SAL TALK | UNDERSTANDING WHAT EMPLOYERS ARE REALLY LOOKING FOR

From university to the workplace, one question stays on the minds of many students:

"What are employers really looking for?"

SAL Talk was successfully held

That was the focus of May's SAL Talk, where SAL scholars had the opportunity to learn from Ms. Tuan Anh, Head of HR at N.H.O, and Mr. Hoang Duy, Senior Planning Manager at N.H.O. Rather than focusing on theory, the workshop was built around real hiring experiences, giving students practical insights into how they can better prepare for their future careers.

Students asked questions to N.H.O's HR professionals

From understanding job descriptions (JDs) and building a clear, targeted CV to preparing for a first interview, every discussion centered on situations students are likely to face. More importantly, participants learned that a CV or an interview is not simply about listing achievements - it is an opportunity to show who they are, how they fit the role, and where they hope to grow.

The seminar provided valuable insights for SAL students.

One of the most anticipated parts of the workshop was the Mock Interview session. For many students, it was their first time sitting across from a recruiter in a simulated interview. While they were understandably nervous, the experience became a valuable learning opportunity. Immediate feedback helped them recognize their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and build greater confidence for future interviews.

"Being brave doesn't mean you're not afraid. It means choosing to sit in that chair, even when your heart is still racing."

Every student left the workshop with something different.

For Kim Anh, a SAL Scholar from the Class of 2024, the greatest takeaway was finding the motivation to take the first step.

"This workshop gave me the motivation I needed to start preparing for my future career. Before this, I felt lost and didn't know what I should do during my second year to prepare for graduation. Now I know I need to gain more experience to build a stronger profile. One thing that really stayed with me was Mr. Duy's advice: 'Just start. You'll discover what you're good at and what you truly enjoy along the way.' Those words gave me the confidence to stop hesitating and move forward."

For Như Y, a SAL Scholar from the Class of 2023, the speakers' advice helped build her confidence.

"The workshop gave me many practical tips on writing a CV and preparing for interviews from professionals who work in recruitment. What inspired me the most was their encouragement to be bold and not wait until I felt 100% ready before applying. That message gave me more confidence and courage to pursue new opportunities."

After applying for internships and jobs several times, Cam Giang, a SAL Scholar from the Class of 2021, also discovered a new perspective.

"I used to focus mainly on making my CV look impressive by including everything I had done. After this workshop, I realized that a good CV should clearly reflect your career direction and show why you're the right fit for the position. The advice on structuring a CV, highlighting relevant experience, and answering interview questions was practical and easy to apply. I also really appreciated the real-life examples and the speakers' analysis of common mistakes candidates make. Ms. Tuan Anh's advice on interview mindset helped me feel much more confident and less anxious about meeting recruiters."

Mock interview session at SAL Talk

Although every student walked away with different lessons, they all gained something valuable. Some learned how to prepare for interviews, others found the motivation to begin their career journey, while many developed a clearer understanding of themselves and the direction they want to pursue.

Sometimes, the first step to understanding what employers are looking for is understanding who you want to become - and having the courage to begin that journey.