You step into the hubbub of the career fair, take a deep breath,
and make your way toward a representative from the top-ranked company on your personal list. This is the company you want
to work for, and the woman you are approaching is the first gatekeeper.
You make eye contact. Smile. Say “hi.”
Your practiced firm handshake follows. And then … you’re on.
Even though no one yells “Lights, camera,
action!” this might be as close to an audition as you will ever come. What can you say and do during the next 60 seconds
to make this recruiter want to explore the possibility of hiring you?
Several career services counselors recommend drafting
an introduction as a brief “commercial” that allows you to sell yourself. Try developing an “elevator speech,”
a personal presentation just long enough to say to someone in an elevator before they reach their floor. (After all, you never
know when or where an opportunity will arise to pitch yourself.)
Follow the Formula
College career
counselors and employers alike suggest following a formula for your introduction. According to them, students should provide
the following information during their introduction:
- Name
- Class (senior, junior, sophomore)
- Major
- Opportunities that you are seeking
- Relevant experience (work, internship, volunteer work)
- Highlights
of skills and strengths
- Knowledge of the company
Tailor your introduction to each employer based on good
research and knowledge of each company—this will generally impress recruiters. Ted Bouras, director of the Grainger
Center for Supply Chain Management at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Business School, says you should articulate how
you’ll fit with the company based upon your research.
Do your research before the career fair. A list of employers
attending is usually available prior to the event through the career services office. Most companies have web sites that provide
information about their products and services. Other resources such as annual reports, press releases, and newspaper coverage
are also very helpful and can usually be found on the Internet or in the library with a little digging.
Ask
an Engaging Question
Try ending your introduction by asking a focused question that will engage the employer
in conversation. Don't forget, employers remember students by the questions they ask during career fairs.
Try asking:
“Could you tell me more about the new (product) you are developing?” or “Could you tell me more about your
financial management training program?”
Several things career services counselors and employers say you should
avoid doing include:
- Asking what the company does;
- Asking if the company has any jobs; and
- When
asked what type of position you are seeking, saying you would be willing to do anything at the company.
Practice
to Perfection
Many career services counselors recommend practicing your introduction. “Winging it”
is not a very wise plan of action, especially when a potential job is at stake.
You’ll project confidence and
charisma during your introduction if you are comfortable with what you are saying. Remember, the words that you say are just
part of your presentation package to potential employers. Your overall manner and confidence are also critical components
to the successful introduction. Of course, your confidence and personality should be obvious, but not in an exaggerated or
cocky way...just a professional one.
Incorporate positive nonverbal communications, such as eye contact, facial expressions,
body language, posture, etc. A mirror, a friend, and/or a career services staff member are all good practice partners. Ask
for constructive criticism and try it again. Take the adage “practice doesn’t make perfect; perfect practice makes
perfect” to heart.
A solid introduction will help you move on to the important next step—the interview.
A poor introduction, however, may put you on a slippery slope to the cutting room floor.
