fort drum employment readiness program career fair preparation
DESCRIPTION
Fort Drum Employment Readiness Training Career Fair Preparation 7 September 2011TRANSCRIPT
Fort Drum Employment
Readiness Program
Career Fair Preparation
Workshop Objects
Prepare and market yourself for a career fair
Preparing to meet with employers
Personal experiences / realities
Questions
What is a Career Fair?
For companies who want to attract applicants, collect information, and talk to a large number of job seekers
GREAT for Job Seekers! Where else is there a large number of employers in one place?
Preparing…Before the Event
Whenever possible pre-register with the career fair and obtain the list of organizations attending the event
Decide on the organizations you are most interested in and conduct research on each
Gather information about the company: size, organization, locations, top management, their products, and standing in their industry
Identify which jobs are currently open Remember not all job vacancies will be posted on their bulletin
board Tailor your resume and cover letter accordingly
Develop a plan of attack for the career fair
Preparing…Non-verbal
CommunicationProject Confidence: Smile
Firmly shake hands
Sit up and lean slightly forward
Use hands to gesture
Keep your hands away from your face
Breath normally
Nod occasionally
Make eye contact, but don’t stare
Don’t cross your arms across your chest
Keep your hand out of your pockets
Try not to ‘fidget’
Preparing…10 Tips for a Terrific
Resume
1. Make it professional and attractive
2. Target your resume
3. Highlight accomplishments
4. Weave “Key Words” throughout
5. Focus on employer’s needs
6. Follow exact instructions for submission
7. Proofread & Proofread again!
8. Be truthful
9. Make it your own
10. Use ACS workshops for assistance
Preparing…List of References
Have a list of 4-6 references whom can speak about you work performance Be sure to ask each person before using them as a
reference
Make sure you have their up-to-date contact information
If asked for references, hand out your list on a separate page and include your resume
Preparing…Business Card
Business Cards make a GREAT networking tool Your business card:
Accurately reflects who you are and the services that you provide Provides all the necessary information so you can contacted after
networking events You will be remembered by your business card! Affordable
What do I include on my Business Card? Contact information
Name Phone Number E-mail address Mailing address Web site (if you have one) Cell phone number
Resume Highlights - Highlight your most valuable skill or qualifications—using bullets
Summarize your accomplishments On the back of your card give a mini resume
Preparing…Dress For Success
Relax, but remember you do not have a second chance to make a first impression
Dress as if you are going to your first day of work
What are you going to wear?
Preparing…Have Questions to Ask!
Now is the time to ask questions about the company and opportunities
Write the questions down
What is the job culture like?
What does a typical day as a (position) look like?
In your opinion, what are the 3 benefits to working with (company name)?
At the Fair…What to Expect
Expect it to be noisy, crowded, and always hectic!
Recruiters will be handing out information about their company
Recruiters will be talking to Job Seekers
You may even see ‘on-the-spot’ short interviews
Preparing…An Interview at a Career
Fair
What’s so good about interviewing?
You get to talk about a subject matter you are familiar with – YOU!
Identify your strengths, weaknesses, knowledge, skills and abilities
Discover some great organizations and people
Preparing…Possible Interview
Questions
Tell Me About Yourself?
What do you consider your most significant accomplishment in your last job?
What are your strength/weaknesses?
Why do you believe you are qualified for this position?
Why do you want to work for us?
At the Fair…30 Second Commercial
Is a short commercial that advertises you!
Include:
Your name
Experience
Education
Unique skills
Positive characteristics
Type of positions you are looking for
At the Fair…Do’s and Don’ts
DO Establish rapport with each recruiter
Remember to smile, make eye contact, and offer a firm (but not death-grip) handshake. Use your 30 second commercial
Introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the company
Be direct and to the point when answering questions Be attentive and take notes when asked questions Ask for a business card and thank the employer for
his/her time
DON’T Leave out companies you do not have info on, they may
have your dream job! Overstay your welcome
After…What to Do Now?
Review notes, businesses cards, and materials you collected from employers
Follow up with the representatives you met at the job fair Preferably by mail if they do not have their address on their business
card follow up with an e-mail. Call the contact person if given a name and number, be sure to
mention the person who referred you
NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK! Make connections with people- not just the recruiters but fellow
jobseekers and career professionals
The more people in your network, the stronger it becomes!
6 Ways to Turn a Job Fair into a Jobby Steve Berman
1. Look the part
2. Be prepared
3. Be aggressively friendly
4. Do your homework
5. Get the 411
6. Finally, follow up!
My Job Fair Experience
Further Assistance
Mandy Thompson, ERP Manager
315-772-9611
Angela Charles, ERP Educator
315-772-2737
Employment Readiness Program (ERP)Army Community Service
4330 Conway RoadFort Drum, NY 13602