2011 how to prepare for the first avenue career & grad school fair
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HOW TO WORK A CAREER FAIR
2011 OLAPC First Avenue Career & Grad School Fair
5 things you should know:
Resumes get looked at between 5 – 30 seconds
The average job search takes 6 – 9 months
80% of jobs are never advertised
You may have a job that doesn’t exist today
You could have 7+ careers in your lifetime
Why Go To A Career Fair?
You get to meet company representatives in person
You get to make a first impression in person
It is an excellent opportunity to practice both networking and interviewing skills
This Presentation Will Cover How to prepare for a career fair
What to do when you get there
What not to do when you’re there
What to do after you leave
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
Nuts And Bolts
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 Do You Bring?
A simple portfolio
Plenty of resumes
No backpacks
What Comes To Mind?
Dress To Impress 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
◄ Don’t be these guys Don’t approach employers as a
group Don’t wear jeans/t-shirts
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 to practice...
When You Arrive At The Fair Register and check the list of employers
present for changes
Take a moment to settle in and review your plan
Begin with a positive attitude – expect lines and hassles
Always be kind and considerate, since anyone you meet might be a recruiter you'll see later that day
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 Want to get 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, organization, 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" After talking with them, 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
Make follow-up phone calls if recommended by recruiter
Questions?