HELPFUL HINTS FOR JOB SEEKING HOKIES Donna Cassell Ratcliffe Director, VT Career Services Third Evening Career Chats Tuesday, January 18, 2011

What is your job situation?  Looking for a change  Seeking employment  Exploring options  Moving to new area  Getting back into the job market after stepping out  Just graduated and looking

Tips for success 1. Select your cheer team 2. Dedicate ample time to this search 3. Know what you are looking for 4. Create a dynamic resume(s) 5. Seek out job opportunities 6. Network your way to a job 7. Follow up 8. Keep a positive attitude

Select your cheer team Who are those who are in your corner?  Offer you advice  Give you names and leads  Encourage you along the way  Lift your spirits

Dedicate ample time to this search  Finding a job can be a full time job!  Set aside time for this important project – you are worth it!  Searching (websites, listings), calling, ing, mailings

Know what you are looking for  What types of jobs?  What type of company or organization?  Location?  Preferences?  Plan A?  Plan B?

Create a dynamic resume(s)  A marketing tool for opening the doors of prospective employers  A sales presentation of yourself  Not a place for modesty  Tell them what they need to know to select you for an interview  Use phrases to describe your experience; start off with action words

Create a dynamic resume(s)  Be honest  Be consistent  No typos  Get several opinions – review  Sequence the information from most important to least important  Everything should support the job objective  Make sure your resume is easy to visually sca n

Seek out job opportunities  Internet searches and links  Hokies4Hire – job listings and post your resume  Job boards  Job Fairs  Third party companies  Temp agencies  Don’t rely on mega systems like Monster.com

Network your way to a job  The Hidden Job Market  #1 way that people find jobs  Through those they know or get to know  Ask your cheer team  Family, friends, professional orgs, VT professors……  Go onto Hokie Nation Network  Check Linked-in

Networking…..  Contact, refer to the person who sent you  Set at time to meet  Prepare questions  Ask for advice and leads  Thank them (note, , etc.)  Then…..

Follow up  Follow up  Follow through  Keep in touch  Track your activities

Keep a positive attitude  Smile when you are on the phone  Be patient  Keep your spirits up  Call upon your cheer team

QUESTIONS? Career Services Virginia Tech