How to Get an On-site Interview With a Top Employer Recruiters and
Employment
Experts Speak Out
By Kim R. Wells
“Many are called, but few are chosen” could easily be
the theme in today’s highly competitive and selective job market. Many
of you may be attending multiple employer information sessions, may have
worked your “networking charm” at employer receptions, and may have
applied for interviews through your university’s on-campus recruitment
program. But after all the dust from your efforts has settled, you still
haven’t landed that coveted interview with some of your most desired
employers.
THE BLACK COLLEGIAN MAGAZINE has contacted a cadre of top
employment and recruitment professionals who shared their industry
insight to help you get the interview you desire with a top employer.
Our panel of recruitment experts:
THE BLACK COLLEGIAN: What should a student do to secure an
onsite interview?
La Donica Small of KPMG: I would recommend that the student
provide a well-written resume that covers their experiences that are
commensurate with the position(s) they are seeking. I would also
recommend that they network with someone from the company they are
interested in; employee referrals are highly regarded. In particular,
they should seek out alumni from their school who are in that firm or
company.
Cassandra Teel of IBM: The students should understand the
company/job requirements (i.e. application deadlines, skill
requirements). They should coordinate with their school’s career
services office in regards to the resume application tool used and post
their resume on that tool. IBM recruiters review the resumes posted on
the tool. Students should also post their resumes at the IBM website (www.ibm.com/careers).
Denny Clark of EXECUQUEST: Students should have
relationships within the career services department and with key
professors. They will help you make personal connections with key campus
recruiters. Go to receptions held by key companies where you have
interest and make sure you understand what opportunities are there for
your companies of interest. Tailor your resume to show interest or
expertise if applicable.
Students should also keep cards of the people you meet at companies
of interest; you can connect with them prior to the next campus visit
and build relationships that will help you get an interview.
Mark Bauer of Target: It’s crucial to find the correct
resource by calling company branches to find the recruiter or district
manager. Stay persistent, and always have your resume ready to go. Keep
track of people you meet. Organize their titles and write their names
down so you know who you talked to so you can find the resource you’re
looking for.
TBC: What do recruiters really want?
Mark Monteverdi of the National Urban League: I think
recruiters are looking for well- rounded individuals who can perform as
team members and can lead teams to effective outcomes.
La Donica Small of KPMG: Recruiters really want the best and
brightest for their companies/firms. We look for the innovative,
creative, and talented individuals who will help take our businesses to
the next level.
Denny Clark of EXECUQUEST: More than anything, intelligence
and a willingness to learn are what recruiters want. I love to get a
mix of ambition and humility (meaning insight into personal weaknesses)
in the students I see, but I start with intelligence.
Cassandra Teel of IBM: Recruiters are looking for students
that are eager to learn and are excited about being employed by IBM.
Recruiters are looking for students that present a total package, not
only the minimum grade point average but strong interpersonal and
leadership skills. They are looking for self-sufficient students that
are motivated and possess a resume that sells them, their skills and
experiences. Student must be capable of solving problems through the use
of critical thinking and teaming.
Mark Bauer of Target: A candidate that fits into the
organization long term , and someone that can grow and help support the
growth. They should have a professional attitude, be open minded, and
hungry for goals.
TBC: What should students know to get an interview?
Cassandra Teel of IBM: Students should know basic information
about (IBM) the company. They should be able to articulate their career
interests and how their skills and experiences are a good fit for IBM.
They should have a firm grasp of the concepts in their particular field
of study and a broad understanding of related disciplines. Students
should have an understanding of appropriate dress.
Mark Bauer of Target: They should know what’s important to
them in a career. Know about the company before you approach them.
Research the company and know the mission statement, and what they stand
for. Is there long-term growth, how many openings?
Mark Monteverdi of the National Urban League: Students should
know that verbal and written communications skills are absolutely vital
to any job.
La Donica Small of KPMG: Students should know how to promote
themselves without coming across as arrogant; know your capabilities,
abilities and strengths. Be able to give concrete examples of these
attributes.
Denny Clark of EXECUQUEST: It depends on the area you are
going into. Some (employers) require financial or technical knowledge
while others are again just looking for intelligence and a good solid
education. This is where you can get a great deal of help from
connections within the companies of interest and in particular, from the
career services department. Internships are also very important in terms
of demonstrating solid business experience.
TBC: What gets the attention of recruiters?
Mark Monteverdi of the National Urban League: There are a
number of things that get their attention: candidate’s attention to
detail, has the candidate done the requisite research, are they
articulate in responding to questions, do they have thoughtful questions
about the job and company, does the candidate have leadership skills,
has the candidate volunteered or involved themselves in extra-curricular
activities, has the candidate participated in an internship, does the
candidate speak a foreign language?
La Donica Small of KPMG: For me, I’m interested in mid-to-high
GPAs, internships/co-ops, and extracurricular activities i.e. community
involvement, volunteerism, leadership roles, etc.
Cassandra Teel of IBM: A resume that is well organized with
relevant work experiences and skills is a requirement. They should be
sure to include their specific skills and certifications (i.e. Java).
Recruiters look for organizational positions and community involvement
which demonstrate leadership. A high grade point average is a plus.
Denny Clark of EXECUQUEST: Someone who shows genuine
interest, which to me means someone who has done their homework about my
company, but who has thought about the opportunity enough to have
questions for me that show insight. Personally, I have always liked to
see a student who is well rounded. Some people feel that means being
good at some things and average at others – that’s not what I mean. I
am looking for someone who has truly challenged him/herself in many
areas and has done well in most if not all of those. For instance,
international travel, leadership on campus, internships, service in the
community and still having a 3.25 GPA (with intelligence and insight)
will get my attention every time.
Mark Bauer of Target: Having the appropriate dress, sharp
accurate resume, excellent attitude, personality gets the attention of
recruiters.
TBC: What final pointer would you offer students?
Cassandra Teel of IBM: A student should gain an understanding
of whether a corporation is a good match for them. A student should be
persistent in following up with the corporation. The student should send
thank you letters.
Denny Clark of EXECUQUEST: Start now to keep a killer
electronic database of potential contacts. This may mean Facebook to
some, but as you move more into the mainstream of business you will find
social networking sites like Linkedin and ryze.com as more professional alternatives. Every
person you meet is an opportunity to add to your network. Remember,
there are only probably six degrees of separation between any two human
beings. For instance, if you are looking for a job at a particular
company, there will come a time when you will have enough of a network
to search it for key contacts in the company of your choice, call them
for introductions and make warm vs. cold calls on the decision makers
you want to talk with. Start now to build your professional network.
La Donica Small of KPMG: Don’t crack under the pressure. Get
interviewing tips from recruiters, mentors, Web sites i.e. behavioral
interviewing techniques, ask good questions that elicit deep thoughts.
Dress for the job you need. Be early (10 minutes is best for
appointments) and never late, have a firm handshake, speak clearly and
enunciate – show your confidence in what you bring to the table. Be the
candidate that is sought after not the candidate who has to chase down a
potential employer.
Mark Bauer of Target: I cannot say enough about how important
it is to research the company first. It is impressive when someone can
speak to the goals of the company and has a good understanding and
background on them. Ask questions. Show strong engagement.
Mark Monteverdi of the National Urban League: Students should
do as many mock interviews as possible and listen to the feedback. I
would advise students to visit their Career Services center and meet
with the director or counselors.
Preparing for and landing an interview with a top employer requires
that you are consistent and committed to investing your time and
researching targeted organizations and professionals. Make sure that you
don’t bypass your career services office, and take the time to review
and practice presenting yourself by responding to potential networking
and initial contact questions and scenarios with employers and leaders
in your area of interest. Remember it is important that you are prepared
and comfortable in selling your story.
Don’t try to approach this process on your own. Take the time to talk
with other students and alumni who have had successful results in
landing interviews and job opportunities with some of your targeted
employers.
Many students are not successful in landing interviews because they
simply go through the motions, and do what they are told. They punch the
proverbial “interviewing clock” by attending events and information
sessions, but somehow don’t project a personal connection to the
organization, its mission, or values. Don’t be afraid to show your
passion for the industry; remember to project your long-term and
authentic professional commitment to the organization and its industry.
Remember that every top employer is looking for rare professionals
that are willing to go the extra mile, and who project success and
balance in academic achievement, professional competence, and personal
presentation. Go the extra mile in research and preparation. Implement
the advice shared by our panel of experts. With persistence and
commitment, you will land excellent interviews.
Kim R. Wells is the Director of Career Services at
Howard University, human resource consultant, and writer of
THE BLACK
COLLEGIAN blog, The Professional Edge.
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