Job Search, Networking, Interviews and Your First Job

Have an open mind. I ended up with a completely different job than I thought I would have, and I ended up loving it. '16

Network and keep going. If you don't try you won't succeed. If you don't stay consistent you won't succeed. Vanderbilt set you up for success! '22

Leverage all of your networks-friends, family, classmates, alumni. '20

For business roles, job applications are a numbers game. Do not search for your 10 most perfect positions and apply to them alone. Cast a very wide net, apply to any and all jobs that pique your interest, even if they aren't your dream role. You'll be surprised where this approach takes you. '18

Try to find a place with good people who want to help you grow. That is way more important than being just a name when you're starting out. '17

Take advantage of the alumni network! The Alumni Association maintains a database of alumni who have signed up to be career advisers, and they are such an amazing resource to help you get a better understanding of what it's actually like to work for their companies and can oftentimes provide invaluable referrals. '16

Try to constantly connect with new people from companies you are (or may be) interested in. Ultimately, people hire PEOPLE, not resumes. If you want to avoid resume black holes, it's a lot easier when you have a personal connection. '19

I knew I wanted to pursue public service and explore my interest in rural public health, and even after I lost my Peace Corps gig to the pandemic, I found a way to support a community domestically, and the need has been even greater due to events of the past year. Although it can often be difficult to divert from traditional paths, especially when it feels like everyone around you is pursuing the same few things, I think it's important to try to listen to your gut. If you don't take the time in your 20s to investigate all the different possible paths and things you might want to pursue, you'll always regret it. You'll always be able to level up and earn more money and have more prestige, so don't be afraid to slum it, take a risk, and make sure you've thoroughly vetted all your passions. '20

Make connections! The relationship you make will last.’23

Get out of your comfort zone, because opportunities show up when you are willing to open up. This means stay open to industries or locations that you previously would have not considered. '19

Browse through the Career Center openings! Additionally for pre-meds looking for gap-year experiences, check out HPAO listserv for job postings. '19

Apply everywhere and get interview experience. Be picky once you get offers. '20

Reach out to as many people and send the cold emails. It never hurts to make the connection, do the interview, offer to do the task no one else wants to do. '20

I'd argue that an employer's culture is the most important piece of the job search. You should feel empowered to have standards in the process! A great boss (and team) is invested in your growth, and you as a person, not just what you can produce. '20

Be patient and reach out to people you, your family, or your friends may know in the industry you are interested in. Talk to as many people as possible-it will help you in your interviews and people are much more willing to help out than you may think. '17

Apply now, decide later! The job hunt is a numbers game. Spread your network, focus on getting referrals at the companies you care most about, and try to focus on the factors in YOUR control.’22

Talk to people! Anyone from college friends to former project team members, to mentors to alumni you stumble upon on LinkedIn-these people can be valuable resources who can give you a great idea of what their jobs are like. '17

Apply for any and all jobs that you're interested in; don't limit yourself to what it feels like everyone else around you is applying for. '18

If you're looking for a new job, be vocal about it! You never know who will become a vital part of your network. '20

Make sure you attend the networking events and career fairs if you have the time. Don't be afraid to reach out to old professors or even cold call/email companies. Finally, just apply to as many jobs as you can even if you don't meet all of the qualifications. You never know what's going to stick.’23

Don't be afraid to reach out to both current professors and alumni. I just landed my dream job by calling an alumna of my law school who was a former research assistant for one of my current professors. She put in a good word for me, even though we had never talked before, and I got an offer the next day! '17

It's better to design your resume individually based on the job you apply for rather than bombarding emails to every contact you can find. '16

Cast your net wide and be open to possibilities you had not initially considered. Your time at Vanderbilt has taught you an incredibly versatile set of skills that you can use to design your success in fields not directly related to your major. Prioritizing your definition of success and happiness sometimes means not following the path everyone else is going down. '18

Send thank you notes to recruiters and interviewers, especially if you didn't get the job. It shows a lot of grace and tenacity to do this, and it shows that you care about your own personal development more than a job title or the prestige from a company's name. It may also give you the opportunity to expand your professional network. Just because you didn't get the job doesn't mean you didn't impress your interviewer or the recruiter you encountered. They may have another opportunity for you down the road if you keep in touch. '21

This might be a bit different since I am in grad school, but I tried to reach out to potential advisors individually and on a more personal level. I cold-emailed people early in my senior year to introduce myself, mention my work/connection at Vanderbilt, express my interest in their work, and ask if they'd be able to meet over Zoom. I got a lot of responses and had a ton of meetings, both with advisors and some of their current PhD students. This was great, since when my official application rolled in toward the end of the semester, they recognized my name. I got invited to the prospective student visitation weekends for pretty much every school I applied to, and I feel informed about key people in my field.’23

Know yourself. Don't apply for jobs that you do not want, spend time getting to know what you need/expect from a job and look there. Money isn't everything either. '18

Persistence, patience and recruiters. Large companies tend to have terrible online job portals. I have only ever heard back from small companies for unsolicited applications. For large companies, I only got interviews through recruiters and personal connections. '18

Keep an open mind. Identify your strongest skills, skills you want to develop, and what type of work makes you happy. Look for jobs that take advantage of your current skill set, give you opportunities to expand/enhance your skill set, and allow you to do the type of work that makes you feel fulfilled. '18

Go to events in industries or areas that even slightly interest you and meet the people who do that work. Ask them about the day-to-day, but also what their life is like and how their co-workers are. If you feel comfortable or excited about the holistic experience-both the work and the people who do it and their lives outside of work-that is a career worth exploring. Do not be afraid to simply ask how to get experience, who is hiring, or what positions are available. The more interest you express, the more you are likely to find all available opportunities. '21

Leverage your network! Take people out to coffee and ask them for advice. Also, prepare    thoughtful questions for each interview and always send a thank you note. Be confident in what you bring to the table and negotiate always! ‘20

Leverage your internships. Try to get some personal projects to distinguish yourself from the pack. Don't be afraid to go to a less prestigious company for your first job. Sometimes you can get much better opportunities for professional growth at smaller companies than you would at the flashiest "top tier" companies. '17

Look for a job that reflects your interests, values and strengths. Don't be afraid to reach out to alumni and family friends to learn more about what their work is actually like, because oftentimes descriptions of positions will sound similar to one another. '21

Cast a wide net when applying to jobs, even if a particular job may not be exactly what you're looking for. This strategy will give you a lot of real interviewing practice so that by the time you get to interviewing for your top-choice company, you're well-seasoned in all of your typical interview questions. Also, you can use your backup offers to negotiate a higher salary at your dream job. '20

Use your Vanderbilt alumni network for informational interviews to figure out what jobs you may be interested in. '21

Talk to Vanderbilt Alumni who are in career positions you aspire to be even if its in the long term to see how they got there. There are so many ways to get to your dream job and not getting the so called "best first job" does not mean you can't get to your ultimate goal. ‘23

Consistency is the key, and always being open to feedback will help a long way in attaining your dream job. The strategies that helped me find my spot after graduating from Vandy are networking, being proactive in job search and starting early. '22

Apply for positions with companies that currently have Vanderbilt grads or employees that you have a connection with, even through a friend of a friend. Knowing someone that can vouch for you can be really helpful in getting past the company's phone screening and receiving an in-person interview. '18

Look for a job where you can grow. Work culture is huge and makes the difference in a job  experience. Talk to people who work there now to hear their experiences. ‘23

Don't be afraid to experiment. Interviewing for jobs you'd never imagined could help you find the dream job you never knew you wanted or just give you some good interview practice. I interviewed for a tradeshow management role at a tech company on a whim and I have been there for two years! '17

LinkedIn: Search for alumni at companies you're interested in. Message them to connect, talk, & learn more about them. ‘21

Networking is not organic for everyone, but it's necessary in today's environment to ensure career mobility and advancement. If it's not naturally your thing, practice with some friends and then attend some sort of networking activity so you don't become nervous with a 1:1 coffee meeting. '16

Be sure to have your address updated in the Vanderbilt alumni network. Chances are there are tons of cool events happening in your city. Just be sure to take the time to go to a few! '16

I've actually made meaningful connections on flights and waiting in line for events. Organic conversations are important, especially because it feels less forced for both sides. '16

Just be open to chatting with people. I got a freelance gig just from chatting to a girl I often sat near in a co-working space. She knew I was writing there, liked my passion and offered me a job freelancing when the opportunity came up. '17

Vanderbilt has a sprawling LinkedIn network of passionate alumni eager to help current students out! ‘22

Don't be afraid to reach out to seemingly distant connections (friends of friends, LinkedIn Vanderbilt grads, residents at programs of interest). You'll be shocked at how willing people who barely or don't know you are to share information and help you on your journey. I am always thrilled when people reach out to ask me about medical school or residency and I have developed close mentorship relationships this way. '18

LinkedIn is huge, as is peer-to-peer networking within your chosen industry. I'm in manufacturing and while the industry is large monetarily, the manufacturing world is small; your reputation will precede you. '17

Utilize the Vanderbilt alumni network! Referrals can get you in the door (and into an interview seat) at a company, and the best way to find referrals are through informational interviews. Invest in a LinkedIn Premium subscription, reach out to alums in cool positions at cool companies, and ask for 20 minutes of their time to speak on the phone about their position. Come from a place of genuine interest and have questions ready! '18

Showing up is half the battle. Even if you don't feel up for it, force yourself to go to career fairs and recruiting events. At best you'll walk out with a lead, and at worst you'll walk out with more networking experience to make next time easier. '18

I love the Vandy networking sessions, but a lot of cities have fun networking events that you can find through the Facebook events discover page! '17

Using LinkedIn as well as reaching out to alums from student organizations and clubs you are   involved in on campus. Once you reach out to one, they can help introduce you to more people. ‘23

Put yourself out there. Get to know people by not just asking them about their work, but also what they're interested in outside of work. '18

The most important thing to know about networking is that everything is a networking opportunity. Whether you are on an airplane flying home, in line at Starbucks, or at a party, you never know whom you will meet or how they will be able to help you. Don't wait for a formal networking event to make important connections! '18

Learn the distinction between peer networking and mentor networking. The first is for sharing experiences with people in similar situations, the latter is for learning how to grow and meet long-term goals. '18

Do a structured LinkedIn stalk. Look for Vandy alumni, your high school alumni, people who worked at a company you interned with. It is much more likely for someone to get back to you if there is a point of natural connection. '20

Volunteer work and participating in outside educational opportunities. '17

In the science field, I’ve found the best way to network is through attending science seminars or social events. ’19

I liked going to small career center events, it made it a little bit easier to get to know representatives. ‘23

Network is all about give and take. Be sure it’s not a one-sided relationship. ’17

Your Vandy peers and alumni are your best network! My first job out of college was at a company (and industry) I had not heard of but was the site of one of my Vandy friend’s summer internship. ’18

Talk to your professors, mentors, PIs, or anyone you worked for or with at Vanderbilt if you like the work you’ve done with them. ’19

Talk to friends and family. Everyone knows someone who could potentially be an asset. ’21

One of the best ways to network is to involve yourself in the alumni community. You’re now a part of a vast, diverse, global alumni community that is eager to see you succeed. ’20

Quality over quantity. While widespread awareness of who people are is almost certainly helpful, I have found that deep, meaningful relationships generally lead to more relevant connections and opportunities. ’18

Go out and make friends. When you email a professor or alumnus, think about being friends with them. The best thing I have found in building a good network is truly being invested in the life of the person I am speaking with. Talk about kids, sports, hobbies, as well as work. Also, in person events are more impactful than emails or phone calls. Show up and shake hands. You are more memorable that way and make better connection with others. ’21

Anybody can be a contact or potential lead! ’17

Lean on your Vanderbilt network in order to help you expand your non-Vanderbilt network. ‘   23

The same way you meet people in college: Take a class in something that interests you. Join sports groups. Theater groups. Go to social functions. Whatever it is, just put yourself in situations where the people you’d want to meet would be there too. ’18

People can tell when you’re being ungenuine. So, when you strike up conversation or reach out, be polite but don’t be superficial. ’20

I believe that networking can be done anywhere and everywhere. There are people around to help if ‘asked for’. Networking can be done in social gatherings, with friends, via LinkedIn, like literally anytime. The best way is just to reach out! Start talking folks! Try to connect with humans with similar interests. ’22

LinkedIn and my Vanderbilt connections have been the most valuable. ’18

What I have found as the best way of networking is my place of employment, LinkedIn, and through my peers. ’21

Research the company beforehand. '22

Dress for success. Speak with confidence. Don't come across as arrogant or entitled. '17

Go over popular behavioral questions beforehand and practice out loud. '20

I think the best thing you can do is be genuine. Especially for me, I want to not only give an honest impression of myself so as not to do my potential employer a disservice, but I also really want to know if the feeling is right. During interviews, if you don't feel comfortable, happy, or secure, you won't be confident or steady in the workplace either. In my opinion the most important factors in decision-making are the conversations I have with folks who are going to fill my days for the foreseeable future. Colleagues become family and you spend a lot of time with them, so don't forget that you're interviewing them as much as they're interviewing you, and that you want to feel comfortable to ask questions, be challenged, and grow into yourself with that team. '20

Watch YouTube videos on how to answer interview questions. There are plenty out there and they are mostly helpful. '16

When answering a behavioral question, use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)-many companies evaluate your answers based on this model. '20

Be honest with yourself about who you are, what your needs are, and how you fit into the culture or mission of your desired industry. It is difficult to remember that the hiring process is a mutual interview. That is, you are also interviewing the potential place of employment to make sure that it is a good position for you and your life stage. To prepare, consider calling a trusted friend. '17

Brush up on essential knowledge (ex: for marketing: current marketing practices, for tech: essential coding techniques, loops, or algorithms, for finance: foundational and some advanced financial models). And learn how to tell your stories. ‘21

Prepare for standard interview questions (e.g., Tell me about yourself, Why X company or X school for grad school, etc.) and practice them, speaking out loud. Look spiffy but comfortable for your interviews! (Especially over Zoom, you can wear whatever bottoms you want.) Send a thank you note to follow up! '19

Be yourself; don't try to overcompensate. '20

Look up common questions for that specific type of position. Find a way to frame your unrelated experiences to make them relevant. If you felt like it was a good fit, make sure to send a follow-up email saying so, and thanking the interviewers. '18

Talk to individuals who have interviewed for similar jobs. Practice independently and with other people after researching ways to improve your interview skills, catered to that position. '21

Be consistent and communicate clearly. You are not the only one applying for the position, and it can be easy for your emails to get lost in the shuffle. Regardless of your GPA, the people that stand out in interviews are those who are poised, mature and show a desire to learn and grow. Being professional and amicable can take you a long way. '18

Always send a thank you note. If you have only communicated with HR and don't know how to send an email to your interviewer, ask HR and they can give you their email address or forward a note. '17

Always send a thank you email to your interviewers to be professional.’23

If it's on zoom; look at your laptop camera, not the face on the screen! ‘22

I always print and run through my resume quickly before an interview to make sure that I can provide specific details if the interviewer brings up past experience. Reach out to your recruiter beforehand and ask what the company dress code is. Email the interviewer after the interview thanking them for the opportunity! '18

Research the company, the role and stated requirements and duties, and discuss specific times you were able to demonstrate the qualities they are looking for in work or school in the past. Use Glassdoor to see any commonly asked interview questions. Research your interviewer if you know them, and see if you can find some sort of connection. '17

Look up the company's mission and make a story for how it aligns with your values.
Be honest and be yourself! '20

Better to overdress than underdress. Have an answer prepped for all the typical/cliche interview questions in case they ask. Work on your elevator pitch for yourself. Send a kind email later that night. '18

Not everyone is going to like you-and that is OK! Do not take interviews that seem dry and unfruitful personally. Be a polished version of your authentic self, and an employer is sure to like you even if another does not. '20

Be able to clearly articulate:

• Why this company?
• Why this job?
• Why this industry? (if switching industries)

Be familiar with the company culture and try to connect with people from the company before the interview (if possible). '19

Be confident, do your research on the job/ company, and prepare. Come up with answers to questions that may be asked and practice your answers out loud, not just in your head. '17

Be honest-don't lie about any answer because you'll inevitably be called out on it. Also, be a REAL person. Whenever I interview people, one of my biggest questions is: "Can I really spend eight to 10 hours a day with this person?" '16

Read up on the company, its products and services. Google any helpful interview tips. Anticipate questions and rehearse your answers. Always have something relevant to say about the role, the company and why you're ready to take on the challenge. '17

Be yourself and be honest about what you want! Jobs are a two-way street. Don't change aspects about yourself in order to fit your boss's expectations or what you imagine those expectations to be. You won't enjoy your job if you have to put on a masquerade. Unless you're totally sure that your first job is going to be very temporary, try to give yourself the best shot at enjoying your work. ‘23

I always have a couple of go-to questions that I like to ask at the end of an interview including: "How will the work I'll be doing contribute to the organization's mission?" Also, Google Alerts is a lifesaver if you want up-to-date news about the company/org you want to work at. '16

There are so many ways when it comes to finding the first job after graduation. Being open to feedback and learning is the strategy. Practicing generic interview questions repeatedly will help in gaining self-confidence while presenting oneself for interview. In terms of dressing, avoid bright colors and prefer light-colored clothing. Confidence and smile are the best plus points while interviewing in person. '22

Do a lot of research on the company you're interviewing with and on the industry. Be able to ask specific questions and understand the role that you are applying for. I totally underestimated how important this was in my job search. '18

Practice being asked questions on the spot. You can't seem nervous or fazed by attempts to stress you out. '18

You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. Be curious and ask questions. Come prepared with questions and do your research on them. Before each interview, take a deep breath, say a quick prayer, and walk in with confidence. You got this! ‘22

It's always best practice to wear formal business attire for interviews, unless the interviewer explicitly says otherwise. '18

Reach out to people working at the company you are interested in. Especially reach out to those who are Vanderbilt alumni or familiar to you for any other reason. '18

Research the firm and make sure they do the type of work you want to do (if known). Always send a thank you email after your interview. '18

Dress slightly above the industry expectations. Keep everything as positive as possible in the interview, even when talking about challenges. Thank the interviewer and ask what else you can provide to help in the process. Remember: The interview is also for you to discover more about the company. You may do an interview and decide you do not want the job, and that is OK. It is a two-way street. Be sure to ask whatever questions you have as well. '21

There was a big learning curve my first month working as a resident doctor, but most of your fears are quickly dispelled. You realize how much support you have and how well prepared you are for the job by the end of the first month. Don't be afraid to ask for help. '18

The first three months of my job, I felt like I was floundering. Find someone, a co-worker, a person in a similar field, someone who can support you and give you advice because you will need it. '16

Even in a fast-paced industry, it takes a little while to get in the hang of things. Don't expect your first few months to be extremely glamorous. '17

Incredibly rapid learning experience. 22

Overwhelming. I once had someone say it takes three months in a job to even feel like you have any idea what is going on, then it takes three years to actually feel settled and confident! '20

Don't worry if you don't have the routine down yet; it'll all fall into place and a rhythm fairly quickly. '16

It was challenging and overwhelming, similar to first day of college. ‘23

Exciting to apply what I learned in a real-world environment where I was trusted as a full-time employee (rather than an intern or trainee). Learning new organizations can be overwhelming, but I felt confident in my skill set and that the organization chose to hire me in a competitive time for hiring in my field. '18

You will forget things and you will make mistakes. Don't be afraid to admit that and ask for help. Your more experienced co-workers are usually more than happy to help you out. '16

Onboarding will be difficult virtually; just make sure to communicate and make an effort to keep your camera on so you can make a deeper connection with those in your cohort and your manager(s). '20

Orientation and training might seem overwhelming, but most of the time it is all a bunch of logistical stuff that you won't actually do on a day-to-day basis. Use that time to get to know your co-workers. '20

My first day teaching English was a whirlwind, as might be expected. I was abroad and living in a village where the dialect was completely unfamiliar to me. I was an outsider in many respects. However, with time I grew familiar with faces, if not mastering the dialect. Being flexible and open-minded with your experiences and reliable and friendly to people goes a long way. You also discover sides of yourself you never knew you had. It's empowering and inspiring for students as well. '19

The first days at a new job are hard. Making an effort to learn names and greet people by name was so helpful in building support at work. Also, being willing to do the tasks that no one else wants to do and doing even those tasks well is so helpful. '20

You WILL feel lost. It is expected, and it's OK. And it will go away. '20

The first month of work was a lot of learning. Everyone in the company knows you're new so there aren't many responsibilities right off the bat. I used that time to bond with my cohort and organize myself so that in the future when things picked up, I'd be organzied.’23

Be prepared to get the grunt work, but use it as an opportunity to show what you can do for your employer. '19

A lot of learning and navigating a new company and space. It can be overwhelming but just take things one day at a time and don't be afraid to reach out to team members for coffee chats. ‘23

Exciting! Make sure to look sharp and come in relaxed, the first day (and week) is often a friendly onboarding experience. ‘22

In my experience, adjusting to a new job is always hard. It takes a few months to feel like you know what you're doing at all. '17

A smart person told me when I started my first job, "There's a one-year cycle with every job. The first three months, there's an adjustment, but then it'll be smooth sailing. At about the six-month mark, you'll hit a bump and feel like you're dragging. At nine months, you'll start to remember why you joined the company, and you'll see the light again. At one year, you'll be in a good place." I'm at the six-month mark in a job I love, and this cycle still rings true. When you hit that point at your job, keep pushing. It will be worth it. '21

I was fearful, respectful and generally quiet. I am becoming more myself every day in my job. '18

Be adaptable. When you start, each day is different, so it's best to always be prepared. '21

Daunting but exciting! I felt like I didn't know anything, but I kept asking questions and was open to feedback. '20

A lot of new information coming at you all at once. I found it helpful to keep a running list of topics, or even industry-specific phrases/words/acronyms that I looked up after I heard them. This helped me pick up on things in meetings and discussions with others. '18

Very social. Most people just wanted to get to know me and see what I was about. Of course, I had to produce quality work, but mostly people were concerned with my personality. '20

First day/week/month was confusing, overwhelming and very very new. Although it was too much to process, it was quite welcoming, exciting and motivating. Trying to balance the new environment by focusing more on the positives will help in the longer run. Believing that it will get better will improve the state of mind. Knowing that it is definitely going to be different than the academic environment and being open to change are very good qualities to have. '22

Get dressed every day and take a walk before starting work in the morning. It will help with a routine. '21

Network hard; it takes extra effort and people recognize it. '18

Don't be afraid to get on the phone or Zoom. Sometimes a question is too hard to explain over email and you will feel a lot more connected with your teams if you see their faces and hear their voices. '20

If you are purely remote, try reaching out to members of your cohort casually, you may strike up a friendship or a great working relationship. ‘21

You can always call people and ask them to go on walks with you! Making an effort can go a long way, and there's no shame in asking how someone's doing, for example. You might be surprised by the responses you receive. '19

Ask to work with a more experienced colleague over screen-share. They can help point out things that you wouldn't have thought to ask about. '20

Don't make work your life, make friends outside of work and focus on what is important to you. ‘23

It's simple-don't be afraid to ask questions and reach out if you need it! Do what you need to do to ensure you are best set up for success. '20

Be prepared to be flexible and keep track of the names of individuals who are there to assist you and their contact information. '17

Don't be afraid to reach out to your co-workers, even if it's harder than it would be in the office. '20

Finding a routine and getting outside as much as you can for fresh air is really important! ‘23

If you can, work anywhere but in your room. DO NOT spend all day inside-make plans or find reasons to leave either during the day or after work, even if just for a short walk. Remember that you do not need to be glued to the computer all day. '21

When I was working from home I loved my job a lot! I felt able to schedule my day better and far more comfortable at home. I scheduled some one-on-one "coffee" Zooms to get to know other people in my department. We already had weekly meetings and monthly staff meetings to get to know the organization. I utilized chat functions throughout the day for questions and check-ins. '18

I feel working from home is a little more intimidating initially, because you do not have the support of your peers. You have your resources, and you are expected to know what you are doing. I would not advise working from home straight out of the program. '21

Working from home will definitely take a toll on everyone. Transitions are hard and overwhelming but working remote has its own benefits. Understanding the scenario and adapting to this work style take time. Virtual is the new normal. Trying to connect with people virtually will help you not feel alone. '22

While it makes it harder to have all of the same conversations naturally, with a little effort and planning, you can create the same connections virtually! '21

Something I would say is that you should use those "easy" weeks during onboarding to try and establish a support system (this is much easier said than done especially if you're in a new city). Remote work can get lonely especially if your job is time consuming, so being proactive on the front end to make friends or join an organization can be really beneficial in the long run.’23