Just 3 days left before the International Business Fair starts! We are all really excited to welcome 71 first class companies on two fair days on ESB campus. The fair is an excellent opportunity for students to approach international and local companies from various industries and to build strong connections. We made a little research on the web, brainstormed ideas from students and came up with some helpful tips for our students.
1. Seize the opportunity! Maybe it’s the first time you meet representatives from big companies, but don’t hesitate to get as much information as possible. Get in touch with the companies. Strong connections are always important, no matter in which semester you are.
2. Talk to alumni employees of the company who have been former ESB students. You can learn a lot from their experiences and stories. After all, they have been in the same place where you are.
3. Ask interesting questions. In this way you'll show that you are well informed and interested in their work. It also makes them feel good about what they do.
4. Always remember that you represent yourself and ESB Business School. We want to live up to our reputation. When they communicate with you, the companies make an impression about ESB and its students.
5. Talk to impress. Be confident, motivated and act professional when you’re talking to the representatives of companies.
For those who are applying for internships, these days are a real challenge! Now it’s their time to seal the deal. Here are some tips for “ the most challenged ones”.
1. Take your time to make a research
In today’s world, content is king. So make sure you check the company on their web site, blog and any social media means. Most companies have a website with plenty of background information about the founders, company history, company mission statement and so on. Take some time to make a little research. Knowing more about the company shows your interest and enthusiasm about what they do . Moreover, knowing the company’s background you will know which skills you should highlight.
2. Create a story statement
2. Create a story statement
Though most interviews start with the same prompt (“tell me about yourself” or “walk me through your resume”), we blow it off with boring answers like: I studied [major X] because I really care about making a difference as you can see through my last job at [company Y]…This answer is like tearing out the first 200 pages of your autobiography. You leave out everything that gives meaning to why you want this job in the first place. What inspires you to work in a specific field? How did your childhood influence you? Why does this job move you? Most people don’t answer these questions. They start and end with their professional experience, leaving little to inspire the interviewer.
3. Use Social Sweepster App to clean your Facebook
Nowadays, 91% of employers search your social media for any red flags. While most people tell you to watch every single thing you upload, there’s a much easier solution. Use Social Sweepster, an app that detects pictures of red solo cups, beer bottles, and other “suspicious” objects.
Many people have fascinating experiences but forget them when they’re on the spot. To remedy this, have three stories ready to plug into your interview. Your stories should follow a simple format:
1. Problem – what was the situation?
2. Action – what did you do to solve it?
3. Result – what changed afterwards?
With this format, you can adapt your PAR stories to fit a variety of questions such as “tell me about a time you worked with a team” or “tell me about a challenging situation you faced".
Some interviews include tough analytical questions. It’s important to talk through your thinking. Don’t just give an answer; show how you got there. Explain the entire way through, sharing your calculations and assumptions. It’s like solving a math problem, the result does not count if you can’t explain how you obtained it.
6. Prepare for the “What’s your weakness?” question
6. Prepare for the “What’s your weakness?” question
Most people overthink this question and give a canned answer like “I’m too much of a perfectionist!” Others give a genuine answer but still fall short of what this question is really asking. It’s not about admitting your weaknesses. It’s about showing how you overcome them.
7. Write an elevator pitch
An elevator pitch is a 30-second blurb about you: who you are, what you offer, what you can bring to the business. It helps you focus on your essential skills and strengths.
8. Don't apologize for your lack of experience
After all, we all start from the bottom. They saw your resume and everyone is in the same boat. Instead, point out the merits of your education, your personal strengths, the skills you can bring and your motivation to succeed.
Student's opinion
I made great experiences during the last IBF and the FIFO in November. These events were two really great opportunities for me. By making contact with the companies during the fair, I eased my way into two internships. So, my advice for everyone is to look at this event as a chance to build a network. You can strongly benefit from doing a couple of interviews ( which are even helpful if you are not that interested in the firm, since it will prepare you for interviews) or even just talking to the firm representatives. Of course they can give you valuable information but more importantly, if you can get their contact information and use it wisely, it will be a lot easier for you to get a position in that company. ( Louisa Zapf, IB3)
Bring your business spirit and be ready to capture the next opportunity!
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