APU Careers Careers & Learning

Career Fairs: A Job Seeker's Blind Date (Part II)

By Christine Muncyhospitality-legislation-part2
Contributor, Career Services

It’s not easy attending an event, the sole purpose of which is having several people (recruiters, specifically) remember you, when you do not know anyone there. Leaving an event with the confidence that you gave it your best is the most we can hope for. But you shouldn’t go ill prepared: read the earlier post from this week about the steps you should take before you get to the next steps, listed below. Following this list from start to finish should give you positive results, and hopefully take you from ‘just another face’ to the one recruiters remember (for a good reason).

Help them remember you. The typical human brain needs to hear something several times before it sticks, and often requires a visual to help stimulate the memory. For that reason, I’m very strategic about my outfits and how I approach a recruiter. First, start with a selecting one piece of your wardrobe that stands out. It should be subtle, but noticeable. This could be a peach colored shirt with a dark and simple suit, a coordinated broach, or a sharp looking portfolio. As you approach the table, smile and lock eyes with the recruiter so it is clear that you are approaching the table to speak with them. Give a firm handshake (avoid the Limp Fish) and introduce yourself. Do NOT begin the conversation with “what jobs do you have?” Instead, identify ways to begin the conversation by reading this recent blog post by Kristen Carter on “Learning Small Talk”.

Give their memory a second chance. As you transition from small talk ( remember it’s called small talk because it should be short lived) transition to doing the unthinkable: speaking about wonderful you are. Let them know you can help their organization, and better yet, provide an example. While you speak with them, provide them your resume and point out your name and contact information. By doing this, you are associating your conversation with your name and increasing the chance your name will be remembered. Not accepting resumes at the event? Not a problem! Carry a digital (PDF) version of your resume on your smart phone, or have a draft email saved in your email account with the resume already attached. Simply state “No problem! I would love to email it to you; I have a digital copy ready to be sent. If you provide me your email address I can send it right now.”

“I’ll Call You.” Be prepared for recruiters to direct you to their website to apply for open positions. This is not shrugging you off; it is just how they gather resumes. When this happens, though, what is better than being able to say, “I actually already did, for XYZ positions just this week.” Being able to show them the positions you applied for gives you the opportunity to ask if they think you applied for the right level of position or if they are aware of any others that may be a better fit. If you bring the job announcement, even better! You may never use it, but that small chance you might makes it worth it. When you leave a conversation that makes it that far, you don’t have to settle for the ‘I’ll call you.’ Take charge and ask the recruiter for a business card saying you would love the chance to talk more about the positions you are applying for, and the opportunities their organization has.

Bottom line: when preparing for a career fair, you want them to know why you are a great fit for their organization, but you can’t do that without knowing something about what fits their organization. Preparation, planning and the art of small talk are your strongest tools.

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