This week is the Super Bowl of college recruiting - Business Horizons. It will be held on Thursday, January 30 from 1-6pm in Squires Commonwealth Ballroom. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:
1.) Download the mobile app. It will be very useful. Join nearly 1500 others who have already started to use it. Search Business Horizons in your app store.
2.) Please do NOT bring a backpack. If you must, you will be asked to check it in at Squires 219 just steps from the main entrance and student registration.
3.) There will be an Entreprenuer Zone on the stage of Commonwealth Ballroom. If you want to work for yourself, then come to the E-Zone and talk to service providers that will help.
The job fair is your single best job search activity. Companies spend money and send multiple people to stand at a booth to talk to you all day. It would take months to re-create the face-to-face interactions with all attendees. Therefore, your job search success is directly related to your success at a job fair. Being successful at a job fair is less dependent on your performance the day of the fair. It's more important how you prepare prior to the fair and how you follow up after the fair. Follow these 10 steps to nail a job fair.
Before the job fair . . .
Step #1: Identify and Research Companies Attending
Find the attendee list and see what firms are coming. Research each firm to determine if you want to work for them or if they would be interested in your skill sets. Download the mobile app or view online.
Step #2: Prioritize Companies: ABC Method
Usually, you will not have enough time to visit every company at the fair. Therefore, you must prioritze. In Step #1 you will know which companies to visit. Rank those companies. A firms are ones that are at the top of your list. B firms are ones you can see yourself working at, but you just do not have the same level of passion as the A firms. C firms may be ones who want your expertise, but you are really indifferent. You should have fewer A firms than B firms, and fewer B firms than C firms.
Step #3: Update and Personalize your Resume
Make sure it is updated, crisp, and clear. Bring ample copies with you. If you decide to personalize your resume to a specific company or create different versions based on different experiences, then please make certain you are organized and do not give a recruiter the wrong copy of your resume.
Step #4: Create a Unique 30-Second Pitch
Get to the point. Tell them exactly who you are and what you desire.
Step #5: Dress Professionally
Now is not the time to show off your stylish fashion sense. Be conservative and wear business attire. Make certain shoes are polished and tags on new clothing are removed. Do not wear any revealing clothing.
At the job fair . . .
Step #6: Get a map and walk the room
If you are nervous, this will help you settle down. Just walk the room and aisles up and down, making eye contact, smiling, and taking mental notes on who is at each table and where they are located. A basketball player does not come out of the locker room at tipoff; instead they warm up before the game stretching and shooting baskets. Neither should you walk into the facility and go directly to an employer and make your
first pitch.
Step #7: Try your 30-second pitch on a C firm first
If you are nervous and need to practice your pitch, go to a C firm to deliver it first. If it does not go well, then at least you practiced on a C company.
Step #8: Deliver your 30-second pitch to A, then B firms
Once you are comfortable with your pitch, go to A firms first and then B firms. You want to make certain you have enough time to visit with the A firms before moving to B firms. Your options could be limited based on a series of factors such as, your time, number of job seekers attending the fair, the duration of the fair, and the number of firms on your list. Make wise use of your time at the fair. Do not waste it talking to friends and colleagues. You can visit with them any time.
Step #9: Ask specific questions about the firm/job
From Step #1 there will be some nugget of information during the research phase you may interject showing firms you did your homework and are really interested in their company. It does not have to be in-depth analysis of the firm, just a tidbit showing the recruiter you are legitimate.
After the job fair . . .
Step #10: Follow Up
During your interaction with employers at the fair, it's wise to obtain their names and contact information to follow up after the fair. A phone number, email, or mailing address is all the information needed. It would be appropriate to ask for a business card, and in exchange, give them your business card too.
Following these steps before, during, and after the job fair will give you confidence to succeed at the most important job activity in your search process.
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