Transcript Making the Most of a Job Fair!

Making the Most of a Job Fair!
Michael Penwell, Career Advisor
Lycoming College Career Services Center
www.lycoming.edu/careerservices
[email protected]
(570) 321-4034
Why should you go to a job fair?
• To make a good (or great) impression in person
(especially important if your resume doesn't
necessarily stand out from the crowd).
• To see that the real world is not organized by
major.
• To learn more about employers than you can learn
from their web site.
• Meet employers face-to-face…you are a walking,
talking cover letter at a job fair!
Before you go…
• Know which employers are attending.
• Go to any fair where the employers and their jobs
interest you, regardless of your major.
• Do enough research to make “A” and “B” lists of
employers to meet.
• Have plenty of copies of your resume.
• Prepare a 20-30 second “commercial” to use with
employers.
• Know the dress code.
At the Fair…
• Watch your manners and mannerisms.
• Don’t think that the fair is a social event!
• Carry a simple padfolio to keep your resumes
organized and ready.
• Have an open mind about options.
• This is your chance to compete with more than
just a resume.
• Handshakes MATTER! –
Get a Grip: Handshaking 101
• Don’t go to your top employers first!
“5 Things” List part one…
5 Things to Take:
1.
Copies of your resume.
2.
A smile, a strong handshake, and a positive attitude.
3.
A 30-second "sales pitch." Hand the recruiter a copy of your resume
and be prepared to expand on it quickly! Share basic information
about yourself and your career interests like this:
•
"Hello, I'm Carrie Jones. I'm a senior at Wonderful University
and I'm majoring in English. I'm very interested in a marketing
career. As you can see on my resume, I just completed an
internship in the Marketing Division of the ABC Company in
Peoria. I've also taken some courses in business marketing. I'm
very interested in talking with you about marketing
opportunities with your organization." PRACTICE!
4.
Information about the organizations which will be attending.
5.
Energy!
“5 Things” List part two…
5 Things Not To Do:
1. Don't cruise the booths with a group of friends. Interact with the
recruiters on your own. Make your own positive impression!
2. Don't carry your backpack, large purse, or other paraphernalia with
you. Carry your resume in a professional-looking portfolio or a small
briefcase works well. It will keep your resume neat and handy, and
gives you a place to file business cards from recruiters that you meet.
Usually you can stow your coat, backpack, or other gear in a coatroom.
3. Don't come dressed for rugby practice (or any other extremely casual
activity). A career fair is a professional activity—perhaps your first
contact with a future employer.
4. Don't "wing it" with employers. Do your homework! Research the
companies just as you would for an interview. You'll be able to focus
on why you want to work for the organization and what you can do for
them.
5. Don't attend during the last half hour of the event.
“5 Things” List part three…
5 Things To Take Home From the Fair:
1. Business cards from the recruiters you have met. Use the cards to
write follow-up notes to those organizations in which you are most
interested.
2. Notes about contacts you made. Take a few minutes after you leave
each table to jot down these notes!
3. Information about organizations you have contacted.
4. A better sense of your career options.
5. Self-confidence in interacting with employer representatives.
“5 Things” provided by Sally Kearsley, JobWeb.com—Career development and job-search
advice for new college graduates. http://www.jobweb.com/resources/library/Career_Fairs/Sell_Yourself_at_the_218_01.htm
Online Tips…
Job Fairs:
• How to Prepare for a Job/Career Fair
• Career Fair Advice from Job Web
Interview Attire:
• Interview Attire
• Dress to Impress
Wrap up…
•
•
•
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Don’t wing it!
Go early and work it!
If you have questions, ask!
If you have any career questions, the Career
Development Center is the place to be!
• We are a busy office, and appointments can be
hard to come by. Call early!
• We are open all summer for questions and
appointments.