HOW TO WORK A CAREER EXPO

First Avenue Career Expo 4/9/15

TODAY’S AGENDA:

What to do before the Expo

What to expect when you’re there

What to do after the event

Questions you have

BEFORE THE EXPO

Plan Identify 5 – 10 organizations you want to speak

with

Research The companies you are interested in and others

attending

Rehearse Begin to develop your intro speech, know who

you are and what you’re looking for

HOW TO RESEARCH . . .

Look at the First Ave website for Employers and Grad Schools

Research employers using: Their websites: About Us, History, Careers Portland Business Journal Google

WHAT TO BRING

A simple portfolio

Plenty of resumes

No backpacks

WHICH ONE IS GOOD?

WHAT TO WEAR Employers evaluate you

on appearance; show that you are a professional

Appropriate professional attire

Match your dress to event

If you don’t have a suit – Get one but . . .

Nice pants and a dress shirt or blouse with dress shoes will work at a minimum.

CAREER EXPO DRESS FAILS

INTRODUCTIONS ARE IMPORTANT

Get good at: Making eye contact Smiling Offering a firm

handshake Saying your name

Introductions are critical and now it’s your turn.

DURING THE EXPO

Expo ≠ Career Fair

Opportunity to NETWORK Link In Live 1:00pm – 2:30pm Main Gym Floor List of attendees available:

www.olapcfirstavenue.org

Connect with Employers and Grad Schools

THE CAREER FAIR PORTION OF THE EXPO

Begin to work your plan

Warm up with employers you weren’t planning on talking with

Talk with the employers about your interests and ask questions

QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERS

What are the traits and skills of a really successful summer intern at your organization?

What projects have your research assistants worked on in the past?

On your website I saw a list of current projects. Will this internship involve working on any of those?

What is your hiring time line for this position?

QUESTIONS TO NEVER ASK EMPLOYERS

What does your company do?

What can your company do for me?

How many hours a day do you work?

Any question about salary, vacation time, or benefits.

Any personal question. Wanna get some coffee, sometime?

What if an employer tells you to “go to the website?”

What if an employer tells you they are not currently hiring?

What if an employer tells you they’re not looking for your year or major?

WHAT IF . . .

BEFORE LEAVING AN EMPLOYER Thank recruiter for

his/her time and get the recruiter's business card This is why you’re here!

You may be sent to a website – it’s ok.

Some recruiters may not take resumes, this is normal

Ask how and when you should follow up

Get more company information / handouts

BEFORE MOVING ON

Make notes about the recruiter, employer, and job

These notes will be important later when you write your follow-up notes after the job fair

Reflect on how the interaction went, what you learned, what you wish you would have said

Mentally rehearse it for the next interaction and move to the next employer on your list

AFTER THE FAIR – FOLLOW UP! Organize all the material you received

WRITE THANK YOU NOTES !!! Recruiters are expecting them! Send within 24 Hours Your letter should again demonstrate how you would be a

"good fit" You know what they're looking for

If you talked to more than one person at one booth, send each recruiter you talked to a separate thank you

Can you send Thank-You e-mails? E-mails are best used if the hiring time line is quick and

you need immediate response It is recommended that you send hard copy follow up as

well

Before Research the companies and make notes

During Dress professionally Work your way up to your top choice

After Follow Up!

SUM UP

QUESTIONS?