HOW TO PREPARE FOR SHERIDAN COLLEGE’S 2013 BIZTECH CAREER FAIR Business Technology Career Fair Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Time: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm Location: Davis Campus; Athletic Centre / Gymnasium

What you need to do to successfully prepare for the BizTech Career Fair Create your 30-second networking statement Resources to support you with being a success at the career fair

What you need to do to prepare for the BizTech Career Fair Write down the date, time and place of the BizTech Career Fair (Wed, Nov 20/2013, Davis Campus – Athletic Centre: the gym) Do you need transportation to Davis? Will you be taking the Sheridan Shuttle Bus? Review the list of employers attending the BizTech Career Fair This information can be found on the Sheridan website, search “Career Centre” Strategy: Thoroughly research the employers you are interested in meeting (what are their products/services? Who are their clients? What is their reputation in the industry?) Prepare your resume; tailor your resume for each employer you will be approaching Make an appointment to meet with an Employment Consultant as soon as possible for a resume critique (Davis: B230, HMC A163, Traf D103)

What you need to do to prepare for the BizTech Career Fair Select your clothing Students will not be allowed to enter the event if they are not appropriately dressed Strong Recommendation: dress as you would for an job interview! NO torn jeans , casual t-shirts, baseball caps, pajamas or snuggies!!! Create a business card Please bring your ONE card for entry Prepare and practice your 30-second networking statement

What you need to do to prepare for the BizTech Career Fair Make sure you: Follow the rules of good hygiene and show the day of the event Approach employers on your own – not as part of a group! Bring a folder to allow you to carry business cards and company information around with you Bring a pen and paper with you in case you need to make notes regarding a conversation you had with an employer Ask the employer if it would be appropriate to follow-up with him/her after the BizTech Career Fair

Create Your 30-Second Networking Statement When speaking with employers remember to be: Specific Relevant Professional Brief! Approach the employer, smile and extend your hand and with a firm handshake speak clearly and confidently and say….

Adapt your 30-second networking statement for each employer! Hello, my name is (first and last name). I’m completing the (name program) here at Sheridan College.   My area of (expertise / knowledge / experience) in (occupation / field of interest) includes ___________, _____________, _____________. My research shows that your company is one of the (use your company research to state something specific about the company) and I strongly believe that with my (skills / experience / education) and interest in _____________ I would be able to quickly integrate into your team. Then, ask the employer an question that will get the employer talking, an example question could be: “Are you here today to meet with students from our program?” Strategy: Keep the question focused on the employer and getting them to talk about their needs as a company. Adapt your 30-second networking statement for each employer!

Attending Employers & Opportunities http://www.sheridancollege.ca/services/student-support-services/career-centre/news-and-events/business-fair-info.aspx

Resources to assist you with successfully preparing for the Wed Nov 20/2013 BizTech Career Fair: Sheridan’s Career Centre Employment Consultants can review your resume and cover letter and provide you with constructive feedback on your job search documents. To schedule a one-on-one interview with an Employment Consultant visit the Career Centre services at your campus: Locations: Davis B230, HMC 163A, Trafalgar D103 The Career Centre is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm The Career Centre has excellent on-line and print resources to help get you create your resume and prepare for job interviews: To access the Career Centre’s Optimal Resume software program go to: https://sheridaninstitute.optimalresume.ca/