Last week, the Wall Street Journal ranked Penn State No. 1 among recruiters for producing the best-qualified graduates. This ranking was timely, as the article was released the week of Fall Career Days. Students can help Penn State maintain that ranking by following up effectively after the fair with these 10 tips to show employers that they are ready to become a professional for their company.
-- Apply online. Many recruiters will be on the lookout for your resume as the next required step in the application process. They are more likely to be looking for your application because you took the initiative to talk to recruiters at the Fair.
-- Send your thank you notes. Be sure to personalize the note to the recruiter with whom you spoke at the Fair – especially if you are considering future opportunities with the organization. Include details about the company that impressed you or that were of particular interest.
-- Follow up on promises. If a recruiter expressed interest in looking at your website, make sure you e-mail the URL like you said you would.
-- Register with Nittany Lion Career Network at http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/career/students/NLCN.shtml online for full-time positions. You have access to job listings, on-campus interviews, resume postings, information sessions and more.
-- Attend an information session. Employers from major companies host these information sessions each and every week so that you can learn more about the company, ask about available opportunities and network.
-- Network with anyone who will give you information on career opportunities. While some recruiters you spoke with at the fair were not hiring positions in your field, they might refer you to influential people. Everyone you come into contact with can mean a potential opportunity somewhere down the line.
-- Join LinkedIn. Don’t think you have a big enough network? Join the Penn State Career Connection, the Penn State Alumni Association, and other groups that are relevant to your professional interests to connect with potential employers.
-- You can never have too many references. Through your networking efforts, identify those who will be willing to serve as a reference. Provide them with a current version of your resume and a statement about your career aspirations so they can do the best possible job for you as a reference. Your reference may learn about other job opportunities with you in mind.
-- Attend a workshop this week. Two post-fair workshops will be offered this week in 103 Bank of America Career Services Center: " On-Campus Interviewing Orientation" at 4 p.m. on Sept. 21 and "What's Next? How to Effectively Follow Up After the Fair" at 5:15 p.m., also on Sept. 21.
-- Don't know what to do next? See a Career Counselor from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (Tuesdays until 7 p.m.). No appointment is necessary; those who stop by can receive help with resumes and cover letters, interview preparation and other questions.