Navigating the Armstrong Career Fair. The Purpose of a Career Fair Make initial contacts (network) Learn more about companies Meet employers face-to-face.

Navigating the Armstrong Career

Fair

The Purpose of a Career The Purpose of a Career FairFair

• Make initial contacts (network)

• Learn more about companies

• Meet employers face-to-face

• Discuss anticipated and current vacancies

What to bring?What to bring?

Copies of your resume (on resume paper, which you can get for FREE from Career Services)

Professional looking pen (no hotel logos or bright colors)

Leather folder/padfolio (run between $10-$30)

All items listed can be purchased at office supply stores, Wal-Mart and Target

Resumes

• DO NOT use a template

• Short blips of information – Use action verbs

• Each person’s resume will be unique and may change depending on resume recipient

• Quantify information – percentage, increases, accomplishments

• Accuracy is key along with attention to detail

• Revise, revise, revise!

Please come see us in Career

Services if you have not had a

professional review your

resume.

Please come see us in Career

Services if you have not had a

professional review your

resume.

The first impression

counts!

Women: What to WearWomen: What to Wear

• Invest in a good quality suit in a conservative color: black, dark grey, brown or navy

• Avoid something too trendy or “loud”

• No low cut or see through blouses

Women: What to WearWomen: What to Wear• Wear simple jewelry and only

one earring per ear

• Polish shoes/heels (no more than 2-3 inches high)

• No open toed shoes or platforms

• Wear pantyhose or trouser socks/knee highs

• No perfume or body splash

• Manicured nails and hair styled nicely

Men: What to WearMen: What to Wear

• Two-piece business suit in black, gray, navy, or brown

• Long sleeve shirt, in a light color (white is usually the best option)

Men: What to WearMen: What to Wear

• Conservative tie (nothing too flashy)

• Dark socks that go over the calf and that will not slide down

• Shave and cut long hair

• Clean fingernails and brush hair

Event LogisticsEvent Logistics• Held in Student Union

Ballroom

• Check-in will occur in the hallway outside the ballroom

• Approximately 35 employers

• Tables/booths setup throughout the area

Prior to the EventPrior to the Event• Review the list of participating organizations

through your CareerWeb account: https://armstrong-csm.symplicity.com/students

• RESEARCH certain organizations that you are interested in and the type of positions currently available

• Understand what skills/attributes YOU bring to an organization

• Think about questions you want to ask the representative

Prepare a two or three line Prepare a two or three line script for yourself as a “one script for yourself as a “one

minute commercial”minute commercial”Tell the recruiter

– Name

– Class year

– Major(s)

– Whether you’re interested in a full-time, part-time, or internship position

– Career interests and why you came to the company’s table

When You Arrive to the Event:

• Check in with Career Services

• Wear nametag received at check-in

• Have your Pirate Card ready to scan

• Review listing/map of employers

• Prioritize employers you want to connect with

At the EventAt the Event• Greet the employer with a

firm handshake and good eye contact– Deliver your “one minute

commercial” & make a great first impression

• Ask pertinent questions, and express your interest in available opportunities

• Make sure to provide employers you are interested in with a resume

Sample QuestionsSample Questions

• What skills/qualities do you typically seek in candidates for these positions?

• How might one progress within your organization?

• As a person interested in working for your organization, how should I proceed to receive consideration for openings?

• What are typical entry-level jobs for someone with my background?

• Would you describe the duties for these jobs?

Closing the ConversationClosing the Conversation

• Ask how to officially apply to the position

• Get a business card from every employer with whom you talk

• Find out how they would like you to follow up and write that information on the back of the business card

Don’ts at the Career FairDon’ts at the Career Fair

• Don't cruise the booths with a group of friends.

• Don't carry your backpack, large purse, or other paraphernalia with you.

• Don't come dressed for “sports” practice (or any other extremely casual activity).

• Don't "wing it" with employers. Do your homework!

• Don’t say, "I'll take anything" or "I don't know" when asked about interests shows a lack of focus.

• Don’t just grab the freebies on the table.

• Don't come during the last half hour of the event.

After the Event

• Write thank you notes to employers who you are interested in pursuing further (send within 24-48 hours)

• Complete any online applications to formally apply

• Evaluate your performance

RECAP – How to make the Career Fair work for

you!1. Clarify your goals. What do you want to get out of the fair?

2. Prepare a resume

3. Know what organizations are attending

4. Research the organizations

5. Prioritize your list: Make an “A” and “B” list

6. Prepare a one minute commercial

7. Prepare questions for the representative/recruiter

8. Connect your background with the needs of the organization

9. Practice your interpersonal skills

10. Dress professionally/appropriately

Questions or to set up an appointment:

Career ServicesArmstrong Atlantic State University

MCC [email protected]

912-344-2563