Career Fair Prep
A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE CAREER FAIR
2012 Fall Career FairWHEN: OCTOBER 2, 2012WHERE: SDC MULTIPURPOSE ROOMTIME: 12 PM – 6 PM
Why do companies come all this way?
Employers are looking for the answer to three questions: Does the job-seeker have the skills and abilities to perform the job?Does the job-seeker possess the enthusiasm, positive attitude and work ethic that most employers expect?Will the job-seeker be a team player and fit into the organization?
And they just can’t get those answers from a piece of paper or job application
Utilize Campus-wide Career Development Educational Programming…
• Career Services provides numerous and diverse Career Development Educational programs to help you prepare for success at the Career Fair.– Check your hand-out– Open your Career Services emails– Check the schedule on www.career.mtu.edu– Call 487-2313 for information
Before: Target 10 companies (go to
www.career.mtu.edu for full list of attendees)
Research each to identify: What products and services they provide Location and Size What they’re working on What’s being said about them
List your 3 greatest strengths and how you can add value to their company
Develop 2 intelligent, informed questions
Utilize HuskyJOBS
Post your resume
Search your target companies and apply for the jobs they’ve posted BEFORE the Career Fair
Check Information Session schedule
During: What to bring to the job fair?
Copies of resumes Professional notepad/pen and notes A smile and firm handshake Practiced, confident 60-second
Infomercial Your calendar Research on the companies Confident and enthusiastic attitude A polished, professional appearance
A Solid Resume CCC - Clean, Concise, Clear
Highlight your “hands-on” experience first
Give specific details - evidence of what you have done
Talk about leadership and teamwork experience
List interesting activities/hobbies
Dress for SuccessDressing Tips For Men• Suit: Dark blue, brown or gray• Shirt: White, light blue• Tie: Contrasting (with some red)• Shoes: Black or Brown• Belt: Matches shoes and socks
(socks match slacks)• Hair: Trimmed or pulled back
Avoid:• Earrings• Hats• Heavy cologne
Dress for SuccessDressing Tips For Women• Skirt/Slacks: Dark blue, brown,
gray• Blouse: Light colored, not floral• Shoes: Conservative• Hair: Pulled away from face
Avoid:• Tight or revealing clothing• Shoes with straps, high heels, light
colored• Excessive jewelry, perfume and
make up
Your approach…your introduction…your 60-second infomercialYou have one chance to make a good impression
The “60-Second Infomercial”
First…say “Thank you” for coming
Develop and memorize a 60 second introduction: 20 seconds about you 20 seconds about co-op,
internship, school20 seconds about what you
know about the company
After Give another firm handshake, a smile,
look them in the eye and thank them for their time and information
Ask them for their card (or, at least, their last name)
Write it down immediately when you step away
Write down 2 things you talked about during your visit
Send a thank you note within 48 hours, even if they don’t interview you at this time
After…• Have your schedule ready and be close to
your phone, so you can schedule multiple interviews for the day after the Career Fair
• GOOD LUCK!