Employer Expectations - How to Make the Best First Impression at the Fall Career Fair
Imagine that it’s the day of the Fall Career Fair, you’ve just stepped into the Ballroom, and you’ve found an employer that you want to speak with, but now what!? What is the employer looking for, how do you make a good impression?
When it comes to Career Fairs, one thing you can trust is that employers are here to look for qualified UO candidates for their employment opportunities. It’s good to know the room full of people is actually there to recruit. So hold your head up high and dive in, but before you do, it’s important to know what the employers are expecting. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to make the most of your conversation with recruiters.
Research: Employers are excited when you know a little bit about them. There’s a huge difference between a student who says, “So…what kind of jobs do you have?” and the student who comes up and says, “I’ve read about your management training program and feel that my past leadership skills would be a great asset to your company, are you currently hiring?” Download the Career Fair Guide here and take a look a detailed directory of employers and their information and begin your research.
Ask the Right Questions: Okay, okay, you meant to research, but you just didn’t have time. How can you still make a good impression and find out about available positions? Ask the right questions. Here’s a good approach, “Hi my name is Mandy and I’m a junior majoring in computer science and I’m really interested in finding an internship this summer where I can use my technical skills, do you offer IT internships?” Let’s say you don’t really know exactly what you want to do, and just want to find an interesting job. Think of a few skills you have that the employer would like, “Hi my name is Mandy and I’m a Business major. I’m graduating in June and I enjoy problem solving and working with customers, what types of entry level opportunities do you offer recent graduates?”
Find out the Next Steps! So you’ve had a great conversation, don’t leave it with a handshake and a “it was great to meet you!”. Find out those next steps. Give the recruiter your resume or ask if they have an online application process, then ask what the next step is or if you can follow up with them. It’s always smart to leave with their business card. If you know the employer is interviewing on campus soon (you can tell by the yellow balloons above their table at the Career Fair) and you are interested in an interview, let the recruiter know that you are very interested in interviewing with their company and look forward to hearing back. Wait to be invited to interview; it’s not proper etiquette to ask for an interview.
Thank the Recruiter: Because you’ve left with their business card and have their e-mail address, send them a brief email to say it was a pleasure to meet them and say thank you. Acknowledge if you’ve completed the next step. Example: “I’ve finished my online application” and “I look forward to hearing back from you soon.”
If you are unsure or would like some tips on approaching recruiters, be sure to ASK THE CAREER CENTER. We will be available the day of the Career Fair in the EMU Gumwood room (right next to the Career Fair) to answer any questions, strategize with you and offer assistance.
