Friday, January 18, 2013

How to Succeed in a Career Fair

Meeting recruiters in person is being a step ahead of the other candidates who apply cold. Make sure to prepare an advance about the companies you want to talk to, see who's at the internship fair, and bring lots of patience with you for waiting in lines. Make sure to also leave extra time to talk to some companies that maybe you weren't sure about, but just want to give a shot. Don't talk to every single company for no good reasons. You need to be somewhat picky in order to get a job you want, but only be selective until you are absolutely desperate to get a job.

You should always treat an internship fair like an in-person interview, except it's usually a precursor to that. Dress to impress (business professional), give a firm handshake, and you're off with a smile and enthusiasm about the job and company.

Make sure you've done your research about each company that you plan on talking to because you may get asked if you know anything regarding the company. Also, some companies make their applications available online prior to the fair. While you're doing your research, check if the company has their application available. If so, definitely apply. It will impress the company with your level of interest in the company. Who knows, maybe they'll schedule an interview on the spot (I have seen it happen before).

Don't get discouraged if the company decides not to talk to you because your GPA doesn't meet their requirements. Still apply online if that happens. You never know. You can blow them away with your technical skills, portfolio, or other outside professional experience!

Make sure to bring at least 2 resumes per company you plan on talking to. You never know. You may end up wanting to talk to more companies than expected. Also bring a portfolio to store your resumes, pen/paper (in case you want to take notes while talking to the company, or right after), your business cards, and a place to hold the free goodies you're going to get from all of the companies you talk to. They will give you little “knick knacks” such as flash drives, $5 gift cards to somewhere, hats, post it notes, etc.

The very most important thing to bring with you to internship fairs is your “30 second commercial”, which takes place right after the initial handshake usually (or right after the recruiter asks you your year, major, what type of internship or job you're looking to apply for, etc. and glances at your resume). When you give your 30 second commercial, you say that you're a (year) majoring in (major). Your goal is to work in your company for (whatever position(s) you plan on applying for). You are involved in (list extracurricular activities). I love to (list hobbies). You are a leader of (something, if you are). You love and are very passionate about what you do. Your greatest strengths are (ex being very flexible). Basically, just emphasizing what you love, your goals, and your strengths in order to best sell yourself. You want to brag, but don't blab. Don't put the recruiter to sleep. Imagine someone who just won't shut up and you are just nodding your head pretending to care. You don't want to end up being in their shoes!

Even if you've talked to that particular company already at another fair, still continue to tell the recruiter how interested you are and bring around 2 questions each subsequent time you talk to them.

So here's how it goes:

When it's your turn to talk to the recruiter, introduce yourself, give a firm handshake, smile, and be ready to sell yourself while being yourself. Just before giving your thirty second handshake, tell the recruiter what position you want to apply for. Next, ask if they would like a copy of your resume (and a business card) and hand it over to them. Afterwards, start the conversation by giving your 30 second commercial or by answering whatever the recruiter asks you (ex the “are you eligible to work” questions and if you know anything about the company). Afterwards all of that, since there is a line, the recruiter will ask you if you have any questions; you are ready to ask away. With those questions, try to embark in a good conversation. Whether it's about the company or hobbies you share, try to connect with the recruiter you're taking to. When you're done, ask for a business card and how you can apply (if you haven't already). When you're done, shake their hand, thank the recruiter for their time, and you're off to conquer the rest of the fair.


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