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| Publications and Press Releases |
Technical Job Fair Interviews:
The Candidate's Perspective
By David Garcia
Published in IT Recruiter Magazine, 1999
 You've worked for a data communications firm as a Wide Area Network design engineer
for three years, and you believe it's time to start checking out the marketplace - at least
to know what's out there. Over three years have passed since you've had an interview
or looked for a job. Your accomplishments have been noteworthy, but you haven't had
time to update your resume. You plan on checking out a regional job fair this weekend,
but really don't know what to expect. Four days later, you arrive at the job fair and discover
that three very reputable companies have set up booths. You walk over to the first booth,
representing a smaller but growing and respectable competitor - just to get some information.
As the internal recruiter makes eye contact and offers a handshake, you think, "This is very
casual. No stress. I just want some information. This is not an interview."
Well yes, and no. It is a casual setting, but make no mistake; the interview started when eye
contact was made. If you are serious about the opportunity, the next five minutes may open
or shut the door to your next career move. Preparation is the key to success in interviewing,
whether you must find a new job within two weeks or are simply putting feelers out in the
market.
First, you should have an updated resume. This doesn't mean that you will be passing it out
at a job fair, but it does indicate that you have recently reviewed your accomplishments
and probably your career goals. Second, take fifteen minutes and research the job fair and
find out what companies are setting up booths. Check out their home page and find out
what openings are being advertised. If you are really hot for the company, call a reputable,
external recruiter and obtain more information. Working with the right recruiter will put you
in touch directly with the hiring authority, potentially bypassing the red tape in HR. If the
recruiter does not work with your company of choice, call the company directly and ask to
speak to the person who would hire you. This may result in an interview external to and
more important than the job fair.
If you are not certain you want to interview with the company, think twice about handing
out a resume. Simple contact information may suffice. If you meet an executive recruiter
(external to the company in your industry) at a job fair, ensure you will always know where
your resume has been presented. Ensure that you will be contacted each and every time
a new "fit" surfaces. You do not want your paperwork floating around without your
knowledge.
Beyond that, most of the same rules applicable to other interviews are appropriate
here. The difference is the compression of the time frame. Don't waste time, get to
the point. Tell the recruiter, where you've been, where you are now, and where you
want to be within a three-year time frame. Be prepared to quantify and qualify your
experiences in detail, but it may not be necessary. (If the recruiter is rushed, he/she will
probably take note of your WAN design experience with F500 companies or your interest
in obtaining a CCIE - but probably won't have time to hear or understand the details in
designing and implementing a 200-node frame relay network.) If you are interested in the
opportunity, find a way to get the name of the hiring authority. Let the recruiter know you
are sincerely interested in the next step ask them directly if they feel likewise. Following the
job fair, follow up with email or snail-mail, but do it promptly. If you know you are qualified
for the job, be bold - contact the hiring authority directly. Just a simple introduction
referencing the job fair and expressing an interest in the company and the next step.
There is ample opportunity for any qualified Telecommunications/IT candidate in this economy.
Regardless of the shortage of talent, the best positions will always be won by those who
interview well, and can back up polished conversation with substantive accomplishments.
Don't let a hectic personal schedule or a "candidate-driven market" attitude influence your
preparation before a job fair. If you're too busy to prepare, don't bother going. You shouldn't
be willing to settle for a good job, you should be prepared to win the best position that
matches your qualifications.
Published in IT Recruiter Magazine, 1999.
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