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Career Fair Tips
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| Before the Fair |
Preparation on Employers
- Study the list of participating employers on the web and research employers of interest.
- Career Center for Science and Engineering (CCSE) is a great source of employer information.
- The University of Minnesota Library has many databases for researching companies and industries.
- Prioritize companies you are interested in, but keep all your options open.
- Prepare questions to ask employers.
- Check online to see if employers are participating in on-campus interviewing and if so, when.
Preparation on Yourself
- Develop a strong, professional resume; one that truly exemplifies your skills and experience. CCSE can provide assistance in creating and polishing your resume. Make multiple copies to bring to the fair.
- Be ready to "sell" yourself. Know yourself, your career goals, and the content on your resume.
- Identify your skills and strengths. Be prepared to provide examples of how you have used them.
- Think about why you want to work in the field with these employers. Be able to express this to the representative.
- Develop and practice a 10-second introduction for yourself.
- Outline for Interacting with an Employer
- Smile, be enthusiastic and show interest in them.
- Introduce yourself and establish rapport.
- Ask any questions you may have.
- Listen carefully to employer's answers.
- Be courteous and respectful.
- Close the conversation by thanking the representative
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| During the Fair |
- Dress professionally and be well groomed.
- Try to visit your "top 5" companies on your list first to allow sufficient time.
- Manage your time effectively; visit other employers if the lines are very long.
- Network while you wait. Talk to fellow job seekers. Who have they talked to? Have they heard of anyone hiring someone with your background?
- Be yourself when interacting with employers; smile, be enthuasiastic and show interest.
- Use body language to show interest; good posture and being attentive help you look excited and enthusiastic about the company.
- Make a great first impression: firm handshake, eye contact.
- Take initiative when it comes to shaking hands with the employer, as well as starting a conversation.
- Offer the employer a copy of your resume.
- Try to remember the employer's name; refer to it when thanking them for their time. Ask for a business card.
- Don't be afraid to take notes on any topics of interest form your conversation. Brochures may be available with company information as well.
- Whatever you do...DO NOT CHEW GUM!
- Leave caps, and large backpacks at home! Briefcases are optional.
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| After the Fair |
- Mail a Thank You card to employers you remain interested in. This is not only appropriate but it bring positive attention to your name. Include information about your conversation and your interest in the company.
- File all of the brochures, annual reports, and other materials you received from employers with your job search materials. This information can shave hours off your interview preparation. Make a note of the companies you need to research further.
- Use the recruiter as the main contact with their company throughout your job search process until you are referred to a different contact.
- Initiative is the key to obtaining an interview, let alone an offer from an employer you met at the career fair. Stay in touch about the status of your resume, application or their job openings.
- If you haven't done so already, check with CCSE to see what companies are participating in on-campus interviews and when.
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