Michigan Collegiate Virtual Job Fair

A student's guide to maximizing chat in a virtual job fair (VJF)

Q:What is a Virtual Interview and how do I use the feature?
A virtual interview session is a way for employers and candidates to interact with each other in real time through typed messages.

Employers:
Simply post the time you plan to be available for this interaction under the Virtual Information Session section of your booth, and return during that time to converse with students

Candidates:
A list of times employers will be available will be posted on the first page after you login to the fair. Simply return to the fair during that time to interact with the employer.

NOTE: As in all Internet-based communication, please be careful not to reveal sensitive information during these sessions. An employer will never ask you for your social security number, credit card number, phone, address, or other sensitive information during these sessions.

Will all of the employers have access to the resumes of all candidates who participate?
The candidate has full control over which employers see their resume. Similar to a traditional career fair, employers will have access to the resumes given to them. If a candidate applies to your position you will have access to their resume.

Q: Will employers actually be on chat?
A: Yes. Which ones and when they schedule their available time is up to them. Once you submit your resume to an organization check out what time(s) they have indicated they will be available.

Q: Won't employers be distracted by everyone on the chat channel?
A: You will be interacting with employers in a private, one-on-one session. How many students they have at any given time is up to them, but they can set time limits as well as coordinate alternative times to connect with students.

Q: How can I stand out when only screen names are visible?
A: Be informed. Ask smart and relevant questions. Be courteous and professional. This may be virtual, but it is still a job fair so prepare the same way. Your campus' career service office will have more information and would love to hear from you.

Be conscious of your screen name! Not all screen names are appropriate for a professional interaction. Keep in mind that your resume, screen name, word selection, and your ability to communicate your thoughts, questions, and ideas in the virtual arena are the first impressions that the organizations will have of you.

Dont use text abbreviations when responding to recruiters. You may be familiar with text messaging abbreviations in your day-to-day activities but when you are in the virtual fair chat with recruiters make sure you avoid using common abbreviations.

Q: Since it is virtual can I wear whatever I want?
A: Obviously, there are no dress expectations; so sure, you can wear whatever you want. No one will see you. Before you decide to login in your pajamas consider this. Dressing the part makes us step into the part. Putting on a business suit might be a good idea before you start chatting with the rep from your dream employer.

Q; What if I lose my internet connection?
A: Dont panic. Try to re-establish your connection and let the recruiter know what happened. Look at it as an opportunity to show your grace under pressure.

Q: Privacy Issues?
A: While your session with a recruiter is a private conversation, they will also have the ability to retrieve a log of the conversation. Candidates can do the same by creating a log or copying and pasting the session into another document.

Q: Will there be on-campus interviews following the virtual fair?
A: Follow up after the virtual fair will be determined by each organization. Ask the recruiters what the follow up process and timeline is for the position(s) you are interested in. We recommend that you follow up to your interaction just as you would with a regular interview. Contact your campus career center if you have any questions.