Peer Career Consultant Blogs

There are many ways to meet potential employers in person either through career fairs or smaller meet and greets.  

Career fairs are amazing opportunities to connect face-to-face with recruiters and are important first steps to your recruitment process. They allow you to learn more about a company, while also giving them a chance to learn more about you. Since there’s only a short window of time to make an impression at these events, here are some tips for maximizing your impact. 

First things first, you always want to make sure you’re registered to attend a career fair. This will likely mean you get a name tag, receive a list of the companies attending, and have the chance to submit your resume to an online booklet that all the companies will receive. The name tag, while it may not seem important, will allow recruiters to connect your face to your name. Additionally, if you’re aware of who is attending then you can choose a couple companies to prioritize so you don’t get overwhelmed trying to speak with each and every one. While career fairs are a great way to learn more about a company, it never hurts to do a little research on your favorites beforehand. This can help move the conversation past the basic information and shows the recruiter that you’re genuinely interested in the company. Next, make sure you’re dressed both professionally and comfortably. You want to present yourself well and feel confident, but maybe skip your high heels or dress shoes that aren’t good for walking in. 

Once you’re inside, try to approach each recruiter with confidence. Give them a firm handshake, make eye contact, and introduce yourself. Try to have a question or two ready to get the conversation started, whether it has to do with something specific you read about the company or something more general like “Tell me about the company culture” or “What makes this company unique?.” When you’re wrapping up the interaction feel free to give them a hard copy of your resume, even if your digital one is submitted to a booklet. This will help the recruiter associate the positive interaction with your resume. If you make it through your top priority companies before the end of the event, take advantage of the time you have and speak with some other recruiters as well. You might end up pleasantly surprised and it’s never a bad idea to expand your network. 

As you’re leaving a conversation with a recruiter from a company you like, make sure to get their card so that you can contact them for a follow up. A day or two after your interaction, send them an email saying you enjoyed meeting them at the career fair and asking about any next steps you can take. Make sure you thank them for their time and express that you’re eager about getting involved with the company. 

Meet and greets can be hosted by either academic departments, student organizations or through the SCU Career Center. These are usually smaller in audience size however require the same kind of preparation. I encourage you to explore these kinds of events on campus because you might discover an opportunity you didn’t know existed.   

Meeting employers in personcan feel daunting at first, but adequately preparing will help calm any nerves you have. It may sound cliche, but the most important thing is to be yourself and let your personality shine. If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to relax and have the peace of mind knowing that you put your best foot forward. 

If you have any internship or career search questions, please email careerconsultant@scu.edu.