CAREER FAIR STRATEGIES How to Make a Career Fair Work for You

AT THE END OF THIS WORKSHOP, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO:  Understand the purpose of a career fair  Develop realistic expectations about career fairs  Know what to do before, during and after the event

THE PURPOSE

WHAT IS A CAREER FAIR?  A networking event that provides a forum for student and employer interaction  An event where the basic purpose is to share information

WHY DO EMPLOYERS ATTEND? Advertise the organization Identify Candidates Express Interest Provide Information

WHY DO STUDENTS ATTEND? Learn about opportunities Find a job or internship Network and make contacts Collect information

REALITY CHECK Breaking Common Career Fair Myths

MYTH 1: I CAN JUST ‘SHOW UP’ THE DAY OF THE EVENT  Career fairs require preparation and follow-up  Employers expect a focused, well-prepared candidate  A competitive job market dictates a proactive job search

MYTH 2: I CAN WEAR JEANS AND AN OSU SWEATSHIRT TO A CAREER FAIR  This is an opportunity to make a strong, lasting impression- make it positive!  Business professional attire is necessary for career fairs

MYTH 3: CAREER FAIRS ARE FOR STUDENTS LOOKING FOR FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT  Not all organizations have current job openings  Employers may be looking to fill part-time or internship positions  Employers are looking to identify potential talent

MYTH 4: I MIGHT RECEIVE A JOB OFFER DURING THE CAREER FAIR  Formal interviews are not typically held at the career fair, so it is unlikely you will receive a job offer  A career fair is an opportunity to establish introductions and interest in the company  Typical hiring process:  Screening interview (phone, Skype)  At least one on-site interview  Process can take several weeks to several months

MYTH 5: EMPLOYERS MEET TOO MANY CANDIDATES TO REMEMBER ME  A carefully crafted and professional presentation will ensure that you make a positive and lasting impression  Follow-up is important to distinguish yourself from other candidates and to maintain contact with employers

CLARIFYING EXPECTATIONS  You won’t get hired from a career fair  If you make a positive first impression, it can be the first step in the hiring process  Employers want to see students who are positive, interested, and prepared

BEFORE THE CAREER FAIR

IDENTIFY YOUR CAREER GOALS  Understand what you want to accomplish  Clarify your personal goals  Recruiters are rarely interested in unfocused students who will take ‘any job’

PREPARE YOUR JOB SEARCH TOOLS

THE ART OF AN ELEVATOR SPEECH Outline your speech  Who am I?  What do I offer?  What relevant experience or skills do I have  What are the main contributions I can make?  What should the listener do as a result of hearing this? Example Hi, I’m Brutus Buckeye, and I am a health-system pharmacy technician – I assist the pharmacist in providing optimal care for our patients. I prepare the medications accurately and efficiently for the pharmacist to review, ensuring our patients receive their medications in a timely manner. My job is to optimize the operations in the pharmacy so the pharmacists can spend more time on patient care and safe medication use. Patients in hospitals and health systems receive better care when pharmacists are involved in medication decisions and my involvement contributes to their availability. I’m their support in medication management, and I’d like to continue to pursue this line of work. I would like to speak with you more about these goals and potential opportunities.

RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATIONS  Review employers in attendance  Know the basics  Products and Services  Geographic area  Competitor  Philosophy and culture  Recent accomplishments  Future plans

PREPARE QUESTIONS  Creative and challenging questions will make a lasting impression on those you meet  Demonstrate knowledge of your chosen career field  Avoid asking questions about compensation or benefits

DURING THE CAREER FAIR

ACE THE INTRODUCTION  Smile  Elevator speech  Firm handshake  Eye contact

FOCUS ON COMMUNICATION Verbal  Speak clearly and concisely  Provide brief targeted answers to questions  Be honest  Provide complete and articulate responses  Show interest, energy and enthusiasm Non-verbal  Dress professionally  Maintain good eye contact  Offer a firm handshake  Demonstrate poise and composure  Avoid distracting mannerisms

UTILIZE YOUR PREPARATIONS  Ask 2-4 questions  Answer questions with specific examples  Provide a copy of your resume

FINISH STRONG  Ask for a business card  Ask about next steps  Write down notes

AFTER THE CAREER FAIR

FOLLOW UP  Timely and professional follow up is an indicator of your interest in an employer  Follow any directions given to you by recruiters  Use your notes to write a personalized message  Attach a copy of your resume

TIPS AND STRATEGIES FOR PEOPLE AVERSE TO CAREER FAIRS  Quality versus quantity  Set a time limit  Do your homework  Take notes

SEE YOU AT THE CAREER FAIR! Leigh Mascolino Student last names A-I Andria Stragisher Student last names J-Z