A few weeks ago, I attended the annual Career Day at a top 50 globally ranked business school, where I worked part-time. Given my communications role, I was required to coach the MBAs so they could deliver exceptional industry presentations to a mixed audience of recruiters, company executives and other professionals.
This year, the MBAs were a different batch. They were Modular MBAs, many of whom were experienced professionals. They were pursuing their MBA programme for three reasons: to clinch promotions at work, switch jobs, or gain business knowledge to launch their businesses.
After the first segment of the day-long event, I proceeded to the fair, where 28 leading organisations had set up their booths, with their HR executives poised to meet the MBA students.
Earlier that day, I’d watched the five MBA group industry presentations and noted that some speakers were better than others. By virtue of their programme, all the MBAs possessed business insights and analytical skills. That was why, before the event, the business school forwarded the recruiters the CVs of the students who were scheduled for the career fair. Therefore, each MBA student had an opportunity to shine.
However, the presentations were not my focus when I mingled with the recruiters. I wanted to observe the MBAs to see if they would use their communication skills to amplify their chances.
So, I made the rounds at the fair, chatting with the recruiters at their company stands and advocating for the students.
Based on my observations, below are two rock-solid communication tactics that MBAs should use to build rapport, create a fantastic impression, and get invited for further interviews:
#1: Ask insightful questions, then listen
The mistake you should avoid is to focus on yourself at the beginning and rattle off achievements. After the preliminary remarks:
A) Ask thoughtful questions to demonstrate your preparedness.
Questions about the companies’ operations (highlighting one or two impressive examples) and their mission, culture, and values are good conversation points. They allow the recruiters to share insights you might not have read online. Also, ask the interviewers what they love about working in those companies. Then, follow up using what, why, who, when, and how if appropriate, so the speakers give information that’s deeper than superficial responses.
Realise that the quality of their responses is directly proportional to the quality of your questions.
Therefore, be prepared to ask insightful questions. Ideally, you’d have prepared them in advance (while researching the companies) and memorised them before the day. Doing so will help you articulate the questions concisely and clearly, showing off your speaking skills.
Relevant questions, delivered without distracting fillers (e.g. ‘erm’, ‘so’, and ‘you know’), position you as an articulate professional with sound judgement — which is always a desirable trait.
B) Listen actively and show that you’re listening.
Start with the basics: Nod and smile warmly. Ensure you give the speaker your full attention and don’t become distracted by what’s happening at the next stand. If you inadvertently interrupt the recruiter, apologise and wait until he/she finishes before following up on a point the speaker made earlier.
Active listening is an underrated tactic of persuasion. It’s underrated because you tend to think it’s easy. Then, when you try it, you realise it’s difficult to sustain since you need to listen to the speaker as if he/she is the only person alive at that time. So, when you display behaviours indicating that you’re listening intently, you appear interesting because you were first interested in the other party. Interesting people pique curiosity and get more interviews.
Active listening is also a superpower because it helps you to understand what the speaker is not saying—the underlying point—so you can address it.
A bonus is the psychological need for people to be appreciated and understood. They want to feel that whatever they share is the most brilliant thought in the world. As a result, when recruiters feel valued and believe that you’re fully invested in conversations with them, they’re triggered to reciprocate, thereby giving you an (unfair) advantage.
Bottom line?
Don’t gloss over these two simple yet powerful tactics to curry favour.
#2: Watch your interpersonal skills
Yes, you’re intelligent and confident. You’re also well-dressed and know what you want. But if your interpersonal skills don’t match your desirability on your CV or during one-on-one interactions, your technical skills and intelligence (that all other MBAs possess) won’t sway the people you want to impress.
Before the MBAs arrived at the career fair stands, I asked the recruiters what they were looking for in the students. They mentioned business insights and analytical skills but stressed the importance of the MBAs being a good ‘fit’ for their corporate cultures.
Then, as the students moved from one stand to another, I saw how some connected with the recruiters. I mentally noted the nonverbal behaviours displayed: ‘open’ and ‘warm’ body language cues, ‘level’ gestures not dominating the limited space, and leaning forward during humorous moments where smiles and laughter were shared.
Afterwards, when I enquired what some recruiters thought of the MBAs they interviewed, those who had experienced some good interpersonal connections gave glowing reviews. Two recruiters gushed about the candidates they met, with one showing me a list of MBAs they planned to interview later. One sour-faced recruiter surprised me because, at the beginning, he’d grumbled and didn’t seem optimistic about the event. But some interviews later, I saw him relaxed, smiling and having a few laughs with some MBAs.
What you should note:
Excellent interpersonal skills are integral to your overall ‘package’ and boost your credibility.
Also, remember the impact of likeability. Just as people prefer to do business with those they like in corporateville, your interpersonal skills break down resistance and endear you to recruiters at a career fair.
So, work on your interpersonal skills. Season your words with grace and use the appropriate body language cues. Mind your manners and be polite, humble, and passionate. Present a better-prepared version of yourself, allowing your personality to shine.
You should have rehearsed thoroughly for the event. So, take a cue on how to create a great first impression. And ensure you include your killer elevator pitch at some point in your conversation with recruiters to cement their interest in your profile.
Conclusion
Career fairs are like speed dating events; you must move quickly from one option to the next to determine whom best to connect with. And some interactions with recruiters might be better than others. But keep an open mind, visit every recruiter stand, and approach each interaction with purpose.
So, whether you’re pursuing an MBA to land a more impressive role, secure an internship at a top company or explore a partnership in your entrepreneurial pursuit, set yourself up for success:
Use the two communication tactics recommended in this article to remain ‘top of mind’ at a career fair so you advance to the next stage.
Over to you:
Do you need help boosting your communication skills to get results? Sign up for my transformational speaking, coaching, and training programmes.
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N.B: First and second images are courtesy of Peggy and Marco Lachmann-Anke via Pixabay. Last image is courtesy of ‘No Longer Here’ via Pixabay.