Gather information about employers who hire McMaster students for a range of summer positions, connect with them to gain insight into their hiring practices, identify where your skills fit and what you can develop to improve your marketability, explore potential career paths through conversations, and build relationships by networking with employers. 

Before the event 

• Register in advance to secure your spot.
• Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to make sure it accurately describes your skills and experiences.
• Review our tip sheets to get started.
• If you need additional support, attend a drop in on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in GH 110 (15 minutes; first come, first served) or book an appointment on OSCARplus.
• Prepare an introduction, known as an elevator pitch. Find some examples here.
• Research the participating companies using company websites, LinkedIn, and check OSCARPlus for postings. This shows initiative and that you have knowledge about and interest in their company.
• Identify companies of interest and prepare a set of questions to ask.

Sample questions:

• What are the main skills (soft and technical) that your organization wants candidates to have?
• What makes a person successful in this role and/or organization?
• What advice do you have for university students for getting into this field?
• Can you describe a typical day or week in the role(s) you are hiring for?
• How would you describe the culture of the organization?  

During the event 

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a professional background and dress professionally.
• Turn your camera on and position it at eye level, with your head and shoulders centred on screen.
• Turn off phone and email notifications. Mute yourself while the employer is presenting.
• Be yourself. Remember to smile. This will project a positive tone in your voice.
• Keep your resume and key organization/industry facts within reach for easy reference.
• Be professional, clear and concise if responding to questions.
• Have your resume ready, prepare answers for common questions (i.e. your elevator pitch, areas of strengths and why you are interested in the organization).
• Ask one question at a time. Give the company representative time to respond.
• Prioritize your questions you want to ask in case you run out of time.
• Lastly, extend your thanks for the representative’s time, and ask them to stay in contact. Request to connect on LinkedIn or get their contact information to follow up with any further questions. Ensure you follow up with what you say you will do.

Optimize your chances of getting an interview (or job offer) by following up with companies you interacted with during Summer Job Recruitment Series. This will help them remember you, and it shows that you’re truly interested and proactive in your job search. Here are some suggestions:  

Follow up with contacts 

• Email recruiter or send a message on LinkedIn (try to find out their preference during the fair).
• Visit your new contact’s LinkedIn profile and send a request to connect.
• Include the “Add a Note” feature to provide context for the request (LinkedIn browser version required and LinkedIn only allows three free connection messages per month).
• Explain where you met and why you’re contacting them. Tell them something you learned about the company or the role they’re recruiting for while reiterating your interest and thanking them for their time. If you have submitted an application, let them know.
• Follow the organization’s LinkedIn page to stay informed. Engage by liking content of interest. 

Apply to opportunities 

• Submit your application online, especially if the recruiter requests you to do so.
• Mention that you connected with a recruiter (include their name) in your cover letter.
• Mention something you learned about the company or role in your cover letter as part of why you’re interested in applying.
• Ensure your resume is updated to reflect any company values, skills, knowledge or experience that you have that relates to what they are searching for.

Take action on your journey 

• Search for ways to grow your skillset based on information you learned.
• Connect with any other referrals that were recommended to you.
• Prepare for potential interviews.
• Continue applying to opportunities 

Check out OSCARplus for more events, company recruitment sessions, workshops and job and volunteer postings to support your professional development. 

Check out the Student Success Centre Job Search Webpage for more resources and services. 

Real interview practice makes all the difference. Use the Big Interview platform to rehearse real questions, refine your answers and show up ready. The interview simulator helps you practice under pressure and build confidence in your job search.

Note: Big Interview is provided by a third-party service.