As college students prepare to enter the workforce, understanding what employers value can help them stand out. Campbellsville University hosted a Job and Internship Fair on April 4, at the Heilman Welcome Center, where students had the chance to connect with employers. Some of the employers emphasized the importance of education, first impressions and personal qualities.
Tracy Caudill, a representative from New Vista, a nonprofit behavioral health organization in Central Kentucky that provides mental health, substance use and developmental disability services, explained the type of person she looks for in potential job candidates. She values individuals who are driven by mission and can make sound choices.
“We want people that have good hearts and can make good decisions,” Caudill said.
She also highlighted the importance of punctuality and being a team player, which are essential in her workplace.
“Be prepared and dress appropriately,” she said. “Students should dress for the job they want, not the one they have.”
Caudill also shared that many graduates come into the job market with unrealistic salary expectations.
“College students sometimes expect more than entry-level roles offer,” she said.
Sarah Hall, a financial advisor from Edward Jones, shared her thoughts on what makes an ideal job candidate. Hall emphasized the importance of key personal qualities, including adaptability, strong work ethic and punctuality. She also pointed out that making a great first impression is extremely important.
“Eye contact, a firm handshake and clear communication are critical,” she said. “Avoid using filler words like ‘um’ or ‘like.’”
Hall mentioned that students often struggle with responsibility and self-discipline when entering the workforce.
“Many students struggle with completing work independently when they transition to the workforce,” she said. “Self-discipline is key to managing your tasks in any job.”
Regarding prior experience, Hall is flexible and recognizes that not all students have access to internships.
“I’m 50-50 on internships,” she said. “Not all students have the opportunity to get an internship, so I think employers should be willing to hire candidates who may not have much experience.”
Shawn Cerrato, human resource specialist for the U.S. Department of Justice, talked about the importance of education when hiring for roles in the Bureau of Prisons. For him, education outweighs experience.
“We look for career-oriented individuals with solid educational backgrounds,” he said. “It’s not about having a lot of work experience but having the right qualifications.”
Cerrato also emphasized the need for students to be well-prepared when applying for jobs.
“Your resume is the first thing I see, and it tells me a lot about you,” he said.
He pointed out that unclear resumes don’t provide enough information about a candidate’s goals.
“Many students put one or two lines that don’t tell me anything about their goals or experiences,” he said. “Be specific about what you’ve done and what your career goals are.”
Finally, when it comes to prior experiences like internships or volunteer work, he explained that education is what matters most in his field.
“If you have the right education, that’s what matters most to us,” he said.
CU senior Laura Mendez attended the fair and shared her perspectives on the job process. She expressed concern that employers are seeking too much from recent graduates. She also talked about the difficulty of the recruitment process and how it often doesn’t align with reality.
“I don’t feel like companies are handling the recruitment process in a way that supports new graduates,” she said. “It seems like they’re only looking for people who already have professional-level experience.”
Mendez knows that resumes and building connections are important to succeed after college.
“It’s not just about having one specific skill, but being able to adapt and handle many things,” she said. “And making connections in college and life is extremely important.”
