Speaking with Recruiters at a Career Fair - Interview Skills

Summary

This video script contrasts two student-recruiter interactions at a career fair. The first example illustrates poor engagement with a recruiter, marked by the student's lack of preparation, confidence, and research. The second example demonstrates a successful approach, where the student is well-prepared, engages in meaningful conversation, asks insightful questions, and shows interest in the company. The video emphasizes the importance of making a strong first impression and effective communication skills in career fair settings.

Takeaways

• 😣 Avoid showing anxiety or negative thoughts during a career fair interaction as it can leave a poor impression.
• 📢 Speak clearly and confidently to ensure the recruiter can hear you over the noise of the fair.
• 👋 Introduce yourself professionally and mention your educational background and relevant experience.
• 🔍 Do your homework by researching the company and its open positions before the interaction.
• 💡 Show interest in the company's projects and how your skills align with their needs.
• 🙅‍♀️ Don't rush through your introduction; engage in a two-way conversation rather than a monologue.
• 🤔 Ask open-ended questions to keep the conversation flowing and demonstrate your interest.
• 📝 Be prepared to discuss how your past experiences are relevant to the position you're interested in.
• 🚫 Refrain from discussing sponsorship too early; let the recruiter bring it up if appropriate.
• 🤝 Make a good first impression with confident body language, eye contact, and a firm handshake.
• 📇 Always ask for a business card to facilitate follow-up communication with the recruiter.

Q & A

What was the main issue with the student's initial interaction with the recruiter?

The student lacked confidence and excitement, slouched instead of standing tall, spoke softly, and did not make eye contact, which created a bad first impression.

Why was the student's approach to discussing her experience ineffective?

The student recited her experiences in a monologue without engaging in a two-way conversation, which made the interaction feel rushed and awkward.

What did the student fail to do before approaching the recruiter?

The student did not research the company or the open positions ahead of time, which showed a lack of preparation for the conversation.

How did the recruiter perceive the student's initial interaction?

The recruiter found the student's interaction forgettable, as she was not engaging, did not share relevant skills, and did not make eye contact.

What mistake did the student make regarding the topic of sponsorship?

The student brought up the subject of sponsorship too early in the conversation, rather than waiting for a natural opportunity to discuss it.

How did the student improve her approach in the second interaction with the recruiter?

The student improved by standing confidently, making eye contact, speaking clearly, and asking open-ended questions to keep the conversation going.

What specific skills did the student mention in her second interaction that were relevant to the position?

The student mentioned being detail-oriented and good with numbers, which are specific skills relevant to the logistics position.

What was the recruiter's response when the student asked about the projects she would be involved in?

The recruiter explained that the focus would be on shortening the time from order placement to delivery, with a primary emphasis on international shipments.

What additional information did the recruiter provide about the internship opportunity?

The recruiter mentioned that interns would participate in professional workshops focused on communication, leadership development, and new software implementation.

How did the student ensure proper follow-up after the interaction?

The student asked for the recruiter's business card to facilitate future communication and follow-up on any questions she might have.

What advice does the video provide for students regarding the discussion of sponsorship with recruiters?

The video advises students not to assume that recruiters know everything about sponsorship and to wait for a natural opportunity to discuss it, being prepared to discuss personal work authorization specifics.