career services, university at albany science library g-50 518.437.4900 albany.edu/career...
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Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Making the Most of a Career Fair
Career ServicesUniversity at Albany
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Agenda
Before: Identify your goals and do your research
During: Make a great impression
After: Follow-up and stay connected
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Goals
What do you want to get out of the Career Fair?
Gather career informationJob searchInternship searchDevelop your network
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Preparation
– Who do you want to visit?Which specific companiesWhat types of industriesWhat locations
– Broaden your focusSome job types are at practically all companies
(e.g. HR, IT, accounting, marketing, sales)Lesser known companies may have the best
opportunity for you.
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Preparation Identify and research the companies you are interested in
Career Services website: www.albany.edu/career You will see a link to the list of employers attending the career fair
Visit individual company web sites Search on Linkedin
Companies have listings in LinkedIn You can identify if anyone in your network work at the company you are
interested in Search on CareerShift
Create an account in UA CareerPath to access Search for companies and see what jobs they currently have open
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
60 Second Commercial– Articulate what you are looking for and what you
have to offer an employer Make a list of 3-5 things you want employers to know
about you Include relevant information about education, skills,
experience, and specific knowledge relevant to the position Identify your most important personal attributes
Create a few sentences that describe those thingsPractice it with a friend
– Weave it into the conversation don’t just blurt it out at people
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Preparation
– Make sure your suit is readyDoes it need to be cleaned?Do you have a clean, ironed
shirt/blouse Ladies – pantyhose and closed toed
shoesGentlemen – no athletic socks
– Make sure your resume is readyGet it reviewed by Career ServicesPrint it out on nice paper
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
PreparationWhat you should bring:
Copies of your resumeList of questions for
recruitersPen and paper for note-
takingLeather portfolio to neatly
store your resumesBriefcase/bag to carry
information/brochures picked up at the fair
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Day of the fair
– Arrive early...the fair is least busy when it begins.– The busiest time is the middle of the event– Go it alone; friends may keep you from visiting
booths that are of primary interest to you.– Listen to what the recruiter is saying. When you
are finished, walk away and take notes to help you recall important information.
– Remember, this is not an interview; it is your opportunity to make a crucial first impression.
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Day of the Fair
What makes a good impression?Greeting: Firm handshake, demonstrate
confidence, enthusiasm & interestClear & concise answers to questionsAsking good, well thought out questions that
demonstrate your knowledge of the company
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Walk-about TechniqueWalk-about the Career Fair:
Get a feel for the layout of the room and employer booths.
Know specifically who you want to talk to and in what specific order.
Be ready to change your plans if long lines appear.
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Walk-about Technique
Walk-about the Employer:Instead of standing in line, approach booth from
the side and pick up some of the company literature.
Take a few steps back. You now have valuable information about the company and you can get a preview of the company and the recruiter.
Listen to the conversations taking place and pay particular attention to the types of questions the recruiter asks. Be prepared to answer some of these same questions.
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Walk-about the Employer
– Based on your research, the literature you’ve picked up at the fair and the conversations you’ve listened to, ask yourself: Is this something I’m interested in?Am I able to show that I’m qualified for this position?
– If YES, get in line. Use this waiting time wisely by reading through the material you picked up previously. Many people may not have gotten this ahead of time so you will be at an advantage.
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Speaking with employers
– Stay alert and focused on what is important to the company/recruiter, and how you can help further the company’s goals. How can you be an asset to them?
– Remember to ask for business cards so you can send a thank you note and connect on LinkedIn!
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Information you need
What to learn from employers:Employment and/or hiring trendsSkills necessary for different careers/jobsCurrent/future openingsTraining, responsibilities and other information
about the organizationWho to contact for follow-up discussion
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Employers Want to Know...
– Specific career/job objectives– Individual strengths and limitations– Contributions you will make to the organization
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Behaviors to avoid
Job Fair no-no’s for candidates according to employers
Lacking focus and not knowing what type of position to look for. Admitting, “I’ll take anything” or answering, “I don’t know” when asked about interests.
Not dressing neatly or professionally.
Not bringing a resume. Lacking knowledge of a company
and/or confusing the company with a competitor.
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
More behaviors to avoid
Asking about salary.Not asking any questionsAsking inappropriate
questionsHaving a poor or
unprofessional attitude.Grabbing free stuff
Not making eye contactLacking communication
skillsNot bringing anything to
write with or onGiving a weak
handshake
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Follow-up– You do not need to follow-up with everyone, just those
you are interested in– Do what they recommended – fill out an application,
email your resume etc.– Send a thank you email and/or connect with them on
LinkedIn– ALWAYS send a personalized message when connecting
on LinkedInThank you for taking the time to talk with me at the UAlbany Career Fair on Tuesday. I would like to add you to my professional network
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Conclusion
For more information, visitCareer Services - Science Library G-50
Drop-in Hours: MWF 10 AM-12 Noon TTh 1-3pm
Appointments available upon request
Or visit our website:www.albany.edu/career