How to Conquer the Career Fair and How to Follow Up: Her Professional Style

You may not be sure why you attended the career fair. Was it for the extra credit points assigned by your professor? Maybe. A reason to show off your brand new blazer you have been dying to wear? Possibly. Regardless of your intentions, the career fair just places you one step closer to getting your name out there to potential companies and firms looking to hire YOU!

It is never too early to start adventuring into your search for your ideal career after graduation. Essentially, your happiness may be decided by the field you choose to pursue so being sure to educate yourself in all aspects of the career is so important. In reality, you are advertising yourself to be the best possible candidate for employment by recruiters who come to campus looking to hire. So the more homework you do, the better informed you are going to be to create relationships with potential employers.

Saint Joseph’s University hosted our very own Career Fair in late September with over one hundred companies representing themselves from through out the tri-state area. From global firms to small businesses, any student may feel overwhelmed by the experience. After spending over an hour searching through the maze myself, I thought—what’s next? What can a student do after the career fair that will set their professional presence to a whole new level?

Tricia Polizzi, a campus recruiter from PricewaterhouseCooopers, has shared a few tips to uncovering what you should to brushen up your skills post-career fair. Polizzi has been with PwC for just about five years and has evolved in different roles with in the Big 4 accounting firm. As a recruiter, she is able to meet prospective candidates and even become a mentor for students shifting from their scholastic to professional career. Her primary role is to identify the top talent on campus and to share the benefits of a career at PwC with students.

The Top 3 Steps to Conquering and Overcoming the Career Fair

1.   Be the Ideal Candidate

What does it mean to be ideal? You do not have to flaunt a 4.0 GPA or be in a third world country every other weekend doing community service. But, you should set your unique self a part from the rest. You can be well balanced! PwC promotes work-life balance. Polizzi is “looking for a candidate that understand and strives for balance. A resume with variety also shows the candidate’s ability to manage time, a skill essential to her own career!” If you do not think your resume is currently speaking volumes for you, it is never too late to get involved.

2.   Be Able to Deliver your Elevator Speech

“Be Concise, Unique and Authentic!” An elevator speech is a brief summary of you. If you’re unfamiliar with as to what an elevator speech is—think of it as the only few seconds you have to make an impression on someone that you just met. A first impression is a lasting impression! Tip to Self: write down the first three adjectives that come to mind about yourself and apply them to a situation that has had an impact on you. Polizzi simply states, “What do you want to be known for?”

3.   Utilize Social Media via Email & LinkedIN!

Your chance to impress does not end at the career fair. “It is vital to follow up with the people you meet and continue to develop those relationships as you continue your career goals. The candidates that are most successful are those who continue to come to events and stay in touch. Be mindful, however, of the frequency at which you reach out. Choose your touch points wisely. You will be way more effective if you take time in the recruiting cycle than if you bombard a recruiter with repetitive emails every month.” –Tricia Polizzi, PWC

If you are able to acknowledge and master the above three steps, you are going to be on the path to success in no time at all. Find a company that fits you—if you love the culture, the people and have a passion for the work; you are destined to do great things. The search truly is all about you!  

From one Her Professional to another, never stop pursuing your dreams!

HCXO

P.S. Check out our fashionable Hawks!

Mel ’15 works her chic black attire to impress potential employers.

Lauren 15′ added personality to a white collared top with a skirt that pops.

Taylor ’14 went for a sudtle gray J.Crew suit for this season’s professional “go-to.” 

Gina 15′ made a statement with a peice of jewerly for her neutral outfit. 

Stephanie ’14 added a splash of color with a silk top to break up her black pencil skirt and blazer.