perseverance. Heather takes pride in seeing her children mirror her behavior, offering support to those in need, and dispensing sound advice in various situations. 

Heather originally launched her non-profit with the intent of providing valuable programs and opportunities to her community. However, over time, her organization has evolved into something far more meaningful. Heather now actively engages in a variety of educational initiatives, speaking engagements, and community support endeavors.  

Throughout her journey, Heather has nurtured an expansive network, which she utilizes to connect clients with potential job prospects. Drawing upon her extensive experience in recruiting, she only recommends candidates whom she has rigorously vetted and deems to be exceptional additions to any organization.  

Heather underscores the importance of persistence and focus for job seekers, especially in light of the dramatic shifts in the job climate in recent years. She encourages those struggling to find work or feeling disheartened to continue applying for positions that align with their remote work preferences and salary expectations. Furthermore, keeping track of submitted applications and following up on them can be advantageous. 

In today’s job market, characterized by mass hirings followed by layoffs, it is essential for individuals to tailor their resumes to the specific roles they are applying for. While some may feel compelled to accept any job to cover expenses, Heather cautions against this approach, if possible. Job hopping can have negative consequences for one’s resume, particularly if a more appealing opportunity arises shortly after starting a new position. Being mindful of these aspects can help job seekers navigate the unique challenges of the current job market. 

Heather asserts that emotional intelligence is crucial for job seekers to thrive in their career search. This encompasses robust customer service, communication skills, a willingness to learn, and openness to new experiences. During interviews, candidates should be candid about their inexperience in certain situations but showcase their resourcefulness and eagerness to learn. 

Recruiters often appreciate a positive, can-do attitude and openness to coaching and feedback. Even if a candidate’s experience is somewhat limited, their soft skills can help them stand out and secure a role within an organization. By focusing on developing and showcasing emotional intelligence, job seekers can enhance their chances of success in their career search. 

Cultivating an open mind and a growth mindset is essential for success. To excel, individuals ought to set goals for themselves, strive for improvement, and sustain a passion for growth. Participating in career development discussions with managers can offer opportunities to broaden one’s expertise and abilities in areas where one might lack full comprehension. Heather maintains that possessing a growth mindset and a willingness to learn are crucial factors in achieving promotions in the workplace. 

Heather envisions the immense value of creating a network of professionals willing to open their organizations to her clients. She frequently shares information about her clients on LinkedIn, posting their resumes and giving them recognition. Heather believes the most effective way others can help is by sharing these posts within their networks, thereby increasing exposure for the candidates. 

To support Heather’s non-profit organization, Tell Us About Yourself, Inc., donations are always appreciated. As a 501(c)(3) organization, all contributions directly assist clients by providing essential resources for their job search success. Donations can be made swiftly and effortlessly through their website, tellusaboutyourself.org. 

Heather underscores the significance of women using their voices, especially when starting out, as their contributions are powerful and invaluable. She urges women to express themselves with kindness, compassion, and knowledge. Recognizing that some women may self-censor due to doubt or uncertainty, Heather advises them to trust in the power and meaning of their own voices. She wants women to understand that their perspectives and insights matter and that others genuinely wish to hear their thoughts. 

Heather also highlights how the courage to speak up in a situation can be contagious. When someone witnesses another individual using their voice, it can inspire them to follow suit. She emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and the supportive network women can build by relying on and learning from each other.  

Heather aspires to have others see a woman exhibiting strength, power, and vocal confidence and be inspired to follow her lead, knowing that she has paved the way for them. By fostering an environment where women empower one another and lead by example, Heather hopes to create a ripple effect of confidence and mutual support among women in the professional world.