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Make the Most of The Career Fair WSU Vancouver Career Services www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career (360) 546-9155
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Career and Internship Fair For Dates, Online Registration and Employer List of Previous Career and Internship Fairs visit: For Dates, Online Registration and Employer List of Previous Career and Internship Fairs visit: www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career Campus Wide Career And Internship Fair Organized through Career Services: Spring (February) Business Department Organized Fairs Meet The Firms Accounting and Finance: Fall (September) Meet The Firms Professional Sales: Fall (December)
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Why do employers attend? ► They are recruiting for available jobs or internships or volunteer positions in their organization ► To increase awareness of their business or organization ► To develop relationships with a University and their community
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Why should students/alumni attend? ► As part of a job or internship search ► To learn more about local employers ► In order to network with recruiters and develop a relationship with a targeted employer ► Practice professional behavior ► All students are encouraged to attend even if they are not currently looking for a job or internship
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Some Statistics ► According to an informal online poll conducted by NACE ( National Association of Colleges and Employers) 41 percent of employer respondents said that less than 25 percent of students are adequately prepared for career fairs. Twenty-eight percent of respondents said that between 25 and 50 percent of students are adequately prepared for career fairs. Another 19 percent believe between 51 and 75 percent of students are adequately prepared
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Preparation is Key ► Employers say that many of the students they see at career fairs don't do the preparation necessary to take full advantage of the opportunity that career fairs provide. ► "Many students tend to wander around at career fairs, which is okay if they are freshmen, but I would expect more from higher-level students," she explains. "The career fair should be used as a way to get in front of a company."
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Target Employers ► Students should focus on specific companies because their time at a career fair is limited. ► "If [students] have done their homework, they can target specific companies that look like they could be a fit," she says. "For example, a student may be able to tell by a company's web site whether or not they hire an engineer or a business student. Why should they waste their time at [an employer] that doesn't hire students from their major?"
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Research Employers ► Employers are impressed by students who have done their homework and engage them in dialogue that is somewhat specific to their company and industry. ► Review the employer list for the fair in advance at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career. This list is updated continuously so be sure to review several times in the weeks before the event. www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career
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► Learn which companies are coming ► Research companies of interest – review the company mission or core values. Learn about characteristics of their workforce. Try searching Company Website Business News Websites such as Vault and Hoover’s Before the Fair
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What to Expect ► A room(FSC), with rows of company tables. ► You will have to approach employers ► It will be crowded, some tables will have lines. It may be loud. Be prepared to speak loudly and clearly.
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Plan Your Strategy ► Plan to arrive at the beginning of the event- this will enable you to meet with every company in which you're interested. ► Survey the layout of the event, and prioritize the employers with whom you'd like to speak. ► Identify the information you want to get from them, and specify your goals. ► Start by approaching organizations that have a lower priority, to get your feet wet and gain confidence.
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Resume ► Bring copies in a nice folder. ► Make sure you have an error free resume that is targeted to the types of positions you are seeking. Have it reviewed in advance! ► Expect that employers will still require you to apply through their official online process.
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Make a Great First Impression ► Set your self apart with a professional appearance ► Many attendees wear what they would wear to an interview ► Don’t chew gum, eat or drink while talking to employers ► Have an introduction and questions ready for your interaction
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Prepare a quick Introduction A solid and friendly introduction Hand shake, eye contact Name, year and major and area of career interest. ► What appeals to you about the company ► The job or career field you are interested in pursuing ► Practice this a couple of times with someone before the event.
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Be Prepared to Ask Questions ► Have one or two questions in mind for each of the employers in which you are interested ► Can be about: Career paths for entry level employees WSU Alumni Company / Department Goals Industry changes ► Don’t Ask Personal Questions Bring up sensitive topics Monopolize too much of the employer’s time
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Tips ► Collect Business Cards ► Take time to make notes of your discussion after you finish speaking with each company, before you move on. ► Write down the name of the recruiter that you speak with if no business cards. ► You will use the notes and names you write down in follow up contact so don’t skip this step!
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Other Tips ► Don't randomly hand out resumes ► If the company representative works in a different field, be sure to leave with the contact information for the person responsible for hiring in your area ► Be professional at all times. The person you meet in the parking lot, elevator, hallway, or restroom may be a recruiter you'll see later that day.
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Follow Up ► Email a thank you to all the employers you spoke with. thank the recruiter for their time restate your interest and qualifications for the position reiterate your interest in an interview ► Attach a resume to your follow up email or thank you note ► Apply Online through company website
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Career Services at WSU Vancouver Career Counseling Graduate School Decision-making and applications Career and Major Exploration Career Assessments Job Search Strategies Mock Interviews Resume and Cover Letter Review To make an appointment call 360-546-9155 Or stop by the Student Resource Center www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career
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