Preparing for a career fair, or any networking event for that matter, can seem overwhelming — almost like a Hunger Games movie. Just trying to breathe during them can be daunting.
Everyone is trying to talk to the top companies… and so are you.
That is, while you are steadily trying to keep your documents in order and remember your pitch. ARGH! Although career fairs and networking events can be a lot to handle, they are great ways to establish a relationship with a recruiter to get your foot in the door at any company.
But before people get to the big events, there are simple actions they sometimes overlook to do. So, since recruiting reason is here, I thought it might be helpful to lay out a list of things that students (or anyone, really) should never forget to do before going to a career fair or networking event. Trust me, you don’t want to learn the hard way.
You should never forget to:
1. Update Your Resume, Cover Letter, LinkedIn, & Online Brand
You should always be updating your resume and making it marketable to the company you would like to apply for. Look at the duties of the job you are interested in and what they look for. For example, if a company is really big on innovation, you should have something on your resume about how you exemplified innovation. While your resume should be updated, you should clean up your social media. Your brand should be well represented on social platforms just in case a recruiter decides to look you up. If you have no idea on how to make your resume pop, get help from a career center or ask a friend in a similar major to help you.
2. Do Your Research on the Requirements of Available Positions & Follow the Companies on Social Media
RESEARCH the company of your interest. Who are the leaders? What projects are they working on? What is the company culture? Look at the company’s values so that you can tell a recruiter how they match with yours and how you’re valuable. Also, make sure to follow the companies on social media so that you can see their style and how they interact online. Be knowledgeable about the company’s products and what services they offer.
3. Apply for Positions Before the Big Event
One thing that you can do to impress recruiters is to tell them what role you are interested in; how you ALREADY applied to a position; and why you think you would be a good fit.Tell the recruiter how the position matches your skills; what you achieved in the past; and how it is relevant to the job to which you applied.
4. Dress to Impress
It takes 3.5 seconds for someone to judge your appearance. Be dressed to impress so that someone will remember you.
5. Be Prepared to Ask Each Recruiter for Their Contact Information
Most of the time, recruiters will not have business cards because they run out of cards or they don’t bring them since so many people do not follow up. Ask for each recruiter’s email and follow them on LinkedIn to stay connected with them. Be sure to send them a follow-up email thanking them for their time and keep in touch.
6. Get All of Your Stuff In Order
Bring extra copies of your resume, business cards, chargers, mints, pens (to take notes), and any relevant documents that you can show to a recruiter.
7. Put Together Thoughtful Questions
Don’t ask, what do you do for company, _____? If you did your research, then you may see that the recruiter was at the company for X amount of years. You could ask a recruiter, “Hey, you’ve been at company ___ for a while! What kept you there so long? What were your best and most challenging times at the company?” This makes the recruiter talk about themselves and you also get a better feel if the company is for you!
8. Practice Asking for an Interview
If the company has on-site interviews and the rapport is going well, then you should ask for the interview! I’ve seen people get interviews after asking recruiters if they have any open spots.
9. Find Ways to Increase Your Confidence
Come with confidence and a positive mindset. It can make or break your experience. The job hunting is hard, but always stay positive. In the end, your hard work will pay off!
What are some things you do to stand-out at a career fair or networking event? Comment below!
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