How to Stand Out to Students at Campus Career Fairs
Whether this is your first or one hundred and first campus career fair, you may find you have a hard time standing out to students. After all, there are hundreds of booths there, but students aren’t flocking to yours despite having a great company that you really believe in. How are you supposed to catch the students’ eyes? Here are the best ways to stand out to students at campus career fairs.
Research the Audience
Traditionally, you should research your candidates before interviewing them. While you do not have access to any resumes or names preventing you from looking up specific candidates, you can still do your research. Instead, research the school. What type of school is it and what types of students do they have? While there is no single identifier for all the students on campus and attending the career fair, it can still help you get a good idea of their personality and values. This way, you can relate to them more as you talk and get them interested knowing there are like-minded people at your company.
For example, does this school consider sustainability one of its core values? Chances are, students attending that school also care about sustainability. To stand out to those students, present information on how sustainable your company is, such as the lack of single-use plastics. This may mean you need to have different tactics and information based on the campus you are attending. Career fairs are not a ‘one size fits all’ scenario.
Have an “Elevator Pitch” Ready
Keep in mind that these students are going to hear a lot of spiels and information throughout their time at the career fair, so you need to pitch yourself and your company quickly while getting all of the important details out in the open. This way, they will stop in their tracks to talk to you more.
An elevator pitch is supposed to be short, as it gets its name for the time it takes to ride up in an elevator. You introduce yourself and your company in that succinct moment. Practice writing and memorizing your elevator pitches to get the best one. Practice on your coworkers to see if you get the best information in, or if you are including unnecessary information. Forgo a “Hi, how are you?” and jump right into the good stuff.
Now, you are planned and ready to speak to all the students passing by your booth. When you have an interesting and enticing pitch, students are more likely to stick around to see what else you have to say and offer.
Your Booth Should Stand Out
Another way to stand out is with the presentation of your table or booth. There are a lot of plain cardboard trifolds with small text on them which do not end up catching the students’ attention. Instead, use your space to your advantage and do as much as you can to interest those attendees walking by and set your company up a step above everyone else. Some of the best examples include playing videos, interactive games, and branded giveaways. More often than not, the students will stop to see what your booth is all about, just because of how interesting it is and how there is more to do than just chat!
For instance, offer a chance to spin a wheel to win something such as a T-shirt, a water bottle, or other merchandise with your company’s logo. Students cannot resist free things! Since they’re waiting for their chance to spin or play, strike up a conversation to hear about them and their career goals and even ask some great interview questions.
Be Approachable
One of the biggest mistakes made by recruiters at career fairs is not being approachable enough to the students. They are doing work or only talking to their colleagues. Instead, be proactive and friendly! Have a smile on your face so students do not feel intimidated by you and feel comfortable enough to speak with you. Remember that they are students in a room of hundreds of professionals and this can determine the next step in their life. This is an extremely nerve-wracking situation!
Follow Up
Lastly, after speaking with these students and presenting your company, follow up with the best ones the day after the career fair. This should not be a boring copy and paste to every student, but rather something personalized. Call back to your conversation the day prior and think about the most memorable part of it. Perhaps you had a similar hobby, mutual connections, or were inspired by their hardworking nature and passion.
By following up so soon, you and your company are still fresh in their mind, so they can easily connect the email to the face and experience at the career fair. In addition to that, you are ensuring that you are early and do not get beat by other companies jumping at the chance to hire them.