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Make the Most of The Career Fair

Make the Most of The Career Fair. WSU Vancouver Career Services www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career (360) 546-9155. Career and Internship Fair. For Dates, Online Registration and Employer List of Previous Career and Internship Fairs visit: www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career

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Make the Most of The Career Fair

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  1. Make the Most of The Career Fair WSU Vancouver Career Services www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career (360) 546-9155

  2. Career and Internship Fair For Dates, Online Registration and Employer List of Previous Career and Internship Fairs visit: www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career Campus Wide Career And Internship Fair Organized through Career Services: Spring (February) Business Department Organized Fairs Meet The Firms Accounting and Finance: Fall (September) Meet The Firms Professional Sales: Fall (December)

  3. Why do employers attend? • They are recruiting for available jobs or internships or volunteer positions in their organization • To increase awareness of their business or organization • To develop relationships with a University and their community

  4. Why should students/alumni attend? • As part of a job or internship search • To learn more about local employers • In order to network with recruiters and develop a relationship with a targeted employer • Practice professional behavior • All students are encouraged to attend even if they are not currently looking for a job or internship

  5. Some Statistics • According to an informal online poll conducted by NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) • 41 percent of employer respondents said that less than 25 percent of students are adequately prepared for career fairs. • Twenty-eight percent of respondents said that between 25 and 50 percent of students are adequately prepared for career fairs. • Another 19 percent believe between 51 and 75 percent of students are adequately prepared

  6. Preparation is Key • Employers say that many of the students they see at career fairs don't do the preparation necessary to take full advantage of the opportunity that career fairs provide. • "Many students tend to wander around at career fairs, which is okay if they are freshmen, but I would expect more from higher-level students," she explains. "The career fair should be used as a way to get in front of a company."

  7. Target Employers • Students should focus on specific companies because their time at a career fair is limited. • "If [students] have done their homework, they can target specific companies that look like they could be a fit," she says. "For example, a student may be able to tell by a company's web site whether or not they hire an engineer or a business student. Why should they waste their time at [an employer] that doesn't hire students from their major?"

  8. Research Employers • Employers are impressed by students who have done their homework and engage them in dialogue that is somewhat specific to their company and industry. • Review the employer list for the fair in advance at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career. This list is updated continuously so be sure to review several times in the weeks before the event.

  9. Before the Fair • Learn which companies are coming • Research companies of interest – review the company mission or core values. Learn about characteristics of their workforce. Try searching • Company Website • Business News • Websites such as Vault and Hoover’s

  10. What to Expect • A room(FSC), with rows of company tables. • You will have to approach employers • It will be crowded, some tables will have lines. It may be loud. Be prepared to speak loudly and clearly.

  11. Plan Your Strategy • Plan to arrive at the beginning of the event- this will enable you to meet with every company in which you're interested. • Survey the layout of the event, and prioritize the employers with whom you'd like to speak. • Identify the information you want to get from them, and specify your goals. • Start by approaching organizations that have a lower priority, to get your feet wet and gain confidence.

  12. Resume • Bringcopies in a nice folder. • Make sure you have an error free resume that is targeted to the types of positions you are seeking. Have it reviewed in advance! • Expect that employers will still require you to apply through their official online process.

  13. Make a Great First Impression • Set your self apart with a professional appearance • Many attendees wear what they would wear to an interview • Don’t chew gum, eat or drink while talking to employers • Have an introduction and questions ready for your interaction

  14. Prepare a quick Introduction A solid and friendly introduction • Hand shake, eye contact • Name, year and major and area of career interest. • What appeals to you about the company • The job or career field you are interested in pursuing • Practice this a couple of times with someone before the event.

  15. Be Prepared to Ask Questions • Have one or two questions in mind for each of the employers in which you are interested • Can be about: • Career paths for entry level employees • WSU Alumni • Company / Department Goals • Industry changes • Don’t • Ask Personal Questions • Bring up sensitive topics • Monopolize too much of the employer’s time

  16. Tips • Collect Business Cards • Take time to make notes of your discussion after you finish speaking with each company, before you move on. • Write down the name of the recruiter that you speak with if no business cards. • You will use the notes and names you write down in follow up contact so don’t skip this step!

  17. Other Tips • Don't randomly hand out resumes • If the company representative works in a different field, be sure to leave with the contact information for the person responsible for hiring in your area • Be professional at all times. The person you meet in the parking lot, elevator, hallway, or restroom may be a recruiter you'll see later that day.

  18. Follow Up • Email a thank you to all the employers you spoke with. • thank the recruiter for their time • restate your interest and qualifications for the position • reiterate your interest in an interview • Attach a resume to your follow up email or thank you note • Apply Online through company website

  19. Career Services at WSU Vancouver • Career Counseling • Graduate School Decision-making and applications • Career and Major Exploration • Career Assessments • Job Search Strategies • Mock Interviews • Resume and Cover Letter Review To make an appointment call 360-546-9155 Or stop by the Student Resource Center www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career

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