Career Fair Interviewing & More

1. Career Fair Interviewing & More Touch the Future Career Fair

2. Informational Interviewing • What is career fair/informational interviewing? • A great way to help determine if a career pathway is right for you • A method to see if you want to explore a pathway further

3. Why Career Fairs? • Find out what a specific career path has to offer. • Learn the positives and negatives. • Find out what kind of training or further education is needed. • See if a career fits with the lifestyle you want to lead. • Develop relationships with experts in the fields you’re interested in.

4. Career Fair Do’s • Shake hands. (Use the business handshake.) • Smile. • Breathe naturally and relax. • Maintain eye contact when asking questions or if they ask you one. • Be attentive to each response. • Create additional questions as you go along. (There is no such thing as a dumb question.) • Be polite. Say thank you at the conclusion.

5. Career Fair Don’ts • Don’t chew gum. • Don’t interrupt when someone is talking. • Don’t ask them how much money they make. • You can ask about starting salary in that profession.

6. Practice! • Business handshake • Introducing yourself • Thank you

7. Job Interviewing • Different from informational interviewing – an information exchange • See Sample Interview Questions Handout • Practice! Practice! Practice! • Write out your answers. • Anticipate difficult questions. • Rehearse.

8. What Are You Trying to Say? • Have an overall point in mind. • Specific goals/skills to highlight • Have examples of demonstrating those skills prepared! • Specific events or activities with details • Practice getting comfortable talking about yourself – it’s not bragging!

9. Portfolios • Help people visualize. • Help you explain events or activities. • Are NOT photo albums. • May need to be left with employer if requested so be prepared. • Are optional.

10. Ask Questions! • Employers ask: “Are there any questions you have for us?”. • When can I expect to hear back from you? • What are the typical hours/ time commitments of this job?

11. Getting to the Interview • Allow LOTS of travel time • Being late doesn’t necessarily mean a poor result, but it rattles your nerves enough to throw you off for the rest of the interview. • Map and practice • If the location is unfamiliar, print a map, and make a practice trip to see how long it will take.

12. Appropriate Dress • Match the highest expected standards of office dress. • KEEP IT SIMPLE. Avoid: • open-toed shoes • low-cut shirts • tight-fitting clothes • unnatural makeup • piercing/tattoos in obvious places • cologne • gaudy or large jewelry

13. The Moments Before… • If waiting, try to find something to occupy yourself with. • Turn your cell phone OFF. • Check calendar. • Read periodicals or office materials. • Look engaged!

14. The Greeting • Introductions- everyone in the room • Business handshake

15. During the Interview • Do your best. • Be yourself. • Have a conversation. • Give as much information as possible. Show people just how great you are!

16. After the Interview • Say thanks! • In person, as you leave • E-mail when you get home • Hand-written note of appreciation • Follow up with employer.