Tips for Recession Job Hunting

I recently read an article from the Equal Opportunity Employment Journal's September 2009 issue entitled Tips for Recession Job Hunting. It outlines 17 suggestions to help you move along and lessen the discouragement when job hunting.

1. Dedicate Yourself - consider job hunting as a full time job
2. Quit Moping Around
3. Consider the Industry - if you're thinking a new industry would be better, then do your research first and find out if they're having cut-backs too
4. Network Before You Go - even if you're currently employed, it's always good to network. The majority of jobs are never posted publicly, but gotten through networks.
5. Develop an Online Identity - an online presence is key since most employers Google you. Check out Personal Branding with Dan Schawbel for more information
6. Consider Self-Employment - freelance or consult
7. Consider Kind-of Self-Employment - part-time or contract jobs are still an option
8. Hunt in Other Markets - consider relocating
9. What Color is Your Parachute? - good book & workbook to help you "find yourself"
10. Use Resources Wisely - watch your budget
11. Get in People's Face - similar to networking; ask for a meeting like an informational interview
12. Come Unbelievably Prepared - RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH
13. Go Where You Think the Jobs Aren't
14. Exhaust Your Biggest Pay-offs First
15. Stand Out From the Crowd
16. Consider Volunteering
17. Don't Assume They're Not Hiring - the company may be looking for better, cheaper, and more effective ways to accomplish their goals; are you the answer?

And their final advise was to stay positive! Any negative behavior and self-confidence will be evident to potential future employers and reduce your success rate. So find a way to keep yourself positively motivated.

For major/industry specific job websites check out IPFW's Career Services website

IPFW Ambassadon Program

Distinguish yourself as a leader!
Learn more about becoming an IPFW Ambassadon by attending an information session:

Monday, November 23, 2009 @ noon, Walb 114
Wednesday, December 2, 2009 @ 5pm, Cole Commons
Thursday, January 14, 2010 @ 9:30am, KT G98
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 @ 9am, Cole Commons
Monday, February 8, 2010 @ noon, 2nd Floor Walb Lounge
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 @ 9am, KT G98
Thursday, February 25, 2010 @ 5:30pm, KT G98

IPFW Ambassadons:
• Work / volunteer at official
university events
• Speak to university constituencies such
as alumni, associates, and other friends
of the university
• Represent IPFW at various events on
campus and in northeast Indiana
• Serve on faculty and university committees
• Mentor new students
• Participate in leadership development programming

Apply Today!

For more information, go to: www.ipfw.edu/adons

Is it Easy to be Green?

Photo via Looking Glass

Find out how to get started in a 'Green Career' Tuesday, November 17, 2009 from Noon to 1pm. Click here for more information

Grad School Letters of Recommendation

Are you considering applying for grad school? Your applications will be due soon and then comes the task of finding letters of recommendation. MyGraduateSchool.com has some good tips on asking for these highly sought after letters.

This article goes through:

• How to ask for a letter of recommendation
• The right time to ask for a letter
• Help them write effective letters
• Waive the right to see your letters
• Follow-up

CLICK HERE to read the full article.

Self-confidence is the memory of success

As a graduate intern, I have the opportunity of giving classroom presentations on topics such as resumes and cover letters, as well as interviewing and networking. I have given several presentations before, but mostly to middle school or high school students, so finding myself giving presentations in a college classroom made me a bit anxious. When going over the material for the presentation, I was confident that I knew the material- but anxious how I would look to college students- seeing as I am a young woman- would they take me seriously?

Through my graduate program we have a class that allows us to practice the skills we have learned from our previous classes on real clients. I say "real" because we are given a case-load and meet with clients each week. I find myself often working on the very problem I have (self-confidence) with my clients. Though my experiences in clinic and in Career Services, I have noticed an overwhelming amount of students and community members who lack self-confidence. They don't feel they are worthy of love, appreciation or even a job.

Why? Who has been telling them they are unworthy? The answer would be....yourself!

I have included a simple self-confidence exercise that I hope you partake in. Building ones self-confidence does not make you a snob or stuck on yourself- rather it gives you an edge. If people see you are confident in yourself- they are more likely to listen to what you have to say and appreciate your ideas.

Self Confidence Exercises

Like physical exercise, self confidence exercises are a way of building strength. Instead of focusing on physical strength, these exercises build character and self-respect.

For these self confidence exercises, you will need a special journal. The first exercise is at the end of each day write down any event in which you receive positive feedback. If you get a well-deserved compliment from your boss, write it down. If your family expresses appreciation for something you’ve done, such as prepare a special meal or take the family on a picnic, add that to your journal as well. If your child tells you that you’re the best mom or dad in the world, record that in your journal.

You can also include in your journal memories of past events that you handled well. It is human nature to remember our failures. If you dwell on the things you have done wrong in your life, your self-confidence will decrease. Instead, remind yourself often of all the things you have done right in your life, both large and small.

November is Career Development Month!

Exciting and beneficial events are planned for the month of November, as we in Career Services will be providing several events to encourage professional career development. Whether you are interested in learning more about careers in the arts, or maybe tips to become an entrepreneur, Career Services has several workshops to fit your needs!

Have you ever thought of owning your own business? Wonder what it takes to start your own business? Meet local entrepreneurs and the organizations that help them be successful. Find out what they did to start and how they've kept it going.

Entrepreneur Employer Panel
Meet local entrepreneurs and the organizations that help them
Time:12:00PM Thursday, November 19th
Location:Walb Union 114
Facebook and other online social networks can have a negative impact your career. How do you protect yourself when your Facebook page is public?! Learn about other professional online social networks and how to use them effectively. Co-Sponsored with Delta Sigma Pi.

Online Social Networking: Put your best Face(book) forward
How social networking can help you get a job or prevent you from being hired
Time:9:00PM Tuesday, November 17th
Location:WU 222

Network with employers that believe the environment is something to preserve. Find out how they got started in a "green" career. Discover what you can do now to prepare for a professional "green" career.

Green Careers Employer Panel
Network with people "greening" Fort Wayne
Time:12:00PM Tuesday, November 17th
Location:Walb Union G21

Are you interested in Sports or the Fitness industry? Would you like to meet people from local teams and media sources?

Sports & Fitness Careers Employer Panel
Make yourself marketable in this competitive field!
Time:12:00PM Thursday, November 5th
Location:Walb Union room 114

Meet employers in the Arts industry. Learn what it took for them to be successful. Find out what you should be doing now as preparation and NETWORK with employers!!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Rhinehart Center room 164

ATTENTION Employers!

Are you familiar with JobZone, IPFW's online job board? It's monitored through IPFW Career Services and provides many tools and services that employers can take advantage of through the office.

Here are some of it's amenities:

• Allows local employers to post a job for FREE!
• Once a job is posted all IPFW students and alumni have access to view and apply according to your specified method
• Career Services will email faculty to promote the opportunities to students
• Jobs are posted around campus for more accessibility to students
• You can request resume referrals through our office if you want to be more proactive (look for a registration form soon to come on our website)
  
• Detailed instructional video on how to post a local job for free (see below)

For more information contact IPFW Career Services at (260)481-0689 or visit the website at www.ipfw.edu/career.