Beth Hendler-Grunt ● Getting College Grads Hired

Thank you notes can be a make-or-break decision for a hiring manager. Managers may interview dozens of candidates, but the candidates who send a thank you note within 24 hours after the interview can stand out in the evaluation process. I know of hiring managers who immediately remove a candidate from the hiring process if they don’t receive a note. When writing the note, highlight what you learned during the interview. Recap your skills and how you can help the company achieve their goals. Then share why you align to helping them achieve success and that you will follow up next week to discuss next steps. And then stay in touch every 7 days until you receive a response. Thank you notes are an excellent tool to stand out.

Many young adults worry they don't have enough experience to get noticed. Highlighting temporary, contract, or part-time jobs can showcase your talents and skills. Focus on the "hard" skills that you utilized in these roles (ie problem solving, writing, research, analysis, etc) and share how you impacted the business as a result of using these skills in the workplace. For example, • Supervised and led 15 six-year-old boys at a summer day camp over 8 weeks. • Provided leadership to campers in all areas and acted as a role model in camp activities teaching the values of sportsmanship, rules, and peer relationships • Communicated with parents regarding children’s medical or behavioral needs Highlighting skills can help you stand out.

This⬆️⬆️⬆️. I have many employers tell me that they loved the candidate but never received a thank you note. These candidates did not progress in the hiring process.

Interns should look at this opportunity two ways: 1. How can I learn something new and potentially contribute to the organization. 2. How can I learn, grow and broaden my knowledge about what other opportunities there are in this business. It’s not about just doing the work that is assigned to you. Be proactive, meet new people, and ask others if you can help or contribute to work that they need to get done. And most importantly keep track of your weekly tasks, accomplishments and people that you meet. This will help to prepare when you meet with your advisor on your performance and potentially how you can contribute to this organization in the future.

Searching for a job can feel overwhelming with little structure or direction. A successful search has a 2-part strategy. 1. To know WHAT SKILLS you have that you bring to an employer 2. To know WHO you will bring your skills to-- in a very focused way. So when someone says to you, “Tell me about yourself”, you know exactly what you're going to say, AND you're applying to those companies that can leverage your best talents. This will help you figure out what you want to pursue within a field. And gain clarity, to help you feel confident so you know exactly how to target the right companies, focus on the right people, and articulate your value every time you meet or speak with someone.

Recent college graduates are eager to start the job search process by applying online and sending out resumes. However, many grads are applying to "any" job and say they are willing to do "any" type of work. The best first step in the job search is to be clear about your core skills - the 3 skills you are the most competent, skilled at, and enjoy doing. For example, Research, Problem Solving, and Public Speaking. These skills can come from the classroom, part-time jobs, internships, clubs, or activities. And for each skill, you need to tell a story about how you demonstrated that skill. This is the foundation for your job search - look for jobs that can leverage your skills. Then you can create target lists where to work.