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Ask the experts

Check out what our corporate partners had to say when we asked them to answer some questions about the job search process. We hope to utilize the collective knowledge of our corporate partners to provide some additional insight to the students!

One thing I wish I knew about the job search process when I was a student is...

...the importance of networking. Don't limit your search to what's online or in the newspapers. Ask friends, family, and professional/academic contacts to keep an ear out for opportunities.

-Elizabeth Anderson, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

...how much networking and relationships are a part of the job search process.

-Samantha Sheetz, Workforce Development, SEI

... You really need to tailor cover letters to the position you are applying for. I would have a generic cover letter and forward that to every company with my generic resume, filling in just the essentials like company, position, etc. However, as a recruiter now, I look for someone who has actually read the job posting and really does meet the criteria of the job posting and puts into the cover letter how their experience at internship XYZ would be a good match for our opening.

Also, when I was in my job search, I would often apply to 4-5 jobs on CareerBuilder because I could just click and send my resume and it took seconds! However, when someone would call me in response, I would have no idea what position it was or where it was or what the company did. I definitely embarassed myself. I would recommend that every time you apply for a position, you write down the job, location, and what the main functions of the job are (or print off the posting) so that way you are not taken off guard and make a bad first impression.

-Andrea Mory, PHR HR Coordinator, Tyndale Company, Inc.

...the job search process begins when you are a freshman in college, not the Fall or Spring semester of your Senior Year.

-Lindsay E. Edelson, PHR Human Resources Department, Friedman LLP

...how to search out for good opportunities, where to look and that non paying internships are sometimes the best experiences and carry you far.

-Tiffany A. McCoy, Wells Fargo Audit and Security

...that my resume is a marketing tool to acquire a job that will suit my career goals.

-Beth Wichser, PHR, Human Resources Generalist, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

...that organizations begin recruiting in early Fall for positions with a summer start date the following year. It is unfortunate when people miss out on great opportunities beasue they weren't aware.

-Julie Abramson, Recruiter, Towers Watson

...it's all about who you know. Make sure to keep in touch with friends, family and previous internship coordinators to let them know what you are looking for after graduation. You'd be surprised to learn how many connections you may have.

...to emphasize what results I could achieve for the company to which I was applying, versus emphasizing what I was looking for - another way of saying this...we are more likely to meet with job search success when we emphasize what's in it for the company to hire us, rather than what's in it for ourselves...that someone may be looking for a stable company to work for is nice- saying that your background and experience would contribute to the company's stability is even better!

-John Abitabilo, McBee Associates

...to ask to see a total compensation (how much do the medical benefits cost, etc) or at least the full benefits package in writing before accepting the position. I am still surprised at how few people ask for this before they accept jobs!

-Angel Freeling, Director of Human Resources, Center for Family Services,

...first impressions are key! No reumpled clothing or short skirts. Don't yawn, chew gum or lie during an interview. If you have something on your record, have it expunged before starting to look for a job. Also, remove any negative photos, etc. on google before starting to look for a job. Even if you have a perfect interview, these will cancel you out immediately. After being hired, be responsible, the number one reason new hires don't last is punctuality and missed days. NO excuses, just show up and shine. Good luck!

-Leslie L. Wolner, AllState,

...Your first job out of college is much more than a "throwaway" role to "find yourself." Despite what vault and monster.com tells students, you can still find careers. You can still find people and places that will influence the rest of your life. Don't treat your first job as a pit-stop before graduate school. Also, be sure to ask about time frames, responses, interview frequency, decision timelines, etc. - You need to align your expectations with each new opportunity you interview for.

-Richard Lucas, College Recruitment Manager/HR Generalist, Samuel Shapiro & Company

...employers are looking for someone that will positively impact the organization and team, not a new friend or happy hour buddy. That may sound a bit commonsensical, but is a pitfall many have trouble avoiding. Sure, it's good for the interviewer to think you'd be a nice and friendly person to work with everyday, but, it's absolutely imperative for the interviewer to respect you as a professional and see your potential to drive value and deliver strong results.

- Erik Johnson, University Relations, Cigna

...how important it is to have positive work references regardless if the job is temporary.

- Philip M. Harris, President & CEO, Financial Integrity Resource Management, LLC

...how important it is to keep business cards and follow up with the people that I meet in the interview process!

- Allison James, Recruiting Manager, Philadelphia Group, Enterprise Holdings

...what are the interviewers really thinking?

- Barbara Kelly, Recruiting and Human Resources Director, Briggs, Bunting & Dougherty, LLP

...to be realistic and flexible when approaching a job opportunity. Place more emphasis on responsibility, and growth potential opposed to direct monetary compensation. Be sure to do the proper research, and be willing to work your way up in an organization through promotions or departmental transfers. It is more beneficial to get your foot in the door, then miss out on an opportunity because your were poorly educated on the possible career progression within an organization.

...To have realistic expectations, and focus more on the opportunities for growth within an organization. Although a position may not be ideal, it may in fact have a promising career path full of growth opportunities if you are willing to pay your dues.

- James McGill, Human Resources Specialist, Pep Boys Auto

...how important it is to understand the company you are applying for, not just the work environment and culture but the stability of it, growth potential.

- Marisol Saldana, Sr. Talent Acquisition Specialist, The TJX Companies, Inc.

 

One of my biggest resume pet peeves is...

 

...when the resume is too long and jammed with too many items that are not relevant to the candidates career goals and objectives. Making the resume appear crowdedw ith information is not a winning approach!.

-Idrisa Abdul-Hamid, Metlife, Agency Training Director

...Incorrect e-mail addresses or non-working phone numbers, spelling mistakes.

-Mary McCusker, Whisk and Spoon, Director of Sales

...When students still have typos and spacing mistakes. If you don't have a lot of work experience or school accomplishments, then at least make sure your resume is perfectly worded, spell-checked, grammar checked and formatted.

-Richard M. Lucas, PHR, Samuel Shapiro & Co., Corporate Recruiting Manager

...Resumes sent from Temple email addresses with names like "tua12345@temple.edu” instead of “name@temple.edu." Your resume should be perfectly worded, spell-checked, grammar checked and formatted.

-Christopher Wink, Back on My Feet, Director of Media and Social Marketing

...Claiming proficiency in Microsoft Office when not proficient. This is a critical skill for us. Employers expect Seniors and graduated business students to have this knowledge as there are few corporate jobs that don't require this knowledge.

-Elise Kaplan, Synovate, Account Group Manager

...resumes that are wordy and without good detail of skills and accomplishments of all positions listed.

-Marsha Butto, Univar USA Inc., Contact Center Manager