Guest Speaker Brad Vierra Shares Interview Advice to Upcoming 2021 Graduates

Guest Speaker Brad Vierra Shares Interview Advice to Upcoming 2021 Graduates

San Bernardino, Calif.- Wednesday, October 20, 2020, Brad Vierra – senior manager at Spectrum Enterprise – spoke to the students from CoyotePR about the hiring process at most high-level positions, as well as his own experience as a project manager in commercial fiber networks. With years of background in construction and management, Vierra possesses insider knowledge of the most important attributes and characteristics to showcase in-person and on a resume when applying for post-graduate jobs.

Vierra started his career in fiber networks installing and repairing telephones, later going on to become a Senior Manager at Spectrum working in project management for the West Coast. With the majority of the students listening being in their last semester at Cal State, Vierra shared useful information for those soon-to-be graduates including valuable tips on how to build an effective resume, as well as how to navigate through the interview process at both entry and high-level positions. 

Vierra claims the most important step in finding work is simply getting yourself in front of a hiring manager or recruiter. This entails including the right amount of information on your resume, featuring buzzwords and specific characteristics listed on the job posting for your position of interest. 

Your resume should be short and concise and include a one-paragraph cover letter tailored towards the job and company for which you are applying. According to Vierra, most recruiters are looking for vibrant personalities; candidates they feel will mesh well with current employees, as well as contribute to the overall success of their company. 

Be prepared to do research on the position you’re applying for, and take as many notes as possible during the interview process. There should be no questions left unasked as most hiring managers are looking for -- and impressed by -- curiosity and initiative in possible future hires.

“Of course you’re going to be nervous. Being nervous means you really want that job,” said Vierra when asked about confidence in interviews. He makes it clear that it’s normal to feel nervous; take your time and breathe before answering every question. Most importantly, refrain from using filler phrases like “um,” “uh,” and “you know what I mean”.

For fresh graduates searching for employment, making connections with hiring managers and recruiters is equally, if not more, important than actually landing the job you want. According to Vierra, networking with others in your industry is a crucial aspect of moving up in any profession. Vierra offers students a simplified phrase in understanding industry networking: “Go to work every day like it is a job interview.” By channeling this mindset, you will remain accountable and aware that everyone you come in contact with is a possible networking opportunity.

Overall, Vierra explained that when applying for jobs it is key to stay organized, show your passion, and persevere. Although you may not get the dream job right away, every job is an opportunity and stepping stone to move higher and obtain your end goal.