1. How to Work a Career Fair Nicole Green Career Development Center www.mtsu.edu/career Career Development Center

2. Career Fair Basics What is your goal?

3. DOs and DON’Ts DO: Dress professional Speak clearly Maintain eye contact Ask intelligent questions, based on company research DON’T: Immediately grab giveaway items Tell the recruiter you’re there for extra credit Ask basic questions that could be answered from the company’s home page

4. Work a Fair in 5 easy steps! 1.Prepare 2.Develop a Plan of Attack 3.Introduce Yourself 4.Ask Questions 5.Follow-up

5. Step 1: Prepare Company background Jobs being recruited Interview questions Resume Attire

6. Identify companies of interest Prioritize your company list Get company table locations Map your route, start with least important Step 2: Plan of Attack

7. Step 3: Introduction Develop your script Hi, my name is. I am a major and involved in. I’m interested in the field of and understand your company is hiring _____. What are you looking for in a successful candidate?

8. Step 4: Ask Questions Strategic: What are the characteristics of your most successful employees? Which experiences do you suggest for a successful candidate? How long does the hiring process take? What is involved? What percent of applicants are hired? What is the retention rate? Do you hire continually or just at certain times of the year? Company Background: What is your organization's culture like? How many years does the typical employee stay with the company? Are there opportunities in your company for ongoing training? Is relocation or travel required?

9. Step 5: Follow-up Get recruiter’s business card Send email thanking him/her for attending the Fair Express interest and ask about next steps

12. Workshop Series How to Work a Career Fair Feb. 2, 11:30 a.m.  Feb. 3, 3 p.m. Interpreting your Focus Assessment Feb. 2, 3:45 p.m. Job Search Feb. 9, 11:30 a.m. Resume and Cover Letter Feb. 17, 3 p.m. Interviewing – Presented by Verizon Wireless Feb. 24, 3 p.m.

13. Additional Assistance Walk-In Advising Program Fall 2010 Drop off:Pick up: By noon on Mon.After noon on Wed. By noon on Wed.After noon on Fri. By noon on Fri.After noon on Mon. Fall 2010 FromTo Tuesday9 a.m.11 a.m. Wednesday10 a.m.12 p.m. Thursday2 p.m.4 p.m.