Education/training
What's in a name?The university a new accounting graduate attended can catch an employer's attention, but it may not guarantee a job offer, according to a new survey. SUN NEWS WIRES |
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 [ 2007-07-18 ] |
© 2007 Jupiterimages Corporation
Chief financial officers polled recently were closely split regarding how much weight the prestige of a candidate's alma mater should be given in hiring decisions. Fifty-two per cent of respondents felt the stature of an institution was not important at all, whereas 42% said it was very important or somewhat important.
"Because many entry-level candidates have little professional experience, hiring managers often consider non-work-related factors, such as the quality of the applicant's formal education," said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Human Resources Kit For Dummies. "But learning extends beyond the classroom -- valuable skills and knowledge also are gained through extracurricular activities, internships and jobs held during college."
"Employers should avoid letting a single factor, such as where an applicant went to school or which internships he or she completed, carry disproportionate weight in the evaluation process," Messmer said. "A strong work ethic and the ability to adapt quickly to new environments are equally desirable."
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