Binghamton University faculty members compiled a list of tips for students attending the fall 2009 job fair on Sept. 16, advising them on how to make the most of their day.
1. Create a list prioritizing which employers you plan to speak with
Even though students have four hours available to meet with recruiters, time can pass quickly waiting in lines before they get the chance to introduce themselves.
“Physically you can’t do all [73] employers in that time frame,” said Bill McCarthy, associate director of the Career Development Center. “Look at the list [of employers] before the fair … and have a plan.”
McCarthy also advises students to arrive at the fair early by rescheduling appointments and classes so they have the most time to visit recruiters.
2. Focus on making a lasting first impression
Before meeting a recruiter, students should take time to make sure they look presentable, often by bringing resumes in a portfolio and wearing dress clothes.
According to McCarthy, students shouldn’t bring friends, wear backpacks or carry a coat over their shoulder while waiting in line to speak.
When students first introduce themselves to recruiters, they should have firm handshakes, McCarthy said. “Don’t crush their fist or give them a wet fish.”
3. Prepare an introductory speech
When students get the chance to speak to a recruiter, they should market themselves with a short speech, commonly referred to as an elevator speech.
“Imagine that you are in the elevator riding up to the 10th floor with somebody who has the power to offer you a job or internship,” said Holly Horn, assistant director of the CDC. “What are you going to say in that one minute while you are on the elevator with that person to sell yourself?”
Each speech should be focused on how a student can meet the needs of an employer, according to Upinder Dhillon, dean of the School of Management.
“The key to success here is to distinguish yourself from the crowd,” Dhillon said. “Address the question of ‘why you’ and ‘why us.’”
4. Explore all available job opportunities
While exploring job options at the fair, students could find something valuable in areas they normally wouldn’t look into, according to Horn.
“Don’t eliminate a possibility because you have a preconceived notion of what it must be,” she said.
Dhillon advises students to explore government and non-profit organizations whose hiring practices haven’t been hit hard by the recession.
“There may be options that you never looked for before that you should be looking for in this job market,” he said. “The federal government is hiring in almost every area.”
5. Follow up with employers after the fair
If students receive a business card or the contact information of a recruiter at the job fair, they should take the time to write a follow-up thank-you note, according to Horn. Notes can be handwritten or sent through e-mail, depending on the type of employer.
“Get an idea from the person you are talking to. If they are going to be more wowed by a personal, heartfelt letter, then do that,” Horn said. “If you are in a tech field … they are doing e-mail left and right.”
Dhillon believes students should learn more about being hired by an employer by contacting alumni listed on the CDC’s Web site.
“You have got to network,” he said. “There is no excuse for students not to get on there and contact some of the people that are working in the industry that they are interested in and talk to them.”