After a long career working in manufacturing, Mary Kistner was ready for a change. She yearned for the opportunity to feel inspired and happy to go to work. She was referred to Job Point through Vocational Rehabilitation and joined forces with Job Point Advisor, Ranjana Hans. Together, they updated her resume and began their search for the perfect fit.
“Mary has a creative mind and she really wanted to find something that would allow her to put her skills and passion to work,” Ranjana said.
Through the job exploration process, they found several positions that offered Mary activities she was interested in, but none of them were the “perfect match.” That is until they found an opening at Hobby Lobby.
“I walked into Hobby Lobby and saw a sign that said, “Now Hiring,” Mary said. “So, I asked for an application and drove over to Job Point.”
Mary and Ranjana completed it together and refined her resume to match the position. Then Mary returned to Hobby Lobby and submitted her application. Eager to make her employment dreams come true, Mary, who is deaf, followed up about an interview with the assistance of an interpreter.
To prepare, Mary practiced interview questions with Ranjana. Thankfully, all of her preparation paid off.
“They said, ‘Can you start on Monday?’ and I said “YES!” Mary said.
It was a perfect fit. Mary quickly made friends with her co-workers, found unique ways to exercise her creativity and passion for crafting and enjoyed the employee discount, too. While visiting, Ranjana found a confident woman who was excited to go to work every day.
“She gave me a tour and introduced me to her friends,” Ranjana said. “She loved her job and she was so proud to be there.”
