JPMakingtheMostofaCareerFair5SEP
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Transcript JPMakingtheMostofaCareerFair5SEP
Veterans Employment Services
Making the Most
Of
A
Career Fair
Veterans Employment Services
Why Attend?
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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”
Veterans Employment Services
Employers 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
Veterans Employment Services
Have a Game Plan:
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What is your goal
List of Employers to target
Research companies
Draft your introduction
Outline questions to ask
Prepare professional documents
Veterans Employment Services
Professional Documents Needed
• Resume
• Reference List
• Portfolio, representing relevant skills and
accomplishments
Veterans Employment Services
Career Fair Ready
Resumes
• Tailor resume towards companies you
plan to target
• Use key words and action verbs for
quick scanning
• Write a Cover Letter for each that
explains any “gaps” in your Resume
Veterans Employment Services
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
Veterans Employment Services
Prepare to Meet
the Company Representative
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Prepare to ask and answer questions
Create a list of questions to ask
Practice answering potential questions
Keep responses positive and on topic
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“Elevator Pitch”
30 Second 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.
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Example of an “Elevator Pitch”
With a pleasant smile say:
“Hello, my name is ( ), I am here to speak
with you about potential opportunities with
y-company.”
your name
– 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.
Veterans Employment Services
Prepare to Make a Good Impression
• Determine your attire.
• Either “business casual” or “interview
attire” is appropriate. Dress to your
industry.
• Examples of “business casual”:
• Polo or other collared shirts, long sleeved
shirt.
• Khakis or knee-length skirts
• NO SHORTS, NO JEANS
• NO FLIP FLOPS
Veterans Employment Services
“Interview Attire”
• The most conservative and classic
business look
• Examples of “interview attire”:
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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
Veterans Employment Services
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.
Veterans Employment Services
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!
Veterans Employment Services
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
Veterans Employment Services
Registration Table
Sign In
Obtain Career Fair Handout listing
companies and their location
Review layout and mark the companies
in the order you would like to meet
them.
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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.
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What’s in a Good First Impression?
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Handshake
Eye contact
Smile
What else?
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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
Veterans Employment Services
JobsPlusOneStop.com
Veterans Employment Services
409 NE Racetrack Rd
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
850-833-7587
212 N Wilson St
Crestview, FL 32536
850-689-7823
Walton County
842 Highway 20 E., #126
Freeport, FL 32439
(850) 880-6567
Eglin AFB Education Center
850-279-6114
Military Family Employment
and Veteran Services
Tommy Tucker
x219
[email protected]
David
Thomas
x214
[email protected]
Contact Rita Smith for Military
Vincent
Spouse Employment
Kendrick
x206
[email protected] [email protected]
Deborah Mobley
x 223
[email protected]
Monty Sexton
x215
[email protected]
Amber Sweeney
[email protected]
Terry Cowan
x 213
[email protected]
Elizabeth Westby
x
212
[email protected]
Veteran Services Available
Monday & Wednesday 8-4