Job Fair Jump-Start Provided by the Career Center How to Work a Job Fair 5 minutes before program start and then as program starts: encourage participants to complete pretest (explain) Introduce yourself Explain format (open to questions throughout presentation), 1 hour maximum Communicate the importance of the written evaluation (if anyone needs to leave early have them turn it in as they go) Prize drawing -- Typically the word “winner” or initials and date are printed on the back of one of the evaluations. You might have the drawing at the beginning (so the person doesn’t leave) and then hold on to the prize as an illustration. Sponsored by Job Fair Jump-Start Provided by the Career Center

What’s a BSU job fair like? Shows a video of a typical job fair at BSU when you click on the picture. It runs around 2:20 in length. You can narrate to discuss: How employers talk with students (1-1 or in small groups) How some employers are in front of the table, some sit behind or beside it Students can learn info from reading displays, talking to reps The noise level on the concourse Also talk about who should come to a job fair and why: Freshmen: learn about companies/jobs, get a feel for event Sophomores/juniors: learn about companies, search for internships Seniors: find internships or full-time jobs for after graduation

Before the Job Fair Prepare Research the list of employers. Fall Career Fair Cardinal Job Fair Create an “elevator speech.” It’s important to prepare before arriving at a job fair. Here are some things you can do: “…list of employers” links go to FCF/CJF Web lists. Handout “Employer Research” tipsheet. An elevator speech BRIEFLY explains who you are (name, major, year in school) and expresses why you are interested in the company. You could also ask a question to get the ball rolling.

Before the Job Fair Prepare Prepare your résumé. Develop short answers to the “typical” interview questions. Prepare your interview attire. http://www.bsu.edu/careers/students/interviewing/dressing/ Discuss importance of resume, making it error-free, and knowing what is on it. Share a personal story of this, if available. Help participants identify resources to help them prepare for the typical interview questions. Often questions are “Tell me about yourself.” or “Tell me about your experience.” or “Why are you interested in working with us?” Mention resources online and in Lab, including those for professional dress. “Interview attire” links to Dressing for Success Handout: Interviewing for Success tipsheet PAR – tell what it is, how it is used – don’t spend a lot of time on this. Encourage attendance at Interviewing Jump-Start.

During the Job Fair Arrive early . . . stay as late as possible. Follow a “floor map“ strategy. Wear professional clothing. Encourage participants to stay for as much time as possible to allow them the most contact with employers. Tell them some employers pack up early so they should make arrangements to arrive more than ½ hour before the end of the event. Explain the typical layout for one of the events. Discuss the importance of prioritizing the list of contacts they hope to make that day. “…floor map” links to a picture of the empty Arena concourse. Be prepared to answer professional dress questions. Refer them to the Web site or CELL resources as needed. “Professional clothing” link goes to Dressing for Professional Success on the Career Center Web site. Reassert the importance of a good first impression.

During the Job Fair Approach each table. Deliver your elevator speech. Answer and ask questions. Gather company materials. Ask about next steps. Thank the employer. Stress the information-gathering part of the job fair contact. A little knowledge about an employer can go a long way to making a memorable contact or allowing someone to ask good questions. Also have participants practice good handshakes, eye contact. Encourage them to give each other feedback. Discuss good vs. bad handshakes and importance of body language in forming first impressions. This slide can be explained or demonstrated by role playing this interaction for group. Approach each table. – Remember to have a good handshake, smile and make eye contact. First impressions are formed within the first 15 seconds. Deliver your elevator speech. – Start out strong. Get the conversation going and show your assertiveness. Ask and answer questions. – Answer questions (as we already discussed). Ask questions based on what you want to know from employers. These might include “Why do you like working for this company?” “What types of skills do you think are most important for new hires to have?” “What is a typical day like in this role?” “What is the training program like?” Ask questions that you want answered to help you understand the position. [“ask” hyperlink goes to Quintcareers.com resource on questions candidates might ask at a job fair.] Gather company materials. – Take resources to learn more about company and position. Take a business card to be able to follow up and write a thank you note. Ask about next steps. – Find out if you can sign up for an interview, when they might be interviewing candidates or making decisions. Know who and how to follow-up on this opportunity. Thank the employer – self explanatory Encourage participants to take a moment after each contact (and out of employer’s sight) to make a few notes about the employer, their timeline, and any other important information they will need to keep records and follow-up with recruiters.

After the Job Fair Review, record, and follow through. Send thank-you notes (especially after an interview). Continue to follow up. No matter what system participants use, encourage them to keep track of their job search contacts. Remind them that they will probably apply to several places at once and need to know where each of those processes is going and where they fit into the individual’s timeline. This will help in making contacts (and not burning bridges) in a professional setting. It also helps a person stay on top of companies that do not follow up with them when promised. Types of systems might include paper files, spreadsheets, or other methods. Use personal examples when possible. Encourage thank you notes in handwritten form (could stand out a little more). Questions typically arise to see if e-mail is appropriate. Demonstrate simple and professional sample of thank you card (part of prizewinner’s packet). Top 3-5 employers should get card. Encourage students to be persistent. If they haven’t heard from a company in a few weeks perhaps they could call and express their continued interest in the position.

Resources for the Search Career and Experiential Learning Lab Lucina Hall 235 Bracken Library www.bsu.edu/library Click on “databases” Business Source Premier LexisNexis Academic - Business Discuss a few of the resources available in CELRL including staff and print resources. Handout: Lab bookmark Discuss Library databases for employer/company research. Link goes to University Libraries’ Web page.

Resources for the Search Career Center Web site http://www.bsu.edu/careers/ Links to Explore http://www.bsu.edu/careers/students/links/ Cardinal Career Link http://www.bsu.edu/careers/viewjobs/ Quintcareers.com http://www.quintcareers.com/career_fair_resources.html

Key Attributes for Successful Job Seekers First impressions at career fairs and campus interviews Demonstrate good communication skills Experience (internships, jobs) Awards, honors, scholarships Outside activities and leadership Grades This slide is changeable and should list some of the sponsor’s preferences for job seekers’ key attributes. Participants will be interested in employers’ opinions of what is valuable experience.

Opportunities with There is time (5 minutes maximum) to talk about the organization and the types of positions available in the company. When representatives are not available, click on video

Questions? Evaluation Encourage participants to complete evaluation while you answer questions. Possible handouts (on back table): Evaluating Job Offers and Negotiating Salary tipsheets, The Job Search, Internships and Career Planning, AAEE Guide.