Make the most of a job fair fall2014 v1
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The document outlines the details of a job fair hosted by career services at the University of Buffalo on September 30, 2014, emphasizing the significance of networking and making a positive impression on employers. It offers preparation tips, including researching employers, practicing introductions, and dressing professionally, while also highlighting the key qualities that employers seek in candidates. Additionally, it provides guidelines for effective follow-up after the event, such as sending thank-you notes and maintaining professional communication.
Make the most of a job fair fall2014 v1
- 1. Make the Most of the Job Fair Presented by Career Services 259 Capen Hall
- 4. Tuesday, September 30, 2014 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm Main Gym, Alumni Arena Professional business attire required. Bring resumes! For a list of employers and more details: www.ub-careers.buffalo.edu
- 5. Overview • What is a Job Fair • How to prepare for a Job Fair – Research – learn which employers are coming to the fair – Preparation – How to prepare to be successful at the event • Special Issues & Strategies • Follow up after the Fair
- 6. Job Fair • What is it? A job fair is an organized event where employers, representing a wide range of industries and organizations are present to speak with candidates about possible internship and full-time opportunities with their organization • Purpose? 1. To give candidates the opportunity to personally deliver their resume and make a positive impression on the employer. 2. Network with employers
- 7. Preparing for the Job Fair • Know who are the attending employers • Know what the employers are seeking in a candidate
- 8. Researching the Employers Who is coming to the event?
- 9. Career Services Website www.ub-careers.buffalo.edu
- 11. Using BullsEye in the Career Services website
- 20. What are employers really looking for in a candidate?
- 21. What Employers Have Said They Seek: • EXPERIENCE! (Co-op/Internship, related experience) • GPA • Technical Competencies • Good Communication Skills – Oral and Written! • Evidence of Team Work and Leadership skills • Problem-solving Skills • Enthusiasm • Flexibility • Being able to apply what you’ve learned
- 22. How to Prepare for a Fair: • Prepare a resume • Research attending employers • Prioritize the employers you wish to speak with • Prepare a 30-45 second summary of your qualifications, background, achievements, and career interest • Practice your speech and questions • Prepare questions to ask the employer • Have professional /business attire to wear for the event . • Get organized the night before!
- 23. One 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
- 24. Questions to ask Employers • What is the natural career progression for an engineer with my skill set within your company? • I can work both independently and as a group member. How much group or teamwork is involved in this position? What will my responsibilities be as a team member? How do you see me complementing the existing group? • 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?
- 25. 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.
- 26. Job Fairs: Special Issues
- 27. 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?”
- 28. 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 companies – While 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.
- 29. 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!
- 30. Job Fairs: Special Issues & Strategies • “Nice to meet you. Have you been to our company’s website?” – Many employers have an online application system as their primary recruiting tool and they want you to go there first before they really begin talking to you. – Before the fair, apply online to your top companies. Then at the fair, tell them you have done so and would like to further discuss opportunities with their organization. This enables you to continue the conversation.
- 31. Career Fair Do’s • 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 word-processed resumes on professional looking resume paper • Do carry an attractive pen and notepad in a portfolio
- 32. Career Fair Do’s continued • Do bring a list of references with you (remember to contact your references and inform them that the companies may be contacting them) • Do know if and when the employer plans to come back to campus to conduct formal interviewing. Inform them if you plan to submit your resume via the Career Services Office online and ask to be part of their interviewing schedule. • Do learn what is going to happen next and what your should do to advance your candidacy. Do your best to get a business card or write down their contact information
- 33. After the Fair – Not done yet… • Send a thank you note to the employer. – Shows appreciation and interest! – Allows you to include any additional information the employer was seeking at the fair, while demonstrating your ability to follow through – any additional information about you that you did not have time to discuss at the fair • Follow up via email or phone with the companies you spoke with at the fair. Contact them in a professional manner after enough time has passed. (~1- 2 week)
- 34. Questions?
- 35. UB Career Services • Contact us: – 259 Capen Hall 8:30am – 5:00pm M-F – Call 716-645-2231 to schedule an appointment – Email us at jobs@buffalo.edu – Express Career Consult – • 11:00-4:00pm M-F • 20 minute, same day appointments • www.ub-careers.buffalo.edu