They're hiring!
These 22 Best Companies to Work For have at least 500 openings each, totaling more than 87,750 jobs. What are they looking for in a new hire? Before you apply, check out these excerpts from our interviews with HR professionals and others in the know.
2010 Best Companies rank: 2
Current openings: 631Financial advisors and branch office administrators.
What are you looking for?
For financial advisors, we look for... self-starters who enjoy working with and helping other people. For branch office administrators... we look for energetic individuals who can take the initiative to anticipate client and financial advisor needs.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
For financial advisors: Our recruiters approach each candidate from a career management standpoint, attempting to ensure each candidate has a solid understanding of the work, the emphasis on putting clients' interests first and the appropriate commitment level to be successful.
For branch office administrators: Our recruiters are impressed with a candidate's past work experience and stability or loyalty with past employers. We look for an affable personality to meet and greet our clients. --Interview with Regina DeLuca-Imral, spokeswoman
Wegmans Food Markets
2010 Best Companies rank: 3
Current openings: 1,500Mostly in store operations, including customer-service team members, chefs, team leaders and department managers. There also are opportunities in distribution and manufacturing.
What are you looking for?
We look for employees [who] are food enthusiasts and passionate about providing incredible service to customers. Because we focus on helping customers make great meals easy, we look for employees willing to share their knowledge.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
We focus on people who have diverse experiences and ideas, and exemplify our values by caring about and respecting others. We also look for people committed to continuously learning. --Interview with Wendy Gallucci, spokeswoman
Google
2010 Best Companies rank: 4
Current openings: 1,000 Positions across the globe and at all levels, ranging from software engineers and user-experience researchers to product marketing, finance and human resources professionals.
What are you looking for?
While we don't look for one type of person, Googlers do have a number of traits in common. Most notably, we find that the people who thrive here get energized by the challenge of solving complex problems, share our passion for using technology to make a difference in the lives of our users, demonstrate commitment to the broader community, and thrive working in ambiguous situations.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
There really is no secret sauce. What we want most is for a candidate to be himself or herself. Candidates should bring their whole selves to the interview and not try to fit some mold that they think Google wants. We encourage you to be candid and active in your interview. Clearly articulate what skills you bring and how a role at Google fits into your broader career path. --Interview with Ann Pellegrini, people programs specialist
Qualcomm
2010 Best Companies rank: 9
Current openings: 617Engineering and business positions such as Linux software engineers, digital design engineers, 4G systems engineers, patent counsel, Smartbook architects, and product marketing director.
What are you looking for?
Candidates that have a passion for technology, a desire to innovate, and the skills to exceed the expectations of our customers.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
An impressive candidate does their research on the company and on individuals they are going to interview with. They are also self-aware: confident in their strengths and honest about areas where they can improve. --Interview with Talia Tortora, corporate communications
Cisco
2010 Best Companies rank: 16
Current openings: 59545% are in Cisco's engineering and design organization, with job roles requiring networking, software, and/or electrical engineering expertise. 25% are in services, with roles for engineers (advanced and technical services) and project managers. Most opportunities are in sales, finance, marketing, IT, manufacturing, supply chain and HR.
What are you looking for?
First and foremost, strong collaborators. Candidates should have a focus on execution; they should be able to accelerate delivery of a product or project in a manner that meets quality standards while emphasizing speed and impact. We look for people with a track record of continuous learning who have been innovators -- and even disruptors -- within their respective disciplines.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
Know the needs of the organization for which you're applying. Listen well and ask good questions. Chances are, if a candidate is being interviewed, Cisco already has a sense that he or she possesses the requisite knowledge, skills and experience. The interview team is assessing "organizational fit," and whether the candidate will be successful leveraging his [abilities] to make a sustainable impact. --Interview with Jennifer Ho, HR communications manager
Whole Foods Market
2010 Best Companies rank: 18
Current openings: 1,160Store positions in seafood, prepared foods, customer service, produce, floral and other areas.
What are you looking for?
We hire passion over experience.... We especially appreciate candidates who are regular shoppers at our stores or consumers of natural foods and products. And of course, a great smile and a sense of humor also go a long way at Whole Foods Market.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
Be prepared for the interview (company research, prepared questions to ask, be on time). Demonstrate knowledge of our company philosophy and core values. Exhibit passion for our products and [desire] to share that information with our store customers. --Interview with Lisa Lavender, communications advisor
Genentech
2010 Best Companies rank: 19
Current openings: 523A wide range of positions, including opportunities for top-notch research scientists, clinical specialists, sales managers, medical directors, manufacturing technicians, packaging operators and IT specialists.
What are you looking for?
The ideal candidate has job-specific skills, of course, but we're also looking for individuals with curiosity, creativity, the ability to bring new ideas forward, a willingness to take intelligent risks, a collaborative spirit and passion for his or her area of expertise.
Any secrets to impressing your recruiter?
Be smart. Be up for a rigorous interview process. Be clear about why you want to work here. (Hint: not the free espresso.) --Interview with Amy Gartner, corporate relations
Be continue....
