Elevator Story & Working a Career Fair Experience That Works!

Agenda What is an Elevator Story? Elevator Story Components Upcoming Career Fairs How to Prepare What to Expect Making a Good Impression

Experience That Works! What is an Elevator Story? A relevant second introduction of yourself Also known as personal positioning statement Used at career fairs, info sessions and other networking events Always relate your statement to person whom you are speaking

Experience That Works! Elevator Story Components Greeting Your Name Major and Class Year Goal – To obtain a co-op, internship or full-time position Experiences (work or classroom) and Unique Strengths Why you want to talk to this company “You want to get so comfortable that you can make this statement with confidence in a friendly inviting manner under pressure.”

Experience That Works! Sample Elevator Story “Hello. My name is Katie Speigel, and I’m a senior biomedical engineering major at Georgia Tech. I am looking for a summer internship in the southeast. I am particularly interested in medical product design and wanted to discuss internship opportunities with Kelly Medical.”

Experience That Works! Activity Write your own elevator story.

Experience That Works! Upcoming Career Fairs Georgia Tech Career Fair Mon Sep 14 and Tues Sept 15 Campus Recreation Center (CRC) 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Biotechnology Career Fair Thu Sep 17 Biotechnology Complex 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM /

Experience That Works! How a Career Fair is Organized Companies have booths staffed with recruiters – Often GT Alumni – Mix of engineers, scientists, programmers, managers and human resource reps Talk to the recruiter at the booth – Not an interview If you make a good impression, you may be asked to interview after the fair

Experience That Works! Preparation is Key! Research companies For list including desired majors, visit Prioritize about 10 target companies – Have a secondary list of 5-10 companies Prepare questions for your target companies Questions not answered in your research or follow-up questions Will allow you to engage recruiter in intelligent conversation and will make you stand out!

Experience That Works! What to Bring & Wear Leather Binder Resume on good resume paper Bag for company literature, materials, pens, etc Professional business suit – Tip: For women, make sure tops are not low-cut and pants/skirt are not tight or short – Tip: For men, makes sure hair is neatly groomed

Experience That Works! Make a Positive Impression Arrive early – Tip: Come in the morning if possible and reserve 2 hour block Walk with your head up and confident Introduce yourself with Elevator Story and offer your resume. – Tip: Don’t say, “So tell me about your company...” Do ask questions

Experience That Works! Make a Positive Impression (cont.) Don’t skirt GPA question Be cognizant of other students waiting; don’t talk on and on At end of conversation, thank recruiter, find out next steps, and ask for their business card or When ready to leave, collect giveaway items

Experience That Works! Best Practices Enthusiasm works Be prepared to explain: – Tell me about yourself – Why you are interested in the company? – How can you help the company be more successful? Ask about next steps Keep good notes after each meeting. Ask for contact information so you can follow up. Follow up with thank you or note card and attach your resume.

Experience That Works! Sample Questions What kinds of co-op or internship opportunities exist within your company? Does your company hire on a continual basis or just at certain times of the year? What qualities does your company look for? What courses do you suggest in order to be a successful candidate? How many co-ops or interns is your company looking to hire?

Experience That Works! Savant Building 631 Cherry Street Near Tech Tower Questions? Reminder: Visit DoPP