HOW TO WORK A CAREER FAIR

2011 OLAPC First Avenue Career & Grad School Fair

5 things you should know:

Resumes get looked at between 5 – 30 seconds

The average job search takes 6 – 9 months

80% of jobs are never advertised

You may have a job that doesn’t exist today

You could have 7+ careers in your lifetime

Why Go To A Career Fair?

You get to meet company representatives in person

You get to make a first impression in person

It is an excellent opportunity to practice both networking and interviewing skills

This Presentation Will Cover How to prepare for a career fair

What to do when you get there

What not to do when you’re there

What to do after you leave

Before The Fair

Plan Identify 5 – 10 companies you want to speak

with

Research The companies you are interested in and

others attending

Rehearse Your introduction by yourself, to your friends,

and to strangers if possible

Nuts And Bolts

Get a list of employers from event organizers

Research employers using: Their websites: About Us, History, Mission Portland Business Journal Google

Begin to develop your intro speech – know who you are and what you’re looking for

What Do You Bring?

A simple portfolio

Plenty of resumes

No backpacks

What Comes To Mind?

Dress To Impress Employers evaluate you on

appearance; show that you are a professional

Appropriate professional attire Match your dress to event

If you don’t have a suit – get one but... Nice pants and a dress shirt or

blouse with dress shoes will work at a minimum

◄ Don’t be these guys Don’t approach employers as a

group Don’t wear jeans/t-shirts

Introductions Are Important

Get good at: Making eye contact Smiling Offering a firm

handshake Saying your name

Introductions are critical and now it’s your turn to practice...

When You Arrive At The Fair Register and check the list of employers

present for changes

Take a moment to settle in and review your plan

Begin with a positive attitude – expect lines and hassles

Always be kind and considerate, since anyone you meet might be a recruiter you'll see later that day

During The Fair Begin to work your plan

Warm up with employers you weren’t planning on talking with

When you’re ready, take a deep breath and approach your top choices

Talk with the employers about your interests and ask questions

Questions To Ask Employers What are the traits and skills of people who are

the most successful in the role I’m interested in?

Why did you come to work here? What keeps you here?

What things has your company accomplished of which you are especially proud?

What is your hiring time line for this internship/job?

Questions To Never Ask Employers What does your company do?

What can your company do for me?

How many hours a day do you work?

Any question about salary, vacation time, or benefits

Any personal question Want to get coffee sometime?

Before Leaving An Employer

Get the recruiter's business card at the close of your meeting

Ask how and when you should follow up

Get more company information

Thank recruiter for his/her time

Before Moving On

Make notes about the recruiter, employer, organization, and job

These notes will be important later when you write your follow-up letters after the job fair

Reflect on how the interaction went, what you learned, what you wish you would have said

Mentally rehearse it for the next interaction and move to the next employer on your list

After The Fair: Follow Up! Organize all the material you received

WRITE THANK YOU LETTERS!!!! – Recruiters are expecting them! Send within 24 Hours Your letter should again demonstrate how you would be a

"good fit" After talking with them, you know what they're looking for

If you talked to more than one person at one booth, send each recruiter you talked to a separate thank you

Can you send thank you e-mails? E-mails are best used if the hiring time line is quick and you

need immediate response It is recommended that you send hard copy follow-up as well

Make follow-up phone calls if recommended by recruiter

Questions?