Today we’d like to introduce you to Alva Jones.
Hi Alva, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Lovingly known in the Atlanta area as “The Weekend Interviewer”, I have always had a passion to connect people with opportunity. With a decorated resume, and 15 year span in the personal development industry, I have proven to be the go to for workplace readiness and development. Amidst maintaining a consistent role in the corporate world, I always found time to do what I loved. A coach that’s always available and prompt in responding to my clients even on the weekends is how I was coined, “The Weekend Interviewer”.
Through my efforts both professionally and personally, I have personified my passions to see youth and young adults succeed in the workplace. Eager to stabilize my part-time commitments, I chartered an in-depth and interactive course How to Master the Art of Interviewing, to help individuals put their best career foot forward. In 2008, Breezee’s Youth Staffing Agency was founded.
An open-door policy, and guaranteed one-stop-shop for all your job readiness, and employment needs. Breezee’s Youth Staffing Agency and myself are committed to teaching this career ready course to individuals (16-24) that’s ready to jump into an occupation. “The Weekend Interviewer” finds joy when her clients are successful.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has NOT been a smooth road. Some of the struggles have been time, funding, and connecting with various school districts.
Time is our most important asset. I feel like there are never enough hours in the day for me to work my regular 9-5pm, and dedicated as many hours as I can to applying for grants, reaching out to donors, sponsors, conducting employment orientation, and facilitate workshops via Zoom, or in person. Not only that, connecting with various school districts has been a major struggle, just trying to locate the right person to speak with, email, and getting them to call me back has been a challenge. Although, I am connected with Clayton County School District thru the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce, the goal is to be connected with all the school districts in Georgia and surrounding states. Running a business, and working full-time is a struggle, but I would not change it. When you are living your dream, it never feels like work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an interview coach (The Interview Whisperer via YouTube). I commit, cultivate and connect youth and young adults (16-24) into the workforce. I specialize in teaching them how to be successful interviewees. I ensure that they are prepared for any upcoming interview be it college, internship, or employment. I facilitated a workshop entitled How to Master the Art of Interviewing. The workshop focuses on resume writing (the how-to), mock interviews (practice different interview questions), styling/attire (what you should wear /not wear), effective communication (verbal /nonverbal) and overall professionalism. After the youth/young adults (18-up) complete the workshop, they have the option to be employed with Breezee’s Staffing Agency LLC, in a customer service work from home position, NO experience needed. I emphasize to the youth and young adults to be themselves, but to be a polished and professional version of themselves. You don’t want to give them all of you at one time, just a little bit at a time.
I am known for having a massive amount of PASSION for what I do. I genuinely enjoy facilitating the workshop, getting in their heads, picking their brains, laughing, and learning more about what they are experiencing as youth and young adults. It‘s been a long time since I was their age, things are so different.
I was extremely proud when I received the opportunity to have my very own virtual call center, and hire young adults with NO EXPERIENCE. I was so overjoyed because this would give me the opportunity to cultivate and connect young adults into the workforce. Not all youth /young adults desire to work in the retail or the fast-food industry. Although those are GREAT industries, I wanted to offer a differnt option. The option to be an independent contractor chose their own schedule, be it full-time or part-time.
What sets me apart is I am hiring young adults (18-up) to be employed with Fortune 500 companies with literally no experience. Now, you have to at least pass the interview process, and with me being an interview coach and offering workshops, it’s not easy. I do expect you to have enough disciple to attend training, listen, and pass the employment assessments, because if not, you will not be employed with BSA long. I figured someone gave me a chance why not give someone else a chance.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Yes, there are several books, apps and other resources that have helped me do my best. The Bible, in my opinon the greatest book of them all, We Should all be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers, Think and Grow Rich A Black Choice by Dennis Kimbro and Napoleon Hill, and The Job Interview Book.
Listening to Miles Monroe, Les Brown, and Zig Zigler via YouTube motivates me. Most of all being a preacher’s kid and being in church ALL my life listening to my former pastors my father and mother, and now my current pastor, my brother preach God’s word keeps me grounded.
Pricing:
- $150.00 – per person for the workshop How to Master the Art of Interviewing
- $125.00 per person for 1-hour Mock Interview Session
- $100.00 per person for 30 minutes Mock Interview Session
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bysagency.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breezees2018
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Breezeesstaff
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI4p4BtHMELTgEm-49Iczig (The Interviewer Whisperer)
Image Credits
F. Gerald for images
