3. Maximizing Your Success Please take a moment to review the following tips to maximize your success at the fair. If you have any questions, please seek the assistance of the SU Staff (they’re wearing SU name tags).

4. Preparation 30-Second Commercial First Impressions Speaking with Employers Close the Conversation After the Fair/Follow Up F.A.Q.s Additional Resources Presentation Content

5. PREPARATION Prepare several copies of your resume Research companies ahead of time Explore career opportunities as they relate to your major Create a list of appropriate questions to ask employers Review and organize materials in a portfolio/briefcase Preparation BEFORE you begin to speak with employers, allow 15-20 minutes to: Review the confirmed employers and floor plan Determine which organizations are seeking your major and skill sets. Develop a priority system to determine which employers you are interested in speaking with (MUST SEE, WOULD LIKE TO SEE, IF TIME PERMITS) The Job Fair Book Directories or Job Fair Books are available in the Career Center NOW and at the Student Registration table the day of the fair.

6. 30-Second Commercial Special Skills Mention any skills that would make you stand out. Strengths Choose three or four strengths to highlight. Give examples. Education Discuss your major, relevancy to company, and graduation date. Work Experience Talk about your related work experience. Closing Statement State one solid reason why you are a good fit. Promote Yourself

7. 30-Second Commercial Example “Hello. I am Marcus James, a senior at Salisbury University, majoring in Telecommunications. I have completed two internships with Telecom Corporation and Com-Tele Corporation while maintaining a 3.5 grade point average. I was also president of the Telecommunications Association and an active member of the National Leadership Council. I visited your company’s website and have reviewed your company’s profile. I am very interested in job opportunities with you—particularly entry- level openings working on your Millennium Project. I’d love to hear your assessment of my skills and work experience and where you feel I would be a good fit within your company.” Example “Hello. I am Marcus James, a senior at Salisbury University, majoring in Telecommunications. I have completed two internships with Telecom Corporation and Com-Tele Corporation while maintaining a 3.5 grade point average. I was also president of the Telecommunications Association and an active member of the National Leadership Council. I visited your company’s website and have reviewed your company’s profile. I am very interested in job opportunities with you—particularly entry- level openings working on your Millennium Project. I’d love to hear your assessment of my skills and work experience and where you feel I would be a good fit within your company.” Develop 30-Second Commercial This commerical should introduce YOU to the employer and give him/her an understanding of who you are, what skills you have to offer and why you are suitable for employment with his/her company. Develop 30-Second Commercial This commerical should introduce YOU to the employer and give him/her an understanding of who you are, what skills you have to offer and why you are suitable for employment with his/her company. How to Pitch Emphasis on key words Slow down when making a key point Smile when you give the pitch Demonstrate enthusiasm Practice, practice, practice! PRACTICE! How to Pitch Emphasis on key words Slow down when making a key point Smile when you give the pitch Demonstrate enthusiasm Practice, practice, practice! PRACTICE!

8. First Impressions: Who Stands Out in a Crowd? Communication Skills One who has the ability to exhibit their strong communication skills and articulate their career goals. Strong Resume Possessing a flawless resume that clearly reflects your skillset, accomplishments and potential. Knowledgeable about Company/Industry Familiarize yourself with the company. Understand their mission, present performance and new developments/initiatives. Professional Attire Your professional image is very important in your career search. A polished confident appearance helps introduce you as focused and qualified. Personality Ask thought-provoking questions to show your interest and enthusiam for the company. Let your personality shine through! SU Career Services offers resume critiques. We are open every Thursday for walk-ins or any other day by appointment.

9. Demonstrate patience! The lines might be daunting but don't fail to maximize this opportunity. Talk to every company that fits your experience and ambitions. If you meet with 20 recruiters, at the end of the day you will have 20 new contacts! Extend your hand, say "hello" and state your name Hold the handshake for 2 to 3 seconds making a slight up and down pumping motion Smile and make eye contact as you shake hands-PRACTICE! First Impressions

10. Speaking with Employers Be Professional Be professional and courteous at all times. Avoid distracting mannerisms (flipping hair, rolling eyes, distasteful facial expressions, etc.). Be assertive (not aggressive) with employers. Show energy and enthusiasm! Take Notes The representative at the fair may not be able to answer all of your questions or know specifics about your job interests. Ask for names, telephone numbers, etc. of other staff in the organization whom you can contact later. Be sure to record follow up steps and keep points discussed in your conversation. Request Business Cards Provides you a direct contact with the organization, including the proper spelling of the representative’s name, direct phone line, etc. You can send a brief thank-you note (or email) acknowledging the information they provided and thanking them for their time. You can follow-up regarding the status of your application.

11. Expectations Little to no job offers are made at fairs. Keep in mind that the career fair is an opportunity for employers to meet and assess candidates for future employment. Respecting Employer’ Give-a-Ways Always check with employers before taking materials from their tables. Be Courteous In addition to representing yourself, you are also representing your university. Make a good impression. Be Brief Demonstrate sensitivity to other students waiting to speak with employers by keeping your questions brief and offering to continue your conversation at a later time. REMEMBER

12. “May I contact you within the next two weeks to follow-up on the status of my application?” “Is there any additional information that I can provide to demonstrate my abilities in that area?” Example Questions: “What are the next steps in the recruitment process?” Close the Conversation Thank the employer for his/her time. Tell him/her that you look forward to speaking with him/her soon! Be sure to ask questions that will help you in the follow-up process. Request a business card. Close the Conversation

13. After the Fair Take a few moments after speaking with employers to jot down notes about your conversation. Be sure to have a business card or contact information from each employer that you spoke with at the fair. Thank You Note (or Email) Follow-up with a thank you note or email that shows employers you are serious, professional and enthusiastic about the position. Thank the employer for their time. Mention the name of the fair where you met. Reiterate your strengths and interest in the company. Refer to the notes you took about your conversation. Ask for an interview. Follow-Up

14. Example Thank You Note February 16, 2012 Dear Mr. Moon: Thank you for speaking with me at the Salisbury Universities' Job/Internship Fair held at Salisbury University on February 17, 2016. I found our conversation about the opportunities at the National Security Agency quite interesting and informative. Thank you for sending me an application for employment with your agency with the letter stating that I had passed the Professional Qualification Test held last fall. I am still very interested in a position as a Mathematician with your agency. I would be very excited to have an opportunity for a personal interview to further discuss my qualifications. I look forward to hearing from you. You may contact me at (410) 555-1212 or MonetLittle@gulls.Salisbury.edu. Sincerely, Monet Little

15. Frequently Asked Questions Where are the restrooms? Restrooms are located outside the gym in thehallways. Where is the Photo Booth? Inside of MAGGS in a petitioned off area with signs. Where can I make copies? There is a copy machine available inside the Career Center in GUC. I forgot my resume, what should I do? Don’t panic. Talk with the employers, and request a business card. Send a thank you email and attach your resume. Is there a place to leave my backpack? Yes you can leave your backpack in the hall where student registration takes place.

16. Professional Dress http://www.salisbury.edu/careerservices/student s/JobFair/Dress/Dress.html Additional Resources 30-Second Commercial http://www.salisbury.edu/careerservices/st udents/JobFair/Documents/JobFairMiniCo mmmercial.pdf Career Fairs Elsewhere http://www.salisbury.edu/careerservices/st udents/JobFair/OtherJobFairs.html

17. We thank you for attending the Salisbury University Job/Internship Fair and wish you much success. Please notify your Career Center if you receive a job offer as a result of this fair. We will send out a student evaluation form in a week after the fair. Please take the time to complete it because we really do use the feedback you provide. Best of luck from the SU Career Services Staff. Happy Networking!