MAKING THE MOST OF THE JOB FAIR

Ed Brodka Career CounselorUB Career Services

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AGENDA

Before the FairDuring the FairAfter the FairSpecial issues and Strategies

BEFORE THE FAIR

BEFORE THE FAIR

1. Resume – update and bring copies

2. Practice Your Pitcha) how you will introduce yourself, what you will say and what

you will highlight about yourself in your opening statement. b) summary of your qualifications, background, achievements,

and career interest c) Practice your speechd) But be natural

BEFORE THE FAIR

Introduction Speech (Your 1 minute commercial) • Brief Summary (30 seconds – 1 minute)• Introduce yourself

• name, class year and major, and your career interests as they relate to the target company.

• Highlight any relevant work experience you’ve had such as an internship, volunteer experience or job and highlight your strengths/qualifications and skills

• Demonstrate knowledge of the company• Express enthusiasm and interest• Relate your background to the company’s needs• Good eye contact• Take initiative by starting the conversation

BEFORE THE FAIR

3. Research – a) Review the list of companies registered to attend the

event. Research to learn more about all the companies. b) Print out a copy of the Map of the Fair from the website

or Appc) Rank order the companies you are most interested in

meeting at the event. d) Make your A List and B List companiese) Go to your B List companies to practice but leave time for

you’re a List companies

BEFORE THE FAIR

4. Apply – a) After reviewing the list of companies. Research the

companies you are most interested in pursuing. If they have open positions listed on their websites, apply now! Then at the event discuss your interest, that you have applied for the position(s) and ask about next steps with the Company representative.

5. Attire – b) Make sure you have professional, formal business attire

to wear to the event See page 28 in Career Guide. 6. Questions –

c) Prepare questions you would like to ask the company representatives.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

•Go to tables that don’t have huge lines

•Try to have more indepth conversations rather than lots of quick conversations

QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERS

•What is the natural career progression for an engineer with my skill set within your company?

•How much group or teamwork is involved in this position?

•What will my responsibilities be as a team member?

•What are the major projects I will be working on within the first six months to a year?

•How are market trends (or recent developments in the engineering field) affecting the company’s growth?

RELATE TO THE PERSON BEHIND THE TABLE

• Think of them as a “real” person. Put yourself in their shoes.

• How did you get started in the company?

• How are you doing? You must be tired of saying the same thing over and over.

• Were you a student at UB? Did you do similar projects

than I’ve done?

• How many job fairs do you go to in a semester?

• How do UB students compare to other schools you visit.

QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERS CONTINUED

I read in (name of source) that your company has begun efforts to expand (provide location or field). What other new endeavors is the company actively pursuing?

Ask about next steps – What is the next step in the hiring process? May I have a business card? Would you mind if I contact you to follow up?

Close your conversation by thanking the employer for taking the time to speak with you.

BEFORE THE FAIR

7. Social Media – a) Twitter - Consider following UB Career Services and

Companiesb) Use Linkedin to research the company and alums

who work there. 8. Get the App for UB STEM UP Fair –

c) Available via the App Store or Google Play9. Attend “Meet & Greet” sessions –

d) Great opportunity to meet with employers of interest

PREPARING FOR THE FAIR

RESEARCHING COMPANIES

To get a list of the companies registered for CareerFest:

1. Go to the UB Career Services website (http://www.buffalo.edu/career/BullsEye.html )

2. Log into BullsEye 3. From the BullsEye homepage find the tab at the top on the right that

says Events4. Click on the EVENTS tab (on the top, right side)

Look for the “CareerFest" event 5. Use the App to research the companies

No registration required for students to attend CareerFest.

PREPARING FOR THE FAIR

RESEARCHING COMPANIES

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DURING THE FAIR

DURING THE FAIR

Do arrive early and plan to stay late

Do dress in a conservative, professionally tailored, well-pressed suit, generally navy blue, dark gray, olive or black

Do make eye contact, shake hands firmly, smile, and use the rep’s name when appropriate

Do take the initiative, start the conversation, speak up so they can hear you over the noise

Do remember to bring a supply of resumes

Do use breath mints.

AFTER THE FAIR

AFTER THE FAIR

1. Follow up via email, phone or Linkedin with the company representatives you spoke with at the fair. a) Shows appreciation and interest! b) Allows you to include any additional

information the employer was seeking at the fair, while demonstrating your ability to follow through

c) Share any additional information about you that you did not have time to discuss at the fair

2. Follow the companies on Linkedin3. Connect with company reps on Linkedin4. Complete any tasks that company

representatives asked you to do after the event.

JOB FAIR

Special Issues & Strategies

JOB FAIRS: SPECIAL ISSUES •So many companies, so little time •Crowds & lines •Limited time with recruiters•“Nice to meet you. Have you been to our website?”

JOB FAIRS: SPECIAL ISSUES & STRATEGIES

So many companies, so little time List all the employers you want to visit and put them in rank order so you can make the most of your time at the event.

Crowds & lines Anticipate lines for brand name companiesWhile standing in line, practice what you are going to discuss with the recruiter, review the floor map and review which employer you are going to next.

JOB FAIRS: SPECIAL ISSUES & STRATEGIES

Limited time with recruiters Have your 30 second commercial and questions for employer ready so you can maximize your time with the recruiter!

QUESTIONS?

UB CAREER SERVICES

Contact us:259 Capen Hall 8:30am – 5:00pm M-F Call 716-645-2231 to schedule an appointmentEmail us at jobs@buffalo.edu Express Career Consult – - 11:00am-4:00pm M-F - 20 minute, same day appointments www.buffalo.edu/career