1. How To Best Present at Job Fairs
By: Sarah E. Krueger
Physician Recruiter
MidMichigan Health

2. 7 Key Points
1. Take advantage of early setup times, and don’t break down early
2. First impressions turn into long-term perceptions
3. Stand out from the crowd  
4. Be approachable
Be early and be prepared. Don’t get stuck setting up your exhibit at the last minute—candidates are known to start arriving before the fair officially begins. By the same token, don’t be the recruiter who starts breaking down early, even if the crowd has started to thin. Some of your “perfect fits” may not make the event until later in the evening due to their demanding schedules. Being late and leaving early both send a poor message to potential candidates (and to your colleagues and competitors). If you were a candidate and showed up later in the evening, which organizations would you want to learn more about: those who were still exhibiting, or those who left early and left only boxes behind?
Remember, first impressions about people (and organizations based on those people representing them) often turn into long-term perceptions. Make yours positive. Be sure to dress professionally and wear your name badge prominently. You’re representing your organization and should mimic the professionalism you’re looking for in candidates. 
Your booth should be attractive, lively, professional and tidy! The number-one reason to attend live events is to get face-to-face time with potential candidates. Make sure to have all of your literature and promotional materials ready, and have plenty of business cards. Consider providing a giveaway or other attraction (it doesn’t have to be costly) to attract physicians to your booth and keep them there. However, beyond being fun and appealing, make sure your booth is kept tidy. Everyone has to eat and drink during these long events, but do so away from your booth or keep it nicely hidden so as not to diminish your professional appearance (or your availability to chat!). 
Stand, don’t sit, behind your exhibit. Sitting in the chair behind your exhibit doesn’t express a sense of engagement or a welcoming atmosphere. Put your phone down and your laptop away. We all know it’s hard to be on the road and you have other work to be done, but a job fair isn’t the place to do it. While it’s certainly a physician’s job market right now, attending a job fair can still be intimidating to even the most educated, experienced and professional job seeker. Being at full attention ensures they know you’re just as eager to speak to them as they are to you. 

3. 5. Know your “60-second sell” or “elevator pitch.”
6. During down time, network with other recruiters! 
7. “Strike while the iron is hot!” 
5. Employer branding. One of the challenges given to recruiters is to clearly communicate, in 60 seconds, why their organization is a great place to practice medicine. Can you do this? Once you can, you will have something to say that’s quick but meaningful and can segue into a great conversation. 
6. Instead of hunkering down behind your booth with your phone during any traffic lulls, use that time to your advantage. Turn it into a learning opportunity for you by finding out more about industry trends and what your competitors are doing. 
7. Don’t waste any time following up with potential candidates after the event. No need to keep them guessing; reach out to them before your competitor does! Post event follow-up is so important!

4. Sharing is Caring Amanda Heilig’s Mom
If you do not have a need that a Provider is seeking but know who may, please be kind and share that information with them.
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Matt 7:12 or Jesus

5. What is your elevator speech?
I provide the best access to healthcare services in the MidMichigan area. I know a life is changed everyday by what I do and have been doing for the last 17 years. I am committed to doing my best for the community and abroad.
I am proud to work for a Healthcare System that strives to provide the best services and access to the community.

6. How are you getting the word out?
Linked In
Facebook
Twitter

7. “Why fit in when you were born to STAND OUT” Dr. Seuss
How are you standing out in the crowd?
Are you representing your Healthcare System in the best way possible?
What not to do…
If you look at your booth, would you want to find out more?

8. We are…. The Face The Voice The Feet The Brain The Heart
The face We often think of our CEO’s and/or physician leaders as the face of the organization; however, as physician recruitment professionals, we are commonly the first face a candidate sees. A pleasant, friendly demeanor versus a cold, tired expression can make the difference between a hire and a rejection. Be a face candidates can trust.
The voice Many times, it is through our job postings and ads that candidates learn of available opportunities within our organization. In conversation, we share all the innovative things we’re doing and what we can offer physicians and their families. When speaking with candidates, show enthusiasm and passion. With any luck, candidates will begin to reflect that same excitement for your organization and opportunities!
The feet Career fairs and conferences keep many recruiters on the road and face-time, we’ve learned, is an important and valuable aspect of recruiting. In taking our opportunities to the candidates, we become the feet of the organization. Making yourself accessible to candidates of interest stresses your commitment to them and the organization.
The brain In order to share your organization’s story, you must know it. Do research, ask questions and shadow co-workers to learn as much as possible about what’s happening on the floors, in the clinics and behind the scenes. Become a resource for information to those both inside and outside the organization. While you’re not expected to know everything, candidates will expect you to know where to go to find answers.
The heart All employees, including physician recruitment professionals, make up the heart of the organization. Our actions are the pulse that keeps the body alive. We should share in the mission, vision and values of the organization and strive to bring in candidates with the same goals in mind.
As you can see, physician recruitment professionals make up many parts in the overall body of the organization. We’re sometimes the face, the voice, the feet, the brain and the heart! Whatever role you’re in, remember the only way to do your job successfully is to work well with others and maintain a pleasant demeanor, an enthusiasm and passion for your organization and its opportunities, accessibility for your candidates, a foundation of knowledge, and a shared commitment to the organization and its values.

9. Sarah E. Krueger sarah. krueger@midmichigan
Sarah E. Krueger (office) (cell)