When we were taking employers back to the parking garage to
get their cars after the Career Expo last Thursday, we decided to ask them to
give us some feedback about the event.
Never at a loss for words, they gave us lots! I decided that it’s much more appropriate to
share this information with job seekers rather than keep it to myself, so here
it is…
·
Students who prepared (researched the employer
and the positions available) stood out.
·
Employers were VERY impressed by students who
included their elevator pitches as part of their conversation and not just a
“brain dump.”
·
Students who are under-dressed or under-prepared
are not taken seriously.
·
Although students may see the career fair as
information gathering, nearly all employers view it as a first step in the
interview process.
We also asked whether they wanted to see a cover letter with
an application. Answers were varied but
the most common was, “It depends.” That
being said, they agreed that the most effective cover letter was short and
sweet—tell why you want that particular job and that particular company and include
the skills, abilities, and aptitudes that make you a good candidate. General cover letters (“I’m a motivated
self-starter and I think your company looks interesting.”) ensure that the attached
resume doesn't get read.
Although the advice from employers doesn't differ from what
we in Career Services advise, it’s always worth asking—and doubly worth
sharing!
