How to Network with Employers at a Career Fair Chris East Letters & Science Career Services 1305 Linden Drive, Suite 205 Middleton Building

What to Expect

The 1-minute Commercial Prepare an opening statement about yourself, including: Prepare an opening statement about yourself, including: –Name –Major –Year in School –What you have done –Where you are going

Survey the Land Familiarize yourself Familiarize yourself Observe others Observe others Calm your nerves Calm your nerves

Meet Employers- Start Small Prioritize top 4-5 employers Prioritize top 4-5 employers Don ’ t go to your top pick first Don ’ t go to your top pick first Get comfortable talking about yourself! Get comfortable talking about yourself! Practice your elevator speech Practice your elevator speech Calm your nerves Calm your nerves

Make a good first impression Write legibly on nametag Write legibly on nametag Good firm handshake Good firm handshake Explain interest and show enthusiasm Explain interest and show enthusiasm Have well-tailored resume, just in case Have well-tailored resume, just in case Know your availability for potential interviews Know your availability for potential interviews Show knowledge of employer and ask relevant questions Show knowledge of employer and ask relevant questions

Good Sample Questions Other questions to be considered will depend on your goals (career exploration vs. job search) Other questions to be considered will depend on your goals (career exploration vs. job search) –What qualities and background are you looking for in employees? –What courses would you recommend someone take before being hired as a ______________? –What is the application process for your organization? (When you give them your resume, ask what the next step in the process is.) –Do you have a business card I could have for future reference and contact? OR Who can I contact in the future?

Other Considerations It ’ s not an interview It ’ s not an interview Keep it short – there are other students waiting Keep it short – there are other students waiting Take a break if needed Take a break if needed Be personable and make a connection Be personable and make a connection –Be sure to explain how your background and experiences make you qualified for the position Once you have finished with the recruiter, write a few quick notes about what you talked about – for future reference

After the Fair

Write Thank-You Notes

Send a Thank-you or letter Follow-up within 24 hours Follow-up within 24 hours Use the business cards you collected or contact L&S Career Services if you need contact information for an employer representative from fair Use the business cards you collected or contact L&S Career Services if you need contact information for an employer representative from fair Include key points you may have discussed to jog their memory (refer to your notes) Include key points you may have discussed to jog their memory (refer to your notes) Reference the UW-Madison Career Fair Reference the UW-Madison Career Fair You might reiterate some of your qualifications in the thank-you note You might reiterate some of your qualifications in the thank-you note