SU Alumni Association

SHIP Alumni Career Newsletter

October 2014 Edition

October 23, 2014
In This Issue
Employer Perspective: Top Job Search Tips
Highlighted Job Postings
Upcoming Fall Job Fairs
Mark your Calendars NOW
Career Assistance
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Welcome to the October edition of the Alumni Career Newsletter!
Employer Perspective

Top Twenty Job Search Tips

The following information was developed collaboratively by the career services professionals of the 14 State System of Higher Education Universities.
Part 1 (Part 2 will be covered in the November Alumni Career Newsletter)
  

  1. Be patient, but have a plan. In a good economy, the average job search takes 3-6 months. In a poor economy, it may take even longer. Start early when you know you want to begin searching for a job making sure you develop your resume, gather supporting application materials, practice interviewing and explore opportunities. Be patient but have a plan for your search.
  2. Take at least one step daily. Be proactive! Get a calendar and write one task for each day of the business week  and each day do that task in your job search. Time could include updating your resume, writing cover letters, attending professional meetings, networking, and following up with employers.
  3. Identify your unique qualifications. Put yourself in the employer's shoes. They need to fill the position and are looking for a particular set of skills and/or experiences.  Take the time to research the position and how your skills and experiences fit with that position. Make sure your resume highlights your unique qualifications.
  4. Get out there. Using only your computer for job searching isn't enough. Get out and connect with employers in person. Take advantage of job fairs, alumni events and local chamber of commerce events. A resume doesn't tell your entire store but face to face contact gives you the opportunity.
  5. Be persistent. Be persistent, follow up with employers that interest you, and be professional. 
  6. Network, network, network. Many jobs are never advertised so networking is one of the best ways to find employment. Building your network means talking with people starting with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, past professors. Also attending professional organization meetings and chamber of commerce events are great places to network. It is also important to ask everyone you
    speak with if they know of others that it might be helpful for you to talk to. One contact will lead to another until you get a referral that is successful.
  7. Look for "hidden" jobs. The majority of jobs will be filled before they are announced publically. Use your network to inquire about opportunities and get the leads. Target organizations where you are interested in working and contact them. Doing the work to discovering these jobs is not easy but finding out about these jobs will give you more opportunities.
  8. Consider a volunteer experience. Volunteer your time with an organization where you can get
    experience. Interested in marketing? Volunteer with your local Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization and do some event planning or marketing for them.  Think outside the box.
  9. Consider temporary employment. The role of an employment agency is to help employers successfully fill open positions. Work with a temp agency and find a position that will get your foot in the door. This is not a service that you should have to pay a fee for so only work with agencies that do not charge the job seeker.
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 Connection. If you are a Ship alumni and looking to hire other Ship alums or students please contact us to highlight your job and post it on Ship Career Connection. Learn how to access SHIP Career Connection at http://www.ship.edu/Alumni/ACES/Job_Postings/

 

 

Photographer Trainee/Editor, WPMT FOX 43, York  

Hospice Medical Social Worker, Heartland Home Healthcare & Hospice Services, Chambersburg

Behavioral Specialist Consultant, New Story, Harrisburg

Application Developer, Modis, Inc., Harrisburg

Jr. Account Executive/Inbound Sales, Webpage FX, Harrisburg

Customer Support Specialist, Reynolds & Reynolds, Philadelphia

Upcoming Fall Job Fairs

Looking for a new job? Consider attending the job fair at Shippensburg University.

 

Shippensburg University Career Day
Monday, October 27;
1:00 - 4:00PM; ShipRec Center @ Shippensburg University

No advanced registration is required. Network with 100+ employers that want to meet with you! For a complete list of employers participating, visit: www.ship.edu/alumni/pdfs/EmployerList 
Bring multiple copies of your resume and register at the check in station at ShipRec Center. Contact the University Relations/Alumni office at
alumni@ship.edu or 717-477-1218 for questions.

Mark your Calendar NOW!
February 3, 2015 - Resume Boot camp from 11:00AM -3:00 PM. Stop by and have one of ten employers review your resume. Get an industry specific critique as well as network with these employers during your critique. Excellent opportunity. Pre-registration is not required. Event will be held in the Ceddia Union Building MPR room.   
  
April 7, 2015 - Pathways to Success Student/Alumni Career Conference. 

This program is coordinated by the Shippensburg University Career Center & University Relations/Alumni Office

This is an excellent event! Hear from alumni and employer speakers around a variety of career topics and take advantage of the excellent opportunity for networking and getting possible job leads. The conference will have two different times for breakout sessions so even alumni working full time are able to attend. More information will be coming in early 2015. Save the date now.
Free Career Assistance

If you need assistance on marketing yourself or preparing yourself for an upcoming job search, let us help you. Get a free critique and advice on how to market yourself better. Email us at alumni@ship.edu or 717-477-1218.  

 
University Relations
Shippensburg University Alumni Association
717-477-1218
717-477-4071 (Fax)