By Jacquelyn Brookins, Guest Contributor
Job Seekers- listen up! With the tough competition in the job market today, you can’t risk making a poor first impression with employers. Chances are, if you do, you won’t have an opportunity to make a second one. Although a recruiter is not the actual hiring manager, you’ll still want to make a good impression: whether we want to admit it, as we all know, first impressions are everything. If you flub, the recruiter won’t find you valuable enough to filter up to the hiring manager and more than likely, you will not be contacted in the future.
The number one thing you should not say when approaching a recruiter is, “So, what do you do?” Of course, recruiters will always respond, but it looks lazy. It says a lot more when a candidate approaches a recruiter who is familiar with their offerings and services, and who specifies their areas of interest. The company name and information has been provided days in advance to the career fair, so take a few minutes to read up before you engage with a recruiter. You will be glad you did! The best strategy is to pick the top five companies you want to meet with, understand what they do to some degree, and confidently introduce yourself. It makes a world of difference! QuintCareers, for example, lists great examples of engaging questions to ask at career fairs.
Second, don’t be too vague. Saying that you will do anything will not help you land a job. Actually, it may have opposite effect! Typically, recruiters are out on a mission to fill specific positions. They want to know right off the bat if you are going to fit a specific skill set or not. Be direct with regard to what your skills, education, and background have prepared you for. Although you may be desperate, it’s better to market yourself in a targeted fashion. A failure to do so could send the message that you don’t possess any specialty.
Last, let’s talk about job fair etiquette. When attending an in-person event, don’t forget to dress to impress! Moseying up to a company’s table wearing jeans and a tee shirt says that you aren’t taking your job search seriously, to say the least. Instead, impress employers with your professionalism. I always keep the saying in the back of my mind, “Dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” When you are attending a virtual job fair, assuming video chat isn’t involved, it is ok to lounge in jeans and a hoodie. However, there are other landmines to watch out for. The first thing you can do to scare a recruiter away is to use textese. “How r u 2day?” will not be well received. Job fairs, virtual or not, are professional events where employers are looking for top candidates. Also, have a soft copy of your resume ready to send. What good is it for an employer to meet with what seems to be a stellar candidate that doesn’t possess a resume?
In summary, take meeting with employers either in-person or virtually seriously. You only get one opportunity to make a first impression—so make a positive and lasting one!
Comments are closed.