How to Succeed at a Career Fair

Career CenterKansas State University

Berney Family Welcome Centerwww.k-state.edu/careercenter

Fall2017

What is the Career Center?• Employment: part-time, internships & co-ops, full-time• Career advising• Resume and cover letter critiques• Interview preparation• Research employers and job search• Career fairs• On-campus & next-day interviews• Networking opportunities• Admission documents for grad/professional school• Resources

Downloadtheapp(iOSonly)orsigninusingyoureID andpasswordaccountatksu.joinhandshake.com

LOGINTOHANDSHAKE

Addyourworkexperiences,skills,interests,andorganizations

COMPLETEYOURPROFILE

DISCOVERJOBSFORYOU

Browsecollectionsofpart-timeorfull-timejobsandinternshipsbasedonyourprofileandinterests

CONNECTWITHTHECAREERCENTER

Scheduleappointments,interviews,andcareerfairvisitsonHandshake

MEETEMPLOYERS|FINDJOBS|ONLINE24/7

www.k-state.edu/careercenter

1. Review employers, openings, and website using your Handshake Account

2. Identify your top 5-15 employers for each day of the fair

3. Apply for jobs and campus interviews using instructions outlined by employers in your Handshake account

4. Utilize the company website to learn more

5. Ask faculty about employers and alumni

Research Companies in Advance

What to look for!

Resources• International Student and Scholar Services• http://www.k-state.edu/isss/programs-events/

• The Writing Center• http://www.k-state.edu/english/writingcenter/

Well Written Resume / Cover LetterCustomized & Critiqued

• Make it visually appealing• Traditional font and bullets• Consistency• 1 Page

• Highlight your strengths• Market yourself!

• Link your skills to the employer’s needs• Why do they need you on their team?

Develop a Reference List

1. Request your references now!

2. Be selective about who you ask and make sure to ask for a “good reference”

3. Employers expect 3-4 references

4. Provide background information for your references

5. Make sure you thank your references and keep in touch with them!

6. Use the “Resume & Interview Guide” to create or update your reference page.

Customize Your 30 Second Intro1. Opportunity to sell yourself and make an impression2. 15-45 second sales campaign3. Key is to be confident, concise, and friendly with meaningful dialogue

Remember: Practice makes perfect!

Know Your Job Interests & Qualifications1. Introduce yourself:

• Greeting / Name• Major

2. State what you are seeking and your standing in school:• Graduating / Classification Year (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior)• Internship / Full-Time / Part-time / Co-op• Industries of Interest (Optional)

3. State what you have done that would benefit the employer, your competitive edge or what is unique about you (most should be on your resume):

• Work Experience: Internship(s) / Non-Major Related Work Experiences• Activities: Participation in Organizations / Leadership / Volunteerism• Academic Preparation: Research / Special Projects / Study Abroad• Applicable Skills / Strengths: Technical Skills / Special Qualifications

Sample IntroductionUnderlined items should be personalized to you and your interests

Part 1Good morning. My name is Willie Wildcat, and I will graduate in May with a bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering. I applied to the manufacturing engineer position you have posted because I want to work in the automotiveindustry and was impressed by what I learned about Chrysler from my research.

Part 2My academic background has prepared me to offer skills related to problem solving, Auto-CAD, and product development. I have been active on campus with Engineering Ambassadors, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. I also have 3 years of experience which includes a summer internship in product design.

Bridge to ConversationWhat qualities do you seek in new hires?

Note: You should adapt this example to your communication style and experiences so that it is natural for you.

Create a List of Meaningful Questions

1. Identify at least 3 questions that you would like to ask at the fair vs. an interview

2. Do not ask questions that could easily found from doing research

3. Make sure you ask if you may contact the employer and ask for their business card

Create a Plan of Action

1. Find a map of the fair to determine the order of your employer visits

2. Ask as far in advance as possible for time away to attend the career fair

3. Plan and maximize your time at the fair based on your top 5-15 employers

4. *Try* to avoid long lines

Morning of the Career Fair!

Dress to Impress

• Dress code is business professional• Business casual only if you do not have professional attire• Ensure your clothes are ironed and your shoes are shined• Traditional colors: black, gray, blue tan• Hosiery and closed toe heels recommended for women

VisittheCareerClosetforFREEgentlyusedprofessionalattire!

Be Conservative– Hair: Only recommend clean, well groomed, trimmed hair

(including facial hair).

– Makeup / Jewelry: Natural, simple make-up and jewelry that compliments is appropriate. Do not wear heavy make-up or jewelry; this will overpower your outfit and overall appearance.

– Perfume: Perfume is not recommended as it can be poorly received.

– Nails: Clean and groomed; if polished select natural, conservative colors and ensure enamel is not chipping.

– Tattoos / Piercings: Determine if it is best to cover tattoos or remove controversial piercing; for some companies having visible tattoos or body piercings is unacceptable and may eliminate you as a candidate.

– Portfolios: It is recommended to invest in a professional portfolio that you can use to write down information and hold copies of your resume.

Visual

Step#9

VISIT OUR CAREER CLOSET!

–Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm

– Free gently used clothing. – Full suits, ties, shoes, skirts, dresses.

– Absolutely Free!

At and After the Fair• Firm handshake• Smile• Eye contact• Focus and pay attention• Say thank you!

1. Ask for business cards2. Document conversations3. Keep info organized4. Create a contact list5. Follow-up with thank yous

Record Info and Make a Contact List1. Ask for business cards and literature

about the company

2. Document the conversation immediately after leaving

3. This includes information you gained -especially follow-up plans

4. Keep your notes and any literature received together and organized

5. Create a contact list with key information

Follow-Up• Send thank you note• Briefly sell yourself • Do not solely convey gratitude• Use notes from interview• Consider requirements for position• Send within 24-48 hours

• No response? Contact employer day after established follow-up date

-OR-• Two weeks after the interview

• MAKE SURE VOICEMAIL IS PROFESSIONAL

Know Your Job Interests & Qualifications1. Introduce yourself:

• Greeting / Name• Major

2. State what you are seeking and your standing in school:• Graduating / Classification Year (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior)• Internship / Full-Time / Part-time / Co-op• Industries of Interest (Optional)

3. State what you have done that would benefit the employer, your competitive edge or what is unique about you (most should be on your resume):

• Work Experience: Internship(s) / Non-Major Related Work Experiences• Activities: Participation in Organizations / Leadership / Volunteer ism• Academic Preparation: Research / Special Projects / Study Abroad• Applicable Skills / Strengths: Technical Skills / Special Qualifications

To Do’s: A MustIf you are short on time, please ensure you minimally:

1. Resume: Have it critiqued

2. Interview Skills: Practice

3. Research Online BEFORE the Fair

4. Prepare for the day of:• Copies of Resume• Proper Attire• Selling Points for Recruiters• Ask Next Steps, Take Notes, and Follow-Up