Topics

RISE participants discussed how to assist students with the job search. Panelists included Tamara Holler, WVU Medicine; Tammy Feiock, Williams Lea; Abby Baranski, Wesbanco; Michael Borsuk, Ohio County intern; and Hayden Derrow, recent WLU graduate.

Certifications

• Technical certifications can strengthen a resume and are especially helpful during the screening process.
• The importance of certifications depends on the position—some job descriptions explicitly list them.
• Resumes should be tailored to highlight relevant experience and certifications aligned with the job requirements.

Interview Preparation

• Candidates should be ready to market themselves. Enter the interview with clear examples of what you can do and what you bring to the role.
• Clearly list your skills—if you don’t name them, employers may assume you don’t have them.
• Meet all minimum requirements. If a qualification is listed as required, you must have it to be considered. Preferred qualifications are a bonus.

Navigating “Two Years Experience” for Entry-Level Roles

• Encourage students to apply, even if they don’t meet every qualification—it builds experience in the application process.
• Leverage part-time or previous jobs by highlighting accomplishments and transferable skills on the resume.
• Employers may identify more suitable roles based on a strong application.
• Students should be prepared to “sell themselves” and highlight responsibility, trustworthiness, and other positive traits.
• Emphasize that valuable skills and attributes are often gained in general education or non-major courses.

Resilience in the Job Search

• Building a connection to the working world is essential.
• Students may need to accept roles below their expectations to gain experience and work their way up.
• Help students manage expectations: don’t focus solely on salary; educate them about average starting wages in their field.
• Encourage alignment between student skill sets and available positions.
• Help students assign value to their past experiences, including entry-level and low-wage work.
• Faculty can support students by sharing their own professional journeys.
• Employers often pay based on the qualifications required for the role—not necessarily based on the applicant’s academic credentials.
• Some employers are incorporating screening conversations prior to interviews to ensure fit and mutual understanding.
• Expectations around work format (in-person vs. hybrid) also need to be managed.
• Higher education can play a mentoring role in preparing students for the realities of the job market.

Follow-Up Etiquette

• Encourage students to send thank-you notes—even if they don’t get the interview or job. It helps build rapport and opens doors for future opportunities.

Questions Students Should Ask in Interviews

• “What opportunities exist for advancement or promotion within the company?”