GE Presentation Series Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 Agenda Before the Career Fair Resume Preparation At the Career Fair Other Considerations Appropriate Attire Career Fair Don’ts Showstoppers Interview Preparation Open Q & A Period

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 One Week Before the Career Fair Research Your Top Ten Companies Companies want to know why you are interested in them Know the specific job openings that interest you Prepare to Interview On-Site Be ready to discuss every job and activity on your resume Master behavioral-based interviewing Do mock interviews in your campus career center Practice the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) Contact Corporate Reps Beforehand Call or reps you have met on campus Request an interview or a brief meeting

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 Purpose of Resume Your Resume Has Only One Purpose: To Get You An Interview The appearance/structure of your resume counts Resumes are used to determine suitability for a position Proofreading is a must! - Spelling and grammar errors can cost you an interview Resumes get interviews, people get jobs!

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 Basic Resume Structure

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 Resume Writing Determine format No fancy paper or graphics. Keep font simple and easy to read Use action verbs; check verb tense Don’t load resume with skills and/or experience that you do not have Review grammar and spell check Ask for feedback on content and flow Ensure that your resume is aligned with the job you are seeking

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 At the Career Fair The Interview Starts as Soon as You Approach the Booth Employers screen GPA, appearance, confidence and communication A pass/fail decision on the screen is made in less than 5 minutes Candidates that pass the screen will be asked 2 or 3 detailed questions to see if they can survive a full interview Maximize Your 5 Minutes Be brief – use the STAR technique to answer questions If you are not offered an interview, ask for one Exploit your affiliation with social or professional organizations Hit Your Top Ten Companies First There will be a limited number of interview slots left Recruiters are human...they lose focus as the day progresses

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 Other Considerations Appropriate dress is essential A good, firm handshake is still important Be sure to have your 5-minute elevator pitch ready! Make sure your GPA is on your resume Be sure to put cell/pagers on vibrate Follow the instructions provided by the recruiter you met at the career fair immediately (e.g., to apply online and thru career center) Send thank you s and voic s within 24 hrs (if you receive the recruiter’s business card)

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 Elevator Speeches Use an Elevator Speech to Approach Company Reps at Career Fairs Name and classification Field of interest/desired position Something special about yourself (talents, experience, etc.) The goal is to stand out from the crowd, so be memorable

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 Dress for Success - Female

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 Stay away from low cut shirts. Wear a blouse instead. Spring is coming. No sandals or cropped pants. Ladies Beware!

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 GoodBad Women’s Shoes

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 Dress for Success - Male

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 Wear a tie! No khaki pants or casual slacks. Always wear a jacket. Men Beware!

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 GoodBad Men’s Shoes

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 Career Fair – Don’ts Don’t... Mislead about citizenship/visa status Be late to anything Say "I'll take anything" or "I don't know" when asked about interests Say you are willing to relocate if you are not willing to relocate Cruise the booths with a group of friends or go from table to table grabbing free stuff Ask about salary Fail to show up at anything you committed to

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 Career Fair – Showstoppers Dishonesty Unwillingness to relocate Getting too comfortable during screen and/or interview Low GPA

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 Pre-Interview: The Phone Calls Remember every contact is an interview Use proper phone etiquette; be courteous Answer your personal phone in a business voice always Ensure you are in a quiet location for phone screens Be prepared; stay on your game at all times Get all necessary details; keep pen and paper by the phone Let others who share the phone know you may get a call

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 Three C’s For Your Career Content You must show that you really have what is on your resume Clarity Company/school wants to understand your goals/values Character You need to show where you exceed the qualifications Exude confidence and commitment

GE Presentation Series “Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation” February 3, 2008 Questions? REMINDER: Spring 2008 Career Fair Thursday February 7, :30am – 3:30pm Goldstein Auditorium Schine Student Center