Featured Article: Why You're Not Getting Hired

 Applying to a ton a places but not hearing anything back?  You may have some potential problems with how you are presenting yourself.  From resume issues or lack of networking, this US News Money article explains 9 reasons why you are not getting hired.  Check it out here!

Attend the 2011 Charlottesville Community Spring Job Fair

Still looking for employment?  Attend a job fair with over 80 employers present as well as workshops.  Workshops will be held throughout the day and will cover topics such as staying motivated during the job search, finding and applying for federal jobs, and starting a business.  Check it out!

Charlottesville Community Spring Job Fair
Wednesday, April 27th
10:00am-3:00pm
John Paul Jones Arena
295 Massie Drive; Charlottesville, VA

Free Admission, Free Parking, & Door Prize Drawings

Tips for the Event:

• Resume- Bring multiple copies of your resume to show to employers
• Dress to impress- Professional attire is recommended
• 60 Second Introduction- Be ready to present your strengths in one minute

For more information check out www.charlottesville.org/jobfair

Any questions?  Contact Mary Grant at grantm@charlottesville.org

Land a Job Using Social Media

As we know in this job market, it can be tough to land the job of our dreams.  However, the Internet still plays an enormous role as a job search outlet.  In this recent blog by USA Today College, Kendall Byl explains that college student should do what they do best in looking for jobs: Social Media!

She explains how establishing a brand, networking, and following companies are all strategies that could result in great opportunities.  Check out the article here!

Use Skype For a Job Interview

Did you know you can use Skype for a job interview?  Conducting a long distance job search can be tough, especially if you have to travel far for interviews.  Many employers are starting to use Skype for interviews now instead of incurring travel costs.  This means that sometimes, when you get an offer to interview with an employer, the employer may suggest the use of Skype.  If this happens, don’t panic!  Skype is free and very easy to use.  Recruiting Services offers Skype assistance for interviews.  If an employer contacts you and wants to set up a Skype interview, feel free to contact us at recruitaduke@jmu.edu.  We have a Skype account, computer, webcam and interview space you can use.  Of course, if you have your own Skype account, computer and/or webcam and just wish to conduct the interview in a more formal setting, you can use one of our interview rooms and your own computer and Skype account.  While this new interview format may be nerve-racking, don’t fear.  Use these tips to help you ace that Skype interview:

1. When confirming the interview, provide your Skype account name. Show the interviewer that you’re comfortable with the technology right from the start. Also, ask if you are to dial them, or if they will call you. No sense starting off on this weird note.
2. If your Skype name is cutesy or unprofessional, set up another account. And not MadSkillz or HireMaddie. Just your name, please. Or something close to it if yours is already taken.
3. Practice first. I recognize that this might sound obvious, but you’d be amazed by how many people don’t do it. Dial up a friend, relative or professional mentor and run through a few mock questions. Check the audio levels, make sure the room lighting looks normal
4. Get the eye contact thing down. This can feel a little strange on Skype, but eye contact is VERY important in an interview. Be sure and look into the webcam a large portion of the time. You’ll be tempted to stare at the screen, because that’s where the interviewer’s image appears. But if you look there the whole time? It will come across that you’re looking down the entire time. Eye contact. A must
5. Don’t even think about doing it in a coffee shop. Quiet, clean room. Absolutely no environmental hustle and bustle, none.  Oh, and when I say “quiet, clean room?” Assume I mean “quiet, clean room with no weird crap in the background.
6. Silence any other phone or potentially interrupting technologies before the interview. That’d be your cell phone, your land line and any other audible alerts that could pop up on your computer during the call.
7. Go professional, but remember you’re probably sitting at home. Some professionals will argue me on this, but I think that, for most positions, it’s unnecessary to get all spiffed out in an “interview suit” for a Skype interview. “Hi, I’m sitting in my apartment in pinstripes. Just a regular old day here.” It just seems odd to me. Absolutely look polished, ironed and professional (and wear pants, for heaven’s sake,) but I say suit is not required (unless, of course, you’re in the running for some big Wall Street or CPA gig, then yes, probably.)

*If you use an interview room in the Sonner Interview Center you may wish to dress up a bit more professionally since you will be in a more formal setting.

8. Prepare in the exact same way that you would for a face-to-face interview. Research the company, the industry and the players with whom you’ll be interviewing. Come to the interview with thoughtful questions related to these. Listen. Listen. Listen. And then answer questions calmly and succinctly. Smile. Just like you’d do in person.
9. Don’t panic if you have a dropped connection. More than likely, the interviewer already knows that this happens sometimes with a Skype call. In the event it happens on your interview? Take a couple of deep breaths and wait for him or her to re-connect. If five minutes passes and he or she doesn’t? Redial.
10. Say thank you. And do so while you’re looking at that webcam.

For more information visit: http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/2011/04/06/guest-post-10-tips-to-shred-the-competition-in-your-skype-interview-by-jenny-foss/.

Employers, Thanks for Going the Extra Mile!

JMU Recruiting Services would like to recognize those employers who participated in either Mock Interviews, Resume Roundup, or Speed Networking during the 2010-2011 academic year.

Thank you for your contribution!

What Not To Wear: Business Edition

Business Casual or Business Formal?  Finding the proper attire for an interview can often be a challenge.  In order to present yourself in a respectful and professional manner, it is important to follow a certain dress code.  The Cal Poly Career Services provides a simple, interactive way to see exactly what employers are looking for.  The Attire for Hire article shows examples of Business Casual, Business Formal, and What Not To Wear.

Check out the link to be best prepared for an upcoming interview. 
Best of luck in the job searching process!

Exciting Opportunities on Recruit-A-Duke

The Recruit-A-Duke website contains vast opportunities for any major and career direction.  Login to view the wide variety of jobs listed by our many employers.  From camp counselors to technical writers, there is someone looking to employ you!  Here is a list of jobs you may not have been aware of on Recruit-A-Duke. 

·      Personal trainer- Lifetime fitness, Centerville, VA

·      Speech Therapy-  Nursing Facilities, In-House Rehab, Statewide in VA

·      Recruiter- TEKsystems, Junior Recruiter in Richmond, VA

·      Camp Counselor- YMCA Bethesda, MD

·      Technical Writer Interns- Troubleshooting/ Designs illustrations, workflows, scripts for AOL in Dulles, VA

·      Graphic Design Interns- Design newsletters, brochures & direct mail for the MS Society in Washington, DC.

·      Cardiac Technician- assistant for Virginia Heart in Arlington, VA

Apply Now on Recruit-A-Duke

·      Login with Your Username

·      Click the Purple Tab “Job Opportunities”

·      Drag down to the “On Campus Recruiting- Job Posts for JMU Students”

·      Narrow Your Search with “Keywords” or the Position Type drag down