WCU’s Center for Career and Professional Development hosted an event in the Career Studio Nov. 6 offering job-searching strategies for graduating students.
The CCPD focuses on supporting students during college and beyond. Services are available to students during their time at WCU and after graduation.
According to Statista, as of May 2024, 4.5% of college graduates were unemployed. The CCPD aims to help students avoid becoming part of that statistic. This event was organized to assist upcoming graduates in navigating the job market.
“We are trying to offer career development opportunities for students, mainly for them to learn about the current job market,” said April McNiff, assistant director of student development at the CCPD.
McNiff, who helped plan the event, said the goal was to provide graduating students with insights into the economy and identify which jobs are in demand.
“As the economy changes, our department tries to stay on top of it,” McNiff said. “We’re trying to help them develop strategies they can use for finding and seeking those jobs.”
The event explained the hiring process for both employers and job seekers.
The CCPD shared average application statistics to help students understand the job market. For online job postings, approximately 1,000 people view the ad, and 200 begin the application. Of those, about 100 complete the application, 75 are screened by an applicant tracking system, 25 make it to a hiring manager and four to six are invited for an interview. Ultimately, one job offer is made.
The CCPD advises job seekers to submit around 100 applications, which typically results in 25 first interviews, 12 second interviews and two or three job offers.
McNiff also discussed strategies for job seekers, such as networking and creating personalized resumes and cover letters.
For some, being selective about where they apply is crucial. The CCPD held another event focusing on job search strategies for LGBTQ+ people.
“The difference was primarily looking more into a company,” McNiff said. “Looking at the employer and the company’s mission, their vision and their values.”
Job seekers can learn about a company by exploring its website or asking questions at interviews.
McNiff highlighted legal protections that minimize discrimination during the application process. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits employers from discriminating based on gender, sexual orientation or transgender status.
The CCPD continues to host events like these to support students and alumni before, during and after graduation.
The CCPD offers a wide range of professional development services, including help with resumes, cover letters, internships, interview preparation and career exploration. It also provides a closet stocked with professional attire for students to borrow.
All CCPD services are free for WCU students and alumni. The office, located behind Reid Gymnasium, is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
