CAFNR students learn what recruiters look for in new hires

by Kari Weis, posted Oct. 13, 2009

Forty-five University of Missouri students attended the “You’re Hired: Make a Positive First Impression” event Oct. 6 in Monsanto Auditorium.

At the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ Career Service event, undergraduates were allowed to pose questions to a panel of eight recruiters from various companies, including Monsanto, General Mills, Lodging Hospitality Management, Pfoodman, Hormel, Growmark and Helena Chemicals.

“The objective of tonight was to get students familiar with what the recruiters will be looking for tomorrow at the CAFNR Career Fair; what should be on their resumes and getting them ready so they aren’t so nervous,” said Phillip Durbin, a sophomore Career Services student worker.

Some questions recruiters covered were: who should initiate the conversation — recruiter or student? Should a student follow up with a company preceding the career fair?

“We are there to hire people, and you are there to see if our opportunity is right for you,” said Ken Bertha, employee of General Mills’ sales division.

With 68 companies in attendance at the career fair, there will be many opportunities for students to present themselves.

“Come forth with confidence, state your name, major and what opportunities you are searching for,” said Claire Simmons, Monsanto’s manager of sales internship program.

Bill Smith business development manager for Helena Chemicals said: “Separate yourself from the rest of the crowd. There are 100 ways to do it — figure out your own way to set yourself apart. We see more than 1,000 students, make me remember you.”

Students were also allowed to talk one on one with the business representatives.

“Career services plans to have the seminar again next year, but we’d like to build on it and get more companies on the panel,” Durbin said.

Alan Johnson, of Hormel retail, summed up the evening when he said: “The economy may be tough, but there are jobs and internships available. Go to these career fairs and get practice until you hear those words … you’re hired.”

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