Attending your first tech conference? How exciting! Nervous? Don’t worry, we’ve got all the tips and tricks to help you successfully navigate GHC or WeCode!
Some general tips to start…
Set clear goals
Will you focus your time on networking, workshops, or panels?
Have a plan
Whether it’s creating a schedule of sessions you plan to attend or a list of companies to visit during a career fair, always be prepared!
Prepare your elevator pitch
Prepare questions for specific companies you’re interested in and some general ones for conversation starters
Come with an open mind
Be polite, kind, and professional
When meeting a recruiter or someone from a company, maintain eye contact and make sure to shake their hand.
Have snacks ready
Write down notes
Get inspired!
Post on your LinkedIn
Send follow up emails
Drop your resume in the conference database
Recruiters will reach out to you before the conference begins. Several conferences have these (Grace Hopper, Tapia)
Some more specific tips from past GHC attendees
Talk to people with different experiences, different roles
Don’t worry about stepping on other people’s toes or being aggressive
At the end of the day, you need to talk to who you need to talk to
Go in with a purpose
Create a list of companies you would like to visit at the career fair. Prioritize going to the companies you are interested in.
Take control of the conversation
Be humble and honest
If you don’t feel comfortable with a coding language, don’t include it in your resume or say you know how to code in it.
How To Speak for Yourself at Career Fairs and Impress Recruiters
Something I definitely have felt at conferences before has been imposter syndrome, which gets worse as you hear about other people’s experiences with big tech companies. Don’t start comparing yourselves to others because there will always be someone with more skills than you, but you have your own strengths as well. Focus on what makes you unique and a good fit for the company rather than focusing on the skills you have compared to others. YOU ARE UNIQUE, AND THE RIGHT COMPANY WILL HIRE YOU BECAUSE OF WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON.
Do your research beforehand. It leaves an impression when you walk up to a booth and already know which positions they are offering and have specific questions. It’s even better if you already applied for a position.
Bring multiple resumes!!! Depending on the size of the conference, make sure to bring a lot of resumes. If this is a virtual conference, have your resume in a convenient location so that you can share it easily. Feel free to give out your resume at the end of a conversation: “Thanks for answering all my questions! I would love to drop off my resume and continue this discussion through email or phone.” Ask for their LinkedIn or email address if it seems like they will be open to giving you that info.
Lastly, although it may not feel like it, remind yourself that you have the upper hand. They want to recruit the best talent and they are trying to impress you as well. You’ve got it.