Employer Interviews
Have you ever wondered how to best prepare for the application process? What you should include on a resume for a particular company or organization? What skills those companies and organizations are looking for and how they will help you build them once hired? Here, Konnecting Keelhaulers will help shed some light on these questions as we interview recruiters from our employer partners. We hope that you will find these interviews to be a resource for you as you look for both internships and jobs.
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Military Sealift Command: Gary Loy, Field Recruiter; Michael Latham, Recruitment Coordinator for the Marine Employment Division
BAE Systems: Madeline Wren, Talent Acquisition Specialist; Casey Tew, Talent Acquisition Specialist
MSC: Gary Loy, Field Recruiter | Michael Latham, Recruitment Coordinator for the Marine Employment Division
Two reps from the MSC recruitment office discuss various aspects of the recruitment process for MSC, from the moment they release a position to the final offer letter. Positions covered are 3rd Mate, 3rd Assistant Engineer, Junior Supply Officer, as well as various unlicensed positions like storekeeper, yeoman, wiper, and QMED. Both Gary and Michael point out that not every applicant will have experience with various programs and applications they will use at MSC, but should do research to better understand what those programs and applications do and relate them to similar skills and past experiences. A core tenet of work at MSC is to be persistent and consistent, which applies to the application, interview, and employment processes. Be sure to highlight, on both your resume and evaluation questions, the various leadership roles, special endorsements, and specific examples from your history that pertains to the position. And be sure to introduce yourself to MSC reps whenever they are on campus for career fairs, presentations, and any other functions.
Before we jump in, what roles do each of you recruit for and are these entry level positions or higher? 0:34
What are some of the unlicensed positions that MSC recruits for? 1:25
The MSC application is a little unique, can you take us through what the components of the application? What are some good tips to prepare before submitting, including prepping letters of rec, transcripts, etc? 3:20
With the evaluation criteria, short answer questions, how would cadets go about answering on programs or applications they don’t have experience with and articulating skills that might be similar? 9:45
Beyond the technical skills required for the positions, what transferable skills stand out for the various roles, both licensed and unlicensed, that MSC is recruiting for? 12:35
How should resumes be formatted for MSC? Are there specific things or order you are looking for beyond education and work experience? 18:00
Beyond the technical skills required for the positions, what transferable skills stand out for the various roles, both licensed and unlicensed, that MSC is recruiting for? 12:35
What does a typical application to interview to offer timelines look like for the Academy recruitment process and the open application process? 24:36
After applying for a position, what should a candidate do? 28:45
What can cadets be doing while in college if they are interested in working for MSC, especially those interested in the JSO position? 31:15
What is MSC doing to help the new hires develop the skills they need to succeed on the job? 33:58
Closing thoughts. 40:37
BAE Systems: Madeline Wren, Talent Acquisition Specialist | Casey Tew, Talent Acquisition Specialist
Madeline and Casey take us through the recruiting process at BAE Systems for both internship and new graduate opportunties, touching on what to include in your resume, how a cover letter can enhance your application, and typical timelines within each process. Both touch on the importance in including the required skills on your resume, as well as utilizing coursework and projects to demostrate knowledge where you don't have work experience. If you are interested in working for BAE, be sure to stay up to date on events they host and any time they are on the Cal Maritime campus (or presenting virtually) and don't hesitate to connect with either Madeline or Casey to get questions answered.
What levels and roles do each of you recruit for? 0:38
How should resumes be formatted for BAE Systems? Are there specific things or order you are looking for? We see software generated templates from time to time, how does BAE feel about these, are they read in the ATS? 1:43
How does BAE view cover letters? Are there certain things to include that are different than the resume? 4:40
What are positions new grads should be looking for at BAE? 5:47
What experiences and skills stand out for the Shipyard Management and Contracts intern positions and how to word them on a resume? 6:50
What experiences and skills stand out for the Leadership Development Programs, etc? 8:48
What differences would you highlight between an intern resume and new grad resume? 10:19
Are there supplementals in the application process that are good to include such as letters of rec, transcripts, project descriptions? 11:33
What does a typical application to interview to offer timelines look like? 13:30
After applying for a position, what should a candidate do? 16:48
What can cadets be doing while in college if they are interested in working for BAE Systems? 19:03
How does BAE help interns and new grads develop the skills they need to succeed on the job? 21:03
Closing thoughts. 23:25