• National Fall Leadership Conference (NFLC) – A national event with workshops and speakers from across the country.
• State Leadership Conference (SLC) – Our capstone event, where competitive events, awards, and leadership celebrations take place.

• Be specific: Don’t use vague words when writing a resume; as mentioned before, use numbers, action words, and specific moments to highlight your experience 
  
• Use proper formatting: Most employers are able to tell whether or not you will be a good fit within the first 30 seconds. Don’t use any informal language like slang, personal pronouns, or pictures. Help your employer help you! 
  
• Check for mistakes: Spelling and grammar mistakes are very common on resumes packed with text, so a great way to stand out from others is to thoroughly proofread your resume. Make sure all necessary information is on your resume, all information is properly organized, and it is easy to skim (No paragraphs!). 

Job interviews can be one of the most nerve-wracking experiences, but they are the best way to showcase what you bring to a potential employer. Whether you are applying for a part-time, internship, or full-time position, the interview process is a key stage that determines the outcome of the application process. Here are some key strategies that help you do your best before, during, and after every interview.

Preparing for the Interview

The first steps toward success include researching the company you will be interviewing. Learn the mission of the company, its core values, some of its recent projects, and what the company looks for in candidates. Give special attention to the job description since this can give valuable clues about the position's responsibilities and the particular emphasis a company places on specific skills. Your experiences must more closely approximate what the job requires-you have a better case this way. Your resume, tailored to the position, achieves its goals of being readable, informative, concise, descriptive, and results-oriented. Eliminate general, undefined statements regarding what you can do, and cite relevant, actual, measurable success; for instance, improving customer satisfaction percent, improving sales, and enhancement in some particular projects on efficiency grounds. If there is a list of required or preferred skills within the job posting, reflect them in your resume and your answers during the interview. Other important parts of preparation include rehearsing responses to common interview questions. Many applicants find the helpfulness of STAR-a Situation, a Task, an Action, a Result framing responses. Think of a few key experiences you've had, maybe a struggle you overcame at school or a leadership opportunity with a club, and walk through the situation: what were your goals, how did you approach the problem, and what was the outcome? When you can illustrate an impact in real life, interviewers are more likely to see your value potential.

Nailing the Interview

​ How you come across is as important as what you say. Confidence, punctuality, and genuine interest in the position go a long way toward making a good first impression. If you are interviewing in person, arrive a few minutes early. If it's virtual, log on promptly and make sure your environment is clean and free of distractions. Greet your interviewer with a warm smile and, where appropriate, a firm handshake. It will also individualize you, so you must answer each question thoughtfully. That means making eye contact and pausing to gather your thoughts is appropriate, especially on questions where you have to draw on a bank of experiences. Use examples wherever possible to help illustrate your responses. The level of detail will bring your story alive and allow the interviewer to picture you taking on challenges in your organization. Ask questions at the end of the interview, such as about company culture, future goals, or growing up together as a team. This will prove that you are generally interested in the company. You can also mention compensation, benefits, or similar topics; just be sure to counterbalance those types of questions with questions that demonstrate your interest in the specific position. 

Common Interview Questions

Most interviews will include variations of a few standard questions. If you are asked why you want the job, answer with aspects of the job description that appeal to you, relating them to your personal goals. A question about overcoming a challenge is often meant to probe your resiliency and problem-solving skills. Walking your interviewer through a specific incident in which you either innovated or collaborated effectively will show you understand how to deal with obstacles. Another popular question is where you see yourself in five years. You can demonstrate ambition by explaining that you hope to grow within the company or use this experience as a stepping stone to a leadership role.

Following Up

What happens after the interview can be as important as what happened during it. An email of thanks within 24 hours is a considerate way to thank your interviewer for their time. To impress, write a short, handwritten note. In either case, make it personal with something specific to your conversation, such as a common interest or an answer to any general questions that may have been brought up..

Professional Qualities and Skills:

Most employers want to hire someone who is flexible, reliable, and initiates new challenges. They also want a person with good written and oral communication skills who can work well in a team. The ability to stay positive and enthusiastic can keep team morale high, and an attitude of positive thinking often drives creative solutions that get the job done. Showing this—and any particular technical skills you may need for the job—will generally find you in good standing. If you're uncertain which skills a particular position might serve best, start with the job description. Notice how leaders in the company act and what they say is essential. You can even ask your interviewer directly what qualities they feel are most important in their team members. In that way, by showing your interest and willingness to adapt, you further suggest that you will continue to grow and deliver. Overall, interviews are not just question-and-answer sessions. They are a gateway to good professional relationships, learning about the culture and mission of a company, and highlighting your best self. With proper preparation, genuine enthusiasm, and a clear vision of your capabilities, you can convert each interview into an opportunity to reach a role that best fits you

As we embark into this upcoming year, let’s focus on one of the most crucial aspects of your professional journey: your personal image. In today’s competitive landscape, the way you present yourself is important in the path to success. There are numerous essential aspects in building your personal image, but the most significant include: networking with purpose, utilizing social media, building your resume, and staying authentic.

First, engage actively during FBLA events and meetings. Introduce yourself, share your interests, and build connections. Remember, every conversation is an opportunity to showcase your passion and professionalism, but don’t be afraid to crack a joke every now and then.

Second, use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with fellow members, advisors, and industry professionals. Share insights, achievements, and FBLA experiences to highlight your growth and commitment to business leadership. Utilizing Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or other platforms to share your FBLA and professional experiences is a great way to build your personal image. 

Third, participate in competitions and projects that align with your strengths. Whether you’re presenting at a conference or leading a team project, make sure to document these experiences (through social media or otherwise). They’re valuable additions to your resume and portfolio and they will portray your personal image accurately.

Lastly, Stay Authentic. While it’s essential to develop your image, always stay true to yourself. Authenticity resonates with others and helps build genuine connections.

Your personal image is a powerful tool in your career development. As we approach the end of this membership year, remember that every interaction is an opportunity to build a lasting impression. 

Running for Chapter Office is an exciting yet challenging process that requires dedication, strategy, and a strong understanding of leadership. It’s an opportunity to serve your Chapter, make a lasting impact, and grow as a leader. However, success in a Chapter Office race doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of careful planning and intentional effort. The process can be broken down into three key steps: self-image building, preparation, and campaigning.

Step 1: Self-Image Building

Before you even think about campaigning, you must establish a strong self-image. Your self-image is how you present yourself and how your peers perceive you. The way you behave and the reputation you build can significantly impact your chances of winning. Since Chapter elections are decided entirely by your classmates, it’s essential to earn their trust and respect.

There are several ways to cultivate a positive self-image. One of the most effective methods is actively participating in as many FBLA events as possible. This demonstrates dedication and commitment to the organization. Additionally, taking initiative by assisting current Chapter Officers with event planning and fundraising shows responsibility and leadership potential. Another powerful strategy is becoming the go-to person for FBLA-related questions—if fellow members turn to you before reaching out to Chapter Officers, it establishes you as a knowledgeable and reliable leader.

Step 2: Preparation

Once you have built a strong presence within your Chapter, the next step is preparation. Before officially launching your campaign, you need to assess several factors.

First, consider your current commitments—extracurricular activities, academic workload, and personal responsibilities. Holding a Chapter Office position requires a significant time investment, so it’s crucial to ensure you can balance it with your other obligations.

Next, evaluate the positions available and determine which role best aligns with your strengths and interests. For instance, I currently serve as my Chapter’s Treasurer because I enjoy creativity and event planning, which are key aspects of managing fundraising initiatives. However, I wouldn’t be the best fit for Parliamentarian, as I’m not highly familiar with Parliamentary Procedure. Choosing the right position ensures that you can be both effective and fulfilled in your role.

Step 3: Campaigning

Now comes the most visible part of the process—campaigning. Some candidates find this step thrilling, while others find it overwhelming. Either way, a well-executed campaign can set you apart and convince your Chapter members to vote for you.

Campaigning can be broken down into three key measures:

1. Develop a Theme and Slogan
Your theme and slogan should be memorable, simple, and engaging. It can incorporate your name, the position you’re running for, or be completely unique. For example, if your name is Mazie, a slogan like “Don’t Be Crazy, Vote for Mazie!” would be catchy and easy to remember. The key is to make your campaign stand out without overcomplicating it—sometimes, less is more.

2. Write Your Speech

Your speech is your chance to highlight your accomplishments, leadership skills, and position-specific qualifications. This is where you explain why you are the best candidate for the role. For example, if I were running for Reporter, I might emphasize my passion for social media by mentioning that I spend six hours a day on Instagram. While this may seem casual, it actually demonstrates that I understand social media engagement—a key responsibility of the role. I would also highlight my communication skills and how I would work with the President to keep members informed about events, community service opportunities, and deadlines. Finally, I would showcase my ability to keep members engaged by staying up-to-date with trending internet content.

3. Show Your Face

This is the most important part of your campaign. Connecting with members on a personal level increases your chances of earning their votes. While your speech introduces you to the audience, it may not captivate everyone. By taking the time to talk to members individually, you reinforce your message and show that you genuinely care about their support. People are far more likely to vote for a candidate who personally reaches out to them rather than someone who remains distant.
Running for Chapter Office is an incredible leadership opportunity, but it requires effort, strategy, and authenticity. The three essential steps—self-image building, preparation, and campaigning—form the foundation for a successful campaign. While each Chapter’s election process may differ, these steps provide a strong starting point for any aspiring candidate. By putting in the work to establish credibility, prepare effectively, and campaign strategically, you can maximize your chances of earning the position and making a lasting impact within your Chapter.