Graduate School Virtual Fair

Graduate School Virtual Fair – Friday, October 7, 2016

Visit the Graduate School Virtual Fair website for registration information.

**This event is free and open to all students and St. Olaf alumni**

While virtual fairs are nothing new, they are becoming more and more popular for both employers and graduate/
professional schools. Recruiters are able to connect with a wider pool of potential applicants, all from the comfort
of their desks. For students and alumni, the benefits are similar. Without having to take a day from class or work,
students and alumni at their convenience can connect with recruiters as part of a pre-application or application
process.

Similarities and Differences Between Virtual and In-Person Fairs:

Virtual fairs are the same as in-person fairs in that the goal for recruiters and candidates is to make connections.
Recruiters provide information, answer questions and review resumes while candidates present themselves as
interested applicants, provide resumes and engage in conversation with recruiters. Recruiters and candidates still
have an obligation to prepare for the fair; the recruiters to provide necessary information and the candidates to
research the organization or program and be able to talk to their candidacy. Engagement is also the same. As in
any in-person fair, virtual fairs take place during a specific time period and candidates are expected to approach
recruiters, introduce themselves and engage in conversation.

While there are significant similarities in virtual and in-person fairs, the biggest difference is the environment. Instead
of physically waiting in a line and greeting with a handshake, candidates review the chat schedule and, during the
stated time period, join one or more ongoing chat sessions. In open chats, all candidates and recruiters can see all
conversations and questions. Recruiters may greet new chat visitors, but candidates should be prepared to introduce
themselves to begin a conversation with a recruiter. Depending on the virtual system, recruiters may have the option
of inviting a candidate for a private chat or a video chat. While not a formal interview, candidates should be prepared
to engage the recruiter in the virtual setting as they would in person.

How to Effectively Participate:

•  First and most important is to register for the fair! By registering in advance, candidates will receive important system information, can download and test any necessary software, complete any requirements or recommendations for participation, and access details on the organizations, programs and positions.
•  While most candidates will not need to set aside multiple hours to participate, it is important to schedule adequate time to participate in chats. How much time will depend on the number of organizations of interest.
•  Use a space with minimal distractions. At any point a candidate could be invited to a private or video chat and it is important to be able to engage and not worry about what a recruiter could see.
• Recruiters will expect candidates to know something about their programs/open positions and about the organization they represent. Research each organization of interest and be a well-informed candidate. Use the organization information provided in the virtual fair system and be sure to access the organization website.
• Edit and upload a resume if applying for a job or internship. By doing so in advance of the fair recruiter scan screen candidates and may make contact prior to the fair. If you have not yet started a resume, check out the Piper Center resume resources for information and ideas. For candidates participating in a graduate school fair a resume may not be necessary, but candidates should check the information page for each school of interest.

Video Tutorials

Several video tutorials have been created to inform you about the Virtual fair and to help prepare.  Please click on the links below to watch:

Questions?

All of the Piper Center staff are eager to help you have a good experience so ask us your questions! There are open interviewing slots on the Career Coach schedules, so schedule an appointment.