Where are you finding great staff these days? If your 2026 hiring strategy still looks like it did pre-pandemic, it might be time to shake things up. Camps who are reimagining how (and where) they connect with potential staff — are seeing success. A few creative ideas from the American Camp Association's #ProjectRealJob “Thinking Outside the Box” blog (thank you, Raina Baker of Camp Beausite Northwest): >>Turn recruiting into storytelling. Short videos, behind-the-scenes posts, and alumni spotlights travel further (and faster) than traditional job ads. >>Go beyond career fairs. Reach out to faculty in fields like hospitality, marketing, or education — and offer internships or credit-based options that fit their students’ goals. >>Think local + niche. Partner with schools, youth orgs, and churches. Post on Handshake or WayUp. Reward referrals from staff and alumni who get your camp culture. Because the best staff aren’t just scrolling for a job — they’re looking for purpose, growth, and belonging. #ProjectRealJob #WorkAtCamp How are you getting creative with your 2026 recruiting? Drop your favorite strategy below! https://lnkd.in/gStuByPM

Graduated in 2025 with little or no formal experience and not sure where to start? You are more hireable than you think. Here are practical steps to move from diploma to job offer faster. Build a resume that sells your potential by highlighting transferable skills from academic projects, internships, volunteer work, and personal projects. Use a clean, easy to scan format and include a strong header with your name, contact details, and a link to your LinkedIn or portfolio. Tailor each application by using keywords from the job description and call out soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability alongside relevant technical skills. Treat your job search like a project. Set clear weekly goals and routines, use job boards smartly, and invest heavily in networking. Reach out to alumni, request informational interviews, attend career fairs, and tap into hidden opportunities that never get posted publicly. Prepare for interviews by practicing concise stories that demonstrate impact. Build small projects or a portfolio to showcase your abilities and close experience gaps. Stay organized with a tracking system for applications, remain flexible and resilient, and look for training programs that boost your profile. If this helped, give it a like, comment with your biggest job search challenge, and share to help a fellow new grad. Ready to take the next step? Read the full guide at Resume Captain and start tailoring your applications today. #NewGrads #CareerKickstart #JobHunt2025 #ResumeCaptain Source: https://lnkd.in/gvsB6qFU

Hot take: Your GPA is the least important thing on your resume after you graduate. Sound controversial? Let me explain. For four years, we're taught to chase that perfect grade. But the moment you step into your first interview, the question is never "What did you score on your final?" It's "What have you done?" This is the new, unfair reality for students. The requirements for "entry-level" jobs have grown incredibly demanding, often asking for years of experience before a career has even begun. A high GPA won't get you that. So how do you get it? You’re forced to juggle. My own university years were a chaotic balancing act. There were days I had to quietly leave a lecture to take a work meeting, and nights spent finishing assignments after a full day at a job. And yes, one of those jobs paid me mostly in "experience" - the kind that teaches you exactly what you don't want in a career. But that chaotic period had an unexpected upside: connections. The experience from that first, character-building job led me to my first real internship. The connections I made there led me to my next opportunity. It all started because I was brave enough to ask, "Do you need any help?" or "Are there any volunteer positions?" I put myself in places where I could learn. So you have two graduates. One who focused solely on getting perfect grades, and another who balanced their studies with volunteering, interning, and working. When they both walk into their first interview, the difference in their stories is clear. This isn't to say everyone needs to burn out, or that you should ignore your studies. But it's a reminder that the real learning often happens outside the lecture hall. Because the hard truth is this: your GPA might get your resume a passing glance. Your degree gets you in the door. But the experience you fought for? That's what lets you take a seat at the table. What was your experience juggling work and studies? What did that chaos teach you? #GraduateInsights #CareerAdvice #StudentLife #EntryLevel #JobSearch #TheHustleIsReal

I've applied to 100+ internships since this summer. I've realized that the resume isn't enough. Here are 3 things employers are looking for in a world where entry-level jobs are shrinking: 1) Projects: Grade aren't enough. You need to prove that have already built something. Turn your GitHub green, and add your current project to you elevator pitch. 2) Referrals: Career fair are crucial. Build a relationship with someone in the company. Send some DMs asking for advice and get to know someone in the role you aspire to be in. A solid relationship will lead to a referral + a pivotal mentor 3) Videos: In a world of AI checks and the same resume templates. Go above and beyond with a professional and well-edited video. This makes you stand out. It tell employers that you are someone willing to go above and beyond. Honestly, my two cents on it: Entry-level jobs are shrinking, so it's time for me to build skills and experience that makes me level up. The greatest hires are usually chased by employers, not the other way around. I'd rather be so good at what I do that people come to me, not the other way around.

The Hidden Resume Gold: Why Homework Counts The arrival of autumn signals the busy season for university career fairs. This year, I volunteered my time helping computer science students polish their resumes for the internship search. What I immediately noticed was a widespread and costly blind spot: these bright, capable students were consistently undervaluing their own accomplishments. While reviewing a resume, I asked one student, "What was the main programming language you used in your core courses?" "C++," she replied. "Fantastic," I said. "List it prominently." She instantly dismissed the idea with the classic student logic: "That doesn't really count—it was just for homework." That's when I offered the core principle of career preparation: "A resume isn't a transcript; it's a conversation starter." Intrigued, she asked, "How do I know what should go on my resume, then?" My advice was simple: "If you can use it to tell a story that a recruiter would be interested in, put it on." Key Takeaways for Students: The goal isn't just to list your skills, but to use those skills to tell a compelling story about your competence. Here are the three essential lessons for every student seeking employment: 1. Academic Work IS Real Experience Don't discount a skill just because you learned it in a classroom. Homework assignments, labs, and class projects are where you debugged code, managed deadlines, and collaborated with peers. These tasks directly translate into workplace requirements. Every line of C++ code you wrote for a grade is evidence of a skill an employer needs. 2. Your Resume is a Marketing Tool Your resume's purpose is to sell you as the solution to a company's problem. Strategically highlight every relevant tool, language, and project that proves you are a strong candidate. Treat it like your personal prospectus, not a dry chronological record. 3. Every Bullet Point Needs a Story Recruiters and hiring managers are looking for evidence that you can fill a need. The resume opens the door, but the interview is won with narratives. For every item you list—be it Python, a database project, or team leadership—be prepared to tell a concise, engaging story that proves you mastered that skill. People don't just relate to facts; they relate to a well-told story. Do you have any past "homework" assignments worked out well on your resume?

You’re probably not getting hired because you’re too qualified. Sounds wild, right? But here’s the real question: Why do the most qualified people get zero replies? A student of mine got rejected 11 times with a solid resume — no emails, no calls, just radio silence. Then I told her to do one tiny tweak: move her availability to the top of her email or DM. Not hidden somewhere, not buried in a paragraph — literally the first line. Instead of “Hi, I’m applying for the internship,” she wrote: “I’m free Tuesday or Thursday to chat — if timing works, I’ll keep it short.” That’s it. Same resume, same person, three interviews in one week. Here’s what the recruiter actually replied: “Thanks for making this easy. Tuesday 3 pm works—talk soon!” Stop trying to dazzle them with skills no one reads on first pass. Make it stupid simple to say yes — because people hate making decisions that take work. Try this. Or keep sending “I’m applying” emails and wonder why you never hear back.

💡 Are career fairs actually helpful, or just another box we check on the student to-do list? I went to the New York University Fall 2025 Careers in STEM Fair at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. With hundreds of students, dozens of companies, and stacks of resumes everywhere, it’s easy to feel both excited and a little uncertain. Especially if you’re an international student like me, there’s always that extra question in the back of your mind. Will this company sponsor visas? Should I even approach them? It’s real, and sometimes discouraging. But here’s what I realized - Career fairs aren’t just about landing a job or internship on the spot. They’re about learning how to start real conversations, figuring out what employers actually value, and getting more comfortable sharing your own story. Every chat, even the quick ones, teaches something about communication, curiosity, and persistence. So, are career fairs really helpful? Maybe not instantly… but I think they plant the seeds for what’s next. (Ask me again in a few months, I’ll let you know if one of those conversations turns into something more 😅) 💬 I’m curious about what you think? Are career fairs worth the effort, or are there better ways to build real opportunities? #NYU #CareerFair #StudentLife #Networking #CareerGrowth #InternationalStudents #STEM #WassermanCenter #Tandon #LearningByDoing

Had a great time mentoring UW students recently through resume reviews! It's always inspiring to see the drive and curiosity they bring to the table. One thing I always emphasize: getting involved early matters. Whether it’s an internship, a research project, or being a teaching assistant—these experiences don’t just build your resume, they help you discover what you actually enjoy doing. Also, go to job fairs—even as a freshman. It’s not just about landing a role; it’s about learning how to talk to employers, understanding what companies look for, and getting comfortable in those conversations before it really counts. To all students out there: take the leap, ask questions, and put yourself out there. You’re more ready than you think. What advice would you give to budding engineers?

Denison continues to innovate in how we help students build confidence and career readiness. Alongside the many programs and resources offered through the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration, we’re proud to introduce the Career Video Library: a dynamic new resource designed to strengthen professional skills and empower students at every stage of their journey. This series of short, focused videos provides practical tools and insights to support students as they prepare for each step of their career development. The first five topics include: - Preparing for an Interview - Before the Internship Search - Types of Networking - Building Your Resume - What Is Networking These videos are part of our ongoing commitment to help students develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in their careers. A special thank-you to Denison alum, Meshach Malley of Gentle Embers Media, for bringing these stories and lessons to life through his creative vision and expertise. We’re excited to continue expanding this library and supporting our students in building meaningful, successful futures. #DenisonUniversity #CareerReadiness #ProfessionalDevelopment #HigherEd #KnowltonCenter

New Free Resource for Students & Emerging Professionals I’m excited to announce the release of my Career Conference Mastery Guide — now available for download through my Instagram Linktree (@AnaLuisaInSTEAM). This guide was designed for college students preparing for STEM career conferences like GMIS, SHPE, NSBE, SWE, and Others but its value goes far beyond a single event. Inside, you’ll find: ✅ Resume and LinkedIn strategies that recruiters notice. ✅ How to craft a memorable 30-second pitch. ✅ Networking tips, smart questions, and booth etiquette. ✅ Interview prep using the STAR method. ✅ A complete playbook for what to do before, during, and after a career conference. But here’s the bigger picture: the skills in this guide will also help you shine in internships, scholarship interviews, classroom projects, and leadership opportunities. If you’re ready to stand out, connect, and launch your future, download the guide today. Get it through my Instagram Linktree: @AnaLuisaInSTEAM Because opportunities don’t just happen. They’re created when you’re prepared. https://tr.ee/c0JH_JAR83