How to get the job you want
In this episode of CLC connects, host Jessey Prugh talks with Chris Matheny, the student employment coordinator at the College of Lake County, to discuss all things job related.
Chris shares important job-hunting advice, like resume building, soft skills and networking to help you navigate the job market.
Listen to CLC Connects on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Listen now on SpotifyTranscript
This following podcast transcript was generated with help from artificial intelligence.
Jessey Prugh: Welcome to CLC Connects, the podcast that connects the College of Lake County with you. I'm your host, Jessey Prugh. Today, we’re connecting you with jobs through insights from Chris Matheny, student employment coordinator at CLC. Chris has been at CLC for over four years, helping students with strategies for career success. Today, he’s here to share some of those strategies with you.
Welcome to the podcast, Chris!
Chris Matheny: Thanks, Jessey. I’m glad to be here.
Jessey: I’m glad you’re here. Can you start by telling us a little about your role at the Career and Job Placement Center?
Chris: Certainly! As the student employment coordinator, I manage all of our on-campus employment for students. This includes federal work-study positions, college-funded roles, and a range of support services, such as helping students find jobs, preparing resumes, practicing interviews, and connecting them with opportunities. Once they’re hired, I assist with performance coaching and offer workshops on job and career skills.
Jessey: And these services are only available to CLC students, right?
Chris: That’s correct.
Jessey: But the advice you’re sharing today is helpful for everyone.
Chris: Absolutely.
Jessey: Awesome. Let’s talk about the job market in Lake County. What should job seekers know about local opportunities?
Chris: The job market in Lake County is strong overall, though it can feel different depending on individual circumstances. Manufacturing is a significant industry here, along with healthcare and general business. There’s also been growth in warehousing, though some of that has shifted north of the border for tax reasons. Skills in accounting, finance, business law, and psychology are always in demand because they’re applicable across industries.
Jessey: We talked earlier about how people with business training often overlook opportunities in manufacturing. Can you share your thoughts on that?
Chris: Absolutely. In my recruiting experience, I’ve seen that students sometimes don’t recognize the diversity of roles within manufacturing. Manufacturing includes much more than technical work—it also involves HR, sales, and administrative functions. These are essential parts of the business, and people with business training can thrive in these roles.
Jessey: You’ve also shared your philosophy on how to get a job. Can you explain it for our listeners?
Chris: I break it down into three key areas: applying for jobs, creating a strong resume, and mastering the interview process. Each area requires focus and strategy, but together they form the foundation of a successful job search.
Jessey: Let’s start with resumes. What makes a strong resume?
Chris: A strong resume is well-formatted, free of grammatical errors, and demonstrates your value and interest. I tell students it’s the cover of the book of you. It’s not your life story or a novel. Its purpose is to convince someone to pick up the phone and call you.
Recruiters spend about six seconds scanning a resume. In that time, you need to make your value clear. Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs, focus on your impact rather than just listing duties, and align your skills with the job description.
Jessey: What if someone has limited work experience?
Chris: That’s common for many students. Employers aren’t necessarily looking for five years of experience—they value soft skills like coachability, reliability, and trustworthiness. These can be demonstrated through activities like sports, volunteer work, or even babysitting. Show how these experiences reflect your skills and character.
Jessey: What about cover letters? Are they important?
Chris: Cover letters can be tricky. If they’re not required, I usually advise students to skip them because they can easily become a minefield for mistakes. If they’re required, they must be tailored to the job and company. They should emphasize your value, demonstrate that you’ve researched the company, and show how your skills align with their mission and values.
Jessey: Good advice. Once someone secures an interview, how should they prepare?
Chris: Preparation is key. Know your resume inside and out, research the company thoroughly, and anticipate common interview questions. A lack of research is a major red flag and can end an interview quickly. Show that you’re engaged and interested by learning about the company’s mission, values, and projects.
Jessey: Let’s touch on soft skills. What are they, and why are they important?
Chris: Soft skills—or essential employability skills—include communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and accountability. Employers assume you have the technical skills if you’re at the interview stage. Soft skills set you apart by showing how well you’ll fit with the team and the organization.
Jessey: What about networking? How can someone build a professional network?
Chris: Networking is all about building connections. Students have an advantage here because people are generally willing to help students. A great approach is reaching out on LinkedIn with a simple, respectful message. Express interest in the person’s field and ask for a quick conversation next week. It’s a small ask that can lead to meaningful connections.
Jessey: I’ve had success with networking myself. One connection with a community college professor turned into a lifelong mentorship and reference for my career. For students listening, building those connections with faculty and professors can be invaluable.
Chris: Absolutely. Relationships like that can open doors throughout your career. Networking and referrals play a significant role in hiring decisions, so it’s worth investing in those connections.
Jessey: Before we wrap up, do you have any final thoughts for job seekers?
Chris: Job searching is hard. It can be discouraging, but remember, you only need one “yes.” Stay persistent, focus on what you can control, and keep improving your skills and strategy.
Jessey: Thanks for joining us, Chris.
Chris: Thank you, Jessey. It’s been a pleasure.