“Employers aren’t beating a path to campuses today the way they were in the ‘90s,” says consultant Linda Yaffe. “It takes much more than a good education and a well-written cover letter and resumé to stand out in this buyer’s market. Yet few current graduates come to the job search equipped with a realistic picture of employers’ expectations.”
Yaffe’s College Day presentation, “Sweats to Suits,” was designed to serve as a reality check. It was derived from a seminar based on her years of experience in hiring and mentoring those just out of college. “I tell young job candidates, it’s not about being smart or quick. It’s about learning to work within boundaries."
The consultant provided attendees at the Ayers event with an overview of what she calls the "3Ps":
- Preparation—understanding and getting ready for both the job search process and the transition to a disciplined environment
- Professionalism—presenting a professional presence, in terms of appearance, actions, manners, and all forms of communication
- Principles—tying into the corporate culture, learning the protocols, and developing the key competencies it takes to function fully in a business environment: leadership, problem-solving, motivational, communication, and teamwork skills.
