From Dorms to Desks

By WRKdefined Podcast Network

Welcome to "From Dorms to Desks", brought to you by College Recruiter job search site, which believes that every student and recent graduate deserves a great career.

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How many episodes does From Dorms to Desks have?

The podcast currently has 38 episodes available.

From Dorms to Desks episodes:

November 04, 2024How to get a job if you have a felony, misdemeanor, or other criminal record
The Challenge:
Prevalence of criminal records: A significant number of students and graduates have criminal records, with an estimated 4% having felony convictions.
Employer Reluctance: Many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with criminal histories, making the job search particularly challenging.
Navigating Disclosure: Balancing honesty with strategic disclosure of criminal history is crucial.
Key Strategies:
Legal Empowerment:
Know your rights: Understand state laws regarding pre-employment screening and expungement eligibility.
Expungement/Sealing: Pursue record expungement or sealing for eligible offenses, potentially allowing legal denial of a criminal record.
"Ban the Box" policies: Seek opportunities in locations that have adopted policies delaying background checks.
Discrimination Protection: Familiarize yourself with laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to challenge discriminatory practices.
2. Strategic Job Search:
Target receptive industries: Focus on fields known to be more open to individuals with criminal records, such as skilled trades, technology, and certain government jobs.
Networking: Leverage personal connections and reach out to organizations specializing in reentry and workforce development.
Non-traditional methods: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to build a professional network and showcase your skills.
3. Presenting Your Best Self:
Honesty with discretion: Disclose your record truthfully when required but avoid unnecessary details.
Highlight transferable skills: Emphasize relevant skills and experiences gained through education, part-time work, volunteering, or even incarceration.
Demonstrate rehabilitation: Showcase personal growth, address past issues, and highlight positive changes.
Exceptional presentation: Craft a polished resume, write tailored cover letters, and practice interview skills.
Quotes from Experts:
Jeffrey Korzenik: "The good news is that employers are more willing to consider a candidate with a record than they have been in decades, but the bad news is that a record is still a formidable barrier to getting hired."
Melissa Clark: "The process [of expungement] can take six or seven months to complete in some states... and it is best to get the process started as soon as possible."
Carisa Miklusak: "It’s always better to proactively discuss your situation with an employer, rather than addressing it once they find from your background results."
Grant Aldrich: "People with criminal records should consider non-traditional methods to find a job... For example, some of the best jobs are not found on job boards but rather through LinkedIn connections."
Additional Considerations:
Entrepreneurship: Starting a business offers an alternative path to employment, allowing control and flexibility.
Persistence and Positivity: Remain persistent in your job search, maintain a positive attitude, and seek support networks.
Conclusion:
Finding employment with a criminal record is challenging but not impossible. By understanding their rights, strategically approaching their job search, and presenting themselves effectively, individuals can overcome this barrier and achieve their career goals.

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20min
November 04, 2024How students and recent grads can find great remote, virtual, and hybrid jobs
Overall Themes:
The Shift in Remote Work Landscape: While the pandemic normalized remote work, there's a growing trend towards hybrid and in-person roles. The job market is more competitive for fully remote positions.
Adaptability and Skill Development: New grads need to be adaptable and prioritize continuous learning. Strong digital communication, time management, and self-management skills are essential for remote work success.
Proactive Networking and Job Hunting: Utilizing remote-focused job boards, online communities, and informational interviews is key to finding hidden opportunities.
Mastering the Virtual Interview: Technical preparation, a professional online presence, and strong virtual etiquette are crucial for nailing virtual interviews.
Navigating the Challenges of Remote Work: Setting boundaries, maintaining work-life balance, and building strong virtual relationships are essential for long-term remote work satisfaction.
Key Facts and Ideas:
Limited but Existing Remote Opportunities: As of the recording of this episode, College Recruiter has advertised on it 4,672 hybrid or fully-remote jobs in the U.S. and thousands more in other countries.
Focus on In-Demand Industries: Remote-friendly industries include tech, IT, marketing, content creation, and customer support.
Embrace the Virtual Interview: "86% of organizations are incorporating virtual technologies into their interviews, meaning interviewees should anticipate these being used."
Importance of Networking: "Networking is still incredibly powerful when working remotely...Start early and use every resource available to establish connections."
Set Clear Boundaries: "The mix of professional and personal spaces can often be a challenge in remote work. That’s where creating distinct physical and mental zones for work is essential."
Practice Makes Perfect: "Practicing virtual interviews before your first one can give you more confidence going into it and make you more familiar with the setting."
Government Remote Opportunities: "The U.S. federal government...has not changed its plans, in part because its internship program was built from the ground up to be virtual."
Actionable Insights for New Grads:
Be open to hybrid and in-person roles: Don't limit your search to fully remote positions.
Highlight remote-work skills on your resume and cover letter.
Actively network online and attend virtual events.
Practice your virtual interviewing skills and prepare your workspace.
Develop strong time management, communication, and self-motivation skills.
Research remote-friendly companies and industries.
Consider freelance writing or data entry for summer income.
Conclusion:
The remote work landscape is evolving. While fully remote jobs are more competitive, there are still ample opportunities for new grads to find flexible and rewarding work arrangements. By being adaptable, proactive, and skilled in virtual communication, new grads can position themselves for success in the evolving world of work.

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16min
November 04, 2024Why students and recent grads must consider their mental health when job searching
Main Themes: This podcast analyzes the intersection of job searching and mental health, drawing on six articles that explore the challenges, consequences, and coping mechanisms associated with this process.
Most Important Ideas/Facts:
The job search is highly stressful, negatively impacting mental health. A Resume Genius survey of 1,000 US job seekers found that 72% reported a negative impact on their mental health due to job hunting. This stress is comparable to or even greater than fears like public speaking or a dentist visit.
Several factors contribute to this stress. Ghosting by employers, ghost jobs, and the competitive job market all add to the anxiety. Additionally, the pressure to perform well in interviews, remember details, and present oneself perfectly contributes to the mental toll.
This stress manifests in a variety of ways. Job search burnout can lead to physical and mental consequences, including sleep disturbances, anxiety, unhealthy eating habits, feeling overwhelmed, and social withdrawal.
Job search stress impacts different generations differently. While 74% of Gen Z and Millennials report a negative mental health impact, that number drops to 56% for Boomers. This suggests a potential generational difference in perception of and coping with job search challenges.
Job seekers are resorting to lying on resumes. Nearly half (48%) of job seekers admit to lying or considering lying on their resumes due to pressures of the job market. The most common lies involve covering employment gaps, exaggerating work experience, inflating job titles, and embellishing responsibilities or skills.
Setting boundaries is crucial for managing job search stress. Limiting job search time, creating a structured routine, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation are vital for avoiding burnout.
Healthy routines are essential, even when unemployed. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, setting daily tasks, managing time effectively, and staying socially active are crucial for staying positive and motivated during a job search.
Mental well-being in the workplace benefits both employees and employers. Investing in employee mental health programs can reduce absenteeism, boost productivity, and improve overall morale.
Quotes:
"It’s often said that a job search is like having a full-time job, and this year’s survey results highlight just how challenging it’s become." - Eva Chan, Lead Career Expert at Resume Genius
"At the end of the day, you will find the job that’s right for you. It’s easy to feel burned out by a job search, and ultimately discouraged by the whole process, but always keep in mind that if you stay focused, balanced, and as optimistic as possible, you’ll get to where you want to be."
"Unemployment doesn’t have to be the nightmare that most people make it out to be. It’s a great time for self-exploration and doing all the things you said you would if you didn’t have a job."
Recommendations:
Employers should implement practices that minimize stress for job seekers, such as providing timely updates, being transparent about the hiring process, and offering constructive feedback.
Job seekers should prioritize self-care and set realistic expectations. Seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can also be beneficial.
Universities and career counseling services can offer resources and workshops to help students and recent graduates navigate the job search process and manage the associated stress.
Policymakers should consider implementing measures that support job seekers, such as extending unemployment benefits and providing access to mental health resources.

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13min
November 04, 2024Are employers shifting toward skills-based hiring?
This episode analyzes the growing trend of skills-based hiring and its implications for employers, recruiters, and job seekers.
Main Themes:
The Shift from Traditional Hiring: Employers are moving away from traditional hiring practices that prioritize resumes and degrees and instead are focusing on a candidate's actual skills and abilities.
Benefits of Skills-Based Hiring: This approach leads to a more diverse and inclusive workforce, improves the quality of hire, and increases efficiency in the hiring process.
The Role of Technology: AI and machine learning are playing a crucial role in facilitating skills-based hiring by providing objective assessments and reducing unconscious bias.
Implementing Skills-Based Hiring: The process involves defining skills needed for the role, developing assessments to measure those skills, and adapting traditional recruiting methods like career fairs and interviews.
Challenges and Considerations: Ensuring fairness and effectiveness of assessments, balancing skills with experience, and managing candidate expectations are key challenges.
Key Ideas and Facts:
Skills-Based Hiring Defined: "Skills-based hiring is an approach that focuses on the actual skills and abilities of candidates, rather than their educational or professional pedigree."
Impact on Diversity: "Traditional hiring practices often inadvertently favor candidates from certain socioeconomic backgrounds. Skills-based hiring dismantles these barriers, offering equal opportunities to a broader range of candidates."
Technology's Role: "Advancements in technology play a crucial role in facilitating this shift. AI and machine learning algorithms can assess a candidate’s skills more objectively, reducing unconscious bias."
The Resume Debate: "Do I really need to get rid of resume forever? There is a, the answer is no, not forever, and not for every position."
Importance of Objective Assessments: "An impressive resume and experience do not guarantee that a candidate will tackle the work at hand. Proven, verified skills are a better indicator, although there are no guarantees."
Pitfalls to Avoid: "There are several pitfalls to skills-based hiring, but they can be managed. First, there is the risk that the skills being sought are changing, disappearing or becoming commoditized. Employers need to evaluate for relevant skills that differentiate candidates and directly enable job performance."
Measuring Skills: Various methods are being used to measure skills, including:
Open-ended questions to assess technical articulation.
Pre-employment tests to measure specific skills.
Blind interviews to reduce bias.
Situational judgment tests to assess decision-making skills.
Portfolio showcases to highlight relevant experience.
Quotes:
"The future is recruiter recruiting...which means there's still a key role for the recruiter, but I think all these AI Technologies are really much better at doing these initial screens looking for the skills...The role of the recruiter really comes up further along the chain."
"Skills-based hiring is on the rise and weighs more heavily than experience, in my opinion."
"We frequently hear from hiring leaders who want to know how skills-based hiring applies to all talent, including candidates with and without college backgrounds."
Conclusion:
The transition to skills-based hiring represents a fundamental shift in how employers identify and recruit talent. While challenges exist, the potential benefits are significant. By embracing a skills-based approach, organizations can create a more equitable and efficient hiring process, build a more diverse and talented workforce, and ultimately improve their business outcomes.

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11min
November 04, 2024How college students and recent grads should use their career service offices
This episode highlights the importance of career services, particularly for college and university students and recent graduates, and provides advice for both students and career service professionals.
Key Themes:
The Underutilization of Career Services: A recurring theme is the surprisingly low number of students who actively engage with their college career service offices. Despite offering valuable resources, only 20% of students utilize these services.
The Evolving Landscape of Career Services: Career service offices need to adapt to the changing needs of a diverse student body and the demands of the modern job market. This includes understanding the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students, first-generation students, minorities, international students, veterans, athletes, and individuals with disabilities.
The Importance of Proactivity and Networking: Students are encouraged to be proactive in their job search, going beyond simply submitting online applications. Networking, informational interviews, and building relationships are crucial for success.
Key Takeaways for Students:
Sophomore Year is Crucial: Students should declare their major, draft a resume, and start gaining work experience through part-time jobs, internships, or volunteering.
Utilize Career Services: Career service offices offer a wealth of resources, including resume critiques, mock interviews, career fairs, and connections with employers.
Embrace Non-Traditional Options: Be open to remote internships, project-based opportunities, and hybrid work models, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Network, Network, Network: Build relationships with faculty, alumni, professionals in your field, and fellow students. Networking is essential for uncovering hidden job opportunities.
Key Takeaways for Career Service Professionals:
Know Your Audience: Understand the diverse needs of your student population and tailor services accordingly.
Partner with Other Departments: Collaborate with faculty, student organizations, and alumni to maximize program reach and impact.
Embrace Technology: Utilize online platforms, social media, and job boards to reach a wider audience of students and connect them with employers.
Track and Report Outcomes: Collect data on student outcomes, such as job placements and internship experiences, to demonstrate the value of career services and attract funding.
Quotes:
"This is an amazing, dynamic field where each day you’ll have clients leaving your office happier than when they arrived and where your colleagues are always looking forward. Hope abounds. Potential is realized."
"The wisdom of the career service office directors and other professionals within these offices is staggering."
"Networking, informational interviewing your way to a job or internship is more effective than just applying to online sites. This is still the most effective way to search and more important now as you may need to nurture relationships and build rapport..."
Overall, the episode emphasizes a collaborative approach, urging students to actively engage with career services and encouraging career service professionals to adapt and innovate to meet the ever-evolving needs of their students.

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15min
October 29, 2024Why it is so important to successfully complete a paid internship before graduation
Key Themes:
Experiential Recruiting: Internships are increasingly viewed as a superior alternative to traditional hiring methods, enabling employers to assess candidates based on real-world performance rather than just resumes.
Mutual Benefits: Internship programs offer a two-way street, allowing employers to evaluate potential hires while providing students with practical experience, industry exposure, and networking opportunities.
Types of Internships: The episode explores different types of internship programs, including micro-internships, traditional internships, co-ops, and apprenticeships, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Important Ideas and Facts:
Why Employers Love Internships:
Support DEI Efforts: Paid internships promote diversity and inclusion by offering equal access to opportunities for students from all backgrounds. “When companies pay their interns, it makes things more equal and gives students from all kinds of backgrounds a real chance to get some good work experience.” - Precious Abacan, Marketing Director, Softlist
Prolonged Auditions: Employers gain an extended trial period to evaluate a candidate’s skills, work ethic, and cultural fit. “Interns get to work on actual projects, showcasing their skills, work ethic, and how well they fit into your company culture.” - Kimberley Tyler-Smith, VP of Strategy and Growth, Resume Worded
Inspire Company Agility: Interns bring fresh perspectives and challenge existing practices, driving innovation and continuous improvement.
Enhance Employee Commitment: Early engagement through internships can foster a sense of belonging and commitment, leading to higher retention rates.
Nurture Future Leaders: Internships provide a platform to identify and cultivate potential leaders through mentoring and development programs.
Show Community Commitment: Offering internships demonstrates social responsibility by providing valuable opportunities for students and recent graduates.
Types of Internships & Their Advantages:
Micro-Internships: Offer flexibility for short-term, project-based assignments, allowing for quick competency assessments. They benefit both employers and candidates by providing a low-stakes way to test the waters.
Traditional Internships: Provide a deeper immersion into company culture and industry, fostering the development of valuable skills and allowing for thorough evaluation of mutual compatibility.
Co-ops: Offer immediate workforce solutions while allowing employers to observe performance and identify potential full-time hires. Co-op students are often highly motivated and eager to learn, bringing fresh perspectives and dedication to the workplace.
Apprenticeships: Offer a structured, long-term approach to talent development, focusing on hands-on learning and skill-building tailored to specific business needs. This fosters a mentor-apprentice relationship, ensuring comprehensive skill transfer and aligning with employers' needs for sustained talent development.
Importance of Internships for Students:
Test out a career: Internships provide real-world experience, allowing students to explore different career paths and industries before committing to a specific field.
Gain practical experience: Employers value experience beyond academic credentials. Internships provide opportunities to develop and refine hard and soft skills.
Start Networking: Building relationships with professionals and mentors during internships can open doors to future job opportunities.
Increase Earning Potential: Students with internship experience often command higher starting salaries and have better job prospects. "Studies by NACE show that graduates with internships and/or co-op experience reported a 9-12% higher salary, on average, than those without similar experience."
Secure a Job Offer: A significant percentage of internships lead to full-time job offers after graduation.

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12min
October 22, 2024Should students and recent graduates from underrepresented groups hide aspects of their identity when applying for jobs?
Key Themes:
The evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace.
The potential impact of these changes on the recruitment of students, recent graduates, and other early-career candidates.
Strategies for employers to navigate this changing landscape and attract diverse talent.
Challenges faced by both employers and early-career candidates from underrepresented groups.
Main Ideas and Facts:
1. The Importance of DEI and the Impact of Discrimination:
Research from The Trevor Project highlights the severe impact of workplace discrimination on LGBTQ+ individuals. "More than one in three employed LGBTQ+ youth experience workplace discrimination...[and] were more than twice as likely to attempt suicide in the past year compared to those who did not." This underscores the crucial need for employers to create inclusive and supportive environments.
This need extends to all underrepresented groups, as highlighted by the increased focus on DEI after the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Companies began emphasizing diversity hiring initiatives, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives.
2. Shifting Focus and Potential Backlash:
SHRM's decision to move from "IE&D" (Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity) to "I&D" (Inclusion and Diversity) signals a potential shift away from actively addressing systemic inequalities. This has sparked debate and concerns about a potential decline in efforts to correct historical disparities.
The Supreme Court's decision to limit affirmative action in college admissions further complicates the landscape, raising questions about its potential application to employment practices.
3. Navigating the Changes: Strategies for Employers and Job Seekers:
For Employers: Transparency and Communication: Clearly articulate your commitment to diversity and inclusion, outlining specific policies and programs.
Targeted Recruitment: Partner with diverse educational institutions and utilize platforms like College Recruiter to reach a broader candidate pool.
Internship Programs: Offer valuable experience to diverse candidates while evaluating potential future employees.
Inclusive Work Environment: Foster a culture of respect, value, and belonging for all employees.
For Job Seekers: Research and Due Diligence: Thoroughly investigate a company's values, culture, and commitment to DEI before applying.
Authenticity vs. Concealment: Weigh the benefits and risks of disclosing diverse aspects of your identity based on company culture and industry norms.
Highlighting Transferable Skills: Frame experiences from diverse backgrounds in a way that emphasizes valuable skills and perspectives.
4. Challenges and Considerations:
Balancing Experience Levels: Companies need to maintain a balance between hiring early-career talent and retaining experienced professionals.
Avoiding Stereotypes: It's crucial to evaluate candidates based on individual merit and avoid making assumptions based on background or identity.
Long-Term Commitment: Building a diverse and inclusive workplace is an ongoing process that requires sustained effort and investment.

Conclusion:
The landscape of DEI in recruitment is constantly evolving, presenting both opportunities and challenges for employers and job seekers. While legal and societal shifts may impact specific approaches, the core value of a diverse and inclusive workforce remains crucial for organizational success and innovation. By embracing proactive strategies, transparent communication, and a genuine commitment to equity, employers and job seekers can navigate this landscape effectively and create a more just and representative workforce.

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17min
October 13, 2024How to Find an Entry-Level Job When Employers Prefer Candidates With Experience
This is the first episode of the From Dorms to Desks Podcast. These podcasts are produced by College Recruiter job search site, which believes that every student and recent graduate deserves a great career, and hosted by WRKdefined.
In this first episode, our AI cohosts analyze insights from several articles published on College Recruiter, focusing on strategies for job seekers with minimal formal work experience to break into the workforce.

Main Themes:
Framing Your Narrative: You possess valuable experience even without a traditional work history. The key is showcasing transferable skills gained from academics, extracurriculars, volunteer work, personal projects, and even part-time jobs.
Highlighting Transferable Skills: Employers seek individuals with strong communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability skills. Demonstrate these through concrete examples from your experiences.
Tailoring Your Application: Customize your resume and cover letter for each job, mirroring the keywords and qualifications outlined in the job description. Avoid generic, AI-generated resumes.
Key Facts and Ideas:
Quantifiable Achievements: Showcase your impact using metrics whenever possible. Did you increase social media engagement for a club? Quantify it. Did you raise funds for a volunteer project? Include the amount.
Leveraging Your Education: Detail relevant coursework, projects, presentations, and research. Highlight academic awards, distinctions, and strong GPAs.
The Power of Personal Projects: Demonstrate initiative and skills through coding projects, creative portfolios, blog writing, or leadership roles in student organizations.
Networking and Follow-Up: Stay connected with the company and hiring manager after applying. Building relationships within your desired industry is invaluable.
Enthusiasm as a Differentiator: Show genuine excitement for the opportunity and a willingness to learn and contribute. "At the very least, you have to show real enthusiasm for the job... You’re excited by the opportunity."
Actionable Strategies:
Focus on a Skills-Based Resume: Prioritize skills over chronological work history, using bold headings and clear explanations of how you acquired and utilized these skills.
Craft a Compelling Summary Statement: Capture the employer's attention from the outset by highlighting your career goals and key attributes.
Utilize Your Cover Letter: Share your unique story, motivations, and what makes you a great fit for the company culture beyond just qualifications.
Don't Be Afraid to Apply: "Don’t let doubts about experience prevent you from putting yourself out there."

Remember: Persistence is key. Don't be discouraged by rejections. Treat every application as a learning opportunity and continuously refine your approach. Your first job is out there waiting – you've got this!

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12min

FAQs about From Dorms to Desks:

How many episodes does From Dorms to Desks have?

The podcast currently has 38 episodes available.