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Getting the Most Out of a Career Fair!

Getting the Most Out of a Career Fair!. Presented by: VT Career Services and VT Alumni Career Resources Nancy Brittle 540-552-1666 nbrittle@vt.edu. To attract top-notch candidates To advertise organization to prospective candidates To promote public awareness about their organization

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Getting the Most Out of a Career Fair!

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  1. Getting the Most Out of a Career Fair! Presented by: VT Career Services and VT Alumni Career Resources Nancy Brittle 540-552-1666 nbrittle@vt.edu

  2. To attract top-notch candidates • To advertise organization to prospective candidates • To promote public awareness about their organization • To provide career information • To identify potential candidates (first impressions!) Why do employers go to job fairs?

  3. Know what organizations are attending • Research the organizations • Have several copies of your resume • Prepare a “One Minute Commercial” • Connect your background to the needs of the organization • Prepare questions to ask representatives • Demonstrate interpersonal skills How to make the most of the day

  4. Job Fair Web Site • Handout at fair registration 1. Identify attending employers

  5. Obviously, this is difficult to do at the last minute, but… • From the web site or handout you can at least determine which companies are more likely to fit what you’re looking for • If you have time to go to individual organization web sites, look for: • The philosophy, mission, goals • Organization’s size (personnel, locations) • The products and services 2. Research the organizations

  6. Introduce yourself (name, major/degree) • Express your interest in a certain type of position or area in the organization • Describe what you have to offer the organization • Demonstrate what you know about the organization PRACTICE!!!!! 3. Prepare a One Minute Commercial

  7. What have you read about the organization? • Do you have unique qualities or characteristics that would be a fit for them? • What do you have to offer the organization? 4. Connect your background with the needs of the organization

  8. What do you want to know about the organization? • What do you want to know about the opportunities? • TIP:Make sure you are not asking questions about information available on their web site! 5. Prepare questions for the representative

  9. Be professional • Introduce yourself with a firm handshake • Speak clearly and concisely • Answer questions readily • Have your resume with you and easily accessible • Demonstrate confidence • Be open and honest • Maintain good eye contact • Show enthusiasm and interest 6. Demonstrate interpersonal skills

  10. Go to the registration table and pick up a list of attendees and the map • Zero in on specific organizations you want to approach and where they are located • Make your A, B, C list • Take a deep breath…stand up straight…think positively…go into the room and go into action! At the job fair

  11. Introduce yourself • Give your One Minute Commercial • Ask and answer questions • Pick up materials • Offer your resume • Ask for a business card • Ask about the best method for follow-up Approach the organization’s representative...

  12. It is important to take the initiative to follow-up on job fair contacts. • Send a thank you letter and indicate your continued interest in the organization and opportunities. • Be specific about what you want. Job fair follow-up

  13. Lacking focus - not knowing what type of position you are seeking. • Admitting “I’ll take anything” or answering “I don’t know” when asked about interests. • Not dressing neatly or professionally • Not bringing a resume • Lacking knowledge of the organization or confusing the organization with a competitor • Lacking enthusiasm or interest in the organization or job opportunities • Asking about salary Job Fair No-NosSource: Journal of Career Planning and Employment, Winter 2000

  14. Not asking any questions, asking inappropriate questions, and having a poor or unprofessional attitude • Grabbing free stuff • Not making eye contact • Lacking communication skills • Not bringing anything to write with or on • Giving a weak handshake • Not taking the time to fill out a job application Job Fair No-Nos(continued)

  15. www.career.vt.edu • www.alumni.vt.edu/career • www.linkedin.com • Hokies4Hire* • Resume book, job listings, on-campus interviews (students) • Hokie Nation Network * • www.alumni.vt.edu/hnn • CareerShift* • Going Global* • Salary Information • Job listing sites: http://www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/WebSites.htm * VT students and alumni only Other Resources

  16. GOOD LUCK!

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