The first Talking Tuezdays was a huge success.  22 job seekers and professionals attended the event at WDBJ7 Community Room.  The job seekers learned the importance of showcasing themselves and left feeling they had a better handle on their job search and eager for the next Talking Tuezdays.

“I found Kathy Tisinger from the Roanoke Higher Education Center very informative.  I am very encouraged with the steps I need to take to boost my career as a result of this meeting.”  Shannon Christian

Kathy Tisinger, Career Center Manager for Roanoke Higher Education Center, shared information about RHEC and how job seekers can use their facility and tools to improve their skill sets.  Kathy shared 12 very good tips that can improve your job search and help showcase yourself. 

Here are her 12 Job Search tips…

1. Organization- Update your resume.  Know your KSA’s.  Keep a record of job applications.  Dedicate an email address to your job search.  Make an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of everything you are doing.
2. Resume - Write it until it’s right!  Think, write, edit, rewrite, proofread, etc.  Don’t think you can create a resume in an hour.  Read it out loud to hear mistakes and have other people look at it.
3. Research - Companies, interview questions, job fairs, contacts/networking, websites, yellow pages, newspapers, Chamber of Commerce, professional associations, etc.
4. Volunteer - If you do not have experience in your chosen field, volunteer.  Look for internships, shadowing opportunities or special events.  This will also help you network with others in your desired occupation.
5. Education - Get that degree or certificate that you need to advance or change positions.
6. Computer Skills - If you don’t have them - get them!  The public library is a good source of basic classes, as is Virginia Western College.
7. Recommendations - Keep in contact with those on your reference list.  Get letters if possible and if needed.  You want at least three solid professional references who can speak to your education, your work ethic, your accomplishments and/or your management style.
8. Strengths- Identify several professional strengths about yourself and develop a 30 or 45 second “commercial” about what you have to offer.  Focus on your skills, experience and education that qualify you for the job.  End interviews with this commercial.  Practice it, but don’t make it sound robotic or over-rehearsed.
9. Interviewing - Be on time - which means 5-10 minutes early.  Treat EVERYONE with respect.  Practice your drive the day before.  Have questions to ask.  Dress appropriately.  Practice with mock interviews if you are not comfortable interviewing.
10. Patience- Finding a new job is not an overnight process.  It is not uncommon for months to go by before you hear back from a company about the resume you submitted.  For every $10,000 in salary, plan on spending 1 month looking.
11. Network- Let everyone know you are looking for a job.  Over 75 percent of job openings are not advertised.
12. Don’t Give Up! - Job searching is not easy - it is time consuming and filled with disappointment.  It may take more time than you expected, but eventually the right job will come along.

Kathy would be glad to speak with you more about Roanoke Higher Education Center and resources it offers.   Email or call 540-767-6015 for more information.  Find additional resources at the Jobzcafe Job Seeker Resource Center.

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Tags: job search tips, Jobs, jobzcafe, RHEC, Roanoke, Roanoke Higher Education Center, Talking TueZdays

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