HELPFUL HINTS FOR JOB SEEKING HOKIES

Donna Cassell RatcliffeDirector, VT Career

ServicesThird Evening Career

ChatsTuesday, January 18,

2011

What is your job situation?Looking for a changeSeeking employmentExploring optionsMoving to new areaGetting back into the job market after stepping out

Just graduated and looking

Tips for success1. Select your cheer team2. Dedicate ample time to this

search3. Know what you are looking for4. Create a dynamic resume(s)5. Seek out job opportunities6. Network your way to a job7. Follow up8. Keep a positive attitude

Select your cheer teamWho 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 ServicesVirginia Tech

www.career.vt.edu540-231-6241

http://www.alumni.vt.edu/career/