BEFORE THE EVENT
Do Your Research
Research the firm to develop an understanding of their business, what types of opportunities they offer, and what they look for in prospective staff. At the very least, visit their website to get the basics. Other good resources are career guides such as Vault
Campus (available through Kresge Library’s A-Z Database).
Prepare Your Resume
Print multiple copies.
Practice Introducing Yourself
• Prepare your Elevator Pitch to introduce yourself (see Elevator Pitch on page 26). Say something that will make you memorable, and say it with a smile and with enthusiasm! • Be prepared to adjust your pitch to suit a particular firm/position. • End your pitch with a question about the firm.
Dress for Success
• For career fairs, dress as if you were going to an interview. A suit is generally recommended. For Networking Hours and Business over Bagels at Ross, business casual is usually fine.
• Understand the typical dress for the industry hosting the event when choosing your attire; when in doubt, overdress.
• See page 21 for more professional dress tips.
What to Take
• Ross School of Business nametag on your right lapel. • Portfolio to keep copies of your resume, paper, and pen. • Mints or breath strips.
• Laptops or tablets should be left at home or out of sight. Turn off your cell phone. Remember, you are at a networking event to learn about a company and make connections, so avoid distractions that will make you seem unprofessional.
DON’T FORGET!
DURING THE EVENT
• Arrive on time, but not so early that the firm is still setting up the event, as this can be awkward for representatives. • Join a group conversation that has already started by
confidently finding a place in the circle, then listen and wait for a natural pause in the conversation or for the recruiter to turn their attention to you before introducing yourself. While this may feel slightly uncomfortable at first, you will get used to it; recruiters are already used to it, and it’s far better than “lurking” behind a group of students actively engaged in a conversation and waiting for them to leave.
• Smile, make eye contact, shake hands, and look at the recruiter’s name tag.
• Introduce yourself using your elevator pitch if you are in a one-on-one situation.
• Ask appropriate, genuine, and targeted questions such as: — How he or she became interested in the company. — On what have employees/past interns worked? — The hiring process.
• Keep the conversation positive and professional (e.g., don’t complain about the weather or how busy you are).
• Avoid potentially sensitive topics such as politics or negative news about the firm.
• Do not make the conversation all about you. Show an interest in the other person, demonstrate genuine curiosity, and look for common ground.
• Gracefully exit the conversation.
— Wait for a natural pause in the conversation, make eye contact with the recruiter, then excuse yourself, thanking the recruiter for the conversation and shaking hands, if possible. Do not just slink away without saying anything. — Ask for a business card. (If there isn’t one, make sure to
note their name.)
• Be friendly to everyone at the event, not just the recruiters; people notice — even when you don’t think they are looking. In addition, while recruiting is frequently a very competitive process, be sure to focus 100% on making a good impression by presenting your best self and by helping others look good. • Be respectful of the company representatives and your fellow
students. Do not dominate a conversation, but instead allow oth- ers to speak as well. Open up the conversation circle to let others join. Be mindful not to take up too much of any one representa- tive’s time. Ask a few thoughtful questions and then move on. • Do not use a “buddy system” at recruiting events. Instead,
demonstrate your interpersonal skills and outgoing nature by independently striking up conversations.
• Think of food as a bonus and eat after you’ve had the opportunity to speak with recruiters. Remember, your priority at presentations is to gain contacts.
• Jot down a few notes about the conversation afterwards. These notes will help you in following up and/or in evaluating your interest.
AFTER THE EVENT
• Email recruiters and thank them for coming and taking the time to speak with you.
— Refer briefly in your note to a specific and unique point you discussed; recruiters will have met a lot of students and will appreciate your helping them remember who you are. — Attach a soft copy (PDF) of your resume, or include a link
to your LinkedIn profile in your signature block. — Don’t expect a reply to a thank-you note. You may
follow up again later with the company with an update on your status and/or a request for a one-one-one informa- tional interview.
• Follow through on any commitments you may have made with a company and/or take the next steps; e.g., apply online. Follow up on any advice you received from a recruiter.
SPECIFIC NETWORKING SITUATIONS
Career Fairs
• Determine which companies participating in the fair you would like to target, and make a plan. Have a list of your top 15 companies. Know basic facts about these firms. Do more specific research on your top five firms.
• Be sure to pick up a map and directory of the fair upon arrival. Walk around and observe the length of lines at your top com- panies; adjust your plan as needed.
Dinners
• Select mid-priced items if dining in a situation where you have a choice of menu items.
• Avoid foods that are difficult to eat, may cause a mess, or get stuck in your teeth.
• Do not starve yourself before a corporate dinner event. Remember that the primary purpose of the event is to get to know the prospective employer and the secondary purpose is to eat.
• Avoid consuming alcohol even if you are over 21 and it is offered. You want to represent yourself in a positive,
professional manner.
Emails
• Use an appropriate salutation (e.g., “Dear______,”) and closing (“Kind regards,_____”) with business contacts and faculty. • Make your subject line clear and meaningful to the recipient. • Include brief information about yourself (e.g., a reminder of
prior correspondence). • Be concise and to the point.
• Use a signature block that includes your email address and phone number.
• Understand that it may take a day or two for recruiters to respond to requests.
32 | www.bus.umich.edu/myiMpact/Career.aspx