How to “Get Hired NOW”

By Jessica Walendukanis
Courier Staff

In order to stand out to employers, job seekers need to market themselves.

Frank Traditi, co-author of “Get Hired NOW,” said, “Marketing yourself as a job-seeker means locating the people who can offer or lead you to opportunities.”

The simple key to success is to market your product (yourself) according to the needs of your intended market (potential employers in your field). Yet very few graduates actually do this.

Most job searches are conducted from the “this is what I want” perspective; however, the reality is most companies do not really care about what you want until you are able to demonstrate what you can offer them. So the best approach to follow is a customer-driven marketing approach

Michelle Shawgo, director of the Wackerle Career and Leadership Program explained, “For most people, marketing usually begins with the resume but continues over the duration of the job search.. It is important to remember throughout your search that you are continuously marketing your education, skills, experience and other qualifications to others who can potentially influence your opportunities.”

For the students, they need to look no further than Poling Hall to find a resource designed to help strengthen their own marketing campaigns.

The Wackerle Career and Leadership Center continually offers interesting opportunities for students to improve their skills while getting involved in career-related activities.

“Job seeking is something very personal, therefore everyone’s approach will vary a little,” said Shawgo.

“We try to address individual needs, and offer programs and services that appeal to a diverse population of the student body.”

Through workshops, resume critiquing and individualized services, the Wackerle Center provides several opportunities and resources to better equip all students for the job search, in addition to both on- and off-campus opportunities.

On Tuesday, Feb. 14, there will be a Spring Career Fair, where students can submit their resumes to several Illinois businesses and organizations., and on Tuesday, Feb. 21, there will be a Government and Public Services Fair , where representatives from various police departments and government agencies will discuss career opportunities.

Both fairs will be held at Western Illinois University in the Grand Ballroom at 10 a.m.

For future teachers, Teacher Fest occurs on Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Holiday Inn, located in Tinley Park at 12:30 p.m.

For more information on these and other events, call 457-2115 or wackerle@monm.edu.