Transcript Job Fair Strategies - University of Illinois at Urbana
How To Work A Job Fair
Sponsored by MCB Advising Program Biotechnology Career Services Office And School of Chemical Sciences - Career Counseling and Placement Services Biotechnology Center Career Services
Introductions
Tina Knox & Jennifer Brandyberry
MCB Advising Program (MAP)
Check out our Web site: http://mcb.illinois.edu/undergrad/advising/ Biotechnology Center Career Services
Introductions
Kathleen Brinkmann
Director Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center Career Services
Biotechnology Center Career Services
Introductions
Biotechnology Center Career Services, 103 Observatory, 333-1378 URL: www.biotec.illinois.edu/career Biotechnology Center Career Services
Introductions
Patricia Simpson
Director School of Chemical Sciences Career Counseling & Placement Services
Biotechnology Center Career Services
Job Fair Preparation
Before the Job Fair During the Job Fair After the Job Fair Biotechnology Center Career Services
Preparation before the Fair
Clarify your goals and what you want out of the Fair Research the employer Prepare questions you want the recruiter to answer Biotechnology Center Career Services
Preparation continued
Prepare a resume and have others proof read it.
Practice answers to common questions Print multiple resumes on quality paper Biotechnology Center Career Services
Preparation
Prepare a 1-minute infomercial of yourself Name, class year, interest ( F.T intern, etc), your major/career interest, why you have come to THIS company Know 3 reasons why you are the right fit for this job Biotechnology Center Career Services
Preparation Informercial ingredients
Name, degree and minors Targeted summary of work experience Outline of skills developed Effective “name dropping” of companies or names Activities demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and service Warm, confident tone delivered in clear voice Open and welcoming body language Specific interest in the company demonstrated by research From Ron Johnson and Joe Schall article, 2004 Biotechnology Center Career Services
Preparation
In your answers, recruiters look for: Confidence Motivation Personality Decision-making skills Communication Skills Biotechnology Center Career Services
Preparation Tip
Have a folder for your resumes and a notepad for note taking. No backpacks!
Dress professionally- business or business casual is acceptable ( No t-shirts, jeans or sneakers) Biotechnology Center Career Services
Factoid: Companies use Job Fairs
To prescreen applicants for later interviews To promote their opportunities and brand Biotechnology Center Career Services
Top Skills & Qualities of the Perfect Job Candidate
Communication Skills (written and verbal) Computer/Technical Leadership Teamwork skills Interpersonal Skills Motivation/Initiative Strong Work Ethic Flexibility/adaptability Problem-solving/common sense Source: Dr. Gardener, Recruiting Trends, 2006-2007 Biotechnology Center Career Services
During the Job Fair
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Factoid
50-55% of people get their jobs through networking About 33% from unsolicited resumes 12-18% from answering want ads Biotechnology Center Career Services
During the Job Fair
Have a good firm handshake and eye contact-be aware of your body language Demonstrate confidence, interest and enthusiasm Answer questions clearly and concisely (S.T.A.R) Take notes Biotechnology Center Career Services
During the Fair
Don’t ask about salary Don’t ask the recruiter personal questions If asked about your GPA-don’t skirt the issue-just tell them Biotechnology Center Career Services
During the Fair
Focus on the companies you are truly interested in.
Ask what is the next step in the process Get their business card Biotechnology Center Career Services
During the Fair
Sample Questions they may ask: What is your background?
Why did you choose Illinois/your major?
What is important to you in your first career opportunity?
What do you know about our company?
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During the Fair
Question you can ask them Why do you like working for this company?
What are your day-to day duties?
What types of positions are you recruiting for?
What types of projects are currently driving your company?
In what areas do you see the most growth for your company?
Are there specific types of backgrounds that you’re recruiting for?
From Ron Johnson and Joe Schall article, 2004 Biotechnology Center Career Services
After the Fair
If possible, send thank you note and reconfirm interest in the position and company Follow up, if possible, with a phone call after about a week, if you have not heard from them. Biotechnology Center Career Services
Finals Thoughts
Prepare Communicate Follow-up Biotechnology Center Career Services
Research-Oriented Information and Job Fair
Thursday, October 22, 2009 Illini Union Rooms B & C 9am to noon & 1pm to 3:30pm Business attire required Biotechnology Center Career Services
Companies attending
Abbott, Aerotek Scientific, Archer Daniels Midland, AgReliant Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cook Pharmica, Nanosphere, Inc., Novozymes North America, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Purdue University, Roquette America, Thermo Fisher Scientific, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Ventana Medical Systems, Inc, Wolfram Biotechnology Center Career Services
Questions?
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