Connect with employers in person
Whether you're looking for a full-time, part-time, summer or internship position—reaching out to employers is a great way to find out about opportunities. Two great ways to connect with employers is via informational interviews or attending employer recruitment activities at the Career Centre!
Informational Interviews
If you'd like to find out more about a field, an organization, or a specific occupation, one of the best ways to get information is directly from the source! By conducting an informational interview, you can connect with somebody who is doing the job you're interested in or who works for an organization you'd like to learn more about. The great thing about informational interviews is that you're not asking for a job, so you can ask questions that might not be appropriate in an employment interview. For example, “What do you dislike the most about your job?” or “What do you wish you had done differently when first starting out at this company?” To find out more about informational interviewing and to get some ideas about questions to ask, check out our tip sheets below.
Informational Interviewing Tip Sheet
Recruitment Information Sessions and Events
Employer Recruitment Sessions are a great way to learn about a particular company and its hiring needs and connect with employers who can answer your questions about their organization’s culture, career opportunities, what skills and experience they’re seeking and how you can apply.
Employer and Alumni Panels
Panels are a great way to get information about a particular field or to find out about hiring practices at different organizations. There are always opportunities to network with the panelists afterwards.
Career Fairs
Career Fairs is a great way to meet a range of employers in an exhibition-like setting to learn more about organizations and their employment opportunities. A career fair is a professional event and it's important that you make a positive first impression if you hope to attract the attention of a potential employer. It's recommended that you:
- dress professionally;
- bring updated copies of your resumé (some employers accept resumés during the fair so it's best to be prepared);
- be ready to discuss your interest in the organization and how you would be a good fit for a position there.
How the Career Centre can help you prepare for a career fair:
- Employers may choose to do a "mini interview" on the spot as they screen for potential candidates to invite for a more formal interview later, so make sure you've practiced your Interview skills prior to attending.
- Knowing how to approach an employer, shake hands, make eye contact and start a conversation is a must. The Stand Out At Interviews & Networking Events workshop can help to make sure you're well prepared and feeling confident while speaking with employers at any career fair.
- If your resumé needs polishing prior to attending a career fair, register for the Resumé & Cover Letter Writing workshop.
Career Fair Resources
Tips for getting the most out of career fairs : Check out the video and tips on what to do before, during and after a career fair.
Find notices for other career fairs in most local newspapers or on the external events page of the Career Centre website.
How to Prepare for a Job Fair/Career Fair: This list of tips from Virginia Tech will help you get the most out of your next career fair by letting you know how to prepare, what to bring, and how to conduct yourself with career fair employers.
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