Ellen Price, Marketing & Campus Programs with CampusPoint, visited the Department to highlight the various communication jobs and internships that the early-career recruiter often sees. She also provided student attendees with invaluable information on the competitive salaries offered by CampusPoint clients, as well as several insights into these companies and what they look for in candidates.
“To start, most employers want to make sure that they hire someone who is a good fit with their company culture. That is absolutely one of their top requirements,” Price explained. “They also want candidates who are eager, and have demonstrated that they are self-motivated, detail-oriented, collaborative, and adaptable. Especially in the communication industry, our clients are looking for employees that are receptive to change.”
Price also happily shared her top tips on getting hired, including advice on resumes, interviews, and making a winning first impression:
- People will remember how you made them feel, not necessarily what you said
- “It’s not just who you know, but who knows you” (ex: I know Bill Gates, the CEO of Microsoft, but that does not mean much for my career because he does not know me)
- A good handshake – Firm, thumbs up, while making eye contact – sets the tone of your interview
- “Tell Me About Yourself” is an invitation to define who you are, what you can bring to an organization, and reveal something personal that makes you stand out from other candidates
- When answering questions, utilize the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- Be candid, be honest (no lying on your resume or during your interview), and remember that “you are interviewing them, just as much as they are interviewing you”
- ALWAYS have questions for the interviewer (ex: “What do you love most about working here?” “What type of growth is available in this role?” “Is there anything about my resume that concerns you?”)
- Job Candidate, Know Thyself. Practice your answers out loud, do mock interviews (UW students can utilize the Speaking Center for this); if you feel it is applicable, use language from professional personality tests (like the Meyer Briggs) to describe yourself
- After an interview, send a handwritten thank you note if at all possible. If not, at least an email. Be sure to include specific details from the time you spent together
- People work with and recommend people whom they know, like, and trust
Students are encouraged to visit the CampusPoint website to learn more about the organization and to register for a free jobseekers profile. As Price said at the conclusion of her presentation, “there’s no other agency like us. Most of our jobs require little or no experience, as opposed to those other ‘entry-level’ postings that say they require 2-3 years of work at another company. Instead, CampusPoint really believes in letting your education speak for itself.”