Communication News

The Stevenson University athletic department has named two Business Communication alums to its 25th Anniversary tennis teams. In order to be eligible for the 25th Anniversary teams, former student-athletes must have exhausted their eligibility prior to 2018-19, have graduated from Villa Julie/Stevenson, and left their program and the institution in good standing. A maximum of 25 former student-athletes will be honored in each sport. Teams were selected with input from the head coach of each program, along with former coaches and players and a committee of Stevenson athletics staff, according to gomustangsports.com.

Included from Business Communication as a men's tennis team honoree is Brad Friedel, class of '99. and on the women's team, Lauren Humphries, class of '08. Congratulations to all the others named to the teams as well!

Have you been unable to get that foot-in-the-door interview, even though you sent your "perfectly acceptable" resume? Here are some terrific tips to avoid from LinkedIn guru Philip Chesney, a product manager at Alef Education.

1. Are you local? Most employers would generally prefer to hire someone who does not have to upend his or her life to start a job.

2. Are you authorized to work in the USA? There's a lot of red tape to cut through, otherwise. Find out which employers can handle the challenge.

3. Do you meet at least 70% of the minimum requirements of the posted job? Maybe you are not a perfect fit, but you need to meet most of the qualifications.

4. Do you have large unexplained employment gaps? If so, make sure you note classes you were taking or something you were doing during the gaps.

5. Are there too many short stays at previous jobs noted on your resume? If so, do you really need to mention all those jobs of short duration?

6. Did you take the time to actually name your resume correctly? Like, "Bill Smith Resume"

7. Have you carefully checked for spelling and grammar? Try to get a faculty member's eyes on your resume before it's sent out.

8. Have you formatted your resume for clarity, interest and priorities? Some kind of design will set you apart.

9. Is your resume too long? For anyone entering the job market, a concise one-page resume is the way to go.

10. Does your work and study experience actually match the job description?

11. Is your salary requirement in line with what sites like Glassdoor suggest? Or is your ask way out of the ballpark?

Take some time to get that resume in good shape for the job hunt this fall!

From LinkedIn content strategist Shanee Moret -- some terrific words of hiring wisdom that includes advice for job seekers as well:

"We hired a Gen-Z candidate with zero experience. Here’s why...

They arrived 10 min early for their morning interview (respect ✊), pronounced my name correctly (major kudos), had a firm handshake, dressed sharp, and brought a hard copy of their resume (I didn’t need it).

During the interview they smiled, made eye contact, and were honest about having zero experience (I value honesty).

They asked me questions and were eager to learn!

To all the hiring decision makers out there, don’t disqualify someone because they don’t have 'experience.'

If the candidate has integrity and a desire to learn, they can develop skills and experience with your guidance.

More 'experience' does not guarantee a harder work ethic or a better fit.

Sometimes the Gen-Z or Millennial person with little to no experience- who is grateful just for the opportunity- is the better fit because they are humble and hungry to learn.

All they need is for someone to give them a chance to prove their ability, regardless of their lack of experience."
 

Two Business Communication student-athletes were named to Academic All-Middle Atlantic Conference teams. According to gomustangsports, the winter Academic All-MAC teams honor "the top student-athletes both in the classroom and in athletic competition during the 2020 spring semester. The MAC sports information directors nominate and vote on the Academic All-MAC teams, giving 50 percent weight on both academic success and athletic success."

Recent graduate Annie Smythe-Hammond was one of five Mustangs named to the women's ice hockey team. An All-Conference Second Team selection as a goalie, Annie earned a 3.77 GPA and posted a 1.93 goals against average and a .925 save percentage. She had a career-high 372 saves en route to the 1,000 career save mark.

Sophomore Ryan Patrick, an All-MAC Second Team selection, earned a 4.0 GPA and finished tied for third on the team with 30 points while ranking second with 23 assists, according to gomustangsports.com. Congratulations to both student-athletes, and to all the award winners. (Photos from gomustangsports.com)

Congratulations to Business Communication alums Sarah Moelter ('10) and Elizabeth Penniman ('08) for being named to the Stevenson University/Villa Julie College 25th Anniversary Team in softball.

In order to be eligible for the 25th Anniversary teams, former student-athletes must have exhausted their eligibility prior to 2018-19, have graduated from Villa Julie/Stevenson, and left their program and the institution in good standing. A maximum of 25 former student-athletes will be honored in each sport. Teams were selected with input from the head coach of each program, along with former coaches and players and a committee of Stevenson athletics staff, according to gomustangsports.com.

Congratulations to all those honored!