My company recruits at numerous universities and colleges throughout California. The typical behavior at job fairs is that students saunter up to our table and ask questions like "so, what do you guys do" and "can you tell me what positions are available?"

At our first job fair at San Jose State University, however, the results were different .

Many of the students didn't bring a photocopy of their résumé.

Instead, they brought a personalized version of it, listing their desired opportunity within my company, Mann, and mentioning our company by name on the printed document. Employers like to see preparation and specific interest. We notice those details.

Few of them asked "what positions do you have available".

Instead, many of them had already visited our web site, and were rattling off facts about the company such as number of employees or the age of the firm.

Few of them asked "what does your company do," instead having looked it up themselves in advance. They waited patiently in line, with as many as a dozen people in front of them, to speak with us. And every time I apologized and thanked one of them for waiting, they politely explained that it was perfectly ok.

Several of the students requested if they could connect on LinkedIn. When we accepted, they pulled out their phone and proceeded to send an invitation on the spot, not afterwards.

Some sent thank you notes and cover letters by email before the day was complete even though the job fair was in the afternoon.

Sure, we saw a few skateboards and tee shirts, but the overwhelming takeaway was that this was a professional, motivated, humble and polished group of students.

This is not the typical kind of candidate behavior we see at schools. We're not sure what they put in the water on campus, or if the career center provides training or counseling. Whatever the reason, we left the job fair encouraged and impressed with not only the students but the entire school as a result.

San Jose State, you did a great job. Go Spartans!











