NHHI Hiring Spotlight – Julia Fraivillig

Tell us about yourself.

I live in downtown New Haven, which has been great for adventuring in the two years I’ve lived here. In my free time, I like to explore community events and gatherings, which are happening all the time! I also like spending time with friends at restaurants and bars or keeping it relaxed at home. My passion is bringing joy and empowerment to everyone I meet! (pronouns: they/them/theirs).

Tell us about your job searches.

I was working in food service while looking for a different opportunity. It was so exhausting. I would send applications into the void of the internet and never hear back from most employers. I spoke with recruiting companies that did not respect me. I felt tossed around and undervalued.

You joined New Haven Works (NHW) during your job search. What was that experience like?

So gratifying! I finally felt like I was making progress. The NHW staff, especially my job coach, really helped to shape me into a good job candidate. They got to know me and my skills and showed me how to make my case as the perfect match for a job opening. That experience shifted how I see myself and present myself to the professional world. Once I started to motivate myself more, things really got moving, and I made it into a C&T position at Yale.

Tell us about your current role at Yale.

I work in faculty support at the School of Management. I perform administrative tasks and research for the professors here, which has been a great way to learn new things here and there. I also volunteer on the Local 34 committee for our SOM chapter. It’s fulfilling to contribute to my work community on both of those levels!

What surprised you about working at Yale?

The community is strong if you really dig into it. I joined a couple of affinity groups here, and they really help me feel connected and supported. I’ve made some great friends through my job, which is not something I ever expected!

What advice do you have for other job seekers?

Don’t be discouraged by failure – just try a new approach. The best job candidates can slip through the cracks if they don’t showcase themselves enough. Take advantage of NHW’s guidance for resume, cover letter, and interview strategies. Above all, don’t let an employer rejection feel personal, they don’t know YOU.