Meet You At The Fair

Well, gang, it’s that time of year again… Do you feel the buzz in the air? It’s the buzz of opportunity. Of excitement. And, also, it’s the buzz of hundreds of conversations taking place simultaneously between employers and candidates all around this great country.

This week kicks off career fair season for most of us in the campus recruiting universe. I have talked before about the importance of first impressions, and for many candidates, employer introductions take place at the career fair. As Protiviti packs up its brochures and giveaways and sets up shop on campus, I’d like to share my advice for a successful interaction when we meet, as we are bound to.

Top 5 Ways to Ensure A Successful Career Fair Meeting

5) Go Early

Let’s face it, Career Fair Day is a long one for people on both sides of the table. The earlier you are able to visit the companies that you are most interested in, the better. If the career fair takes place in the morning, it may be necessary to wait 20 minutes until the coffee kicks in for optimum conversation value (I’m only kind of joking about this). If the fair is over 4 hours or ends after 6pm, don’t show up at the tail end, as employers will be distracted from your conversation due to blistering heels and boxes that need packing. We want you to want our full attention.

4) Have a Plan

Research the companies who are attending your career fair and the types of positions they are offering. In addition, and just as important, be sure to reflect on your interests and preferences to understand how they might match up with available opportunities. It’s important to be able to tell an employer what you are interested in and why. We want to know what you are looking for and why we might be a fit for your aspirations.

3) Have Your Resume Handy…

I will ask for it if you don’t have it ready when we meet. Recruiters love nothing more than a good resume (again, only kind of joking). Your resume is the perfect souvenir from a good introductory conversation. When we look at it after you have gone, we will say “Oh, right, I remember that this was a great candidate.” You went to all of the trouble to self-edit and attend resume review sessions to create the ultimate page-long expression of your achievements. We want to take a good long look at it. (If it is more than a page long, do not get me started…)

2) … But Don’t Read Straight From Your Resume

During the actual whirlwind discussion, I will likely only glance at your resume a few times for formality’s sake. Later on, I will read through resumes so closely that I often recall an individual’s fraternity, previous internship, or my favorite, “Hobbies and Interests”, when he or she arrives for an interview. During the initial greeting, however, I am more interested in talking with you and having a conversation outside of the bullets. Which leads me to my final point…

1) Engage Us In a Conversation

I think I speak for recruiters everywhere when I say that we love to talk. We also love to listen and gather details about a potential candidate. Our happy place is being engaged in an energetic conversation with an interested (and interesting) individual. For us, the next person to visit our booth might be our next superstar hire, and we enjoy our jobs most when we are experiencing that introduction. So don’t hold back when you visit our table. We love a good chat!



See you soon!
- Bridget

Backpack to Briefcase Revealed

As a campus recruiter, I have a vested interest in every hire that we make. While an experienced hire may take a matter of weeks to go from initial resume review to offer negotiation, campus recruiting is a lengthy process. At many schools, I meet interested candidates when they are freshmen or sophomores, and I keep in touch with them over the course of a few years. By the time a student joins Protiviti as an intern or entry-level consultant, I often know everything from nicknames, to favorite travel destinations, to how they would answer the eternal question: “Cubs or Sox?”.

With that much time and effort invested in a hire, you can understand my interest in their progress and development once on board. Many times, they stop by to catch up during the odd day in the office, or they send emails to check in. I have seen them present at office meetings and get promoted to new levels, and I must admit that I always feel a sense of pride. Previously in this blog, I mentioned some of the reasons why I love my job - ultimately there is nothing more rewarding than watching our campus hires succeed.

A great example of this is last Friday, when the Chicago office hosted a job shadow event for a group of students from the University of Illinois. Many alumni were involved in the planning and execution of this event, but none more so than Julian, a former intern who returned as a full-time consultant last fall. Julian coordinated the day’s agenda from start to finish, delivering the overview presentation and leading a case study. Watching Julian, it was funny to think about how, not very long ago, he was one of those visiting students, and how much he has evolved as a consultant and a professional… A great “full circle” moment for a recruiter like me, and hopefully for a campus hire like Julian as well.

- Bridget

Protiv-olutions

This may seem late to some, but I consider it right on time, as it is the first day back to work here in Corporate America. To acknowledge the fresh start that all of us can enjoy so early on in a new year, I asked several Protiviti professionals about their resolutions for 2010.

Many have goals of the sporting variety, like Samantha and Vijan (both Consultants), who plan to train for a marathon, or Glenn (Consultant), who joined a gym “to help keep the ‘Protiviti 15’ away.” Others, like Mike (Associate Director), plan to give more through volunteer work. Still more resolutions hinted at other changes, such as Nicole (Manager), who will “never return from a vacation without having my next one planned,” or Jennie (Manager), who vows to forgive and say “I’m sorry” more often. In a response that made my bookworm heart sing, Joe (Senior Consultant) resolves to read two novels “for fun” each month.

But my favorite response came from Sharon Lindstrom, a Managing Director here in Chicago. “I have to admit that I don’t have ‘resolutions’ per se,” Sharon explains, “but I like to come up with a theme every year – something very short and easy to remember.” The theme drives her actions and keeps her on task. A recent example is the theme of “Stretch,” which enabled her to strive for more successes, both personally and professionally.

What would your theme be? If I were to establish my own theme for 2010, it might be something like “Take.” This sounds more selfish than I would like, because I do mean “Take” in the most positive of ways… to take advantage of opportunities to try new things, to take more time to appreciate the moment, to take lessons away from mistakes or disappointments. And maybe also to take each day for what it is – a chance to do more and do better. Happy new year to all!



- Bridget