http://careers.washington.edu/sites/default/files/all/editors/docs/workshops/Making_the_Most_of_Care

12/14/2007

Making the Most of a Career Fair 134 Mary Gates Hall (206) 543‐0535 (206) 543 0535 ccscnslr@u.washington.edu careers.washington.edu

Overview • Why attend?

• What to expect What to expect • Preparation • Maximize your time • Practice • Follow‐up Follow up

1

12/14/2007

Career Fairs: Why attend?

• • • • • • •

Learn about specific employers Explore career options Explore career options Research areas of interest Establish personal contact with employers Practice your interviewing skills informally A l f j b Apply for jobs and internships di t hi More??

Why Employers Attend • 97% provide job opening and company info to solicit applicants and maintain visibility on campus • 84% discuss company benefits • 13% interview students and make job offers

NACE Journal survey

(National Association of Colleges and Employers)

2

12/14/2007

What to Expect at Career Fairs • Most fairs are held in the HUB Ballrooms or in Mary Gates Hall Commons • 100+ employers attend at larger events; 10 ‐ 20 employers for smaller events • Employer reps at tables and/or booths • Several Several hundred students, alumni, and others attending hundred students alumni and others attending and mingling • Lots of noise! Lines for more popular employers

To get the most out of the fair…

• It is helpful to: – research employers and positions in advance research employers and positions in advance – identify how your background connects to employers' needs – have a plan for navigating the fair to ensure you meet with the employers you targeted

3

12/14/2007

Researching Employers • To see employers attending ‐ go to the UW Career Center website and click on Students >> Calendar • To research attending employers – go to the UW Career Center website, check under Resources • Websites: Researching Companies Online, Hoovers com Hoovers.com • Impress employers by knowing what they do

Develop your resume • One page is best • IInclude your education and experience that shows how you l d d i d i h h h connect with the employer mission and positions • See examples in the UW Career Center Gold Guide • Need help to get started? – see the Gold Guide, attend the Resumes workshop use OptimalResume and/or see a Resumes workshop, use OptimalResume and/or see a career counselor • Have your resume reviewed at the Career Center during drop‐in times or at the Resume Café event with employers

4

12/14/2007

What to Wear • Business suits seem to make the best first impression • Business casual is acceptable • Wear what you think will make your best • impression and be comfortable • Plan where you might leave your book bag if you don’t want to carry it at the fair

What to bring to the fair • 30 copies of your resume – some of which y g y p p y may be targeted to your preferred employers • A business notebook or portfolio – – where you can keep resumes, business cards, employer information – a notepad with potential questions you might ask (identified from your research) and where you can record info

5

12/14/2007

Plan Your Strategy • Do your research to target your top 5‐7 employers • Upon arriving – pick up an event map and locate your targeted employers • Approach lower priority employers first to practice your introduction • Be alert to other conversations while you are waiting; may identify other potential employer contacts

Meeting employer reps • Typical time spent with a recruiter: 3 ‐ 7 minutes • Give a brief (1‐ 2 minute) personal introduction • Show how your background and strengths match with employer needs • Offer your resume Off • Don’t apologize for lack of experience

6

12/14/2007

Personal Introduction • Hello, I'm Crystal Waters, and I'm an ocean and fishery sciences major.

– My My employment interests include habitat conservation for employment interests include habitat conservation for marine mammals.

– I am seeking positions that allow me to match my education and skills in marine biology, water quality, and habitat assessment.

– I spent a summer in British Columbia as a research assistant tracking orcas returning to the Pacific Northwest.

– I also volunteer with a non‐profit in the Puget Sound area that monitors the water quality of Washington coastal waters.

– Upon graduation in June, I look forward to establishing a career that will assist in preserving the environment.

– What is the hiring process for your organization in my area of interest?

Personal Introduction • “Hello, I’m Pat Brooke and I’m a junior in Mechanical Engineering interested in an i t internship. hi – My background includes designing and testing motion control systems using AutoCAD to draft plans for an engineering consulting firm, and effective leadership and communication skills.

– After researching your company, I am excited about what you are doing relating to electro mechanical what you are doing relating to electro‐mechanical controls.

– Would you tell me more about opportunities in this area with your company?”

7

12/14/2007

Personal Introduction • “Hello, I’m Fred Smith and I’m an English major.

– My employment interests include marketing and public relations. relations – I’m looking for positions that match with my oral and written communication skills, creativity, and customer service experience.

– I traveled to Spain and became proficient in Spanish.

– Leadership is an effective ability of mine.

– I have been involved in the organization and delivery of the Speaker’s Series for the English Undergraduate Association.

– I’m excited about graduating in June and entering the work force full time.

– What is the hiring process for your company in my area of interest?”

Questions to Ask • What sets your organization apart from others in the industry?

• What is it like to work for your company?

• How do you decide to choose one candidate over another?

• How might I make myself a stronger candidate?

8

12/14/2007

Write Your Personal Introduction • Refer to the examples • Write your own personal introduction Write your own personal introduction – Mention your major, area of interests, related internship or work experience – Indicate 2 – 3 strengths – Show enthusiasm about applying your background in their work setting – Finish with a question to keep the conversation going

Practice Your Approach • Pretend you are at a career fair and approach someone you don’tt know someone you don know • Introduce yourself and give your Personal Introduction • Speak clearly and concisely • Maintain good eye contact Maintain good eye contact • Show enthusiasm and interest • You will have 2 ‐ 3 minutes each

9

12/14/2007

Your Approach: How was it?

• What did you notice about your partner?

Yourself?

• Is it something you can do?

• Practice, Practice, Practice!

Practice Practice Practice!

Follow‐up • Be sure to ask for the employer reps’ business cards, or at least get their names • Ask who is the most appropriate contact • Ask about the best method for follow‐up (email, letter, phone, web page…)

• Send Send a thank a thank‐you you note re note re‐affirming affirming your interest and your interest and include a more targeted resume • 48‐58% of employers expect follow‐up (NACE*) *(National Association of Colleges and Employers)

10

12/14/2007

When you might expect to receive an interview request…

• 50% within 2 weeks • 31% within 2 – 31% within 2 4 weeks 4 weeks • 13% within 4 – 6 weeks NACE survey (National Association of Colleges and Employers)

Final Points • Remember – preparation and practice make it easier to be yourself when you meet with easier to be yourself when you meet with employers • Smiling helps to reduce the tension for them and for you! y • Questions?

11

12/14/2007

Making the Most of a Career Fair 134 Mary Gates Hall (206) 543‐0535 (206) 543 0535 ccscnslr@u.washington.edu careers.washington.edu

12