first avenue career & grad school fair prep
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
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?