by cjxpadmin | Mar 31, 2014 | April 2014 Magazine, This Issue's FEATURE
By Silvia Seelig
Regular resumes have almost become obsolete. It is still a good idea to have one, but don’t stop there. We suggest that you always have an electronic resume at your convenience, but other than resumes, we will also discuss other job search tools available to you.
Electronic Resumes
The internet has become a tool widely used by many individuals searching for a job and many companies are now using the internet to find qualified candidates for positions they need to fill. Many companies are now requesting that job candidates apply online through their company websites for jobs instead of filling out paper applications or just providing a resume.
In order to be prepared for the online environment in your job search, you should have an electronic resume in addition to a paper resume. You may ask why have an electronic resume or what are the advantages of having one? Very simply, you will be able to submit your electronic resume to potential employers or individuals helping you find a job within minutes of talking with them by e-mailing your electronic resume to them. The internet provides you with the opportunity to immediately submit your resume with just a click of a button.
Also, since most people have e-mail capabilities on their phones today, you can access your electronic resume from wherever you are and are able to forward it to any interested party. Being able to take quick action in submitting your resume for a job could make all the difference between you getting a job versus being too late in submitting your resume for consideration. Having an electronic resume keeps you prepared for any opportunity that may arise.
A paper resume is written for a visual scan by an individual while an electronic resume is written to be searched by a computer. Putting an electronic resume together requires that you follow certain guidelines in order to have success in your job search. When employers look at electronic resumes, they use key words or phrases to find qualified candidates. In writing your electronic resume, you should focus on nouns to describe yourself to employers. These keywords should provide information on your work experience, education, and skills. Keep your electronic resume simple … remember that it is a computer that is reading your resume. Some simple guidelines to be effective are to use white paper, simple templates, no underlining, and if using bullets, be sure to space between the bullet and the text that follows. These guidelines can help your electronic resume stand out from the pool of resumes that are being searched by employers.
Applicant Database and Tracking
Many companies are using resume database services that maintain pools of job applicants and having an electronic resume is mandatory for any applicant to be entered into the employee candidate pool of resumes. CampusJobXpress (CJX) uses such a database system for applicant information as well as tracking. Employers provide CJX with specific qualifications required for a job by using relevant keywords or phrases which will be used to match the specific qualifications to possible candidates by having the system search the database. Again, using nouns as your keywords and/or phrases on your electronic resume will make it easier for you to get noticed when employers are looking for qualified candidates and it can be done quickly.
With the Applicant Tracking tool, CJX can maintain a job seeker’s process as they interview from company to company. The job seeker’s job search efforts will be followed closely and monitored throughout the process of finding employment by company, dates and various other criteria.
Employment Web Page
There are many online platforms available to those seeking jobs today. There are job bank sites, recruiting companies, and company websites that allow you to submit an electronic resume. These platforms can range from being able to submit only an electronic resume or to those sites that offer you the opportunity to submit video bios and pictures of yourself. CampusJobXpress offers free employment web pages to all job seekers. This database site offers those individuals seeking jobs an opportunity to create a personalized web page on the CJX platform at no cost to the job seeker. Job applicants are able to submit an electronic resume, a picture, a summary of qualifications, and a video resume. These individuals are then entered into an applicant job pool and their resumes are then available to any employer who is seeking candidates for its job openings.
This type of database offers job applicants an opportunity to be considered for a job without having to apply for it because employers are contacting CampusJobXpress and asking that they search their applicant pool database and search through the electronic resumes to find qualified candidates for them to contact. These types of services are more effective in helping you find the job you are looking for without having to go from one company to another. Take advantage of the online services available to you and have more success in your job search.
The Employment Web Page consists of your electronic resume, your summary of qualifications or bio, your professional photo as well as a video resume. It also provides a URL for job seekers to send to interested employers or other individuals.
Resume
Once a job seeker registers onto campusjobxpress.com, they can upload their resume to the CampusJobXpress platform. This resume will be available to any employer seeking applicants.
Summary of Qualifications
This bio will either be extracted from the resume itself or one will be developed for the job seeker to showcase their qualifications, education, experience and skills and abilities. The employer will be able to view the job seeker’s bio at a glance and know which applicant they would like to interview.
Professional Photo
The job seeker can either upload their own photo to the website or request to have one taken. Photos should be taken with a clear background and the job seeker should wear clothing of solid colors, not heavily patterned. A smile is always nice on a professional photo. CJX Staff will approve all photos uploaded to the website.
Video Resume
The video should be no less than 30 seconds but no longer than one minute. If the job seeker chooses to record their own video, they can then upload it to the website for viewing capabilities by any employer on the CJX database system. Again, remember to have that clear background and no noise factors while you are recording. Just as in the photo, remember to smile during or at the end of your video. Thank the viewer for taking the time to view your video. If the job seeker does not have the capability or the tools necessary for creating a video resume, then, they may request from CampusJobXpress to have one done for them. This can be requested by simply sending an e-mail to info@campusjobxpress.com.
URL
A URL is created for each job seeker who creates a video resume. This URL is a link that appears at the bottom of the Employment Web Page. The URL can also be placed anywhere on the job seeker’s resume or if the job seeker chooses to send it to an interested employer, they may provide the link by e-mail, text message, or any other means available to them.
All information on the CampusJobXpress website is secure and password-protected and can only be viewed by registered employers, never by other users!
Register NOW for your own Employment Web Page at campusjobxpress.com!
by cjxpadmin | Dec 3, 2013 | December 2013 Magazine, This Issue's FEATURE
I know you have probably heard it all with regard to interviews. Well, I am here to share just one more, or two maybe, items for you to ponder as you prepare for your interview.
First, we always have to think about our form of dress and appearance. Your appearance is the key to success. The main issue most people have with getting a job isn’t their background checks or history; it’s all because of their appearance and what they chose to wear to an interview.
You want to go into an interview with just a bit of degree higher than you would look if you were actually going to work there everyday. When going to interview, you should have a look preferred by the employer. You want to go a bit beyond that look. Ladies, short skirts or revealing dresses will not give the right impression. Gentlemen, showing off your abs with really tight clothes won’t do it either.
How you dress isn’t the only thing to affect you securing a well paying job. Your body language and posture are major factors as well. Walk with your head held high and your back straight.
When you are waiting or during the interview, you need to sit with your back straight and your hands placed in your lap. It’s not good to fidget or tap your fingers while in the waiting room or during your interview.
Many people have issues with being able to sit still for a long period of time.
A really good tip on being able to sit still for a good bit of time is to practice sitting a certain way at home to see how you are most comfortable sitting.
Your speaking is also a major factor in getting hired. You need to have the correct usage of words. You should pronounce each word so the employer or your interviewer can understand you and know what it is you are trying to say. You should not chew gum or have anything in your mouth at the time of your interview.
When you are speaking, make sure your points are valid and believable. Never rattle on and on giving the impression that you are uneducated or uninformed. You want them to believe you are as intelligent as you appear. A word you should never use during your interview is “ain’t.” Even though “ain’t” is in the English dictionary and is used as a non-standard term, it really has no use in the conversation when you are interviewing for a job. If you have to use big words, ensure that you know how to use them properly and make sure that you know what they mean.
When you shake the hand of the person who is interviewing you, make sure you shake their hand firmly and not wimpy. You don’t want to leave your interviewer with the thought that they were just holding a dead fish. Make your shake warm and energetic, but don’t break anyone’s fingers. When you see your interviewer approaching, stand up and move toward them. You should definitely make eye contact with them as you introduce yourself.
Firmly shake their hand and remember to keep either a smiling face or at least a pleasant looking face. After they introduce themselves, make sure that you respond with “Very nice to meet you Mr./Ms. ____.” Repeating their name allows you to remember who you are dealing with and it will help you know their name should you need to call back and ask about the status of your interview or in sending a thank you note after the interview.
Also remember to do your research on the company prior to going to the interview. It always helps to know something about the company and their policies before you go on the interview. If you get hired with this company, you want to ensure that it is going to be a position that you really wanted and a company that is within your realm of desires, needs and wants.
Check out locations, benefits, history, policies, staff and anything else you can find out about the company. Be well informed and you will succeed!
By Ayunne Collins
by cjxpadmin | Dec 3, 2013 | December 2013 Magazine, This Issue's FEATURE
An online Job Fair is designed to assist employers and job applicants in locating the best match for both parties. This is all done strictly online. The purpose of the site is to connect employers and the best and most talented employees available.
Employers will post their available positions online with specifications for each job posted on various online job fair events. The job seeker can then browse through the available positions and select those for which they are most qualified.
Some programs entail doing pre-screening sessions with participants who have been deemed qualified for positions posted by participating employers. After the screening, participants are then referred to the appropriate employer by setting them up with an appointment date and time.
Interested participants should post their resume on the job event website for consideration of any posted positions.
What separates one person from another in the professional world?
Some would say experience, some would say education, and still others may say desire or drive. Whatever the difference, employers now have the ability to choose people who have been deemed the “best of the best.”
When using this new technique, employers are not selecting an unknown entity. Through the Workforce agencies, some candidates may attend classes which allow trainers to identify personalities, traits and experiences. With this knowledge, candidates are also assessed for employability traits, to include; integrity, substance abuse, reliability and work ethic. Assessments confirm what is being discovered in the classroom.
This Online Job Fair is beneficial because it allows applicants to apply for more jobs from many different locations without having to worry about transportation, child care and long lines plus not being able to connect with the employer. The Online Job Fair assures the applicant to make that connection with the employer every time.
An online Job Fair is designed to assist employers and job applicants in locating the best match for both parties. This is all done strictly online. The purpose of the site is to connect employers and the best and most talented employees available.
Employers will post their available positions online with specifications for each job posted on various online job fair events. The job seeker can then browse through the available positions and select those for which they are most qualified.
Some programs entail doing pre-screening sessions with participants who have been deemed qualified for positions posted by participating employers. After the screening, participants are then referred to the appropriate employer by setting them up with an appointment date and time.
Interested participants should post their resume on the job event website for consideration of any posted positions.
What separates one person from another in the professional world? Some would say experience, some would say education, and still others may say desire or drive. Whatever the difference, employers now have the ability to choose people who have been deemed the “best of the best.”
When using this new technique, employers are not selecting an unknown entity. Through the Workforce agencies, some candidates may attend classes which allow trainers to identify personalities, traits and experiences. With this knowledge, candidates are also assessed for employability traits, to include; integrity, substance abuse, reliability and work ethic. Assessments confirm what is being discovered in the classroom.
This Online Job Fair is beneficial because it allows applicants to apply for more jobs from many different locations without having to worry about transportation, child care and long lines plus not being able to connect with the employer. The Online Job Fair assures the applicant to make that connection with the employer every time.
The most important aspect for the employer is to be precise and specific about the job posting. Ensure that every last little detail is spelled out according to the type of potential employee they are seeking.
The most important aspect for the applicant is presentation — the resume.
Ensure that the resume is professionally written and produced to ensure that the employer takes notice. Other options along with a resume is the possibility of a video resume. This newest tool allows the job seeker to create a one-minute or less video of themselves talking about their specific education, background, experience and skills.
CampusJobXpress.com wants to assist employers by providing them with the “best of the best” employees as well as assist job seekers by providing them with the best jobs available.
Connect to campusjobxpress.com and register to receive various employment services to assist you in your job search.
By Melvin Collins, Jr. & Yolanda Salazar
by cjxpadmin | Dec 3, 2013 | December 2013 Magazine, This Issue's FEATURE
Do you ever sit and wonder, “What am I good at?” “What do I have to offer?” or “How can I help others?”
All of us, at some point, question ourselves about what makes us important … what makes us special … and the answers lie within ourselves. What is a gift, you may wonder, and do I have one?
Believe it or not, we all have a gift. A gift can be something you do very well and something that comes naturally to you. Most people call your talent a gift. “Such as what?” you say. Well, you could have a talent in singing, acting, riding horses, riding motorcycles, dancing, party planning, cooking, building, playing an instrument, it can be in the way you talk with people or how you listen …. The possibilities are endless.
We all have a hidden talent waiting to be explored. You are never too old or too young to discover your special gift or gifts. Once you start exploring yourself, you will realize how truly gifted you really are.
One young lady, Murphy Hunter, tells us herself that she grew up too fast. She made decisions that impacted her life tremendously. She dropped out of school and became a wife and mother of three at a young age. Murphy found herself shouldered with huge responsibilities, but used her children as her motivation.
Murphy knew by looking at her children that she had to be the one to change the cycle. She stated, “I knew I had to practice what I preached.” She states, “My children became my drive … my inspiration … my weapon to get me through every difficult obstacle.” Murphy had to make some tough decisions and had to set goals for herself and her children.
She had to let go of personal aspirations which were her gifts and focus on what was going to allow her to take care of her family. Murphy states, “I didn’t grow up with goals of college or achieving a dream job … I didn’t even know what the American dream was all about.” What Murphy did know, was that she had three small children and was a single parent. Time was of the essence and she had to set realistic goals … she had no time to waste.
Murphy enrolled in a community college and completed her GED. She, then, enrolled in college for four years to become a surgical technician and earned several certificates in the process. Murphy was determined to become a success for herself and her children.
She established a solid foundation of support from friends and family who encouraged her and assisted her during her journey. It’s very important to all of us when we are pursuing something greater, to have a solid foundation of people who will keep us motivated and who will keep us on track when times get hard.
Murphy has worked in the medical field for over 14 years and states, “It’s given me and my children a good life.” Her achievements have also served as an inspiration for her children to pursue success, regardless of the obstacles that may exist.
All of us have to keep pushing forward in achieving the goals that we set for ourselves. Don’t let obstacles stop you … find a way to push through … use your foundation of support and reach your goals. Sometimes, your hidden talents, your gifts are the means to success. You have to LOVE what you do. Otherwise, you settle for a long unsatisfactory work life. You bring in the money, but you don’t have the joy.
Murphy knew her gifts were in medicine but she also loved taking photographs. She states, “I’ve loved photography since age 12 and considered it a hobby.” In pursuing her means to provide for her family, she had focused on medicine but when she remarried, her husband encouraged her to pursue photography.
Of her husband, Murphy says, “My husband is a wonderful man who supports me and convinced me to pursue my hobby and become a professional photographer.”
She continued to work in medicine, but started to work on her profession as a photographer and her gift of taking photographs has been recognized by others.
Murphy has a gift behind the camera lens and captures the soul of those she photographs. Murphy says, “I want to represent an idea of a possibility … a possibility that I can create whatever I want to create. I can look at a person or an object and pull out what makes that person or object special. I don’t know how I do it, but when I look through my camera lens, I see nothing but possibilities. I’m an artist that uses the world as my canvas and I photograph what my eyes see.”
Murphy has shown us that while faced with obstacles in our lives, whether it’s limited education, responsibilities of being a single parent, having to face losing our job and having to start over … we can overcome those obstacles. In the process, we can explore what we are good at which often are what our special gifts are and pursue a new career that incorporates our “love” which are our gifts.
When we are pursuing and doing what we love, we find ourselves motivated to succeed. We need to live our own life… the way that we want to live it. Who knows? What you thought might just be fun or a hobby of sorts, could very well turn out to be your next career. Choose to be happy in our lives and in your work. Murphy Hunter certainly did.
Murphy stated, “If you’re not doing something that makes a difference in someone’s life … whether it be your own or someone else’s … you can feel you are wasting your time. Find out what drives you … find your inspiration … and make goals. Just do it … it’s that simple.”
Murphy Hunter’s D6Pix Productions offers all types of photography services to include weddings, bridal showers, graduations, birthdays, christenings, corporate events, proms and quinceaneras as well as personal and model sessions, both male and female. She offers contemporary, portraiture and traditional photos and can create packages in the form of albums, custom graphic design, digital files and more….
We, at CampusJobXpress, have used Murphy Hunter/D6Pix Productions on several occasions. As a matter of fact, our Novemer issue of our magazine is one of her designs. Take a look and be expecting more covers from Murphy Hunter/D6Pix Productions in the future.
Check out some of her photographs at www.facebook.com/pages/D6pix-Photography-by-Murphy-Hunter/620632147979996?ref=br_tf. She also has a Facebook magazine page at www.facebook.com/D6pixMagazine. She can be contacted at MurphyHunterD6pix@yahoo.com or call her at 512-966-8995.
By Yolanda L. Salazar & Silvia Seelig
by cjxpadmin | Nov 1, 2013 | This Issue's FEATURE
By Sheena Williams
At this time in our history, it is so easy to point the finger at someone else, or say it’s someone else’s fault that something happened. It’s almost second nature to say that it was the other person’s fault. But it is your responsibility to get yourself to work on time. It is your job to make sure that your reports are submitted in a timely fashion. It is your job to ensure that the directions you give your employees are good ones. In a word, everyone tries to pass the buck. It is up to you to make sure that you are taking responsibility for your actions.
The best way to ensure that you are doing what you are supposed to is self-introspection. Ask yourself questions and see if you can answer them honestly. Don’t look at Jim, Janice, Jon or Janet. It was not their job to have your work done. So, to make sure that you doing what you are supposed to be doing, we’ve put together some things you should ask yourself.
Was the job assigned to you? There are times when we will switch out responsibilities, or float our schedule due to need, or maybe to help someone out. However, if you agreed to do something and traded with someone without telling your employer about it, there’s a problem. As far as anyone else knows, you are still in charge of the job. So when something hits the fan and the job is not completed, it means that you are going to be the one called on the carpet.- Did you get it in writing? There have been so many times when you ave spoken to someone on the phone and gotten a verbal agreement. It means nothing until it is documented. Make sure that whatever favor you do or whatever promise is made to you that you get it in writing. Even if it’s in an e-mail, it is at least a documented statement that there was intent. If you failed to get it writing, it would still end up being your fault.
Are you doing only what you are able? A lot of the time, our responsibilities fall by the wayside because you made too many promises to too many people. Your time is now torn between doing what you are supposed to be doing, and doing favors for Tom, Dick and Harry. It’s fine to help people out, but not at the detriment of your own well-being or work. Try to keep your workload and your promises real and reasonable.- Do you have the adequate resources to fulfill that job? Yes, you say, you can do this, and this, and that. But if you don’t have the time, money, know how, or resources, it’s going to be an uphill climb making that happen. Make sure you can do what you say you can do before it becomes a problem
- Have you communicated with everyone involved? So, it turns out that you’re running late on whatever you’re supposed to be doing. Have you told the appropriate party? Have you contacted a supervisor, or told the field rep that there is a complication? Most problems can be avoided if you tell someone soon enough that there is an issue. They can be fixed if you give people the time to fix them.
Have you taken control of your situation? No one is going to take care of you better than you. Have you done everything you can to make your situation work? Have you made the right calls? Have you completed the right assignments? It’s going to be pretty awkward if you don’t have all your ducks in a row and you are trying to point out someone else’s wrongs.- Are you pointing out other people’s wrongs? You messed up. You know you messed up, and it’s pretty obvious you messed up. Own it and move on. Don’t turn around and say, “Cindy from Tech Support should have done it.” By you taking responsibility, it is far better than becoming a “tattletale” when something goes wrong.
Taking responsibility is not only good for business, it’s a survival technique. By taking responsibility for your actions, people know that you can be trusted. They know that at the end of the day, you are someone who will not only get the job done, but will fix it when it goes wrong. △
by cjxpadmin | Oct 3, 2013 | This Issue's FEATURE
By Melvin Collins, Jr.
Getting the attention of an employer is one of the greatest tasks a job seeker has to conquer. No matter how good the resume, a web page doubles your value as a qualified applicant. If a job seeker has not captured the attention of a prospective employer demonstrating their personality, positive being, enthusiasm for the position and a general knowledge of what is expected, you’ve wasted your time and theirs. With all of this, it becomes a plain application for employment.
Showcasing your talent on a resume can be very difficult as you have to show various skills and talents on a one- or two-page document. How does the employer know that you have a great attitude? How does the employer know that you possess the drive needed to accomplish the needed goals of his position? How does the employer know that you can communicate your thoughts and knowledge?
The competition for most good jobs is fierce, to say the least! You are competing against an untold number of individuals with various levels of skills and abilities. You may be the best person for the job, but they may be the better writer. Therefore, a resume has afforded them the opportunity to interview and compete for a job with a resume they probably didn’t even write. They hired someone.
How do you effectively compete? We are now suggesting that individuals who are very serious about their career may need to consider an employment video web page. The video web page contains a resume, a bio or summary of qualifications as well as a photo. However, one added feature to this page makes this tool uniquely yours and no one else’s. It would be your 
one-minute or less video featuring YOU! With your video, it is you… and only you. It is your smile, your voice, your words and your feelings. This cannot be faked.
With the employment video web page, an employer gets to see you and considers the real you, not just a piece of paper. Your presence on the screen will convey your sense of commitment, desire for the job and works as a face-to-face interview, under your control. You tell the employer what you have to offer and what you are looking for in a position or company.
CampusJobXpress presents a special way for applicants to demonstrate their skills, education and abilities. With this web page, an individual shows what they have to offer. Employers will be able to review:
- A snapshot of their summary of qualifications
- A full resume
- A photo
- A video presentation of the applicant telling their own story
After reviewing this web page, an employer can determine their next move. They are impressed with what they see and hear. They have a resume and a good feeling. This trumps a two-page resume any time. You now have the option to send an employer a link to your page which should put you in a better position for consideration for any position you seek. Save time and money by using this most efficient tool! △
Many companies are using resume database services that maintain pools of job applicants and having an electronic resume is mandatory for any applicant to be entered into the employee candidate pool of resumes. CampusJobXpress (CJX) uses such a database system for applicant information as well as tracking. Employers provide CJX with specific qualifications required for a job by using relevant keywords or phrases which will be used to match the specific qualifications to possible candidates by having the system search the database. Again, using nouns as your keywords and/or phrases on your electronic resume will make it easier for you to get noticed when employers are looking for qualified candidates and it can be done quickly.
There are many online platforms available to those seeking jobs today. There are job bank sites, recruiting companies, and company websites that allow you to submit an electronic resume. These platforms can range from being able to submit only an electronic resume or to those sites that offer you the opportunity to submit video bios and pictures of yourself. CampusJobXpress offers free employment web pages to all job seekers. This database site offers those individuals seeking jobs an opportunity to create a personalized web page on the CJX platform at no cost to the job seeker. Job applicants are able to submit an electronic resume, a picture, a summary of qualifications, and a video resume. These individuals are then entered into an applicant job pool and their resumes are then available to any employer who is seeking candidates for its job openings.