By Tara Ballenger
Velocity Contributor
Between hiring freezes and layoffs, finding a job can feel like searching for water in the Sahara. City University of Seattle recently created a series of public service announcements to get the word out that a college degree can boost earning potential and make graduates more attractive to employers. If you’ve already taken the leap and obtained a degree, showcase your accomplishment and learn how to best market yourself right now.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly one in 10 Americans was unemployed in September. In the face of this doom and gloom, CityU of Seattle is spreading good news: a college degree significantly increases a person’s lifetime income.
“A degree provides more opportunity for advancement, promotions and financial stability and we want to get that message out,” says Christopher Ross, CityU’s marketing director.
Visit www.knowyourgameplan.org today to get started on your degree.
Using the campaign Know Your Game Plan, CityU encourages people to map out a college plan in three television PSAs. One announcement features the inspirational story of CityU Spokesperson Kelly Jennings — a Seattle Seahawks cornerback and holder of two college degrees. Jennings credits his success to his supportive mother.
“We wanted to combine the celebrity of the Seahawks with the educational background of City University of Seattle to create a campaign that was cool and sexy,” while still being informational, Ross says.
In addition to the PSAs, CityU created KnowYourGamePlan.org, a Web site with an interactive calculator to show a person’s earning potential with an advanced degree along with links to resources on colleges and scholarships.
If you recently earned a degree, there are many tricks to a successful job hunt, experts say.
You never escape the old adage “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” says CityU Counseling Director Karen Langer, who runs the free Career Center for alumni and students.
“Start with your family and friends and get the word out that you’re looking for a job,” she says. “A lot of people are surprised at who they actually know and what connections those people have.”
Joining a professional organization or group connected to your field or industry also is a great job search strategy, Langer says.
As you progress from job fair to job interview, the ultimate key to success is self-confidence. Try to prepare and memorize a 30-second personal introduction to share with employers that outlines your skills and unique value to their company.
Practice the introduction in front of a mirror or videotape yourself, Langer adds.
Katharine Kim, a personal image coach in Redmond, Wash., recommends people identify their three greatest strengths. When an interviewer asks a tricky question, remember your key strengths and tailor answers to emphasize them, Kim advises.
“A lot of people aren’t comfortable talking highly of themselves but this is an opportunity to sell yourself,” she adds.
Also, you can avoid a slump in self-confidence during the job hunting marathon by eating right, exercising and relaxing, says Marilyn Santiesteban, director of career services for staffing firm King & Bishop in Boston, Mass. and author of the Layoff Lady blog.
“Job hunt every day for three or four hours, the same time each day and don’t schedule anything over that time,” Santiesteban says.
Finally, fight the temptation to blanket the industry with your resume because it’s unlikely to yield results. Instead, research companies, find out their needs and show them how you can deliver.
Companies want employees with ideas and solutions, Santiesteban says. “Pinpoint where your past experience, your new skills and education intersect and market that combination to employers.”