How To Work A Job Fair

1. How To Work A Job Fair Sponsored by MCB Advising Program Biotechnology Career Services Office And School of Chemical Sciences - Career Counseling and Placement Services Biotechnology Center Career Services

2. Introductions Tina Knox & Jennifer Brandyberry MCB Advising Program (MAP) advising@mcb.illinois.edu Check out our Web site: http://mcb.illinois.edu/undergrad/advising/ Biotechnology Center Career Services

3. Introductions Kathleen Brinkmann Director Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center Career Services brinkman@illinois.edu Biotechnology Center Career Services

4. Introductions • Biotechnology Center Career Services, 103 Observatory, 333-1378 • URL: www.biotec.illinois.edu/career Biotechnology Center Career Services

5. Introductions Patricia Simpson Director School of Chemical Sciences Career Counseling & Placement Services plblum@illinois.edu Biotechnology Center Career Services

6. Job Fair Preparation • Before the Job Fair • During the Job Fair • After the Job Fair Biotechnology Center Career Services

7. Preparation before the Fair • Clarify your goals and what you want out of the Fair • Research the employer • Prepare questions you want the recruiter to answer Biotechnology Center Career Services

8. Preparation continued • Prepare a resume and have others proof read it. • Practice answers to common questions • Print multiple resumes on quality paper Biotechnology Center Career Services

9. Preparation • Prepare a 1-minute infomercial of yourself Name, class year, interest ( F.T intern, etc), your major/career interest, why you have come to THIS company Know 3 reasons why you are the right fit for this job Biotechnology Center Career Services

10. PreparationInformercial ingredients • Name, degree and minors • Targeted summary of work experience • Outline of skills developed • Effective “name dropping” of companies or names • Activities demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and service • Warm, confident tone delivered in clear voice • Open and welcoming body language • Specific interest in the company demonstrated by research From Ron Johnson and Joe Schall article, 2004 Biotechnology Center Career Services

11. Preparation In your answers, recruiters look for: • Confidence • Motivation • Personality • Decision-making skills • Communication Skills Biotechnology Center Career Services

12. Preparation Tip • Have a folder for your resumes and a notepad for note taking. No backpacks! • Dress professionally- business or business casual is acceptable ( No t-shirts, jeans or sneakers) Biotechnology Center Career Services

13. Factoid: Companies use Job Fairs • To prescreen applicants for later interviews • To promote their opportunities and brand Biotechnology Center Career Services

14. Top Skills & Qualities of the Perfect Job Candidate • Communication Skills (written and verbal) • Computer/Technical • Leadership • Teamwork skills • Interpersonal Skills • Motivation/Initiative • Strong Work Ethic • Flexibility/adaptability • Problem-solving/common sense Source: Dr. Gardener, Recruiting Trends, 2006-2007 Biotechnology Center Career Services

15. During the Job Fair Biotechnology Center Career Services

16. Factoid 50-55% of people get their jobs through networking About 33% from unsolicited resumes 12-18% from answering want ads Biotechnology Center Career Services

17. During the Job Fair • Have a good firm handshake and eye contact-be aware of your body language • Demonstrate confidence, interest and enthusiasm • Answer questions clearly and concisely (S.T.A.R) • Take notes Biotechnology Center Career Services

18. During the Fair • Don’t ask about salary • Don’t ask the recruiter personal questions • If asked about your GPA-don’t skirt the issue-just tell them Biotechnology Center Career Services

19. During the Fair • Focus on the companies you are truly interested in. • Ask what is the next step in the process • Get their business card Biotechnology Center Career Services

20. During the Fair Sample Questions they may ask: • What is your background? • Why did you choose Illinois/your major? • What is important to you in your first career opportunity? • What do you know about our company? Biotechnology Center Career Services

21. During the FairQuestion you can ask them • Why do you like working for this company? • What are your day-to day duties? • What types of positions are you recruiting for? • What types of projects are currently driving your company? • In what areas do you see the most growth for your company? • Are there specific types of backgrounds that you’re recruiting for? From Ron Johnson and Joe Schall article, 2004 Biotechnology Center Career Services

22. After the Fair • If possible, send thank you note and reconfirm interest in the position and company • Follow up, if possible, with a phone call after about a week, if you have not heard from them. Biotechnology Center Career Services

23. Finals Thoughts • Prepare • Communicate • Follow-up Biotechnology Center Career Services

24. Research-Oriented Information and Job Fair Thursday, October 22, 2009 Illini Union Rooms B & C 9am to noon & 1pm to 3:30pm Business attire required Biotechnology Center Career Services

25. Companies attending Abbott, Aerotek Scientific, Archer Daniels Midland, AgReliant Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cook Pharmica, Nanosphere, Inc., Novozymes North America, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Purdue University, Roquette America, Thermo Fisher Scientific, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Ventana Medical Systems, Inc, Wolfram Biotechnology Center Career Services

26. Questions? Biotechnology Center Career Services