An MBA job conference can be a very valuable opportunity. You can meet and network with many companies at the same time. You can visit a booth, impress a recruiter, and earn an “ally” as you move deeper into the interview process.
On the other hand, the MBA job conference setting can be very intimidating. There are SO many companies and they are all evaluating you at once. When you approach a booth, you must have your “story” down cold. If not, there is another highly qualified MBA standing right behind you waiting for their turn to speak.
In order to make the most of your MBA job conference experience, be prepared. Do not think you can show up and “wing it”. Know which companies you are targeting and know how to impress them. Here are five tips to help you dominate at your next job conference. *
- Know your Goals. Target a select few companies to pursue. Are you trying to get an interview or a business card? Know what you want before your approach the booth.
- Know the Scene. Know the location of your target company’s booth. Look at a map of the conference center before you walk in. Be careful not to “wander” the conference floor.
- Be Early. Be one of the first people in the door at the conference center. Early in the day there are less people, the recruiters have more patience, and you can earn an interview for later in the day. If you get started late, you will be part of the mob and it will be more difficult to differentiate yourself.
- Be Energetic. It is difficult to smile in the face of people you don’t know, but give each conversation as much positive energy as you can. The longer you are in the conference center the less nerve you will have. Get in. Do your work. Get out.
- Be a Closer. No matter how good or bad the conversation goes, do not leave without a business card or contact number. Do NOT leave empty handed.