Read the SHIP Alumni Career E-Newsletter

SHIP Alumni Career Newsletter

September 2013 Edition

September 13, 2013

In This Issue

Employer Perspective: How to Survive a Layoff

Ship Career Connections - NEW online job board

Highlighted Job Postings

Need FREE Career Assistance?

Quick Links

Update My Info
Alumni Event Calendar
Submit a Classnote

Greetings!

Welcome to the September edition of the Alumni Career Newsletter!

Employer Perspective

How to Survive a Layoff. By Shari McGee, College of Business Graduate, Class of 1998

With job losses in the U.S. topping the 5 million mark, a layoff is a possibility almost all American workers may face, but keeping a positive attitude may provide the opportunity of a lifetime. The first thing to remember is don't panic.

Few people are performing their dream job. Recognize a layoff as the chance to revisit your goals and determine what it is you would really like to do with the rest of your life. Take advantage of all transition services your former employer may offer such as coaching or seminars. For example, Right Management, a leader in human capital consulting offers such outplacement services, coaching, resume development and seminars which help you market yourself in the job market. If such a package has not been offered by your former employer, try to negotiate it as part of your severance package. Such services can help you uncover strengths, areas of excellence and career passions.

Read on for more on surviving a layoff.

Ship Career Connections

All Alumni are eligible to use the Ship Career Connection online job board. You must complete the following registration process first.

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Go to https://shippensburg-csm.symplicity.com/students or click on www.ship.edu/alumni and follow the prompts through the Alumni Career Services button on the left.

Step 2: Click "Alumni registration" on the right side of the page to register for a new ALUMNI account.

Step 3: Create a unique Username (you don't need to know your "student id". Simply create a username)

Step 4: Enter the Temporary Password: SHIPCC

Step 5: Click "Go"

Step 6: Complete the registration information- leave "School Address" information fields blank.

Step 7: You will receive an automated message "Thank you for your interest. Your registration has been received and someone will contact you shortly regarding this registration"

Step 8: Once your registration is reviewed and approved (please allow 48 hours), you will receive an automatic email with your username and a prompt to reset your password.

Step 9: Click on the link in the email to reset your password. (Note: this link will expire in 24 hours)

Step 10: Set a new password and confirm. Click Save.

Step 11: Start using the system.

USING SHIP CAREER CONNECTION YOU CAN:

Search for postings for SHIP Alumni
Through Ship Career Connection you can search jobs that are posted by SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY or you can search the extended network of jobs that are posted by sister schools, etc. You can select "favorite" employers and contacts to have available quickly.
Post your resume and other job-related documents.
Always be sure to get a r�sum� critique before submitting it to employers. Email your r�sum� to [email protected] for a critique.
Access the document library for helpful resources.
These resources will aid you in your job search process. Resume samples for experienced professionals- those with at least one year of experience, can be found on the alumni website at www.ship.edu/alumni and click on Alumni Career Services.
Connect with other alumni and mentors through professional networking.

For additional information on using SHIP Career Connection call 717-477-1218 or go to www.ship.edu/alumni and click on Alumni Career Services.

Highlighted Job Postings

These companies are looking to hire SHIP alumni. You can find out more about these opportunities as well as other opportunities on Ship Career Connections.

Voice Over Speakers, Hibu

To learn more about this position or to apply go to hibu.com and search the job board. Please use "Caley Tate- Referral" in the subject line when applying.

In production environment, write copy for voice-over scripts using video assets supplied by hibu Sales to develop a coherent message and tone for on-line video commercials, training projects and other company needs. Read and record voiceover; select background music and sound effects as needed.

Primary Responsibilities: Receive on-line video commercial requests from hibu Sales for advertisers; Identify advertiser's goal to establish commercial direction and relevancy; Determine tone for commercials to direct music selection, voice-over delivery, images and text to be selected by the Video Production Artist; Use script templates and PhotoMotion script writing guide to assist with writing scripts; Develop targeted, effective copy to convey company products and services; Verify the final script provides all important points (i.e. company name, contact information, location, business specialty, etc.) and flows well; Read, record, and edit Voiceover; Select background music; Submit completed work to video production artist using ad management system. Education: Bachelors degree in English, journalism, communications and/or advertising/marketing. Work Experience: 1-2 years copy writing experience, preferably in advertising; 1-2 years broadcast or voiceover experience; Experience in a fast pace production environment preferred; Complete Voice demo (Complete with Commercial, Narrative and Character reads)

Employer Perspective: Surviving a Layoff cont.

Revamp your resume to demonstrate accomplishments and successes. For instance, if you saved an organization money or solved a major customer service problem make sure the actions and results are clearly stated. I would also suggest starting your resume with a professional summary highlighting strengths and accomplishments. Write it as a 30-second commercial detailing who you are. Finally you may want to tailor your resume to each position based on the industry. It is extra writing, but will more than likely benefit you in the end.

Make yourself known beyond the resume. After you have applied for a position try to contact the hiring manager or network with someone employed by the company or who has an association with it. Which brings me to another tip-network, network and then network some more. Alumni groups, professional organizations and education associates are just a few groups you can tap into to effectively find your next job.

In an economy as tough as this one, selling yourself is key too. Try to obtain non-interview meetings with executives or management at organizations you might like to work within. You can approach this as a fact finding mission and at the same time make yourself known to future prospective employers.

It is very rare that we experience an economic downturn with massive job losses such as the one we are currently experiencing. My advice is to enjoy your down time while you determine the career path you would really like to pursue.

Need FREE Career Assistance?

Need Career Assistance?

Fall has arrived. Get yourself back into the swing of job searching by revamping your resume or honing your job search skills. Contact the University Relations office at 717-477-1218 or [email protected] for free career assistance.

Spread the Word: Please forward this email on to any of your Ship Friends so they can register to receive these free monthly newsletters. To sign up to receive the letter, please send an email to [email protected] with career newsletter sign up in the subject line.

University Relations

Shippensburg University Alumni Association

[email protected]
www.ship.edu/alumni

717-477-1218

717-477-4071 (Fax)