Sean Finn

Q1: Name: Sean Finn
      Degree from UMD: Business Administration-Marketing
      Current Job: Pharmaceutical Sales Representative for Sanofi Diabetes

Q2: As a senior at UMD, when did you start applying for jobs?

 

I started applying in my Spring semester at UMD. 

Q3: What websites or resources did you use when you were applying?

 

My first job out of college was an opportunity I found on UMN GoldPass. Overall I used GoldPass, LinkedIn, Indeed, and most of all networking. I cannot stress enough how important Networking is. Networking is not just connecting with people on LinkedIn, its your opportunity to get your name out there. 

 

Q4:  If you could do anything differently about applying for jobs or the job market in general, what would it be?

 

When you are applying/interviewing for jobs, you are basically selling your value to an employer. Here are some tips I have learned from my own experiences:

 

1. When you receive a number that you do not know, answer with: "Good afternoon this is...", not "hello". 

2. Keep your resume at 2 pages or less

3. Cover letter should pick one example, and discuss how you found a solution to something. It should also apply to the position

4. When you get a face to face interview, mirror the body language as the interviewer.

5. Relax, and focus on allowing them to really understand what you could do for them

6. When they ask a situational question (i.e. Tell me about a time where you struggled, etc) explain the situation, what you planned to do, what you actually did, and what were the results. This shows the interviewer that you are thinking strategically

7. Discuss the job position, and the organization! Do your homework before the interview. 

8. Ask what are they looking for in a candidate

9. Build some rapport!

10. Ask the next steps!!! This is probably the most important.

 

 

Q5: Do you enjoy your job/profession at this time?

 

Yes. I love sales and business development. My goal is to become a senior executive, and working to get my MBA.