First avenue career & grad school fair prep

HOW TO WORK A CAREER FAIR

First Ave. Career Fair 3/2/2012

TODAY’S AGENDA:

Preparing to get the most from the career fair Before, During, and After

What to expect when you’re there

How to follow up after the event

Questions you have

BEFORE THE FAIR

Plan Identify 5 -10 companies you want to speak with

Research The companies you are interested in and others

attending

Rehearse Your introduction by yourself, to your friends, and

to strangers if possible

BEFORE CONTINUED . . .

Get a list of employers from event organizers

Research employers using: Their websites: About Us, History, Mission Portland Business Journal Google

Begin to develop your intro speech, know who you are and what you’re looking for.

WHAT TO BRING

A simple portfolio

Plenty of “A Game” resumes

No backpacks

WHAT TO WEAR Employers evaluate you

on appearance; show that you are a professional

Appropriate professional attire

Match your dress to event

If you don’t have a suit – Get one but . . .

Nice pants and a dress shirt or blouse with dress shoes will work at a minimum.

CAREER FAIR DRESS FAILS

INTRODUCTIONS ARE IMPORTANT

Get good at: Making eye contact Smiling Offering a firm

handshake Saying your name

Introductions are critical and now it’s your turn.

DURING THE FAIR

Begin to work your plan

Warm up with employers you weren’t planning on talking with

When you’re ready, take a deep breath and approach your top choices

Talk with the employers about your interests and ask questions

QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERS

What are the traits and skills of people who are the most successful in the “role I’m interested in”?

Why did you come to work here? What keeps you here?

What things has your company accomplished of which you are especially proud?

What is your hiring time line for this internship / job?

QUESTIONS TO NEVER ASK EMPLOYERS

What does your company do?

What can your company do for me?

How many hours a day do you work?

Any question about salary, vacation time, or benefits.

Any personal question. Wanna get some coffee, sometime?

BEFORE LEAVING AN EMPLOYER Get the recruiter's

business card at the close of your meeting

Ask how and when you should follow up.

Get more company information

Thank recruiter for his/her time

BEFORE MOVING ON

Make notes about the recruiter, employer, and job

These notes will be important later when you write your follow-up letters after the job fair

Reflect on how the interaction went, what you learned, what you wish you would have said

Mentally rehearse it for the next interaction and move to the next employer on your list

AFTER THE FAIR FOLLOW UP!

Organize all the material you received

WRITE THANK YOU LETTERS !!!! – Recruiters are expecting them! Send within 24 Hours Your letter should again demonstrate how you would be a

"good fit" You know what they're looking for

If you talked to more than one person at one booth, send each recruiter you talked to a separate thank you

Can you send Thank-You e-mails? E-mails are best used if the hiring time line is quick and

you need immediate response It is recommended that you send hard copy follow up as

well

QUESTIONS?