It’s that time of the year again. Everyone is all dressed up, school is such a low priority you can’t even remember what classes you’re in, and things are so competitive you swear you just saw one kid literally tackle another to get to their target. No, I’m not talking about tailgate season, its recruiting season, silly! No matter if you’re a fresh-faced freshman looking for your first internship or an experienced senior trying to get a real-life job, the pressure is on. It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of blazers, resumes, and pad folios and completely give up on the job search, but don’t! Career Fair is right around the corner so read up and put your big girl (or boy) pants on, it’s time to get to work.
Tip 1: Run Your Resume by EVERYONE
Resumes can be tricky because every single person has a different one and there is not a single “right answer,” but diversity can be beneficial. You’re basically free to format them how you like, as long as you ensure that they are simple, professional, and ONLY one page. Once you have your general format, send it out to everyone whose advice you value (literally everyone). Send it to your mom, your cousin, your high school counselor, your best friend’s brother who just happens to be a recruiter, and ask them for some critiques. This will help you find spelling and grammar mistakes that you missed, as well as provide an array of formatting opinions to help you tailor your resume to how you want it to look.
Pro tip: Sending your resume to recent alumni of any university will be the most beneficial because they know what belongs on a resume better than your mom who graduated in the 1800’s.
Tip 2: Practice Makes Perfect
In any conversation with a recruiter, whether it is a quickie at the Career Fair or an hour-long in-person interview, they will be asking questions to gauge whether you are a good fit, both technically and socially, for the position. Behavioral and personal questions are the most common: when have you faced a challenge? What is your biggest professional accomplishment? Why did you choose your particular major? Although they seem easy, providing a timely and well-thought out response can be a little more difficult than meets the eye. Show up prepared by looking up a list of ten to twenty questions, and literally practicing your responses (write them out if it helps). Run through them with your roommate before bed, or with your mom on your way to class, or even just in front of a mirror. Although we usually know what we want to say, actually saying it (and not sounding like a rambling twelve year old) is a whole different story and the more you practice and memorize your responses, the more coherent and impressive you’ll appear.
Tip 3: Do Your Research
Companies are obsessed with themselves, and they are looking for candidates who are obsessed with them, too. Coming into any discussion with a recruiter prepared with a few questions about that specific company will not only give you a leg up, but also some insight into whether this really is or is not the company for you. Additionally, make sure you have a sound reason as to why you want to join that particular company (and not just because you need a job). Look at their website for cultural aspects, talent development, or recent projects that have peaked your interest. Recruiters are much more likely to remember the kid who mentioned their admiration for their five-week mentorship program rather than the fact that they are a “successful company.”
Tip 4: Talk the Talk
Most likely, you will never walk into a recruiting event totally prepared. Although practicing responses and doing your research will give you something to talk about, you can never be completely sure what questions you will be asked, which can lead to fidgeting and stumbling over words. When you get a question you weren’t prepared for or are halfway through a response and blank, don’t panic. Take a moment, take a breath, and wow them with your confidence. How you say your responses is just as important as what you are actually saying, and in some cases, even more so. When all else fails, remember “STAR.” Keep your response short and to the point by focusing on the Situation (background), Task (problem or challenge), Action (what you did specifically), and Reaction (the lesson you learned). Always end with a lesson, even if it feels like you rambled around to get there; “Blah blah blah therefore I learned to communicate well with diverse group members.” Wrapping your response up with a lesson takes the attention away from the drawn-out story, and forces the recruiter to focus on your strengths.
Tip 5: Dress the Part (And Travel Light)
You can never be too dressed up, so don’t shy away from a sleek suit and heels (three inches or less), but at the same time, comfort is a MUST. You will likely be standing in long lines for hours at a time, so investing in a good pair of simple heels is not a bad idea. If you’re anything like me and all you brought to school were leggings and huge sweatshirts, don’t panic. Odds are someone in your hall, house, or friend group has a blazer and a simple dress you can borrow, so use your network to your advantage. If all else fails, hit up H&M. First impressions are crucial, and although it seems a bit ridiculous, how you look reflects a lot about who you are, so always make sure you are putting your best outfit and self, out there.
If you’re still looking for advice, reach out to friends, family, and even professors. But don’t delay; the LSA Career Fair is next Week, September 28th and 29th! For more details and to find out which companies will be there, check out the website. You’ve got this girl, now go run the world.
Images courtesy of Google Images