Transcript Before the Career Fair - University of Texas at Austin

Make the Most of the Career
Expo
Laura Mondino
Natural Sciences Career Services
[email protected]
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Expo 2007
Monday, Sept 24
Open 1-6pm
Erwin Center
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Shuttle every 15 mins
(stops at Winship Drama Bldg, and South mall)
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Before the Career Expo
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Resume
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Employers
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Review-update it!
Resume review days: Next Friday 10am-4:30pm in
Painter, or during Office Hours, tomorrow in RLM 4.101
Research Companies
Erecruiting: quick tour…..
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Job postings
Information sessions
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Company Research
Find out…..
Resources:
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Location
Products and or services
Job titles
Programs
Mission statement
Current news about the
company
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Expo company list (from our
website)
Erecruiting
Hoovers.com
Vault.com
CorpTech
Factiva
Oh, yes…. By the way, the
company website too…
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Before the Career Expo
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Practice How to Introduce Yourself
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About 30-60 seconds long
Things you can say:
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your name
Summary of experience: classes or internships
Actuarial exams (Planned? Failed?)
what type of position you are seeking (intern/FT)
your career interests as they relate to this company
Keep it simple. Make a good first impression.
Practice!
Prepare a list of questions.
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Yes, questions!
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The quality of your questions indicates your level of
interest, and your understanding of your possible role
in the company
What qualities do you look for in a candidate?
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What do you look for on a resume/what could I do to make myself an attractive
candidate for this job/internship
Typical responsibilities associated with available jobs
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Trends in the industry
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Topics related to what you read about company note: NEVER ask
something negative. (Think Enron, or Moore’s Sicko, or democratic
candidates’ campaign)
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What type of training does your company offer?
Inquire about application process (address problems immediately!)
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Exercise
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Prepare a 30 second – 1 minute
introduction of yourself
Prepare 2 questions to ask at the booth
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Plan Your Appearance
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Plan your appearance
Hair/makeup
Dress- Business casual
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Men: long sleeved shirt with collar (tie optional); dark
colored trousers, socks and shoes of same tone
Women: nice blouse or sweater; skirt or trousers; shoes
with socks or stockings, simple jewelry
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What to Bring to the Expo
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Dark colored folder/notebook with resumes easy to access
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Pen and paper/notebook
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Do not bring items that can become a distraction, such as your
backpack.
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The Day of the Expo
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Arrive early- recruiters have time, shorter lines
observe others-Listen how a recruiter expresses interest
or explains why someone is not a good fit; watch body
language; look at attire
See your priority employers first
Shake hands, eye contact, smile!
Show interest and enthusiasm
Demonstrate knowledge of organization
Ask questions that reflect your knowledge/interest
Relate your skills to needs of employer
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The Day of the Expo
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Answer all the questions honestly- GPA, etc.
Allow a circle to form when others want to talk to
recruiter
Learn how to close and move on
Thank them for their time
Take business cards!
After each meeting:
 Take notes of conversations/people
 WRITE DOWN specifics regarding future interviews
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After the Expo
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Review and organize company materials and
business cards
Apply for the positions in the manner
recommended at Expo
Send a thank-you note or e-mail to recruiters that
took time to talk to you
Follow-up as directed by recruiter
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