| How to Approach a Recruiter |
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Have a Plan:
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Before going into the employer area, take some time to make a plan of action. Either before you get to the fair or once you get your employer guidebook at registration, decide which recruiters you'd definitely like to speak with.
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Speak with as many representatives as possible. Avoid standing in line to speak to one recruiter when you can speak with two or three other recruiters in that same time period. There is no excuse to leave the fair without at least talking to 10 companies.
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Keep your options open! This is not the proper economic time to think you are too good to work for a certain company. Don't get discouraged if one company's mini-interview didn't go well. On the other hand, don't get overly excited if one goes extremely well. See what to do after the fair to follow up with companies you're most interested in.
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Don't be too disappointed if a company doesn't show up that you wanted to speak with. It happens quite often to have a 5% "no show." You are still welcome to send a cover letter and resume to the person listed in your booklet.
Approaching a Recruiter:
- Introduce yourself in a positive and confident manner. Smile, make eye contact, project enthusiasm and offer a firm handshake.
- Keep in mind that companies are here for different reasons. Not every company represented will have immediate job openings in your area of interest. Some will spend 2 minutes, others a half-hour with you. Some will spend the entire interaction asking you questions, others might just give out information and direct you to their online application process. Be prepared for anything.
- Give the representative your resume and be ready to discuss your background, qualifications, and career goals.
- Try to show that you have done a little research by tailoring your responses and asking questions.
- Ask questions about career opportunities, specific job openings, and the organization. The first thing you say should not be "Are you hiring?" or "How much do you pay?"
- Collect business cards and literature before you leave. Jot down a few notes on anything important that was discussed so that you can reference it in a thank you note.
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