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How to Land Your First Job—Tips from a Woolpert Recruiter

Dear Recent Grad:

You’re starting the search for your first full-time job—what an exciting time! As a recruiter, I understand that you may be feeling a little nervous as well. Remember, there are a lot of companies out there, including Woolpert, who will be interested in you. We need your energy, ideas and skills, so don’t let your nerves get the best of you. Take the time to prepare. Do your research, learn everything you can about the company you’re thinking about joining, and try to enjoy the process.

Here are five important tips to help you stand out from the crowd.

#1: Polish your resume.
Because the entire process starts with your resume, don’t rush your preparation! Tailor your resume to the job you want, and make certain it is both error free and easy to read. Highlight how you meet the requirements of the position you’d like to land. Recruiters will look at your accomplishments and what you’ve personally contributed throughout your work history. Don’t forget to ask several people you respect to review your resume before you begin submitting it to companies.

#2: Rehearse your phone screening.
Find a quiet place for your phone screening so that you can focus and answer all questions thoroughly. Listen carefully, enunciate when you speak and don't ramble. And be adequately primed—there’s no excuse for faltering or stammering when an interviewer says, “Tell me about yourself,” or “tell me why you’re interested in our company.” Review some standard phone interview questions silently and aloud before the call.

#3: Practice your technique.
During the interview, validate your answers with examples. Use the STAR response technique (situation, task, action, result) to counter open-ended questions. First, describe the context/situation in which you faced a challenge. Next, describe your responsibility/task in that situation. Then, describe how you completed the task or endeavored/acted to meet the challenge, focusing specifically on what you did. Finally, explain the outcomes/results generated from your actions.

#4: Prepare for your in-person interview.
Remember that preparation is the key to having a successful in-person interview. Do your homework on the firm to start off on the right foot, and focus on your transferable skills. While it is understood that not every applicant will possess every desired qualification, recruiters are very interested in finding out how you’ve learned new skills quickly in the past.

#5: Be professional—but be yourself.
Remember, people hire people they like. Most candidates think about the job description and forget to market themselves. Relax and let the real you shine through. Concentrate on presenting your personality, passion and professional experience in a confident yet respectful manner.

Good luck!

Sincerely,
Sam Finke
Woolpert Recruiter