HOW TO MAKE CAREER NIGHT A SUCCESSFUL

EVENT

Center for Career Development,

University of Connecticut

GOALS OF THIS PRESENTATION

• To help you develop realistic expectations of Career Night

• To provide you with information about the purpose of Career Night

• To help you prepare, perform, and follow through on your event experience to maximize the benefits

WHAT IS CAREER NIGHT?

• An event …○that provides a forum for student and

employer interaction;○where the basic purpose is to share

information;○where students can practice networking

and relationship building.

WHY DO EMPLOYERS ATTEND?

• To advertise their organization and increase visibility with students/university

• To identify potential job prospects• To express interest in students and

graduates of UConn• To provide career and general information

about their organization

WHY DO STUDENTS ATTEND?

• To learn more about career opportunities

in general• To network with employers and make

contacts with organizations• To collect employer information• To make a good first impression

PRIOR TO CAREER NIGHT: Preparing for maximum effect – key points

• Clarify Your Career Goals

• Research Organizations

• Develop well constructed questions for the employer

• Choosing your Wardrobe

PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect

• Clarify your career goals○Understand why you are attending ○ Career Night○Understand what you want to

accomplish○Clarify your personal goals – what are

you hoping to gain by attending

PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect

• Research organizations that you have targeted○Visit the College of Agriculture’s

website to see who is attending the fair○Visit the organization’s website○Investigate issues, trends, and the

outlook of professions/industries that are of interest to you

PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect

• Prepare a list of questions to ask employers○Creative and challenging questions ○Demonstrate knowledge of your

chosen career field ○Within reason, you may ask

questions at this event that you cannot in an interview

PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect

• What to wear…○Business Casual is recommended○Should be conservative and fit properly○The focus should be on you, not on what

you wear○Your attire should be appropriate for all

employers○Bring something to manage your papers

(portfolio, briefcase)○Do not overuse cologne or perfume

AT CAREER NIGHT• Employers want to share information

on what their company does as well as gather information on students

• Your interaction with company representatives should be highly professional at all times

• May keep you in mind for referrals

or positions not yet advertised• “Don’t burn bridges”

DURING CAREER NIGHT• Presentation skills: Be aware of your

verbal communication○Speak clearly and concisely○Provide brief, targeted answers to

questions ○Be honest○Provide complete and articulate responses○Show interest, energy, enthusiasm○Demonstrate that you prepared for the

event by having intelligent responses

DURING CAREER NIGHT• Presentation skills: Non-verbal

communication○Dress professionally - “look the part”○Have good eye contact○Offer a firm handshake○Demonstrate poise and composure○Avoid distracting mannerisms

DURING CAREER NIGHT• Interpersonal skills

○Employers will be measuring your ability to interact at a professional level

○Knowledge of yourself, the organization, and the industry will allow you to have an intelligent, balanced conversation

○Your preparation will manifest itself in a confident, self-assured presentation, which, in the mind of the employer will equal strong interpersonal skills

TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS:○A carefully crafted and professional

presentation will ensure that you make a positive and lasting impression

○Follow-up is important to distinguish yourself from other students and to maintain contact with employers – through well written thank-you notes following the event

FOLLOW UP – AFTER CAREER NIGHT

Determine the best way to follow up with the employer

Get a business card Send a brief note (or email) to

the representative that you met at Career Night

QUESTIONS ???• See a professional career

consultant at Career Services if you have questions - career consulting is available on a walk-in basis - don’t hesitate to visit the office in CUE 217 if you have any questions

• The Staff at Career Services wish you the best in your major/career exploration and job search efforts.