One of the final steps in the hiring process that can cause a lot of stress and anxiety is the pre-employment background check which is why I am thrilled to be bringing you this conversation with Kristy Wheeler-Scott, an HR professional with over 8 years of experience, to get the inside scoop on what to expect! Kristy explains that background checks are a very important part of the hiring process, allowing employers to verify qualifications, minimize risk, and ensure cultural fit. While the spec...
Jun 26, 2025•30 min
You have made it to the final round of interviews! Congratulations are in order for making it this far, especially since that means that you definitely have the job, right? Wrong. Just because you have made it to the final round of interviews does not mean that it’s time to mentally accept the job, and in this episode, I am breaking down the very real, very overlooked truth about final round interviews: they’re still interviews. You haven’t crossed the finish line yet, and treating it like a vic...
May 29, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Let’s talk this week about the dreaded panel interview. Yes, the panel interview, the one where you’re the only person on one side of the table (or Zoom screen), and there are four or five people staring at you from the other side, shooting rapid-fire questions at you. I know; this doesn't sound fun, but that's why I am doing this episode of Leaving the Nest ! If you caught the last episode, we talked about group interviews – multiple candidates, one or two hiring managers, but today we’re flipp...
Apr 30, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 54
This episode is one that I know a lot of you have asked about because, let’s be honest, group interviews are intimidating. They’re uncomfortable, they’re high-pressure, and half the time you walk in wondering if you’re supposed to treat the other candidates like competition or potential coworkers. If you’ve never been a part of a group interview, you are not alone. I actually haven’t either (at least not as a candidate), but I have sat in on the other side, and let me tell you, there are things ...
Mar 25, 2025•21 min
Thanks for tuning back in to Leaving the Nest, dear listeners! Join me for this episode as I discuss a topic that might sound a bit tongue-in-cheek at first: how to lose a job in 10 days (inspired, of course, by the 2003 rom-com How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days)! Of course, I am not actually setting you up for failure; instead, we will focus on what NOT to do when starting a new job so that you can avoid making costly mistakes right out of the gate. It's so important to make a positive impression, a...
Feb 14, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 52
Welcome back to Leaving The Nest! I am so happy to have Devin Jones from episode 13 join the show again, this time to talk about how to make the most out of your first career fair experience! We share some helpful tips that will help you present your best self to employers, everything from your attire to your elevator pitch. Devin has truly seen it all when it comes to career fairs, everything from nervous first-timers to seasoned pros, and she shares what works and what doesn’t when it comes to...
Jan 30, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 51
I am so thrilled to be bringing you this milestone of Leaving the Nest - the 50th episode! Today I am joined by fellow ROCS colleague Kaitlin Hawes as we take some time to reflect on the highlights of 2024 from career advancements to personal triumphs. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane discussing a year full of growth and change! Kaitlin shares her own journey of Leaving the Nest and brings us up to date where she is currently thriving in her career here at ROCS! She’ll also open up abo...
Dec 31, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 50
What better time is there to talk about being ghosted by potential employers than during spooky season? Ghosting isn't just something that happens in the dating world; it can also occur after you've gone through multiple interviews and feel confident that the job is yours. Maybe you have discussed start dates or salary, only for the hiring manager to suddenly disappear, leaving you with no explanation. Listen in as I break down why this might happen. While it’s frustrating and no one enjoys bein...
Oct 29, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Join me for this episode as I take on the far too often overlooked but crucial aspect of job applications: providing professional references. As you approach the final stages of your job search, the right references can truly play a pivotal role in solidifying the positive impression that you have already made. You will learn how to select, prepare, and present your references effectively so that you can seal the deal! Tune in as I discuss some of the common pitfalls, such as including unnecessa...
Sep 26, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Welcome back! In today’s episode, I’m excited to reconnect with you one-on-one! I've had the pleasure of hosting many incredible guests recently, but today, I’m diving into an essential topic for anyone looking to build a strong personal brand: professional headshots. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great headshot from a professional photographer. As a fan of the DIY approach, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to capture a polished, professional image that truly repre...
Aug 29, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Tune in to this episode as I chat with Aishwarya Nagy who shares her fascinating journey from studying criminology and pre-law at George Mason University to landing a role at Google in a completely different field. We discuss her experiences as a student, a ROCStar Intern, her early career struggles, and the pivotal moments that led her to where she is today. From internships to her first job at a small nonprofit, Aishwarya candidly discusses the challenges she faced and how she navigated throug...
Apr 25, 2024•28 min
Join me for this episode as I sit down with Meg Kadrmas, an Internship Coordinator with extensive experience in career counseling and talent development. We tackle a plethora of topics essential for anyone navigating the job market, from resume writing and job searching strategies to interview preparation and the value of internships. Meg shares invaluable insights into crafting resumes tailored to beat applicant tracking systems, emphasizing simplicity and keyword optimization. We explore job s...
Mar 28, 2024•40 min
Join me as Career Coach Chris Ricci returns to the podcast to discuss all things LinkedIn! If you have been neglecting LinkedIn, Chris has the expertise to turn it into a thriving career searching tool! Today we’ll delve into the various nuances of LinkedIn etiquette, from the importance of the right banner image to the perfect headline and beyond. Chris busts some common myths, emphasizing the impact of a well-crafted “About” section, the often overlooked headline keywords, and the power of a c...
Feb 22, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 44
In this episode of "Leaving the Nest," I sit down with Lee Kaiser to delve into the transformational power of goal-setting for personal and professional growth. Throughout the episode, Lee imparts his valuable insights on the correlation between self-confidence, risk-taking, and his secrets for turning resolutions into daily routines that help you build lasting habits for success. Plus, Lee shares his advice for those just "Leaving the Nest." Listen in for a blend of wisdom, positivity, and acti...
Jan 18, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Today, Ana Kuzemka , our newest Recruiting Manager joins me to share her journey with ROCS and reflect on the accomplishments of our team this past year. As we close the chapter on 2023, we enjoyed taking a stroll down memory lane and reflecting on the exciting events, milestones, highlights, and lessons learned this year at ROCS! Join us as we bid farewell to 2023 and look forward to what's in store for the ROCS team in the coming year. Thanks again for listening to "Leaving The Nest." I hope y...
Dec 28, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 42
The landscape of employee benefits packages can be a bit of a maze to navigate. If you've already landed a job or you're in the process of deciding on the job that's the right fit for you, these benefits play a crucial role in your overall job satisfaction as well as your financial well-being. So it’s only natural to have questions! Today, Jessica Lepp , Director of Operations at ROCS Staffing joins me to share her valuable insight on what recent graduates can anticipate when reviewing their emp...
Nov 16, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Have you considered launching your career in sales? It's an excellent starting point, especially if you possess strong communication skills and untapped potential. Today, Wendy Weiss is joining me on the show. Wendy is The Queen of Cold Calling™ the Founder of the Salesology® , the author of " The Sales Winner’s Handbook ," and a speaker, sales trainer, and sales coach who has been featured in “The New York Times,” “Business Week”, “Entrepreneur Magazine,” and more. Listen in as Wendy shares the...
Oct 26, 2023•42 min•Ep. 40
Today, in the second part of our two-part series, I'm sharing my valuable insights as a Recruiter on crafting a standout resume. In this episode, I'll guide you through the complete process of writing your resume, starting from the top and working our way down. We’ll cover everything, including the essential sections to include, how to tailor your skillset to align with your target job, tips on the effective use of cover letters plus practical insights that will help you make a lasting first imp...
Sep 29, 2023•25 min•Ep. 39
Today, I'm joined by Meg Martin , an expert in the field of human resources who has dedicated her career to helping job seekers navigate the intricate world of career development. For the past three years, she's been sharing her wealth of knowledge as an outside consultant helping craft resumes that get applicants noticed. In this two-part series, we're delving into the art and science of crafting the perfect resume. We'll discuss topics ranging from the importance of keywords to make your resum...
Sep 28, 2023•42 min•Ep. 38
Today, I am joined by Kevin Nunes . With over a decade of experience, Kevin offers valuable insights into the intricate interplay of factors that contribute to a successful career journey. Kevin shares his insights on the significance of taking chances and pursuing your passions, and the crucial role networking can play in opening doors and creating opportunities. Listen in as he shares how to leverage internships and campus involvement to kickstart your career. Plus he offers his valuable insig...
Aug 17, 2023•51 min
Today, I am joined by Philip Wilkerson, a career advisor and host of the "Positive Philter" podcast. Phil shares his insights and strategies on personal branding, networking, and building meaningful connections. Listen in as he shares his practical tips for networking effectively and promoting yourself in the digital space through aligning your personal brand with who you truly are and how to use the power of consistency and leveraging your stories to build your brand reputation. Plus, Phil shar...
Jul 27, 2023•40 min
Today, I am joined by Robert Harris , a local Talent Acquisition Specialist at Euclid Systems Corporation . Robert shares his wealth of experience and insights into the world of career development and finding purpose in one's work. Listen in as he shares his education and career journey and how his love for basketball has played into his leadership roles in college and his career. He discusses how to stand out in the job market, nurture your passions, and keep dreaming big while building a game ...
Jun 29, 2023•32 min
Today, I am joined by Claire Shriver , an Early Talent Recruiter with Lenovo . We delve into the world of job hunting, recruiting, and finding the perfect fit. Claire brings her expertise and insights from her experience in the field, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs faced by both job seekers and recruiters. Claire shares her personal journey of landing her current role and emphasizes the significance of finding the right job rather than settling for just any opportunity. Listen in ...
Jun 01, 2023•38 min
In our last episode, we talked to John Ragano of SWBC Mortgage to discuss financing a home. Today, I am joined by Sydney Beckman, Realtor at Jennifer Mack Properties of eXp Realty , to discuss the process of finding and buying your first home. From your buyer's consultation to finding “the one” and finally making an offer, Sydney shares the ins and outs of buying your first home. Sydney explains the first thing you need to do before starting your home search and the steps you can take to ensure ...
May 11, 2023•36 min
Today, I am joined by John Ragano of SWBC Mortgage to discuss the process of buying a home. From credit management to down payments to financing options, John shares the ins and outs of buying a home and how to make informed decisions about your finances. He offers his expert insights on the current state of the housing market, the benefits of homeownership, and how to navigate the home-buying process as a first-time homebuyer. Listen in as John shares the importance of understanding your option...
May 04, 2023•43 min
Today, I am joined by Stephanie Baker , Chief Experience Officer at WAEPA . Stephanie has extensive experience in hiring entry-level professionals and mentoring individuals in their careers. In this episode, Stephanie shares her tips for recent graduates on how to stand out in the job market and what employers look for when hiring entry-level professionals. Listen in to hear Stephanie's valuable insight on how to make your resume stand out, what details employers are looking for during the inter...
Apr 06, 2023•41 min
Today, I am joined by my colleague, Joanie Belo. Although this episode was recorded in 2022 and has been in production for some time, I’m thrilled to share Joanie’s journey with you. In this episode, Joanie takes us through her journey from Virginia Tech to becoming an Entry-Level Recruiter at ROCS, where she now holds the title of Recruiting Manager. She offers us a behind-the-scenes look at her initial expectations versus the reality of the job and how she learned to navigate the unpredictable...
Mar 02, 2023•36 min
Introducing Stuart Mease Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving The Nest . I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino, from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college and thrive in the real world. As we continue to move further into the new year of 2023 and the post-pandemic era, it has become increasingly apparent that there have been significant shifts in the realm of college recruiting and staffing. With the rapidly evolving nature of the job market, c...
Feb 02, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 29
New Year, New Job with Kristen Reed Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving The Nest . I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino, from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college and thrive in the real world. It's a new year, the perfect time for a new job and a fresh start. But during challenging times, it can be harder than ever to stand out in a saturated market, especially when you only have a few seconds to make a strong impression. It's important to ...
Jan 05, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 28
ROCS a Year in Review: 2022 Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving The Nest . I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino, from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college and thrive in the real world. Today, my guest is a colleague and a friend, Abby Atwater, a member of our recruiting team, and she's here to help me share some of the highlights of 2022 and shed a bit more light on who we are behind the scenes here at ROCS . As a team, we accomplished so m...
Dec 22, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 27
