How to Prepare For The Career Fair

University Career Services University Career Services

Today we will answer the following questionsToday we will answer the following questions…

What are

employers

looking for in

an applicant?

What do I need

to do before,

during, and after

the fair?What if I d

on’t

find a job at the

career fair?

What skills are employers looking for?

Top 5 Skills for 2012

Ability to work in a

team structure

Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize workAbility to obtain

and process information

Ability to make decisions and solve problems

Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and

outside the organization

Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and

outside the organization

Employer Quote

“A number of students had not completed any research before approaching our booth. This hurt

them both in that it was a poor first impression and later in the discussion they were not readily able to tie

their career goals with our company.”

What Do Employers Want Students to Know About Them?

What do I need to do before, during, and after the fair?

Game Plan:Before the Career Fair

•Identify and research prospective employers•Map out fair strategy•Prepare resume(s)•Create and practice your personal pitch •Develop list of questions to ask recruiters•Get organized the night before

Who is coming to the Career Fair?

Game Plan:Before the Career Fair

•Identify and research prospective employers

•Map out fair strategy•Prepare resume(s)•Create and practice your personal pitch •Develop list of questions to ask recruiters•Get organized the night before

Game Plan:Before the Career Fair

•Identify and research prospective employers•Map out fair strategy

•Prepare resume(s)•Create and practice your personal pitch •Develop list of questions to ask recruiters•Get organized the night before

Resume Help

• Walk in hours Monday-Thursday: 2-4pm; Tuesday 5-7 Friday:

10-12 Resume Clinic with Employers

September 30th 1pm-7pm

Game Plan:Before the Career Fair

•Identify and research prospective employers•Map out fair strategy•Prepare resume(s)

•Create and practice your personal pitch •Develop list of questions to ask recruiters•Get organized the night before

Creating Your Personal Pitch

• Who are you?Who are you?• What are you interested in?What are you interested in?• What have you done to What have you done to

pursue those interest?pursue those interest?• How can the person you’re How can the person you’re

talking to help you get talking to help you get closer to your goal ?closer to your goal ?

Creating your pitch

Hello, my name is __________, and I am passionate about the IT industry. I have always been interested in computers, and I am looking for a position in software engineering . Last year I had an internship with InScope International where I participated in reviews of the system architecture, coding and designing technical documents. In this position I also developed scripts and other programmatic test tools required to execute tests. I am particularly interested in the software engineering position I saw posted for your company. Can you tell me a little more about what you are looking for in an applicant?

Practice (InterviewStream)

Game Plan:Before the Career Fair

•Identify and research prospective employers•Map out fair strategy•Prepare resume(s)•Create and practice your personal pitch

•Develop list of questions to ask recruiters•Get organized the night before

Sample Questions • Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position?• Why did you choose this career?• Can you describe the company’s management style?• What do you think is the greatest opportunity facing the

organization in the near future? The biggest threat?• Why did you come to work here? What keeps you here?• What are the traits and skills of people who are the most

successful within the organization?• What changes do you anticipate in the organization?• Are new employees assigned mentors?• Is travel expected for this position. If yes, how often and how

long.• When can I expect to hear from you again?

Game Plan:Before the Career Fair

•Identify and research prospective employers•Map out fair strategy•Prepare resume(s)•Create and practice your personal pitch •Develop list of questions to ask recruiters

•Get organized the night before

Career Fair Survival Kit

Portfolio

Copies of your

resume

Breath Mints

Ironed Suit

Pens

Business Cards

During the Career Fair

•Arrive early, get your bearings•Make a good first impression•Minimize your “SWAG”•Don't leave without contact information

During the Career Fair

•Arrive early, get your bearings•Make a good first impression•Minimize your “SWAG”•Don't leave without contact information

Appearance

• Minimal makeup and jewelry • Minimal perfume • Wrinkle and stain free clothing • Practice good personal hygiene

Handshake

Body Language

Vocal Tone and Speed

During the Career Fair

•Arrive early, get your bearings•Make a good first impression•Minimize your “SWAG”•Don't leave without contact information

Minimize Your Swag

During the Career Fair

•Arrive early, get your bearings•Make a good first impression•Minimize your “SWAG”•Don't leave without contact information

After the Career Fair

•Send a follow up email to companies you are interested in working for •Organize all your contact information, notes, and literature from the fair•Devise a follow-up plan

After the Career Fair

•Send a follow up email to companies you are interested in working for •Organize all your contact information, notes, and literature from the fair•Devise a follow-up plan

After the Career Fair

•Send a follow up email to companies you are interested in working for •Organize all your contact information, notes, and literature from the fair•Devise a follow-up plan

What if I don’t find a job at the

career fair?

SUB 1 Room 3400

(703) 993-2370

Make an appointment with career services Make an appointment with career services

Additional Opportunities

Career Events

HireMason

On Campus Interviewing

Practice Interview

Days

Informational Interviews with

Alums

Questions?