Placement Center FAQ for Seekers and Organizations

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What is the Placement Center?

The on-site Placement Center has been a fixture of the SIOP Annual Conference since 1993. Here are the main components:

• • Web site - The web site is organized into a section for "Job Seekers" and another for "Employers". Registering is quick and easy. 
  • On-Site Computer Room - This room is restricted to registered employers and job-seekers only Computers and printers are set-up to conduct last-minute searches or to add newly created jobs. The PCs use a Windows-based operating system with open USB drives. They are hooked up to laser printers and have Internet access. The workstations are set-up as standing kiosks and do not have chairs.
  • Interview Area -  Room of tables and chairs for employers to use to conduct interviews. There is a waiting area for candidates. Pitchers of iced water are available.
  • Help Desk -  The Help Desk is staffed by student volunteers and/or Placement Committee members. The Help Desk can answer questions regarding the Placement Center or its web site.

What is the function of Placement Center?

Online, the Placement Center is a virtual job board where job seekers can submit their resumé, employers can post jobs, and both groups can search the database for individuals/organizations that match their desired search criteria. At the conference, it is a physical area to connect job seekers to employers.

Are there fees associated with the Placement Center?

There are fees for both job seekers and employers for use of the Placement Center service. These fees cover the administrative costs associated with the service as well as the facility rental fee at the conference. Click here for the fee schedule. Participation in the Placement Center and thus the fee to participate is optional. It is in addition to and separate from conference registration fees, workshop fees and membership dues.

When does the online Placement Center open?

Because the system typically receives upgrades in the off-season, the open date somewhat varies by year. Generally, individuals will be granted access to the system to post jobs, resumés, and do searches about 45 days before the annual conference.

How does the Placement Center work at the Conference?

At the conference, the emphasis is primarily on the organizations looking to conduct interviews. Employers who are seeking to fill positions will send an email and/or contact the individual by phone. Seekers are encouraged to stand “at the ready” to ensure they do not miss an important communication from an employer, having email and phone access handy at all times.

Keep in mind that resumé screening by employers may result in a short list of candidates that they can interview onsite. One way for employers to narrow this list down to a more manageable number is based on who has shown an active interest in them so be sure to reach out to the contacts listed on the job postings in which you have interest.

What does Placement Center look like?

Size will vary from year to year and the location will be determined in conjunction with the hotel or convention center. In general, it will be divided into two areas: one with tables and chairs for interviewing, the other with computers and printers. 

What can we do with the computers in the Placement Center?

The Placement Center computers are restricted to activities pertaining to the activities of Placement Center. Job candidates can conduct searches, print position descriptions, upload resumés for last minute revisions, look at employer web sites, etc. Employers can post or revise job descriptions, print resumes, and conduct searches. There is a 20-minute limit to using the computers when lines exist, and printing is limited to 10 items per use. Help Desk staff will be able to assist you if needed – don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Have a question? Please contact Placement@siop.org for general assistance or lnader@siop.org for technical assistance with the web site.

How do I get involved? 

Just like applying for a job, upload your resumé to the Placement center. After uploading your resumé, you will be asked a few additional questions that will provide your submission with "key words" so employers looking for your skills will find you quickly. 

Do I have to sign up in advance to participate in the Placement Center at the Conference? 

No, you can sign up at the Conference during the general Conference registration. However, getting an early start and being prepared makes your Placement Center experience much smoother. Early sign up gives you the benefit of: 

• Posting your resumé to the website. Remember the "key words" that you added to your resumé by answering the questions? Employers can search these before the conference, potentially allowing your talents to get noticed sooner! 
• Conducting your own search of the available jobs. Ultimately, the employers will contact you if they are interested in interviewing you; but, you are able to show initiative and reach out to employers with job postings that fit your skills. Keep in mind, this is a competitive hiring situation. Each job posting should have contact information for a recruiter or hiring manager. Reach out and get noticed!
• Bringing helpful materials that day of the Placement Center. Don't spend your Annual Conference scrambling to find extra copies of your resumé or business cards. Sign up early and come prepared with any printed materials you may need at the Placement Center. 

I am a discrete job seeker. I don’t want my current employer to know that I am interviewing. How do I keep them from seeing my resumé on the Placement Center site?

You will not want to upload a resumé. You will have to be more proactive in your search because of this and contact employers directly, but nobody will know you are registered. Of course, we cannot guarantee your anonymity in the physical location of the Placement Center. If you schedule interviews with potential employers, you will need to decide to what extent you want to be forthcoming about meeting publicly.

What do I say when I reach out to a potential employer? 

 You can make the message to the employer as simple or elaborate as you'd like. Send an email to the contact and let them know you are interest in the position or the organization. If you'd like to be more detailed, explain why you are interested in the position and the specific skills/experiences that you would bring to the organization. Be direct and mention that you are interested in setting up an interview with them on site. Don't forget to let them know your contact information so they can easily get back with you. Shakespeare once wrote “brevity is the soul of wit.” Allow yourself enough writing to portray yourself favorably, but save your big “sales pitch” for the on-site interview. 

Should I email my resumé to every employer to maximize my chances for an interview? 

You could, but that isn't a good use of your time. Stick to the jobs you are genuinely interested in, and where you have relevant skills for the job. Additionally, the network at SIOP is very close-knit and you don't want the reputation as someone who is "spamming their resumé out." Remember that all employers have access to your resumé online.

Can I walk into the Placement Center and meet a variety of employers?

The Placement Center is not a job fair. Employers and job seekers make appointments via phone or email to meet for interviews during the Annual conference. All Placement Center applicants will be given the opportunity to attend an "open house" format with the organizations participating in Placement Center at the beginning of the conference (further details will be provided), but other than this time, presence in the interviewing area is restricted to those conducting interviews. If you have not registered you cannot use the Placement Center. 

What do I do if an employer proposes a meeting time the day of the Conference, and I don't notice until after the proposed time?

If you signed up to participate in the Placement Center, we recommend that you keep an eye on your phone to avoid a situation like this. However, the Conference is a buzzing place and situations like this can happen! Respond to the employer saying that you received their note after their proposed meeting time, but would be very interested in meeting with them. Include times when you are available to make coordination easier for them, giving as many options as possible.

I have an interview scheduled at the Conference. Now what?

Prepare for your interview!  Confirm the time and location of the interview with the employer. While the Placement Center is provided with tables and chairs for interviewing, some employers may choose to conduct interviews at their exhibit booth, hospitality suite, in the hotel lobby or restaurant. While there will be a waiting area in the Placement Center for job seekers, you should still establish how to make contact at the scheduled time. If the organization you are scheduled to meet with is interviewing another candidate, wait in the waiting area. If they're not with a candidate, approach the employer and introduce yourself. 

Consider the time that your interview is scheduled. If the interview will be during peak times, the interview area can be crowded and loud. Prepare accordingly! Both hiring managers and seekers would benefit from practicing an interview in similar distracting conditions. Have a friend practice with you in a noisy restaurant!

What should I do if I find a job before the conference? 

Congratulations on your success! Please contact the SIOP Administrative Office immediately and we will remove your entry from the site. 

Conference dress gets more casual each day of the conference. Does this mean that I should dress more casually for interviews as the conference progresses?

Just like any other interview, your goal is to make as positive an impression as possible. It is recommended that you wear business formal attire to your interviews throughout the conference. 

What is the mock interviewing process?

Job seekers who sign up for the Placement Center can also participate in the Mock Interview Program, allowing them to gain experience interviewing and receive feedback. SIOP members volunteer to conduct a mock interview with job seekers during the conference and provide constructive feedback to help the job seekers improve their interviewing skills. The SIOP Placement Center committee will send out an email a few weeks before the conference to allow job seekers to sign up for mock interviewing. Each year we have more job seekers than interviewers and space is determined on a first come, first come basis, so be sure to sign up early!

I will not be able to attend the conference this year. Can I still access the job seeker database?

How do I get involved? 

For employers, copy and paste job postings into the system.

How many job postings can I post?

An employer may post up to four (4) jobs. 

Do I have to sign up in advance to participate in the Placement Center?

There is less pressure on the organization to sign up early. However, signing up at the conference is likely going to require you or your fellow coworkers to have to do resumé reviews during the conference, which takes time away from other valuable activities you  could be doing. Remember that 40% of the organizations participating in Placement Center had already conducted at least one interview prior to the conference. To compete for the best and brightest talent, acting sooner is always better.

How do I secure a space in the interviewing area?

Tables are first-come, first-served. One table per employer. Tables cannot be reserved by employers, nor can you expect the same table each day.  You will receive a tent card from the Help Desk staff the day of the interviews at the Conference. Place your tent  card on the table stand and remove your tent card when not using the table. Tables with a tent card but no interviewers present will be given to other organizations to use.

I have selected candidates to interview. Now What?

Just like any other interview, set up a time and meeting place with your candidate. You can use the Placement Center interviewing area, or you can use your exhibit booth, hospitality suite, in the hotel lobby or restaurant. If you choose to use the Placement Center  interviewing area, establish how you will make contact with the candidate. Candidates are always confused about whether to look for the interviewer or if they will come and get the candidate. We recommend that these arrangements be made when  setting up the interview. If no arrangements have been made, Placement Center staff is instructed to tell candidates to wait in the waiting area and the employer usually comes and introduces themselves when ready to conduct the interview.

Can I interview the job candidates privately in the Placement Center?

Not entirely. The Placement Center has numerous tables that employers may use for conducting interviews, but these tables are not partitioned off from one another. Initial meetings and interviews are somewhat public if taking place in the Placement Center. However, SIOP conferences traditionally have a lot of open space outside the Placement Center that we encourage you to utilize if discretion is necessary.

What should I do if the position is filled before the Conference?

Congratulations on your success! Please contact the SIOP Administrative Office immediately and we will remove your entry from the site. 

Conference dress gets more casual each day of the conference. Does this mean that I should dress more casually for interviews as the conference progresses?

It is up to you; however, as a hiring manager, you are representing your organization. Dress the way you feel would appropriately portray your organization. 

I wasn't able to fill the position at the Conference. Is it over? 

Not at all! Placement Center stays open until June 30. There is a lot of value in continuing the job search following the conference as a lot of searches are still ongoing for both job seekers and employers.

I will not be able to attend the conference this year. Can I still access the employer databases?