Many employers who interview at Northern like to schedule pre-recruitment meetings - usually called "premeets." These events give them an opportunity to describe their organizations and the career opportunities they have to offer, saving you time and effort in preparing for your interviews.
Closed premeets are scheduled by employers who want to talk only to those students who have interview appointments, usually for the next day. Make every effort to attend these meetings. Attendance is not required by the placement center; however, it is highly recommended - your prospective boss asked you to be there, and your competition is going to be there. Unless noted as an Open House activity, all premeets are considered to be closed.
There are two basic types of premeets. The first is a kind of social event. There will usually be several employer representatives, refreshments may be served, and the tone of the event is fairly relaxed. At some point one or more of the representatives will talk about the company, career opportunities, etc., and then you will have an opportunity to ask questions. Want to look like a star candidate? Ask a question. Ask two questions. It shows you're paying attention and aren't intimidated by the situation.
The second type of premeet is more typical and is similar to a business seminar. There is usually only one employer representative. He or she will describe the job for which you are applying and provide background information on the company. You will be given plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
Appropriate attire for pre-recruitment activities is usually "business casual." Business casual means slacks, sport coats/sweaters, and sport shirts with or without a tie for the men, and dresses or skirts/slacks and jackets for the women. If an on-campus reception is "informal" or "casual," that doesn't mean that your cleanest blue jeans and newest sweatshirt will be acceptable; remember that you want to make a good first impression.
Open House activities are scheduled by employers who want to be on campus before their resume submission deadline. Their goal is to attract the attention of students who want more information about their company or career opportunities. These events can be very beneficial in helping you form a clearer picture of where you will be successful.
You will never be expected to miss class so that you can attend a premeet. If there is more than one section of your class, see if you can attend an alternate section. If you have a part-time job and are scheduled to work at the time of a premeet, try to trade hours with someone, but don't jeopardize your income or that good reference you're probably hoping for.
Since a premeet is, from the employer's perspective, an integral part of the interview process, you must inform them in advance if you will be unable to attend. If they find that more than just a few students can't attend, they may change the time or date of the event. It is also a professional courtesy that is far more acceptable than merely apologizing at your interview for having been a premeet no-show.