* What s Next? Job Search Strategies for Graduating Seniors

Transcription

1 * What s Next? Job Search Strategies for Graduating Seniors Presented by GradStaff CEO Bob LaBombard Joined by GradStaff Account Manager Melissa Gurewitz

2 * Agenda Identifying Transferrable Skills and Career Interests Case History Demographic Trends Where the Jobs Are Target Industries 5 Entry-Level Opportunities Networking

3 *Transferrable Skills Skills that you possess as an individual that apply regardless of the position, and determine your longterm success. 70% of new college grads don t know where their education and skills fit in the workforce.

4 4 * Important Transferrable Skills Communication Work Ethic Confidence Leadership Organization Interpersonal Relations Critical Thinking Emotional Quotient Initiative Maturity Time Management Integrity Problem Solving

5 5 * Identify Your Transferrable Skills * Think about past activities, projects and work experience * What attributes do you use and have you developed in these activities? * Think about real life examples that demonstrate your strengths What do you enjoy? What are you good at? Situation + Task + Action + Result = STAR

6 6 * Identifying Career Interests Consider ALL past experiences Sports, Music, Theater, etc. Social sorority, fraternity, etc. Work Internships Volunteering Education Student Government

7 * Identifying Possible Career Interests Some examples: 7 Restaurant Server Client Account Management Sales Project Management Athletics Store Management Sales Investment Banking Volunteer Work Direct Care Case Management Fundraising

8 * Generational Issues 8 Lack of work ethic Lack of Initiative Common Concerns about Millennials Sense of entitlement Unrealistic Expectations

9 *Case Studies

10 * Nicole 10 EDUCATION *Communication Skills *Leadership *Organization *Multi-tasking *Analytic Skills *Initiative *Professionalism/Maturity University of St. Thomas, St Paul, MN Graduation: May 2014 Bachelor of Science in Business Economics Minor in Business Administration WORK EXPERIENCE Store Manager at Pepper s Place May 2013-August 2013 Manitowish Waters, WI Served customers by providing merchandise; supervising staff. Ensured availability of merchandise and services by maintaining inventories. Formulated pricing policies by reviewing merchandising activities; determining additional needed sales promotion; authorizing clearance sales; studying trends. Hostess/Waitress at Blue Bayou Inn May 2013-August 2013 Manitowish Waters, WI Communicated with and assisted guests and ensured all orders are filled in a timely and accurate fashion. Hotel Receptionist at Hotel Mead & Conference Center March 2012-August 2012 Wisconsin Rapids, WI Communicated and assisted guests when booking reservations. Completed financial transactions to ensure that payments are collected. Kept accounts of funds received and took note of balanced payments. ACTIVITIES/VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Economics Association 2013-Present Student Alumni Mentoring Program

11 * Deposit Services Specialist Commercial Bank specializing in small businesses 11 Key Duties of the Position Transferrable Skills Associated Account management of new and existing clients Cash management services Conduct client check-ins Customer service Balance vault Internal project support Takes initiative Thoroughness Good diagnostic information gathering Customer oriented Effective communicator

12 * Anna *Confident *Personable/Outgoing *Analytic Skills *Methodical *Organized *Detail oriented *Ability to multitask *Leadership EDUCATION: St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Music Graduation: May 2013 GPA: 3.4 Honors: Knutson Scholarship, Miles Mighty Johnson Scholarship, Music Recognition Scholarship, Tri Beta (National Biology Honor Society), Dean s List 2013 RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Isotope Ecology, Directed Undergraduate Research, Biology Department, St. Olaf College, Spring 2013 With faculty advisement, quantified sources of variability in stable δ 13 C isotope mass spectroscopy and applied to paleo-vegetational record at a Big Woods site. Worked extensively with Costech stable istotope mass spectrometer, SigmaPlot, and Endnote Presented findings at a formal poster symposium and created research report for publication. Plant Physiology, Biology Department, St. Olaf College, Spring 2013 Performed a full literature review and designed experiments to test effects of salt stress on Zea Maize. Presented results in a full research report while working extensively with EndNote, Excel, PowerPoint, CCM-200 Chlorophyll Content Meter, and biomass analysis techniques. WORK EXPERIENCE Greenhouse Assistant and Restoration Technician, BluGardens (February 2007-Present): Assist and educate customers about native wetland plant varieties. Assess customer s unique situation and restoration needs and provide consultation while maintaining quality customer relations. Administrative Tasks. Utilize strong communication skills via phone, in person, and internet. Maintain business and financial records using MS Spreadsheet and Quicken Books. Design yearly catalog and price list. Create plant labels and information sheets with MS Word. Event planning and development. Restoration work: plant stock plants at nursery for future seed collection while rebuilding natural habitat; assist in restorative plantings through the Carver County SWCD and private contracts. Seasonal Forestry Worker, Three Rivers Park District (September November 2013): Performed forestry tasks, including harvesting, planting, invasive species control and mapping, landscape restoration, shade tree disease control, and plant maintenance. Follow safety procedures for utilizing chemicals (MSDS experience), tools, and larger equipment. CSA Apprentice, Organic Farming Apprentice, Blackberry Community Farm (June 2012-August 2012): Communicated with and educated CSA members about the importance of sustainable, organic farming, strengthening commitment to environmental stewardship, family farms, and social, economic issues. Tended crops by sowing, planting, weeding, and harvesting. Prepared member boxes for delivery. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Member, St. Olaf Band and St. Olaf Orchestra St. Olaf College (Fall 2011-May 2013): Participate in rehearsals and sectionals, combined approximately 12 hours a week. Perform in several concerts per year, including a 10 day national tour, and 2 week international tour to China with the Orchestra. 12

13 * Financial Analyst Software company in the healthcare industry 13 Key Duties of the Position Transferrable Skills Associated Manage client payments and reporting Identify, research and document service issues/process functions Research solutions for existing product improvements Manage expectations/decisions of clients Ability to multitask Strong communicator Logical mindset Analytic skills Solid math skills Creative thinking Task-oriented

14 * Making the Perfect Match 14 I cannot express my gratitude enough towards you and your GradStaff team! The entire experience has been wonderful and I truly feel you found the perfect match for me! Thanks again! - Nicole I had a great day! Thanks again for this great opportunity! The work provides great variety. While it is an office, it s really collaborative, which has been great for learning. - Anna

15 *Demographic Trends & Where the Jobs Are

16 * Demographics Key Points 16 Gen X is about half the size of the Baby-Boomers Intense competition for Gen X Companies have to hire more at the entry-level to be ready Delayed by economy.

17 * Where the Jobs Are 17 Over 70% of the new jobs created in 2014 have been created by companies with < 500 employees 1 However, these small and medium employers typically don t interview on campus. 1 ADP 2014 Employment Reports

18 * Large vs. Small Employers 18 Large Companies Small/Medium Companies More structure Strong training program Social network Defined career path Compensation (short-term) Less structure OTJ training More visibility Need technology skills More entrepreneurial Want to hire at the entry-level More flexibility (career/work-life balance)

19 * The Costs of Recruiting 19 Employers 5,000 $3,000 Employees Per hire Employers 5,000 $8,000 Employees Over Per hire * RESULT Small/medium companies don t interview on campus as much. Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers

20 20 * Job Search Strategies Small/Medium Employers Networking Outsourced College Recruiting Career Services Staffing/ Recruiting Firms Research/ Direct Contact Job Boards

21 21 * Target Industries Based on Demographics Health care (average age = 44 yrs. old) Insurance (average age = 45 yrs. old) Manufacturing (average age = 47 yrs. old) Commercial real estate (average age = 45 yrs. old) Others: logistics, financial services, distribution

22 22 * High Growth Companies IT services and Consulting Social media/communication Education software/online delivery Employee Benefits

23 23 * Sales Support Specialist National healthcare technology provider, offers services that provide customers with the ability to communicate and securely exchange information. Support the majority of the nation s leading healthcare providers, enabling direct and secure connections for a broad array of transactions and provide solutions that improve the way health care is delivered. Skills Team Player Technology Detail Oriented Customer Service Job Duties Coordinate installations and support activities for customers. Various processing and fulfillment tasks in support of the sales team. Ensure a quick and consistent response to requests, and pursue problem resolution steps with high priority Provide clients and team members with a reliable resource for needs Prioritize activities and maintain timelines Maintain client information with high attention to detail Qualifications Bachelor s Degree in Liberal Arts or Business Customer Service Driven Desire to be a point person and integral team member Aptitude for technology Excellent communication skills verbal and written

24 24 * Merchandising Analyst A large retail chain, with almost 8,000 locations across the US and a growing e-commerce presence. Skills Problem Solving Excel Skills Database Exp. Communication Job Duties Increasing profits and reducing losses by improving the organization s merchandising processes Analyze and improve planograms and store metrics Review, document, and test new strategies Collaborate with other teams Marketing, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Store Operations Utilize and maintain databases Qualifications Bachelor s Degree in Business, Economics, Finance, or other quantitative area High degree of technology proficiency Deadline driven Excellent interpersonal skills must work with all levels or

25 25 * Adjuster Trainee A claims service organization, which services all facets of workers compensation, liability, property, and casualty claims adjusting. Job Duties Serve as a liaison to insurance carrier companies and claimants through the claims adjusting process. Candidate will receive extensive product and industry training and will be empowered to address and find solutions for customer issues and needs. Skills Customer Service Insurance Exp Time Management Communication Provide excellent customer service Build relationships Manage and coordinate cases from beginning to end Utilize and maintain databases Qualifications Bachelor s Degree in Business or Liberal Arts Customer service experience retail, restaurant, business Investigative aptitude and desire for continuous learning Ability to work independently

26 26 * Member Advocate A global heath insurance provider, administering employee assistance programs Job Duties Skills Listening Technology Customer Service Professionalism Educating insured members in regards to their benefits and claims and guiding them through various ways to take advantage of benefits Assist with a variety of questions and requests May handle crisis related situations Provide empathetic and supportive customer care Ensure member needs are met and service is escalated if necessary Qualifications Bachelor s Degree in Psychology or Social Work/Social Sciences Excellent listening and organizational skills Desire to work in a service-focused environment Ability to maintain a positive and professional image

27 27 * Investment Analyst A Privately held, real estate portfolio management company Job Duties Service investor portfolios and annual inspections and aid in the process of closing new property acquisitions. Skills Analytical Excel Skills Customer Service Communication Prepare preliminary and final investment reports reports include narrative analysis of property, locations, market information, etc. Prepare summary analyses of leases for use in investment reports Coordinate closing processes Utilize and maintain databases Qualifications Bachelor s Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Real Estate, Banking, or similar Interest in bank, mortgage, or real estate industry Reliable and dependable Solid investigative and creative problem solving skills

28 * Networking

29 * The Importance of Personal Networking You have a larger network than you think! 29 Coaches Volunteer Connections Professors /Teachers Coaches Counselors/ Advisors Clubs, Activities, etc. Teammates Extra-curricular School H.S. Friends Career Services Alumni Friends of Teammates Co-workers Previous Colleagues YOU Family Family s Professional Contacts Work Customers Personal Friends of Family Informational Interviews Fairs, Workshops, Conferences, etc. Supervisors Friends Parents of Friends Friends of Friends What do you do for a living?

30 30 How Gradstaff Can Help Outsourced college recruiting services help client companies fill entry-level positions Recruit and interview new grads for client positions Assess skills and interests of new grads, look for the right fit with a focus on long-term retention We make entry-level hiring more efficient and successful Positions filled in over 90 U.S. cities Resumes and Questions to hires@gradstaff.com