Connecting Before Your Interview

A few weeks ago, I attended the national conference of a student organization. This conference is supported by many companies who participate in various professional panels, and perhaps most importantly to the students, conduct interviews at the organization’s career fair for internships and entry level management opportunities.

In route to the conference, I noticed a group of students on my flight. One of the students was assigned the seat next to mine and confirmed that the group was indeed traveling to the same conference as me. The student asked which university I attended, of course I accepted that compliment, and identified myself as a recruiter. I immediately felt empathy for this student, a graduating senior, who now appeared nervous at the thought of spending the next two hours in such close proximity to me. I silently wished that the student would welcome this opportunity and make such a strong impression on me that he would depart the flight with a scheduled interview and a new industry contact. Although the student attempted to engage me in conversation, his nerves ultimately got the best of him and unfortunately he was silent for the remainder of the flight.

Throughout the weekend, I witnessed similar behavior from other student attendees. They simply didn’t take advantage of being together with company recruiters in casual settings such as the hotel lobby, elevator, or during the short walk to the nearby convention center. I fought the urge several times during the conference to climb on my “soapbox”, get parental, and say the following:

Capitalize on the Opportunity
The host hotel for the conference had just two restaurants and only seven guestroom floors. Recruiters and students were often co-mingling; in fact the majority of the guestrooms on my floor were occupied by student attendees. The students that stood out to my peers and I were the young men and women who separated from their friends, gathered their confidence and introduced themselves to us. These were the same faces that offered friendly greetings throughout the weekend or inquired about how I was enjoying the conference when we were next to each other in the coffee bar line. As a result of their efforts, they were more relaxed and comfortable during the interview because they had already built a rapport with me.

Drive the Conversation
Although it can be uncomfortable to initiate and drive the conversation, when networking with recruiters, feel free to do so. I’m more than willing to ride in the “conversation car” with you, but you should take responsibility for keeping me engaged. You could do this by asking a question or expressing your interest in the organization I represent. One memorable student opened the conversation by telling me she followed our company on Twitter and then chatted about a recent tweet announcing our newest property. In just five minutes she demonstrated her interest and level of preparation.

Remember You’re Always Interviewing
Although interviews were conducted on the last day of the conference, they actually began upon arrival at the hotel. My peers and I were able to observe students interacting with the hotel staff and each other. We overheard conversations and took note of those that chose to skip the professional panels and instead hang out in the hotel lobby. The manner in which the students conducted themselves and represented their universities, in my opinion, was indicative of how effectively they would one day represent our company and our brand.

It’s easy to feel intimidated or overwhelmed at the idea of interacting one on one with the recruiter of a prospective company, but you’ll see greater results if you gather your courage and make the connection! If the recruiter is anything like me, deep down they’re rooting for you to be successful!