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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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, emailing, mailings

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Seek out job opportunities  Internet searches and links www.career.vt.edu  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

10. 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

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

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

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

14. QUESTIONS? Career Services Virginia Tech www.career.vt.edu 540-231-6241 http://www.alumni.vt.edu/career/