7 Things Employers Want from New Grads

Reader Comments
Back to blog

Good

AGL of WI 4:34PM September 14, 2012

thought you'd be interested in this...

Steve Tillotson of TX 10:52AM September 07, 2012

Good tips on here... I have a soft spot for recent grads - I have two kids in the category and own a business that, on occassion, will hire recent grads. I would second the advice to show up knowing something about the company and to follow up any interivew or interaction with a note - even better to follow up with a specific idea about how the company can be better and how you would impliment the idea. It doesn't even have to be a great idea - but it will show you are thinking. Finally, remember that interviewing with a company for a job is not about you (unless you are a highly recruited stud that can do amazing things) - it's about the company and how they can use you to make money. That sounds course, but it's true (at least for private sector). Be bright, be memorable, be proactive, be humble, be positive. You WILL stand out from your competition

Tom of TX 7:55AM September 07, 2012

#1 should be: Willing to work unlimited hours for minimal pay and put up with whatever abuse we feel fit to dish out.

Na Me of AL 10:19PM July 17, 2012

To all New graduates. It's good to have a job, it pays the bills and put's food on the table; however it's better to start your own business. Your chances are higher been the boss than the employee. you cannot get fired or be layed off. you are in control.
the first step is to find something that you love and have a passion for, if it makes sense it will makes money; Start by getting a business plan done apply for a grant and open your small business. Be a part of the solution. Be a private sector job creator and help your economy grow.

delsia of FL 8:24PM June 28, 2012

Great tips! We also like to see something outside of the box - some way of getting our attention and standing out from the crowd. Nothing too crazy, but just enough to show your creativity, individuality, & why you're better than the rest. :)
OxRun: Web Development, Media & Marketing >> www.oxrun.com

Dan Oksnevad of MN 12:44PM May 23, 2012

Move attitude to the number #1 slot. None of the others matter without the right attitude! Keep your experience and communication skills for you are drain on the organization when your attitude stinks!

Beverly Lorig of VA 7:18PM May 17, 2012

The company I work for has been working on training Millennials for the workforce. I think one of the biggest underlying issues mentioned in this article is about being accountable. Especially with companies now looking into online profiles, Millennials need to realize that they are going to be representing a company when they enter the workforce. Companies don't want to hire someone who can potentially embarrass them.

Carly of UT 12:10PM May 16, 2012

My one suggestion is think outside of the box! Look for jobs in places you didn't think had them. I had no idea my employer (a large, private university in the northeast) had research positions that were not faculty positions.
Also, hit up that alumni directory BEFORE you graduate. Every 10 years, my alma mater publishes the alumni directory and my biggest regret of the past few years was NOT including my information and not buying it. My boss and I share the same alma mater (although she is a PhD graduate and I have a BS) and it tipped the scales in my favor.

veronica of NH 3:11PM May 15, 2012