making-the-most-of-a-job-fair.ppt
- 1. Making the Most of a Job Fair
- 2. Here are some tips and strategies to best prepare for a job fair.
- 3. 3 Phases of a Job Fair • Before • During • After
- 4. Before the Job Fair •Register •Research •Resume •Elevator Speech •Questions •Job Fair Kit •Attire •Strategy
- 5. I. Registration • Most job fairs require you to pre-register. This ensures that you will receive all materials related to the event. • Registration can usually be done online.
- 6. II. Research Companies & Positions • Most events will post a list of participating employers on a webpage 2-3 weeks prior to the event. • These lists are updated on a continuous basis, so be sure to check it often.
- 7. Why Research Employers? • Employers expect applicants to know about their organization • Knowing in-depth information about an organization shows interest and initiative
- 8. Why Research Employers? (Continued) • Researching employers allows candidates to: ▫ Identify and eliminate potential employers ▫ Help decide if a particular industry is a good fit ▫ Help create polished application documents (cover letter, resume, etc.) ▫ Prepare for an interview by allowing you to customize questions to ask an employer and to better prepare you to answer company-specific questions.
- 9. III. Resume • The job fair acts as an initial, pre-screening interview. Therefore, you want to prepare a professional resume to make available to employers. • A professional resume is needed even if you are applying for internships.
- 10. IV. Elevator Speech • Remember, first impressions count. • In preparation for the event, create a 60 second advertisement, that will be used to introduce yourself to potential employers. • This advertisement should concisely state your name, major, school, skills, interests and strengths.
- 11. Example of an Elevator Speech “Hello, my name is _______. I am currently a junior, majoring in Criminal Justice at Bowie State University. I like helping people…counseling, advising and mentoring. I’ve been volunteering with the local Boys and Girls club and I think I’d like to work with adjudicated teens, preferably girls. I read that your company has programs that help youth. I’m interested in learning more.”
- 12. V. Questions • Remember, this is a job fair so your time with recruiters is short. Ask questions that will yield the most important information.
- 13. Sample Questions to Ask • What qualities and characteristics are you looking for in an applicant? • What are common career paths within your organization? • What kind of projects are new employees typically involved with? • Do you offer an internship program? If so, how do I find out more information?
- 14. VI. Job Fair Kit • Before the job fair you will want to prepare your job fair kit. • A job fair kit contains: ▫ Multiple resumes printed on quality paper ▫ Paper on which to write notes (a portfolio of some type is suggested) ▫ A pen
- 15. VII. Strategy • In order to make the best use of your time at a job fair, it is best to prepare a strategy. • Your strategy should include: ▫ Time of arrival. The earlier the better as some recruiters leave before the fair is over. ▫ The names of companies that you wish to talk to first. ▫ The names of companies that you will talk to provided you have enough time.
- 16. VIII. Attire • Dress the same as you would for a job interview. • Consider this a preliminary interview. • You will only have a few minutes to make an impression as a job candidate. That’s why it’s always important to dress professionally for a job fair. • Positive first impressions are critical!
- 17. Day of the Job Fair • While you have multiple copies of your resume in hand, you’ve outlined your strategy, and you’re dressed in a professional manner, there are still a few things to consider the day of the fair.
- 18. Day of the Job Fair • Turn off all cellular devices and electronics. • Identify the location of the recruiters you want to meet with first. Typically a floor plan or chart is provided to all attendees.
- 19. Presentation • Approach employers with confidence. • Make eye contact and shake hands. • Present your resume. • Recite your elevator speech. • Ask your top four questions. • Ask for company materials and business cards. • Thank recruiters for their time.
- 20. After the Job Fair • Send follow-up letters to organizations expressing your interest in the company and position. • If necessary, include an updated resume. • Thank you letters should be received by the employer within 2-5 days after the event.