How to Network at Meet the Firms: A Guide for Students & Professionals
Meet the Firms is a unique job fair tailored for accounting students to connect with potential employers. Whether you’re a senior looking to secure a full-time role or a junior exploring internship opportunities, this event is your chance to make a lasting impression. However, the real challenge is standing out from the crowd while networking effectively and efficiently.
Here’s how you can maximize your experience at Meet the Firms and connect with recruiters and firm representatives while respecting their time.
1. Network, Don’t Interview
Remember, Meet the Firms is a networking event, not a series of on-the-spot interviews. Approach each recruiter with the goal of establishing a connection, not securing a job right away. Introduce yourself, share a bit about your background, and collect their contact information for follow-up.
Think of this interaction as the foundation of your professional relationship. Later, you can email or call them to formally express interest in their opportunities. Treat these conversations as the opening to a longer discussion about your career, not the final pitch.
2. Be Prepared
First impressions matter, and at Meet the Firms, you only get one. Ensure you’re well-dressed in professional attire and have plenty of clean copies of your resume on hand. Recruiters appreciate candidates who can clearly articulate their career goals and what they bring to the table, so be ready with a quick, polished elevator pitch.
Your elevator pitch should include who you are, what you’re studying, and what you’re looking for. For example:
“Hi there, I’m Alex, a third-year Accounting student and I’m interested in audit – but, I’m curious what your firm specializes in.”
Keep it brief, clear, and relevant to the person you’re speaking with.
🔥 Cameron’s Bonus Tip: Print your resumes on “resume paper”. This is a special paper, usually ivory color with cotton texture. This is sure to help you stand out!
3. Do Your Research
Before attending, take time to research which firms will be at the event. Many Meet the Firms events release a list of participating companies beforehand, allowing you to prioritize those aligned with your career goals.
This preparation helps you make informed decisions about which booths to visit, saving time and ensuring you connect with firms that are actively hiring in your field. By knowing which firms are hiring for specific roles, you’ll focus your energy on meaningful conversations rather than navigating companies that might not be a fit.
4. Be Selective
Your time is valuable—spend it wisely. If you discover that a firm’s opportunities aren’t aligned with your goals, don’t hesitate to gracefully move on. You don’t need to force a connection with every company.
Instead, focus on firms where your skills and career interests match their needs. Not only will this save you time, but it also allows you to invest in the connections that matter most.
5. Stand Out
With so many students vying for attention, it’s essential to find ways to stand out. This could be dressing slightly more formal than the expected attire, highlighting key achievements early in your conversations, or demonstrating genuine interest in the firm’s culture.
When speaking with recruiters, remember that your personality is often more memorable than your resume. Recruiters understand that students may not have extensive technical experience, but they are looking for someone they’d enjoy working with. Show enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and professionalism, and you’ll be remembered.
🔥 Cameron’s Bonus Tip: Starting with a friendly icebreaker can help ease both you and the recruiter into the conversation. Try something light and empathetic like, “Hi, how are you? Are you surviving this crazy night?” or “Man, it’s really hot in here, how are you holding up?” These small, conversational openers can break the initial tension and create a more comfortable atmosphere before you dive into your elevator pitch.
6. Trade Contact Information and Follow Up
Networking doesn’t end at the event. Always ask for the recruiter’s contact information, and don’t forget to follow up. A brief email thanking them for their time, along with a note about something specific you discussed, can set you apart from other candidates. It’s a simple but powerful way to reinforce your interest.
🔥 Cameron’s Bonus Tip: Be genuine in your “thank you” email. Mention something that you talked about during your conversation – a topic that you might have connected on. We can always tell when your heart’s not in it! Double-Bonus Tip: Send your email either early in the morning (e.g. 7:00 – 10:00 AM) or late in the afternoon (e.g. 3:00 – 5:00 PM). These are the times we’re not as busy and most likely to actually read and respond to your emails.
7. Be Genuine and Engaged
Recruiters want to connect with students who are genuinely interested in their firms. Be attentive, ask thoughtful questions, and take a sincere interest in what the recruiter has to say. Smile, maintain good eye contact, and actively listen to their responses. These small gestures can make a big difference in how you’re perceived.
If you’re nervous, don’t worry—recruiters expect that! Just focus on being yourself and letting your enthusiasm shine through.
🔥 Cameron’s Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to step outside for a breather! It’s a lot of work networking at Meet the Firms. Step outside to cool off or grab a glass of water. When you’re ready, jump back in feeling refreshed and revitalized.
🚀 Connect with RezzyCheck at Meet the Firms!
Are you attending Meet the Firms? RezzyCheck will be there, hosting a raffle with exciting prizes to enhance your recruiting journey. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to win while you network!
And before you go, make sure to visit our website for free resume templates and other valuable resources to help you prepare for Meet the Firms and beyond. With our support, you’ll feel more confident approaching recruiters and making connections that could lead to your next opportunity.
Take control of your networking experience and prepare yourself for success at Meet the Firms. With the right mindset, preparation, and follow-up, you’ll leave a lasting impression on the firms that matter most.
Visit RezzyCheck.com today and get started with our free resources!
(This is the second part of our networking tips series. If you missed the first part, you can find it here.)
