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Whether it’s your first Career Fair or your fourth, there’s something overwhelmingly intimidating about the possibility of meeting your future employer. Here’s the thing- those jitters, at a normal level, are a good tool to use as your driving force to success! Have confidence, but have the humility to properly market yourself to your full potential. As an undergraduate senior, I have seen (and made) plenty of mistakes. Here’s a short list of some of the things I have found the most useful while preparing for a career fair.
Regardless of how perfect you view your resume, a second set of eyes such as a teacher or employer may catch things you didn’t see. Make sure to ask well in advance to give them enough time to help you!
This one seems a little obvious, but it is so important. Pick it out, try it on, then try it on again. Does it fit right? Do you feel confident in it? Also, have a backup outfit just in case you spill coffee on yourself on your way out the door. If you don’t have an appropriate outfit, check with your college Career Services office. They typically have a closet filled with various sizes and styles for free!
One of the most embarrassing things that can happen when talking to a company representative is not having an answer to the question, “So, what do you know about (insert company)?” Knowing basic information about the company will give you an edge over candidates who may not.
The most important thing to know when going into a career fair is to know who you are. The term elevator pitch refers to a short speech about yourself that can be competed in a short elevator ride. The essentials for a student would be name, location, year in school, major, and any steps you’ve taken to reach your career goals. I also like to include why I chose my major and a memorable fact about myself.
A career fair will be as beneficial as you allow it to be. Make a list of general questions that can be used for any company you visit, as well as a list specifically tailored to companies you have a unique interest in. Not only will you gather vital information, but recruiters will appreciate the effort!
As cheesy as it may be, confidence is key. Know where you’re going, where to park, and how much time you have to spend. If you only have an hour between classes, you don’t want to spend half of it talking to companies that aren’t related to your field. All of this information should be on the college website.
Believe it or not, recruiters are real people and have personalities too! This means they want to get to know yours. Of course, professionalism is required, but being robotic is not. Not only is being yourself allowed, but recruiters will enjoy their time with you considerably more. They want to know your education and skills, but they also want to know how you’ll fit into their culture. Smile, shake hands, and take a breath. Everyone is on the same team. By: Halle White, GROWMARK Campus Ambassador
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It’s been awhile since we brought you back to the roots of this blog. I realize there are some new faces here, exploring the purpose and value of this blog. I am here to help! Welcome to the GROWMARK, Inc. Talent Management blog. Our recruiting team has a mission to improve transparency between the company’s people and the public. To improve our communication to the outside world, we have created this blog. Here are a few topics you can expect to find on our blog in the future months to come:
By: Tori Streitmatter I recently came across an article which talked about the appropriate time to have the salary discussion during the interview process. As a recruiter, I quickly opened this article to see if it provided the same advice that I would…turns out, it didn’t! The article advised candidates to wait as long as possible to discuss salary with their potential employer. That is the opposite of what I would recommend. Let’s look at some of the myths surrounding this topic and why it benefits you to have the salary discussion early in the process!
Myth: Recruiters ask for your salary requirements, so they can low-ball you when it comes time for an offer. Fact: Honest recruiters are not asking for your salary information so that they can in turn offer you the least amount possible. We ask that question to ensure that we can meet your salary expectations and to verify that you are seeking a position within the organization that is at an appropriate level for your skills and experience while also meeting your financial needs. Another important reason we ask? So, we do not waste your time, the hiring manager’s time or our own time, if we know with certainty that we cannot offer you the salary you require. Myth: Telling a recruiter how much you make will limit what you will be offered. Fact: Reputable organizations will pay you market rate or higher. When we look to hire someone for a role, we WANT to offer them enough to incentivize them. Our goal is to ensure you are being paid fairly and commensurate with your experience. Myth: Wait for an offer to be made, THEN try to get everything you want. Fact: It is helpful for the recruiter to know your requirements and expectations ahead of an offer. This is not only limited to your salary expectation, but also any expectations you have about paid time off, benefits, bonuses, etc. Again, this is not so the recruiter can offer you the bare minimum, but so that they can make you a competitive offer! Leaving all your requests to the end of the process can cause delays and even the potential for the offer to be rescinded. I get it - conversations about salary are uncomfortable at best. No one likes talking about it, but it’s immensely important during the recruiting process. What should you do when the dreaded salary question comes up?
Ultimately, the earlier you have the conversation with a prospective employer about salary, the better off you will be. The recruiting process is a collaboration between candidate and employer. Be open and honest and it will serve you well! By: Megan Peterson In our communication with other people the challenge is "What do I say?", "How do I start the conversation?", or "What will make a good impression?" Many times, we end up asking 'formula' type questions that lead to limited conversation backing us into a 'conversation corner' and ultimately ending the conversation altogether. The responses confirm our worst fears: that we look awkward, uncomfortable, and lame.
The answer to avoiding being backed into a corner - how we ask questions. This can fall into two categories of questions we ask. The first type of question we can ask ends with a response of 'yes' or 'no'. This is called a Closed-Ended Question. We get limited response, information, or conversation from the other person. You receive 'yes' or 'no' for responses. The Closed-Ended questions we are asking can put us into a 'corner' that is difficult to get out of. It begins to sound like your questions are 'nosy' for information and antagonize the conversation resulting in it ending altogether. The second category of questions is called Open-Ended Questions that will make you a very interesting conversationalist. Open-Ended Questions begin with key words of who, what, when, where, why, and how. The two easy favorites that will make you an expert conversationalist are what and how. Questions that begin with 'what' or 'how' allows the other person to speak and expand on your question. You will gather more information, gain more insight, and be easy to talk to! So let's try an example:
Stay out of the 'corners' and be an expert conversationalist with questions that begin with 'what' and 'how'! By: David Hansen It's the night before your formal interview, the one that you have been dying to land; you've known all along exactly what you are going to wear. You've played this scenario over and over in your head and have picked out every detail of your outfit from head-to-toe. You are going to look fabulous!
Your outfit…doesn't…fit. It all comes crashing down when you think you are on top of it by getting your outfit all laid out and trying it on just for good measure so, you know; you don't realize the DAY OF that it doesn't fit. But really, you should have prepped well in advance. In general, today's workplace is more casual than the typical formal interview attire and it may have been a while since you have even worn those pieces. Regardless though if you were on the ball and purchased in advance a brand new outfit for the interview or you find yourself in that last minute scramble; here are some simple tips for helping you dress to feel your best during the interview. (So you can focus on other jitters, like when they ask you "Tell me about yourself." – Just kidding, we've got you covered with that too!) Step 1: Do your homework. When you get the call that a formal in-person interview is being extended, it is ok to ask about the culture and dress code of the workplace. This will help you determine what is appropriate and start you off right to figuring out if pieces you already have can be used or direct you in what you need to purchase. Every employer will be different in what they expect and they don't expect you to already know. Step 2: Keep it simple. Focus on staple pieces like solids and neutral colors; like black, white, gray, navy, or brown for majority of your outfit. This will help you repurpose those pieces in the future and keep the interviewers focus on you (and your rock star answers) during the interview and not your outfit. Dress slacks or chinos, a button up collared shirt, sweater, tie, suit jacket (if formal), and/or a skirt or dress are all typically appropriate; along with coordinating dress shoes that are comfortable and easy to walk in. (Incorporating one statement piece to the outfit such as a tie, necklace or earrings, or a patterned shirt under a solid jacket or sweater can be a nice touch; but you want to be sure those standout pieces are limited.) Step 3: Show up polished and pressed. Make sure that your outfit is clean; free of stains, wrinkles, and is not ripped or tattered. Style your hair in such a way that it will be out of your face and distraction free. Proper hygiene is a must and again will help ensure you feel confident in your outfit. You don't want to be blindsided by that morning's breakfast making a guest appearance in the interview room. Step 4: Let your skills stand out – not your scent. Moderate use of cologne or perfume is ok, but don't let the scent of that takeover and cloud the interview because it filled up the room more so than all of the great conversation around the reasons you are qualified to do that job. Step 5: Put it all together. Give it all a test run. Don't end up in a scenario like how this story kicked off. Coordinate your outfit and try it on (shoes, accessories, even hairstyles included) so that you are prepared for any malfunctions. When in doubt, a good rule of thumb is to always err on the side of being overdressed. You will feel more confident knowing you are dressed for success! If you find yourself still unsure, this overview of common dress codes will help: Business professional: In this environment suits are the norm. Women might typically wear a skirt or pantsuit with heels, and men it is common to wear a blazer or suit jacket, button down shirt, suit pants, a tie, and dress shoes. Business casual: A suit is not needed. Men might consider dress slacks or chinos, a button down or polo shirt, a belt and dress shoes. Women might wear a conservative dress, or a blouse (or sweater) with a skirt or dress pants and dress shoes or boots. Casual: It is still important to look polished and professional. Again, err on the side of being overdressed and go with a business casual outfit. (There will be plenty of time to rock the jeans, tennis shoes, and/or tees when you get the job!) Want more clarity? Check out the '9 Things You Shouldn't Wear to a Job Interview'. By: Allison Stephey You've done it!
You got the call asking you to come in for a face to face interview – you've received the kickoff. You've done your homework and researched the company's website thoroughly – You're at the 50 yard line. You've thought about what behavioral questions could be asked of you, and you've prepared several great examples – The 30 yard line. You've written down a list of questions that you'd like to know more about regarding both the company and position – The 20! You've taken a test drive to see where exactly to park and enter the building – The 10! You've dressed for success, and your confidence is sky high – The 5!! "Thank you for coming in today, please tell us about yourself." – FUMBLE!! As a recruiter, I've seen this time and time again. The deer in the headlights look after the infamous "tell me about yourself" question. Why does such a seemingly harmless question become such a difficult one to answer? Well, we all tend to skip over things we feel like we know well. So in preparation for an interview, it is easy to tell yourself, "I'll know what to say when they ask me this question – because who knows me better than me?" When you take this approach, you are doing yourself a huge disservice. Here's why. This is your first chance to make an impression and essentially set the tone for the interview. You can either set a positive, well-meaning tone that impresses the interviewer(s) and make them more interested in you, or you can fumble the question entirely and have to work your way back up. Here is a possible scenario: Manager: "So, tell me about yourself." You: "Oh boy, where do I start?" (As if you never knew that the interviewer would ever ask such a tricky question). Well… (INTERNAL DIALOGUE - where do I start, where do I start? Let's see - do I go back to where I'm from or where my first job was? OK, I grew up 40 miles away from here in a small community, wait a minute, how is that relevant? No, I'm not going to start there. How about a touching story about my first dog, Buddy – WHY WOULD I SAY THAT!? No….maybe that is good. Now I'm starting to get emotional about Buddy, I miss him so much! Wait a minute, what was the question again?) OK – so that is an extreme scenario, but hopefully you get the point. Things can start spiraling quickly if you're not prepared to answer that question. Brace yourself because I'm going to share some outrageously powerful advice and insight. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. As an interviewer, this is a way to see how the candidate communicates. Every interviewer is different, hiring managers are all looking for different things and they all have different personalities, so there is not a singular correct response. If you follow the below guidelines however, you will at least set yourself up well for the rest of the interview.
Touchdown! You're now ready to answer the 'tell me about yourself' question. Now keep going, win the game, and get the job! Good luck! By: George Moore 'Twas the night before the interview and all through your brain, ran thoughts of anxiety – will they think I am lame? You want to be prepared but aren't sure what to do. Follow these simple tips and you will breeze right through!
GROWMARK Recruiting wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday season! By: Beth Fannin It's 4:00 a.m. on Black Friday and you are up with the rest of the other manic shoppers trying to be first in line to get that hot gift of the season at a remarkably low price. There you are, face pressed up against the glass just hoping for a chance with hundreds of people behind you hoping for the same. The doors open and everyone starts pouring in, but you find out that hot gift you have been looking for is sold out so the store gives you a rain check. Before you know it, New Year's rolls around and you still haven't heard anything.
Looking for a new job can be just like Black Friday. You spend hours of your time prepping, revising your resume, and hoping you beat out all the other hopefuls. You hold your breath and hit submit on the application and then…..nothing. It's frustrating and you have to wonder if you are the latest victim of the HR black hole. You know, the one where you submit an application and hear nothing back. What can you do?
By: Megan Peterson Hello! Welcome to the GROWMARK, Inc. Talent Management blog. We have a mission to improve transparency between the recruiting and training teams and the public. In an effort to improve our communication to the outside world, we have created this blog. Here are a few topics you can expect to find on our blog in the future months to come:
By: Tori Streitmatter |
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