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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
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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 • Select your cheer team • Dedicate ample time to this search • Know what you are looking for • Create a dynamic resume(s) • Seek out job opportunities • Network your way to a job • Follow up • 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, emailing, 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 scan
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
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, email, 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 www.career.vt.edu 540-231-6241 http://www.alumni.vt.edu/career/