Big 10: Interview dos and don’ts and other job search pointers for the Class of 2003 | Business

With the university’s 2023 graduates heading out into the workforce, we asked local leaders for their best advice on the job search process, from résumé preparation to interviews.

DEMOND DADE, Urbana’s Rhyming Fire Chief: “To avoid getting caught up in HR anxiety, please complete the application.

“When applying for a job, don’t submit a ready-made resume. Tailor it to highlight your strengths and stand out from the crowd.

“Find out what you should wear before you go to an interview. Make sure your ensemble articulates success.

“Don’t be afraid to speak up and be yourself, otherwise you’ll look like a fictional character, like a little fairy in an interview.

“Be prepared to ask questions, gather real-time information and inquire about benefits packages, culture and rewards.

“Be careful with your follow-ups. Don’t leave it to chance. Schedule the time and date of your next meeting in advance.”

“My ultimate advice is to avoid being blamed. Find someone who can do all this well and be your coach.

“I would be happy to spend time with anyone who would like someone to look at their resume and help them prepare for an interview before submitting a job application.”

Jimmy John Liout, Champaign’s longtime sandwich king: “If I were looking for a job in this economy in 2023, I would approach it with gratitude.

“If you find an area that interests you and are lucky enough to be selected for an interview, do the following:

“First of all, I would like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to be interviewed.

“Second, be prepared to accept the rewards they offer.

“Third, reiterate that you are willing to start immediately.

Fourth, be sharp and look into their eyes. No, ma’am—and let them know that if you’re hired, you’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.

“And fifth, omit ‘How are you?’

“I think this works every time.”

Dennis Martin, 2016 Athena Award winner and Chief Operating Officer of Kirby Wealth Management, said: “We all know the basics, right?

“But make sure the questions are really what you want to know to help you decide if you want to do the job. If they’re questions you read on the internet, you know.

“And in my experience, when people ask me what I’m looking for, ‘just a good salary’ isn’t that impressive.

“We are looking for long-term employment. Or that you just can’t wait to get out of the area.”

Bank Champaign President Mark Ballard said: “We once hired a staff member who came to an interview dressed very professionally. She wore a business suit and seemed to fit right into the world of finance.

“When she showed up on Monday the first day, another person arrived. She had half her head shaved and the other half of her hair dyed blue.

“She had never been past 8:10 a.m. in her 10-minute banking career.

“The moral of the story: The old adage ‘dress for the job you want’ doesn’t just apply when you’re in the office, it applies during an interview.”

Meyer Capel President JEFF DAVIS: “Try to include something in your resume that could be the subject of conversation. Your club baseball team won a national championship, a trip on a mission, or something that could be the topic of conversation with other applicants at the interviewer. Whether it’s something else unique that helps you stand out…mind.”

MOSS BRESNAHAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC MEDIA IN ILLINOIS: “Most job interviews start with ‘Tell me about yourself.’ Having a genuine story that shows how attractive you are can make a good impression.”

You are not just a job seeker.

“What were your main influences growing up? What was your passion project? What was the inspiration that led to your career choice?

“And how does all of this lead to you being the perfect candidate for the job?”

UI Foundation President and CEO Jim Moore: “When looking for a job opportunity, try to be as purposeful and thoughtful as possible, and don’t fixate on titles or salaries. Think about how you can add value.

“Too often, great titles or a little more compensation can dictate your decisions when you should be focusing more on organizational culture, people and professional development opportunities. , jobs that contribute to professional and personal growth usually provide a path to a successful career.”

ANGI FRANKLIN, Associate Superintendent of Human Resources at Urbana Schools: “With shortages across the country, it feels like everyone is hiring and competing for the same people. of long term desired job.

“My best piece of advice is one my father-in-law gave me nearly 20 years ago. He said he would be promoted soon.

“Do soft things to make you better than average. Go to work consistently and don’t use all sick days unless you’re sick. be proud

“Doing more than your boss or company expects of you will make you stand out. Be the fun employee you want to be.

“If you’re above average, call Urbana School District 116.”

Ruedi Wealth Management CEO Paul Ruedi: “Tell us about the most difficult problems you have worked on and how you solved them, because we want to better understand how you process information and solve problems.

“My suggestion to anyone asking that question: Don’t try to circumvent the question or pretend you have expertise when you don’t.”

CHRYSTALLA MOUZA, Dean, UI College of Education: “be humble and Full of confidence. Don’t just focus on the requirements of the position you’re applying for, do your homework and research the entire organization, its current state, goals, and metrics.

“Ask yourself: ‘How can I make a difference and make a positive impact?’ Leaders motivate, encourage and inspire our colleagues and organizations alike.”

Carle/Health President and CEO DR. Jim Leonard: “Put yourself in the shoes of the interviewer. They’re looking for someone who will be part of the solution and a constructive team member. Here’s your chance to shine.”

Fox Development Corp. Chairman and Founder PETER FOX: “Research the hiring entity. Review your resume to clarify why you are a good fit.

“Be flexible so that prospective employers appreciate your positive attitude. Send a handwritten thank you note after the interview.”

Danville Area Community College President STEPHEN NACCO: “Tom Cruise and I have something in common. We both started out as hotel bellboys.

“The job was miserable, so Tom risked being rejected by going to every possible audition until he became the movie star we know today.

“What’s different about me is that I actually liked being a bellhop, but I got fired after calling the hotel owner ‘Ma and Pa Kettle.

“Getting fired motivated me to pursue an assistantship and master’s degree at St. John’s University.”