County Leaders Share Career Insights

County executives respond to questions at the Interview an Executive event Dec. 3. Panelists shown on dais (from left) include Dr. Wilma Wooten, the County's Public Health Officer, Ebony Shelton, Director of Financial Policy and Planning, Don Turko, Director of Human Resources and Rich Crompton, Director of Public Works. In front, employees (on left) Michele Blackwood Trejo, an Office Support Specialist with the Probation Department, and Lisa Fitzpatrick, an Administrative Secretary in Planning and Development Services, participate in a game of Jeopardy! All of the questions and answers related to the executives.

Soak up as much information as you can. Develop mentors. Say ‘yes’ to tough assignments.

These were just a few of the key pieces of advice shared by top County employees at a recent panel discussion sponsored by the African-American Association of County Employees (AAACE). The event, called “Interview an Executive,” drew more than 100 participants to the County Operations Center, according to the employee resource group.

Employees listened to tips on how succeed in job interviews, how to develop leadership skills and how the County recruits for diversity. Panelists included Don Turko, Director of the Department of Human Resources; Dr. Wilma Wooten, the County’s Public Health Officer; Jill Serrano, the Sheriff’s Chief Financial Officer; Dennis Gibson, Assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector; and Ebony Shelton, Director of Financial Policy and Planning.

The event was the first of its kind organized by AAACE, which just held its kick-off Oct. 28. The group is part of a surge of new employee resource groups at the County.

Among the many highlights at the panel discussion:

Keep your answers professional in job interviews, said Crompton. There’s a negative genre of questions, he said, and if you’re asked one such as, “how do you handle pressure at work,” try to reply in a positive way. For example, say that you work hard to minimize those situations where you could be put under pressure, but when they arise, you work hard with your team, keep your boss informed, and also take care of yourself, such as by exercising.

“But the truth is, sometimes pressure situations are there, and like everybody, I don’t necessarily like it,” Crompton suggested saying. “But I handle it well and I can get through it.”

Careers can also take unexpected turns. Serrano said she graduated with a degree in criminal justice, and never planned to become a chief financial officer one day.

“How is that even possible?” she said. “Well, it’s possible if you’re a sponge and you take things in. And that was one of the good things I did.”

Turko responded to a question on how the County ensures diversity within the organization, saying he talks with departments about how to cast the net wider for recruitment. He said he also confers with employee resource groups to get the word out internally and externally that the County is looking for the best possible candidate pool.

Turko suggested that employees continuously work on building their skills and make an effort to set themselves apart from other job candidates.

“I guess my best advice to everyone in the room regarding having an equal opportunity is set yourself aside and apart from everyone else,” he said. “Stand out in the interview process. Know the job you are applying for, know it backwards and forwards. Do your research. And if there’s anything unfair in the process it should be that you’re better prepared than all the other candidates that you’re going up against.”

AAACE's Alison Hunter said participants left the event feeling a greater sense of connection with the panelists. She said the organization hopes to make the event an annual affair.

For more information on AAACE, visit the group’s InSite page or website.