Interview Tips for Landing A Job | 3 Essential Keys from Recruiter

Introduction

Welcome back to the Custom Journeys podcast, hosted by Andrew Baines. In this special episode, we dive into the world of early career opportunities at Williams, featuring a discussion with Lonel Thompson, an Early Career Manager at the company. This episode promises not only inspirational stories but also practical insights for connecting with recruiters and hiring managers, both in-person and virtually. Let's explore Lonel's journey to becoming a recruiter at Williams and uncover the diverse opportunities available for early career professionals.

Lonel's Journey: From Accountant to Recruiter

Lonel Thompson, an accountant by degree, embarked on a career that evolved from finance to learning and development and eventually into recruiting. Key points from Lonel's journey:

• Started as an accountant but transitioned to learning and development.
• Explored recruiting roles through volunteering.
• Led a team focused on early career populations at Williams.

Lonel shares a compelling story of transitioning from volunteering in recruiting roles to leading a team dedicated to early career populations at Williams. The journey came full circle, with Williams being Lonel's first internship 21 years ago. This episode delves into Lonel's experiences and insights, offering a unique perspective on the diverse paths one can take to reach a career in recruiting.

Expanding the Talent Pipeline

In a changing landscape, Williams recognizes that early career doesn't solely mean recent college graduates. Key aspects of Williams' talent pipeline expansion:

1. Partnerships with high schools through programs like Genesis Works.
2. Exploration of technical schools for diverse talent.
3. Launching an IT Academy for career changers.

The company values not only traditional education paths but also considers non-traditional students, emphasizing a commitment to inclusivity.

Recruiting Strategies and Opportunities

The podcast explores various recruiting strategies employed by Williams. Key strategies and opportunities discussed:

• Engagement through traditional methods: career fairs, online job portals, and social media.
• LinkedIn as a primary platform for connecting with potential candidates.
• Emphasis on skills over strict qualifications.
• Unique approach to blind resume reviews for merit-focused evaluations.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of skills over strict qualifications and reveals Williams' unique approach to blind resume reviews, ensuring a focus on merit rather than personal identifiers.

Future Opportunities and Skills in Demand

As the podcast nears its conclusion, the conversation shifts to future opportunities at Williams. Lonel identifies Finance and Accounting, Engineering, and IT as areas with significant potential. The episode concludes with practical advice for job seekers:

1. Highlight your skills over specific qualifications.
2. Consider alternative education paths for career advancement.

The discussion encourages job seekers to showcase their skills and consider alternative education paths, recognizing the evolving dynamics of the workforce.

"Career paths are diverse, and opportunities abound for those willing to explore them." - Lonel Thompson

In conclusion, this episode of the Custom Journeys podcast provides valuable insights into the world of early career opportunities at Williams. Lonel Thompson's journey serves as inspiration, demonstrating that career paths are diverse, and opportunities abound for those willing to explore them. As the professional landscape evolves, Williams stands out for its commitment to inclusivity, innovative recruiting strategies, and a focus on skills that transcend traditional qualifications. Stay tuned for more engaging content from the Custom Journeys podcast, where unique career stories unfold.