May 23, 2025 Meeting Recap

May 23, 2025
Meeting Recap

Location: WVU Medicine
Topic: Assisting Students with the Job Search, Part I

Topics

RISE participants discussed how to assist students with the job search. Panelists included Tamara Holler, WVU Medicine; Tammy Feiock, Williams Lea; Jenna Helms, Project BEST intern; Michael Borsuk, Ohio County intern; and Hayden Derrow, recent WLU graduate.

Posting Positions

Students explained that they have sent cold emails inquiring about positions or internships and that appearing in person with a resume at businesses or organizations has led to interviews and positions.
We discussed where best to post positions so students see them. LinkedIn is used as well as Indeed. Business/organizations websites and their social media accounts are also places to find positions. Smaller businesses often don’t have a social media presence.
Faculty often let students know about positions. Professional development classes are helpful.
The County is working with educational institutions and businesses to develop a software product that will assist.
Williams Lea uses quarterly in-person hiring events.
Some companies use third party recruiters to post and screen applications.
Job shadowing can be a good opportunity for students to learn about businesses and make connections.

Screening and Resumes

Include extra-curriculars and experiences on the resume. This may include volunteer experiences, service learning, previous jobs (even if not directly related). Students should somehow show that these experiences have developed their work ethics or transferable skills. Use these experiences to stand out from others.
GPA is not a determining factor, though a low GPA may hinder students for some jobs.
On the resume, include anticipated graduation date. Make sure the email address is professional.
Spell check and review grammar and writing style. Some companies will automatically reject resumes if there are errors.
Format should be appropriate to the position. More creative jobs can use a more creative format. Be consistent in verb tense and format.
Some companies will look at applicant’s social media accounts.
Be careful of using AI to generate resumes and cover letters. It can be apparent when it is used.
Develop your resume early in your college career and update each semester.
Be cognizant of your personal brand. Sell yourself. Use bullets to identify your skills and accomplishments, even for summer or part-time jobs not related to the job for which you are applying.
Be sure your voicemail is set up and has a professional greeting.

Resources

Create a Good LinkedIn Profile

Key Outcomes

Building Professional Networks for College Students blog post

Topics raised for future discussion:

We will continue the job search discussion at the June 27 meeting.
The Events Committee is discussing a potential “Business Crawl” for students this fall. Various approaches to this event were discussed including using a “Parade of Homes” format, using a passport book or QR codes to register students. There was interested in holding a networking reception following the event. The Events Committee will continue to discuss.
Ohio County will be hosting an event on Wednesday, June 11 at 11 a.m. to discuss updates related to growth and retention and including a demonstration of an internship matching software tool being developed. Contact Stephanie Hockenberry for more information.
Project BEST will hold a Construction Career and Job Fair on September 17. More information is available at the Project BEST website.

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