Jill Panté

Director, Lerner College Career Services Center University of Delaware

  • Newark DE

Prof. Panté can comment on workplace issues such as hiring, professional etiquette, personal branding, interviewing, and job search.

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University of Delaware

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Spotlight

2 min

Acing AI interviews: Career expert on strategies for job seekers

AI-conducted interviews are becoming a standard step in the hiring process, but many job seekers still aren’t sure how to handle them. University of Delaware career expert Jill Gugino Panté says candidates should treat these algorithm-driven interviews with the same seriousness as traditional ones and details how this can be done. Panté, director of UD’s Lerner College Career Services Center, can discuss what today’s AI interview platforms really measure – from confidence and tone to eye contact and facial expressions –  and how job seekers can stand out. She can also explain what recruiters are looking for in the AI-generated summaries that often determine who moves to the next round. Panté’s expert tips include: Check equipment to make sure everything is working and the software is updated; turn off all notifications to avoid distractions and set up the space with good lighting, a neutral background. Smile and maintain your energy, as some AI software will assess your tone and engagement. Prepare as you would for any other interview review the job description, research the organization, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when providing examples. Be sure to look at the camera and not the screen. It might feel awkward but that’s technically where the "eye contact" will be. Some platforms will allow you to review your recording before submitting. Use this opportunity to take notes about your body language, pacing and clarity. To contact Panté directly and arrange an interview, visit her profile and click on the connect button. Interested journalists can also send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.

Jill Panté

2 min

Hiring Gen Z: What employers keep getting wrong

As with any new generation entering the workforce, Gen Z possesses unique tools and strengths but also experiences challenges trying to land that first job where Millennials, Gen X-ers and Baby Boomers are doing the hiring. University of Delaware career expert Jill Gugino Panté can talk about how employers can address gaps in the hiring process and communication issues as they relate to a generation that prioritizes work with purpose, authentic connections and work-life balance. Panté, director of the Lerner Career Services Center at the University of Delaware, pointed to the following three areas that should be prioritized: Transparency. Gen Z wants to feel special and appreciates individual attention, Panté said. Employers should make the hiring process transparent and respond to emails. During busy times, they should use an out of office message that states when they will respond. Clarity. Make details about salary, benefits, flexibility, skill building and career advancement clear. These details should be on a company's careers page so that candidates have a good understanding of what they can expect. Clarity in job postings is also important: It doesn’t make sense that an entry level position requires more than two years of experience. Don’t call it entry level if it’s not entry level. Communication mistakes. Be transparent with Gen Z candidates about the process and timeline. More importantly, stick to that process. If a change is made, they should communicate it immediately. Also, employers should be authentic in their communication. If the process is taking longer than expected or they haven’t communicated effectively, employers should acknowledge it instead of continuing to ghost applicants. To reach Panté directly and arrange an interview, visit her profile page and click the "contact" button. Interested journalists can also send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.

Jill Panté

1 min

How college graduates can find success in a tough job market

Commencement season is an exciting time for soon-to-be college graduates – at least for those who will jump into a job once the caps are tossed. For others, it's a time of stress and uncertainty. Jill Gugino Panté, director of the Lerner Career Services Center at the University of Delaware, identified three areas where concerned graduates should focus to boost their chances of scoring interviews and potentially securing employment this summer. Stay industry-informed: Keeping up with skills, trends and news in your field to stay current and competitive. Network with purpose: Because many jobs are landed through connections, use LinkedIn to engage with others and grow your brand. Leverage AI Smartly. Use tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini to refine your resume, prep for interviews or analyze job descriptions. One key: Remember to maintain your authentic self. To arrange an interview with Panté visit her profile and click on the "contact" button.

Jill Panté
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Biography

Jill Gugino Panté is the director of the Lerner Career Services Center. She has been with the University of Delaware for over 15 years and in higher education for almost 20 years.

Previously, Panté served in the Peace Corps focused on health education. After her service, she traveled the world and returned to the United States to serve as a leader in an AmeriCorps VISTA program where she recruited and led a team to create mentoring and tutoring programs in underserved K-12 schools.

In addition to managing the Lerner Career Services Center, Ms. Pante also teaches MBA and undergraduate courses covering topics around career agility, branding, communication and the entrepreneurial mindset.

Industry Expertise

Education/Learning
Research

Areas of Expertise

Job Search
Linkedin
Recruitment
Hiring
Resume
Salary Negotiation
Mentoring

Answers

How can job candidates successfully navigate AI-driven interviews?
Jill Panté

AI interviews have become common practice in today’s hiring process. Even though a job candidate is talking to a computer and not a person, it’s important for them to treat this process the same as any other interview. Most AI platforms don’t just record answers, they also provide an analysis of interviews including keywords, clarity, depth of examples, confidence, tone, eye contact and facial expressions. While AI does not make the final hiring decision, it will provide a score or summary that recruiters could use to determine if a candidate moves on to the next round. These quick tips can help candidates prepare for these types of interviews.Before you record:• Check equipment to make sure everything is working and the software is updated. • Dress professionally including a jacket if appropriate.• Set up your space with good lighting, a neutral background, and turn off all notifications to avoid distractions.• Prepare as you would for any other interview - review the job description, research the organization, use the STAR method when providing examples.During the recording:• Be sure to look at the camera and not the screen. It might feel awkward but that’s technically where the "eye contact" will be.• Smile and be energetic as some AI software will assess your tone and engagement.• If you stumble, keep going. Your answers don’t have to be perfect but should be authentic.After the recording:• Some platforms will allow you to review your recording before submitting. Use this opportunity to take notes about your body language, pacing and clarity.• Keep track of the questions you were asked as they can help you prepare for similar questions in future interviews.

How can I use AI responsibly in the workplace? 
Jill Panté

AI note taking tools have become the new meeting assistant. They can summarize discussions as well as pull out key action items or decisions from the meeting. These tools can allow everyone to participate in the discussion as well as increase accuracy and accountability. Notes and next steps can be shared instantly for review and help ensure everyone is on the same page. It can eliminate confusion that often happens when people walk away with different interpretations of what was decided. Regular users of AI note taking tools tend to stand out to leaders because they show up better prepared, organized and detail oriented. Managers value people who take initiative and work smarter to drive projects and initiatives forward.AI note taking can be a huge time saver but it works best when used intentionally. Like any AI generated content, notes should be reviewed and edited for accuracy before sharing with others. Context and tone can get lost in automation so the AI notes should be used in conjunction with your own insight and knowledge of the meeting/discussion.

What does it mean if you are bored at work?
Jill Panté

Jill Gugino Panté, director of the Lerner Career Services Center at the University of Delaware, says boredom at work could definitely be a sign that you are not interested in what you’re doing and/or the direction of the department/ company. She added the following:There is nothing more UN-motivating than not believing in what you’re doing and who you’re doing it for. This lack of motivation or shared sense of purpose could easily turn into boredom because employees will revert to doing the basic tasks expected of them. They will go through the motions of completing their work and avoiding contributing creative or innovative ideas. For employees who find themselves in this position, some self-reflection is in order. Do a likes and dislikes inventory of your job responsibilities, company, supervisor and co-workers. Turn that “likes” column into the blueprint of creating a new path for yourself.

Media Appearances

Are you what you post? Social media and the accountability debate

The Christian Science Monitor  online

2018-08-09

Over a decade into the rollicking era of tweets and online posts, the nation is still grappling with the mores of online speech and conduct. Over the past month or so, a number of high profile journalists, talk show hosts, and entertainment bigwigs have seen their past outpourings resurface in a negative light. A number of young professional athletes, too, have had to answer for racial slurs and anti-gay comments posted when they were teens.

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Working from home with the kids? WDEL's got you covered

WDEL  online

2020-03-19

Find yourself working from home for the first time, maybe even with the kids? You're like thousands of Americans right now just trying to survive the coronavirus crisis. Jill Panté, executive director of the Lerner Career Services Center at the University of Delaware, said kids being home from school adds an additional dynamic. It can be a challenge, but start by staying connected and on-point by using calendars and to-do lists to stay organized.

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How to Battle Bullying in the Workplace

U.S. News & World Report  online

2020-04-08

Workplace bullying can occur in almost any employment setting. Even remote workers who are part of a team can find themselves the target of negative behavior from a colleague or supervisor.

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Education

Professional in Human Resources

PHR

Certification

University of Delaware

MEd

Counseling in Higher Education

2005

University of Dayton

BS

Criminal Justice

1997