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
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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/