Career Fair Preparationthe finer points... business cards | clean nails |

how to dress | questions to ask | introducing your work | explaining group projects | networking | tailoring your presentation | pleasant breath | leave behinds | TMI... how much is too much | company backgrounds | international hires | mixed media | line etiquette | peer reviews |situational questions and answers | following up with recruiters| selling your designs | knowing your worth | throw away the gum | credit contributors’ work | prioritize companies | is the company a match for you? | leave behinds | your distinguishing characteristics | odors vs fragrances... how much is too much? | saying thank you | first impressions, lasting impact | displaying confidence | turn negatives into positives | tattoos and piercings | conversations... keep it professional!

Mon 20th Feb 8pm | the fishbowl!

Career Fair Preparationthe finer points...

Mon 20th Feb 8pm | the fishbowl! 30 second introduction...

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2007/08/how-to-craft-killer-elevator-pitch-that.html

Concise. no longer than 30-60 seconds.Clear. Use language that everyone understands. Don't use fancy words thinking it will make you sound smarter. Powerful. Use words that are powerful and strong. Deliver the "Sis-Boom-Bang" to grab their attention!Visual. Use words that create a visual image in your listeners mind. This will make your message memorable.Tell a Story. A short story, that is. A good story is essentially this: someone with a problem either finds a solution or faces tragedy. Targeted. If you have target audiences that are vastly different, you might want to have a unique pitch for each.Goal Oriented. What is your desired outcome? You may have different pitches depending on different objectives. Has a Hook. This is the element that literally snags your listener's interest and makes them want to know more.

1

looking [& smelling] the part...

http://www.career.vt.edu/Interviewing/InterviewAppearance.html

Suit. A 2-piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice.Conservative colors. Navy, dark gray (and black for women) — are safe. Color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes. Cost / quality. You are not expected to be able to afford the same clothing as a CEO. ** but do dress based on your worth**Details. Everything should be clean and well pressed. Carefully inspect clothes for tags, dangling threads, etc.Facial hair. If worn, should be well-groomed. Observe men in your industry if you are unsure what's appropriate.Jewelry. Wear a conservative watch. If you choose to wear other jewelry, be conservative.Hands. Clean fingernails.Smell. Perfume or cologne should be used sparingly or not at all. Remember that some people have allergies/sensitivities. No odors in clothes. Don't smell like smoke.

2

when keepin’ it real goes wrong!

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2007/08/how-to-craft-killer-elevator-pitch-that.html

Small Talk. be careful what you say about any employers that you have already seen or are about to seePeer Reviews. we all want feedback about our work but the career fair is not the place you want to argue over portfolios TMI. You should be honest with the recruiters but sometimes volunteering too much personal information may backfire on youEtiquette. Even if the recruiter rubbed you the wrong way, stay professional and thank them for their timeFashion Police. No need to point out the guy in shorts and flip flops or the girl who’s already dressed for a night downtown!Turn Negatives into Positives. We’ve all had horrible interesting projects or ridiculous cross-functional team experiences. There’s no need to share how crazy challenging the professor was!

3

what do you need help with?Portfolios? Portfolios Portfolios Portfolios Portfolios Portfolios Portfolios Portfolios Portfolios Portfolios Portfolios Portfolios Business Cards? Business Cards Business Cards Business Cards Business Cards Business Cards Business Cards Business Cards Resumes? Resumes Resumes Resumes Resumes Resumes Resumes Resumes Resumes Resumes Resumes Resumes Resumes Cover Letters? Cover Letters Cover Letters Cover Letters Cover Letters Cover Letters Cover Letters Cover Letters Cover Letters Story Telling? Story Telling Story Telling Story Telling Story Telling Story Telling Story Telling Story Telling Story Telling Story Telling Story Fashion Advice? Fashion Advice Fashion Advice Fashion Advice Fashion Advice Fashion Advice Fashion Advice Fashion Advice 4