1. Career Fair Success How can I best prepare? What are the do’s and don’ts? What should I do next?

2. How can I best PREPARE for the Career Fair? Understand your employment goals Research the companies Develop your sales pitch Update your resume Come with questions 2

4. Have a clear idea of the type of work you seek so you don’t miss important contacts.

5. Identify your career goals before you go, then focus on employers who fit that niche.3

7. When possible, get a list of companies that are registered to be at the career fair. Lists are often available at One-Stop Centers, on line and in the newspaper. The list will help you prepare more effectively.

8. Find information on the company to which you are applying.

9. Learn about their customers, competitors, parent company, industry standing, products, mission, goals, philosophy, key players, etc. 4

11. Visit the website of the company and its competitors

12. Talk to people who work for, or deal with, the company

13. What’s it REALLY like working there? www.Glassdoor.com

14. www.jobhuntersbible.com

15. The Business Review http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/

16. The Chamber of Commerce and local business associations publish directories that list companies by area. Check libraries or write to the individual associations.

17. http://www.weddles.com/associations/index.cfm (list of associations by industry)

18. Business Magazines and Websites; Fortune, Forbes5

20. Before you write your sales pitch, think about your audience, then focus on your common interests.

21. Remember to:

22. Offer a firm handshake

23. Speak clearly

24. Show confidence and enthusiasm8

27. Guy Kawasaki, author of Ten Ways to Use Linked Innotes in his blog that, "People withmore than 20 connections are 34 times more likely to be approached with a job opportunity than people with less than 5." Having a connection at the company will help break the ice. If you don’t know anyone, LinkedInmay be able to help. 11

29. Does my resume contain all the relevant information?

30. Have I identified accomplishments for each experience?

31. Have I included keywords and action verbs?

32. Am I using the proper format for my situation?

33. Is my resume complete, but not too long?

34. Is my resume visually appealing?

35. Does my resume have what it takes to get noticed by employers?

36. Is my resume free of errors?Although you must bring copies of your resume, please note that many companies will not accept a resume on site. You may be directed to their website. 12

38. What skills, work experience or educational background are required for the position? What are you looking for in the ideal candidate?

39. What are the major challenges be for the person you hire?

40. What types of formal or on-the-job training programs does ___ Co. offer?

41. Why is the position open?

42. What is the next step in the hiring process?13

44. Letters of Recommendation Attach to the resume.

47. Employer Connection

48. Interview Practice

49. Learn about the Labor Market

50. __________________________

51. __________________________15

52. Remember: The work you do prior to the career fair is critical for success at the career fair. Do not skip this critical step. 16

53. What should I DO AT the Career Fair? Arrive early Register First impression Take advantage of services What not to do 17

55. Check out the floor plan to see where the “must see” employers will be.

56. Being organized will make your search more efficient and reduce frustration.18

57. 3. Make a good first impression Career Fairs are serious interviews, not “window shopping”.You only get one chance to make a first impression. Approach employers with confidence and make eye contact. Smile, offer a strong handshake and a positive attitude. Be upbeat when you introduce yourself. Approach each table from the side to pick up materials before you get in line. Take a few steps back and discreetly listen to what the interviewer asks, and how they react to the answers. If the company or job interests you, get in line. Use your research, the materials and what you hear to frame your answers and you can show that you are qualified. If there is more than one interviewer, note their personality styles and approach the one who is most like you (Personality Matching). When your turn comes, tell them about yourself with confidence and standout from the crowd. 19

59. Collect business cards Collect business cards and company information from representatives you speak with. Take time after each meeting to complete the Career Fair Log. This important information will help you follow up after the fair. 21

60. 4. Take advantage of services Some job fairs offer additional services including resume critique, computers and printers, scanning resumes for distribution to employers, workshops, online application stations, etc. 22

62. Don’t take up too much of the employer’s time. Consider the length of the line, but several minutes should do it.

63. Don’t vent about former employers to potential new ones.

64. Don’t interrupt an employer if he or she is surroundedby other job seekers. You want to have a brief, but meaningful conversation on a one-to-one basis.

65. Don’t be casual. This is your chance to make a good impression with someone that can help advanceyour career.23

66. What should I DO AFTER the Career Fair? Follow-up ! 24

68. Follow-up by calling the people you spoke with, writing a follow-up letter or e-mail, or both. During the career fair, find out from the employers what method of contact they prefer.

69. Go beyond thanking them for their time. Stress why you feel you are an outstanding employee. Ask for an appointment to further discuss how your skills can benefit the organization. 25

70. Sample Follow-up Letter John W. Smith1234 NEW YORK AVENUE ALBANY, NEW YORK 12210518-555-1212 April 15, 2011 Mr. Mike SampleChannel 101 Communications, Inc. 5555 West High TerraceAlbany, New York 12206 Dear Mr. Sample: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me at yesterday’s Martin Luther King Career Fair. I certainly appreciate your time in the midst of so many individuals seeking employment. You were extremely thorough in explaining the duties and responsibilities of the Building Maintenance position and provided good examples of what emergency situations might come up on the job. Now that I have a better understanding of what the position entails,I am certain I would be a valuable asset to the Channel 101 Communications team. My solid training at the Albany Vocational Center and experience working for both the Williams Center and Smith Apartment Complex have given me the required skill sets in carpentry, plumbing, electrical repair and masonry that you stated were critical to success in the Building Maintenance position. I’ve included a copy of my resume for your review and am looking forward to the opportunity to visit Channel 101’s main office to discuss this position and my qualifications in greater detail. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Sincerely, John Smith 26

72. Representatives name

73. Contact information

74. Jobs of interest/requirements

75. Reactions

76. Likes and dislikes

77. Interesting information learned

78. What did I not have time to say or could have said better?

79. Next Step: interview, application, etc.27

81. Print Version