"The first thing I look for is work experience," said Julia Jordan, managing director at Goosehead Insurance. "The experience does not have to be glamorous. Employers just want to see that a student knows how to balance work with education."
Jordan spoke to students in marketing professor Jeffery Harper's "Introduction to Marketing" classes last week. She provided insights from a recruiter's perspective as to what employers look for in a resume for new college graduates and students looking for internships.
"A high GPA is important because it shows problem solving skills," said Jordan. "I also look for students who are truly involved in one organization, taking a leadership role or serving on committees, over a student who has a long list of organizations with no real involvement in any of them."
For students seeking internships, she recommends they choose wisely and look for opportunities where they can get real hands-on experience. "You don't want to find yourself in a situation where you are going on coffee runs or shadowing a professional, but never get to solve a problem."
For interviews, Jordan's advice is timeless, "first impressions are extremely important." Her advice? Avoid employers with whom you don't have a connection. Know how to pitch yourself. Be honest about the experience you seek. And above all, follow up directly after your interview.
Jordan said before an interview, make sure to research and come prepared with honest questions and concerns. During the interview, be genuine, and if you are really interested in working there, express that. She said following up with emails and written cards goes a long way, and many recruiters expect you to send a thank you card or email after an interview.
When trying to decide what job offer to accept, Jordan suggests researching third-party websites like Glassdoor to learn more about the company. Additionally, make sure the culture of the company is a good fit for you. She also reminded students to have a realistic mindset, "Just know that in your first job, you will have to prove yourself, and don't expect your first job to be all that glamorous."
One final note from Jordan, "Remember that once you accept a job offer, you have made a contract. You don't want to break a contract because there can be serious consequences for backing out, including maybe losing access to your career center. Before you accept a job, be sure it's what you want."