Seminars & Events > Notes from Past Events > Real World

The Real World: Advice From Employers

Here are some written comments from the panelists responding to our questions about job searching and the transition from college student to professional.

1. How can I make the most of a networking event?

Rather than spend your time getting your message out about you (your strengths, intern experience, etc.), be intent on asking questions, listening and learning about the people and companies at the event. You will learn more and your curiosity will leave a better impression than anything else.

J. Martin Carlson, CPO
Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc.

• Be comfortable with yourself, where your interests lie, and your resume.
• Introduce yourself and become involved in the evening.
• Come prepared with knowledge or background on the company and/or positions available.
• Show a level of curiosity by asking questions.

Katina Wynn, Campus Recruiter
Target Corporation

• Know who the presenters/participants will be. If you are really interested in an opportunity with a specific employer, research that firm/organization as well as you can prior to the event, make an opportunity to talk directly with the firm�s/organizations representative, briefly, describe how your experience and training dovetail with a specific area the firm/organization is working in, give the representative your card (not a resume) and ask for theirs. If the representative doesn�t follow up with you in a few days, contact them.
• Come with a small portfolio and pen so you can make notes.

Cindy Bahmer, Director of Human Resources & Volunteer Services
American Red Cross � Minneapolis Area Chapter

What should one do to prepare for a 2nd interview?

• At this point, you will more than likely be attending the company�s on-site location. This may be somewhere you are familiar with or potentially a brand new experience for you.
• Typically the 2nd round interviewing experience will be very similar to your initial round, however you may be meeting with more specific hiring managers and potentially multiple people who may be involved in the decision making process.
• Similar to how you would prepare for a first round, become comfortable with your resume and specifically review past experiences you are most proud of and interested to share.
• Absorb the information around you, including the variety of individuals you meet, the culture you experience, etc. This will allow you to better understand what the company has to offer you and whether or not you will find it is the right fit for you.

Katina Wynn, Campus Recruiter
Target Corporation

• Research the company and position you are applying for, be able to clearly state how your specific skills and experience dovetail with the company�s mission and how they would enhance the company�s abilities to meet specific goals in their current initiatives.
• Make sure you have a different set of professional clothing for the interview.

Cindy Bahmer, Director of Human Resources & Volunteer Services
American Red Cross � Minneapolis Area Chapter

3. Do you think that a graduating senior is in a position to negotiate salary? What information could you hear that would justify more money?

• Yes, a graduating senior is in the position to negotiate salary; however I would ensure you take a professional approach. It is important to have done your research and have credible reasons why you feel you deserve additional dollars, benefits, etc. Each company, I would assume, has done a great deal of compensation analysis to ensure they are remaining competitive in their industry.
• As a recruiter, I am fairly familiar with what my peers at other companies are offering and vice versa. Because of this, I think it is important to be honest with a recruiter. As a student, you are not familiar with the amount of information they may know regarding other employers, so I wouldn�t recommend stretching the truth.

Katina Wynn, Campus Recruiter
Target Corporation

• Yes.
• Specific, extensive, skills training in an area particularly relevant to a position.
• Cost of living concerns
• If you have better financial offers but really want to work for a particular organization.
• Do not make a counter offer as a demand, instead present your request cleanly stated with supporting documentation if warranted; stay within the salary range for the position.
• When you know you are the best candidate for the position

Cindy Bahmer, Director of Human Resources & Volunteer Services
American Red Cross � Minneapolis Area Chapter

4. How open are you to input or suggestions from interns and new grads?

• Suggest away. A well thought out suggestion presented respectfully is welcomed. Impulsive or �off-the-cuff� suggestions will probably hurt your professional reputation whether an intern, new employee or long-time employee.
• If you are not comfortable making suggestions during the internship, make sure to use the exit interview as an opportunity to make suggestions.

5. What adjustment issues will a new hire deal with?

Adjustment issues will vary by position and company and may include such things as adjusting to:

• a more formal schedule
• professional expectations and supervision
• professional dress
• coworker�s work-styles
• diversity in workforce, including age diversity

6. How important is diversity in your workplace? How do you support it?

• Diversity is a primary value. The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values �promoting mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all people.�
• The Chapters are proactively multi-cultural providing many programs and services in the different ethnic communities throughout the Twin Cities as well as recruiting staff and volunteers from those communities.
• Intolerance/harassment of any type is not tolerated in the workforce of the American Red Cross.
• Educating employees and volunteers about diversity. Celebrating each cultural diversity during events hosted by the Red Cross

Cindy Bahmer, Director of Human Resources & Volunteer Services
American Red Cross � Minneapolis Area Chapter

7. What are the critical skills needed by a new professional?

From my experience, the majority of what you need to know for an entry-level position can be trained on the job. There are many competencies in the workplace that can be taught, however there are others that are not necessarily as easy to attain. For example, initiative. Initiative is a competency that individuals either have or do not. It is not something that is easily taught or maximized through experience. When hiring a new professional, it is my goal to ensure the candidate can someday evolve into a great employee and potentially, a future leader in the company. I am very aware that this will take both time and training and as long as the candidate has the right competencies upfront, I think it is very realistic.

Katina Wynn, Campus Recruiter
Target Corporation

• Be organized and prepared
• Follow-through on your commitments
• Solid, basic computer skills, advanced skills directly applicable to a specific job are an asset.
• A willingness to accept supervision and guidance.
• Quality communication skills, especially, focused active-listening skills.
• Take initiative in appropriate situations.

Cindy Bahmer, Director of Human Resources & Volunteer Services
American Red Cross � Minneapolis Area Chapter

8. We have heard stories about this generation�s parents being involved in their sons and daughters lives - even after their college studies have ended, and on into their work-lives. Have you had any experiences where this involvement has been �too much of a good thing?� Or do you have any comments about parent involvement?

I think it is important to involve your parents in your decision making process if that is what feels right to you. I have not had very much contact with parent involvement and have by no means had it be �too much of a good or bad thing�. However, I do know that last summer, our internship program hosted a Friends and Family corporate visit, which allowed our interns to share their experience with their parents. They had an opportunity to introduce them to our facility, the individuals they worked with, and provide their parents with the information they may have eventually requested. Overall, the event was a success!

Katina Wynn, Campus Recruiter
Target Corporation

9. What is the single biggest mistake that you see new professionals make?

• Act too casually, impertinently to the point that it undermines their accomplishments.

10. What is the single smartest thing you have seen new professionals do?

• Take initiative when invited to and when you are up to the task.
• Work harder than is expected.

Cindy Bahmer, Director of Human Resources & Volunteer Services
American Red Cross � Minneapolis Area Chapter

11. What are some of the major mistakes of new hires in your organization?

• Not showing enough initiative early
• Not asking enough questions
• Being too afraid

J. Martin Carlson, CPO
Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc.

• �Reinventing the wheel� instead of using accepted practice that works well.
• Not careful enough about their dress and wearing inappropriate clothing to the workplace
• Make assumptions that older workers are not as techno savvy as their generation.
• At times, being too quick to criticize current practices without taking the time to learn about the mor�s and culture of their workgroup.

Cindy Bahmer, Director of Human Resources & Volunteer Services
American Red Cross � Minneapolis Area Chapter

12. How forgiving is your company about new hire mistakes?

Very forgiving, I believe. It is easy to forgive mistakes by people who are taking initiative and have respectful, helpful attitudes toward coworkers and supervisor.

J. Martin Carlson, CPO
Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc.

• New-hires are generally in a situation where they are mentored/supervised by a more senior staff person. The expectation is that they will learn and grow and not make the same mistake repeatedly.
• Offer agency specific training to new hires.
• New-hires may also be in a probationary period.

Cindy Bahmer, Director of Human Resources & Volunteer Services
American Red Cross � Minneapolis Area Chapter

13. We hear phrases like, �it�s a small world�, and �don�t burn any bridges� � can you explain what those mean for us as students, as job and internship applicants?

• Do not gossip, i.e., say negative things about other people or organizations.
• Maintain an aura of political neutrality during your interview.
• If after your research, you are unable to clearly state the firm�s/organizations values, it�s OK to inquire.
• You don�t have to agree with someone, but always be respectful.
• Realize that there are probably firms and companies with value systems that you don�t want to work for.

Cindy Bahmer, Director of Human Resources & Volunteer Services
American Red Cross � Minneapolis Area Chapter

14. How important is networking within an organization after I get hired?

Networking is an irreplaceable key to success in any organization. The more people you know who know other people the more likely you are to get the information and build the relationships that will help you be successful. People will get to know you, and more important, you will get to know them: what they are working on, what their vision is for the organization; this in turn tells you how you can be useful to your colleagues and how you can work together to achieve shared or collateral goals. Networking makes you a valuable colleague. Who and what you know translates into how to get things done.

Representative Ruth Johnson
State of Minnesota House of Representatives

15. Can you talk about Professional Development and explain what it is and why it is so important?

Professional Development comprises all those formal and informal opportunities to learn new technical skills (computer programs..,) professional skills (supervision, budget-setting*), new developments in your field (legal concerns*), and a myriad of other interesting things that make you even more valuable to your organization and to your profession. Whether in seminars or shoptalk after work, you learn how to do things, what things matter, and why they matter*all components for stronger competencies and enlarged vision. They can also be fun and great opportunities for networking*for current goals and for long-term career advancement.

Representative Ruth Johnson
State of Minnesota House of Representatives

• Professional development is one of the ways you stay aware of developments in your field.
• It is also an excellent opportunity to learn skills and �best-practices� that you can incorporate into your professional toolbox both from professional development leaders as well as from your colleagues participating in the professional development.
• Professional development can also �recharge your batteries� by connecting you with innovative resources and professionals that have creative, results-oriented information relevant to projects you are working on.

Cindy Bahmer, Director of Human Resources & Volunteer Services
American Red Cross � Minneapolis Area Chapter