Career fair season is almost upon us (or could be here depending when you are reading this), and there’s a lot to get excited about! But many students, myself included, have some questions about how to make the most of their limited time. What should I bring? What should I expect? Will I even go?
Fortunately, the recent Career Prep Panel has some answers. Hosted by the Career & Co-op Center, in collaboration with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the office invited recruiters from Liberty Mutual, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to address common questions students have going into a career fair. With over 100 students in attendance from a wide range of majors, many of my fellow River Hawks heard these key insights; however, in case you missed it, here are some of the tips shared by the experts.
What to do before a career fair
Why should I go to a career fair instead of applying online?
It’s harder than ever to meet employers in person, especially with the increasing number of fully online applications and interviews. One of the best ways to stand out to recruiters is to simply have a conversation with them. People remember good impressions, and even if you don’t hear back from a particular company, you never know when other positions might open up.
What should students do to prepare beforehand?
One of the best ways to prepare is to create a list of companies you know you want to talk to ahead of time. This will let you prioritize who you want to speak to once you arrive. Also, knowing ahead of time lets you do background research, so you can really impress company representatives during the conversation.
Make sure you have printed copies of your resume to hand to interested employers, it’s a good idea to bring more then you think you’ll need. The OMA office often gives students the option to print in their office, so if you forget or need a few extra copies – stop by their office on the third floor and ask.
As a final tip, make sure to dress professionally. Your first impression is valuable and sets the tone for your conversations with recruiters. It may seem minor, but it can be a dealbreaker for some recruiters if you don’t look like you’re taking them seriously.
What if I’ve never been to a career fair?
That’s OK! Whether you have or have not been to a career fair, a little bit of nervousness is completely normal. One of our panelists, Brendan Stamm, a Liberty Mutual recruiter, shared, “As an undergrad, I was terrified of career fairs. But it’s important to remember that employers are there because they want to be.” As Stamm put it, “We want to talk to you.” Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good strategy to help your confidence is to start at the bottom of your list and work your way upwards. By the time you’ve reached your preferred companies, you’ll have plenty of practice.
I don’t have a very strong resume
One of the big takeaways our panelists left us with is that you might have more to add to your resume than you think. Even if you don’t have co-op or internship experience, things like clubs, sports, personal projects, part-time or volunteer work, and even individual classes can be used to demonstrate your fit for a position. Ultimately, what recruiters are looking for are skills, and if your resume can demonstrate those skills, that’s what matters.
During a career fair
Should I really do an elevator pitch?
There’s a time and place. If you already know the company and have some information that you can tie into your pitch, then it can be an effective tool. But if you are unfamiliar with the company, it might be best to hold off until you know more. The best pitch in the world won’t help if it’s to the wrong person. And remember, keep it short and be conscious of other people in line.
How should I introduce myself?
If you see an employer on the floor, feel free to simply walk up and say hello. A good way to initiate a conversation is to ask a question. But it’s often best to start a conversation slowly, instead of giving a pitch right away. To use the words of Jessica Paquin from the MassDOT, “think of this as more of farming then hunting.” Building a relationship can be more valuable than sticking to a strict script.
When should I hand them my resume?
Resumes can be a sticking point for many people. Typically, it’s best to wait until after you’ve finished talking with an employer to hand them your resume. Oftentimes, if a recruiter is interested, they will prompt you for a resume. Sometimes, if you’ve built a good rapport, you may feel comfortable asking if they would like your resume.
Another thing to consider is digital resumes. Digital resumes are harder to lose than a physical resume, so it’s a good option to have available. One last tip came from Corinne Kelton from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: Check your social media for appropriate content. “Do not submit a resume right away. Wait. Clean up your social media. Make sure it’s tight. Then submit.”
After a Career fair
What’s the difference between students who hear back and those who don’t?
One thing that makes a huge difference is follow up. If an employer asks for an application, do it! Ideally, submit within 24 hours. Another thing that can go along with your application is an email to the person you spoke with. This lets them know you applied, so they can keep an eye out, and keeps your name out there. And if you’re responding later, an email can keep you in consideration.
What should I do if a land an internship?
I found out through the panel that this is an underdiscussed part of the job-search process. Following through once you have the internship is just as important, if not more so, than actually getting a position. According to our panelists, there are two key things that employers look for in their student interns. The first is communication. Giving updates and keeping everyone in the loop goes a long way. Asking for help is better than struggling alone. Being able to integrate as part of the team makes it that much easier when it comes to the hiring process.
The second quality is curiosity. Asking questions is a universally appreciated gesture by employers when evaluating interns. Learning not only about your job, but also how the organization operates shows that you are engaged, and that you want to be there. Together, these things demonstrate that not only are you a good fit for the team, but also that you are likely to stick around.
These are just some of the key takeaways from the Career Prep Panel. If you have other questions about career fairs, a good resource is the Career & Co-op Center’s website on navigating career fairs. And if you want to brush up on your resume or interviewing skills, you can book an appointment with a career advisor.
Even If you’re still a little bit nervous going in, remember: All the work you’ve done so far is the hard part. This is just the final lap – you’ve got this!
