35 answers
Alyssa
Student
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1
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If you were to hire someone right out of undergraduate, what are some of the skills or qualities you would look for in that candidate?
If you were to hire someone right out of undergraduate, what are some of the skills or qualities you would look for in that candidate?
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35 answers
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
I think skills can be taught. What I look for in a candidate is a positive attitude, someone that is able to challenge the status quo, and that has an impeccable work ethic.
Citi Volunteers
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New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Hi Alyssa, being detail oriented, a quick learner and a positive attitude are great qualities to have. In addition, being a team player and open to change are qualities I look for. Skills can be taught, but I look for a person who will fit well into the team
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
I'd look for someone who is curious, works hard, not afraid to delve into details. The work is teachable but I want someone who is resourceful and resilient. I'd look for someone that was involved in leadership roles in activities or clubs that they belonged to.
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Hi Alyssa,
I would look for someone who is driven. Someone who has been involved in volunteer work at school or in their community, or in any other activity, showing a strong work ethic and motivation.
I would look for someone who is driven. Someone who has been involved in volunteer work at school or in their community, or in any other activity, showing a strong work ethic and motivation.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
A quality that I would hire for someone out of undergraduate is the ability to be open minded and flexible and open to challenges. I would look for someone who is also passionate in the area of work. I would also hire someone who has demonstrated consistency and persistent in achieving their goals.
Kristina Kruskol
Pharmacist
9
Answers
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
When I interview new graduates, I look for someone who is confident and truly eager for the job. I want to hear how you plan to use what you learned in school in this role. Did you have group projects where you discovered something new about yourself? Did you face a tough assignment or project, and how did you handle it? Also, it's important to show you've researched the job and company by asking thoughtful questions. For instance: How do you, as a leader, connect with your team? How would you describe the culture at ABC Company? What will be expected of me in the first 90 days?
Best of luck with your interviews!
Best of luck with your interviews!
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
The main quality I would be looking for is the ability to deal with a problem or a difficult situation. Besides the skills that may be relevant for the job, it is important to see how the candidate would approach a problem in the workplace as individual contributors. There probably is no right answer to this as each hiring manager would have a different preference. Generally, good candidates would make an effort to resolve the problem but also know when to ask for help.
Nerea Rosa Barros
EMEA Talent Partner
3
Answers
Alicante, Valencian Community, Spain
Updated
Nerea’s Answer
Hey Alyssa,
The most important piece I would look for in candidates that just graduated:
Good attitude: Positive, respectful, who can learn from mistakes, with growth mindset and problem solving skills.
For entry level jobs if you have the education level required plus a good attitude. You can learn the more technical things on the job.
I hope it helps!
The most important piece I would look for in candidates that just graduated:
Good attitude: Positive, respectful, who can learn from mistakes, with growth mindset and problem solving skills.
For entry level jobs if you have the education level required plus a good attitude. You can learn the more technical things on the job.
I hope it helps!
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
The skills that catch my attention the most are eagerness to learn, open mindedness, persistence and exhibition of mutual respect. These qualities are difficult to gauge during an interview, so my questions are mostly about the candidates experience and what they have done. I try to paint a situation and ask for solution, primarily focusing on understanding the thought process and reasoning abilities. Also have engaged in ‘difficult’ conversations to find how the candidate reacts and maintains composure. Integrity is of utmost importance to me, so if there is one advice I would give is to be honest about what you know and do not know and what you have done/accomplished. Try to provide real life examples to illustrate your short comings but supplement that with a plan on how you would want to improve on it or in some cases utilize/ convert that as an asset.
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
- I would look for someone who is hard-working and eager to learn. Someone who is willing to take time and grow as an employee, and as a person, is key.
- Of course, depending on the job, there may be some technical skills and smaller focuses. But if a candidate can show me that they are eager to learn, grow, and get better, that is something I am always looking for.
- I think that being proactive is very important. We can not expect junior people to be perfect. However, as long as he or she wants to learn, then it can make a difference in our work.
- Someone who is willing to learn and adapt to the working world.
- Of course, depending on the job, there may be some technical skills and smaller focuses. But if a candidate can show me that they are eager to learn, grow, and get better, that is something I am always looking for.
- I think that being proactive is very important. We can not expect junior people to be perfect. However, as long as he or she wants to learn, then it can make a difference in our work.
- Someone who is willing to learn and adapt to the working world.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
I would look for three main qualities: Curiosity, Drive and personality. When I say curiosity I mean eagerness to learn, dive in and lean in as much as possible. Coming out of undergrad you aren’t expected to know much especially on what it is like to work for a company but you are expected to take advantage and learn as much as possible. When I say Drive I want to see the candidate is willing to get their hands dirty, work hard and put in the time to support the team. Lastly, personality. I want the candidate to be themselves and feel free to express how they feel and what their stance is on things. Young talent is especially valuable because of the unique and fresh perspective that they have and it is important that any candidate is able to bring this to the table.
Pilar Quellet
Communications Analyst
3
Answers
Valhalla, New York
Updated
Pilar’s Answer
If I were hiring someone right out of undergrad, I’d look for a candidate who’s genuinely eager to learn and grow in the role. Since they might not have a ton of experience yet, I think it’s really important that they show curiosity and a willingness to ask questions. Someone who isn’t afraid to admit when they don’t know something and wants to improve. I’d also value drive and motivation, because that kind of energy can make a big difference, especially early in a career. Reliability is key as well; I’d want someone who consistently follows through on their commitments and can be counted on by the team. Professionalism is important, but I’d also look for someone who’s approachable and friendly, since being able to work well with others is so important. Lastly, I’d look for someone who seems trustworthy and dependable, because you want to know you can rely on them to represent the team well. Overall, I think a positive attitude, reliability, and a genuine interest in contributing to the team go a long way, even if someone is just starting out.
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Answers from a variety of Citi professionals:
- Someone who is hungry and curious will always be a better candidate than someone who is more skilled but neither hungry nor curious
- Problem solving skills
- Soft skills, analytical mindset, quick learner
- Creativity, determination, passion
- Attitude to learn
- Someone who is hungry and curious will always be a better candidate than someone who is more skilled but neither hungry nor curious
- Problem solving skills
- Soft skills, analytical mindset, quick learner
- Creativity, determination, passion
- Attitude to learn
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Adaptability, good attitude, good communication skills, good team player, critical think and ability to learn.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
- Ability to communicate clearly and with impact , enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Familiarity with spreadsheets and comfort with quantitative skills is important also
- People and communication skills are soft skills that are not common. With those skills they can train you to do anything else.
- People and communication skills are soft skills that are not common. With those skills they can train you to do anything else.
Fatima Nixon
Program Lead
9
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Fatima’s Answer
Strong communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Ability to hold a good conversation
Answering questions using the STAR technique
Ability to describe challenging situations/how they were overcome/lessons learned
Interpersonal skills
Ability to hold a good conversation
Answering questions using the STAR technique
Ability to describe challenging situations/how they were overcome/lessons learned
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Right out of undergraduate I would typically expect a hire to show the soft skills or emotional intelligence required for teamwork and learning. While experience wouldn’t be expected, I would typically ask about situations they may have encountered with conflict, or their response to relevant scenarios. I would also try to gauge their genuine interest in the role. How much research did they do about the company, job description, or role? Also, what’s their next step? I wouldn’t expect someone to want to be the new hire forever! A realistic expectation as to the current role and future progression shows skill in not only reviewing the information, but in processing that into a plan.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Great question! I look for drive, passion, general excitement and a strong willingness to learn. Accountability and sense of ownership are other traits that are important to show you can be supportive and dedicated to a team and company.
Katie Jacobs
Consultant
12
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Katie’s Answer
This is a wonderful question! I think first and foremost, what stands out to people looking to hire someone to join Their team is enthusiasm. Enthusiasm and interest in talking to someone or speaking about a specific topic goes a long way. It may also demonstrate that you are interested in learning you are curious, and you are proactive I think another great skill to have is making sure that you know how to structure your thoughts correctly, logically and approach problems with a solution oriented mindset.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
I would look for someone who is eager to learn, communicates well, takes initiative, solves problems, works well with others, manages time effectively, shows professionalism, and has basic skills relevant to the role.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Great question Alyssa! I would look for someone with a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and team oriented mindset (works well with others).
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Microsoft Applications-.Excel and PowerPoint, project management, financial knowledge, communication & presentation skills and coding/digital tools /AI
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
- Knowledge of the fundamentals of your field and a positive, "can-do” attitude, passionate about work, learner, be team player/ pleasant to work with, have basic education or skills that fit the role.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
I would like to see the candidate demonstrate a willingness to learn! At the beginning of your career, you should want to absorb all that you can. Ask questions that show your interest. Listen actively. Be a team player - you will not always be the leader, so figure out how to be a good support person when that's what is needed. Be flexible- you may have to adjust your activities if the job requirements change. Smile!! You may not realize how important that is!
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Motivated, Growth mindset, willingness to admit I don’t know, ask for help after using your brain or ChatGPT, I.e., tried your best
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
- A new hire who is like a ‘sponge’. Absorb as much new meaningful information and use it to learn how to perform well.
- An openness to learn and grow. Curiously is great too, but coming in with an open mind facilitates curiosity and allows you to shine among your peers.
- An openness to learn and grow. Curiously is great too, but coming in with an open mind facilitates curiosity and allows you to shine among your peers.
Elizabeth Williamson
Program Manager
2
Answers
Franklin, Massachusetts
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
When interviewing a new college graduate I would look for someone who is confident . I would be looking for someone who speaks well, shows they are engaged and eager to part of a team. Don't be overly confident, but show that you are excited for a new challenge and willing to learn and be an active participant on a team. Organization is also an important quality to show. This would include the way you speak or present data. I would be prepared in your thoughts and responses for potential interview questions. Practice saying answers and don' t rush.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Hi Alyssa,
I would want someone who is inquisitive, seems eager to learn, that I could see myself enjoying being around or (for a remote candidate) interacting with, and that will be willing to look at the status quo and consider changing it if that would make the business work better. Outside of highly technical positions, you can generally glean a candidate’s aptitude to handle a position through just a couple of rounds of interviews. Many candidates will satisfy the aptitude threshold, but the other criteria will be what differentiates candidates for those giving input on hiring decisions or making hiring decisions. Good luck as you begin your career (which may be the first of a few or many careers over your lifetime).
I would want someone who is inquisitive, seems eager to learn, that I could see myself enjoying being around or (for a remote candidate) interacting with, and that will be willing to look at the status quo and consider changing it if that would make the business work better. Outside of highly technical positions, you can generally glean a candidate’s aptitude to handle a position through just a couple of rounds of interviews. Many candidates will satisfy the aptitude threshold, but the other criteria will be what differentiates candidates for those giving input on hiring decisions or making hiring decisions. Good luck as you begin your career (which may be the first of a few or many careers over your lifetime).
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
I always tell my kids to have good personality and network skills, and work hard no matter where you are, or you are working in a environment you do really like, but you should still give 100%, as other people notice that and it would have broaden your opportunity for other positions.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Right out of college, I would seek someone with skills aligned with critical thinking, communication and global acumen. Most employers will not expect that you know everything (or at times anything) about a particular job, so being able to think and communicate thoughts I find most impactful off the bat. Last but certainly not least, I think drive is incredible important. Be hungry and prove yourself overtime and you’ll have an incredible career.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
I would also recommend learning how to use AI tools.
We’re fortunate to live in the AI era, with access to powerful tools—many of them free. Embrace the change, stay curious, and think critically about how AI can help you work smarter, solve problems faster, and add more value in your day-to-day tasks.
We’re fortunate to live in the AI era, with access to powerful tools—many of them free. Embrace the change, stay curious, and think critically about how AI can help you work smarter, solve problems faster, and add more value in your day-to-day tasks.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
An assortment of answers from different Citi professionals:
- I would look for someone that works well with others, is dependable and not afraid to ask for help. Someone that organizes well and sets goals for daily progress.
- Someone who is driven and eager to make a change and has ability to adapt to constant changing times.
- I would look for someone that works well with others, is dependable and not afraid to ask for help. Someone that organizes well and sets goals for daily progress.
- Enthusiasm, willingness to learn, has some work experience.
- Character, curiosity and resilience are critical attributes for enduring success
- Ability to provide good answers on material you learned in courses you took
- I would look for someone that works well with others, is dependable and not afraid to ask for help. Someone that organizes well and sets goals for daily progress.
- Someone who is driven and eager to make a change and has ability to adapt to constant changing times.
- I would look for someone that works well with others, is dependable and not afraid to ask for help. Someone that organizes well and sets goals for daily progress.
- Enthusiasm, willingness to learn, has some work experience.
- Character, curiosity and resilience are critical attributes for enduring success
- Ability to provide good answers on material you learned in courses you took
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Some of the most important skills/qualities I look for when hiring someone right out undergraduate is a positive attitude and willingness to learn. I recommend new hires to be sponges and soak up as much as they can from the people they are working with…..ask what they have had challenges with, how they juggled numerous deliverables and their favorite part about their job. Try to be the first person in and one of the last people to leave, being flexible to take on additional assignments will help you stand out. Be thorough, always check and recheck your work and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions shows strength and rakes courage, but it shows you are thinking through the assignment and taking ownership.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Personality and adaptability. Sometimes someone might not have the skills but had a personality that is eager and adaptable, and will be a great culture fit. That always speaks more to me. Also no typos on resume or cover letter speaks to you putting forth your best work!
Jen Farmer
HR Technology
4
Answers
Birmingham, Alabama
Updated
Jen’s Answer
Desire to learn. Hard worker. Curiosity.Adaptability. Reliability. Don't undersell how important these traits are. In a lot of cases, they far outweigh prior job experience. Make sure answers in interviews show those skills.