Career Fair Prep

A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE CAREER FAIR

2012 Fall Career FairWHEN: OCTOBER 2, 2012WHERE: SDC MULTIPURPOSE ROOMTIME: 12 PM – 6 PM

Why do companies come all this way?

Employers are looking for the answer to three questions: Does the job-seeker have the skills and abilities to perform the job?Does the job-seeker possess the enthusiasm, positive attitude and work ethic that most employers expect?Will the job-seeker be a team player and fit into the organization?

And they just can’t get those answers from a piece of paper or job application

Utilize Campus-wide Career Development Educational Programming…

• Career Services provides numerous and diverse Career Development Educational programs to help you prepare for success at the Career Fair.– Check your hand-out– Open your Career Services emails– Check the schedule on www.career.mtu.edu– Call 487-2313 for information

Before: Target 10 companies (go to

www.career.mtu.edu for full list of attendees)

Research each to identify: What products and services they provide Location and Size What they’re working on What’s being said about them

List your 3 greatest strengths and how you can add value to their company

Develop 2 intelligent, informed questions

Utilize HuskyJOBS

Post your resume

Search your target companies and apply for the jobs they’ve posted BEFORE the Career Fair

Check Information Session schedule

During: What to bring to the job fair?

Copies of resumes Professional notepad/pen and notes A smile and firm handshake Practiced, confident 60-second

Infomercial Your calendar Research on the companies Confident and enthusiastic attitude A polished, professional appearance

A Solid Resume CCC - Clean, Concise, Clear

Highlight your “hands-on” experience first

Give specific details - evidence of what you have done

Talk about leadership and teamwork experience

List interesting activities/hobbies

Dress for SuccessDressing Tips For Men• Suit: Dark blue, brown or gray• Shirt: White, light blue• Tie: Contrasting (with some red)• Shoes: Black or Brown• Belt: Matches shoes and socks

(socks match slacks)• Hair: Trimmed or pulled back

Avoid:• Earrings• Hats• Heavy cologne

Dress for SuccessDressing Tips For Women• Skirt/Slacks: Dark blue, brown,

gray• Blouse: Light colored, not floral• Shoes: Conservative• Hair: Pulled away from face

Avoid:• Tight or revealing clothing• Shoes with straps, high heels, light

colored• Excessive jewelry, perfume and

make up

Your approach…your introduction…your 60-second infomercialYou have one chance to make a good impression

The “60-Second Infomercial”

First…say “Thank you” for coming

Develop and memorize a 60 second introduction: 20 seconds about you 20 seconds about co-op,

internship, school20 seconds about what you

know about the company

After Give another firm handshake, a smile,

look them in the eye and thank them for their time and information

Ask them for their card (or, at least, their last name)

Write it down immediately when you step away

Write down 2 things you talked about during your visit

Send a thank you note within 48 hours, even if they don’t interview you at this time

After…• Have your schedule ready and be close to

your phone, so you can schedule multiple interviews for the day after the Career Fair

• GOOD LUCK!