Episode 48: ROCStar References - Elevate Your Career with the Right Endorsements
Release Date: 09/26/2024
Episode 61: ROCS Wrapped 2025
Leaving The Nest
I am very excited about this episode because I am, for the first time ever, joined by ROCS colleagues and ! Sage walks us through her journey from Recruiter to Account Manager, reflecting on her unique college experience during the pandemic, her career pivot, and the thrill of earning her promotion. Piper shares her start at ROCS straight out of college, including a first day unlike any other, which turned into an unexpected bonding experience with the team. Both of them offer thoughtful advice for recent grads, highlighting the value of being coachable, flexible, and open to feedback in...
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Episode 60: Thriving in a Remote Setting
Leaving The Nest
Join me for this episode of Leaving the Nest as I discuss how to not only be successful but to thrive when working remotely! I highlight the importance of setting up a dedicated workspace at home with as few distractions as possible, a reliable internet connection, and clear boundaries with family, roommates, and pets, and I also stress the need for a consistent daily routine - including getting dressed and ready for the workday, taking breaks, and managing time effectively! Communication is so important when working remotely, and I recommend over-communicating with your team, being...
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Episode 59: Office Etiquette
Leaving The Nest
Office etiquette and professionalism when starting a new job – you have probably heard these terms before and have heard that they are important, but you might not be aware of just how important that they are even for entry-level positions. Having prior experience in an office environment is highly valued by employers, and this can include things like internships, part-time campus jobs, or any role that involves working in a professional setting. Listen in as I cover several key aspects of office etiquette, beginning with punctuality. I advise arriving 15-20 minutes early each day, not just...
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Episode 58: Regret or Adjustment? Making Sense of a New Job
Leaving The Nest
Episode 58: Regret or Adjustment? How to Handle New Job Anxiety Starting a new job and already questioning your decision? In this episode of Leaving the Nest, we explore the common signs of new job regret, how to tell if what you’re feeling is just part of the adjustment period, and how to navigate the uncertainty with confidence and professionalism. Whether you’re overwhelmed by a new office environment, struggling with your manager’s style, or just missing your old routine, this episode will help you break it down. We’ll walk through how to: Identify the real reasons behind new job...
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Episode 57: You Accepted the Job—Here’s What Happens Next
Leaving The Nest
Let’s take a moment to discuss the steps and considerations that are involved after accepting a job offer, from the perspective of both the employee and the employer. We’ll highlight why it's so important to be proactive and responsive during the onboarding process, as this is still part of the "first impression" stage! I’ll outline several key steps that new employees should take, such as promptly starting the background check and paperwork, providing two weeks' notice at their current job, and preparing for the first day by researching the company, commute, dress code, and more....
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Episode 56: From Offer to Onboarding: Navigating Background Checks
Leaving The Nest
One of the final steps in the hiring process that can cause a lot of stress and anxiety is the pre-employment background check which is why I am thrilled to be bringing you this conversation with Kristy Wheeler-Scott, an HR professional with over 8 years of experience, to get the inside scoop on what to expect! Kristy explains that background checks are a very important part of the hiring process, allowing employers to verify qualifications, minimize risk, and ensure cultural fit. While the specific details can vary by industry and organization, most background checks cover criminal records,...
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Episode 55: Final Interviews: Don't Celebrate Too Soon
Leaving The Nest
You have made it to the final round of interviews! Congratulations are in order for making it this far, especially since that means that you definitely have the job, right? Wrong. Just because you have made it to the final round of interviews does not mean that it’s time to mentally accept the job, and in this episode, I am breaking down the very real, very overlooked truth about final round interviews: they’re still interviews. You haven’t crossed the finish line yet, and treating it like a victory lap could cost you dearly. I walk you through what it actually means to be a final round...
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Episode 54: Eyes on You: Winning Over the Panel
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...
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Episode 53: Standing Out in the Crowd: Mastering Group Interviews
Leaving The Nest
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...
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Episode 52: How to Lose a Job in 10 Days
Leaving The Nest
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...
info_outlineJoin me for this episode as I take on the far too often overlooked but crucial aspect of job applications: providing professional references. As you approach the final stages of your job search, the right references can truly play a pivotal role in solidifying the positive impression that you have already made. You will learn how to select, prepare, and present your references effectively so that you can seal the deal!
Tune in as I discuss some of the common pitfalls, such as including unnecessary lines on your resume, and offer guidance on choosing the right types of references—academic, personal, and, most critically, professional. Learn why it's so essential to seek permission from your references beforehand, ensuring they're ready for that all-important phone call.
I also offer practical tips on how many references to provide and how to format your reference sheet so it complements your resume. We’ll explore the typical questions employers ask during reference checks so you can help your contacts highlight your strengths and skills. Finally, I emphasize the importance of maintaining relationships with past colleagues to build a robust network for future opportunities.
Whether you are just beginning your career or are looking to make a change, this episode will equip you with the tools to navigate the reference check process confidently, helping to ensure that you are ready when it really matters. Listen in for all the details!
If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review wherever you are listening and share this episode with others you know who are just "Leaving the Nest."
Key Takeaways:
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Timing of References: References are typically requested later in the hiring process, indicating that you’re close to receiving an offer!
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Reference Types: Prioritize professional references (former supervisors), and consider academic or personal references as supplementary.
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Ask for Permission: Always obtain consent from your references before listing them to avoid catching them off guard.
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Quantity Matters: Provide at least three references, with five to six as a backup to help ensure availability.
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Presentation Format: Format your reference sheet similarly to your resume, including names, titles, relationships, and contact information for consistency!
Thanks again for listening to Leaving the Nest! To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing. 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. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please call Kathleen at 703-579-6677.
Resources:
Listen to Leaving The Nest Podcast
Connect with Kathleen:
Call: 571-446-2819