5 Tips For Making the Most of Your Time at Market Yourself 101!

By: Max Fang, YMA Corporate Account Manager, 4th Year BBA, 

Market Yourself 101 is fast approaching and as always, there’s going to be some great panel discussion and even a keynote by Lauren Friese, the founder of TalentEgg! That being said, I’m sure majority of you are attending for a different reason: the opportunity to have a 1-on-1 networking session with the many company reps and alumni we have in attendance or the chance to hear great job search tips from our keynote speaker, Lauren. If you are in your 2^nd or 3^rd year, this event is the perfect opportunity to get face-time with employers before recruitment season hits in the spring. So to make the most of this 1-on-1 time, I’m going to give you 5 tips going into the event to help you out!

1)      Take It Seriously

Yes, the dress code is business casual. Yes, these are not real interviews. However, you should still be taking these sessions seriously. These are real company representatives who could have a say in your employment in the future, so you want to be at your best when meeting with them. What does this mean specifically? This means showing up on time for your interview slot. This means refreshing your interview skills before the event. Lastly, this means preparing questions to ask so you leave having learned some valuable tips.

2)      Make Each Session Unique

If you are signed up for the speed networking sessions, you know that you will have a couple 1-on-1 meetings at the event lined up for you. Why do the same thing at all of them? Try asking different questions. If all your sessions go exactly the same, you’ll likely get the same feedback from all of them. Take the opportunity to make each session unique to make the most of the fact that you have a couple sessions.

3)      Ask For Feedback and Take Notes

This is somewhat self-explanatory. Many times people walk away from these sessions and say to themselves, “That went pretty well, I think she really liked it when I showed off my dance moves or said that funny thing.” Usually, they are sorely mistaken...usually. You have the chance at these sessions to get real time feedback on your interview style/resume/cover letter so why not take advantage of it? Remember to ask for feedback and take notes on it. Write it down.

4)      Network!

I’m going to say this again: these are real reps from big companies who could have a say in your future employment, so network with them! The majority of you already know the importance of this, but I’m sure a lot of you actually don’t know how to go about it. Despite what you might think, giving them your business card is not enough. Here’s what works for me whenever I’m at an event where there are networking opportunities.

Step 1: Before approaching them, figure out what will make you memorable to them. For me, this is usually a unique question that nobody else will ask.

Step 2: Introduce yourself, ask your question, and be ready with follow-up questions. How awkward is it when you approach someone, ask one question, get a short answer, and then there’s silence? Very awkward. Also, if you did not have a unique question, maybe their answer is unique and you’ll just have to remember it.

Step 3: Exit the conversation smoothly. Example: “It was great meeting you! I’d love to stay in touch in case I have any more questions. Do you have your business card?/Is there an email I can reach you at?” 

Step 4: Keep in mind that not all speakers will have business cards on them or feel comfortable giving out their contact information, so remember to please respect that and thank them for their time regardless. If you do get their information, email them within 24 hours of the event and connect. The email should include what made your interaction with them unique so they will remember you. E.g. “Thanks for answering my question on the connection between chickens and marketing!” Make sure you ask another question (possibly a follow-up question) in the email. Disclaimer: Don’t ask about chickens, that was a joke. Ask a legitimate question.

5)      Have fun!

Yes, very cliché. That does not make this tip any less relevant. Although the first tip was to take it seriously, make sure you enjoy yourself at the event and be relaxed during the session and meeting the company reps. Nobody wants to work someone who they can’t imagine hanging out with.

In closing, follow these 5 tips and you will be sure to make the most of your time at Market Yourself 101 on Thursday November 15th. The event starts at 5:30pm and there are limited spots for the speed networking sessions. If you haven’t signed up already, do it now! You can register HERE. 

Regardless of your attendance at the event, I hope there were lessons here that you can take and apply elsewhere!