May 6, 2011, Greencastle, Ind. — "These days, many job seekers go online to connect with employers," notes a Voice of America segment which interviews DePauw University's "career coach." Steve Ember reports, "Job
candidates want to show they have a lot to offer. But in many cases
they simply apply for a job title and list their work experience.
Instead, they should describe the talents and abilities they could
bring to an organization. That is the advice of Steve Langerud, director of professional
opportunities at DePauw University in Indiana."
VOA notes that Langerud "advises students on career planning and often talks about workplace issues in the media. He says social media sites are valuable when they show the abilities of job candidates and not just their job title and experience."
According to Langerud, "This really is a talent economy, and we're stuck with most job seekers presenting themselves in a job title mode. And I don't think it matches very well."
Ember adds, "Steve Langerud says employers, too, should change their search methods. They should think harder about the skills they really need to help their organization reach its goals."
"Because at the end of the day, it's still about getting the right people in the right place at the right time and then keeping them," says Langerud.
Access audio and text of the piece -- which is airing in East Asia (China), Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and most of Africa -- at Voice of America's website.
Steve Langerud is regularly quoted in articles on the job market and career development, including a recent Philadelphia Inquirer piece and MSNBC.com column.
Visit DePauw's Office of Civic, Global and Professional Opportunities here.