Most students go to college with the hope of getting a good job when they graduate. But few students really understand the hiring process. There is a career service function on campus, but students are often uncertain how to use career services.

The hiring process generally consists of three phases
Phase 1: Initial Screening
In this phase, employers are deciding who they are interested in.

• Selection is generally based on your resume
• Factors that are being considered include
  • Grade Point Average
  • Academic Major
  • Work Experience

Phase 2: Initial Selection
In this phase, employers are further reducing the candidate pool.

• The key step in this phase is an interview (either face – to- face or by phone)
• Factors that are considered include
  • Fit with organization’s needs
  • Prior work experience
  • Leadership demonstration
  • Interviewing skills

Phase 3: Final Selection
In this phase, the organization will explore your interests and fit with the organization in further detail.

• The key step in this phase is an on-site round of interviews
• Factors that are considered include
  • Fit with the organization
  • Specific talent you bring to the organization
  • Your interviewing skills

To be a strong candidate for a job, you need to have the following credentials

• A good GPA – A 3.00 GPA is generally sufficient. Students with less than a 3.00 GPA will still be ok, but may have to do more work to get the job they want. After your first job, no one will ask about your GPA again.
• Experience – You should have had at least one experience (e.g. a summer internship) that is in the career area you want to pursue.
• Leadership Activities – You should be able to point to one experience where you had a major role to play in the success of the organization. Companies want employees who have taken an organization to a higher level.

The time to start preparing for a job is your freshmen year. That’s when you can start putting yourself in a position to achieve the credentials you need..