It literally is a race…for employers. A race to find, meet and hire the best students in their industry before the competition and before the end of the year. I’ve been through this process many times and it can be an exhausting process for both student and employer. Companies big and small pour onto campus looking for those soon-to-be graduates that will bring a fresh face and new ideas to their organization.

As a student, it seems as though the ball is in your court. After all these employers are coming to your campus looking for you. Just remember there is always another student on campus waiting to take your place in line. Your classmate or even your friend could become your competition. Some things to remember as you prepare to meet these employers at events on your campus.

• Research the company prior to attending an event. You of course want to know a little bit about the company before you meet their representatives. Although you don’t want to sound like an ad for the company or like you’re just regurgitating what you read the night before on the company website. Just remember key information that you found interesting that you can discuss during the interview process.
• Dress appropriately for the company event you are attending. If you’re not sure how to dress don’t be afraid to ask. These types of questions are not uncommon. Asking the question is better than showing up and having your attire detract from your skills and abilities.
• A recruiter will have many conversations with students at events or prior to interview sessions and it may start to feel like you’re talking to a friend, your buddy…well you’re not. You may become buddies after you’re hired. Prior to that be careful about divulging too much information or information that could potentially be viewed as negative. I had a candidate respond to a question by telling a fellow recruiter and I that outside of class she just liked to go out and drink and party every night. This was during a casual conversation and it’s probably typical college student behavior but this could make me think “Well if she gets hired will this behavior affect her ability to make it to work each morning and will she come hung over?” She could merely have responded by stating “I like spending my free time hanging out with my friends.” Anything else can be TMI (too much information).
• Remember when the interview starts! After an interview, it is not uncommon to ask staff that met the candidate for their feedback. This could mean individuals that didn’t interview you but that you met during your interview process like the individual that you worked with to make your travel arrangements to the employer’s office location. This kind of feedback can give an employer a little more insight into your character when you think you’re not being watched.
• If you are traveling to an interview and the company put you up in a nice hotel with a comfy bed. The kind of bed that makes you sleep like a baby. Enjoy the rest but remember to set the alarm on the clock, on your cell phone and arrange for a wakeup call. There is no excuse for arriving late to an interview the next morning. I have seen it happen and heard some of the craziest excuses. Just be on time and be alert!
• When you’re attending a career fair avoid the last ditch effort and look of desperation that happens when you stop by an employer’s table as their packing up and then ask the representative to stop and tell you about their company. Did the companies on your target list not work out and now you’re just looking for anything? This may not make the best first impression. This is why it’s important to research a company prior to an event so that you know the types of disciplines they need to hire during their campus recruiting. Although you may have a target list of your ideal companies keep your options open by making that first introduction to other potential employers that are looking for your same qualifications.
• When you’re attending an event such as a career fair be prepared with enough resumes to pass out to the company booths that you visit. There is nothing worse than stopping by a booth and telling the employer you ran out of resumes. Go make copies! How do you expect to be remembered if there is no resume? How can a recruiter review your qualifications? Trust me…this happens. Also make sure the copies of your resume look presentable. Just plan ahead and come prepared to the events you attend.
• At the end of an interview when you’re asked if you have any questions try not to lead with “How much will I get paid?” This shouldn’t be your first question. More importantly make sure you actually have questions to ask other than what type of benefits do you offer. Ask questions about the organization you will be joining, the work you will be doing and the team you’ll be working with.

As a student, the interview process can be a long and nerve-racking journey. Once an employer has targeted you, they know that you have the background they are seeking. The interview is certainly to verify this information but a portion of the interview process is also to determine who you are as a person and find out more about your character. Not only are you being evaluated on your skills but also on how well you will fit in with the company cultural and the team you will be working with. A big part of the recruiter’s job is to read between the lines and gather that additional information to assist the employer in making an informed decision. Best thing you can do is be yourself.