The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

October 22, 2008

MSU hosting job search, speed networking event Tuesday

Fred Pace

Anita Davis, director of career services center at Mountain State University, says the school’s job search and speed networking event next week could help people find jobs during today’s tough economy.

Davis will present effective job search methods, ways to customize your resume, answer your most pressing job hunting questions and host the speed networking session with companies ready to hire. The event is scheduled for 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the John W. Eye Conference Center.

“Speed networking is an exciting and entertaining career search activity that allows employers to meet, and briefly interview, a large number of job candidates,” Davis explained. “Students speed-network with employers in a series of fun and fast-paced meetings, lasting only three minutes. When the three-minute time limit is up, a loud sport whistle signals students to move on to the next company representative.”

Davis says all participants are encouraged to continue discussions, or follow up at a later date, with their new contacts after the speed networking session.

“At last year’s event, students were able to speed-network directly with employer representatives,” she said. “Twenty-eight students were selected for a full-length job or practicum interview, and 18 received offers of employment.”

Employers participating in the event include AFLAC, The Greenbrier, Target, BB&T;, Raleigh General Hospital, Winterplace Ski Resort, Phillips Technologies, Allegheny Insurance, Global Contact Services, Kelley Services and the MSU Human Resources Department, according to Davis.

“For students not participating in the speed networking, our national award-winning SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) team will have a resume help station to provide additional writing tips,” she added.

Davis advises students to dress business professional — suits for men and women.

She also advises students to visit Web sites of participating employers for information on their products or services, available career paths, business culture and other company news.

“During the speed networking session, politely ask the employer representative for their business card,” she said. “Employers may prefer job/practicum candidates to submit their resume electronically and/or complete an application online. Bring copies of your resume and submit a resume only on an employer request.”

For more career information and job/practicum opportunities, visit the Career Services Web site http://www.mountainstate.edu/careerservices/default.aspx.

— E-mail:

fpace@register-herald.com

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