2010 career-fair-prep-workshop
- 1. “Just in Time” CAREER FAIR PREP Online Participants : What to Expect: ■ You'll hear the presentation and see a PowerPoint ■ If you have a question: Click on your hand icon Text message your question ■ Workshop may be recorded for later use.
- 2. What is a Career Fair? • Not a Job Fair! • An event that is sort of like a trade show and speed-networking event with a large number of potential employers. • Forum for gathering information about potential opportunities
- 3. Why Attend? • Expand number of network contacts • Receive sound advice from recruiters • Learn about opportunities in your field • Increase chances for an interview by making a good “first impression”
- 4. Employer’s Point of View… • Want to make the most of his/her experience at the Career Fair • May not have positions available – NOW • Policy may not allow him/her to take your résumé, even if he/she interested in you. • Like it when you are specific & purposeful in your stated interests and skills
- 5. Have a Game Plan: • What is your goal • List of Employers to target • Research companies • Draft your introduction • Outline questions to ask • Prepare professional documents
- 6. Professional Documents Needed • Resume • Reference List • Copy of transcripts • Portfolio, representing relevant skills and accomplishments
- 7. Career Fair Ready Resumes • Tailor resume towards companies you plan to target • Use key words and action verbs for quick scanning • Use the CDC website and services to prepare a skills based resume
- 8. Do Your Homework About the Employers • Review the list of employers • Identify those that you want to talk with. • RESEARCH these employers so you’ll know basic information about them. • Determine 3 – 5 questions for each employer. • Tailor a resume for each employer
- 9. Prepare to Meet the Company Representative • Prepare to ask and answer questions • Create a list of questions to ask • Practice answering potential questions using Interview Stream • Keep responses positive and on topic
- 10. “Elevator Pitch” 1-minute overview of you! • Covers your background and the type of position you are looking for. Why there and employment seeking Brief summary of education, experience, strengths, etc • Should contain professional & academic information only, not personal.
- 11. Example of an “Elevator Pitch” With a pleasant smile say: “Hello, my name is (your name), I am here to speak with you about potential opportunities with y-company.” – Offer a firm handshake – Present your resume – Provide a brief summary of education, experience, strengths, and any other significant details of what you can do for their company.
- 12. Networking Cards Size 3.5 inch width x 2.0 inch height – Name – Address – Phone – Fax – Email – Website (when available)
- 13. Sam Matthews Education 12 Elk, Lincoln, IL 61111 ■ S.Mathews @ gmail.com ■ 217-296-9999 Master’s in Public Administration Dec. 2009 U University of Illinois at Springfield Career Objective Bachelor of Social Work May 2005 Volunteer Coordinator and Advocacy Position University of Illinois at Springfield Profile Core Skills ■ Recruited, trained and oversaw a 120+volunteer network Multilevel Recruitment Program Management ■ Created and promoted “Share to Care” program for local schools Events Planning Advocacy and Outreach ■ Produced multimedia outreach presentations
- 14. Networking Card Resources • http://www.quintcareers.com/student_networki • www.VistaPrint.com (business card resource)
- 15. Prepare to Make a Good Impression • Determine your attire. • Either “business casual” or “interview attire” is appropriate. • Examples of “business casual”: • Polo or other collared shirts, long sleeved shirt. • Khakis or knee-length skirts • Sweaters • NO SHORTS, NO JEANS • NO FLIP FLOPS
- 16. “Interview Attire” • The most conservative and classic business look • Examples of “interview attire”: • Black, gray, navy suit (top and bottom match) • Solid color, long-sleeved shirt • Simple ties for men • Hosiery required for women, socks required for men
- 17. Whether Business Casual OR Interview Attire… • Iron your clothes. You don’t want to look like you slept in them! • Cover tattoos if possible. • Remove visible piercings (other than in ears). • Women should avoid low cut or form-fitting clothing. • Make sure your hair is clean and combed.
- 18. Day of the Career Fair… • Use your time wisely. Find out where employers are located and map your path. • Use employers’ time wisely. • Get a business card from everyone you talk with. • Don’t be all about the give away items!
- 19. Career Fair Checklist Portfolio/Briefcase Pen and notebook At least two dozen resumes Copies of transcripts Copies of list of references Appropriate clothing including comfortable, professional shoes Small breath mints-no gum A positive attitude and firm handshake
- 20. Registration Table Sign In Name tags available Place name tag on right hand side Obtain Career Fair Handout listing companies and their location Review layout and mark the companies in the order you would like to meet them.
- 21. Meeting Recruiters • Greet Recruiters. – Introduce yourself. – Initiate a handshake – Smile. • Provide a Resume with cover letter • Ask companies what the next step is and how you can follow up with them. • Ask for a business card.
- 22. What’s in a Good First Impression? • Handshake • Eye contact • Smile • Name tag • What else?
- 23. Don’t forget to follow up! • Leave voicemails the evening of the Career Fair. • Send thank you letters (via email, or US mail) soon after the Career Fair. • Send networking letter with resume enclosed
- 24. Unable to Attend: Be a “Virtual” Participant! Step 1: Upload your Career Fair Resume to UIS Career Connect Step 2: Go to the Events Tab on UIS CareerConnect homepage and register to attend the Career Fair. Step 3: Resume will be added to Online Resume Books for employers to view.
- 25. Career Development Center’s Career Toolbox Resources • UIS-CareerConnect • Million Dollar Database • First Research • Interview Stream • CDC Career Fair web pages • Company websites
- 27. Putting your ‘Best Foot Forward’ • Polish your résumé • Post or update your résumé on UIS-CAreerConnect • Create or review your elevator speech. • Use the CDC Services
- 28. Wrap Up… What are the 3 most important “Action Steps” for you to do now to prepare for the upcoming Springfield Collegiate Career Fair?
Editor's Notes
- #3: It is not a job fair. Do not expect to get an interview but expect to make connections and increase your knowledge about the organizations you speak with Open exchange of information between you and the employer representative. Forum for gathering information about potential opportunities.
- #4: Provides an opportunity to investigate positions, internships, and career fields you could pursue with your specific major and background Learn more about potential employers such as: Services, work environment, number of projected positions to be filled this year, and five year plan. Get sound advice from employers about your resume.
- #10: Sample questions What skills are they looking for? What is the Work environment like? Factors for success in the position? Be prepared to answer questions Sample questions may be asked: “Tell me about yourself”? “Why are you want to work for _______ company”? “What made you decide to get your major in__________”? Provide examples of skills and strengths
- #14: Instead of company and job title, use Degree Major career objective Unique selling proposition
- #25: Step 3: Find the List of Participating Employers On CDC homepage, under “Get Ready for the Career Fair” click on the “View List of Participating Employers” link This will link you to a page containing information about employers attending. Information includes: employer industry, interested majors, type of opportunities, and website links. Step 4: Researching Employers that are Participating in the Career Fair. CDC Available Research Resources: Career Search - Database that includes information on over 2 million companies (link on UIS-SUCCESS homepage) Vault: Largest online Career library including industry/employer profiles, employee surveys, and career advice articles (link on UIS-SUCCESS). Company website and Online through search engines Step 5: Prepare Your Resumes tailored towards each employer you plan to speak with. Need Help? Go to http://www.uis.edu/careerservices/launch/resumes.html Use the email Resume Critiquing Services by email by sending your resume to be reviewed to [email_address] Allow 7 working days. Request a Phone session for Resume Critique by completing the “Request a First Time Career Advising Appointment on CDC website under “Quick Links” Step 6: Prepare Your Networking Letters Prepare a Networking Letter, similar to a cover letter, which indicates you are a UIS student, unable to attend the Career Fair in person. Indicate you are interested in opportunities with the company, whether it is as an employee, an intern, or just to find information out for now or the future. Step 7: Corresponding with Employers of Interest On UIS-SUCCESS, you can find contact information regarding who to send your resumes and networking letters to by clicking “Employer Search” on the right hand column under the VAULT icon. If the employer is attending the Career Fair, enter the appropriate information in to search by employer or company’s information, location, job types, etc. The search results will produce contact information and where/who to send your information to. Step 8: If you would like a CDC staff member to speak with an employer on your behalf, send an email with your resume and networking letter to [email_address]