Campus Recruiting

Career Fairs: The Number One Mistake Students Make

January 17, 2018

I’ve been doing the career fair circuit for a while now, and I’ve noticed that most students are well-prepared, suited up and on point.

Still, I’m finding there are some students who could use a few tips.

Here’s the thing, most of the time you’re just sending a resume into a great white void when you apply online for a job. In a lot of cases, you’ll get an email politely saying thanks but no thanks.

So when you have the chance to actually speak with recruiters and hiring managers face to face, you want to make the most of it.

I’ll admit, I do die a little inside when a student walks up and asks me: “So, what is Raymond James and what do you do?”

I get it. Career fairs are overwhelming, there are a lot of companies there, you had a test that morning, you had to work the day before.

But doing your research for a career fair is as easy as stepping aside and reading the company bio in your brochure or pulling out your phone and doing a quick Google search.

If you can’t do that, then I have concerns you might not be willing to put in the time to research for a project we give you when you’re hired.

I don’t expect you to be an expert, just know who we are and what we do.

It’s pretty competitive out there and lots of students show up with bright smiles, polished resumes and firm handshakes. The last thing you want is to get knocked out of consideration for something that’s so easily avoided.

Make the most of your face time this spring and go get it!

Tarah Harkins

Director, Campus Recruiting & Pipeline Development