Our Career Fair: Useful Information

1. Attend the Meet and Greet, February 13, 4:30-6 p.m., 280 McCannel Hall. This is your opportunity to meet some of the employers in a casual setting. We will have a Q&A session with the employers – so bring any questions you may have.
2. Want the opportunity to find out about different companies and career options? Or would you like to make a company contact and add to your own professional network? How about submitting a resume or knowing about a website where you might apply? If any of these options are for you, be sure to attend our 2012 Spring Career Fair, which will be held on Tuesday, February 14 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Wellness Center!

Attend both of the above events for the opportunity to win a Kindle Fire!

Additional tips for those of you who want to stand out in the crowd:

1. Bring 100% error-free resumes, printed on high quality paper.
2. Create a polished look. In other words, "Dress For Success" and bring with you a positive attitude.
3. Come prepared! Know which companies you would like to target, research them. Thoroughly and make a great first impression with a brief introduction and handshake.

How do I get started, you ask? Put your plan into action by first determining which companies you want to target. You may want to "warm up" by visiting a few that are not in your top five; this will allow you to get a feel for what to expect and increase your confidence. Collect as much information as you can about each company, especially contact information. Take notes after each visit with an employer so that you don't confuse information. Follow up, follow up, follow up in the form of a thank you and "it was nice meeting you" note. That's it!

 

Commonly Asked Questions

How should I prepare for the Career Fair?

Obtain a list of the employers who will be attending the fair at Companies Attending. Review standard questions you might want to ask the company representative (refer to list of questions below). Develop a script of what to say as an introduction. Career Services has a brochure to help with script development.

What should I take with me to the Fair?

A letter sized portfolio with a notepad and pen. More than enough copies of your resume. Your research notes on participants at the fair. A compact, professional portfolio of your work samples (if applicable).

Hint: Keep yourself and your materials neat and streamlined, don't overload yourself with too much to carry.

What should I do when I get to the Career Fair?

Check in at the registration table for a name tag, map of Career Fair participants and other posted information. Select the first company you are interested in and approach the company table. As you approach the table, have your materials organized, a resume readily available, and any information about the company within easy reach.

Hint: If the line seems too long, it may be more efficient to select another company and come back later.

How do I approach the company representatives?

As you approach the company table, respect the privacy of others as they complete their conversations. Conduct yourself professionally at all times, remembering that you are on stage even as you stand in line or move about the interview area. Establish eye contact, present a firm handshake, introduce yourself and know why you have chosen this company. (Avoid being one of the candidates who offers a limp handshake.)

What kinds of questions should I ask the company representatives?

What types of career opportunities does your organization offer? What majors does your organization typically hire? What kinds of positions do you offer in my major? What are the job responsibilities for that type of position? What are the most important qualities or characteristics you look for in hiring for that position? What are the most important skills necessary to do the job? What recommendations would you make for someone who would like to enter that field? Are you aware of related occupations that I would be qualified for with the background/major that I have or am planning to pursue? If not, do you know someone in your organization who does? How did you get into the organization/career field? What is your background? How does it relate to the position? What are the typical first year assignments? Could I set up a time to visit you at your workplace to talk more about what you do? Do you have Co-op, internship or summer job opportunities for someone in my major? Do you know of other contacts who might be helpful to me? May I contact you if I need more information?

How do I make the most of the Career Fair?

Be focused

Ask yourself what you want from the Career Fair:

• Information about occupations/majors                    
• Contacts for permanent, summer or Co-op/internship jobs                    
• Job leads                    

Be Prepared

• Know what organizations will be there                    
• Plan and practice an introduction                   
• Ask intelligent, meaningful questions (refer to examples)                    
• Imagine yourself as the employer. What would you be looking for in a candidate?

Network

Advertise yourself--develop a one or two minute "commercial" that sells your skills/experiences

Rehearse :

• Greeting, name, major, graduation date                    
• Reason for attending Career Fair                    
• Evidence of your knowledge about the industry, company and products                    
• Summary of your skills and experiences

Make a good impression

• Use a firm handshake, make eye contact, smile                    
• Address the representative as Mr., Ms., or Dr. (check name tag)
• Introduce yourself by name, major, grad date and begin your commercial                    
• Present your resume and indicate to the recruiter your purpose for attending the Career Fair                    
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the field/organization                    
• Relate your skills, interests and experiences to specific needs of the employer                    
• Highlight your previous or current work experiences that show your ability to perform related tasks and indicate your potential to acquire skills                    
• Refer to leadership roles or volunteer experiences, coordinating committee activities, etc.                    
• Be responsive to questions posed by company representatives                    
• Listen carefully, your conversation may yield vital information or leads that might affect the interview or lead to potential employment opportunities                    
• Keep your hands free to take notes and shake hands                    
• Ask for a business card and company information                    
• Dress as you would for a formal interview

Women                      

• Professional looking suit, tailored dress or pantsuit, polished and comfortable shoes, minimal jewelry.

Men                     

• Suit or jacket, shirt and tie, polished and comfortable shoes.

Follow Up

Keep notes on your conversations and how you said you would follow up (by writing or calling). If no business card is available, ask if the recruiter can be reached at the telephone number or address on the literature. Information at the fair may be more current than materials found in the library or career and placement offices. Compose and type thank you letters immediately--within two days if possible. If contacting by letter, refer to date and location of the Career Fair, mention any unique or highly specific points discussed so the employer will remember you. Any important information should be restated and emphasized. Reiterate your qualifications and include any information you neglected to mention. Proofread your letter and let someone else look it over. You may want to include a copy of your resume.

Evaluate your experience to understand how the next experience can be improved

• Did you contact the company? 
• Did you have difficulty answering any questions? 
• Did you relate your academic studies to career goals? 
• Did you mention volunteer experiences?

Answering these questions and others can help prepare you for your next fair or meeting with any business professional as you develop your networking process.

What are some important items to remember?

• Be yourself and relax 
• Smile 
• Maintain a pleasant/even voice                  
• Watch your body posture             
• Avoid "pat" answers or cliches                   
• Bring extra copies of your resume                   
• Ask for information, application materials on the company, their hiring process and its time lines, and then determine actual or potential openings                   
• In closing, ask for a business card, offer a firm handshake and express your appreciation, using the company contact's name

Hint: Immediately following the contact, make notes on topics of conversation, contact names, and follow up procedures. Then prepare for your next contact.

Questions not to ask at the Career Fair?

• "What's the pay range for this position?" (Save this question for follow-up interviews.) 
• "What about benefits and vacation time?" (These items are usually explained when the hiring manager offers you the job.) 
• "Can you tell me about your company?" (This question shows that you haven't done your homework.)