Career and Internship Fair Success Notre Dame University of Maryland April 21, 2015

Getting Ready for Career Fair Develop your career fair strategy Update your resume Refine your personal pitch Research the Employers Prepare good questions to ask your targeted employers Follow up

Resume Visit the Career Center during walk-in hours! Resume Basics 1 page Professional font (size 12) No typos Consistent formatting Avoid repetition

Cover Letter Seek assistance during Career Center Walk-in hours Focus on what YOU can do for THEM (not the other way around) Tailor the Cover Letter to the particular position Be sure to write a formal, professional note Show enthusiasm!

Develop a Strategy LOGISTICS: When will you arrive? How long will you stay? How much time does that allow?

Research the Employers What majors are listed? What positions? Choose companies of interest to you Prepare specific questions that show you did your research Prepare targeted documents, if necessary

Your ABC Lists of Employers List A: 3-5 employers of top interest (perfect match) List B: 3-5 employers of strong interest (good match) List C: 3-5 employers with positions in your major or related field (potential match)

Your Personal Pitch Putting It Into Practice! 30-Second Commercial Professional Image

Creating a 30 Second Commercial BRIEF introduction: WHO you are WHY you are interested in the organization WHAT makes you a unique candidate Practice, practice, practice

Creating a 30-Second Commercial A 30-Second Commercial should NOT include: Unnecessary “likes,” “ums,” “uhs,” or nervous giggles! Nervous shifting or distracting movements A 30-Second Commercial SHOULD include: A firm handshake Good eye contact A smile! Amy Cuddy uage_shapes_who_you_are uage_shapes_who_you_are

Professional Image Suits Tops: should be professional; watch for neckline Bottoms: Skirt-, pant-, and dress-suits are appropriate; watch for hem length Shoes: no evening shoes; heels should be low to moderate height; appropriate to season Accessories: not overwhelming; professional; carry a bag to hold your documents, pens, and paper ERR ON THE SIDE OF CONVERSATIVE DRESS! When in doubt, stop by the career center for advice.

Professional Image Be brave – walk the floor alone! Be wireless – put away your cell phone! (Be ready to send your resume electronically.) Look friendly – smile and make eye contact! You are never “off stage”!

Professional Image Google yourself (and your address) Double- (and triple-) check your Social Media privacy settings Take down any questionable pictures Consider boosting your professional online presence: LinkedIn

… and don’t forget!!! Get enough sleep the night before Don’t arrive hungry Wear comfortable shoes Plan for the weather

Managing Stress PRACTICE: Amy Cuddy uage_shapes_who_you_are uage_shapes_who_you_are SEEK SUPPORT: attend with a friend (but visit companies solo) STAY CALM

After the Career Fair Professional Follow-Up! Thank You Notes Future Contact

Writing Thank You Notes Write within 24 hours! (Ideally that evening) Note something special about your conversation to help the contact remember you: Be brief, but feel free to attach your resume Do not expect a response, but…

Future Follow-Up Good reasons to follow up: You end up applying to a position at the organization You read something that relates to your conversation You want to schedule an Informational Interview NOT good reasons to follow up: You are upset that you did not get a response to your thank you note You want to ask questions that could be answered by doing online research