2. What’s your goal?
Are you interested
in finding out
about a particular
career field? Then
ask generalized
questions about
working in the
industry.
Are you seeking
career opportunities
with a specific
employer? Then
focus your questions
on the application
and interview
process, and ask for
specific information
about the employer.
3. Employers Expect you to:
Know what type of job
you are looking for
Dress professionally
Bring copies of your
resume
Know the company, that
you’ve done your
“homework”
Be interested in their
company/opportunities
Ask questions
Not just grab the free
stuff
Shake hands and make
eye contact
Communicate well
Bring something to take
notes on
Treat the conversation
like a job interview
Apply online ahead of
time when possible
http://www.careerspots.com/vidplay_links_ext.aspx?aid
=473&partid=0&vidnum=-1&vidtitle=-1&
4. Top 3 Things Employers
Typically Discuss at Job Fairs
1. Company benefits
2. Information on
current job
openings
3. General
information about
the company
5. How to Prepare for a Job Fair
Create a list of employers you’d like to meet
with at the job fair.
Do your homework. Research the company.
Know why you want to work for the company
(if you don’t know they won’t either)
Prepare a “30 Second Commercial” as a way
to sell yourself to an employer.
– Preparation, Enthusiasm and Energy will get you
noticed!
6. What should be included in your
“30 Second Commercial?”
This is a great way to introduce yourself
– Your name
– Your career status (job searching/finishing training)
The goal is to connect your background to the
company’s need
– What type of position you are seeking
– What field you would like to be employed in
– Why you chose their company
http://www.careerspots.com/vidplay_links_ext.aspx?aid=473&partid=0&vidnum=-1&vidtitle=-1&
7. 30 Second Commercial - Example
Hello, my name is SUSAN FISCHER.
I am looking for a full-time job as a PROGRAM MANAGER IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE FIELD.
I have OVER 10 YEARS experience WORKING IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND
MENTALHEALTH.
I am PASSIONATE ABOUT WORKING WITH OFFENDERS, and am STRONG WITH BOTH
PEOPLE AND PROCESSES.
I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY HOLISTIC APPROACH TO CASE MANAGEMENT, AND MY
ABILITY TO QUICKLY DEVELOP RAPPORT DUE TO THE GENUINE INTEREST I TAKE
IN PEOPLE. MY CLIENTS HAVE EXCEEDED THE EXPECTATIONS OF OTHERS.
ADDITIONALLY, I EXCEL IN LEADERHIP, CAN IDENTIFY AND SOLVE PROBLEMS, THINK
OUTSIDE THE BOX, AND MEET AND EXCEED EXPECTIONS AND GOALS.
How could this be an asset to XYZ Company?
8. Things to keep handy…
Plenty of fresh
resumes
Pens or pencils
Folder or portfolio
Paper for taking
notes
Your planner to set
up a follow up
appointment
Be organized!
9. How should you dress?
Clean, ironed clothes
Business casual to dressy
Shirt tucked in
Conservative colors (keep attention on you, not your
clothes)
Be sure hair and nails are well groomed
Keep jewelry simple (if it makes noise, take it off)
Take a look at your shoes: should be clean and
polished
Perfume and cologne should be light or avoided
10. In order to
maximize your
job fair
experience, you
must be an
active
participant and
not just a
browser.
11. During the job fair…
Make eye contact
immediately when introducing
yourself
Listen carefully to what the
HR reps have to say. Don’t
interrupt
Show confidence in your
voice
Your resume should be easily
accessible
Don’t just “drop and run”.
Keep you eyes and ears
open, you never know when
an opportunity will arise
Don’t chew gum or smoke
Obtain a floor plan before
entering the room
Network alone, not in groups
Respect the privacy of
others who are networking
Ask questions about the
company to maximize your
time
Take a few minutes to jot
down notes about the HR
rep and companies to help
you remember later
12. During the job fair (cont)…
Obtain a business card
from each HR rep that
you speak to
– This information can be
very useful for follow-up
Before leaving the fair,
revisit your top few
companies to make a
lasting impression
If you have a real
interest in an employer,
find out the procedures
to secure an interview
13. What to ask employers
What type of entry level positions exist within your
company?
What qualities are you looking for in a prospective
employee?
What do you feel are the future trends in this
industry?
Where do you see this company in 5 years? 10
years?
Do you have plans for expansion?
How would you describe the working environment
within the company?
14. What not to ask employers
What can you do for me?
How much do you pay?
What does your company do?
Do not ask questions that are clearly
answered on the employer's web site
and/or in any literature provided by the
employer to you in advance.
15. After the job fair…
Show courtesy and follow up right away!
(within 24 hours)
Write a thank you (handwritten or email)
to each HR Representative with whom
you spoke.
16. What to Include in a Thank You
Confirm your interest and enthusiasm for the
company
Highlight your skills and abilities that meet the
company’s needs
Inquire about the next step in the selection
process
Include your contact information
Follow up in 1-2 weeks by calling or emailing
to see if you can meet with them again
17. Final thoughts…
It is your
responsibility to
approach employers
and initiate a
conversation.
You will get out of a
job fair exactly what
you put into it.
Be assertive and
positive!
18. Autumn Recruitment Fair
Friday, October 29th, 2010
Waukesha County Technical College
(Service Building, Gymnasium)
12:00-3:00 p.m.
http://www.wfdc.org/job/jobfairs.htm