“So, like, I’d really like to work here and stuff. Umm … I think I could, sorta, bring a lot to your organization.”

Chances are, if you speak like this at the job fair, you’ll leave a lasting impression on employers — the kind that will get you rejection letters.

Speech advice is at hand, however. Students who have been successful at previous job and internship fairs want to share their preparation techniques.

Conversational speech often is filled with stuttering and hesitation. Jon Sheetz, a computer science graduate student and former intern at Kraft Foods, has advice.

“Don’t do that,” he said. “Try to avoid the ‘mmms’ and ‘uhs’ that you might say normally.”

Students may find these verbal traps hard to avoid, but there are tricks for getting around them. The Career Planning and Placement Center suggests preparing a 45-second summary of your qualifications and interests. Practicing that introduction at home before the fair may help you avoid fumbling for words.

Senior meteorology major Eric Musselman said that is good advice.

“You should definitely have an idea of what to say ahead of time,” he said. “Don’t necessarily write a speech, but do make a list of your most important assets, and keep them on the top of your mind.”

Preparing a script is not for everyone, though. There are other legitimate ways to plan for an interview.

“I didn’t make a script,” Sheetz said. “I hate scripts. I practiced mock conversations, doing practice interviews and general things like that.”

Sheetz feels that preparing a statement has a serious downside.

“There’s no point in writing a script because then what you say will feel scripted,” he said. “That’s why you should practice dialogue with someone else instead.”

Career Planning and Placement said that confidence and assertiveness are key, but don’t forget to smile.

Musselman said that it’s important to tailor your conversation to each recruiter.

“It depends on the way the recruiter or potential employer is during the initial meeting,” he said. “If he or she is laid back and friendly, follow that lead. Just don’t get too informal.”