The Career Fair is back. From 3–6 p.m. on February 11 and 13, the University invites students to meet the 60+ employers and seven grad schools who will take over the Davis Room in Dixon-McKenzie Dining Common. Walking into a room full of recruiters can be intimidating. Here are a few tips from some of the people you could meet next week.
First Impressions
A student’s first interaction with a possible employer weighs a lot. Even if they’re overqualified for a position, candidates should always dress to impress and nothing less. “The presentation of themselves is just as important as what’s on paper,” says Stephanie Rose from Godshall Professional Recruiting. Business dress shows professionalism and tells recruiters that you’re serious about applying for the position.
Your attitude will influence recruiters. Allison Day, staffing coordinator at Recruiting Solutions, says recruiters at the Career Fair will be looking for “someone who is personable and confident.” Demonstrate your confidence by showing interest and knowledge of the company. Read through the Career Fair directory and find three or four organizations that interest you. Do some research and come ready to ask questions.
Communicating clearly, being friendly and showing interest in the company could get you an interview. “It’s more about the soft skills than the resume and work history, honestly,” says Rose. “Just be confident. Dress for the job you want, and just smile and look them in the eye.”
Professional Experience
While not all students bring a resume to the event, recruiters encourage doing so. “A copy of their current resume (is) probably the most important thing that someone can bring when they’re speaking with a recruiter or hiring manager,” says Day. A physical summary of the student’s professional life can streamline introductions and help the employer know whether they are a suitable candidate for the position.
See also: 4 Steps to a Great Resume
Sam LoBosco, staffing manager at Robert Half, says that a good resume includes “relevant work that would pertain to things that you could utilize for future work.” Some recruiters, like Paige Heiple at Cayman Chemicals, are looking for major-related specifics like lab experience or organic chemistry credits. Others find the technicalities of past positions secondary to transferable skills like work ethic, leadership and intercultural fluency. Tribe 513 HR Specialist Courtney Gregory hopes to recruit someone who fits in with the faith-based medical practice. “We can’t really teach someone to want to have that heart of servanthood,” she said.
Beware the objective section. While an objective works when applying to a specific job, it’s not appropriate for the Career Fair. In this arena, a sharp but general resume opens more doors. Take this chance to get your resume reviewed at the Career Center.
Future Opportunities
The candidate who gets the email, call or interview after the event is “not always the student with the best resume,” says LoBosco. “It’s the one that shows that level of excitement, engagement, good communication, curiosity and interest.” Day favors candidates who “come prepared with any questions that they may have or anything that they may want official insight with.”
Recruiters will meet dozens of applicants during the event. Reach out before the employer does to get on top of the resume pile. Thank you emails and letters are rare but always appreciated. Gregory says that “initial follow up shows a lot of initiative and that speaks volumes to us.”
For more information on the Career Fair and upcoming recruiting events, visit careers.bu.edu.
