When you work at the University of California, you know you’re a part of something far bigger than yourself. The best and brightest work together on the shared mission of teaching, research, and public service. And with competitive salaries and benefits, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the largest public employers in California. Of course, plenty of others are eager to land jobs here as well. But how do you make a bigger impression than your peers? It’s a competitive market, so it helps to have some insider information. As the Senior Recruiter at the UCPath Center, I’m happy to offer some insight on that very topic.
It’s Who You Know, Or Who You Get to Know
Networking helps. It can be as simple as connecting with someone via social media, such as on Facebook or LinkedIn. Once you’ve aligned with someone in your target department, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for advice, particularly if you’ve got a specific position in mind. Ask this person what he or she thinks that hiring manager most wants to see. People are busy but they’re typically not too busy to offer a quick piece of advice.
Do Your Due Diligence
Do your research on the University of California and — more specifically — on the department and position for which you’re applying.
When you hit that “apply” button, assume someone is going to call you for a phone interview. If you don’t do the research before you get on the phone, you may be at a disadvantage. You might be shocked to hear that about 25-30% of people I interview don’t even know what we do at the UCPath Center!
I strongly recommend knowing a few things about UCPath Center at the very least. Our website is a great place to start. You can also watch this video about UCPath Center plus get a sense of our internal culture from this video. I know that candidates who demonstrate a willingness to learn will be more engaged and interested in an opportunity here at UCPath Center.
Apply With Focus
Have a specific position in mind, as it shows you have career goals and know what you want to do. I’ve had candidates apply for nearly every available position at the UCPath Center, which makes me wonder what it is that they excel at and what they really want to do? Applying for several (or all) open positions can be red flag. It’s best for a potential new hire to concentrate on the openings they’re qualified for and then tell us why you’re the ideal candidate in a compelling cover letter.
Make sure to avoid these common mistakes when you apply for your dream job.
Craft a Killer Resume
Of course, it goes without saying that your resume should be up to date and in tip-top shape. While some companies pre-screen by searching for keywords, the recruiters and hiring managers at the UCPath Center will actually look at your resume — so make sure it looks professional. Because we don’t pre-screen using keyword searches, you should keep your resume succinct. Make sure you check for typos and don’t rely on spellcheck. We all know that might make some automatic changes that don’t work, and it won’t pick up the dreaded “you’re” and “your” distinction. Have another person (or other people) look at it as well, as they might catch something you didn’t. A well-written resume shows attention to detail, which we value in every position at the University of California.
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