Meeting new people at a hiring event or interview can be AWKWARD and uncomfortable, but it doesn't need to be!
Instead of just staying silent during your next job fair or interview during your first encounter SPEAK UP and let your voice be heard.
By building a rapport with the employers before getting into the nitty-gritty details of the job it can give you a major competitive edge over other candidates!
Plus it will feel more like a friendly conversation which can certainly help calm those nerves and build greater #connections. You can also use this information later on when following up.
Try these conversation starters out during your next job fair, interview or networking event!
It's a pleasure to meet you. How was your weekend (or how has your week been)? This demonstrates to the interviewer that you're confident, proactive, and friendly. Make sure to smile!
What was the most pleasantly surprising thing about working at (Company name) you learned once you were on the job? It's a good idea to keep the conversation focused on the employer and their positive experiences with working at the company.
What's the most memorable thing that has happened to you since joining the company? This will show you are a positive person and care about others as well as help you feel out what the culture is like.
I read a really great article this morning on the way over here today. Discuss it a little if it connects to the company and if the employer seems interested, continue, if not gracefully move on.
What's one of the most interesting projects or opportunities that you've worked on? Employers will LOVE the chance to reflect and respond on what it is they’ve worked on or are currently working on. This will also provide further insight into what they are doing now in the company, as well as give them a chance to talk about their own accomplishments. You can chime in and make that connection as well if something they say resonates!
What is it about (company name) that you love the most? This will tell you what the employer cares about but also what makes the company special.
Remember to keep bringing it back to the interviewer/company and your interest in it!
You've got this!!