Our advice for a successful job fair
30 November 2010
Read by 2041 persons
The recruitment fair season is starting. For our Top Engineers and Top Fi events, here are 8 tips to help you land a job.
1/ THE RIGHT FAIR
Choose your job fairs carefully. Nothing is worse than wasting half a day in a huge hall with very few companies. To make the right choice, first find out about the quality of the companies present. "If you go to a specialized "consulting" fair, check that the big names in the sector are there," recommends the Orientation and Career department of the HEC group. Then, target fairs that have been around for a while. Some have existed for over ten years; this is a sign of seriousness. You should also consider how the fair is promoted in France and abroad: does it advertise in major newspapers, or does it rely on student newsletters? Also visit the website for the event. If it's a serious fair, the website will provide all the information you need.
You can also check (though a little late) the booklet of companies present. Any good fair should provide this to visitors.
2/ TARGET COMPANY
Go to a fair knowing which companies you will meet. Position yourself as someone who will provide a service to the company. A fair is prepared for just like a job interview. For example: don't arrive without precise knowledge of the activities and news of the company where you want to apply. Each fair provides specific ways to get information about the companies present.
To argue your case with recruiters, you need to think about your professional desires and expectations beforehand. Once you've done this, you'll need to know exactly why you're attending the fair and what you're looking for, particularly in terms of job roles. Do you want to be a software developer, a lawyer, or a quality engineer? The answer must be clear. This work must be done before the fair. Get the fair guide to target the companies you will approach. Your time will be limited. Don't waste precious minutes meeting companies you're not interested in. Targeting about ten companies is sufficient.
Create a plan of action. Answer these two questions: Which sectors interest me most? Which companies do I want to work for?
A fair lets you assess your suitability for a company. It's about confirming that the company's offer matches what you seek. You need to ensure the company is right for you, and convince them you're the right person to hire. Explain why they should hire you. Highlight your achievements, strengths, and passions.
3/ THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Ask recruiters questions. What does the role of branch manager involve in your company? What are the different roles of a financial analyst in your organization? What are the day-to-day tasks of an assistant product manager or site manager in your company? Companies value candidates who show interest in their roles. This shows motivation and curiosity, which is a good sign. Experts agree: the fair is primarily for information exchange.
Talk to as many people as possible, recruiters, alumni, or other job seekers. Discuss with your friends, at lunchtime for example. They can share "tips" such as good stands or afternoon conferences. Good fairs organize conferences on specific topics: the best training for certain jobs, salaries in different sectors. Attend these, as they are an invaluable source of information. You can ask questions and get answers from independent experts. This will enrich your knowledge and help you understand your chosen sector, job, and role better. This will help you better negotiate your future salary and interview better.
4/ APPROPRIATE CLOTHING
The question of clothing is not really a question anymore. Everyone knows a minimum is expected. "It's a matter of politeness," recruiters say. "We don't want graduates to be conformist, but there's a minimum: being shaved, wearing clean clothes, etc." Your outfit should match your personality and the company and sector you are interested in. If applying for a video game company, some creativity is acceptable. For consulting or banking, stick to a suit (men) or a business suit (women). Your interlocutors would not understand any other outfit. If in doubt, dress neutrally. Your clothes should match the recruiter's, but don't overdo it. Stay natural.
5/ ARRIVAL TIME
Arrive early. If it lasts several days, be there on the first day. Hundreds of candidates will be doing the same. Arriving at 9:30, when the fair opens, is not necessary; give recruiters half an hour to prepare. Arrive early; they're more receptive in the morning than later. They're more likely to be at their stand in the morning than at lunchtime or during conferences.
Bring enough CVs (or more) for each company. If you've shortlisted companies, you know exactly who you will contact. Write a specific cover letter, only given if the conversation goes well. Bring a notepad to take notes during your meetings.
6/ HUMILITY
A fair is a chance to "sell" yourself. An arrogant or aggressive attitude is not welcome. "Be clear, direct... but not pretentious," suggests a recruiter who attends around 30 French fairs a year.
How you approach the interview and hand over your CV is about courtesy. Don't just put your CV on the table without comment, or disregard the recruiter's time. The rules are the same as in a regular interview: listen and ask relevant questions. Be curious and natural. Don't try to impress or say yes to everything.
7/ (GOOD) QUESTIONS TO ASK
Prepare questions to ask recruiters. Here are some key topics: What are the specific tasks of a management controller, a key account manager (etc.) in their first week, month, and six months?
What tasks will they perform in the first month, quarter, and year?
What are your company's projects in the coming months and years?
Your company was successful last year; what was the impact?
What are the career progression opportunities for someone like me?
What has been your career path in the company?
What leads to professional promotion in your company?
8/ FEEDBACK AND COMPANY FOLLOW-UP
Conversations with recruiters are an invaluable source of information. Be open. If things don't go well, try to turn things around. Acknowledge any mistakes and explain why. Always ask at the end what the recruiter thought of your presentation. Hearing the truth is difficult, but it helps correct mistakes. If you interviewed with a recruitment firm, use the consultant as an ally. This feedback helps you correct flaws. It shows your weaknesses, but also your ability to learn and adapt, making you seem more likeable, open, and sensitive—qualities companies look for.
After the fair, contact the companies you connected with. You have the email addresses of recruiters you liked and who liked you. Companies forget quickly, so remind them. Recruiters meet many people. True motivation is in following up, sending an email after a week to ask about your application and restate your interest. And arrange a follow-up interview.
Published October 5, 2010
Posted online October 30, 2010
emploi-pro.fr
1/ THE RIGHT FAIR
Choose your job fairs carefully. Nothing is worse than wasting half a day in a huge hall with very few companies. To make the right choice, first find out about the quality of the companies present. "If you go to a specialized "consulting" fair, check that the big names in the sector are there," recommends the Orientation and Career department of the HEC group. Then, target fairs that have been around for a while. Some have existed for over ten years; this is a sign of seriousness. You should also consider how the fair is promoted in France and abroad: does it advertise in major newspapers, or does it rely on student newsletters? Also visit the website for the event. If it's a serious fair, the website will provide all the information you need.
You can also check (though a little late) the booklet of companies present. Any good fair should provide this to visitors.
2/ TARGET COMPANY
Go to a fair knowing which companies you will meet. Position yourself as someone who will provide a service to the company. A fair is prepared for just like a job interview. For example: don't arrive without precise knowledge of the activities and news of the company where you want to apply. Each fair provides specific ways to get information about the companies present.
To argue your case with recruiters, you need to think about your professional desires and expectations beforehand. Once you've done this, you'll need to know exactly why you're attending the fair and what you're looking for, particularly in terms of job roles. Do you want to be a software developer, a lawyer, or a quality engineer? The answer must be clear. This work must be done before the fair. Get the fair guide to target the companies you will approach. Your time will be limited. Don't waste precious minutes meeting companies you're not interested in. Targeting about ten companies is sufficient.
Create a plan of action. Answer these two questions: Which sectors interest me most? Which companies do I want to work for?
A fair lets you assess your suitability for a company. It's about confirming that the company's offer matches what you seek. You need to ensure the company is right for you, and convince them you're the right person to hire. Explain why they should hire you. Highlight your achievements, strengths, and passions.
3/ THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Ask recruiters questions. What does the role of branch manager involve in your company? What are the different roles of a financial analyst in your organization? What are the day-to-day tasks of an assistant product manager or site manager in your company? Companies value candidates who show interest in their roles. This shows motivation and curiosity, which is a good sign. Experts agree: the fair is primarily for information exchange.
Talk to as many people as possible, recruiters, alumni, or other job seekers. Discuss with your friends, at lunchtime for example. They can share "tips" such as good stands or afternoon conferences. Good fairs organize conferences on specific topics: the best training for certain jobs, salaries in different sectors. Attend these, as they are an invaluable source of information. You can ask questions and get answers from independent experts. This will enrich your knowledge and help you understand your chosen sector, job, and role better. This will help you better negotiate your future salary and interview better.
4/ APPROPRIATE CLOTHING
The question of clothing is not really a question anymore. Everyone knows a minimum is expected. "It's a matter of politeness," recruiters say. "We don't want graduates to be conformist, but there's a minimum: being shaved, wearing clean clothes, etc." Your outfit should match your personality and the company and sector you are interested in. If applying for a video game company, some creativity is acceptable. For consulting or banking, stick to a suit (men) or a business suit (women). Your interlocutors would not understand any other outfit. If in doubt, dress neutrally. Your clothes should match the recruiter's, but don't overdo it. Stay natural.
5/ ARRIVAL TIME
Arrive early. If it lasts several days, be there on the first day. Hundreds of candidates will be doing the same. Arriving at 9:30, when the fair opens, is not necessary; give recruiters half an hour to prepare. Arrive early; they're more receptive in the morning than later. They're more likely to be at their stand in the morning than at lunchtime or during conferences.
Bring enough CVs (or more) for each company. If you've shortlisted companies, you know exactly who you will contact. Write a specific cover letter, only given if the conversation goes well. Bring a notepad to take notes during your meetings.
6/ HUMILITY
A fair is a chance to "sell" yourself. An arrogant or aggressive attitude is not welcome. "Be clear, direct... but not pretentious," suggests a recruiter who attends around 30 French fairs a year.
How you approach the interview and hand over your CV is about courtesy. Don't just put your CV on the table without comment, or disregard the recruiter's time. The rules are the same as in a regular interview: listen and ask relevant questions. Be curious and natural. Don't try to impress or say yes to everything.
7/ (GOOD) QUESTIONS TO ASK
Prepare questions to ask recruiters. Here are some key topics: What are the specific tasks of a management controller, a key account manager (etc.) in their first week, month, and six months?
What tasks will they perform in the first month, quarter, and year?
What are your company's projects in the coming months and years?
Your company was successful last year; what was the impact?
What are the career progression opportunities for someone like me?
What has been your career path in the company?
What leads to professional promotion in your company?
8/ FEEDBACK AND COMPANY FOLLOW-UP
Conversations with recruiters are an invaluable source of information. Be open. If things don't go well, try to turn things around. Acknowledge any mistakes and explain why. Always ask at the end what the recruiter thought of your presentation. Hearing the truth is difficult, but it helps correct mistakes. If you interviewed with a recruitment firm, use the consultant as an ally. This feedback helps you correct flaws. It shows your weaknesses, but also your ability to learn and adapt, making you seem more likeable, open, and sensitive—qualities companies look for.
After the fair, contact the companies you connected with. You have the email addresses of recruiters you liked and who liked you. Companies forget quickly, so remind them. Recruiters meet many people. True motivation is in following up, sending an email after a week to ask about your application and restate your interest. And arrange a follow-up interview.
Published October 5, 2010
Posted online October 30, 2010
emploi-pro.fr
