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Career Center: What is your current employment and how did you acquire it?
Reed Swisher: "I currently am employed by Angie's List working in the Member Sales/eCommerce Department in Indianapolis. This is my first job post-graduation, and I can say with full confidence that I am very content with this company as well as my specific job within the organization. Looking back at my job search journey, there are a few decisions (good and bad) that I think would be helpful to shed some light on for future career seekers."
What struggles and unknown hardships did you encounter as a recent graduate?
"Before actually starting the job hunting process, I believe it is important to recognize which factors are most desirable for your ideal job. These could be work location, hours, stress level, company culture, field of work, salary vs. commission, etc. Many job hunters will jump straight to 'pay,' however it is also essential to take into consideration the benefits the company offers as well, which could actually leave more money in your pocket after expenses are taken out. For me personally, my employer offers great insurance plans, generous vacation days, complementary gym membership, free downtown parking, 401K, etc. which actually saves me money in the long run.
After noting what factors will have the heaviest impact on your decision, the actual searching process can begin. I started consistently job searching around mid-February my senior year, and tried to spend about one hour a day (minus Wednesdays) applying/searching for jobs. Several tools exist that can speed up the process, many which are readily available at the Career Center. Creating online profiles on job searching websites can be very beneficial. After spending 10 minutes to create a profile, you can apply to multiple jobs by merely clicking "apply." ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and LinkedIn (which I personally found most hopeful) are great starting points to start searching and networking. Please don't message anyone on Facebook, that's creepy. After a profile is created, recruiters and companies alike will also have the opportunity to contact you in regards to employment opportunities, so it is essential to make sure your online profile is of high quality. I especially found recruiters to be helpful, as they would often assist me in preparing me for interviews with the actual company.
(Disclaimer!) What I found worked best for me was to apply to many different places, and then funnel down the results after researching the companies/jobs once they contacted me back. I did this in fear that I would not have a job after graduation, so I threw my resume out to anyone who could read. This probably is not the best strategy, but in the end it worked well for me. I was able to have multiple job offers on the table and could pick the one that best suited me based on the key factors that were most important for me personally. My biggest mistake was showing interest in companies that were TOO EAGER to hire/set up a final interview. Many companies will prey on recent graduates by giving job offers after learning very little about the interviewee, which in reality leads to a job with little pay, high turnover, and a quick trip back to square 1. After getting over the initial excitement, I did my research and realized that companies that are CONSTANTLY hiring have a huge turnover for a reason. Often, they will have very cheap/no online presence at all. If you have not met with a person and feel that you have done way too little to actually deserve a shot at a "rewarding job," then you are probably right and need to reevaluate your decision before you commit.
Most of my initial interviews were done through tools such as Skype in my room in order save gas/travel time. Employers would rather you come in person, but most will understand if you cannot afford to drive that far. I recommend finding a quiet room with good internet connection. Finding a solid wall with no posters/memorabilia gives a more professional appearance (I found that out the hard way). The same rules of a normal interview apply as far as timeliness, demeanor, and dress-although you may be able to get away with wearing no pants due to video interviews being done from the waist up."
How did the Career Center help you in your job search?
"The Career Center's workshop centered on LinkedIn is particularly helpful. After the workshop I felt much more comfortable navigating the site as well as joining a few different Hanover Alumni groups to broaden my network. After a profile is created, recruiters and companies alike will also have the opportunity to contact you in regards to employment opportunities, so it is essential to make sure your online profile is of high quality. I especially found recruiters to be helpful, as they would often assist me in preparing me for interviews with the actual company. The Career Center has access to a strong alumni support system. Chances are that someone works in the field that you are attempting to enter. Feel free to reach out to them to gain tips for interviewing."
Do you have any words of wisdom or advice to share with Hanover students?
"What I found to be most significant in my search is that a resume is more important than a report card. Not to say that grades are unimportant, but the previous job experiences, leadership positions on campus, and accomplishments are the key components to be leveraged to receive a job offer. During my years at Hanover, I was told that even if your GPA is lower than students at state schools, your Hanover degree is more appealing and valuable to employers than other schools, which I did not find to be necessarily true. The phenomenal advantage that Hanover gives us over other schools is the amazing hands on opportunities that turn into personal growing experiences. An internship, a senior thesis, an off-campus project for class, a leadership position in a campus organization- these experiences are what separates us from everyone else. Spend your time on activities that will improve your resume, not your GPA. Our sole reason for going to Hanover is to land a great job, not just graduate with a high GPA. Focus on what your interviewer will focus on. This is what led to success in my job search, and I believe it can do the same for you."
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