Preparing for a Career Fair

1. Preparing for a Career Fair

2. Maximizing Your Success Career Fair Tips Please take a moment to review the following tips to maximize your success at the fair. If you have any questions, please seek the assistance of Career Center Staff (they’re wearing special name tags).

3. Content Preparation 30 Second Commercial First Impressions Speaking with Employers Close the Conversation After the Fair/Follow Up Additional Resources

4. PREPARATION Directories are available at the Student Registration booth. Preparation The Directory • Prepare several copies of your resume • Research companies ahead of time • Explore career opportunities as they relate to your major • Create a list of appropriate questions to ask employers • Review and organize materials in a portfolio/briefcase • BEFORE you begin to speak with employers, allow 15-20 minutes to: • Review the confirmed employers and floor plan • Determine which organizations are seeking your major and skill sets. • Develop a priority system to determine which employers you are interested in speaking with (MUST SEE, WOULD LIKE TO SEE, IF TIME PERMITS)

5. Promote Yourself Education Discuss your major, relevancy to company, and graduation date. Strengths Choose three or four strengths to highlight. Give examples. Work Experience Talk about your related work experience. 30-Second Commercial Closing Statement State one solid reason why you are a good fit. Special Skills Mention any skills that would make you stand out.

6. 30-Second Commercial Example “Hello. I am Marcus James, a senior at Towson University, majoring in Telecommunications. I have completed two internships with Telecom Corporation and Com-Tele Corporation while maintaining a 3.5 grade point average. I was also president of the Telecommunications Association and an active member of the National Leadership Council. I visited your company’s website and have reviewed your company’s profile. I am very interested in job opportunities with you—particularly entry-level openings working on your Millennium Project. I’d love to hear your assessment of my skills and work experience and where you feel I would be a good fit within your company.” • Develop 30-Second Commercial • This commerical should introduce YOU to the employer and give him/her an understanding of who you are, what skills you have to offer and why you are suitable for employment with his/her company. • How to Pitch • Emphasis on key words • Slow down when making a key point • Smile when you give the pitch • Demonstrate enthusiasm • Practice, practice, practice!

7. First Impressions: Who Stands Out in a Crowd? Your Career Center offers resume critiques. If you are not comfortable with your resume, simply ask for a business card and send resume to the employer(s) in a day or two. Communication Skills One who has the ability to exhibit their strong communication skills and articulate their career goals. Strong Resume Possessing a flawless resume that clearly reflects your skillset, accomplishments and potential. Knowledgeable about Company/Industry Familiarize yourself with the company. Understand their mission, present performance and new developments/initiatives. Professional Attire Your professional image is very important in your career search. A polished confident appearance helps introduce you as focused and qualified. Personality Ask thought-provoking questions to show your interest and enthusiam for the company. Let your personality shine through!

8. First Impressions The Waiting Game Offer a Firm Handshake • Demonstrate patience! The lines might be daunting but don't fail to maximize this opportunity. Talk to every company that fits your experience and ambitions. If you meet with 20 recruiters, at the end of the day you will have 20 new contacts! • Extend your hand, say "hello" and state your name • Hold the handshake for 2 to 3 seconds making a slight up and down pumping motion • Smile and make eye contact as you shake hands

9. Speaking with Employers • Be Professional • Be professional and courteous at all times. • Avoid distracting mannerisms (flipping hair, rolling eyes, distasteful facial expressions, etc.) . • Be assertive (not aggressive) with employers. • Show energy and enthusiasm! • Take Notes • The representative at the fair may not be able to answer all of your questions or know specifics about your job interests. • Ask for names, telephone numbers, etc. of other staff in the organization whom you can contact later. • Be sure to record follow up steps and keep points discussed in your conversation. • Request Business Cards • Provides you a direct contact with the organization, including the proper spelling of the representative’s name, direct phone line, etc. • You can send a brief thank-you note (or email) acknowledging the information they provided and thanking them for their time. • You can follow-up regarding the status of your application.

10. Expectations Little to no job offers are made at fairs. Keep in mind that the career fair is an opportunity for employers to meet and assess candidates for future employment. Respecting Employer’ Give-a-Ways Always check with employers before taking materials from their tables. REMEMBER Be Brief Demonstrate sensitivity to other students waiting to speak with employers by keeping your questions brief and offering to continue your conversation at a later time. Be Courteous In addition to representing yourself, you are also representing your university. Make a good impression.

11. “What are the next steps in the recruitment process?” • Close the Conversation • Thank the employer for his/her time. Tell him/her that you look forward to speaking with him/her soon! • Be sure to ask questions that will help you in the follow-up process. • Request a business card “Is there any additional information that I can provide to demonstrate my abilities in that area?” “May I contact you within the next two weeks to follow-up on the status of my application?”

12. Follow-Up • After the Fair • Take a few moments after speaking with employers to jot down notes about your conversation. • Be sure to have a business card or contact information from each employer that you spoke with at the fair. • Thank You Note (or Email) • Follow-up with a thank you note or email that shows employers you are serious, professional and enthusiastic about the position. • Thank the employer for their time • Mention the name of the fair where you met • Reiterate your strengths and interest in the company. Refer to the notes you took about your conversation. • Ask for an interview.

13. Example Thank You Note February 21, 2011 Dear Mr. Moon: Thank you for speaking with me at the Maryland Career Consortium’s Career Fair held at Loyola University on February 18, 2011. I found our conversation about the opportunities at the National Security Agency quite interesting and informative. Thank you for sending me an application for employment with your agency with the letter stating that I had passed the Professional Qualification Test held last fall. I am still very interested in a position as a Mathematician with your agency. I would be very excited to have an opportunity for a personal interview to further discuss my qualifications. I look forward to hearing from you. You may contact me at (410) 555-1212 or MonetLittle@gmail.com. Sincerely, Monet Little Monet Little

14. Additional Resources • The Career Center offers: • Career counseling/advising • Resume/cover letter reviews • Mock Interviews • On-Campus Recruitment • Career assessments • Schedule your appointment today, 410-704-2233 • 30 Second Commercial • www.careerbuilder.com • www.marketing.about.com/od/marketingtipsandadvice/a/30seccommercial.htm Professional Dress www.collegegrad.com/book/15-5.shtml www.quintcareers.com/dress_for_success.html www.dressforsuccess.org/interview_tips/ • Career Fairs • Visit the Career Center’s homepage to learn about upcoming Career Fairs. • www.towson.edu/careercenter

15. You are now prepared to impress the recruiters. • Please notify the Career Center if you receive a job offer as a result of attending a career fair. • Don’t forget to complete the student evaluation form to provide us feedback to improve future events. • Happy Networking!