College Seniors, Click This
Graduating was the biggest priority on my college to-do list and boy, was I excited to check that off after sleep-less nights and endless crying sessions. What I did not prepare for was graduating during a global pandemic; especially at the beginning of it. After 200 job applications and countless ‘tell me about yourself's’ later, I could not have asked for a better career.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a recruiter is helping people find their dream jobs and consulting them on how to get there. I know the overwhelming feeling of filling out applications to only get declined or spending hours preparing for an interview to be ghosted. Especially, as an entry-level candidate, you begin to lose hope, which is why engaging with people at this level is and always will be very important to me.
I obtained my first opportunity to speak to college students recently. Excited and nervous all at the same time, I took a trip to Temple University and conversed with their HR students, answering questions about interview etiquette, resumes, and LinkedIn. So... let's dive in!
Q: What was one of the challenges that you had to overcome entering the job force?
A: Prioritizing tasks & time management. In college, you are given a syllabus with your entire semester's worth of work and its deadlines. Although sometimes my tasks come with a due date on them, most of the time, it's about me prioritizing what I should get done first and setting time aside to do that assignment. Now I've begun to utilize various tools like Trello to organize my tasks and stay on top of things.
Q: Can you share some interview tips?
A: Make the interview conversational. It creates a more relaxed atmosphere and helps you connect better with the interviewer. You can do this by asking the interviewer questions. I also recommend not only studying up on the company, but the interviewer; and casually bring up your research throughout the conversation so the interviewer knows you've done your research. I will forever recommend the YouTube Channel Self Made Millennial by Madeline Mann to help you prepare answers for your interviews.
Q: How do you get a job if you don't have any internship experience?
A: Most employers expect college graduates to already have experience under their belt. I recommend having at least one internship on your resume. However, I know that's not always possible. I suggest utilizing your school's clubs, organizations, workshops, events, and even your professors as networking will help connect you to your next opportunity.
Q: What makes a resume stand out to you?
A: A Tailored resume that is well written and strategically organized is a feast to the eyes. Recruiters scan through your experience and match the job description you applied for, so having the necessary skills (from most recent to former) on your resume will benefit you.
Q: What are some ways to get noticed by companies you want to work for?
A: Network! Network! Network! It never hurts to reach out to employers who work in your field or their in-house recruiters. Ask to set up a 30-minute conversation and see where that takes you. The worst thing they can say is 'no'.
Q: How should I utilize my LinkedIn?
A: LinkedIn is one of the BEST tools to use to market yourself as a professional. I recommend posting class assignments you're proud of, internship projects, events you attended related to your field, etc. Being active on LinkedIn allows your network to know your happenings and makes you appear on their feed more often, which may benefit you.
I was a college student only two years ago, therefore, being on the other side and having the opportunity to consult people who are about to enter this next chapter of their life has been a rewarding experience that I hope to do for a long time. Each time I speak to a candidate, I tell them 'we're not getting rejection emails or being ghosted by HR, we are networking, tailoring resumes, and spicing up our LinkedIn!
