Make the Most of The Career Fair

WSU Vancouver Career Services www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career (360) 546-9155

Career and Internship Fair For Dates, Online Registration and Employer List of Previous Career and Internship Fairs visit:

www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career

Campus Wide Career And Internship Fair Organized through Career Services: Spring (February)

Business Department Organized Fairs

Meet The Firms Accounting and Finance: Fall (September) Meet The Firms Professional Sales: Fall (December)

Why do employers attend?

► They are recruiting for available jobs or internships or volunteer positions in their organization ► To increase awareness of their business or organization ► To develop relationships with a University and their community

Why should students/alumni attend?

► As part of a job or internship search ► To learn more about local employers ► In order to network with recruiters and develop a relationship with a targeted employer ► Practice professional behavior ► All students are encouraged to attend even if they are not currently looking for a job or internship

Some Statistics

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According to an informal online poll conducted by NACE (

National Association of Colleges and Employers)  41 percent of employer respondents said that less than 25 percent of students are adequately prepared for career fairs.  Twenty-eight percent of respondents said that between 25 and 50 percent of students are adequately prepared for career fairs.  Another 19 percent believe between 51 and 75 percent of students are adequately prepared

Preparation is Key

► Employers say that many of the students they see at career fairs don't do the preparation necessary to take full advantage of the opportunity that career fairs provide.

► "Many students tend to wander around at career fairs, which is okay if they are freshmen, but I would expect more from higher-level students," she explains. "The career fair should be used as a way to get in front of a company."

Target Employers

► Students should focus on specific companies because their time at a career fair is limited. ► "If [students] have done their homework, they can target specific companies that look like they could be a fit," she says. "For example, a student may be able to tell by a company's web site whether or not they hire an engineer or a business student. Why should they waste their time at [an employer] that doesn't hire students from their major?"

Research Employers

► Employers are impressed by students who have done their homework and engage them in dialogue that is somewhat specific to their company and industry. ► Review the employer list for the fair in advance at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career . This list is updated continuously so be sure to review several times in the weeks before the event.

Before the Fair

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Learn which companies are coming

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Research companies of interest – review the company mission or core values. Learn about characteristics of their workforce. Try searching

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Company Website Business News

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Websites such as Vault and Hoover’s

What to Expect

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A room(FSC), with rows of company tables.

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You will have to approach employers

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It will be crowded, some tables will have lines. It may be loud. Be prepared to speak loudly and clearly.

Plan Your Strategy

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Plan to arrive at the beginning of the event- this will enable you to meet with every company in which you're interested.

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Survey the layout of the event, and prioritize the employers with whom you'd like to speak.

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Identify the information you want to get from them, and specify your goals.

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Start by approaching organizations that have a lower priority, to get your feet wet and gain confidence.

Resume

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Bring copies in a nice folder.

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Make sure you have an error free resume that is targeted to the types of positions you are seeking. Have it reviewed in advance!

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Expect that employers will still require you to apply through their official online process.

Make a Great First Impression

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Set your self apart with a professional appearance

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Many attendees wear what they would wear to an interview

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Don’t chew gum, eat or drink while talking to employers

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Have an introduction and questions ready for your interaction

Prepare a quick Introduction

A solid and friendly introduction

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Hand shake, eye contact

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Name, year and major and area of career interest.

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What appeals to you about the company

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The job or career field you are interested in pursuing

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Practice this a couple of times with someone before the event.

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Be Prepared to Ask Questions

Have one or two questions in mind for each of the employers in which you are interested

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Can be about:

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Career paths for entry level employees WSU Alumni Company / Department Goals Industry changes

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Don’t

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Ask Personal Questions Bring up sensitive topics Monopolize too much of the employer’s time

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Collect Business Cards

Tips

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Take time to make notes of your discussion after you finish speaking with each company, before you move on.

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Write down the name of the recruiter that you speak with if no business cards.

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You will use the notes and names you write down in follow up contact so don’t skip this step!

Other Tips

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Don't randomly hand out resumes

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If the company representative works in a different field, be sure to leave with the contact information for the person responsible for hiring in your area

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Be professional at all times. The person you meet in the parking lot, elevator, hallway, or restroom may be a recruiter you'll see later that day.

Follow Up

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Email a thank you to all the employers you spoke with.

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thank the recruiter for their time restate your interest and qualifications for the position

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reiterate your interest in an interview

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Attach a resume to your follow up email or thank you note

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Apply Online through company website

       Career Services at WSU Vancouver Career Counseling Graduate School Decision-making and applications Career and Major Exploration Career Assessments Job Search Strategies Mock Interviews Resume and Cover Letter Review To make an appointment call 360-546-9155 Or stop by the Student Resource Center www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career