Meets
As students we are bombarded with do's and don'ts of executing a successful interview, but how can one know what a "real world" employer wants and expects from an interviewee? Career Advisor, Eden Bunch, and Marketing Intern Olga Guerra sat down with Marnee' Grant, Sr. Manager for Regional Recruitment at City Year, to hear first hand from an employer on what they look for in a resume and interviewee.
Q: What is the first thing you look for when reviewing a resume?
A: "I look for relativity. Anything that is relevant to the job they are applying for. For City Year, that means experience in tutoring, leadership and working with youth."
Q: How heavily do you rely on past experience?
A: "It's definitely not a deal breaker, but once you're at the job, previous experience makes your first year easier and you can better integrate yourself into the position."
Q: Do you believe in two-page resumes?
A: "Yes and no, it depends if it is relative to the position. Typically two-page resumes mean you are applying for a full-time staff position so if you're not, try to condense it because we look for key details. Don't be astonished if we don't read the whole thing, try to tailor it to the job you're applying for."
Q: Do you prefer references be attached to a resume or only given upon request?
A: "I like references, I think they're extremely helpful and shows preparedness which is easier on us because that means you're ready to be interviewed."
Q: Do you look for "buzz words" on resumes or during an interview?
A: "Yes, I look for action words (like passion) and phrases on resumes that tell me that you are a leader. If you specifically reference our mission or use the same words that are in our mission during an interview, it is very impressive."
Q: What do you look for in an interview?
A: "I look for character, body language, if what your talking about gets you out of your seat with excitement, but I also look for an understanding of the company and if you can relate the company to anything happening in current events."
Q: Do you let the interviewee know ahead of time if it will be a group interview with several employees or would you rather he/she be surprised?
A: "I will let the interviewee know ahead of time if it will be an in person interview or over the phone and how many interviewers there will be."
Q: Do you typically tell the interviewee how to dress for the interview (business casual or business professional)? How do you expect interviewees to dress?
A: "No, I have the expectation that they would know to come in professional attire."
Q: Is there such thing as a "right answer" to an interview question?
A: "Yes, there are "safe right answers" that not everyone realizes. I want to know about how you dealt with ugly conflicts and difficult situations that you overcome. I can tell whenever answers are scripted and holding back the truth. This is when your true character can come out."
Q: Should the interviewee ask questions at the end of the interview?
A: "Yes, this is my favorite part because it brings life to the conversation! I look forward to seeing who thinks outside of the box."
Q: When is it appropriate to ask about salary?
A: "Typically it is in the description of the position and doesn't change but if it isn't, that conversation happens during the offer stage, which means it's important to know the market you're applying for! So do your homework!"
Q: What makes a potential employee/intern memorable?
A: "If they brought something unique or a talent that would have a positive impact on the students they would be working with."
Q: In your opinion, what is one myth that you have come across regarding hiring a new intern or employee?
A: "That we only hire people with certain degrees or backgrounds. Companies want diversity!"
We are so thankful that Marnee' came to speak with Career Services on behalf of City Year and wanted to give you, the students, an inside scoop on opportunities available at City Year!
Q: Are there opportunities available at City Year?A: "Yes, absolutely! We recruit around 2,000 people and hire about 14-25 for the 25 sites we have nation wide. April 30th is the deadline to apply for full-time and part-time positions."
Q: What can students gain from working for City Year?
A: "Students can gain perspective and exposure that many wouldn't necessarily think about getting. We help provide that next step for students, like helping pay for college. We offer a scholarship for both undergraduate and graduate students that is 25% or even possibly 100% off of tuition! We also give a Year Partnership Education Award that provides job placement which creates a pipeline to other companies."
Q: Where should students look for more information on City Year?
A: "Definitely check out our website, it does an amazing job giving insight on what you would be doing. You could then apply directly from our site. Our YouTube channel is also a great resource because it has videos from our service days and offers a different perspective on what we do."
Q: Any advice for students applying to City Year?
A: "Ask questions and do the research. It's hard to understand what we do simply by word of mouth. It's beneficial to do the research because you could potentially shadow a school team in a city near you, so then you know exactly what you're getting into. You don't know until you've seen it or done it."
Thank you so much for the insight Marnee'!
For questions regarding opportunities at City Year, email Marnee' at mgrant@cityyear.org.
