Feedback from Recruiters
We surveyed recruiters from prior years' events and here's what they had to say about their interaction with the students. These comments might prove to be very useful in preparing your resume and for your interview.
"Many of the students seemed to show their 'people' skills very well. However, some did not. Students should know that meteorological knowledge is just one part of the equation. Almost as important is how well they interact with other people."
"Weaknesses: Occasionally geography, especially elevations."
"Students may come into the interview with a few questions. It's fine for them to be scripted; it will make them look more interested in the company if they have some questions."
"Students should become familiar
with benefit packages so they can compare with what is being offered."
"Students should ask for info
on the area that the company is located, they need to get all the information
they can in order to make a well-informed decision if the job is offered
to them."
"Students seemed well-prepared
forecasting- and science- wise."
"Students should be more knowledgeable
about their current GPA--I like to have that information when interviewing."
"Students should clearly state
their GPA on their resume."
"Students interested in forecasting
need to make sure they are broadening their skills, whether it be broadcasting,
computers, etc. They need to take advantage of everything available
to them. I noticed that some students did not take advantage of extracurricular
activities available to them. They need to do this!"
"I think the interaction with
students immediately after the presentations is significant!"
"Take advantage of opportunities
that give you experiences above the typical student...i.e. projects WxPro
initiative, etc."
"Some students need more computer
experience."
"Students need to sell themselves.
They need to show more enthusiasm across the board."
"Take advantage of opportunities
that are abundant in the department."
"I was pleasantly surprised
at the way all of the interviewees conducted themselves--very mature, professional,
little or no nervousness."
"Some interviewees tended to
go off on a tangent when answering a question--or perhaps talked a bit too
much. This was more noticeable since our time limit was short."
"Students need to show excitement
and enthusiasm in an interview. Even if they are naturally quiet,
they need to fake it. People that get excited about what they do,
or what they might potentially do at a company/agency, are likely to get
a leg ahead of the others."
"Most of the students
had done some research on our web site to learn a little something about
our company and what we do. Seemed like many of the students were broadening
their abilities...more of a focus on business, computers, etc."
"I noticed that the students
I interviewed fell into two categories. 1) Those who took advantage
of opportunities around them and developed marketable skills (computers,
self-starter, project management) and 2) those who did the basics to get
a good education, and didn't have nearly as many marketable skills which
they could rely on to sell themselves."
"The students had many strengths: intelligence, personality, involvement in campus activities, and goal setters."