Leaving The Nest

Let’s talk this week about the dreaded panel interview. Yes, the panel interview, the one where you’re the only person on one side of the table (or Zoom screen), and there are four or five people staring at you from the other side, shooting rapid-fire questions at you. I know; this doesn't sound fun, but that's why I am doing this episode of Leaving the Nest! If you caught the last episode, we talked about group interviews – multiple candidates, one or two hiring managers, but today we’re flipping that for this episode - one candidate (you), multiple interviewers (them), and, of course, a whole lot of nerves. I’m walking you through how to handle this intimidating setup with as much grace and confidence as possible, even if your palms are sweaty and your brain is screaming at you. We cover the essentials (yes, you still need to be on time), but also the little things that can make a big difference, like how to engage the whole panel, what to do if you blank on someone’s name, and how to tailor your answers so they actually land with each interviewer. I also give you some tips on asking questions that show you’re not only prepared but sharp, and as always, I remind you how to leave a solid impression that sticks long after you log off or walk out. Panel interviews can be a lot, but with a little prep, I promise you that you can be fully prepared! Key Takeaways: l  Prepare thoroughly by researching the interviewers and the company and customizing responses to each interviewer's interests. l  Maintain confidence and engagement throughout the interview by making eye contact, using positive body language, and addressing the entire panel. l  Ask thoughtful, specific questions to demonstrate your interest and understanding. l  Summarize why you are a good fit for the role, and thank the interviewers individually at the end. l  Follow up with a personalized thank-you note to leave a lasting positive impression! Thanks again for listening to Leaving The Nest! To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/]. If you are a business in need of help staffing entry-level positions in your office, please reach out to Kathleen directly at Kathleen@rocsjobs.com [kathleen@rocsjobs.com]. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please call Kathleen at 703-579-6677.   Resources: ROCS Grad Staffing [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/] Listen to [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/podcast] Leaving The Nest [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/podcast] Podcast [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/podcast]   Connect with Kathleen: Kathleen@rocsjobs.com [Kathleen@rocsjobs.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenpellegrino/] Call: 571-446-2819

This episode is one that I know a lot of you have asked about because, let’s be honest, group interviews are intimidating. They’re uncomfortable, they’re high-pressure, and half the time you walk in wondering if you’re supposed to treat the other candidates like competition or potential coworkers. If you’ve never been a part of a group interview, you are not alone. I actually haven’t either (at least not as a candidate), but I have sat in on the other side, and let me tell you, there are things I’ve seen that still haunt me. That's why I am spending time in this episode to break down everything that you need to know about handling a group interview with confidence. I am, of course, talking about the factors that are within your control, the things that will make you stand out in the right ways while others are making rookie mistakes.  I also discuss why it is that some companies even choose this style of interviewing (it’s not just about saving time) and what they’re really watching for when you’re sitting with that group of strangers. This episode is all about preparing you for the group setting so that if and when you find yourself in one, you’re not thrown off. You will know exactly what to do and what not to do in order to leave the right impression. Thanks for tuning in! Key Takeaways:  * Research the company and role thoroughly before the group interview. * Dress professionally, and bring multiple copies of your resume, along with a notebook and pen for notes. * Punctuality is critical, so plan ahead for traffic, parking, and navigation; aim to arrive 5-10 minutes early. * Avoid distractions such as your phone - stay engaged and ready to interact from the moment you arrive. * Group interviews assess teamwork and communication, so engage respectfully with both the interviewers and other candidates. Thanks again for listening to Leaving The Nest! To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/]. If you are a business in need of help staffing entry-level positions in your office, please reach out to Kathleen directly at Kathleen@rocsjobs.com [kathleen@rocsjobs.com]. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please call Kathleen at 703-579-6677.   Resources: ROCS Grad Staffing [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/] Listen to Leaving The Nest Podcast  [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/podcast]   Connect with Kathleen: Kathleen@rocsjobs.com [Kathleen@rocsjobs.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenpellegrino/]  Call: 571-446-2819

Thanks for tuning back in to Leaving the Nest, dear listeners! Join me for this episode as I discuss a topic that might sound a bit tongue-in-cheek at first: how to lose a job in 10 days (inspired, of course, by the 2003 rom-com How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days)! Of course, I am not actually setting you up for failure; instead, we will focus on what NOT to do when starting a new job so that you can avoid making costly mistakes right out of the gate. It's so important to make a positive impression, and I am using this episode to share some practical tips on how to do just that! From being punctual to managing breaks, I highlight the key factors that can either make or break your success in those critical first days. Showing up to work on time is more important than you might think, and I explain why those extra few minutes could set you apart. I also discuss reliability and the importance of communicating openly with your employer if something goes wrong, whether it be a family emergency or a sick day. (Trust me, employers absolutely notice these things!) It isn't all just about avoiding mistakes, though, as success is also about making an effort to integrate into your new workplace culture, so listen as I discuss how to be friendly and approachable and how asking questions and staying focused can help you thrive. If you’ve ever wondered how to make sure that you don’t lose your job in ten days, tune in for some actionable advice that I hope will help you on your journey to success! Key Takeaways:  * It’s incredibly important to be on time to your job (even more important than you might think)! * Plan ahead by preparing for work the night before to avoid delays. * It's also crucial to be reliable and to try to avoid taking time off in your first few months. * Fit into company culture, and be proactive in making connections with colleagues! * Stay focused, take notes, ask questions, and demonstrate your ability to learn and solve problems. Thanks again for listening to Leaving The Nest! To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/]. If you are a business in need of help staffing entry-level positions in your office, please reach out to Kathleen directly at Kathleen@rocsjobs.com [kathleen@rocsjobs.com]. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please call Kathleen at 703-579-6677. Resources: ROCS Grad Staffing [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/] Listen to Leaving The Nest Podcast  [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/podcast] Connect with Kathleen: Kathleen@rocsjobs.com [Kathleen@rocsjobs.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenpellegrino/]  Call: 571-446-2819

Welcome back to Leaving The Nest! I am so happy to have Devin Jones from episode 13 [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/podcasts/episode-13-graduating-during-a-pandemic-with-devin-jones] join the show again, this time to talk about how to make the most out of your first career fair experience! We share some helpful tips that will help you present your best self to employers, everything from your attire to your elevator pitch. Devin has truly seen it all when it comes to career fairs, everything from nervous first-timers to seasoned pros, and she shares what works and what doesn’t when it comes to dressing the part, developing a confident elevator pitch, and why it's important to be engaged and respectful at the booths. We talk about how to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls such as getting too distracted by your phone which can send the wrong message. We focus instead on some strategies for making a lasting impression, be it via a quick conversation or by simply making eye contact and being polite. In addition, we discuss the far too often overlooked post-fair follow-up. It’s not just about dropping off your resume. You need to also show maturity and initiative and make connections that will benefit you long after the event ends. Whether you are a student getting ready for your first career fair or someone looking to refresh your approach, this episode is packed with advice that you will not want to miss! Key Takeaways:  * Dress professionally, and wear neutral-toned, business-appropriate attire; avoid casual clothes like sweatpants! * Keep your elevator pitch short and confident by introducing who you are, why you are there, and what you are looking for. * Engage in a respectful manner, and avoid distractions such as your phone. * Arrive prepared with 20-30 copies of your resume! * Be sure to follow up by sending a thank-you message within 48 hours! Thanks again for listening to Leaving The Nest! To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/]. If you are a business in need of help staffing entry-level positions in your office, please reach out to Kathleen directly at Kathleen@rocsjobs.com [kathleen@rocsjobs.com]. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please call Kathleen at 703-579-6677.   Resources: ROCS Grad Staffing [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/] Listen to Leaving The Nest Podcast [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/podcast]Leaving The Nest Episode 13: Graduating During a Pandemic with Devin Jones [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/podcasts/episode-13-graduating-during-a-pandemic-with-devin-jones]  [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/podcast] Connect with Kathleen: Kathleen@rocsjobs.com [Kathleen@rocsjobs.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenpellegrino/]  Call: 571-446-2819 Connect with Devin: Devin@rocsjobs.com LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-jones-568b2a14a/] Call: 703-579-6677

I am so thrilled to be bringing you this milestone of Leaving the Nest - the 50th episode! Today I am joined by fellow ROCS [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/] colleague Kaitlin Hawes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlinhawes/] as we take some time to reflect on the highlights of 2024 from career advancements to personal triumphs. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane discussing a year full of growth and change! Kaitlin shares her own journey of Leaving the Nest and brings us up to date where she is currently thriving in her career here at ROCS!  She’ll also open up about her rise in the company, moving from Recruiter to Associate Account Manager to Account Manager in just a matter of a few months!  It isn't just business that we discuss, though. We also get personal and reflect on the moments that shaped us, such as events out of the office and other major family moments. We even discuss some funny memories including our team celebrations and the balloons that almost ruined Kaitlin’s promotion moment! I hope that you will join us for this fun and heartfelt conversation as we celebrate not only our professional growth but also the amazing people and memories that have made this year truly unforgettable for us here at ROCS. Thank you so much for being part of the journey, and here is to 2025! If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/podcast] wherever you are listening and share this episode with others you know who are just "Leaving the Nest." Key Takeaways:  * We reflect on our career milestones over 2024, including major promotions. * Hear about the success that ROCS Grad Staffing has seen over this year as a team! * The ROCS team enjoyed summer Fridays, team events, and personal downtime. * ROCS turns 21! * 2024 was our biggest year yet!  Thanks again for listening to Leaving the Nest! To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/]. If you are a business in need of help staffing entry-level positions in your office, please reach out to Kathleen directly at Kathleen@rocsjobs.com [Kathleen@rocsjobs.com]. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please call Kathleen at 703-579-6677. Resources: ROCS Grad Staffing [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/] Listen to Leaving The Nest Podcast  [https://www.rocsstaffing.com/podcast] Connect with Kathleen: Kathleen@rocsjobs.com [Kathleen@rocsjobs.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenpellegrino/]  Call: 571-446-2819 Connect with Kaitlin: Kaitlin@rocsjobs.com [Kaitlin@rocsjobs.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlinhawes/] Call: 571-488-9805