You wake up one morning in a panic; it’s 8:15 and you need to leave in the next ten minutes or risk being very late for work. We have all been there before, and we will probably be there again, so make sure you have a “get ready quick” plan in place for those dreaded mornings.
For Job Seekers
To prepare for a big job interview, most job seekers spend the majority of their time planning what they will say. While what you say is extremely important, you shouldn’t forget that how you look and present yourself in a job interview holds substantial weight in the eyes of hiring managers. Learn how to display proper body language in a job interview by reading our tips below:
College graduates and entry-level workers continually face this age old dilemma: you can’t get a job without experience, but you can’t get experience without a job. Don’t worry; we are here to tell you how you can spin your lack of professional experience in a positive way in order to help you land your first job. Continue reading “How to Land a Job with Little (or No) Experience”
Many employers enlist the help of staffing agencies to help them fill open positions, both permanent and temporary, which means your resume needs to get through a recruiter before it is ever seen by the hiring manager. So in order to optimize your resume for review by a recruiter, you need to know what goes through a recruiter’s head as they read it.
A new year brings new opportunities and the chance to set some new goals for yourself and your career. Here are some ideas for how you can improve your career this year:
Going from having a few hours of class a day to working eight-hour days five days a week can be a huge adjustment for any young professional. Learn how to make your transition easier by reading our advice below.
Continue reading “Adjusting to Life as a Young Professional”
When job seekers go on interviews, they typically focus solely on impressing their interviewer(s). Next time you go on an interview, be sure to be friendly, polite and professional with every person you encounter. You never know the importance or professional status of each individual, so it pays to be nice to everyone! First impressions are critically important, especially on a job interview, so make sure the impression you make at a potential employer’s office is a positive one.
Continue reading “Why It’s Important to Be Nice to Everyone”
Landing a new job isn’t always easy, and often you need to rely on your networking contacts to help you find the right fit. If you recently started a new position, there may be friends or acquaintances that helped you out along the way, and it’s important to show them your gratitude. Here are some suggestions for doing just that:
When companies seek the perfect candidate to fill an open position, there are specific traits employers look for that set candidates apart and significantly increase their chances of landing the job. To help you succeed in your job search, we’ve compiled a list of essential traits and qualities employers look for to help you land that coveted dream job:
- Meet the Minimum Job Criteria: Ensure you meet the basic requirements outlined in the job description to be considered a viable candidate. These specifications are the foundation for building your resume; position yourself as a promising candidate by making sure your skills meet the job criteria.
- Relevant Experience: Highlighting your experience and the skills that directly align with the role you’re applying for is crucial. Showcasing a track record of measurable success in similar positions and demonstrating traits employers look for will give you a direct advantage over other candidates.
- Alignment with Organization’s Mission: Embrace the company’s values and demonstrate your understanding of its mission by giving examples of how you can support its values and goals. Showing your enthusiasm for their causes can make a compelling argument for your candidacy.
- Providing Specific Examples: Back up your qualifications with examples showing your ability to excel at the job you apply for. Including examples of measurable accomplishments adds depth to your resume and showcases your ability to work effectively in different settings, one of the top qualities employers look for!
- Competent Communication: Connecting with your interview audience and displaying competent communication skills will help you articulate your value to the employer. Your written and verbal communication skills during the application and interview process will convey your value to the hiring team.
- Confident Interviewing: The interview is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge. Acing the interview by projecting confidence, providing well-thought-out responses to interview questions, and asking pointed questions will leave a lasting impression on the hiring team.
- Building Rapport: Beyond qualifications and experience, building rapport during the interview is crucial. Demonstrating resourcefulness, intellect, and genuine passion for the role can create a positive connection with the hiring manager. Remember, a personal connection can play a role in their final decision!
- Asking Thoughtful Questions: Exhibit your interest in the organization by asking well-researched and relevant questions that reflect your preparation. Research shows when you do your homework and ask good questions it comes across as genuine engagement and enthusiasm, demonstrating your investment in the company–a major trait employers look for.
- Enthusiastic References: Offer references that attest to your enthusiasm and work ethic. Positive endorsements from previous supervisors can reinforce your candidacy and give hiring managers added confidence in your abilities!
- Growth and Development: Employers look for and value candidates with continuous learning and professional development qualities. Highlight ongoing education, certifications or training that showcase your commitment to personal growth within the organization.
- Likability: While possessing the right qualifications is vital, one critical factor can make a difference: your likability. How you connect with the receptionist, hiring manager, and anyone else you meet during the interview process is essential. A candidate who may be slightly less qualified could secure the job because they had better chemistry with the hiring manager. It’s important to remember that being likable is yet another invaluable trait employers look for when interviewing candidates!
When applying for jobs, try to keep these traits in mind in order to leave the hiring manager with the best possible impression and a higher likelihood of getting the job. If you are beginning your job hunt, check out our job listings and reach out to one of our recruiters at resumes@whitmanjobs.com to get started with your career search.
When an employer is looking to hire a recent graduate to fill an open position, certain qualities can outweigh others. Typically, the most important thing a recent graduate can offer an employer is relevant experience, but there are other qualities that come into consideration.
Continue reading “What do Employers Expect from Recent Graduates?”
