A HUMAN resource professional is banking her years of industry experience will prove of benefit to a group of young women looking to enter the workforce in the near future.Adrienne Cobbs, a junior HR consultant with Performance Solutions, volunteered her time, sharing inside knowledge of the hiring process with members of Finesse Productions’ Style & Fashion Programme.

Her Saturday classes taught the youngsters how to successfully conduct themselves in an interview, how to prepare resumés and how to communicate effectively.

Two classes were held each week — one for ages 12 through 18, and a second for ages 8 through 11.

“My goal in volunteering my time with this wonderful organisation is to give young women the confidence they need to go after their dreams,” Ms Cobbs explained.

“Knowing what employers are looking for in a job interview, or how to dress for the workplace, helps young women prepare for their future and gain the self-assurance and poise necessary to achieve all their personal and professional goals.

“In my experience, I’ve found grown adults who do not possess those skills, they don’t know and they haven’t had the opportunity to be taught earlier in life.

“And so the idea was to boost the girls’ confidence and give them insight into what it’s like to go out and get a job. At a young age, it lets them know what to expect in adulthood.”

Ms Cobbs’ knowledge comes from 15 years’ experience in HR. She worked with the Bermuda Telephone Company (BTC) prior to joining Performance Solutions.

Founded in 2000, the firm provides services in HR-related fields including legislative compliance, staff recruitment and selection, immigration management and strategic planning.

“I’ve worked in HR for 15 years, particularly with BTC where I would speak at career fairs and work with young children and talk about various job options at BTC and I took that knowledge to my new position,” she explained.

Finesse Productions’ Style & Fashion programme founder Terrylynn Doyle approached Performance Solutions in hopes it would have the resources to assist in the personal development training she has been offering to young girls since 1998.

Approximately 40 students are enrolled in the programme, which offers year-round training courtesy of guest presenters invited to share their knowledge in career development, etiquette, life skills, fashion and style.

“We approached Adrienne Cobbs with Performance Solutions and asked her to be a guest lecturer because we wanted her to share her expertise with the young women in this programme,” stated Style & Fashion guest coordinator Laurie Daniels.

“In today’s competitive marketplace, understanding the components of an effective resumé and how to impress potential employers during a job interview are invaluable skills to have.

“No matter what your age, being able to communicate effectively and speak articulately helps make you stand out in a crowd. We thanks Ms Cobbs for volunteering her time with this important programme.”

Ms Cobbs introduced role-playing and other methods to make the lessons lively: “Laurie Daniels felt it was a great opportunity for them to gain that knowledge and experience.

“And for my part, it’s great to know that you’re giving something back to the community.”