10 ways to wow job-fair recruiters

I just wanted to respond to Alan’s comment. It might be biased to base first impressions on eye contact and firm handshakes; however, we are hiring employees to work in THIS culture. If someone does not display qualities and traits that you or your clients value, then they are probably not going to do well for you. Professionals are self-aware individuals who have the ability to adapt to the conditions around them.

The most important thing a person can do for themselves when looking for a job, is to write down EXACTLY what you want. The type of company, its benefits, career molbility, LOCATION - what your commute will be etc. Once you know those things and you are honest about a job will follow. That is how I found my current job and I love it.

Does judging an applicant’s worth on firm handshakes violate ADA guidelines? Confidence level and eye contact is biased toward American values thus violating EEO guidelines on national origin. Sorry, I just taught the sections on HRM and perceptual biases.

I have worked as a corporate recruiter for 22 years. I have always found the “firm handshake” to be a particularly worthless indicator. I base my decisions on relevant work experience and knowledge. Think about it - any moron can grip your hand.

At one conference w/a big job market I waa having coffee at the hotel snack
bar. The person sitting next to me
said Hello. We started talking. He
indicated some interest. A little later I met him at the job market and
details were discussed. A few days later I got a telegram stating my
offer had been acceptedL May, 1969.
The job was great while it lasted
(2 1/2 years).

Attending another conference with a
job market, I began speaking with one
of the recruiters for candidates into
the doctoral program at his college.
He was very convincing. I remember a
few days later driving all night to
get my application in. The program
included an Instructor in Business
position as well as waiver of tuition
and fees. Prior to meeting Dr. G.
I had not even been considering going
after a doctorate, March 1984.

It seems the inquirer has his priorities a bit skewed. I recommend taking time off work to do a really good job at the fair. In the long run, it has a better NPV!

I was recruited at a job fair and have been working with the company for a year. Firm handshake is a must, and look your best. Definitely confidence, and poise. You know you best, so it should be easy to talk about yourself, but you must do some homework before the fair and research the companies. Here’s a neat trick: If they have information online about their managers with names and photos, especially the recruiting manager, if you introduce yourself, and use their name, it’s huge. That’s my secret, and it worked for me. Might seem small, but powerful! Try it.

When recruiting at a job fair I look for general appearance, a firm hand shake, eye contact, and a voice I can hear over the typical din of a job fair first. After that I want to see confidence; then I get into the specifics of the candidates education and experiences.

A firm handshake is mandatory. Not bone-crushing and definitely not dead fish. The handshake tells a lot about the candidate.

I received a job offer after meeting a recruiter at a job fair (and have been with that employer now over 11 years). I wasn’t a new graduate when I attended the job fair but I was transitioning careers and changing industries. I think what helped me stand out from the other new graduates was the proven skills I demonstrated in my prior job. I was able to clearly describe those skills to the recruiter and how those same skills were transferable to their industry. It worked for me.