Navigating a Job Fair & Networking Event

Class Administration A&FRC Marketing Breaks Smoking Areas Cell phones SIP Marketing: upcoming classes:

Your Expectations What would you like to learn today? What do you know about these events This seminar is based on information from Louise Kursmark and Wendy Enelow of the Resume Writing Academy. We have several of the publications available for check out.

Transition Being patient - 66% Start preparing early - 65% According to recent data collected from military veterans*, 5 of the most important elements of the military-to-civilian transition process are:  Networking  - 68%  Being patient - 66%   Start preparing early - 65%   Have a transition plan - 59%   Translate military skills - 59% This seminar is based on information from Louise Kursmark and Wendy Enelow of the Resume Writing Academy. We have several of the publications available for check out. * information collected on-line from 2015-2016 by Military-Transition.org with data indicating the percentage of veterans that claimed this element to be “extremely important” in the transition process. 

Rule #1 - This is not about finding a JOB!! The events are not about YOU and JOBS!! They are about networking with companies that you would like to work for A Job Referral would be icing on the cake to the event and means that you did everything right to warrant that referral…. Purpose: to make you appear to be the ideal candidate…use this as a marketing tool!

WHAT IS A NETWORKING/CAREER FAIR? Provides an opportunity for participants and employers to interact. An event where the basic purpose is to share information and network. An opportunity to offer resume and gather business cards. There are several factors to consider when writing your name. Most people use full name at top of resume but it is becoming more and more acceptable to use name by which you prefer to be called. Bear in mind that you want your reader to be comfortable when calling for an interview. That comfort may decrease if your name is gender neutral, difficult to pronounce or very unusual. You can make it easier. Contact information is decreasing Home address – optional One phone number, one email address (aol dates you; get free account with yahoo, gmail or hotmail) Also, be conservative with email name. No sexypants @hotmail Links to additional information is increasing LinkedIn profile Link to web portfolio Link or QR code (Quick Response Code) Number you can be reached at, i.e.m cell on home. Include name, phone number and email at top of second page and each additional page after that. Just in case they get separated.

WHY DO EMPLOYERS ATTEND? To advertise their organization and increase visibility. To identify potential job prospects. To express gratitude to military members, spouses, and veterans. To provide career information about their organization. The summary is the section at the top of your resume that summarizes and highlights your knowledge and expertise. Some ask about using an “objective”. A career summary can be a more powerful introduction wherein an objective is too specific or too vague. “ An Electrical Engineer Position, ” or Challenging opportunity with a progressive organization offering the opportunity for growth and advancement. Career summary allows you to paint a picture.

WHY DO PARTICIPANTS ATTEND? To learn more about career opportunities To network with employers and make contacts with organizations To collect employer information The summary is the section at the top of your resume that summarizes and highlights your knowledge and expertise. Some ask about using an “objective”. A career summary can be a more powerful introduction wherein an objective is too specific or too vague. “ An Electrical Engineer Position, ” or Challenging opportunity with a progressive organization offering the opportunity for growth and advancement. Career summary allows you to paint a picture.

5 MYTHS ABOUT JOB FAIRS NETWORKING EVENTS The summary is the section at the top of your resume that summarizes and highlights your knowledge and expertise. Some ask about using an “objective”. A career summary can be a more powerful introduction wherein an objective is too specific or too vague. “ An Electrical Engineer Position, ” or Challenging opportunity with a progressive organization offering the opportunity for growth and advancement. Career summary allows you to paint a picture.

MYTH # 1 – JUST SHOW UP!! Research the companies that will be in attendance Use Companies Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter Gather facts about the culture, company values, job opportunities, news, and events Understand the companies products and services Search for jobs that might provide you interest

MYTH # 2 – JEANS & T-SHIRT? You should dress appropriately - informal wear is not acceptable Know the industry and dress accordingly This is a professional introduction between you and potential employers Your chance to make a good, lasting impression so make it a positive one The Career Fair is part of the job search process, and should be treated as such

MYTH # 3 – ONLY JOB SEEKERS SHOULD ATTEND Your interaction with company representatives should be highly professional even if they do not have current openings If they are impressed with you, representatives might refer you to another division or keep you in mind for future openings “Don’t burn bridges” - being courteous and responsive to all employers will most likely pay dividends down the road

MYTH # 4 – ONLY JOB SEEKERS SHOULD ATTEND Reality Rarely are interviews are held at the Fair so it is unlikely that you will receive a job offer A Career Fair is an opportunity to establish introductions and interest in the company A typical company hiring process consists of: A one-on-one preliminary screening interview – in person or on the telephone At least one on-site interview at the organization

MYTH # 5 – MAYBE A JOB WILL BE OFFERED Reality Rarely are interviews are held at the Fair so it is unlikely that you will receive a job offer A Career Fair is an opportunity to establish introductions and interest in the company A typical company hiring process consists of: A one-on-one preliminary screening interview – in person or on the telephone At least one on-site interview at the organization

PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR Research organizations that you have targeted Visit the A&FRC website to see which organizations are attending the fair Research organization literature to gather information (visit the organization website) or LinkedIn, hoovers.com and glassdoor.com Investigate issues, trends, and the outlook of professions/industries that are of interest This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.” It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR Prepare a list of questions to ask employers Creative and challenging questions will make a lasting impression on those you meet Demonstrate knowledge of your chosen career field Salary It is not advisable to bring up this topic during an introductory meeting with an employer If the employer raises the salary question, you need to be prepared to discuss this issue (visit salary.com to assist in your research) This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.” It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR Resume Visit the A&FRC or schedule an individual appointment Make sure it is clear, concise, one-page and error-free. Bring multiple copies If you have resumes reflecting different objectives, be sure to give the right resume to employer Business Cards Name, Job Title, Phone Number, and email address Address to LinkedIn Profile, Personal Websites, QR code Tag Line or Skill Sets Consider a Headshot Keep it clean & simple with plenty of white space This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.” It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

DURING THE FAIR Presentation skills: Be aware of your verbal communication Speak clearly and concisely Provide brief, targeted answers to questions Be honest Provide complete and articulate responses Show interest, energy, enthusiasm Demonstrate that you prepared for the fair by having intelligent responses This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.” It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

DURING THE FAIR Presentation skills: Non-verbal communication Dress professionally - “look the part” Have good eye contact Offer a firm handshake Demonstrate poise and composure Avoid distracting mannerisms This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.” It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

DURING THE FAIR Interpersonal skills Employers will be measuring your ability to interact professionally. Knowledge of yourself, the organization, and the industry. Your preparation will manifest itself in a confident, self-assured presentation. This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.” It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

DURING THE FAIR Navigating Do a walk around before getting started Step out and research companies Avoid going the assembly line approach Avoid the “goodies” Start conversations with other job seekers This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.” It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

DURING THE FAIR Take notes after visiting a positive opportunity. What you liked about the company The job vacancies How to improve your presentation Relevant information for the follow-up email This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.” It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

AFTER THE CAREER FAIR How to follow up with employers after the Career Fair Ask what is the best way to follow up. Each employer has different procedures. Get a business card from representatives that you talk to at the Fair in order to facilitate your contact follow-up. Connect with them on LinkedIn. A brief email reminding the recruiter that you met them at the Fair and you are very interested in the organization. This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.” It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

AFTER THE CAREER FAIR How to follow-up with employers (continued) Have pen and paper ready for any information that the employer may give you; don’t make the employer wait for you Ask the organization representative when you should begin to follow-up with the organization (this is different than the thank-you note) This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.” It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

Final Statements Questions? This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.” It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.