Job Fair Articles
Winning Resume Tips
Creating a winning résumé
Your resumé is your entrée to a company. Following are a few tips for creating a résumé that gets results.
Have a strong beginning that includes a summary of your skills and experiences. “You want to make a good impression,” said Bonnie Miller of The BrownMiller Group.
Make sure your résumé looks good. “Think about the reader,” said Cathy Rollman of Randolph-Macon College. “You want your résumé to be organized and easy to read. You want it to stand out.”
List your qualifications with bullet points.
Follow job descriptions with a bulleted list of accomplishments and results. Describe the impact you’ve made at each job. For example, if you’re applying for a sales position, you may write something like “Increased sales by 25 percent over the previous month.”
Tailor your résumé. “Think about what the job is and make sure what you have on the résumé is relevant to the job,” Miller said.
- List your jobs in reverse chronological order for ease of reading.
- Use action verbs and keywords. Use words from the job description in your résumé.
- Use a font style as well as an e-mail address that is appropriate and professional.
- Make sure your name jumps off the page. Bold or italicize your name, or put it in a different font.
- Have several people proofread your résumé after you have proofed it. Résumés need to be perfect.
Paralyzed Veterans Get Help Finding Jobs
Injured in a motorcycle accident, Erik Burmeister is not sure he will walk again.
“I could regain function because the spinal cord was not cut,” said Burmeister, who has been a patient at McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond for about a month. Burmeister, 33, who gets around in a wheelchair for now, was training to be a medic in the Army National Guard at Fort Bragg in North Carolina before he was hurt.
When he is discharged, one thing that will be waiting for him if he needs it is help finding a job.
The Paralyzed Veterans of America yesterday revealed a project that will work with existing vocational rehabilitation efforts at McGuire to help injured veterans find jobs.
THE PROJECT: The Paralyzed Veterans of America, an advocacy group with 34 chapters across the United States, will operate a vocational rehabilitation office at McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The program is a collaboration between Paralyzed Veterans of America, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Health Net Federal Services, a private firm that has a government contract to administer military health benefits.
WHO WILL RECEIVE HELP: “Employment has not been very accessible to veterans with disabilities,” said Randy L. Pleva Sr., national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. “At least now they have somewhere they can go.” A counselor will help paralyzed veterans identify resources, such as tuition assistance and transportation help, and also will provide job leads. There are an estimated 1,257 paralyzed veterans in the area served by the Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network. That service area includes Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina.
“We have people who can’t get a job because they can’t get to work,” said Bo Rollins, director of field services for Paralyzed Veterans of America.
HOW MUCH IT COSTS: Health Net is providing startup funds of $100,000 for each of the next two years for the pilot project.
DOES IT DUPLICATE SERVICES ALREADY OFFERED THROUGH THE VETERANS AFFAIRS SYSTEM?: McGuire has three vocational rehabilitation counselors. “In some cases, redundancy is good,” said Judy Caden, national director of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for Veterans Affairs. “The goal here is to add another layer of services ... to make connections with employers.”
Expansion plans: Rollins said the Paralyzed Veterans of America hopes to add three more offices around the country next year and will continue to add offices “until money runs out.” Success will be measured by the number of veterans who get jobs, but also by how those folks do in the long term.
“Disability needs change as you age,” Rollins said.
Tammie Smith is a staff writer at the Richmond Times-Dispatch
CENTRO de Richmond
CENTRO de Richmond is just 21 months old and already it’s the most respected- and widely circulated Spanish-language news and information source in Central Virginia.
The seriousness, timeliness and variety of CENTRO’s content, its eye-popping graphics and its focus on each of the many different Spanish-speaking communities that live here in metro-Richmond -- recent immigrants from across Latin America and Spain who are hungry for a quick, honest education about U.S. laws, politics, schools, shopping, and religious traditions; non-Hispanic students of the Spanish language and Latin American cultures, plus U.S.-born Hispanic-Americans hungry for timely and accurate Latino cultural and community news -- set CENTRO de Richmond miles apart from all its rivals.
“Unlike our competitors, who direct their products and focus their distribution efforts on the most recent immigrants from Mexico and Central America, we tailor our content, design and circulation strategies to inform, educate and entertain the tens of thousands of Latino Richmonders who were born every nation where Spanish is spoken, including the U.S., Puerto Rico, Spain, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and all across South America, including Brazil,” said Tim Loughran, CENTRO de Richmond’s founding editor and general manager.
CENTRO de Richmond’s editorial mission is three-fold: 1.) narrow the public information gap that often prevents immigrant families from making the smart decisions they need to earn a living, become U.S. citizens and protect their families from the many dishonest people who prey upon non-English speakers; 2.) educate Latin American immigrants to the many different cultures and traditions that thrive all across the Western Hemisphere, and 3.) help non-Latinos communicate with their newest neighbors and co-workers and understand the many different cultures and special values of Central Virginia’s fastest-growing community.
Each week, 12,000 copies of CENTRO de Richmond (and rising) are distributed across the region through a growing network of banks, hospitals, churches and other houses of worship, large apartment complexes, Latino nightclubs, restaurants and grocery stores, large employers, Goodwill outlets, Wal-Mart stores, Kroger and Food Lion supermarkets, Walgreens pharmacies, Hardees restaurants, adult education centers, middle schools, high schools, and all area colleges and universities.
So, what’s next for CENTRO de Richmond?
Increasing numbers of CENTRO families live and work in every zip code in metro-Richmond from Louisa, Ashland and Caroline County to Mechanicsville, Williamsburg and Prince George. Our goal is to bring copies of CENTRO to their doorsteps and mailboxes.
VDOT program hires wounded warriors
Chad Ellinger hadn’t broken every bone in his body when a stone wall fell on him during fighting in Iraq — but he came pretty close.
“It was very clear and obvious to me that I wouldn’t be able to return to active duty,” the former Marine sergeant said yesterday.
Now he’s working for the Virginia Department of Transportation as a security and technology specialist thanks to a special internship program for wounded veterans.
“This is something totally new to me,” the 28-year-old Staunton man said. “VDOT’s offering me the ability to take some courses and get some nationally recognized certifications.”
Ellinger is one of two Marine veterans who served in Iraq and have been hired through VDOT’s intern program for wounded warriors.
Former Cpl. Jason L. Weaver is working as an engineer technician in the highway agency’s Fredericksburg District.
The program is being paid for with a $250,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration, according to VDOT spokeswoman Sande Snead.
VDOT hopes to hire 10 veterans, primarily people who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The internships will last from six months to two years, the agency said, depending on the needs of the veterans and the VDOT office where they work.
The part-time internship fit Ellinger’s needs exactly. “I wanted to find a new job that better suited my abilities — and disabilities,” he said.
Before returning to his home, Ellinger spent months in hospitals being treated for his numerous fractures and internal injuries sustained during the second Battle of Fallujah in November 2004.
“We are proud to welcome our returning veterans home from war with new opportunities in the commonwealth of Virginia,” Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said in a statement.
“This program is the first of its kind for a state department of transportation,” Kaine said, “and serves as a model to other [transportation agencies] throughout the country.”
Ellinger’s responsibilities include information technology, security and records management, while Weaver is working in highway materials testing.
Both veterans received numerous medals and awards for their service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, the state said.
Ellinger has an associate degree in business management from Blue Ridge Community College, and Weaver graduated from King George High School.
Veterans in the intern program can compete for permanent VDOT positions, jobs in the private sector or other government agencies.
VDOT is promoting the program to businesses that work with the agency so that veterans can have broader choices in their job searches. But Ellinger wants his eventual career to be with VDOT.
“Absolutely,” he said. “I would not have taken this job had I not thought this could lead to something.”
Peter Bacque is a staff writer at the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Company Bios
Aflac – www.aflac.com
Averett University designs career programs for busy working professionals taking into consideration scheduling requirements, skills and knowledge, and personal and career goals. With class sites in the West End, Southside , Petersburg and Charlottesville, the center offers general education coursework, BBA, MBA and M.Ed. degree programs. Degree completion can be achieved in approximately two years. Info: www.averett.edu
Beta Tech - Beta Tech is a well-established adult education institute with affordable and flexible programs allowing adult students to finish school, develop real world skills, and advance their careers. Beta Tech develops each program with one goal - to place you in a better career. We offer degree programs in Paralegal Law, Medical Assistant (Clinical), Computer Network Management and a diploma program in Massage Therapy. With classes available day and evening, achieving your goals can happen for you. Beta Tech can help you get there with career training in just months instead of years. Info: www.betatech.edu
Chesterfield Fire and Emergency Medical Services is recruiting firefighters. Our organization is a combination career/volunteer system with 461 career and approximately 300 active volunteer personnel operating out of 20 fire and 9 rescue stations. Chesterfield Fire and EMS is Committed to Workforce Diversity. Great Service By Great People. For more details visit www.chesterfield.gov/fire
CSX is s world-class railroad with an unmatched commitment to safety. For information visit: www.csx.com
Cumberland Hospital is a progressive, 134-bed facility serving children and adolescents. Cumberland is different from other hospitals because it offers a unique combination of medical, behavioral and rehabilitative services. The hospital has a reputation for changing young lives by providing quality health care through its dedicated team of health-care professionals.
HCA Richmond is the region's largest private employer and member of the nation's leading health-care provider with 180 affiliate hospitals and over 200 outpatient centers in 23 states and England. We are committed to the care and improvement of human life, delivering high-quality, cost-effective healthcare to Central VA, through our network of hospitals, imaging and surgical centers, our Patient Account and Supply Chain Services. Learn more about us by visiting HCARichmond.com.
The International Mission Board is an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention. The board's main objective is presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ in order to lead individuals to saving faith in Him among all the peoples of the world. A large, capable and talented staff is required to send out, support and coordinate the strategic service of more than 5,000 missionaries around the world. The International Mission Board employs people who wish to share in this global Christian outreach and who have expertise in a variety of technical and non-technical professions
Owens & Minor - A fortune 500 company headquartered in Richmond, VA, is the nation’s leading distributor of National name-brand medical and surgical supplies and a nationwide leader in supply chain integration. Through our distribution centers across the United States we deliver the difference to hospitals and integrated health care systems; offering our customers a diverse selection of medical/surgical supplies and just as important, superior supply chair solutions. www.owens-minor.com
The Richmond Times-Dispatch (www.inRich.com) serves its customers as the leading provider of high-quality news, advertising commentary, community conversations and entertainment in Central Virginia. We are looking for forward-thinking individuals who share our values of integrity, quality and innovation to join our team as we continue to build our portfolio of print and digital products. Richmond Times-Dispatch is owned by Media General (www.MediaGeneral.com) an independent, publicly owned communications company situated primarily in the Southeast with interests in newspapers, television stations and interactive media. View our current job openings at http://jobs.mediageneral.com
Strayer University has over 115 years of experience educating working adults. Currently, more than 31,000 students are enrolled at Strayer University in information technology and business-oriented programs. Undergraduate and graduate programs are available at multiple campuses, and completely online via the Internet. Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. To learn more about Strayer University, visit http://learnmore.strayer.edu, or call 1-888-4-STRAYER.
At SunCom, you will be part of an elite team of professionals who constantly challenge themselves and each other. You’ll soon discover that the rewards for Associates who step up to the challenge are meaningful and lasting. You’ll be in a position to make a significant impact on a growing, dynamic organization, right from the start. Info: www.suncom.jobs.
Vangent is a leading global provider of Consulting, Systems Integration, Human Capital Management, and Business Process Outsourcing services to government, commercial, education, and healthcare organizations. Vangent is a diverse, prosperous and rewarding place to work, where our employees are provided with competitive benefits, educational assistance and career growth opportunities. Every employee is valued for their talents and contributions, and takes pride in doing work that shapes the impact of services to our customers, aiding in the overall success of the company.
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is Richmond’s single largest employer, with approximately 16,000 employees. AARP has named VCU one of the "Best Employers for Workers over 50" for three consecutive years in a row. A top family-friendly university, its nationally acclaimed work/life programs help employees balance their careers with the every day responsibilities of life. Please visit www.vcujobs.com to view and apply for job opportunities at VCU.
Virginia Credit Union, Inc. has provided affordable financial services to our customers for over 79 years. With assets exceeding $1.5 billion and a membership of more than 180,000 individuals we are among the top credit unions in the country. Join Virginia Credit Union and find out why it is a great place to work as well as to do business. Info: www.vacu.org
Virginia Department of General Services is a state agency that provides a variety of services (real estate management, laboratory testing, procurement, engineering/ architectural services and facilities management) that serve the citizens of Virginia and help other state agencies function more quickly and efficiently. Please visit our Website at www.dgs.virginia.gov to find out more about our current job opportunities and to apply on-line.
Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice - “A Balanced Approach” The Department of Juvenile Justice offers a variety of career opportunities in the areas of: Administrative, Nursing, Probation & Parole and Juvenile Corrections Officers. Please visit our website at www.djj.virginia.gov EEO
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is responsible for building, maintaining and operating the state's roads, bridges and tunnels. And, through the Commonwealth Transportation Board, it also provides funding for airports, seaports, rail and public transportation. Virginia has the third-largest state-maintained highway system in the country, just behind North Carolina and Texas. www.vdot.jobs
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