As a hiring manager for the last decade I’ve had a blast interviewing people from all walks of life. Somewhere beneath the hours of redundant questions and ill-answered responses, I enjoy the chance to watch people think on their feet. If there is one thing I’ve learned: few do it well.
operations manager charlotte
What’s been more enjoyable is learning the hiring procedures and approaches in the various companies I’ve worked for. Some companies proactively build relationships with local colleges in pursuit of young talent, while others seek experience over talent. I’m not here to argue which is best, much of that depends on the company culture, position requirements, and the hiring manager. What I am here to do is share 3 actionable recommendations that come directly from my experience interviewing Gen Y professionals.
1. Apply for the Job
As a graduating senior I was overwhelmed by the amount of jobs that required work experience. At the time, I had limited experience as an assistant movie theater manager and a summer gig as a network technician for my University’s IT department. There was no way this limited opportunity qualified me for a “real job” right? WRONG. Companies recruiting college graduates realize you don’t have years of experience. What separates you from other entry level applicants may very well be the demonstrated responsibility you had in a previous summer job or internship.
Bottom Line: don’t be afraid to apply for a position that fits your limited skills and experience. Companies hire college grads based on potential, not on production.
2. Know Something About the Job
I once interviewed a recent grad who had no clue what the position was for, nor could he in any effective way articulate the value he would bring to the organization. He failed to read the job description before the interview so he would have some idea of what to expect. He also didn’t understand the importance of school activities such as leading class projects, playing on sports teams, or organizing fraternity events. Many of the success factors in these roles easily transfer to the workplace.
This guy actually ended up getting hired and turned out to be an excellent employee…go figure.
Bottom Line: know the job description. know your value.
3. Go after what you love
One of my greatest career regrets was not starting in a field that I was passionate about. I had the opportunity to join the sports marketing division of my university upon graduating. I didn’t pursue it because another offer at a local insurance company paid a higher salary and included a bonus (a big deal for a broke college kid). Years later, I find myself pursuing a Marketing concentration in my MBA.
Early to mid 20's is the perfect time to try out careers that you always wanted to do. You don’t yet have the worries of mortgage, family, or career expectations. If you try something and don’t like it, you can easily use it as a learning experience and move on to the next gig. One of the worst things to do is to take a job because it offers the biggest salary. True, the surplus of cash may feel good initially, but over time you will begin to long for doing work you are passionate about.
The bible speaks about doing your work “enthusiastically” (Col. 3:23). How many people would you say follow this guideline?
charlotte director
operations manager charlotte
What’s been more enjoyable is learning the hiring procedures and approaches in the various companies I’ve worked for. Some companies proactively build relationships with local colleges in pursuit of young talent, while others seek experience over talent. I’m not here to argue which is best, much of that depends on the company culture, position requirements, and the hiring manager. What I am here to do is share 3 actionable recommendations that come directly from my experience interviewing Gen Y professionals.
1. Apply for the Job
As a graduating senior I was overwhelmed by the amount of jobs that required work experience. At the time, I had limited experience as an assistant movie theater manager and a summer gig as a network technician for my University’s IT department. There was no way this limited opportunity qualified me for a “real job” right? WRONG. Companies recruiting college graduates realize you don’t have years of experience. What separates you from other entry level applicants may very well be the demonstrated responsibility you had in a previous summer job or internship.
Bottom Line: don’t be afraid to apply for a position that fits your limited skills and experience. Companies hire college grads based on potential, not on production.
2. Know Something About the Job
I once interviewed a recent grad who had no clue what the position was for, nor could he in any effective way articulate the value he would bring to the organization. He failed to read the job description before the interview so he would have some idea of what to expect. He also didn’t understand the importance of school activities such as leading class projects, playing on sports teams, or organizing fraternity events. Many of the success factors in these roles easily transfer to the workplace.
This guy actually ended up getting hired and turned out to be an excellent employee…go figure.
Bottom Line: know the job description. know your value.
3. Go after what you love
One of my greatest career regrets was not starting in a field that I was passionate about. I had the opportunity to join the sports marketing division of my university upon graduating. I didn’t pursue it because another offer at a local insurance company paid a higher salary and included a bonus (a big deal for a broke college kid). Years later, I find myself pursuing a Marketing concentration in my MBA.
Early to mid 20's is the perfect time to try out careers that you always wanted to do. You don’t yet have the worries of mortgage, family, or career expectations. If you try something and don’t like it, you can easily use it as a learning experience and move on to the next gig. One of the worst things to do is to take a job because it offers the biggest salary. True, the surplus of cash may feel good initially, but over time you will begin to long for doing work you are passionate about.
The bible speaks about doing your work “enthusiastically” (Col. 3:23). How many people would you say follow this guideline?
charlotte director