Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Making the Most of a Career Fair Career Services University at Albany

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Agenda Before: Identify your goals and do your research During: Make a great impression After: Follow-up and stay connected

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Goals What do you want to get out of the Career Fair? Gather career information Job search Internship search Develop your network

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Preparation –Who do you want to visit? Which specific companies What types of industries What locations –Broaden your focus Some job types are at practically all companies (e.g. HR, IT, accounting, marketing, sales) Lesser known companies may have the best opportunity for you.

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Preparation Identify and research the companies you are interested in Career Services website: You will see a link to the list of employers attending the career fair Visit individual company web sites Search on Linkedin Companies have listings in LinkedIn You can identify if anyone in your network work at the company you are interested in Search on CareerShift Create an account in UA CareerPath to access Search for companies and see what jobs they currently have open

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career 60 Second Commercial –Articulate what you are looking for and what you have to offer an employer Make a list of 3-5 things you want employers to know about you Include relevant information about education, skills, experience, and specific knowledge relevant to the position Identify your most important personal attributes Create a few sentences that describe those things Practice it with a friend –Weave it into the conversation dont just blurt it out at people

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Preparation –Make sure your suit is ready Does it need to be cleaned? Do you have a clean, ironed shirt/blouse Ladies – pantyhose and closed toed shoes Gentlemen – no athletic socks –Make sure your resume is ready Get it reviewed by Career Services Print it out on nice paper

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Preparation What you should bring: Copies of your resume List of questions for recruiters Pen and paper for note- taking Leather portfolio to neatly store your resumes Briefcase/bag to carry information/brochures picked up at the fair

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Day of the fair –Arrive early...the fair is least busy when it begins. –The busiest time is the middle of the event –Go it alone; friends may keep you from visiting booths that are of primary interest to you. –Listen to what the recruiter is saying. When you are finished, walk away and take notes to help you recall important information. –Remember, this is not an interview; it is your opportunity to make a crucial first impression.

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Day of the Fair What makes a good impression? Greeting: Firm handshake, demonstrate confidence, enthusiasm & interest Clear & concise answers to questions Asking good, well thought out questions that demonstrate your knowledge of the company

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Walk-about Technique Walk-about the Career Fair: Get a feel for the layout of the room and employer booths. Know specifically who you want to talk to and in what specific order. Be ready to change your plans if long lines appear.

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Walk-about Technique Walk-about the Employer: Instead of standing in line, approach booth from the side and pick up some of the company literature. Take a few steps back. You now have valuable information about the company and you can get a preview of the company and the recruiter. Listen to the conversations taking place and pay particular attention to the types of questions the recruiter asks. Be prepared to answer some of these same questions.

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Walk-about the Employer –Based on your research, the literature youve picked up at the fair and the conversations youve listened to, ask yourself: Is this something Im interested in? Am I able to show that Im qualified for this position? –If YES, get in line. Use this waiting time wisely by reading through the material you picked up previously. Many people may not have gotten this ahead of time so you will be at an advantage.

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Speaking with employers –Stay alert and focused on what is important to the company/recruiter, and how you can help further the companys goals. How can you be an asset to them? –Remember to ask for business cards so you can send a thank you note and connect on LinkedIn!

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Information you need What to learn from employers: Employment and/or hiring trends Skills necessary for different careers/jobs Current/future openings Training, responsibilities and other information about the organization Who to contact for follow-up discussion

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Employers Want to Know... –Specific career/job objectives –Individual strengths and limitations –Contributions you will make to the organization

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Behaviors to avoid Job Fair no-nos for candidates according to employers Lacking focus and not knowing what type of position to look for. Admitting, Ill take anything or answering, I dont know when asked about interests. Not dressing neatly or professionally. Not bringing a resume. Lacking knowledge of a company and/or confusing the company with a competitor.

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career More behaviors to avoid Asking about salary. Not asking any questions Asking inappropriate questions Having a poor or unprofessional attitude. Grabbing free stuff Not making eye contact Lacking communication skills Not bringing anything to write with or on Giving a weak handshake

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Follow-up –You do not need to follow-up with everyone, just those you are interested in –Do what they recommended – fill out an application, your resume etc. –Send a thank you and/or connect with them on LinkedIn –ALWAYS send a personalized message when connecting on LinkedIn Thank you for taking the time to talk with me at the UAlbany Career Fair on Tuesday. I would like to add you to my professional network

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Conclusion For more information, visit Career Services - Science Library G-50 Drop-in Hours: MWF 10 AM-12 Noon TTh 1-3pm Appointments available upon request Or visit our website: