Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Tis the Season!!!

Hello all and welcome to the Holiday Season!!! Well at least the weather is cooperating now with the snow and blustery winds. Hope all is well with you and yours.

As we approach this time of the year, employers typically begin to wind down and cut back on any hiring initiatives. They take their vacations too. That does not mean you should cut back on your efforts. Make sure and stay the course, continue to make contacts, follow through on leads, etc. Each day can present opportunities regardless of what time of the year.

While at a conference last month, I heard one of the keynote speakers (economist) speak on the job projection. He mentioned that GDP rose during the third quarter and expects hiring to pick back up within the next four to six months. At least there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel.

Keep thinking positive, keep me posted on your progress and let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks.

Mike

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Be Persistent!!!

Hello all. The weeks are flying by and Thanksgiving will be here soon. Anyone want to help me rake leaves? :)

I constantly hear stories from HR professionals about the number of applicants they receive for one position. Everything from 200, 300, 400 .... up to 900!!! Can you imagine that? From the perspective of the HR folks, how do you sort through all the resumes? From the candidate perspective, how do you get yourself to the top of the pile? There is no easy answer but through a series of strategies, you can make yourself more of a known commodity.

Networking is the key. Make sure and take every opportunity to meet other professionals through conferences, business associations, career fairs, direct contacts, etc. Develop a list of all the folks you know in the work place. Send them a note, drop by their office or take them to lunch. Let people know you are looking for employment ... if you do not say anything, they will never know.

If you let one day slip by, that is one day lost. Each day you make connections is one day closer to obtaining your goals. This is where your persistence pays off.

Stay positive and let us know if you have questions.

Mike

Monday, October 19, 2009

October is here ...

Hello all and welcome to the mid point of the Fall semester. The days keep passing by on the calendar.

It seems that more employer positions keep making their way to Career Services. Hopefully it is a good sign of things to come in the near future. With all that I read, and I am not an economist, business will need to kick back in before more positions are filled. Hopefully that is sooner than later.

Remember that we are here to assist you with all your career search needs. Make sure to continue your networking, use all resources at your disposal and stay positive.

Mike

Friday, September 18, 2009

Half Way Through September

Well here we are ... half way through September. The days continue to roll by and now is the time to be pro-active with your career search.

The next big event is the Greater Kansas City Career Fair, scheduled for Wednesday, September 23rd in teh Swinney Rec Center on the UMKC campus from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Go to www.career.umkc.edu for more information.

Make sure and contact us here in Career Services with any questions you have regarding your career-related questions. Anne Skinner and I are here to assist you.

Thanks and good luck.

Mike

Monday, August 24, 2009

Campus Events

Well, the year is off and running and Career Services has a full menu of events to assist you with all aspects of your search! Check these out.

Meet the Accounting Firms -- Public accounting firms seeking accounting candidates. September 8, 2009, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Conway Hall Lobby

Dining Etiquette Dinner, September 16, 2009, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Greater KC Employer Fair -- September 23, Swinney Rec Center - UMKC, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

RU Mock Interview Day, October 14, Massman 3

Let me know if you have any questions. Positions are tight so start looking early.

Mike

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Opening Day

OK, OK, OK ... the baseball fan in me is coming out. With the start of another academic year, it does seem like Opening Day to me. Let the games begin.

We in Career Services can't emphasize enough ... if you are looking to explore internship and/or full-time employment opportunities, you need to start looking NOW!!! Many of the employers we spoke with over the summer months mentioned they will be looking for candidates, can be very selective and will do most of their recruiting during the fall. If you wait until the last minute ... you will be left behind.

During a recent conversation with a local employer, they mentioned the number of applicants received for a recent administrative assistant position. The total pool climbed to over 800! One more reminder of how tight things are and if you are employed, count your blessings.

Good luck to all and keep reading.

Mike

Friday, August 7, 2009

Bring It On!

Here we are ... one week from opening the residence halls and welcoming a new freshmen class. I believe the campus is ready, I know we are in Career Services.

Here are a few things to consider. Make sure to update the information on your RU Career Account OR establish an account with Career Services ASAP. Weekly registration workshops are available in Massman 3 on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. No need to sign up in advance, just show up. Will take approximately 20 minutes or so. This is your key to working with us here in Career Services.

If you are an accounting/finance student and want to explore opportunities with public accounting firms, make sure to attend "Meet the Firms" on Tuesday, September 8th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Conway Hall lobby. Public accounting firms, along with several area corporations, will be in attendance. Bring resumes and dress sharp!!!

With the tight economy, you MUST start early with your career search plans. Six to eight months in advance with your applications. Many employers recruit in the fall for their summer hires, both internship and full-time. Start now!!!

Stay positive!

Mike

Monday, July 27, 2009

End of July

Hello all. Well here we are ... ready to start another academic year. As we continue to read the news and listen to employment reports, the economy shows some signs of recovery but a complete turnaround seems far off in the distance.

That being said, RU Career Services has developed a comprehensive Fall '09 schedule of events to assist you with all aspects of your career transition/search. Take a look at our web page (www.rockhurst.edu/career) and let me know if you have any questions.

Also, if you have had success or tips you want to share with other folks, feel free to post here. I will write on a weekly basis and hopefully provide insight into a variety of career related topics.

Mike

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Welcome to the RU Career Services Blog

Hello all and welcome to the first posting of the Rockhurst University Career Services blog. Through this site, I hope to provide information on upcoming events sponsored by Career Services and create an ongoing conversation with Rockhurst University students and alumni regarding career issues.

As you know, the current economic conditions are challenging for all looking to change careers or those currently displaced. Always know that Career Services is here to assist you.

Check back regularly or feel free to add your thoughts and opinions. I look forward to hearing from everyone.

Mike Theobald
Rockhurst University Career Services