Source brought to you by:
Christopher Tkaczyk, reporter
Monday, January 25, 2010
This article is part of a series related to being Financially Fit
These 22 Best Companies to Work For have at least 500 openings each, totaling more than 87,750 jobs. What are they looking for in a new hire? Before you apply, check out these excerpts from our interviews with HR professionals and others in the know.
Edward Jones
Courtesy of Edward Jones
2010 Best Companies rank: 2
Current openings: 631
Financial advisors and branch office administrators.
What are you looking for?
For financial advisors, we look for... self-starters who enjoy working with and helping other people. For branch office administrators... we look for energetic individuals who can take the initiative to anticipate client and financial advisor needs.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
For financial advisors: Our recruiters approach each candidate from a career management standpoint, attempting to ensure each candidate has a solid understanding of the work, the emphasis on putting clients' interests first and the appropriate commitment level to be successful.
For branch office administrators: Our recruiters are impressed with a candidate's past work experience and stability or loyalty with past employers. We look for an affable personality to meet and greet our clients. --Interview with Regina DeLuca-Imral, spokeswoman
Edward Jones' career site: http://www.careers.edwardjones.com/
Wegmans Food Markets
Courtesy of Wegmans Food Markets
2010 Best Companies rank: 3
Current openings: 1,500
Mostly in store operations, including customer-service team members, chefs, team leaders and department managers. There also are opportunities in distribution and manufacturing.
What are you looking for?
We look for employees [who] are food enthusiasts and passionate about providing incredible service to customers. Because we focus on helping customers make great meals easy, we look for employees willing to share their knowledge.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
We focus on people who have diverse experiences and ideas, and exemplify our values by caring about and respecting others. We also look for people committed to continuously learning. --Interview with Wendy Gallucci, spokeswoman
Wegmans Food Markets' site: http://www.wegmans.com/
Qualcomm
2010 Best Companies rank: 2
Current openings: 631
Financial advisors and branch office administrators.
What are you looking for?
For financial advisors, we look for... self-starters who enjoy working with and helping other people. For branch office administrators... we look for energetic individuals who can take the initiative to anticipate client and financial advisor needs.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
For financial advisors: Our recruiters approach each candidate from a career management standpoint, attempting to ensure each candidate has a solid understanding of the work, the emphasis on putting clients' interests first and the appropriate commitment level to be successful.
For branch office administrators: Our recruiters are impressed with a candidate's past work experience and stability or loyalty with past employers. We look for an affable personality to meet and greet our clients. --Interview with Regina DeLuca-Imral, spokeswoman
Edward Jones' career site: http://www.careers.edwardjones.com/
Wegmans Food Markets
Courtesy of Wegmans Food Markets
2010 Best Companies rank: 3Current openings: 1,500
Mostly in store operations, including customer-service team members, chefs, team leaders and department managers. There also are opportunities in distribution and manufacturing.
What are you looking for?
We look for employees [who] are food enthusiasts and passionate about providing incredible service to customers. Because we focus on helping customers make great meals easy, we look for employees willing to share their knowledge.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
We focus on people who have diverse experiences and ideas, and exemplify our values by caring about and respecting others. We also look for people committed to continuously learning. --Interview with Wendy Gallucci, spokeswoman
Wegmans Food Markets' site: http://www.wegmans.com/
Qualcomm
Courtesy of Qualcomm
2010 Best Companies rank: 9
Current openings: 617
Engineering and business positions such as Linux software engineers, digital design engineers, 4G systems engineers, patent counsel, Smartbook architects, and product marketing director.
What are you looking for?
Candidates that have a passion for technology, a desire to innovate, and the skills to exceed the expectations of our customers.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
An impressive candidate does their research on the company and on individuals they are going to interview with. They are also self-aware: confident in their strengths and honest about areas where they can improve. --Interview with Talia Tortora, corporate communications
Qualcomm's career site: www.qualcomm.com/careers/index.html
Cisco
Courtesy of
Cisco Systems, Inc.
2010 Best Companies rank: 9Current openings: 617
Engineering and business positions such as Linux software engineers, digital design engineers, 4G systems engineers, patent counsel, Smartbook architects, and product marketing director.
What are you looking for?
Candidates that have a passion for technology, a desire to innovate, and the skills to exceed the expectations of our customers.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
An impressive candidate does their research on the company and on individuals they are going to interview with. They are also self-aware: confident in their strengths and honest about areas where they can improve. --Interview with Talia Tortora, corporate communications
Qualcomm's career site: www.qualcomm.com/careers/index.html
Cisco
Courtesy of
Cisco Systems, Inc. 2010 Best Companies rank: 16
Current openings: 595
45% are in Cisco's engineering and design organization, with job roles requiring networking, software, and/or electrical engineering expertise. 25% are in services, with roles for engineers (advanced and technical services) and project managers. Most opportunities are in sales, finance, marketing, IT, manufacturing, supply chain and HR.
What are you looking for?
First and foremost, strong collaborators. Candidates should have a focus on execution; they should be able to accelerate delivery of a product or project in a manner that meets quality standards while emphasizing speed and impact. We look for people with a track record of continuous learning who have been innovators -- and even disruptors -- within their respective disciplines.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
Know the needs of the organization for which you're applying. Listen well and ask good questions. Chances are, if a candidate is being interviewed, Cisco already has a sense that he or she possesses the requisite knowledge, skills and experience. The interview team is assessing "organizational fit," and whether the candidate will be successful leveraging his [abilities] to make a sustainable impact. --Interview with Jennifer Ho, HR communications manager
Cisco's career site: www.cisco.com/web/about/ac40/about_cisco_careers_home.html
Whole Foods Market
Current openings: 595
45% are in Cisco's engineering and design organization, with job roles requiring networking, software, and/or electrical engineering expertise. 25% are in services, with roles for engineers (advanced and technical services) and project managers. Most opportunities are in sales, finance, marketing, IT, manufacturing, supply chain and HR.
What are you looking for?
First and foremost, strong collaborators. Candidates should have a focus on execution; they should be able to accelerate delivery of a product or project in a manner that meets quality standards while emphasizing speed and impact. We look for people with a track record of continuous learning who have been innovators -- and even disruptors -- within their respective disciplines.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
Know the needs of the organization for which you're applying. Listen well and ask good questions. Chances are, if a candidate is being interviewed, Cisco already has a sense that he or she possesses the requisite knowledge, skills and experience. The interview team is assessing "organizational fit," and whether the candidate will be successful leveraging his [abilities] to make a sustainable impact. --Interview with Jennifer Ho, HR communications manager
Cisco's career site: www.cisco.com/web/about/ac40/about_cisco_careers_home.html
Whole Foods Market
Courtesy of Whole Foods Market
2010 Best Companies rank: 18Current openings: 1,160
Store positions in seafood, prepared foods, customer service, produce, floral and other areas.
What are you looking for?
We hire passion over experience.... We especially appreciate candidates who are regular shoppers at our stores or consumers of natural foods and products. And of course, a great smile and a sense of humor also go a long way at Whole Foods Market.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
Be prepared for the interview (company research, prepared questions to ask, be on time). Demonstrate knowledge of our company philosophy and core values. Exhibit passion for our products and [desire] to share that information with our store customers. --Interview with Lisa Lavender, communications advisor
Whole Foods Market's career site: www.wholefoodsmarket.com/careers/index.php
Genentech
Courtesy of Genentech
2010 Best Companies rank: 19
Current openings: 523
A wide range of positions, including opportunities for top-notch research scientists, clinical specialists, sales managers, medical directors, manufacturing technicians, packaging operators and IT specialists.
What are you looking for?
The ideal candidate has job-specific skills, of course, but we're also looking for individuals with curiosity, creativity, the ability to bring new ideas forward, a willingness to take intelligent risks, a collaborative spirit and passion for his or her area of expertise.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
Be smart. Be up for a rigorous interview process. Be clear about why you want to work here. (Hint: not the free espresso.) --Interview with Amy Gartner, corporate relations
Genentech's career site: www.gene.com/gene/careers/
Scripps Health
2010 Best Companies rank: 19Current openings: 523
A wide range of positions, including opportunities for top-notch research scientists, clinical specialists, sales managers, medical directors, manufacturing technicians, packaging operators and IT specialists.
What are you looking for?
The ideal candidate has job-specific skills, of course, but we're also looking for individuals with curiosity, creativity, the ability to bring new ideas forward, a willingness to take intelligent risks, a collaborative spirit and passion for his or her area of expertise.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
Be smart. Be up for a rigorous interview process. Be clear about why you want to work here. (Hint: not the free espresso.) --Interview with Amy Gartner, corporate relations
Genentech's career site: www.gene.com/gene/careers/
Scripps Health
Courtesy of Scripps Health
2010 Best Companies rank: 40Current openings: 510
Clinical positions such as registered nurses, imaging techs, laboratory and pharmacy staff; managers and professionals in accounting, finance, IT, HR, compliance, biomedical and quality assurance; as well as clinical trials assistants, clinical lab staff and scientists for its research and genomics divisions.
What are you looking for?
Talented and compassionate [people]... If you are enthusiastic about your interests and passionate about your profession and what you give back to an organization, then you might possibly be the next Scripps new hire.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
It's key for potential employees to find a position they love, and that their values match... our values of quality, respect and efficiency
Our total focus is on providing patients with the best medical care possible in a supportive and compassionate environment. To impress our recruiters, share an experience or story where you made a positive change in someone's life or provided the best customer service or patient care. --Interview with Vic Buzachero, corporate senior VP, human resources
Scripps Health's career site: www.scripps.org/Careers
Ernst & Young
Courtesy of Ernst & Young
2010 Best Companies rank: 44
Current openings: 622
Opportunities in a wide range of areas, including finance, taxes, supply chain, customer, strategic direction and program management; IT, people and organizational change consulting. Skills in demand include finance transformation, business performance management, procurement, logistics, pricing as well as Oracle, SAP, Hyperion and other technology platforms and tools. Experience in restructuring, valuation, transaction integration and transaction tax also is in sought.
What are you looking for?
In addition to having the requisite technical experience, we want candidates who are truly proactive, strong team members. [They should be] highly adaptable to change and have a high amount of intellectual curiosity.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
Have a positive and enthusiastic attitude, be passionate about what you do, and describe specific experiences and results you've achieved [as well as] what you want to achieve. --Interview with Larry Nash, recruiting director
Ernst & Young's career site: www.ey.com/US/Careers
USAA
Courtesy of USSA
2010 Best Companies rank: 45
Current openings: 650
Wealth relationship managers, financial advisors, financial planners, bank originators, software systems engineers, credit risk advisors, marketing managers, business technical architects, and business planners.
What are you looking for?
People "with the heart and passion to serve our members - the men and women in the military and their families." It helps to have military affiliation or knowledge. The best-qualified candidates have diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
We're impressed by a crisp resume, knowledge of our company, and a passion for wanting to be part of the USAA family. --Interview with Robie Cline, executive director, public communications
USAA's career site: http://www.usaa.apply2jobs.com/
Booz Allen Hamilton
Courtesy of Booz Allen Hamilton
2010 Best Companies rank: 52
Current openings: 695
Entry-level and experienced professionals in such areas as cyber software and systems engineering, information technology, health, energy, and intelligence.
What are you looking for?
People are the center of what we do because we don't sell the kind of product you can roll off an assembly line.... We believe the best teams are comprised of people with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.
We hire a lot of experienced government and industry hires and former military personnel as well as undergraduates. So we have four generations of talent, with a breadth of experience and perspective, to apply to our clients' toughest problems.
In addition to talent and intellectual prowess, [candidates should have] dedication to our firm's core values of client service, diversity, excellence, entrepreneurship, teamwork, professionalism, fairness, integrity, respect and trust. If these values resonate, [you] can be pretty sure Booz Allen will be a good fit.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
Christopher Carlson, manager of university recruiting for Booz Allen Hamilton, says: "Consider jobs outside of your area of study, be open to relocation, and refer a friend to a recruiter if the job is not right for you." --Interview with Jennifer Lucas, media relations manager
Booz Allen Hamilton's career site: www.boozallen.com/careers
Current openings: 622
Opportunities in a wide range of areas, including finance, taxes, supply chain, customer, strategic direction and program management; IT, people and organizational change consulting. Skills in demand include finance transformation, business performance management, procurement, logistics, pricing as well as Oracle, SAP, Hyperion and other technology platforms and tools. Experience in restructuring, valuation, transaction integration and transaction tax also is in sought.
What are you looking for?
In addition to having the requisite technical experience, we want candidates who are truly proactive, strong team members. [They should be] highly adaptable to change and have a high amount of intellectual curiosity.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
Have a positive and enthusiastic attitude, be passionate about what you do, and describe specific experiences and results you've achieved [as well as] what you want to achieve. --Interview with Larry Nash, recruiting director
Ernst & Young's career site: www.ey.com/US/Careers
USAA
Courtesy of USSA
2010 Best Companies rank: 45
Current openings: 650
Wealth relationship managers, financial advisors, financial planners, bank originators, software systems engineers, credit risk advisors, marketing managers, business technical architects, and business planners.
What are you looking for?
People "with the heart and passion to serve our members - the men and women in the military and their families." It helps to have military affiliation or knowledge. The best-qualified candidates have diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
We're impressed by a crisp resume, knowledge of our company, and a passion for wanting to be part of the USAA family. --Interview with Robie Cline, executive director, public communications
USAA's career site: http://www.usaa.apply2jobs.com/
Booz Allen Hamilton
Courtesy of Booz Allen Hamilton
2010 Best Companies rank: 52Current openings: 695
Entry-level and experienced professionals in such areas as cyber software and systems engineering, information technology, health, energy, and intelligence.
What are you looking for?
People are the center of what we do because we don't sell the kind of product you can roll off an assembly line.... We believe the best teams are comprised of people with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.
We hire a lot of experienced government and industry hires and former military personnel as well as undergraduates. So we have four generations of talent, with a breadth of experience and perspective, to apply to our clients' toughest problems.
In addition to talent and intellectual prowess, [candidates should have] dedication to our firm's core values of client service, diversity, excellence, entrepreneurship, teamwork, professionalism, fairness, integrity, respect and trust. If these values resonate, [you] can be pretty sure Booz Allen will be a good fit.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
Christopher Carlson, manager of university recruiting for Booz Allen Hamilton, says: "Consider jobs outside of your area of study, be open to relocation, and refer a friend to a recruiter if the job is not right for you." --Interview with Jennifer Lucas, media relations manager
Booz Allen Hamilton's career site: www.boozallen.com/careers
