Job Fair Preparation

How to make a Job Fair

work for you….

What’s your goal?

Are you interested

in finding out

about a particular

career field? Then

ask generalized

questions about

working in the

industry.

Are you seeking career opportunities with a specific employer? Then focus your questions on the application and interview process, and ask for specific information about the employer.

Employers Expect you to: Know what type of job

you are looking for

Dress professionally

Bring copies of your resume

Know the company, that you’ve done your “homework”

Be interested in their company/opportunities

Ask questions

Not just grab the free stuff

Shake hands and make eye contact

Communicate well

Bring something to take notes on

Treat the conversation like a job interview

Apply online ahead of time when possible

http://www.careerspots.com/vidplay_links_ext.aspx?aid

=473&partid=0&vidnum=-1&vidtitle=-1&

Top 3 Things Employers

Typically Discuss at Job Fairs

1. Company benefits

2. Information on current job openings

3. General information about the company

How to Prepare for a Job Fair

Create a list of employers you’d like to meet

with at the job fair.

Do your homework. Research the company.

Know why you want to work for the company

(if you don’t know they won’t either)

Prepare a “30 Second Commercial” as a way

to sell yourself to an employer.

– Preparation, Enthusiasm and Energy will get you

noticed!

What should be included in your

“30 Second Commercial?” This is a great way to introduce yourself

– Your name

– Your career status (job searching/finishing training)

The goal is to connect your background to the

company’s need

– What type of position you are seeking

– What field you would like to be employed in

– Why you chose their companyhttp://www.careerspots.com/vidplay_links_ext.aspx?aid=473&partid=0&vidnum=-1&vidtitle=-1&

30 Second Commercial - ExampleHello, my name is SUSAN FISCHER.

I am looking for a full-time job as a PROGRAM MANAGER IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE FIELD.

I have OVER 10 YEARS experience WORKING IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND

MENTALHEALTH.

I am PASSIONATE ABOUT WORKING WITH OFFENDERS, and am STRONG WITH BOTH

PEOPLE AND PROCESSES.

I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY HOLISTIC APPROACH TO CASE MANAGEMENT, AND MY

ABILITY TO QUICKLY DEVELOP RAPPORT DUE TO THE GENUINE INTEREST I TAKE

IN PEOPLE. MY CLIENTS HAVE EXCEEDED THE EXPECTATIONS OF OTHERS.

ADDITIONALLY, I EXCEL IN LEADERHIP, CAN IDENTIFY AND SOLVE PROBLEMS, THINK

OUTSIDE THE BOX, AND MEET AND EXCEED EXPECTIONS AND GOALS.

How could this be an asset to XYZ Company?

Things to keep handy… Plenty of fresh

resumes

Pens or pencils

Folder or portfolio

Paper for taking notes

Your planner to set up a follow up appointment

Be organized!

How should you dress?

Clean, ironed clothes

Business casual to dressy

Shirt tucked in

Conservative colors (keep attention on you, not your clothes)

Be sure hair and nails are well groomed

Keep jewelry simple (if it makes noise, take it off)

Take a look at your shoes: should be clean and polished

Perfume and cologne should be light or avoided

In order to

maximize your

job fair

experience, you

must be an

active

participant and

not just a

browser.

During the job fair… Make eye contact

immediately when introducing yourself

Listen carefully to what the HR reps have to say. Don’t interrupt

Show confidence in your voice

Your resume should be easily accessible

Don’t just “drop and run”.

Keep you eyes and ears open, you never know when an opportunity will arise

Don’t chew gum or smoke

Obtain a floor plan before entering the room

Network alone, not in groups

Respect the privacy of others who are networking

Ask questions about the company to maximize your time

Take a few minutes to jot down notes about the HR rep and companies to help you remember later

During the job fair (cont)…

Obtain a business card from each HR rep that you speak to– This information can be

very useful for follow-up

Before leaving the fair, revisit your top few companies to make a lasting impression

If you have a real interest in an employer, find out the procedures to secure an interview

What to ask employers

What type of entry level positions exist within your

company?

What qualities are you looking for in a prospective

employee?

What do you feel are the future trends in this

industry?

Where do you see this company in 5 years? 10

years?

Do you have plans for expansion?

How would you describe the working environment

within the company?

What not to ask employers

What can you do for me?

How much do you pay?

What does your company do?

Do not ask questions that are clearly

answered on the employer's web site

and/or in any literature provided by the

employer to you in advance.

After the job fair…

Show courtesy and follow up right away!

(within 24 hours)

Write a thank you (handwritten or email)

to each HR Representative with whom

you spoke.

What to Include in a Thank You

Confirm your interest and enthusiasm for the

company

Highlight your skills and abilities that meet the

company’s needs

Inquire about the next step in the selection

process

Include your contact information

Follow up in 1-2 weeks by calling or emailing

to see if you can meet with them again

Final thoughts…

It is your responsibility to approach employers and initiate a conversation.

You will get out of a job fair exactly what you put into it.

Be assertive and positive!

Autumn Recruitment Fair

Friday, October 29th, 2010

Waukesha County Technical College(Service Building, Gymnasium)

12:00-3:00 p.m.

http://www.wfdc.org/job/jobfairs.htm