An EY leader shares the smartest move she's seen a candidate make

In the competitive landscape of today’s job market, old-fashioned tactics can still make a significant impact. While many might dismiss the idea of approaching a hiring manager with a paper résumé, this traditional approach is proving effective for some. Francesca Jones, the early careers leader at EY US, highlighted a standout candidate who took this very step at a recent career fair. This ambitious individual, who is expected to intern in 2027, didn’t let the fact that he was not a student at the hosting university deter him. Instead, he managed to make his way into the event, aiming to connect with an EY partner he knew would be in attendance. "He went all in on making sure that he was getting that air time," Jones remarked, praising the candidate's proactive attitude. This candidate's approach not only showcased his eagerness but also his curiosity—an essential trait that Jones noted has become increasingly important in the age of AI. As the workplace evolves with technological advancements, the ability to demonstrate an exploratory mindset is critical. "There is no guidebook for that, and if we're not able to show the curiosity, we're not going to be able to unlock what's on the other side," she explained. As the candidate progressed to the interview stage, he continued to impress Jones by effectively connecting the dots between his previous conversations and the insights he had gathered during his college experience. "By the time he got to the interview, his comfort level was so strong," she added, emphasizing the advantage of solid networking. Jones, although not present at the career fair, recognized the candidate when he introduced himself months later, already familiar with his name and his internship story. This anecdote underscores the power of networking in today’s job market. While written communications can be beneficial, it is the in-person interactions that often set candidates apart. Therefore, if the opportunity arises to meet employers face-to-face before applying, it may be a risk worth taking.