| Decide
what you want to get out of the career and job information fair. |
Do you want
to learn about specific employers, explore your career options,
or research the demand for your field and your skills? Do you
want to make a one-on-one contact with someone in a specific company?
Do you want to practice your interviewing skills in an informal
situation? Do you want to apply directly for job or internship
openings? Do you want to find volunteer opportunities? All this
and more can be accomplished at a career.
|
| What
to Expect. |
Numerous organizations
will be represented. Representatives will be standing or seated
by tables set up in booths. When you enter the student center,
we advise that you take a few minutes to walk around and become
familiar with which employers are represented.
|
| What
to wear. What to bring. |
Dress as you
would for an interview, in appropriate business attire. Make sure
your clothes are clean and well pressed. Bring a minimum of twenty
copies of your resume. Carry a portfolio or business notebook
to hold resumes and a notepad to jot down information and questions
you'd like to ask recruiters. Plan where you'll put company literature
and the business cards you'll collect at the fair.
|
| Who
will be there? How to research employers. |
This web page
is the best resource to find out who will be at the career fair.
A listing will be updated and regularly before the date of the
event. And when researching a company you can find some company
home pages listed in the Employment Resource links to Portland/Vancouver's
major employers.You may also want to do further research by reviewing
company literature in the Career Center, online, and reviewing
books and directories in the campus libraries.
|
| Plan
a strategy. Prepare to follow-up after the fair. |
Target and
prioritize specific companies. Identify three to five companies
of greatest interest to you. Plan to talk first with lower priority
companies on the list so you can rehearse your presentation before
talking with your top priority companies.Ask for a business card
and inquire about the best way to follow-up on your interest in
their company. After the Career Fair, you'll want to write a short
thank-you letter to each employer with whom you spoke, thanking
them for their time and reiterating your interest in their opportunities.
Send another copy of your resume with the thank you note.
|
| Prepare
and practice a brief 1-2 minute introduction to use when meeting with
company representatives. |
Typically
you will spend only three to seven minutes with each employer.
To make the most of the Job Fair, you will need to approach the
employers, introduce yourself, and discuss your strengths and
how they match the employer's needs. To communicate all this information
in a short amount of time, preparation AND practice is essential!
Practice with a friend or in front of a mirror until you feel
comfortable. It's important to appear confident and enthusiastic.Be
direct. Introduce yourself with a firm handshake and a smile.
Give your name and tell where and what you are studying. Mention
the types of opportunities in which you are interested and describe
the skills and experiences you would bring to the position. If
there is time, you may want to ask questions about the company
and their opportunities to further underscore your interest. Don't
apologize for lack of experience, rather mention how your academic
studies and interests apply to the opportunities the employer
has available. Answer questions clearly and concisely. Have your
resume available and offer a copy to the representative.This meeting
creates a crucial first impression; making a good impression requires
preparation and practice!
|
| How
to develop a concise one-page resume appropriate for a job fair. |
Include the
following: work-related and voluntary experiences, including course
projects, outside activities that demonstrate broad interests,
leadership and communication skills, computer skills, foreign
language fluency, international travel and living experiences.For
examples, review the resumes in the Career Center's books. You
may also want to review the examples in the Sample Resume hand
out in the Employment Services Center. Once you have a draft,
you can have it reviewed by one of our employment specialists
in the Employment Services Center, which is also a WorkSource
Affiliate site.
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