Stacey Hanak was given a heads-up a few months ago that her employer would be downsizing. After many years on the job, her sales rep position eventually would be eliminated.
“We weren’t given a date or any other details,” the Hammond resident said at the recent Working Smarter To Be More Job Marketable seminar at Purdue University Calumet in Hammond. “But I’m trying to be proactive. I want to gather information about putting together a resume and other guidelines I’ll need to find a new job.”
Hanak joined about 100 others in Alumni Hall for the 28th annual event, which is considered a popular, long-standing outreach program designed for those who want to keep on top of the job-search game.
Topics covered ranged from “Mindfulness in the Workplace” and “Older Job Seekers in a Social Media Search World” to sessions focusing on interviews and resumes.
“There is no right or wrong way to write a resume. It’s a preference,” said Heather Runyan, Purdue Cal employment/compensation manager. “I’ll discuss some points that are my favorite, ones that help us determine if applicants are a good fit.”
In addition to stating a strong, clear job objective at the top of the resume, another area to concentrate on when applying for a position is to thoroughly read the advertisement, and specifically format your resume according to it, she said.
And following-up after a personal interview is imperative, Runyan said.
“Writing a thank-you letter is a long-lost art but very necessary,” she said. “Reference the date and time and what was talked about. The thank-you reminds the interviewer of who you are and what you’ve discussed with them — and may just put you apart from others applying for the position.”
Jan Langman is looking for something in office management after being laid off from her job at a medical facility two years ago. She was there 15 years and realizes the work world has changed. The 45-year-old Schererville resident said competing with much younger applicants is putting a new slant to her job search.
“I put this Working Smarter To Be More Job Marketable seminar at the top of my calendar this month, adding it to local job fairs and free computer classes at my library,” she said. “There’s so much that’s different now, so much I need to learn. I’m trying to get myself in a positive attitude. That’s how I think I’ll be successful.”
During the evening’s sessions, Purdue Cal counselor Ryan Parsons-Rozycki addressed Langman’s concern about mind-set. Her topic was, Mindfulness in the Workplace.
After describing her topic as, “keenly being aware of your surroundings and yourself,” she summed it up as “being in the moment.”
Instructing the audience that she wanted to try an exercise to bring home the effects of mindfulness, she had them close their eyes. For the next four minutes, attendees concentrated on their arms, hands and legs, letting all other thoughts drift away.
“Mindfulness can help stabilize your mood, whether its job-related or on a personal level,” she said when the exercise was over. “It’s not the stressor itself that causes you concern, but how you perceive it and your reaction to it.”
Amanda Hoholek of Hammond graduated from Purdue Calumet last year with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology.
“I’ve gone online and attended job fairs, but nothing has turned up yet,” she said, as she looked over the evening’s agenda. “I’m hoping to pick up some good information tonight.”
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A few people in the audience weren’t active job seekers.
Nancy Konopasek of Munster is a textbook author and editor, and also teaches as a substitute at Munster High School.
“I write textbooks about career exploration, and I may learn some tips I can incorporate into my revisions,” she said of her attendance. “Also, there may be information I can pass on to my students. They need to know as much as they can about looking for a job.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.