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We live in the digital age and with so much of the hiring process being done virtually now; career fairs offer you the invaluable in-person opportunity to add nuance to your résumé. Making connections and creating impactful dialogue is half the battle these days; much of the hiring process is predicated on positive social interactions, not just who you are on paper.
Recruiters value your ability to not only be conversational but to embody passion about the work you’re interested in doing; this will inevitably get you a seat at the table. So much of our lives are driven by instant gratification, but even if you aren’t looking for employment right now, nurturing relationships with your professional connections can set you up for future success.
With career fair week coming up, we spoke to Katie Clark, former recruiter and Employer Engagement Consultant for the MU Career Center about how students can make the most of their career fair experience.
One of the most overwhelming parts of attending a career fair is knowing where to start and who to talk to. Having a plan of action can help alleviate much of the stress students feel before going to a career fair.
Q: How can students best prepare for the career fair events and speaking with recruiters?
A: First and foremost, start with the basics, make sure you feel comfortable and confident even down to something as trivial as your outfit.
A: Come up with a plan before heading to your career fair. Do some research beforehand and prioritize around 3-4 companies that you find interesting to introduce yourself to.
A: Recruiters can tell who’s eager to talk to them versus someone who just stumbled upon their booth as they were walking. Doing your research is key!
“Everything is a win when the goal is experience.” Sometimes just showing up can be enough. Even if you’re there to just get a lay of the land and observe the environment, that is enough!
A: Be intentional, your goal shouldn’t just be having a productive experience; you should also want to make it a positive one as well.
A: I really want to demystify this experience for students to encourage confidence; recruiters do want to talk to you! You are the prize! Embrace that dynamic; recruiters are rewarded when they hire candidates, especially if they are the best and well-suited for their company.
Taking away the “high stakes” pressure can help make your interactions with recruiters seamless. Remember they were once where you are; they are human just like you.
Q: What can students do to stand out when speaking to recruiters?
A: Interacting with recruiters shouldn’t be very different from your other social interactions. You should introduce yourself the same way you would be with someone in class you really want to get to know or connecting with a professor in a class you’re really enjoying.
A: Humanize your introduction; these interactions are meant to supplement your résumé. Yes, telling me your grade and major is awesome but tell me something that will stay with me. Something like “Hi I’m Katie I care deeply about “xyz” and what makes me different is my passion for “xyz”.”
A: Do the things you can’t do online. Things like shaking my hand, intentional eye contact and confident posture. Let’s make this worth everyone’s time!
A: Walking in and seeing black and gold booths everywhere can feel like another planet, but the career fair really is like any other day. Know that you belong! You got into Mizzou; you can get yourself hired at a company. Having that confidence is everything, if you can’t advocate for yourself how can anyone else?
You are evaluating employers just as much as they are evaluating you! Ask specific questions that will help you decide whether a company is for you.
Q: What should students be asking to get to know employers?
A: Part of how students can get to know employers is through asking questions, but the other part is students evaluating employers based on their interactions. Things like body language, does it look like the recruiter wants to be there? How are they representing themselves and their company?
A: Really evaluate employers’ energy and what their vibes are, read the room, and pay attention to what in your body is telling you to talk to an employer. How do these interactions make you feel? If something’s feeling forced, then it’s probably not for you. Trusting your gut throughout the hiring process is really important.
A: I would ask employers something like “what is something you’re currently working on to improve your work?” Their answer will show their dedication to improving their weaknesses as a company or their lack thereof, which can be insightful too.
Q: Do you have any other advice for students as they head into career fair week?
A: There’s so much opportunity to do your research and engage with recruiters online beforehand. Recruiting events are becoming a thing of the past, capitalize on these in person opportunities.
A: Going to events like this with friends can be helpful! Typically, our friends are the proudest of us and the most supportive of us so having that can be a great thing. So much of it is a mental game, so friends can help reinforce your confidence.
A: There’s so much dialogue about scarcity in the workplace right now, but the reality is recruiters need and want you just as much as you need them. It’s a reciprocal relationship, so move with confidence!
Whether you’re a freshman or a senior career fair week has something for everyone! Take advantage of these opportunities, do your research and make a plan for the day. Remember recruiters are human, who you are is enough and everything is a win when the goal is experience!
By Raigan Clay