I'm just coming back from my first experience recruiting at a career fair. While thoughts are fresh in my mind I thought I'd share some of my observations.
1). Arrive early. Before it starts. The first 1-2 candidates had my full attention and at least 5 minutes of my time. 10 minute after the official open the line was over an hour long. I remember almost nothing of the last several hours.
2). Find out who you are speaking before you start. Is it just a recruiter or is it someone who is deciding hire/no hire on the spot. Nobody asked me who I was and some made poor assumptions.
3). Do NOT follow whatever advice they give you before you go in. "Hello my name is ---- and I'm a graduate student in ------". You only have 3-5 minutes to distinguish yourself from a mass of candidates that are nearly identical on paper. Start with what makes you different and get to conversation not presentation.
4). Have a history. I had the overwhelming feeling that the majority of students popped into existence 4 years ago. Nothing shows interest in a subject and competency as much as having done stuff - and having put forth worthwhile effort before college. WAY too many CS majors had a 4 year history of programming. That is not enough. Can you imagine a piano performance major who had only played piano for 4 years by the time of graduation? Same with trading. If you want a trading job but have never opened a trading account before or ever read a (real) book on trading it's pretty damning.
5). Brush teeth.
6). Try to understand the point of the question. If you are unsure of the purpose of the question then ask for clarification. Especially if the question seems strange. One that I asked was this. "Pretend it's your first day on the job and I ask you to build me a rock climbing wall in this room. Walk me through the steps you would take." I'm looking for the ability to map out problems and get things done. Also, as a bonus, can they determine for what pieces should they ask for my input and what should they decide on their own. Most people were completely lost. People can be divided many ways but a useful way at times is between those who can act and those who are acted upon. There are many things in life that you can't control. But the ability to act - to solve problems and change your environment - if excercised with diligence will tilt the odds in your favor.
1). Arrive early. Before it starts. The first 1-2 candidates had my full attention and at least 5 minutes of my time. 10 minute after the official open the line was over an hour long. I remember almost nothing of the last several hours.
2). Find out who you are speaking before you start. Is it just a recruiter or is it someone who is deciding hire/no hire on the spot. Nobody asked me who I was and some made poor assumptions.
3). Do NOT follow whatever advice they give you before you go in. "Hello my name is ---- and I'm a graduate student in ------". You only have 3-5 minutes to distinguish yourself from a mass of candidates that are nearly identical on paper. Start with what makes you different and get to conversation not presentation.
4). Have a history. I had the overwhelming feeling that the majority of students popped into existence 4 years ago. Nothing shows interest in a subject and competency as much as having done stuff - and having put forth worthwhile effort before college. WAY too many CS majors had a 4 year history of programming. That is not enough. Can you imagine a piano performance major who had only played piano for 4 years by the time of graduation? Same with trading. If you want a trading job but have never opened a trading account before or ever read a (real) book on trading it's pretty damning.
5). Brush teeth.
6). Try to understand the point of the question. If you are unsure of the purpose of the question then ask for clarification. Especially if the question seems strange. One that I asked was this. "Pretend it's your first day on the job and I ask you to build me a rock climbing wall in this room. Walk me through the steps you would take." I'm looking for the ability to map out problems and get things done. Also, as a bonus, can they determine for what pieces should they ask for my input and what should they decide on their own. Most people were completely lost. People can be divided many ways but a useful way at times is between those who can act and those who are acted upon. There are many things in life that you can't control. But the ability to act - to solve problems and change your environment - if excercised with diligence will tilt the odds in your favor.
