Preparing for the Career Expo Career Management Services Florida Institute of Technology Kimberly RYan

Overview What is a Career Expo What to Bring Researching Employers Navigating the fair Approaching Employers Follow Up Other Services

What is a Career Expo? The event is not a job store. Career Fairs are networking opportunities to become more acquainted with companies you may be interested in working for someday. Two Main Opportunities Learn about companies and open positions Make a good impression

What to Bring Student ID card Several resumes References/ Letters of Recommendation Unofficial transcripts Samples of work Briefcase (Information, freebies, etc)

Dress Professionally Business casual dress is acceptable for a career fair Research employers, many will prefer you to wear a suit

Professional Dress Clothing should be clean and streamlined (no loud patterns or distracting trends) Suits should fit well and be conservative color and style Wear appropriate shoes and accessories Hair should be well-groomed Makeup and jewelry should be conservative and should not draw attention Tattoos and piercings should be concealed

What Not to Wear!

Bring Several Resumes Name & Contact Information Skills Education Related Experience/Employment Honors Volunteer Experience/Activities/ Memberships http://www.fit.edu/career/resource- center/resumes.php

Researching Employers Visit the Career Management Services Website for a list of attending employers www.fit.edu/career or on Handshake Make a list of employers of interest Review each company website – understand what the company does Review types of positions currently open, check the “New Graduates” and “Interns” sections for application procedures Print a separate resume for each employer you are targeting Prepare a question you could ask the representative to show your knowledge and interest in their company

Career Fair App & Info http://www.fit.edu/career/

Navigating the Expo Plan of Action Gaining information on Employers Pre-register Come earlier in the morning Utilize maps or apps See which companies are busier, and plan accordingly Gaining information on Employers Pick up marketing materials Listen to conversations with other students

Approaching Employers State your name clearly, with a firm handshake and a smile, looking the recruiter in the eye. Always ask for their business card/contact information If they are not the right contact for your interests, make sure to get the information for the person who is

Elevator Pitch Your Professional Pitch I am a student at Florida Tech/Florida Institute of Technology, majoring in ____________, My background and strengths include __________ (One or two specific accomplishments you are proud of, etc.) My future career goals are ________________. (Goals should be relevant to the company)

Examples Currently, I am a sophomore in Computer Science with experience in C++, HTML and Java. I have taken courses on these subjects and designed several effective scripts. I have worked as a help desk support person in the Florida Tech computer lab and I plan to obtain Project Management Training in Six Sigma. I am now looking for a position in CIS where I can continue to develop and use my computer skills. I am a junior majoring in Finance and Investments and have done well in my Finance courses, such as Options, Future Markets, and Investment Analysis. I am also a member of the Finance & Economics Society, and I enjoy doing day trades in my spare time. I’ve actually been a successful investor on my own behalf by following industry trends and company reports. I am now looking for an internship in a brokerage firm.

Questions to Ask Examples of current open positions? What type of training is available? What types of assignments are given? What do you look for in candidates? What key skills/experiences are highly desirable? Do you have any tips for success in this field? What should you avoid? Is there anything unique to your company concerning the hiring process? Any volunteer projects, events, or opportunities?

What if my major is not represented? Approach any employers of interest, regardless of the majors listed Ask them if they will hire majors other than those listed in the future Show that you’ve done research on the company and show them how you would be a good fit for their company

Networking Etiquette Do not approach an employer only to take the free giveaways Show interest in all employers – talk to those who are not busy, recruiters do notice how you are behaving at other booths Do not approach an employer as a group or with friends

Follow Up with a Thank You E-mail Within 2 weeks, 24-48 hours is recommended Indicate that you met the representative at the Career Expo at Florida Tech Include specific information from your conversation Refresh their memory with content from your professional pitch Use a formal layout You may also connect with them on LinkedIn, only follow up with a call or in person visit if they give you permission

Our Services: Handshake Career Shift & GoinGlobal Individual Appointments Resume Reviews Job/Internship Search Mock Interviews Handshake Career Shift & GoinGlobal Fall & Spring Career Expos On-Campus Interviews Information Sessions & Meet Skillshops & Webinars Skillshops ProTrack Co-op Program Host a Panther Externship Program

Career Management Services Harris Commons, Room 307 321-674-8102 career@fit.edu https://fit.joinhandshake.com/login www.fit.edu/career