Career Expo

The best ways to prepare for a career expo include:

1. Do your research on the companies that will be participating.
2. Send your resume and/or cover letter to Career Services for review at least 2 weeks prior to the events. We'll provide you with helpful feedback to make your materials stand out! 
3. Make sure you have professional clothing to wear. Whether you're attending the in-person or virtual event, you will want to make the best first impression! Check-out the JCP Suit-Up event, hosted each fall and spring, for a chance to shop professional dress clothes at a discounted price!

• A notepad and pen.
• Multiple (10+) copies of your resume. You should also upload your resume to your Handshake profile!
• Your research notes on employers participating in the expo.
• Electronic documents that reflect your work (if participating in the virtual event).
• A computer with access to video and microphone (if participating in the virtual event).

• In the weeks leading up to the virtual career expo, companies will create group sessions (up to 50 participants and 30 minutes in length) and 1:1 sessions (10 minutes in length) in Handshake. To connect with a company:
  
  • Log in to your Handshake account.
  • Click on "Events" on the top left side of your screen.
  • Click on "Career Fair." 
  • Find UND's Career Expo events.
  • In the upper right corner, click the blue box that says "Register."
  • You'll now be able to see all of the group and 1:1 sessions that are offered during the virtual event, and sign up for the ones that interest you!
• It is highly recommended that you register for group and 1:1 sessions well in advance of the virtual fair, as spots are limited.

• What types of career opportunities does your company 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?
• 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?
• How did you get into the organization/career field? What is your background and how does it relate to the position?
• What are the typical first year assignments?
• 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?

• "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)

Ask yourself what you want from the Career Expo:

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

• Develop a quick elevator speech.
• Know what companies will be there and do your research on them.
• 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?

Advertise yourself. Develop a short introduction that sells you.

Rehearse:

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

• Address the representative as Mr., Ms., or Dr. 
• Indicate to the recruiter your purpose for attending the Career Expo.
• 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.
• Ask for company contact information (after you visit, write some key words in your notebook to help remind you of the conversation, the recruiter, etc).

• Keep notes on your conversations and how you said you would follow up (by email or phone).
• Ask how best to reach the recruiter after the expo (phone, email, etc.)
• The day following the expo, call or email the representative you spoke with. In your email, add date, name of event and location, and thank them for their time. Reiterate important information that should be restated and emphasized, in addition to your qualifications and any information you neglected to mention.
• Proofread your email.
• 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 experiential experiences?

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