STRATEGIES FOR ALUMNI
Birmingham-Southern College
STRATEGIES FOR ALUMNI
Successful Job Strategies
in a Tough Economy
We recognize that some of
our alumni and recent graduates are facing some difficulty in the current
economy. So, once a year, we offer a job market workshop for our alumni and
their spouses. This half-day conference, entitled, “Successful Job Strategies in
a Tough Economy,” provides general training in job search strategies, resume
writing, and interview preparation.
Overview of Workshop
To be successful in today’s job market, you have to be focused. You have to begin with a clear career goal. And then you have to apply good strategy and a well-organized campaign. The most effective approach to managing your job search is to utilize assertive rather than passive methods of engagement. You will have greater control and choice if you use a career planning mindset instead of a job hunting mindset. You should be an active initiator in the job market instead of just a responder. You should be a serious candidate instead of merely an applicant. Using a relationship-oriented approach is more effective than a task-oriented approach. You will experience greater success if you use more progressive, rather than traditional approaches. The three strategic components of a successful career transition include the job search, the resume, and the interview.
Next Workshop
To Be Announced
Job Search Strategies
The best job search strategies focus on the hidden job market, instead of just the public job market. The hidden job market represents the 70% of employment opportunities that are not publicly posted or advertised. The 30% of jobs that are publicized represent the public job market. Job search methods that focus on the public job market include answering ads in the newspaper, posting your resume on the internet, filling out applications with HR departments, and utilizing the services of a third party agent. On the other hand, job search methods that focus on the hidden job market include joining professional organizations, researching your industry and market, utilizing your insider contacts, networking, and prospecting.
Resume Writing
Effective resume writing is about selling your product, promoting your candidacy, and advertising your services. It is not about applying for a job, telling your life story, or spelling out the details of your job history. It should grab attention and spark interest. A good resume is a concise, well-organized summary or overview of your relevant qualifications, skills, knowledge, and experience as they relate to the needs of the employer. It should focus on relevant functions, transferable skills, and positive experiences. It should seek to differentiate the candidate. Resumes should be targeted and tailor-made. They should not include anything irrelevant or negative. They should be written in a non-narrative, bulleted-list format.
Interview Preparation
Good candidates are familiar with the interview process and know what they can expect. They possess effective communication and presentation skills. They realize the importance of thorough preparation. And they understand the psychological or subjective nature of the interview. Candidates should display respect, relevance, confidence, sincerity, and a positive attitude. They should dress professionally, observe proper protocol, and arrive punctually. They should focus on the needs of the employer and demonstrate how their qualifications match the requirements of the job. They should research the company in advance. They should make an outline of the key points they intend to address in the interview, detailing their knowledge, experience, skills, personality, goals, and motivations as they relate to the employer’s needs. They should never say anything negative about themselves, their past employers, co-workers, colleagues, clients, or customers. They should be genuine, expressing feelings and emotions that communicate enthusiasm and excitement.
Coping With Cutbacks
If
you have recently been laid off or furloughed, we offer valuable resources and
assistance. We offer help with career transition, workplace issues, and job
market survival skills. In these tough economic times, we provide critical
support to students, alumni, faculty, and staff.
About Career Planning: Coping With Job Loss
Love To Know: Stress Management and Managing Job Loss
Riley Guide: Coping With Job Loss
Family Corner: Job
Loss Survival Guide
Help Guide: Job Loss and Unemployment Stress
Intercom Magazine:
Dealing With Job Loss
Improving My Life: How to Deal With Losing Your Job
Midlife Career Transition
For professionals in transition, the issues
and concerns regarding career change can be critical. For mature, experienced
workers considering a mid-life career transition,
many important factors must be addressed. Are there new directions you want to
explore? Is it time to try new things? Are you seeking a new challenge? Are
you seeking more freedom and independence?
Changing Course
Career Change Tools for Mid-Life Women
Can You Change
Careers After Forty?
Mid-Life Career Changes
Mid-Life
Career Crisis
Making the Most of Your Mid-Life Career Transition
Unconventional Mid-Life Career Change Tips
What Makes a Successful Mid-Life Career Transition?
Making a Mid-Life Career Change
Mid-Life Career Change: Opportunity for Self Discovery
Mid-Life Career Change
Simple steps to Mid-Life Career Change Success
Is Mid-Life
Career Change Right for You?
It’s Time to Reinvent Yourself
Google: Scholarly Articles on Mid-Life Career Change
BSC CAREER SERVICES
241 Norton ~ (205) 226-4719 ~ mlebeau@bsc.edu