Spring is almost here, and college seniors are getting closer to graduation. Besides ordering your cap and gown, one of the most important aspects of preparing for graduation is finding a job.
Jody Wilson, Stacia Hoffman and Allison Plummer, talent acquisition specialists at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE), are offering their top tips for the recruiting process, from interviewing to your first day at a new job, to help you succeed.
Understand the basics of the recruitment process
Every company has a different recruitment process, but knowing the basics of how it works can help you manage expectations as you start applying and interviewing. In most cases, including at BCBSNE, companies will post open positions on their website, LinkedIn or college job boards.
Once you’ve applied for your dream job, a recruiter will reach out and fill you in on the next steps. Hoffman explained that at BCBSNE, this usually means a phone screen with a recruiter, a video interview with the hiring manager and a video interview with additional members of the team.
During your initial conversations, be sure to ask questions about next steps, so there are no surprises.
Learn what the company is looking for in a candidate
Understanding the company’s values and culture will help you learn more about what your potential employer is looking for in a candidate and enable you to demonstrate how you’re the right fit.
“At BCBSNE, we’re looking for someone who embodies our mission and values,” Wilson said. “When a candidate applies, we’ll see how they fit with our mission and culture and if their technical skills are a good match for the role.”
Refamiliarize yourself with the skills and tools a company wants you to be comfortable with before the interview. Understanding the job requirements will make for a meaningful discussion with your recruiter on how your skillset aligns with the position.
Practice makes perfect when interviewing
Preparing for an interview is as important as studying for a test. Research best practices and common interview questions and rehearse your answers before meeting with the recruiter or hiring manager.
Questions about your strengths, weaknesses and how you would handle certain situations will likely come up. Make sure you have some answers prepared, so you’re not caught off guard.
After your interview, take notes on what went well and areas for improvement. Remember, practice makes perfect!
Be curious in your new role
You’ve successfully made it through the interview process and you’re walking into your first day – congratulations!
To support new hires, many companies, including BCBSNE, host new employee orientation, which enables employees to learn about the company, ask questions and make connections. As you settle into your new role, don’t be afraid to continue asking questions.
“We want you to be an expert in your field,” Plummer said. “Asking questions is how you learn and grow in a new position.”
To learn more about open positions at BCBSNE, visit Careers.NebraskaBlue.com.
