1. Navigating a Job Fair & Networking Event

2. Class Administration A&FRC Marketing Breaks Smoking Areas Cell phones
SIP
Marketing: upcoming classes:

3. Your Expectations What would you like to learn today?
What do you know about these events
This seminar is based on information from Louise Kursmark and Wendy Enelow of the Resume Writing Academy. We have several of the publications available for check out.

4. Transition Being patient - 66% Start preparing early - 65%
According to recent data collected from military veterans*, 5 of the most important elements of the military-to-civilian transition process are:
 Networking  - 68%
 Being patient - 66% 
 Start preparing early - 65% 
 Have a transition plan - 59% 
 Translate military skills - 59%
This seminar is based on information from Louise Kursmark and Wendy Enelow of the Resume Writing Academy. We have several of the publications available for check out.
* information collected on-line from by Military-Transition.org with data indicating the percentage of veterans that claimed this element to be “extremely important” in the transition process. 

5. Rule #1 - This is not about finding a JOB!!
The events are not about YOU and JOBS!! They are about networking with companies that you would like to work for
A Job Referral would be icing on the cake to the event and means that you did everything right to warrant that referral….
Purpose: to make you appear to be the ideal candidate…use this as a marketing tool!

6. WHAT IS A NETWORKING/CAREER FAIR?
Provides an opportunity for participants and employers to interact.
An event where the basic purpose is to share information and network.
An opportunity to offer resume and gather business cards.
There are several factors to consider when writing your name.
Most people use full name at top of resume but it is becoming more and more acceptable to use name by which you prefer to be called.
Bear in mind that you want your reader to be comfortable when calling for an interview. That comfort may decrease if your name is gender neutral, difficult to pronounce or very unusual. You can make it easier.
Contact information is decreasing
Home address – optional
One phone number, one address (aol dates you; get free account with yahoo, gmail or hotmail)
Also, be conservative with name. No
Links to additional information is increasing
LinkedIn profile
Link to web portfolio
Link or QR code (Quick Response Code)
Number you can be reached at, i.e.m cell on home.
Include name, phone number and at top of second page and each additional page after that. Just in case they get separated.

7. WHY DO EMPLOYERS ATTEND?
To advertise their organization and increase visibility.
To identify potential job prospects.
To express gratitude to military members, spouses, and veterans.
To provide career information about their organization.
The summary is the section at the top of your resume that summarizes and highlights your knowledge and expertise. Some ask about using an “objective”. A career summary can be a more powerful introduction wherein an objective is too specific or too vague. “ An Electrical Engineer Position, ” or Challenging opportunity with a progressive organization offering the opportunity for growth and advancement.
Career summary allows you to paint a picture.

8. WHY DO PARTICIPANTS ATTEND?
To learn more about career opportunities
To network with employers and make contacts with organizations
To collect employer information
The summary is the section at the top of your resume that summarizes and highlights your knowledge and expertise. Some ask about using an “objective”. A career summary can be a more powerful introduction wherein an objective is too specific or too vague. “ An Electrical Engineer Position, ” or Challenging opportunity with a progressive organization offering the opportunity for growth and advancement.
Career summary allows you to paint a picture.

9. 5 MYTHS ABOUT JOB FAIRS NETWORKING EVENTS
The summary is the section at the top of your resume that summarizes and highlights your knowledge and expertise. Some ask about using an “objective”. A career summary can be a more powerful introduction wherein an objective is too specific or too vague. “ An Electrical Engineer Position, ” or Challenging opportunity with a progressive organization offering the opportunity for growth and advancement.
Career summary allows you to paint a picture.

10. MYTH # 1 – JUST SHOW UP!!
Research the companies that will be in attendance
Use Companies Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter
Gather facts about the culture, company values, job opportunities, news, and events
Understand the companies products and services
Search for jobs that might provide you interest

11. MYTH # 2 – JEANS & T-SHIRT?
You should dress appropriately - informal wear is not acceptable
Know the industry and dress accordingly
This is a professional introduction between you and potential employers
Your chance to make a good, lasting impression so make it a positive one
The Career Fair is part of the job search process, and should be treated as such

12. MYTH # 3 – ONLY JOB SEEKERS SHOULD ATTEND
Your interaction with company representatives should be highly professional even if they do not have current openings
If they are impressed with you, representatives might refer you to another division or keep you in mind for future openings
“Don’t burn bridges” - being courteous and responsive to all employers will most likely pay dividends down the road

13. MYTH # 4 – ONLY JOB SEEKERS SHOULD ATTEND
Reality
Rarely are interviews are held at the Fair so it is unlikely that you will receive a job offer
A Career Fair is an opportunity to establish introductions and interest in the company
A typical company hiring process consists of:
A one-on-one preliminary screening interview – in person or on the telephone
At least one on-site interview at the organization

14. MYTH # 5 – MAYBE A JOB WILL BE OFFERED
Reality
Rarely are interviews are held at the Fair so it is unlikely that you will receive a job offer
A Career Fair is an opportunity to establish introductions and interest in the company
A typical company hiring process consists of:
A one-on-one preliminary screening interview – in person or on the telephone
At least one on-site interview at the organization

15. PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR
Research organizations that you have targeted
Visit the A&FRC website to see which organizations are attending the fair
Research organization literature to gather information (visit the organization website) or LinkedIn, hoovers.com and glassdoor.com
Investigate issues, trends, and the outlook of professions/industries that are of interest
This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.”
It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

16. PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR
Prepare a list of questions to ask employers
Creative and challenging questions will make a lasting impression on those you meet
Demonstrate knowledge of your chosen career field
Salary
It is not advisable to bring up this topic during an introductory meeting with an employer
If the employer raises the salary question, you need to be prepared to discuss this issue (visit salary.com to assist in your research)
This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.”
It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

17. PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR
Resume
Visit the A&FRC or schedule an individual appointment
Make sure it is clear, concise, one-page and error-free. Bring multiple copies
If you have resumes reflecting different objectives, be sure to give the right resume to employer
Business Cards
Name, Job Title, Phone Number, and address
Address to LinkedIn Profile, Personal Websites, QR code
Tag Line or Skill Sets
Consider a Headshot
Keep it clean & simple with plenty of white space
This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.”
It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

18. DURING THE FAIR
Presentation skills: Be aware of your verbal communication
Speak clearly and concisely
Provide brief, targeted answers to questions
Be honest
Provide complete and articulate responses
Show interest, energy, enthusiasm
Demonstrate that you prepared for the fair by having intelligent responses
This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.”
It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

19. DURING THE FAIR Presentation skills: Non-verbal communication
Dress professionally - “look the part”
Have good eye contact
Offer a firm handshake
Demonstrate poise and composure
Avoid distracting mannerisms
This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.”
It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

20. DURING THE FAIR Interpersonal skills
Employers will be measuring your ability to interact professionally.
Knowledge of yourself, the organization, and the industry.
Your preparation will manifest itself in a confident, self-assured presentation.
This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.”
It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

21. DURING THE FAIR Navigating Do a walk around before getting started
Step out and research companies
Avoid going the assembly line approach
Avoid the “goodies”
Start conversations with other job seekers
This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.”
It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

22. DURING THE FAIR Take notes after visiting a positive opportunity.
What you liked about the company
The job vacancies
How to improve your presentation
Relevant information for the follow-up
This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.”
It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

23. AFTER THE CAREER FAIR
How to follow up with employers after the Career Fair
Ask what is the best way to follow up. Each employer has different procedures.
Get a business card from representatives that you talk to at the Fair in order to facilitate your contact follow-up. Connect with them on LinkedIn.
A brief reminding the recruiter that you met them at the Fair and you are very interested in the organization.
This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.”
It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

24. AFTER THE CAREER FAIR How to follow-up with employers (continued)
Have pen and paper ready for any information that the employer may give you; don’t make the employer wait for you
Ask the organization representative when you should begin to follow-up with the organization (this is different than the thank-you note)
This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.”
It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.

25. Final Statements Questions?
This section may take the longest to write and may be positioned in several different places. ( after summary or after education; between summary and education) For example you may have had the same position for ten years. So then the question becomes how can you consolidate all that you have done in one section? On the other end of the spectrum, if you have had several short-term jobs, how can you make your experience seem substantial. What do you include, when and where. The answer is “it depends.”
It depends on you, your experience, your achievements and successes.