Every month, employers reach out to the WCC Career Services department, looking for employee referrals. Ross Gordon, who oversees the department, said those discussions are what help keep the job search workshops that he provides free of charge for WCC students timely and relevant.
“There are three workshops that we offer during the fall and winter semesters,” Gordon said. “One is on résumé development, another on job searching techniques, and a third on interviewing skills. The current series begins Jan. 28. Students should check our calendar for dates and times.”
According to Gordon, one of the significant changes in the job search process today is what employers are looking for in applicants.
“Many of the businessmen and women I speak with have immediate openings that they need to fill. They want to interview someone right away who has a good grasp of the fundamentals, the kind of skills they acquire here at WCC,” said Gordon. “They also are looking for a personality that will fit successfully into their unique culture. In many cases, they are willing to invest the time to groom a new employee with the goal of creating a long-term relationship.”
This kind of insight affects what goes on a résumé and into an interview with a potential employer. “One of the things we encourage students attending our workshops to do is to understand the power of their existing network. Think about who you, your friends, your parents, and your family know who might be able to connect you with a potential employer,” Gordon said. “And we have some great ideas on how to make that process more successful.”
For more information about the free job search workshops, call 734-677-5155. To discuss jobs, you can join the LinkedIn group sponsored by Career Services.
Listen to Ross Gordon talking about the top five things employers look for in a resume.