Professional Perspective: Stand out at career events
Welcome back to Professional Perspective, where industry professionals share their insights regarding various employment-related topics!
If you attended the 2018 Directions Conference on February 8, 2018, we are sure you met a lot of wonderful industry professionals. Read on to refresh your mind on what to do to make the most out of future career events. Make sure you don’t let those leads turn cold!
Today we have Cathy Lund, Director – Staffing Solutions at Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development Inc. (CAHRD) to share networking tips from the other side of the table! Cathy’s professional perspective comes from an amazing career in human resource and leadership roles.
Cathy participated in the 2018 Directions Conference as one of the 70 business delegates during the Roundtable Networking Event. You can expect to see more of her at RRC’s Employer on-Campus events!
Today’s question:
As a Human Resource Professional who recruits Indigenous students and graduates, what advice do you have for students so they stand out at career events?
Cathy’s Professional Perspective
Our Staffing Solutions team at the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development attends career events of all kinds in Winnipeg to recruit Indigenous students and graduates. We get involved, firstly, to consider CAHRD as a career option at graduation and also to promote to Indigenous students the great career supports offered by CAHRD professionals who work with people one-on-one!
At any career event, we can meet up to 100 people a day. Here are a few tips from us – the people on the other side of the table – on how to make a great impression!
- Know about us. Do your research before you meet me or my organization! LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and other websites are great places to learn about the people you are planning to introduce yourself to. If you really want to impress me, know our vision and familiarize yourself with our product or service. I have witnessed employers making a decision to hire from the first impression at a career event.
- Show interest. Meeting a student at more than one event and learning that they deliberately came to meet me AGAIN is impressive.
- Ask questions. We can always tell when someone is genuinely curious about the agency and career options by the questions they ask. We hear “Are you hiring?” hundreds of times during one day. Be curious and original.
- Be memorable. Dress the part and use it to your advantage when reconnecting with us. “I was the person in the green dress…” or “…with the green tie…” – you see what I mean?
- Relax. We are all there for the same reason – to get to know each other and create opportunities. I am looking for YOU.
- Follow up. Send us a personalized message on LinkedIn within a few days.
Networking is an opportunity for you to tell people who you are, what is unique about you and why you are passionate about their industry. Networking happens everywhere – at events, with your co-workers, fellow students, social media, parties and on the bus. Every person is another opportunity to learn more about them and tell your story!
The Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD) offers employment services, support services, and education & training opportunities, including staffing solutions that assist Indigenous students and graduates find meaningful employment in their occupation of choice.
For more information, visit cahrd.org.
Connect with Cathy on LinkedIn and benefit from her wealth of knowledge and industry insight!
To read past editions, click here:
Professional Perspective – What employers are really thinking
For additional employment resources, visit Student Employment Services’ Online Employment Resources or book an appointment with an RRC Employment Advisor at 204.632.3966 or JobCentre@rrc.ca.