GETTING CAREER READY

Getting Career Ready

BY KATIE FRAZIER VEREEN, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

What does a recruiter do? Simply put, the job of a recruiter is to identify candidates for open positions either at a company or through a staffing agency. I became a recruiter by applying to work for a small nonprofit that helps identify talent for apprenticeships in Arkansas. You would think someone applying to be a recruiter would have to be on their A-game when it comes to resumes and interviews, right? That was not what happened in my case. I may have had a good resume, but I had the worst interview. I stumbled over my words, I forgot to bring copies of my resume, and at one point, I was called out for saying “um” too many times. I thought I was out of the running, and then the recruiter asked me what I was involved in during college. When I told her about my time in Zeta Tau Alpha, my story came alive, and I was able to draw on specific experiences that made me stand out as a candidate and demonstrated competency. She smiled and said, “I’m a Zeta, too.” Then she asked me why I left Zeta Tau Alpha off my resume when I was so involved with the Fraternity. I was embarrassed that I didn’t originally include ZTA, because it taught me so much. After that interview, the recruiter took time to give me feedback and took a chance on me by hiring me for my first recruiter job. That wise Zeta told me that resumes are your opportunity to get your foot in the door, but the interview is your opportunity to tell your story and show why you would be the best possible candidate. Do the Research

Research the job market before creating a resume or even thinking about applying for a job so you know exactly what skills the ideal candidates for your dream role have in their toolkits. A great starting point is to review examples of resumes for your industry. Information technology resumes are my specialty, and they look completely different from a graduate student’s resume. For example, with an IT resume, you will want to include a skills section with your favorite programming languages at the top of your resume. Future graduate students, be sure to include research papers you have completed during your time in college. Reach out to your professional contacts in the field for advice on what your resume should look like.

Once you know how your resume should look, start reading job descriptions for your ideal role and your dream company’s career site. How does the company describe its values and the job? Does the company culture align with what you’re seeking? Tailoring your resume to the job description is a lot of work! Make sure the company is one you can see yourself at before investing your valuable time into creating the perfect resume for that specific job. Craft Your Resume

Once you have researched the company where you’re applying, you’re ready to start crafting your resume. Start by including your name and contact information in the header. This formatting saves space in the body of the document and automatically includes the information on subsequent pages. While most websites recommend keeping a resume to one page, industry-specific practices may vary. For example, in education, it’s helpful to have a longer resume that details your involvement in and outside of the classroom. For graduate school resumes, include details about your research papers and studies you’ve participated in. As a general rule, aim to stay within four pages. Next, you should write your objective statement. Your objective statement is a great place to include your values and tell a recruiter about what you’re seeking. For example, a job description may mention that the company is looking for an entry-level candidate who is open to getting their CPA license, located in the Atlanta area and comfortable with working from home. An objective statement that aligns with that description may look like this:

I am a recent college graduate looking for my first job in accounting. I am studying for the CPA exam and looking to relocate to the Atlanta area. I value open communication, strong leadership and a flexible work environment.

Every recruiter will tell you to start on a resume by tailoring it to the job description, but I’m going to let you in on a little secret. A lot of companies use an automated tracking system to review resumes. Even if the company doesn’t use an ATS, recruiters rely on key words from the job description when “sourcing” or searching for the perfect candidate’s resume. When a resume reflects language in the job description, it’s like a lighted arrow turns on, guiding the recruiter toward the right candidate. When writing the body of the resume, it’s best to quantify and be specific. For example, an involvement section that lists your ZTA officer role may look something like this:

Director of Philanthropy, Service & Fundraising, Zeta Tau Alpha, 20212022

• Managed a budget of $2,000. • Raised $5,000 for Think Pink® 5K. • Volunteered 50 hours at Seniors

Nursing Home in the fall 2021 semester.

• Coordinated 25 service

opportunities for an organization of 120 members.

Use action verbs at the beginning of each bullet to help recruiters and employers quickly scan your resume. Use as many different verbs as possible while still accurately describing your duties. If you find yourself using the same verbs over and over again, Bloom’s taxonomy has great descriptors. Resume Visuals

Designing the look of a resume can feel almost as overwhelming as writing it. The readability should be your biggest concern. Use 12 point font if space allows and don’t use any size smaller than 10 point. You should submit your resume as a PDF (rather than a Microsoft Word document) so a text scanning system can read it and the formatting will remain intact. I advise against using templates, mainly because recruiters see the same templates all day. If you want your resume to stand out, start by writing your content and play around with the design afterward. Keep your resume like your recruitment—no frills! This means no pictures, logos or overwhelming uses of color. If you do incorporate color, it’s best to use it as an accent. Pictures and colors often upload strangely on automated tracking systems and make resumes hard to read.

Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Once you’ve built the perfect resume, there is one last step: proofreading. Ask yourself, are you using descriptors in the right tense for current/past leadership roles or jobs? For roles you’re no longer in, use past tense verbs. Make sure you haven’t missed any commas or extra spaces and watch out for homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings) or words that are spelled correctly but used incorrectly. Grammarly and spell-checkers are great tools, but always have a sister read over your resume. Preparing for the Interview

When you’re getting ready for an interview, put on your confidence first! Nerves are normal, but often they get in the way of a shining personality. Hold your head high and speak clearly and confidently. Reading about the company you’re interviewing with will help you feel more confident. Check out recent news stories about the company and reread the job description to familiarize yourself with the duties.

For phone interviews, make sure you have a quiet space to take the call. I have a bulldog, and I always have to make sure I’m in a quiet space where no one can hear him snoring or barking. Additionally, ensure you have a good signal and a full phone battery. The last thing you want is a dropped call or for your phone to die mid-conversation. A good internet connection is key to a successful video interview. Practice using the company’s preferred video conferencing platform beforehand so you know how to connect and mute/ unmute yourself. In most cases, if you’re sent a link and don’t have the platform downloaded, it will open in a browser window. You can download the platform app from the browser and check your video and sound quality. Make sure you have a clean background free of distractions. While they may be the most intimidating, in-person interviews are inevitable for most roles and offer you the chance to seal the deal. The most common question I get about interviews is “What do I wear?” I recommend a “step up” from normal office attire. You can search the company on social media or its career site for pictures of employees to get an idea of the dress code. As a general rule, business professional attire, which includes slacks or a skirt and a blazer, is suitable for interviews. Some college campuses have a career closet that students can borrow an outfit from. Before the interview, write your questions for the interviewer inside a padfolio. A padfolio is a professional (usually leatherbound) version of a notebook. Always carry extra copies of your resume in your padfolio so you can reference it throughout the interview and provide copies to any extra interviewers who may be present.

Once you arrive, communicate confidence with a firm handshake when you meet the interviewer. At the end of the interview, it is important to always ask the interviewers at least one or two good questions to show your interest in the role. My biggest pet peeve as a recruiter is not “I don’t have any questions,” but “What does the role entail?” because the responsibilities are in the job description. Examples of good questions include: • Can you tell me how I will receive feedback from my supervisor? • What does the first month of this role look like? two months? • What does success look like in this role? • Can you tell me about opportunities for professional development? • Do you have any feedback for me? Never be afraid to ask for feedback. If my boss had not freely offered feedback to me, I would never have had the opportunity to become a recruiter. I now pay it forward and share my experience so you can go forth and get your dream job!

ETIQUETTE FOR THE MODERN AGE

By Christy Marx Barber, Staff Writer

In 1930, Zeta Tau Alpha’s “Etiquette Compilation” embraced the premise that fraternity and sorority members should gain more from college than a higher education and loyal friends. They should also gain a knowledge of the “social amenities.” One of the social amenities mentioned in the compilation was to avoid entirely the use of “phone” for “telephone” or “photo” for “photograph.” In 1930, who could have imagined cell phones with photo apps? ZTA published several versions of etiquette or standards manuals throughout its first 100 years. “Touch of Class,” published in 1980, again took up the subject of the telephone. Since most homes and ZTA chapter houses had only one telephone line, “Touch of Class” instructed: “When answering the telephone, always put a smile in your voice. Answer promptly with ‘Smith residence,’ or ‘Zeta Tau Alpha. How may I help you?’” Most of ZTA’s standards came from Emily Post, author of “Etiquette: The Blue Book of Social Usage” and a renowned etiquette authority in the early 20th century. In 2022, two of her great grandchildren continue the tradition with a website, blog and weekly podcast. They believe etiquette is a still a courtesy based on consideration, respect and honesty. Both current etiquette and ZTA membership teach us to show authentic kindness, work with others, build relationships and learn to be comfortable in every situation. So, let’s get comfortable with some 21st century etiquette tips in five categories.

PHONE

(Sorry, Mrs. Post. It is just not a telephone any longer.) Do you always answer your cell phone with a smile in your voice? It’s still good advice. But so is using the “Do Not Disturb” function for more than just a good nap. Out of consideration for others, set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” or “Silent” and put it away from your view and reach in group settings—that means in class and at chapter meetings, business conferences, weddings, or a meal with family or friends. In the checkout lane at the grocery store or when ordering your favorite beverage from a barista, using your phone to pay can save time. However, talking or texting on your phone in that setting screams: “The person I’m chatting with and I are more important than any of you here.” That shows a lack of respect for others.

PUNCTUALITY

If you have an appointment at 10 a.m., arriving at 9:50 a.m. is on time, and 10 a.m. is late. Early arrival leaves a margin for error and allows you to breathe and gather your thoughts. Punctuality also applies to responses. “RSVP” on an invitation is short for “Respondez, s’il vous plait.” That’s French for “respond/reply/answer, please” (and not just if you are able to come). You should also promptly acknowledge or reply to texts, emails and voicemails from coworkers, friends, family, supervisors, advisors and professors. Ghosting anyone is not okay. Replying within 24 hours is appropriate for everyone but your guardians. They will always need to know you are okay, whether you are 22 or 52.

MEETINGS AND GREETINGS

The “Touch of Class” manual reminded collegians to stand whenever an alumna or adult came into a room. Why not consider giving that respect to everyone? Don’t ignore visitors or newcomers. Stand and look them in the eye. Introduce yourself and shake hands (except, of course, during a pandemic). If you are wearing a nametag, it should be on your right side, so when you turn your body to extend your right hand, your nametag will be more visible. Your ZTA badge always goes on the left, over your heart.

FORMAL DINNER PLACE SETTING

MEALS

In the world of fast food and meals snarfed down in front of the TV, table manners have been, well, tabled. Bring them back for discussion. Put your napkin on your lap (to protect your clothes) and keep your elbows off the table. Don’t talk with food in your mouth (ew). Don’t chew with your mouth open (double ew). When dining with others, do not eat until everyone is served. At a formal dinner, if you see multiple forks to the left of your plate, start on the outside and work your way in with each course. Your bread plate is on your left and your drink is on your right. When finished, place your knife and fork on your plate at the 4 o’clock position and your napkin neatly to the left of your plate. It all may seem frivolous, but at an interview meal or date, it shows “a touch of class.”

RESPECT

Chick-Fil-A® and its “my pleasure” mantra should not have a monopoly on courtesy. Treat everyone from the drive-thru attendant to your grandmother with respect. You show kindness, courtesy and respect with a simple hello, please, thank you, I’m sorry, you’re welcome, have a good day. A prospective employer will monitor your behavior at an interview lunch. How you treat a server paints a picture of how you might treat your coworkers. Respect generational differences. That goes for everyone. If a business contact prefers a phone conversation to email or texting, call them. If you advise a collegiate officer, texting rather than calling shows you respect that preference. If a Google search for “modern etiquette” shows 39 million possibilities, social amenities must still be worthy of consideration. Being kind, respectful and courteous never goes out of style. So, keep a smile in your voice and stay classy, Zetas.