Tricks for Career Fair SuccessTricks for Career Fair Success

HOW CAN I BEST PREPARE?HOW CAN I BEST PREPARE? WHAT ARE THE DO’S AND DONT’S?WHAT ARE THE DO’S AND DONT’S?

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER?WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER?

HOW CAN I BEST HOW CAN I BEST PREPARE FOR PREPARE FOR THE CAREER THE CAREER

FAIR?FAIR?

Have a good understanding of Have a good understanding of your employment goals. What your employment goals. What kind of job are you looking for?kind of job are you looking for?

Job fairs can be overwhelming. There are often Job fairs can be overwhelming. There are often over 100 employers at these events. If you don’t over 100 employers at these events. If you don’t have a clear idea about the type of work you are have a clear idea about the type of work you are looking for, you could get lost in the crowd and looking for, you could get lost in the crowd and miss an opportunity to make some important miss an opportunity to make some important employer contacts. So, identify your employment employer contacts. So, identify your employment goals before attending.goals before attending.

Research, research, Research, research, research!research!

Research Research the companythe company you are you are applying to. You must be applying to. You must be knowledgeable of the company and knowledgeable of the company and its product if you are to convince the its product if you are to convince the “buyer” of your value and price. “buyer” of your value and price. Learn about the customers, Learn about the customers, competitors, parent company, competitors, parent company, industry standing, products, mission, industry standing, products, mission, goals, philosophy, key players, etc.goals, philosophy, key players, etc.

Where do I go to do my Where do I go to do my research?research?

Company annual reports, sales catalogs and marketing Company annual reports, sales catalogs and marketing brochuresbrochures

Visit the company and their competitors, website Visit the company and their competitors, website Talk to people who work for or do business with the companyTalk to people who work for or do business with the company What’s it REALLY like working there? What’s it REALLY like working there?

www.Glassdoor.comwww.Glassdoor.com www.JobVent.comwww.JobVent.com www.jobhuntersbible.com (8 pg’s of resources for company www.jobhuntersbible.com (8 pg’s of resources for company

research)research) www.monster.com (go to the bottom for “research www.monster.com (go to the bottom for “research

companies”)companies”) The Business Review The Business Review http://http://www.bizjournals.com/albanywww.bizjournals.com/albany// The The Chamber of CommerceChamber of Commerce and local business associations and local business associations

may also publish directories listing companies within a may also publish directories listing companies within a specific geographical area. These are available in libraries or specific geographical area. These are available in libraries or by writing to the individual associations.by writing to the individual associations.

Written Research MaterialsWritten Research Materials

There are also a large number of publications that contain There are also a large number of publications that contain company information. Some are intended specifically to company information. Some are intended specifically to help job seekers.help job seekers.

• The Job Bank SeriesThe Job Bank Series.. A series of books aimed primarily at job- A series of books aimed primarily at job-seeking professionals, each covers a different large city or seeking professionals, each covers a different large city or metropolitan area. Each book also gives an introductory metropolitan area. Each book also gives an introductory economic outlook for the covered area, followed by a listing of the economic outlook for the covered area, followed by a listing of the area's major companies. Common positions within the company area's major companies. Common positions within the company are listed. General tips and advice on job hunting are provided.are listed. General tips and advice on job hunting are provided.

• New York Manufactures DirectoryNew York Manufactures Directory. . Similar volumes are produced Similar volumes are produced for other states. There are also regional and national directories.for other states. There are also regional and national directories.

• Thomas RegisterThomas Register.. Lists more than 100,000 companies across the Lists more than 100,000 companies across the country. Contains listings by company name, type of product country. Contains listings by company name, type of product made and brand name of product produced. Catalogs provided by made and brand name of product produced. Catalogs provided by many of the companies also are included.many of the companies also are included.

• America's Fastest Growing EmployersAmerica's Fastest Growing Employers.. Lists more than 700 of the Lists more than 700 of the fastest growing companies in the country. Also gives many tips on fastest growing companies in the country. Also gives many tips on job hunting.job hunting.

More Written More Written Materials….Materials….

• The Hidden Job MarketThe Hidden Job Market: A Guide to America's 2000 Little-Known : A Guide to America's 2000 Little-Known Fastest Growing High-Tech Companies.Fastest Growing High-Tech Companies. Concentrates on high-tech Concentrates on high-tech companies with good growth potential.companies with good growth potential.

• Dun & Bradstreet Million-Dollar DirectoryDun & Bradstreet Million-Dollar Directory.. Provides information on Provides information on 180,000 of the largest companies in the country. Gives the type of 180,000 of the largest companies in the country. Gives the type of business, number of employees and sales volume for each. It also business, number of employees and sales volume for each. It also lists the company's top executives. An abbreviated version of this lists the company's top executives. An abbreviated version of this publication also exists, which gives this information for the top publication also exists, which gives this information for the top 50,000 companies.50,000 companies.

• Standard Poor's Register of Corporations, Directors and Standard Poor's Register of Corporations, Directors and ExecutivesExecutives.. Information similar to that in Dun and Bradstreet's Information similar to that in Dun and Bradstreet's directory. Also contains a listing of the parent companies of directory. Also contains a listing of the parent companies of subsidiaries and the interlocking affiliations of directors.subsidiaries and the interlocking affiliations of directors.

• The Career Guide - Dun's Employment Opportunities DirectoryThe Career Guide - Dun's Employment Opportunities Directory.. Aimed specifically at the professional job seeker. Lists more than Aimed specifically at the professional job seeker. Lists more than 5,000 major U.S. companies which plan to recruit in the coming 5,000 major U.S. companies which plan to recruit in the coming year. Unlike other directories from Standard & Poor and Dun & year. Unlike other directories from Standard & Poor and Dun & Bradstreet, this guide lists personnel directors and gives Bradstreet, this guide lists personnel directors and gives information about firms' career opportunities and benefits information about firms' career opportunities and benefits packages. Also gives a state-by-state list of headhunters and tips packages. Also gives a state-by-state list of headhunters and tips on interviewing and resume writing.on interviewing and resume writing.

Prepare a sales pitch about Prepare a sales pitch about yourselfyourself

At a job fair, you are essentially going on At a job fair, you are essentially going on several mini-interviews. To make a terrific several mini-interviews. To make a terrific first impression, you must be able to first impression, you must be able to introduce yourself and intelligently discuss introduce yourself and intelligently discuss your skills and qualifications.your skills and qualifications.

Before developing your pitch, review to Before developing your pitch, review to whom are you pitching and what they and whom are you pitching and what they and you are interested in (connect). Remember you are interested in (connect). Remember to offer a firm handshake, speak clearly, to offer a firm handshake, speak clearly, show confidence and enthusiasm.show confidence and enthusiasm.

Sample PitchesSample PitchesSample pitch #1:Sample pitch #1: Hello, (use recruiter’s name on name tag) ___________, my name is Hello, (use recruiter’s name on name tag) ___________, my name is

_______. I‘ve been a (or an) _______ for ______ years where I was _______. I‘ve been a (or an) _______ for ______ years where I was involved with _____ and _____. This experience makes me very involved with _____ and _____. This experience makes me very interested in working for ____________. I read on the job fair interested in working for ____________. I read on the job fair directory (or on your website) that you are looking for a _________. directory (or on your website) that you are looking for a _________.

Sample pitch #2:Sample pitch #2: Having a connection at the company will help break the ice. If Having a connection at the company will help break the ice. If

you don’t know anyone you don’t know anyone LinkedInLinkedIn may be able to help. may be able to help. (With enthusiasm)(With enthusiasm) Mary Smith! My name is Betty Jones. Joe Mary Smith! My name is Betty Jones. Joe

Peters made me promise I would say “hello” to you today. Joe and Peters made me promise I would say “hello” to you today. Joe and I have been talking about the changes that are occurring at I have been talking about the changes that are occurring at ““Name Of Company”Name Of Company” and he thinks I would be a great addition to and he thinks I would be a great addition to the Childcare Team. I have an associate’s degree and five years the Childcare Team. I have an associate’s degree and five years of experience working with special needs children and their of experience working with special needs children and their families families – Just enough information to start a dialogue about your – Just enough information to start a dialogue about your background, skills and how you know Joebackground, skills and how you know Joe..

Revise your resumeRevise your resume Update your resume and make sure it’s targeted towards Update your resume and make sure it’s targeted towards

the type of job(s) you want. If you have more than one the type of job(s) you want. If you have more than one target, you should have more than one version of your target, you should have more than one version of your resume. Bring at least 20 copies of your resume with you - resume. Bring at least 20 copies of your resume with you - laser printed (not photocopied) on bond paper in a neutral laser printed (not photocopied) on bond paper in a neutral color like: cream, ivory or white. Ask yourself the following color like: cream, ivory or white. Ask yourself the following questions:questions:

Is my resume focused on my job objective?Is my resume focused on my job objective? Does my resume contain all the relevant information?Does my resume contain all the relevant information? Have I identified accomplishments for each experience?Have I identified accomplishments for each experience? Have I included keywords and action verbs?Have I included keywords and action verbs? Am I using the proper format for my situation?Am I using the proper format for my situation? Is my resume complete, but not too long?Is my resume complete, but not too long? Is my resume visually appealing?Is my resume visually appealing? Does my resume have what it takes to get noticed by Does my resume have what it takes to get noticed by

employers?employers? Is my resume free of errors?Is my resume free of errors?

Prepare a list of potential Prepare a list of potential questions to ask employersquestions to ask employers

When the recruiter asks, When the recruiter asks, "Do you have any questions?”"Do you have any questions?” it's important to have a few ready. It shows you're it's important to have a few ready. It shows you're interested in the company and are serious about your interested in the company and are serious about your career plans. Concentrate on getting information that will career plans. Concentrate on getting information that will help you make a career decision compatible with your help you make a career decision compatible with your expectations. Avoid asking questions that are answered in expectations. Avoid asking questions that are answered in the company's employment brochures.the company's employment brochures.

**DO NOT ASK ABOUT SALARY OR BENEFITS****DO NOT ASK ABOUT SALARY OR BENEFITS**

Do you have a written position description that I can take Do you have a written position description that I can take with me?with me?

What skills, work experience or educational background What skills, work experience or educational background are required for the position? What are you looking for in are required for the position? What are you looking for in the ideal candidate? the ideal candidate?

What will the major challenges be for the person who is What will the major challenges be for the person who is hired? hired?

What types of formal or on-the-job training programs does What types of formal or on-the-job training programs does ___ Co. offer? ___ Co. offer?

Why is the position open?Why is the position open? What is the next step in the hiring process?What is the next step in the hiring process?

What should you bring?What should you bring?

RESUME:RESUME: Bring more copies than you think you will need; highlighting Bring more copies than you think you will need; highlighting skills, abilities, accomplishments, education and work history. If you skills, abilities, accomplishments, education and work history. If you have multiple career objectives, bring more than one targeted resume, have multiple career objectives, bring more than one targeted resume, error free on resume paper.error free on resume paper.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: attach to the resume. attach to the resume.

WRITING PORTFOLIO:WRITING PORTFOLIO: 9”X12” leather or vinyl bound portfolio to carry 9”X12” leather or vinyl bound portfolio to carry your materials and to use as a hard writing surface. your materials and to use as a hard writing surface.

BRIEFCASE:BRIEFCASE: This will help to keep you organized. It will give you a This will help to keep you organized. It will give you a neat place to carry all your resumes and to put any company literature, neat place to carry all your resumes and to put any company literature, business cards or employer applications. business cards or employer applications.

DRESS:DRESS: Since a job fair is really a series of mini-interviews, you should Since a job fair is really a series of mini-interviews, you should dress professionally like you would for any other job interview. Neat dress professionally like you would for any other job interview. Neat and clean, up a level for what is appropriate for the position being and clean, up a level for what is appropriate for the position being applied to. No jeans, t-shirts or sneakers! Remember to be conservative applied to. No jeans, t-shirts or sneakers! Remember to be conservative with jewelry, make-up, and perfume/cologne. Don’t overlook a neat with jewelry, make-up, and perfume/cologne. Don’t overlook a neat hairstyle, clean fingernails, shined shoes and fresh breath.hairstyle, clean fingernails, shined shoes and fresh breath.

What do I want to get out of What do I want to get out of today?today?

Get a JobGet a Job Face timeFace time New Connections New Connections Interview PracticeInterview Practice Learn about the Labor MarketLearn about the Labor Market ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________

WHAT SHOULD I WHAT SHOULD I DO AT THE DO AT THE

CAREER FAIR? CAREER FAIR?

Arrive earlyArrive early

Arrive early and begin your job search while it Arrive early and begin your job search while it is still fresh in the day and you are full of is still fresh in the day and you are full of energy. There will be a lot of people and long energy. There will be a lot of people and long lines. lines.

Register / Check out the floor planRegister / Check out the floor plan

Register and get a Register and get a business directorybusiness directory. Check . Check out the floor plan and identify the top out the floor plan and identify the top employers you want to meet. Prioritize the employers you want to meet. Prioritize the companies by companies by Must SeeMust See, , Would Like To SeeWould Like To See and and Will See If TimeWill See If Time. Being organized will make you . Being organized will make you more efficient and reduce frustration.more efficient and reduce frustration.

Make a good first impressionMake a good first impression

Job Fairs are serious interviews, not “window shopping”.Job Fairs are serious interviews, not “window shopping”. First First impressions are important. Approach employers with confidence and impressions are important. Approach employers with confidence and maintain good eye contact. Bring a smile, have a strong handshake and maintain good eye contact. Bring a smile, have a strong handshake and a positive attitude. Be positive and upbeat when delivering your a positive attitude. Be positive and upbeat when delivering your introduction. introduction.

You should be able to determine what the employer’s needs are by You should be able to determine what the employer’s needs are by doing your homework well and by approaching each table from the side doing your homework well and by approaching each table from the side to pick up informational materials before getting in line. Take a few to pick up informational materials before getting in line. Take a few steps back and discretely listen to the questions being asked by the steps back and discretely listen to the questions being asked by the interviewer, and their reaction to the responses. If the job is something interviewer, and their reaction to the responses. If the job is something you are interested in, and you can show that you are qualified for the you are interested in, and you can show that you are qualified for the position, get in line. Having the materials and questions ahead of time position, get in line. Having the materials and questions ahead of time will help you frame your answers.will help you frame your answers.

If there is more than one representative, note their personality styles If there is more than one representative, note their personality styles and choose the line behind the one who is the closest fit to your own and choose the line behind the one who is the closest fit to your own style (Personality Matching). When your turn comes you will be able to style (Personality Matching). When your turn comes you will be able to introduce yourself and state confidently what your career interests and introduce yourself and state confidently what your career interests and qualifications are, thus standing out from the crowd. qualifications are, thus standing out from the crowd.

Further impress the employersFurther impress the employers

Show employers you have knowledge of their Show employers you have knowledge of their company. Being prepared to discuss products, company. Being prepared to discuss products, industry facts, figures and trends will demonstrate industry facts, figures and trends will demonstrate that you have made a sincere and solid effort to that you have made a sincere and solid effort to learn about their organization. This investment of learn about their organization. This investment of your time will give you the competitive edge.your time will give you the competitive edge.

Engage employers in conversation (end statements Engage employers in conversation (end statements

with questions). Your last question could be “what with questions). Your last question could be “what is the key to successfully moving on to the next step is the key to successfully moving on to the next step of the hiring process?” It shows confidence and of the hiring process?” It shows confidence and interest, and may provide critical information. Make interest, and may provide critical information. Make sure to end with a sure to end with a handshake and a Thank-Youhandshake and a Thank-You!!

Network with employers to get a better sense of Network with employers to get a better sense of their current and future needs.their current and future needs. If they aren’t If they aren’t currently recruiting in your field, leave a resume, currently recruiting in your field, leave a resume, and ask for suggestions of other companies that and ask for suggestions of other companies that may need someone with your expertise. Don’t may need someone with your expertise. Don’t forget to follow up.forget to follow up.

Collect business cardsCollect business cards

Collect business cards and company Collect business cards and company information from representatives you speak information from representatives you speak with. Take time after each meeting to write with. Take time after each meeting to write down a couple of notes about your down a couple of notes about your conservation. This will be important conservation. This will be important information for you after the fair.information for you after the fair.

Take advantage of other services providedTake advantage of other services provided

Some job fairs offer additional job seeker Some job fairs offer additional job seeker services including scanning resumes to CD or services including scanning resumes to CD or a website for distribution to employers after a website for distribution to employers after the job fair, on-site resume critique, the job fair, on-site resume critique, workshops, online application tables, etc.workshops, online application tables, etc.

What NOT to do during the What NOT to do during the Career FairCareer Fair

Don’t take anyone with you who’s not Don’t take anyone with you who’s not looking for a job.looking for a job.

Don’t take up too much of the employer’s Don’t take up too much of the employer’s time – consider the length of the line, but time – consider the length of the line, but several minutes should be about it. several minutes should be about it.

Don’t vent about former employers to Don’t vent about former employers to potential new ones.potential new ones.

Don’t interrupt an employer if he or she is Don’t interrupt an employer if he or she is surrounded by other job seekers. You surrounded by other job seekers. You want to have a brief, but meaningful want to have a brief, but meaningful conversation on a one-to-one basis.conversation on a one-to-one basis.

WHAT SHOULD I WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER THE DO AFTER THE CAREER FAIR?CAREER FAIR?

Follow-UpFollow-Up

Follow-up is the last, and critically essential step, Follow-up is the last, and critically essential step, in working a job fair successfully. Many people fail in working a job fair successfully. Many people fail to follow-up which will help you stand out even to follow-up which will help you stand out even further, moving you closer to the next step. further, moving you closer to the next step.

Follow-up can be accomplished by calling the Follow-up can be accomplished by calling the people you spoke with, writing a follow-up letter people you spoke with, writing a follow-up letter or e-mail, or both. During the job fair, find out or e-mail, or both. During the job fair, find out from the employers you spoke with what method from the employers you spoke with what method of contact they prefer. of contact they prefer.

Stress why you feel you are an outstanding Stress why you feel you are an outstanding employee and ask for an appointment to further employee and ask for an appointment to further discuss how your skills can be of benefit to the discuss how your skills can be of benefit to the organization. organization.

SAMPLE FOLLOW UP LETTERSAMPLE FOLLOW UP LETTER John W. SmithJohn W. Smith

1234 New York Avenue 1234 New York Avenue Albany, New York 12210Albany, New York 12210

518-555-1212518-555-1212 April 16, 2010April 16, 2010 Mr. Mike SampleMr. Mike Sample

Channel 101 Communications, Inc. Channel 101 Communications, Inc. 5555 West High Terrace5555 West High TerraceAlbany, New York 12206Albany, New York 12206

Dear Mr. Sample: Dear Mr. Sample:

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me at yesterday’s MLK Career Fair. I certainly Thank you for taking the time to speak with me at yesterday’s MLK Career Fair. I certainly appreciate your time in the midst of so many individuals seeking employment.appreciate your time in the midst of so many individuals seeking employment.

You were extremely thorough in explaining the duties and responsibilities of the Building You were extremely thorough in explaining the duties and responsibilities of the Building Maintenance position and provided good examples of what emergency situations might come Maintenance position and provided good examples of what emergency situations might come up on the job. Now that I have a better understanding of what the position entails, I am up on the job. Now that I have a better understanding of what the position entails, I am certain I would be a valuable asset to the Channel 101 Communications team.certain I would be a valuable asset to the Channel 101 Communications team.

My solid training at the Albany Vocational Center and experience working for both the My solid training at the Albany Vocational Center and experience working for both the Williams Center and Smith Apartment Complex have given me the required skill sets in Williams Center and Smith Apartment Complex have given me the required skill sets in carpentry, plumbing, electrical repair and masonry you stated were critical to success in the carpentry, plumbing, electrical repair and masonry you stated were critical to success in the Building Maintenance position.Building Maintenance position.

I’ve included a copy of my resume for your review and am looking forward to the opportunity I’ve included a copy of my resume for your review and am looking forward to the opportunity to visit Channel 101’s main office to discuss this position and my qualifications in greater to visit Channel 101’s main office to discuss this position and my qualifications in greater detail. Thank you again for your time and consideration. detail. Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Sincerely,

John SmithJohn Smith

FOLLOW-UP CAREER FAIR LOGFOLLOW-UP CAREER FAIR LOG

It may be helpful to keep a log of who you talked to, what you It may be helpful to keep a log of who you talked to, what you learned about their company, what the next step in the hiring learned about their company, what the next step in the hiring process is, etc. This will help you stay organized & will help process is, etc. This will help you stay organized & will help when writing your thank you letters.when writing your thank you letters.

Company Name: Representatives Name:Representatives Name: Contact Information:Contact Information: Jobs of Interest / Requirements:Jobs of Interest / Requirements: Reactions: Reactions: Likes and Dislikes:Likes and Dislikes: Interesting Information Learned:Interesting Information Learned: What did I not have time to say or could have said better?: What did I not have time to say or could have said better?: Next Step: interview, application, etc.Next Step: interview, application, etc.