'Elevator pitch' lands inteviews

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Exponent) - Above all other preparations for career fairs, genuinely showing interest when first meeting a recruiter could be all it takes to land an interview.

More than 10,000 students and 300 employers will attend this year’s Industrial Roundtable, according to the event’s webpage.

The vast amount of people who will be on Memorial Mall for the event makes leaving an impression imperative.

Tim Luzader, the director of the Center for Career Opportunities, stressed the importance of the first 30 seconds when it comes to authenticating with a company one’s interest in them.

He suggested speaking with students who have formerly worked with employers of interest, investigating the company on its website and utilizing Purdue’s Career Wiki.

Luzader said if a student properly prepares ahead of time for the career fair by researching companies of interest, an elevator pitch – the first encounter one has with a recruiter – should come easily.

”I believe a good pitch would be ended with a pertinent question,” Luzader said. “Rather than talk and hand them a resume, ask a good question. Engage that employer.”

You can read the rest of this story at the Purdue Exponent website .