Tips for First Year recruiting

First Year internship recruiting is in full-swing and I thought it would the right time to share some wisdom from my experiences. Instead of providing 'abc' of what you need to do, which I am sure you all are quite familiar with by now, I will highlight some areas where I think students falter.

Focus: Though this such an obvious first step, I find that its not followed as religiously as it should be. If you are feeling lethargic and lack motivation to get everything done, its time to get your act together. A dream or aspiration is something you have to pursue, it doesn't not fall on your lap. It's time to ask the hard question of how much it really matters to you. Figure out all the things you need to do, make a plan and get going.

Preparation: By now you should have clear idea of what you need to do well to be successful in your chosen recruiting area. Quite likely there are several things. Often, many consider preparation as getting familiar with this areas or somewhat competent. The bar is high fellows, target should be perfection. What would it take to get close to perfect in each area? You are bound to make mistakes when it comes  the final interviews. Prepare and practice everything you can - cases, subject areas, behavioral, situational. If you perform great in practice chances are you can at least be good in the final interviews.

Externalities: How many times have you asked the questions How will the economy hold? How many students will so and so company recruit? Well, the question really is - Does the answer to these questions affect what you are doing? or Do you have any control on the economy or the numbers anyway? Forget what you can't control and worry about things you can. It might however be useful to stay informed on these issues. Sometimes opportunities arise if you informed and observant.

Attitude: What behavioral aspects would you look for in an employee? Enthusiasm, curiosity, confidence, positive outlook are some traits that definitely impress recruiters. Bring the same to the table. I'ts not all about going to the interview, solving the puzzles and answering questions with the straight face. Your attitude is not something you can switch on and off.  So examine yourself and see if you need a change. Investigate the culture of companies you are interviewing with to figure out qualities important to them. If there is something that you rather not adopt then think twice about interviewing with the firm.

Perspective: If the process is stressing you a lot, keep things in perspective. This is not your life. There are many things to it. Anyone who has made it thus far will do just fine. You define your choices, don't let your choices define you.