Blog Post: Recruiter’s Notebook: William Carr

Name:

Job Title/Employer: Supply Chain Process and SAP SRM Consultant / IBM Global Business Services

Year of Graduation: 2005        

Degree/Major: B.S/Supply Chain Management

What kind of recruiting do you do for your company?  

I recruit MBA and undergraduate candidates at our key schools throughout the US.

Who is your company’s ideal recruiting candidate?  

Our ideal candidate would have internship or real-world experience in the field we are recruiting for, the ability to discuss their previous work experience, and carry themselves in a professional manner.  We recognize that most of the undergraduates will not have extensive work experience, so they must have the ability to speak to the experiences they place on their resume.

Our MBA candidates are expected to speak to a much higher level and have experiences involving leadership and/or management roles.

Although certifications are not an absolute, there are several from accredited organizations that are a plus to have such as APICS and PMI. 

What strengths do Arizona State University graduates bring to the hiring table as job candidates?

Arizona State University is a major player in the field of supply chain management for both undergraduate and MBA candidates.  They tend to possess a strong foundation of the overall supply chain process and have extensive experience in working with groups during their education.  The curriculum at ASU is some of the best in the country and many of the professors have significant work experience in the field.  Many of the students we have hired from ASU have moved up very quickly in the organization.

What can current students or alumni do to improve their chances of finding work with (or though) your company?

Practice, Practice, Practice!  We have encountered students who look outstanding on paper (resume); however, when they move into the interview process they close up and are unable to speak about their experiences in a clear and concise manner.  Students should utilize the career services center to polish their resume and get comfortable in an interview setting.

Another item to consider is attire from the career fair through the final interview. Students should dress professionally at all stages of the employment seeking process. Students should remember that some companies they are interviewing with are from the Midwest and East coast, which tend to expect a more formal business dress code (e.g., business suits, ties, closed-toed shoes, etc.).  

Any other job-hunting secrets you’d like to share?

Utilize all of your resources during a job hunt, including past employer contacts and networking sites like LinkedIn and other professional network groups.  If a company wants to interview you, but you are not interested in the position, use the interview as practice. It just might open other doors you were unaware of.  

Most of all, make sure you send your thank you letters and follow ups.  There have been several occasions where the interview might not have gone as well as planned.  But by sending a well-written thank-you letter, it is possible to keep the door open to future opportunities.