Employer Recruiting Sessions

Overall, employers hold information/recruiting sessions for two reasons:

• At Recruiting Sessions, employers are on campus to promote their company to students.  These general information sessions offer more information than you will gain from just researching a company website such as insight into the company culture.  These sessions are a great way for you to network with employees (possibly alumni), personalize your connection with the employer, and gauge your interest in the company.  A student, who makes a great impression and may not be typically considered through the traditional online application, may get a chance at an interview.  Oftentimes these companies will have a position posted in Babson Career Connections General recruiting sessions are open to everyone! 
• At mandatory pre-interview sessions, students interviewing with the company have a chance to learn about the company and network with employees.  Companies often host this event either on campus or at a local restaurant.  While many companies may imply that you will not be evaluated at the pre-interview session, we remind you that these sessions are part of the interview process and an opportunity for the company to form impressions about your candidacy!  These sessions are required of students who will be interviewing with the company on campus and often viewable on the job description through Babson Career Connections. 

Some employers have even combined a Recruiting Session with pre-interview night, in which case they would be open to everyone—keep your eye out for those opportunities!

Where can I find out about employer recruiting sessions?
Recruiting Session information can be viewed on the Babson Campus Calendar and on the Babson Career Connections events calendar.  You will also find the mandatory pre-interview sessions listed with the job description in Career Connections.

Attire
Business attire is recommended. 

Etiquette
Many employers provide food at these events; here are some tips for the meal:

• Snack on the food to be social, don’t make it a meal—if necessary, plan to eat beforehand to hold you over. 
• Eat slowly and carefully and take extra precaution not to get anything on your clothes.
• Refrain from having an alcoholic beverage at this point, especially are under 21!
• Be sure to review tips on dining etiquette, if possible, attend an Etiquette Dinner in advance.

Maintain focus.  Employers get very aggravated by students who lose interest in the presentation and become disruptive.  Remember, employers are doing you a favor by attending, not the other way around.

• Turn OFF ALL electronic devices…not to vibrate…OFF. 
• No laptops or newspapers
• Do not talk to others around you while the employer is speaking
• Make sure you do not nod off while they are speaking, be engaged through non verbal communication.  Take notes if it helps keep your focus.

Remember, many companies recruit and even hire Babson students based on Babson’s reputation for excellence.  Improper etiquette can damage not only your reputation, but Babson’s as well and thus hurt your job search.

Preparation
While you are attending these sessions to learn about the companies and industries, some general research in advance will serve you well.  You will want to know about the industry and the company so that you can: 

• Fully demonstrate your enthusiasm for the career field and organization
• Communicate how your skills and values match those of the organization and industry
• Determine if a position at the company will aid you in your future career path
• Be prepared by having intelligent questions relevant to the field and organization
• Understand more of what is being said

The most important thing to prepare is your self introduction. To avoid being tongue-tied when you try to start a conversation with someone you don't know, prepare a self-introduction, or your job talk.  This should be clear, interesting, and well delivered. What you say about yourself will depend on the nature of the event, but in any case, it shouldn't take longer than 8-10 seconds. Although practicing your introduction might at first seem silly, it will eventually help you make an introduction that sounds natural, confident, and smooth.

You may want to consider bringing these materials with you:

• Pen and paper/ note pad
• Copies of your resume
• Business card holder/ folder for business cards

What Happens/Expectations
The typical employer information session is about one hour long, and includes a company presentation, followed by a question and answer period.  Here is a guide of what to expect.

• 5-15 minutes before it starts, students show up to meet and converse with employers.  Food is usually available and conversations may begin around the food and drink area.
• Employers will again introduce themselves and begin their presentation.
• The presentation is usually a PowerPoint about the company and industry, often including descriptions of open positions in the company.
• After and possibly during the presentation there will be a Q&A session where you should make sure to ask at least one question (not about salary, please!)
• Finally, students again have a chance to talk more one on one with the employers after the session as other students begin to filter out.
• You are expected to attend the entire session; if you must leave early, arrive before the start of the session and let the employer know head of time, they will understand and appreciate your interest.  Sit near a door so you will not be disruptive when you leave.

Benefits of attending
Not nearly enough students take advantage of these recruiting sessions despite the tremendous benefits they offer.  Students are benefited by:

• Gaining expert insight about the career opportunities available to you
• Finding out what it’s really like to work in a particular position, company or field
• Learning up to date information about the organization and the industry
• Discovering what it takes to get from where you are to where you want to be
• Being able to evaluate potential job offers
• Showcasing your interest in the company
• Practicing networking with potential employers and alumni
• Meeting key people in the organization who can significantly influence your candidacy
• Developing an understanding of the skills, knowledge, and experience employers want to see in candidates

Follow Up
Within 24 hours, send an email or note thanking the employers for coming to campus.  You can use this thank you as a means to ask an additional question or even ask about recruiting times.

What if I can’t attend?
We recommend that you make every effort to attend these sessions! 

If you can not attend the required pre interview session, you must notify the company in advance.  Failure to attend this session without notifying the company implies that you lack interest in the position and will most likely leave a poor impression even if you plan on attending the scheduled interview.  Call the employer in advance and let him/her know the situation and apologize.  If they are not there leave a voicemail and follow up with an email.  Be sure to ask if there is anything that you should be aware of in advance that they will be discussing at the session.  If you can not reach them, connect with CCD to let us know and we will do our best to pass on the message.