Fifty-two Ozarka College students, as well as several faculty, staff and guests, recently participated in "Inspired to Get Hired," the 2013 Employability Skills Conference at Ozarka College.
The conference, which was sponsored by the Ozarka College Career Pathways program and Student Success Center, featured Dr. Jan McCormick, founder and CEO of FullCircle Career Service, and Charlotte Strickland, educational seminar coordinator at the University of Central Arkansas.
Dr. McCormick's opening session was entitled, "The Top Ten Things Employers Wish You Knew." She explained how important it is to make a positive impression in a short amount of time. Students were encouraged to look through the eyes of the employer and ask three fundamental questions:
Can they do the job?
Will they do the job?
Are they a good fit for the company?
The day continued with alternating breakout sessions featuring Dr. McCormick and Charlotte Strickland, founder of Strickly Speaking and education seminar coordinator for the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
Dr. McCormick's breakout session was entitled, "Resume and Beyond: Your Personal Branding Toolkit" / "Pitch and Presentation: You are Your Business Card." This informative session took students through the steps of creating a stand-out resume and cover letter and advised them how to appreciate and promote the uniqueness of what they have to offer potential employers.
Four basic types were identified and explored, with particular focus on each type's motivating factors, strengths and weaknesses. Strickland urged students to appreciate their style, accept and appreciate other styles, and try to develop the best features of other styles.
During lunch, students were treated to a fashion show featuring Ozarka College students and employees entitled "What Not to Wear for an Interview." The crowd learned a number of tips and suggestions for dressing for success, while all joined in some good-natured laughter at the examples of interviewees who wouldn't get hired because of their attire. Rick Ramsey, system analyst in Ozarka College's Information Systems Department, officiated as announcer for the fashion show.
Strickland's closing keynote session, "Eight Keys to Success," highlighted the eight key steps to success: vision, being teachable, attitude, willingness to assume responsibility, treating people well, involvement, knowing who you are and perseverance.
Strickland shared fun and engaging examples of each step. She concluded by asking students to consider these steps and ask themselves what they need to start doing, stop doing and continue doing to be successful.
The Ozarka College Student Success Center is dedicated to helping all students achieve their academic and career goals. Its mission is to provide every student with the support and assistance they need to set goals based on their personal interests, skills and abilities and to attain them. Services include tutoring at all college locations, workshops, career counseling and r`sum` assistance.
The Ozarka College Career Pathways program is designed to assist eligible students in overcoming barriers in their pursuit of higher education and employment training. Qualified applicants may be eligible for assistance with tuition, fees, books, child care, rising fuel costs, counseling and other services.![]()
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