The Job Search Sweet 16: Are you in the game?

March Madness. Time for basketball craziness! As we prepare for the Sweet 16 games to be played this weekend, it gives us a chance to talk about another Sweet 16: the Job Search Sweet 16. Check the list below to see how you measure up.

Team Resume
1. Have you highlighted your experience? Relevant Experience is the top seller to employers.
2. As you describe your experiences, do they read like a job description, or do they showcase accomplishments and results? The latter is what an employer wants to read.
3. If you have held leadership roles, make sure you mention them, as leadership is another key item hiring managers like to find in resumes.
4. Does your resume have focus? Have you let an employer know from the start what it is you are after? Whether you use an objective, a summary, or a value statement, let an employer know the kind of position you are after following your contact information. More resume help is here.

Team Cover Letter
1. Tailor your email cover letter to a specific employer. Use words in the job listing in your cover letter.
2. Cite specific examples that fit what the employer is seeking.
3. Focus on what makes you unique. Visit here for some samples.
4. In your last paragraph, say what you will do to follow up rather than saying you look forward to hearing from the employer. And, thank the employer for considering your application.

Team List of References
1. Do you have a list of references ready? Many employers request these during interviews.
2. Ask 3 - 5 faculty members, former or current supervisors, advisors or coaches to serve as references. Always get permission, and provide your references with a copy of your resume and cover letter.
3. Check out this example for formatting instructions.
4. Don't know whom you would ask to be a reference? Make it your goal before you graduate to get to know at least one faculty member whom you could use as a reference.

Team Interview
1. Take a self inventory as you prepare for interviews. Tie what you want to share about yourself to the job listing. Interviews are a great place to use your Elevator Pitch.
2. Do research on the employer. Sites that can help with your research: Glassdoor.com, LinkedIn.com, Google.com What are things you should know about? the job, the products/services, financial and sales information, locations, career path, training and more.
3. Prepare for interview questions. Think through your responses. View sample questions here. See this link for more on shining in interviews.
4. Create a list of questions you want to ask in the interview. Asking questions shows you are genuinely interested in the opportunity. My favorite question? Please describe the ideal candidate for this position. After the employer's description, I jump in and talk about the things I have that fit their ideal. I've done that more than once and I've gotten the job!

These are just a sampling of tips for you to be on your A Game for your job search. To talk about your job search game plan, make an appointment with a career advisor today by calling 540-231-6241. We can help you be a champion in your job search.

PI DAY: How about a piece of the EXPERIENCE PIE?

Today is Pi Day! 3/14 in the month/day and month/year! That won't happen again for another 100 years…Let’s talk about 3.14 topics related to getting a piece of the EXPERIENCE PIE.

3 PAID EXPERIENCES (there are more, I’m highlighting these 3):

INTERN: Internships often occur for 8 or more weeks during the summer. Many employers offer internships. Some want you to have a few of your upper level courses before they will hire you. Places to look for opportunities include Hokies4Hire, these internship listing sites and internships.com.

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION: Co-op positions may occur during a fall, spring or summer semester. Employers seeking students for these types of positions may expect a student to return to work for one or more semesters after an initial semester. Students participating in Virginia Tech’s program can work for multiple employers for multiple semesters. How do you get started with our program? Attend orientation.

PEER CAREER ADVISOR: Virginia Tech Career Services offers paid positions where students can gain experience as Peer Career Advisors, assisting students during our Walk-In Advising, conducting mock interviews and giving presentations, as well as assisting our advisors with a multitude of projects. If this kind of experience matches your future goals, read about applying here.
 

ONE BIG reason 

to get experience: 

It's the TOP ITEM 

employers seek
 

4 WAYS TO GET UNPAID EXPERIENCES:

SHADOWING/VOLUNTEERING: If you are thinking a medical career is in your future, you will need to have several experiences shadowing health professionals. Shadowing is a beneficial method to test out any career field you are thinking about. Volunteering can be a helpful means to get your foot in the door with an employer. Need help finding contacts? Use CareerShift.

SERVICE LEARNING: Many instructors at Virginia Tech design their courses so service learning is a part of the work you will do in the course. Find out about various service projects here. 

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH:  Yet another means of gaining hands-on experience in your field is to participate in an undergraduate research project. To search for opportunities visit here. Don’t see an opportunity that fits what you want? Go talk to faculty members and create your own research experience.

PROJECTS:  There are so many ways you can gain experience through projects. When I was in graduate school, I worked on 3 different marketing projects in my classes that I shared in a Projects category in my resume. In addition to class projects, you could join one of the Project Teams in the WARE Lab, apply to be a member of SEED, be the director of the fashion show that the Fashion Merchandising and Design Society holds each year, just to name a few projects on this campus.

Make sure you sample a piece of the EXPERIENCE pie before you graduate. Career Services advisors can help you map out a plan to gain the experience you want. Stop by for Walk-In Advising or make an appointment by calling 540-231-6241. What questions do you have about getting experience?

In closing, since it’s Pi Day, I am sharing my favorite pie recipe, one that came from my friend, Kathy’s mother-in-law. It’s so good, Kathy gives her pies as a gifts. Thanks, both Mrs. Kleppins!

RECIPE FOR BEST CHOCOLATE PIE EVER!

One baked pie shell
In a saucepan mix 1 cup sugar, 2 TBSP. flour, 1/4 cup cocoa. Add 1 cup hot water gradually with 3 egg yolks. Add 2 TBSP. butter and 1 tsp. vanilla. Cook over medium to medium low heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Pour into baked pie shell and cool completely. Serve with fresh whipped cream. Bon Appetit!

Spring Break: Surf for a job, Set sail to check out careers, Take your resume on a road trip!

As you head out for your spring break, take some time to make some plans for your future while you're having fun. Check out our infographic below with some tips for your break. Enjoy your time away! And, if you're here, Career Services is OPEN, so come see us!