Duke's Career Scoop

How To Use Transferrable Skills

2009-03-04T10:34:00.003-05:00

Given the massive layoffs and shrinking numbers of jobs in many industries, it is possible, if not likely, that you will be forced to leave your industry or specialty area. To assure that you're successful in winning a job, it is necessary to master survival skills. To this end, many job-search experts and career coaches talk about transferable skills, but what does this mean to you if you're the one receiving the pink slip?
Apply these three tips to successfully transfer your existing skills to win your next job:

Click here for the full MSN article!

15 'Normal' Jobs You Can't Pronounce

2009-01-28T13:17:00.003-05:00

Abstract:
Do you ever find yourself using a fancy word when you talk just because you like the way it rolls off your tongue?
When I'm teasing a co-worker, for example, I like to say, "I'm just being facetious," instead of, "I'm only joking." Or, when my little sister is picky about food, it's more fun to say, "You're so persnickety," than, "Stop being difficult." Almost always, there's a simpler way to say something; but sometimes, for whatever reason, we just can't find the words.
Jobs and job titles are a perfect example. In my line of work, I research a lot of different occupations. Most of them I've heard of, some of them I haven't -- but recently, I noticed that many of them I couldn't even pronounce.
Curiosity got the best of me and I went on a quest to learn about some of these jobs. Are they as fancy and complex as they sound? (The answer is no.) Don't get me wrong -- the following jobs aren't simple or dull; it's just that there might be an easier way to explain that you operate on the mouth, jaws, head and neck than by saying you're an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (even if that's your proper title).
Here are 15 job titles that can be a mouthful, phrased in a way we can all understand:

Click here for the full MSN Careers article! And see 15 "hard to pronounce" careers, as well as their descriptions and average salaries.

By Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer

It's All About Who You Know - and Who They Know

2009-01-28T12:59:00.003-05:00

Abstract:

In job hunting, networking is the name of the game.
And it's also the name of the game at Facebook and LinkedIn, two of the most popular social-networking Web sites. These free sites provide job hunters powerful tools for connecting with current and long-lost friends or colleagues, strangers in positions to help a job hunt, and employers and recruiters combing the Web for workers.

Click here for the full Washington Post article! And learn how Facebook and LinkedIn can benefit YOU in your job search process.

By Ted Knutson

Expert Career Coach Answers Your Questions: Recession Proofing and Social Media

2009-01-23T11:13:00.005-05:00

Q1: What do I need to do to get hired in these tough times?-Recession Proof

Q2: I’ve heard that employers look at Facebook and MySpace to research job applicants. Because of that, I’m pretty careful about what I post. Since they are already looking, is there anything I can do to make a good impression?-Careful Watch

Click here to view the answers at YoungMoney.com

By Alexandra Levit

When You Get a Bad Grade on Etiquette

2009-01-22T13:38:00.006-05:00

Question: I just received my performance review for the year. I had rave reviews for my productivity and the quality of my work, but I received a less-than-shining report on my style. The report particularly recommend that I focus on "finishing and polishing skills" -- both in terms of packaging my work and presenting it to clients, and in leading meetings and interacting with other staff.
I was recently thrown temporarily into a management position that highlighted some of the areas I could improve in my life. I'm not a particularly unpleasant person, however I don't have a lot of experience with professional etiquette.
The assessment used the words "blunt," "grate on" and "informality, as well as "escalated into a shouting match," so I think I should take this recommendation seriously.

Can you recommend a modern-day finishing school near Washington for young women?

Click here to read the Washington Post response by Lily Garcia!

Chat with CAP

2009-01-15T11:47:00.002-05:00

Do you have a quick question about academic advising, majors, or careers? Quick questions deserve quick answers! If you're a JMU student you can now get your questions answered via instant message or email!*
"Chat with CAP" Using AOL Instant Messenger, you can send an instant message to an advisor in our office. When you sign in, just IM our screenname: Chat with CAP.
The Chat with CAP service is now closed, but will reopen on January 21st for the Spring semester. An advisor will be online during these hours: Monday 1-5pm, Tuesday 1-7pm, Wednesday 1-5pm, and Thursday 1-5pm. If you have a question when we're not online, send an email to cap@jmu.edu.
If you don't have the AOL Instant Messenger software, visit the AIM homepage to download a copy, or use AIM Express (no download required).

Going to Extremes to Land a Job

2009-01-14T11:56:00.006-05:00

Abstract:

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Renting a billboard, handing out flyers or printing up T-shirts with your contact information used to seem like an outlandish way to get a job but now unemployed workers are going to just such lengths to get attention.
There were more jobs lost in 2008 than any year since 1945 and more layoffs are announced practically on a daily basis. Unemployment now stands at 7.2%, a 16-year high, and the number of job seekers outnumber openings by three to one, so it's no wonder people are getting creative.

Click here to read the full Cnn article!

By Jessica Dickler, CNNMoney.com staff writer

5 Ways to Attain Your New Year's Career Resolutions

2009-01-13T12:13:00.003-05:00

Abstract:

If I had to guess, I would bet that at least once in years past, come Jan. 1, you've resolved to lose weight, be more organized, spend less and save more, find a better job, or simply be a better person.
Yes, people love to make New Year's resolutions. Perhaps more than that, people love to break them.
"People often give up on their resolutions after the first setback. They get frustrated that they messed up," says Karyn Beach, success coach and founder of http://www.losetheexcuses.com/. "What most people don't realize is that messing up is part of the process. Things happen. The key is to stop beating yourself up about it and get back on track as soon as possible."

Click here to read the full MSN article!

By Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer

FBI "MEGAhiring"

2009-01-12T11:12:00.007-05:00

FBI IS MEGA HIRING TO FILL OVER 2100 PROFESSIONAL STAFF POSITIONS! UPDATES WILL BE ADDED DAILY THROUGH JANUARY 5, 2009. QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL STAFF CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED TO PARTICIPATE IN A CAREER INVITATIONAL. ADDITIONALLY, THE FBI MUST HIRE 850 SPECIAL AGENTS.

Click here to enter the FBI Careers website and apply!

Are you a JMU student? Are you working on a resume or preparing to interview for a government job? Contact the Office of Career and Academic Planning to schedule an appointment with an advisor today!

Getting an 'Overqualified' Response

2009-01-12T10:54:00.005-05:00

Abstract:

With layoffs rising and baby boomers wanting full-time jobs to replenish their dwindling nest eggs, more people are facing the job hunt curse of being called overqualified.

Click here for the full Washington Post article

By Vickie Elmer

Dulles IT/Eng/Security Clearance Career Fair

2008-12-11T16:04:00.002-05:00

This career fair will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2009.
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Click here to register for the fair through Monster!

Smartest Career Training for 2009

2008-12-11T13:45:00.008-05:00

Abstract:

Whether you're unsure of the long-term stability at your current job or you're simply ready for a change, these popular careers are seeing a lot of long-term growth. A simple degree or certificate program can mean more money, better job security and a challenging, interesting career.

Degree Programs are a Smart Choice
Make the right move with a degree or certificate program that suits your interests. Check out some of the smartest career training options for 2009. Click here for the full MSN article!
by Amelia Gray

Resume Humor Cartoon

2008-12-10T14:22:00.008-05:00

Pleeeeeaaaaase people. "DONT BURN YOUR BRIDGES." They could very well take you places in the future.

Most Promising Places to Start a New Career

2008-12-10T11:48:00.010-05:00

Abstract:

"All things being equal, where you live can make a huge difference in what you earn. Whether you're ready to make a move to a new city or you want to choose an education that fits the needs of your hometown, career training can make a big difference to your wallet.

When it comes to marketing your degree, the old axiom for real estate holds true -- it's all about location, location, location. Check out these top degrees available online, matched with some of their best areas nationwide and earnings from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)." Click here for the full Yahoo article!

by Amelia Gray, FindTheRightSchool

5 Tips For Executive Job Level Seekers

2008-12-09T16:11:00.008-05:00

Abstract:
"Recent economic woes have struck a severe blow to the nation's work force -- penetrating as high as the top tiers of corporate America. As the economy becomes increasingly shaky and companies are forced to trim budgets, executive-level and management positions have become more vulnerable than ever.

In their book, Kursmark and Melnik encourage job seekers pursuing leadership positions to create and implement the following tools in their job search": Click here for full MSN article!

By Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing