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Making the Most Of A Career Fair

Making the Most Of A Career Fair. Why Attend?. Expand number of network contacts Receive sound advice from recruiters Learn about opportunities in your field Increase chances for an interview by making a good “first impression”. Employers Point of View….

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Making the Most Of A Career Fair

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  1. Making the Most Of A Career Fair

  2. Why Attend? • Expand number of network contacts • Receive sound advice from recruiters • Learn about opportunities in your field • Increase chances for an interview by making a good “first impression”

  3. Employers Point of View… • Want to make the most of his/her experience at the Career Fair • May not have positions available – NOW • Policy may not allow him/her to take your résumé, even if he/she interested in you. • Like it when you are specific & purposeful in your stated interests and skills

  4. Have a Game Plan: • What is your goal • List of Employers to target • Research companies • Draft your introduction • Outline questions to ask • Prepare professional documents

  5. Professional Documents Needed • Resume • Reference List • Portfolio, representing relevant skills and accomplishments

  6. Career Fair Ready Resumes • Tailor resume towards companies you plan to target • Use key words and action verbs for quick scanning • Write a Cover Letter for each that explains any “gaps” in your Resume

  7. Do Your Homework About the Employers • Review the list of employers • Identify those that you want to talk with. • RESEARCH these employers so you’ll know basic information about them. • Determine 3 – 5 questions for each employer. • Tailor a resume for each employer

  8. Prepare to Meet the Company Representative • Prepare to ask and answer questions • Create a list of questions to ask • Practice answering potential questions • Keep responses positive and on topic

  9. “Elevator Pitch”30 Second overview of you! • Covers your background and the type of position you are looking for. • Why there and employment seeking • Brief summary of education, experience, strengths, etc • Should contain professional & academic information only, not personal.

  10. Example of an “Elevator Pitch”With a pleasant smile say: “Hello, my name is (your name), I am here to speak with you about potential opportunities with y-company.” • Offer a firm handshake • Present your resume • Provide a brief summary of education, experience, strengths, and any other significant details of what you can do for their company.

  11. Prepare to Make a Good Impression • Determine your attire. • Either “business casual” or “interview attire” is appropriate. Dress to your industry. • Examples of “business casual”: • Polo or other collared shirts, long sleeved shirt. • Khakis or knee-length skirts • NO SHORTS, NO JEANS • NO FLIP FLOPS

  12. “Interview Attire” • The most conservative and classic business look • Examples of “interview attire”: • Black, gray, navy suit (top and bottom match) • Solid color, long-sleeved shirt • Simple ties for men • Hosiery required for women, socks required for men

  13. Whether Business Casual OR Interview Attire… • Iron your clothes. You don’t want to look like you slept in them! • Cover tattoos if possible. • Remove visible piercings (other than in ears). • Women should avoid low cut or form-fitting clothing. • Make sure your hair is clean and combed.

  14. Day of the Career Fair… • Use your time wisely. Find out where employers are located and map your path. • Use employers’ time wisely. • Get a business card from everyone you talk with. • Don’t be all about the give away items!

  15. Career Fair Checklist • Portfolio/Briefcase • Pen and notebook • At least two dozen resumes • Copies of transcripts • Copies of list of references • Appropriate clothing including comfortable, professional shoes • Small breath mints-no gum • A positive attitude and firm handshake

  16. Registration Table • Sign In • Obtain Career Fair Handout listing companies and their location • Review layout and mark the companies in the order you would like to meet them.

  17. Meeting Recruiters • Greet Recruiters. • Introduce yourself. • Initiate a handshake • Smile. • Provide a Resume with cover letter • Ask companies what the next step is and how you can follow up with them. • Ask for a business card.

  18. What’s in a Good First Impression? • Handshake • Eye contact • Smile • What else?

  19. Don’t forget to follow up! • Leave voicemails the evening of the Career Fair. • Send thank you letters (via email, or US mail) soon after the Career Fair. • Send networking letter with resume enclosed

  20. JobsPlusOneStop.com

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