Corporate Recruiters Offer Job Search Advice
Finding a job in light of today's economic realities is no easy task, especially for those new to the job market. But there is hope. Corporate recruiters share their advice with THE BLACK COLLEGIAN about preparing for your job search, as well as corporate recruiting trends in their industries.
Recruiters Speak Out
"In this economy, it is best to set yourself apart. However, you don't want to turn off potential employers by overselling. Be genuine and open to any opportunity that might come about. It may not seem like part of your ‘plan' but most of the best careers are made up of events/opportunities that weren't part of the ‘plan.' "
-Christy K. Harper, Director, College Relations, Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
"Do not wait until the last minute to start your job search. Take advantage of every opportunity to network with hiring managers. Focus on what you have to offer to an employer. Don't just focus on that initial "job," but focus on where it may lead."
- Mark L. Clark, Manager, College Recruiting, Lowe's Companies, Inc.
"Keep a positive outlook and do not limit yourself on potential employment opportunities. Continue to maximize your job search efforts; Career Services, networking, on-line resources. Use every avenue possible to find the job openings, as you need to be pro-active in this type of job market."
-Danielle Fisher, Recruiting Practitioner, Towers Perrin
"Be patient and do not be discouraged because you do not get your dream job immediately. If you identify a job or a company that you believe is a good long-term match for you, don't take a ‘no' for an answer and do not take rejection personally. Companies hire in cycles based on their own business needs."
-Franklin D. McKay, Recruiting & University Relations Manager, Schlumberger
"Focus on the basics of interviewing and take absolutely nothing for granted! The pool of talented applicants is flush, and unlike recent years, employers can afford to be extremely selective. Well-written resumes, cover letters, thank you notes and strategic follow-up calls have always been important but they are now critical differentiators. Attitude, interest level, and passion take on a whole new meaning as well. Lastly, if you come to an interview without a thorough understanding of the company's business, you may as well just say, "I really do not want this job" and turn around. It is that simple."
-Steve Tiufekchiev, Director, Campus Relations, SRA International, Inc.
"Try to tap into the alumni network at your school to find opportunities to make connections with companies or industries in which you have an interest."
-Cynthia Rotondo, National University Recruiting Manager, Navigant Consulting, Inc.
"Keep your options open! Do not limit yourself to one industry, company, or specific job function when researching employment opportunities. Focus on the content of the job responsibilities and apply when they match your interests and abilities."
-Shawn Tubman, Director, Recruiting, Liberty Mutual
"Work for an organization that has values that you believe in, a purpose you understand, and a mission that will enhance your legacy. That will be the organization that will fulfill all of your needs and provide you with the sense of accomplishment that will sustain you throughout changing times."
-Joseph McQueen, III, FBI
"Learn about the profession you are studying - how will your academic background be applied in the work environment? Which of these applications interests you the most? Educate yourself on what industries/employers have demand for in your educational field. Then seek out intern/co-op positions in your areas of interest. Finally, talk to various professionals in the field to continue to educate yourself on what's out there."
-Leslie Chappell, Director, University Relations, Lockheed Martin
"Your best strategy in looking for a job or internship is to start early. Make sure that your resume is in the best shape possible (competition is stronger), and to exhaust all job search resources. Students need to network, use online sites, interview on campus, attend career fairs and take advantage of any job search resource they can find!"
-Erin Ogburn, HR Manager, Kearney & Company
"My advice to graduating seniors is to be prepared for a constantly changing environment and be able to show change, agility and flexibility. I also encourage seniors to be very prepared for interviews as the competition is tight now. Show that you know something about the industry and firm you are interviewing with and make sure you read up on current events as a way to enhance your conversation with interviewers."
-Amy Van Kirk, Director, U.S. Diversity Recruiting, PWC
"Be Prepared: The job market is more competitive today than it was a year ago. Research your companies of interest and prepare for the interview with smart pointed questions that show you understand the business environment of your interviewer/employer."
-Milena Inzeo, Manager, Campus & Community Recruitment, Walgreens
"Begin your employer research now. Create a network of mentors and career coaches who are able to support your continued development and provide insight into potential opportunities. If you find yourself without a job upon graduation, volunteer. Volunteer networks are complete with many potential opportunities for employment and/or awareness of business/companies/organizations that are hiring. Consider temp or contract opportunities that will provide other avenues of development and access to job opportunities that may not be posted nor advertised. If and or when you meet recruiting professionals, keep in contact with them, without being annoying, to let them know you remain interested in working for the company/organization. And, if you have not joined a professional association, do so! Attend local workshops that will allow you to connect with opportunities in the field or major of your interest. Be flexible! Your perfect job may be one job away from your starting role in a company and/or organization.
-Carolyn Cummings Altemus, Boy Scouts of America
Stay positive and keep an open mind in your career search. There are still a lot of great opportunities in the market for new college grads -- it just may take a little more diligence to find the right fit. To find the right fit, look at the company s culture and value system, in addition to job responsibilities, to ensure that there is a solid, long-term alignment with you and the company. In addition, don't limit yourself to a specific company or industry the greatest opportunity may be at a company that you may not have considered.
-Sandra Beckett, Raytheon
Composure in the business world is crucial. Your interview is a good measurement of how you handle pressure. You don't want to appear too nervous. At the same time, you don't want to be too relaxed. Maintain an appropriate level of professionalism without being unapproachable. Be confident and speak about what differentiates you but be yourself.
If you are an outgoing, likeable person, let that come through in your interview. We are looking for colleagues who will thrive in our team-based environment.
-Celeste Chatman, Manager, Campus & Diversity Recruitment, Covance, Inc.
The job outlook facing the class of 2009 and possibly the class of 2010 is very different from anything we've seen in the last 20 years. Be open-minded, flexible, and try to stay positive. Stay involved in extracurriculars and volunteerism, which shows that you're well-rounded and which also expands your network for the job search and beyond. Although you face a more challenging job market, you have more tools to connect with others than classes that came before you! Be creative in your job search -- make use of your campus career center, your alumni network, your personal network, your professional network and have your 30-second self-sell speech ready. Find a position that will offer you an opportunity to learn and to work with great people, even if it's not exactly what you thought you'd be doing.
- Christina Konieczka, US College Recruiting Manager, Mercer
Related
- THE BLACK COLLEGIAN/IMDiversity Virtual Diversity Career Fair
Annual online careers event feature employers who are still actively recruiting diverse candidates for entry-level and student opportunities in the Second Semester - Job Outlook for the Class of '10
By Dr. Phil Gardner
