Spring 2025 Week 5 Circle H - SujeethFoundation/sujeethfoundation.github.io GitHub Wiki

Link to Recording

Transcript

Meeting Summary

The MU Grit Circle H meeting focused on job applications and interviews. Speaker 3 shared experiences from a recruitment firm, emphasizing the importance of being a good interviewer. Speaker 4 discussed applying to 20 internships, with only half receiving responses, and the challenges of being a graduating student. Speaker 1 suggested considering volunteer internships. The group discussed the importance of networking before and after applying, using the STAR method for storytelling in interviews, and the Lean Startup approach for continuous improvement in job search. They also debated the effectiveness of round-robin versus mentor-led sessions for future meetings.

Action Items

  • Reach out to the LinkedIn group on marketing to get advice on filling the 3-month gap before moving to Spain.
  • Follow up with the recruiter at the company the participant applied to, using the contact information provided by the networking connection.

Outline

Meeting Kickoff and Attendance

  • Speaker 2 greets Luke and mentions waiting a few more minutes for others.
  • Speaker 3 informs that Colby will be late and Caden won't be able to attend.
  • Speaker 1 mentions Sheila is back in the office and needs coverage for meetings this and next week.
  • Speaker 1 and Speaker 2 agree to start the meeting.

Discussion on Job Applications and Interviews

  • Speaker 1 outlines the week's focus on job applications and interviews.
  • Speaker 3 shares experience from a recruitment firm, emphasizing the importance of being a good interviewer.
  • Speaker 4 discusses the difficulty of getting to the interview stage and the need for resume-building activities.
  • Speaker 1 asks Speaker 4 about the number of applications and follow-ups, learning that Speaker 4 has applied to 20 internships with limited success.

Challenges in Internship Applications

  • Speaker 1 inquires about strategies used to turn cold prospects into warm ones.
  • Speaker 4 mentions reaching out to people but notes the difficulty of finding internships as a graduating student.
  • Speaker 1 suggests considering volunteer internships due to Speaker 4's full-time job in Spain.
  • Speaker 1 and Speaker 3 discuss the types of internships Speaker 4 is applying for and the challenges of being a graduating student.

Experience in Interviewing and Recruitment

  • Speaker 1 asks Speaker 3 about their experience interviewing other people.
  • Speaker 3 describes their role in a recruitment firm, setting up initial interviews and assessing candidates.
  • Speaker 1 and Speaker 3 discuss the types of questions asked during interviews and the challenges of being a younger candidate.
  • Speaker 1 emphasizes the importance of demonstrating skills and overcoming imposter syndrome.

Balancing Multiple Job Applications

  • Speaker 1 asks Colby about their goals for the meeting.
  • Colby expresses concern about overcommitting and the fear of hurting others' feelings if they decline job offers.
  • Speaker 1 advises Colby to view the job search process as a series of stage gates, making go/no-go decisions at each step.
  • Speaker 1 and Speaker 3 discuss the importance of keeping multiple job prospects active and the potential for multiple offers.

Networking and Building Relationships

  • Speaker 1 and Speaker 3 discuss the importance of networking before and after applying for jobs.
  • Speaker 5 shares their approach to networking, emphasizing the need for genuine interactions and building relationships.
  • Speaker 1 suggests using introductions from friends to gain credibility and make networking more effective.
  • Speaker 1 and Speaker 3 discuss the benefits of having a strong resume and being likable in sales and networking.

Storytelling in Interviews

  • Speaker 1 introduces the concept of storytelling in interviews using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
  • Speaker 1 shares examples of how to use the STAR method to describe past experiences and demonstrate skills.
  • Speaker 1 emphasizes the importance of providing detailed and meaningful stories to convey values and experiences.
  • Speaker 1 and Speaker 3 discuss the challenges of getting detailed feedback from recruiters and the importance of asking for it.

Lean Startup Approach to Job Search

  • Speaker 1 introduces the Lean Startup method, emphasizing the importance of testing hypotheses and learning from failures.
  • Speaker 1 suggests applying the Lean Startup approach to job search by making small adjustments and learning from each application.
  • Speaker 5 and Speaker 4 discuss the importance of networking and making connections to improve job search success.
  • Speaker 1 and Speaker 3 emphasize the need for a systematic approach to job search, including networking and follow-ups.

Group Discussion and Feedback

  • Speaker 1 asks for feedback on the meeting format and content.
  • Speaker 3 prefers the open discussion format over playing videos, as it keeps participants more engaged.
  • Speaker 1 considers switching back to the round-robin format for leading sessions to encourage more participation.
  • Speaker 1 asks if anyone is interested in leading the next session, with Speaker 5 and Speaker 4 expressing interest but noting potential scheduling conflicts.