1. H OW T O W ORK A C AREER F AIR First Ave. Career Fair 3/2/2012

2. T ODAY ’ S A GENDA : Preparing to get the most from the career fair Before, During, and After What to expect when you’re there How to follow up after the event Questions you have

3. B EFORE T HE F AIR Plan Identify 5 -10 companies you want to speak with Research The companies you are interested in and others attending Rehearse Your introduction by yourself, to your friends, and to strangers if possible

4. B EFORE C ONTINUED... Get a list of employers from event organizers Research employers using: Their websites: About Us, History, Mission Portland Business Journal Google Begin to develop your intro speech, know who you are and what you’re looking for.

5. W HAT T O B RING A simple portfolio Plenty of “A Game” resumes No backpacks

6. W HAT T O W EAR Employers evaluate you on appearance; show that you are a professional Appropriate professional attire Match your dress to event If you don’t have a suit – Get one but... Nice pants and a dress shirt or blouse with dress shoes will work at a minimum.

7. C AREER F AIR D RESS F AILS

8. I NTRODUCTIONS A RE I MPORTANT Get good at: Making eye contact Smiling Offering a firm handshake Saying your name Introductions are critical and now it’s your turn.

10. D URING T HE F AIR Begin to work your plan Warm up with employers you weren’t planning on talking with When you’re ready, take a deep breath and approach your top choices Talk with the employers about your interests and ask questions

11. Q UESTIONS T O A SK E MPLOYERS What are the traits and skills of people who are the most successful in the “role I’m interested in”? Why did you come to work here? What keeps you here? What things has your company accomplished of which you are especially proud? What is your hiring time line for this internship / job?

12. Q UESTIONS T O N EVER A SK E MPLOYERS What does your company do? What can your company do for me? How many hours a day do you work? Any question about salary, vacation time, or benefits. Any personal question. Wanna get some coffee, sometime?

13. B EFORE L EAVING A N E MPLOYER Get the recruiter's business card at the close of your meeting Ask how and when you should follow up. Get more company information Thank recruiter for his/her time

14. B EFORE M OVING O N Make notes about the recruiter, employer, and job These notes will be important later when you write your follow-up letters after the job fair Reflect on how the interaction went, what you learned, what you wish you would have said Mentally rehearse it for the next interaction and move to the next employer on your list

15. A FTER T HE F AIR FOLLOW UP! Organize all the material you received WRITE THANK YOU LETTERS !!!! – Recruiters are expecting them! Send within 24 Hours Your letter should again demonstrate how you would be a "good fit" You know what they're looking for If you talked to more than one person at one booth, send each recruiter you talked to a separate thank you Can you send Thank-You e-mails? E-mails are best used if the hiring time line is quick and you need immediate response It is recommended that you send hard copy follow up as well

16. Q UESTIONS ?