YSA Devotional’s Personal Development Series with Ms Margaret Titus-Glover

On February 23rd, 2024, the Young Single Adults (YSA) Devotional’s Personal Development Series kicked off its first session at the Gathering Center in Community 10. Welcoming a packed room of enthusiastic young adults, the program featured guest speaker Margaret Titus-Glover, a highly experienced Human Resource (HR) practitioner.

Ms. Titus-Glover, a certified HR professional with over 17 years of experience in HR strategy, training, and professional development, brought valuable insights to the YSA audience. Her educational background, spanning universities in the UK and Ghana, coupled with her experience as the founder of MS Staffing, an HR consulting, training, and recruitment firm in Ghana, made her well-equipped to address the specific needs of young adults seeking career advancement.

Ms. Titus-Glover delved into the crucial yet often daunting task of preparing for the job market. Her insightful presentation focused on two key areas: crafting impactful resumes and mastering the art of interviewing.

Crafting a Winning Resume:

Ms. Titus-Glover emphasized the importance of tailoring your resume to each specific job you apply for. She offered various tips on how to effectively highlight your skills and experiences, including:

• Utilizing keywords: Identifying and incorporating relevant keywords from the job description demonstrates a clear understanding of the desired qualifications and increases your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems.
• Quantifying accomplishments: Don’t just list your responsibilities, quantify your achievements. Use numbers and data to showcase the impact you made in previous roles, making your resume stand out from the crowd.
• Action verbs: Employ strong action verbs to describe your past experiences. Words like “managed,” “spearheaded,” and “developed” showcase your initiative and leadership qualities.
• Clarity and conciseness: Keep your resume concise and easy to read. Use clear formatting and ensure all information is presented accurately and professionally.

Mastering the Interview:

Following her resume-building insights, Ms. Titus-Glover transitioned to the equally important aspect of interview preparation. She provided valuable advice on how to confidently navigate the interview process, including:

• Research the company and role: Demonstrating knowledge about the company and the specific position shows genuine interest and initiative.
• Prepare common interview questions: Practice answering anticipated questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why are you interested in this position?” Tailor your responses to highlight your skills and experiences relevant to the job.
• Dress professionally: First impressions matter. Dress appropriately for the job and company culture to project professionalism and confidence.
• Ask insightful questions: Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer. This shows your curiosity and engagement in the opportunity.
• Follow up: Send a thank-you note after the interview, reiterating your interest in the position and summarizing your key qualifications.

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A session, allowing attendees to ask further questions and receive personalized advice from Ms. Titus-Glover. This interactive approach fostered a positive learning environment and empowered young adults to confidently navigate their career journeys.

The YSA Devotional’s Personal Development Series promises to equip young adults with valuable life skills beyond the realm of spiritual growth. This inaugural session on career preparation served as a valuable resource for the YSA community, offering practical tools and strategies for successfully entering the workforce. With more sessions planned, the series holds the potential to empower young adults in Community 10 and beyond as they embark on their professional journeys.