Career Fair Success. 134 Mary Gates Hall (206)

Transcription

1 Career Fair Success 134 Mary Gates Hall (206)

2 Overview Why attend What to expect Preparation Maximize your time Follow-up

3 Career Fairs: Why attend? Learn about specific employers & their application processes Explore career options & research areas of interest Establish contact with employers [network!] Practice your interviewing skills informally Apply for jobs and internships Score free stuff!

4 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 ~ National Association of Colleges and Employers We will definitely be hiring new college graduates this year ~ 66% of employers surveyed at Spring Career Fair 2012

5 What to Expect at Career Fairs Most UW fairs are held in Hec-Edmondson Pavilion or in Mary Gates Hall Commons 100+ employers attend at larger events; employers for smaller events Employer reps standing/sitting at tables/booths Several hundred students & alumni attending Lots of noise! Lines for more popular employers

6 Researching Employers we spent a lot of time explaining what our company does and it would have been impressive for students to have approached us with that knowledge. ~ Employer at Spring Career Fair 2012 WHEN: BEFORE you arrive at the employer s booth WHY: Be informed: Make a positive impression! Feel more self-confident Clearly articulate how/why you re a good match! Favorable Impressions + Good Match = Potential Employment! one thing I regret not doing prior to the career fair that I will do next time is just doing basic research about the companies prior to going there. In that way, I think I will definitely be able to appear more professional and engage in more in-depth conversations with them since they will know that I know what I am talking about ~ Student attending Spring Career Fair 2012

7 Researching Employers WHAT TO RESEARCH: Type & purpose of organization, business, agency Mission statement & core values Reputation Recent articles New initiatives, etc. - Regarding student quality, half of the students were excellent, they had researched our company, understood what we are looking for and could articulate how their study/work experience could translate to our needs. - Other students were not as prepared, asked simple yes/no questions. The students that fell into the top description are going to be invited onsite to an open house at our company. ~ Employer at Spring Career Fair 2012

8 Researching Employers HOW TO RESEARCH: 1. Find out which employers are attending on fair websites 2. Identify those you want to meet 3. Research these organizations using: UW Libraries Company Research Vault Career Guides CC Web Resources Company/Industry Research Where to Turn: Health & Human Services in King County Puget Sound Business Journal, Wall Street Journal, etc. Online searching: Google, Bing Organization s web page

9 What to Bring: Resumes Include your education and experience that shows how you connect with the employer mission and positions One page is usually best Need help to get started? Career Center Career Guide View CC online Resume workshop or Attend CC in-house Resume workshop Have your resume reviewed at UWCC during Walk-In Appointments or at the Resume Café event with employers

10 What to Bring: Resumes & Notebook 30 copies of your resume some of which should be targeted to your preferred employers A business notebook or portfolio: Keep resumes, business cards, employer information Keep your list of potential questions to ask (identified from your research) Record info from your employer conversations

11 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

12 Plan your Career Fair Strategy Do your pre-fair research Identify your top 5-7 employers Upon arriving pick up an Event Map and locate your targeted employers Approach your lower priority employers first to practice your introduction and conversation While you are waiting, be alert to other conversations; may identify other potential employer contacts or pick up tips from other students

13 Before You Move On to the Next Table Request recruiters business cards (or at least get their names and contact information) Ask who is the most appropriate contact Ask about the best method for follow-up ( , letter, phone, web page, Twitter )

14 Meeting Employer Reps Typical time spent with a recruiter: 3-7 minutes Give a brief (30 second) personal introduction Show how your background and strengths match with employer needs Offer your resume Be yourself [i.e. authentic]

15 Your Personal Introduction Draft your own personal introduction Mention your major, area of interests, related projects, research, internship, work experience, or student affiliations Indicate 2 3 strengths Show enthusiasm about applying your background in their work setting Finish with a question to keep the conversation going Practice!

16 Questions to Ask Employers What is it like to work for your company? How do you decide to choose one candidate over another? Can you tell me about your application and interview process? How might I make myself a competitive candidate?

17 After The Fair: Follow-up Send a thank-you note re-affirming your interest and include a more targeted resume Submit resumes & cover letters via HuskyJobs & employer websites Stay in touch with employers after your initial follow-up! Send them your updated qualifications 48-58% of employers expect follow-up (NACE*) *(National Association of Colleges and Employers) I have three folders full of candidates of varying levels of appropriateness for our needs. At least 5 or 6 of them will be getting calls from us in the next week or two. ~ Employer at Spring Career Fair 2012

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