POTW: Ricardo Aces the Interview

Every week, GOSO acknowledges a Participant of the Week (POTW) for his commitment and achievements.

July has been a stand-out month for Ricardo A. As a participant in our Job-Readiness Curriculum, his hard work has been leading up to one final test: an interview with Mark Goldsmith, our President & CEO, or Sarah Blanco, Associate Executive Director.

The Job Readiness interview is meant to be challenging — we want participants to think on their feet, react, and put to work all the skills they’ve developed and knowledge they gained through the curriculum. Sarah Blanco, who interviewed Ricardo, shared later that his was one of the most impressive presentations she’s seen at GOSO: incredible preparedness and confident professionalism. It’ll come as no surprise to hear that Ricardo passed hist interview test with flying colors!

Ricardo isn’t slowing down. Now he’s taking full advantage of the educational and employment opportunities GOSO has to offer, and working with our Director of Education to apply to college (he’s hoping to attend John Jay or BMCC, to pursue a degree in either Criminal Justice or Facility Maintenance). Simultaneously, Ricardo is on the job hunt and working closely with our Employment Director. Offers have already come in, including one from the Horticultural Society of New York, a GOSO employment partner.

Looking ahead, Ricardo hopes to become a U.S. Marshall or a police officer. For him, these jobs will provide both professional skills and, importantly, valuable life skills he can apply to his everyday self.

When asked about the best piece of advice he has received from GOSO, Ricardo cited guiding words received straight from our President & CEO, Mark Goldsmith: “‘Always be early, never be late. That’s the essential part of getting and keeping a job — being on time.’ This advice has definitely helped to motivate me professionally, and recognize the importance of time.”