Companies seeking teachable attitude, panel says

By Z. Poe Doyle/reporter

A panel of human resources personnel answers questions and discusses what employers are looking for when making hiring decisions during an Oct. 18 presentation on NE Campus.
Z. Poe Doyle/The Collegian

NE students on Oct. 18 had a chance to get inside the heads of some people responsible for deciding who gets a job and who doesn’t.

Students could question five human resources managers and directors at the panel discussion What Employers Want from You.

“Community college graduates have a keen sense that nothing comes easy and nothing comes free,” said Lisa Young, Bell Helicopter’s talent acquisition manager. “They also recognize that second chances should not be wasted. While here at TCC, please assume your professor knows more than you as we are looking at Bell Helicopter for people willing to learn.”

Cherie Keplinger, TCC employee career development coordinator, said her advice to students was simple.

“Learn, learn and learn some more,” she said.

Stephanie Decker, human resources manager for Martin Sprocket and Gear, encouraged students to take advantage of every college resource and seek mentoring relationships with faculty or those with extensive business experience.

Joel Harrison, staffing manager for executive services at AT&T, told students to follow their interests.

“Students should find out what they are passionate about, find a career that lets you do it, and the paycheck will be a bonus,” he said. “A paycheck should always be a perk. Don’t work just for getting paid.”

More important to him than experience, said Men’s Warehouse regional manager Rodney Cole, are strong personality traits, reliability and a willingness to put customers above all else. He said he looks for charisma, energy, interpersonal skills and tenacity — all things that cannot be taught.

The panel then answered questions, the first asking what traits and skills made each panelist successful.

“Attitude is everything … professionalism,” Decker said. “Most of all, set your mind to accept the fact that you will be at work every single day, meaning good attendance will go a long way.”

The panel was then asked what college experience most helped them achieve career goals.

“Joining the speech/debate team taught me how to see both sides of an issue and how to be a critical consumer of information,” Young said. “One should always dig below the surface to question everything on the table.”

The question that generated the most discussion was how students with limited experience can improve their résumés.

Harrison said any accomplishments, leadership roles and academic activities should be listed first to build a functional résumé.

“If you don’t have the experience necessary, then don’t apply,” Young said. “But read our job descriptions carefully. Look at what we are asking for or the required skill sets for said position.”

Students seeking employment were encouraged to visit career and employment services on any campus.