What do Employers Really Want? Nancy Dilthey Manager, University Relations Johnson & Johnson January 25, 2006 - CIEC.

What do Employers Really Want?

Nancy Dilthey

Manager, University Relations

Johnson & Johnson

January 25, 2006 - CIEC

Short Answer:

Employers want it all!

Employers Want:

• Top students for our openings

• Great partnerships with Universities

• Great reputation on campus

• Widespread knowledge of our business

• Pipeline of diverse candidates

In a perfect world…

• Students are:– Prepared

– Diverse

– Passionate

– Articulate

– Flexible

Reality for Employers:

• Hampered by: – Just-in-Time

recruiting– Budget

constraints– Limited resources– Constant change

Successful Partnerships

Students Career Services Employers

Seek guidance Liaison / Partner Partner / Provide Opportunities

Objective – We all want to help Students:

• Develop Strengths

• Differentiate Themselves

• Learn Keys to Success

Student Roadmap to Success

Early college

• Assess your skills

• Utilize Campus Resources

• Develop Strong Resume

• Research Employers

Getting the job

• Differentiate yourself

• Be a professional

• Demonstrate passion, flexibility & leadership

Students: Assess your skills

• Honest assessment

• Consider aptitude testing

• Career aspirations

• Personal development / strengths

• Develop roadmap

Utilize University Career Resources

• Career Services & Co-op Office

• Resume critiques

• Mock Interviews / videotape

• Company Info Sessions

• Career Fairs

Develop your resume

• Easy to read format

• Error Free

• Emphasizes strengths

• Accurate depiction

• Constantly update

• Readily available

• Differentiate yourself

Research Employers

• Start early

• Be open minded (location, industry, etc.)

• Look for culture fit

• Have a Plan “B”

• Network, network, network

Differentiate Yourself!

On Campus:

• Look for ways to demonstrate:

– Teamwork

– Leadership

– Campus Involvement

Differentiate yourself – campus:

• Leadership role in Student organizations

• Volunteering

• Mentoring others

• Secure scholarships

• Work closely with Professors

Differentiate yourself – Internship or Co-op

• Demonstrate your potential to company

• Teamwork

• Take initiative

• Professionalism:

Attitude and Appearance

Differentiate yourself – Internship or Co-op

• Ask for feedback

• Be adaptable to change

• Act ethically/ responsibly

• Learn other areas of the company

• Network within your department

The Importance of Networking

• It’s never too early to start!

• Involvement in dept/student boards

• Career Fairs (volunteer/follow up)

• Company Presentations

• Seek out alums of companies

Networking – on job:

• Build a co-op community

• Learn about other dept’s

• Seek out alums – ask for advice

• Offer to champion company upon return to campus

Some Do’s:

• Follow chain of command/co protocol

• Act professional at all times

• Take initiative

• Demonstrate great teamwork

• Be passionate about your work

• “Ask” for the job

And, some don’ts….

• Email the CEO for ANY reason

• Compare salaries with co-workers

• Trash company or co-workers

• Surf inappropriate web sites

• Be late or no-show

• Misuse company funds/property

Successful Partnerships

Seek guidance Liaison / Partner Partner / Provide Opportunities

Students Career Services Employer

Ways to Partner with Employers

• Understand their culture

• Flexibility

• Understand business needs

• Provide campus statistics

• Responsiveness

Creating a University Program

• Take stock of the following:

-Budget

-Hiring needs (disciplines, UG/MBA, volume, etc.)

-Technology tools

-Brand / reputation

-Communication vehicles

Before You Go to Campus

• Do your homework

• What are your goals / expectations?

• Demands and requirements of students

• Advance knowledge of school

• Advance knowledge of campus activities

• Understand recruitment cycles

Best Practices

• “Top Down” approach / commitment

• Continuous improvement

• Program Flexibility

• Communication to University Partners/Students

• Utilize campus team model, inc. alums, interns

• Consistent presence

• Established target schools

Levels of Engagement – Who are you?

RECRUIT ONLYRECRUIT ONLY

RECRUIT PLUSRECRUIT PLUS

STRATEGIC PARTNER

STRATEGIC PARTNER

Levels of Engagement

• Recruit Only – 1 or 2x year – Fairs & Interviews

• Recruit Plus – Recruitment activities; plus some relationship building

• Strategic Partner – Full commitment to University over time. Recruitment activities plus strong partnerships, sponsorships, engagement across all levels

Keys to Success

• Know your campus

• Interns are your most important resource

• Flexibility

• Communication – Internal & External

• Evaluate Results

• Continuous Improvement

Closing

• Great partnerships take time

Yield – top students

Strong relationships with schools

Stay active in the field – NACE, CEIA, Regional Assn’s, etc.

Network and build relationships