Job Resource Center--Advice For Success

At our recent Job and Internship Fair and Mock Interview Day events, we asked employers what they are looking for and we asked job seekers about their experience at the event. Take advantage and take it to the next level by gleaning from hiring professionals.

During the Pre-Fair Employer Luncheons, we asked employers about key concepts in their hiring practices. Here's what they had to say!

Employer Advice from Employer Luncheon, Job and Internship Fair, Spring 2011

Q: What characteristics are most valuable in a candidate?

Dress for success
Punctuality
Takes initiative
Professionalism
Commitment
Integrity (pride in job/ownership)
Maturity
Willingness for continuous improvement
Infectious/enthusiastic/motivated

Q. In the next year, how much do you anticipate your hiring needs increasing at your organization?

59 percent of employers surveyed responded that their hiring will be increasing
31 percent of employers surveyed responded their hiring needs will stay the same

Q. Green jobs are positions that produce goods or provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources. Does your organization have a green initiative? Have jobs been created as a result of this initiative?

58 percent of employers surveyed indicated their organization has a green initiative
35 percent of employers surveyed indicated green jobs have been created as a result of this initiative

Q. Does your organization have an initiative for hiring veterans?

26 percent of employers surveyed responded that they have an initiative for hiring veterans

Q. Do you utilize social media (i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook Twitter) for recruiting and hiring?

50 percent of employers surveyed responded that they utilize social media in their hiring practices

"Social media recruiting helps an employer to get to know a potential job candidate."

Q. Did your organization hire through Moraine Valley Job and Internship Fair?

62 percent of employers surveyed responded hired through the past Job and Internship Fair

Q. What do we need to know to better prepare job seekers for the world of work?

A POLISHED RESUME -Employers receive hundreds upon hundreds of resumes and applications. Make sure that your resume/application is polished, submitting the best resume possible. Employers can tell if a resume looks really generic. Employers can tell if someone is mass emailing their resume to hundreds of prospective employers. It makes it look like you don't really care about getting the job."

FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS IS A MUST -Many employers are posting very specific instructions within their job listings. They do this partly to see how well people follow directions - and partly to narrow things down more easily. If the posting requests a cover letter, then you better include one. If it explicitly states not to email your resume or call - don't. You will find yourself ruled out immediately."

FOLLOW THROUGH IMMEDIATELY -When meeting an employer at a Job Fair ask them for their business card and follow up the next day! Employers remember the job seekers that stand out!

DO YOUR RESEARCH - "It is always advisable to do your homework on the prospective employer. Look for its mission statement and how the position you want relates to that mission. The employer will be impressed."

FIRST IMPRESSIONS -"Introduce yourself and show sincere interest in the company by asking thoughtful questions that will trigger a discussion. Be concise, polite and direct. Never leave empty-handed. As your discussion wraps up, request a business card or write down the recruiter's name (get the correct spelling!), title and preferred means of contacting them. If you have made a successful connection with an employer, also ask about the next steps. Will they follow up or should you? Is there anything you can do or provide (such as work samples, transcripts) to help in the decision-making process?"

Q. Some students are lost when using web-based applications. What is an acceptable amount of time
to phone an employer, without being too persistent?

Usually one to one and a-half weeks after submitting resume and application. Also, when calling an employer the first question to ask is the status of the position.

" Customer service, good communication, an outgoing personality, sales and ability to talk to people about the benefits of the product are key strengths I am looking for and are most valuable in our workplace. In addition, enthusiasm for the position when being interviewed; show what us what you can do in that particular position. Be your absolute best and give concrete examples!" -Elaine Aspel, First Midwest Bank

"Have realistic expectations. You have to start from the bottom sometimes and it takes time. Students have to understand that. Come to an interview with a friendly, approachable attitude that is open to learning. Confidence and humility can go together."
-Anneliesse Cooper, Midway Hotel Center

"Assess what skills will be most important to each potential employer. Then, make a list of those that are unique to you, match them to the organization's needs. Consider utilizing concrete examples that exemplify these skill sets you possess. Most importantly, highlight your people skills;how you go above and beyond to help patients/customers, but yet do your job in a professional manner." -Diane Plienes, Palos Community Hospital

"Be conscientious of email address and your voice mail. I will hang up if there is music or anything unprofessional sounding."
-Reyna Carbajal, St. James Hospital

"Give a phone number that actually works or you can be reached at quickly-- or you will lose the opportunity."
-Chris Haynes, UPS

"Sending a text in textese is not helpful. Please use proper English." -Carol Kurtzer, U.S. Air Force

"Don't email or correspond as if you are texting." -Anneliesse Cooper, Midway Hotel Center

"We look at backgrounds. No felonies. Keep it clean - especially on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. We check it, so be aware of this. Many organizations check these social media sites as well." -Patricia Witkowski, Drug Enforcement Administration

"Many come with good educational background but they are dressed informally in jeans. Students need to come in better prepared with a knowledge of the organization and appear more presentable-invest in an interview suit, proper shoes and learn about positive body language." -Brandy Boller, Lawndale Christian Healthcare

"Appearance. Conceal tattoos and piercings. We have guidelines and rules, as do most organizations. Conservative, neat and polished is best." -Carol Kurtzer, U.S. Air Force Reserve

"I get a lot of resumes with misspellings and we really read cover letters, so focus on these two. Cover letters should be tailored and well thought-out. Resumes for us can be 2 pages if it makes sense, if the skills/experience are relevant to our positions."
-Lawndale Christian Health Center

"Adult returners need to make sure their experience correlates to the specific job. Please do not give us 5 pages about irrelevant experience and the actual, most relevant experience is hidden on the last page."
-Charmaine Sevier, Moraine Valley Community College