JOBTALKS CAREER FAIR PREPARATIONS Indiana University Kelley School of Business C. Randall Powell, Ph.D Contents used in this presentation are adapted from Career Planning Strategies and used with the permission of the author.

Career Center Career Fair Preparations C. Randall Powell, Ph.D. Indiana University Kelley School of Business Bloomington, Indiana

Key Items to Remember Presentation Agenda…..  Know your employers  Know what you want  Prepare an introduction  Bring scannable resume  Dress the part  Arrive early  Stay focused  Appropriate questions  Ask for next step  Pick up business cards  Write thank-you note  Complete online application, if requested  Practice, practice, practice

Know your employers  Review the list of employers expected at the career  Focus research on the top 3 – 4 firms that interest you  Good research is key to an effective job search  Advanced planning is essential

Know what you want  What type of opportunity are you interested in with a specific organization?  Where do you fit in the organization, even if it is not the specific job they are recruiting for  Don’t say “what jobs do you have for me?” it shows lack of research and our career direction

Prepare an introduction  Prepare 2-3 line script  Customize it to the needs of the companies you are interested in  Include name, your class and major  Don’t forget your career interests and how they relate to the target company  Do you have relevant work experience?  Try to differentiate yourself in your intro

Introductions  Let me introduce myself: My name is _______ and clear My name is _______ and clear I’m ________ (slow and clear) I’m ________ (slow and clear) Consider: short version, first name only Consider: short version, first name only  FIRM HAND SHAKE  LOOK AT THEM, SMILE  HAND THEM A RESUME

Opening Lines  I’m so glad you’re here!  I’d love to work at your company  I’ve been researching your organization  Great/Exciting/wonderful display  What a great company!  Could I have a second of your time?

Your Resume  Resume should be scannable White paper White paper Easy to read Easy to read  Avoid fancy fonts or symbols  Include relevant key words

Dress the part Women  Dress/Skirt  Heels  Make-up? Men  Khakis or dress pants  No tennis shoes  Tie or jacket The career fair is not an interview, but go dressed as it if were. This is your first impression on the employer.

Arrive Early  Come early while employers are fresh  Go first to the booth of employers you have identified in advance  Don’t arrive 30 minutes before the end of the day

Stay focused  Don’t get diverted by the “goodies” at each booth  Remain focused on your target employers  You are at the fair to make contacts  Be sure to express interest in the company – not in the giveaway being offered.

Greeting  Greet each employer with a smile and firm handshake  Use your prepared script to introduce yourself and express your interest  Make eye contact  Be positive

Ask appropriate questions  If you have time, use it wisely  Don’t waste time asking questions that could be answered with a little research Don’t ask “What does your organization do?” Don’t ask “What does your organization do?”  Ask questions that show you have done your homework/research “What does XXX value in its employees? “What does XXX value in its employees?

Be considerate of others  Remember that other students will want a chance to talk with the recruiter – be considerate  Makes a good impression – be concise, direct, polite  Leave with an understanding of follow-up procedures—right short notes quickly

Ask for next step  Ask how you can follow-up and what the next step is in the hiring process  Ask specifically for consideration  Be persistent and polite  Walk away with specific instructions

Graceful Exits  May I have your business card, please?  I enjoyed meeting you  Great! See you then!  Is it okay if I apply directly?  Could you recommend anyone in your organization that may be interested in my abilities?

Write a thank-you note  Send a thank-you to every employer you speak to at the career fair  Try to reinforce how you differentiate yourself and how your skills match with what the firm is seeking

Online applications  You may find that employers request that you complete an online application  The online applications is part of the process, do not ignore request

Quick Review  Before the career fair Research companies Research companies Prepare “one-minute” commercial Prepare “one-minute” commercial Prepare questions Prepare questions Know general types of positions Know general types of positions One-page scannable resume One-page scannable resume Be organized Be organized

Quick review  During the career fair Look professional Look professional Walk around Walk around Make eye contact Make eye contact Ask questions Ask questions Be enthusiastic Be enthusiastic Collect business cards Collect business cards Make notes Make notes

Quick review  After the career fair thank-you note with attached résumé thank-you note with attached résumé Complete online application, if needed Complete online application, if needed Prepare for interview Prepare for interview

Finally, Practice, practice, practice!

 If you would like to learn more, Career Planning Strategies textbook will supply additional information on this topic.