The Center for Career and Professional Development on campus hosted a networking event with six panelists in the Grace Hall atrium for students to learn about the interview and application process of the job search.
The panelists included Caitlyn Class, who is a recruiter for Tierney, which is an advertising agency; Brittany Liberatore, who is an alumna of Cabrini College and the vice president of Gregory FCA, which is a public relations firm; Kate Mulvey who is assistant vice president and team leader of College Help student program at USLI Insurance; Megan Myers the talent acquisitions specialist at Enterprise Holdings car rental and sales; Marissa Rocco from Independence Blue Cross health insurance where she works as a senior talent acquisitions specialist; and Amy Todd from the investment managing company, Vanguard, where she works as a university relations specialist.
Jobs and internship opportunities that the various companies are looking to fill ranged from customer service positions to public relations. Kate Mulvey summed it up best when she said, “It doesn’t matter what your major is. We are looking for the skill sets, leadership experience, and a friendly personality.”
The six companies that were represented at the event offer internships for all seasons and very often hire out of their internship programs.
The panel then moved into advice on how individuals can stand out through the application and interview process. “Spelling and grammar on a resume and cover letter are very important. If an applicant cannot even spell Tierney we automatically throw out their application,” Class said.
“A resume is the first impression of yourself,” Liberatore said. “In an interview you should be poised and confident. Prepare yourself and research the company you are interviewing for and come with questions.”
In the great debate of listing one’s GPA on a resume, Rocco believes it is important because it could be the deciding factor of picking a candidate for the job. She also advises applicants to never go to an interview empty handed. “Bring a copy of your resume, some notepaper and something to write with,” she said.
In today’s society, social media can either help or hurt an individual’s application process. Mulvey shared a story about an applicant who seemed perfect for the job but a not so kind post on social media cost the applicant the job. Mulvey suggests to always think twice before posting because a company can search what people are saying about them on social media, just like any other person can.
“When waiting in the lobby before an interview don’t be playing on your phone. It looks bad. Just leave it in the car and talk to someone in the lobby,” Myers said.
Rocco agreed and said, “leave it in the car unless it is an emergency. If you need to have it on you let your interviewer know upfront.”
The panelists all agreed that their interviewees should come with questions and stay engaged the whole time one is at the company. “Even if you ask someone prior the same questions ask them again to someone else. Everyone has a different perspective,” Class said.
“Ask the interviewer about their experience at the company. People like to talk about themselves,” Todd said.
Thank you’s, whether they be hand written or emailed, are very important in interview process. They should be sent individually and be personalized for each individual that took time to meet with the applicant.
Networking is one of the most crucial parts of the job search. “It is about building relationships and having conversations. You never know where you could make a connection,” Class said.
Great academics, previous work experience, extra curricular involvement and leadership skills are just some of the many things employers are looking for. “Be able to sell yourself. Articulate your skills,” Todd said.
Nancy Hutchison, director of the center for career and professional development, organized the event. “I hope [attendees] take away information as how to best prepare themselves to find gainful employment,” Hutchison said.
All students are welcome to visit the Center for Career and Professional development located on the second floor of Widener.
