I clearly don't know what hiring managers seek in a candidate.

Anonymous

September 1,2022 at 5:52PM UTC

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I clearly don't know what hiring managers seek in a candidate.

Recent grad, BS in finance. My job search has been frustrating. I've applied to positions related to my degree, related to my 1yr post grad experience (market research), and no degree required positions (customer serv. call centers, data entry, clerical). Out of the hundred+ applications, a few resulted in an interview, none in an offer. It's been a year. I've had my resume rewritten by two different services.

I have no clue what it is that can get me a job. I thought my year of professional experience was my "foot in the door." Even though it's not my field of study, I thought it could lead to other opportunities because I finally had experience in a "professional" position and not the retail/food service jobs I worked prior to my degree. I genuinely thought my degree plus some post grad exp was my in, but that hasn't been the case at all.

So I'm left wondering what exactly is it that I need to do to get into an entry level position? What exactly is a "foot in the door?" What are some positions that I can do right now (that WILL hire me) to gain whatever experience these positions are looking for? I'm so disheartened that even the no-degree required positions won't give me the time of day. I have no idea what it is I need to be doing or have on my resume.

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AnonymousSeptember 1,2022 at 6:18PM UTC
A resume is much less important than a referral. I would network to get in.
Degrees are nice but are more of a check the box. Current, relevant experience with reputable companies and a personal referral will do the trick.
AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 9:04PM UTC
Referrals do seem to be the cure for this. So far no luck on that front either, I've been trying with 5 diff referrals. The longer I'm unable to find employment, the less relevant and current my exp becomes. We're still trying, giving up is never an option.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 4,2022 at 5:05AM UTC
Networking is great. Referrals are awesome. But applying works too. Every hire I've made in the last 12 months has either been someone who applied or someone I sourced.
Jocelyn LyonsSeptember 1,2022 at 6:48PM UTC
Agree with the comment below - do you know someone who works at a company you'd love to work for or that has an open position? Can you message the hiring manager on LinkedIn and ask if they'd spare a few moments to help you understand the ideal candidate? You could also try going back to previous employers and applying for new roles within the company.
Aside from this, are you tailoring your resume and cover letter for each role? You should, and you should be sure to highlight the skills/experience you think make you a great candidate for that particular role.
Good luck! Don't give up!
AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 9:06PM UTC
I've done all of the above except messaging hiring managers on linkedin. I'll try that, thank you!
AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 12:31PM UTC
please don’t give up. I know it’s frustrating. It’s a crazy competitive market. I’ve been looking for a year and I have TONS of experience.
Skills are important but be prepared to share “why you should hire me”. Lots of people will have a similar resume. Personality and “fit” is what most hiring mgrs are looking for. Be approachable, positive, and ask good questions of them.
It WILL happen!
AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 1:36PM UTC
Sounds like your resume is up to par... what about your interviewing skills? Maybe look up some interviewing methods like the "STAR" method and practice more? Just don't give up! And Network Network Network. Sometimes its not what you know but who you know.
AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 8:59PM UTC
A big concern is that I'm not even getting to the interview phase. It's why I got my resume redone twice. I've only been able to make it that far a handful of times. Networking seems to be the solution to this which I've gotten referrals (5 diff. friends, 5 diff. companies) and still no luck. We're still trying.
JJSeptember 3,2022 at 2:59AM UTC
My company needs financial analysts if you want to send me a message, I can give you details. Something seems off because we cannot hire enough finance people and it’s a very competitive field. Have you tried working with a recruiter?
Stephanie F, MSHRMSeptember 3,2022 at 10:31PM UTC
Sorry to hear your search has been frustrating.
I work in higher education and we have quite a few departments searching for financial analysts.
Where are you located?
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 4,2022 at 5:04AM UTC
What have you done so far in your job search?
Where do you have your resume posted? How often are you updating those profiles?
Is your LinkedIn profile filled out and up to snuff? Do you have the green “open to work” banner on your LI profile and the other “open to work” indicator that recruiters with a LinkedIn Recruiter license can see?
Are there specialty job sites you could be using? Are you utilizing the University's job site or alumni network?
VirginiaSeptember 5,2022 at 12:32PM UTC
I have heard that she who asks the most questions during an interview gets hired. It's ego. If you are too self-confident, you're garbage. We tend to look for mediocrity, e.g., someone you would like to have a beer with, not someone who can actually do great things. So, at the next interview, let the interviewer talk about him or herself. Chances are you'll get the job.
AnonymousSeptember 7,2022 at 5:25PM UTC
There is a lot of good advice in response to your questions.
To recap:
1) Stay humble but confident (not overly confident, though) when interviewing
2) To demonstrate your level of interest and diligence while interviewing, ask questions based on your research of the organization, the industry and, if possible, perhaps via networking, the role itself
3) Ask for feedback [may receive limited information, but asking for feedback is worth the time and effort]
a) at the end of the interview ("Is there anything that you feel would keep me from moving forward in the interview process?" "May I provide you with any additional information about my work background or education?")
b) if you are not moved forward in the process, after receipt of this notification ("Are you able to share any feedback about why I was not moved forward in the interview process?")
4) Make use of resources available to you - including university/college career services office, local employment office, your personal and professional network (which you can work on expanding), professional organizations and recruiters
5) Double-check that versions of your resume, your cover letters and your LinkedIn profile are promoting you in the way that you wish to be promoted for the types of jobs that you are considering
Other ideas
You might consider volunteering or taking a class to enhance a skill or learn a new one and to meet people. You never know who might be able to provide you with your next job referral.
Think about who can provide professional references, LinkedIn recommendations and letters of recommendation for you and make sure to keep those people up-to-date on your job search. People who know you well enough might consider providing an employee referral when you apply for their employers' opportunities. Often employees receive a bonus when someone they referred gets hired and stays on the job for a specified time period.
There are several retail/service part-time positions available across the US. More seasonal jobs will open as we approach the end of the year. Although these types of jobs might not be long-term positions for you, taking on such a role might demonstrate to a potential employer that you are willing to work hard and you are able to manage your time well, balancing job searching and working. It can be easier to find a job when you are working a job. You will learn new skills and reinforce ones you possess. You will meet new people. Again, there is the possibility that a new acquaintance, a colleague or supervisor, might connect you with someone who is hiring for a type of role that you are seeking.
Alice JohnsonSeptember 13,2022 at 1:13PM UTC
Hm. Since only a few have resulted in an interview I would look at your resume again. If you know someone who is currently working in the role you would like to be in, ask them if they have some time to look at your resume and give feedback. I’m not in finance but would be willing to look at your resume for general tips.
How are your interviewing skills? Do you feel confident when you go in? Have you researched the company and know who they are/what they do? Are you answering the questions completely? What does your interview prep look like?
Melissa Boillot, SHRM - SCPSeptember 13,2022 at 1:48PM UTC
It is really hard to stay positive, but you can do this!! A couple suggestions..,Many organizations are using applicant tracking software that scans resumes for keywords. Ensure you a tailoring your resume with keywords to each position. I’d also work on networking, sometimes it’s who you know and not what you know (unfortunately). Lastly, I would recommend some interview preparation and practice with a coach. This could be a friend, family member or professional that can give you feedback on your interview technique.
Joanne RosenSeptember 16,2022 at 3:47PM UTC
Hi,
I have one question: How many achievements are in your resume? Even fresh out of school, there needs to be achievements.
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Cheers
Joanne
Crystal HowellSeptember 20,2022 at 10:13PM UTC
Try executive search.com or the ladders.com, they work with graduates