Just In Time: Career Fair PreparationWebster University ׀ Career Planning & Development Center

John Link, M.Ed.Assistant Director, Career Development

Liaison to the College of Arts and Sciences

johnlink42@webster.edu

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlink42

Career Fair Planning Topics:

• Identify Goals & Employers of Interest

• Resume Tips

• Conversation Starters

• Elevator Pitch

• Break-away Statements

• Fair Wear & Items to Bring Along

• Post-Fair Follow-Up Actions

WU Career Planning

Career Planning & Development Center Mission

The Career Planning & Development Center assists individuals with

exploring and defining their personal career goals while developing

the skills and confidence necessary to succeed.

568 Garden Avenue (footsteps from the bookstore)

Schedule an appointment by phone or through GorlokJobs

314-968-6982

The Career Planning & Development Center Assists With:

Graduate School Decision Making

Student Employment

Career Assessments

Major & Career Exploration

Occupational and Labor Market Information

Career Planning

Resume and Cover Letter Reviews

Mock Interviewing

Internship and Job Search Strategies

GorlokJobs Log In

Create or Update your GorlokJobs Profile

Navigating through GorlokJobs

What is a Career Fair?

• Not a Job Fair!

• An event that is sort of like a trade show and speed-networking event with a large number of

potential employers (over 100 employers will be in attendance!)

• Forum for gathering information about potential opportunities

Why Attend?

• Expand number of network contacts

• Receive sound advice from recruiters

• Learn about opportunities

• Increase chances for an interview by making a good “first impression”

Employer’s Point of View

• Return on Investment

• May not have positions available – NOW

• Policy may not allow him/her to take your résumé, even if he/she is interested in you

• Like it when you are specific & purposeful in your stated interests and skills

Have a Game Plan

• What is your goal?

• List employers to target

• Research companies

• Have a resume prepared

• Draft your introduction (elevator pitch)

• Outline questions to ask

Research Employers

• Review the list of employers

• Identify those that you want to speak with

• RESEARCH these employers so you’ll know basic information

• Keep track of your efforts

• Have questions prepared

Employers attending the WU Career & Internship Fair

your Professional Self

Prepare a Resume

• Summarize your relevant skills and qualifications in an easy to read format

• For the fair, create a resume for the type of position you’re seeking

• 5-10 copies*

Why is it important?

• Often the first contact with a prospective employer or HR Recruiter

• Present the best possible picture of your skills, abilities, and qualifications

related to the job to which you are applying

Framing

Different Types of Resumes

Chronological: Used most frequently, presented in reverse chronological order, and provide an account of education, experiences, and other skills

Functional: Includes functional skill categories that highlight work experiences and transferable skills.

• Counseling, Education, Research, Leadership, Testing, Training

Combination: Includes functional skill categories that highlight work experiences and transferable skills within the reverse chronological listing of work history.

Writing a Winning Resume

Information Found on a Traditional Resume

Do Include:Contact InformationEducationExperience

Optional Information:LinkedIn Profile LinkObjective Statement/SummaryRelated CourseworkSpecial ProjectsGPA (3.0 or greater)Skills, licenses, honors, activitiesProfessional Associations

Should not Include:Professional & Character References Twitter Handle, Facebook Username

What is an Objective Statement?

• An objective is an optional statement that will give you the opportunity to identify

the type of position you want and the skills you have to offer

• One direct and concise sentence is recommended

• Avoid using “I” or first person language

• Include the type of position, and mention a distinctive experience or skill you can

contribute

• Customize the statement highlighting the desired skills that the employer is seeking.

Creating a Polished Statement

• Jim is interested in gaining valuable experience in the nonprofit sector

• Jim wants to highlight his abilities in program creation, working well as part of a team, and his

marketing experience

To obtain an internship in the nonprofit sector

To obtain an internship in the nonprofit sector using established abilities in program creation, solid interpersonal skills, and marketing that can contribute to the success of an organization.

What is a Summary of Qualifications

• A summary of qualifications is an optional, series of bullet points that summarizes

your education, experience and/or skills relative to the position to which you are

applying.

• The summary is positioned near the top of your resume, bringing focus and direction

to your document

Meet Justin Time

Summary of Qualifications

• Strong background in counseling; expertise in issues related to substance abuse and

mental illness

• Demonstrated leadership skills; proven strengths in managing, supervising and

motivating staff

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills; experience working with

community leaders

• Outstanding organization and prioritization abilities; consistently required to handle

multiple tasks at one time

Prepare to Meet a Company Representative

• Prepare to ask and respond to questions about your interest in the company• Prepare and practice an Elevator Pitch• Practice answering potential questions • Keep responses positive and on topic• Practice appropriate break-away statements (thank recruiter for their time, request a

business card)

What’s in a Good First Impression?

• Firm Handshake• Eye contact• Smile• Attire• Name badge (First & Last Name, Degree Program)• What you say

Preparing an Elevator Pitch

The Elevator Pitch tells people: 1. Who you are2. What you are seeking3. What you bring to the table Challenge yourself when writing. Keep asking yourself “So what?” and “Why

is this important?” Avoid jokes and clichés in your opening statement. Practice your pitch – keep it simple, and avoid sounding rehearsed

An elevator pitch is a brief, thoughtfully prepared and practiced branding message about your professional self. It should be delivered with purpose and last no longer than one minute

Elevator Pitch Candid Career Video

Elevator Pitch Example

• “Hello, my name is (your name), I am here to speak with

you about potential opportunities with y-company.”

• Offer a firm handshake

• Provide a brief summary of education, experience,

strengths, and any other significant details of what you

can do for their company.

10 Minute Elevator Pitch Activity

• Prepare a draft of an elevator pitch.

• Mix, Music, Meet

• Rehearse your pitch and receive feedback

Appropriate Questions to Ask Employers at the Career Fair

• What are common career paths within your company? • What is the application process like? What is the typical timeline

from application to hire? • What are you looking for in a candidate? • What types of jobs does your company have for recent university

graduates? • What academic background will be the most helpful in preparing

to enter this field?

Appropriate Questions to Ask Employers at the Career Fair

• What kind of work experience, either part-time, summer or internships, will be most helpful?

• Are there specific internship opportunities in this field that will make me more marketable?

• Are their professional associations that I should be getting involved with as a student?

• What advice do you have for a university or college graduate entering this field?

Fair Wear For Men

• Wear a two-piece matched suit. Do not combine a suit jacket with pants that do not match.

• Wear a solid color tie. Avoid fashion extremes such as character ties. • Safe color choices are navy, black and dark grey. Conservative is always better. • Choose white or another solid color shirt. • Leather, lace-up or slip-on business shoes are best. • Belt color should always match your shoes. Black or brown shoes is

recommended.

• Chinos paired with a polo-shirt or button down collared shirt.• Matching belt and shoes

Fair Wear For Women

• Pants should be creased and tailored, not tight or flowing. The hem length should be altered if the pants are touching the floor. Fitted legging-like pants, cropped pants and jean styled pants are not appropriate.

• Skirts should end at the knee when you are standing and look professional. High slits, tight and short skirts are not appropriate.

• Colors should be navy, dark gray and black. Conservative is always better. • A tailored blouse in a color or small print that coordinates nicely with your suit

is best. When picking your footwear, choose closed-toe pumps and avoid extremes such as stilettos or platforms.

Present Your Best Professional Self

• Iron your clothes. You don’t want to look like you slept in them!

• Cover tattoos if possible.• Remove visible piercings (other than in ears).• Avoid low cut or form-fitting clothing (you want to be

comfortable).• Make sure your hair is clean and combed.

Day of the Career Fair…

• Use your time wisely. Find out where employers are

located and map your path.

• Use employers’ time wisely.

• Get a business card from everyone you talk with.

• Don’t be all about the give away items!

Registration Table

• Sign In• Name tags available• Place name tag on right hand side • Obtain Career Fair Handout listing companies and

their location• Review layout and mark the companies in the order

you would like to meet them.

Follow up Strategies & Next Steps

• Follow-up with all the employers that you spoke with.• Email or handwrite a professional thank you note and be sure to

refer to the job/internship you are interested in.• Customize the note to each employer; draw on some memorable

aspect of your conversation.• Ask “follow-up” questions to let the employer know how much

you are interested in the position.• If the employer asks you to follow-up with a phone call or by

sending additional information, be sure to do so within three days.

Putting your ‘Best Foot Forward’

• Have a game plan ready for Oct. 1 – know which

employers you want to target

• Polish your résumé and print out a few on

resume paper

• Post or update your résumé on GorlokJobs

• Create/review, and practice your elevator pitch

Thursday, October 1, 20151:00p.m. – 3:30p.m. Grant Gymnasium

Employers Attending the WU Career Fair

QUESTIONS + ANSWERS

WU Career Planning WUCareerPlanning

Visit us online!

http://www.webster.edu/career-services/

https://webster-csm.symplicity.com/students/

johnlink42@webster.edu Walk-In HoursM-T: 10:00 – Noon W-TH: 3 – 5