job fair success
TRANSCRIPT
MARKETING YOURSELF AT A CAREER FAIR
APPEARANCEWear a suit – or, at least
professional khakis, shirt/tie, jacket, and dress shoes
Think conservative and tasteful – black, grey, or other dark colors – nothing flashy!
APPEARANCEJewelry, Accessories: Nothing that dangles, clanks, or draws
attention to itself
Makeup: Subtle, professional; not flashy!
Body art: Cover the tats – lose the face metal (yes, even piercings). Ear rings okay if not too flashy.
Hygiene: Shower and put on antiperspirant prior to attending; Eliminate
body odor!Trim nails, hair combed/cut, clean-shaven/facial hair trimmed
APPEARANCEClick on the below YouTube video for
quick tips on how to dress for the job fair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NvHY-drEBY
RESUMESPurchase resume paper – off-white color - don’t print resume on regular copy paper!
Print at least 20 copies (but maybe more!). Print them at least one day in advance
RESEARCHReview career fair web site – especially Employer Roster
Determine if fair is good match
Locate companies / organizations of interest - make a list and prioritize them on a scale of 3
RESEARCHResearch each organization and opportunity of interest. At a minimum, become familiar with the following:
Mission and ServicesPrimary client / customer / patient/etc.Primary objectives/qualifications of
positions they are recruiting for
RESEARCHWrite/type notes on each organization – on paper, on file/flash cards, etc.
Arrange notes/cards in priority order
PREPARE ELEVATOR SPEECH / ETC.
20 second to one minute introduction/summary about yourself
Will serve as an “icebreaker” or answer some broad questions that might be asked such as “Tell me about yourself?”
PREPARE ELEVATOR SPEECH / ETC.Elevator Speech Content: Greeting, with your name Your college, major, class year Your objective/reason you approached the
table Interest in using a skill; or, a previous
experience that will come in handy An indication that you already know
something about the organization/position End it with an insiteful question for them
AT THE FAIR Timely Arrival:
Arrive within the first half of the fair’s advertised time frame
Registration Table:Typically, there is a registration area which includes a map or list of organizations. Don’t forget to stop by!
AT THE FAIR Put away the cell phone prior to
entering exhibit area: No calls, or texting – save it for the lobby area!
Scope out the scene: Walk around the exhibit hall once before approaching tables – locate the organizations you’ve prepared for
AT THE FAIRStart your approach! Start with one
of the #2’s (interested) from your list – go to the #3’s (very interested) once you’re warmed up!
Firm handshake, smile, eye contact
AT THE TABLE (S)Resume: If they don’t ask for your
resume, offer to give it to them
However….
** Don’t be offended if they don’t take the resume; they might also tell you to apply online, in addition to (or instead of ) taking the resume
AT THE TABLE (S)Networking Card:
Offer them your networking card; be sure your LinkedIn url is on it, along with accurate contact information!
FOLLOW UP: THANK YOUWithin two business days after
fair:
Write thank you notes to all recruiters you visited - You will have their contact information because you asked for it!
FOLLOW UP: THANK YOUWithin two business days after
fair:
Three to five sentences Make it customized Recall something specific
about the conversation
FOLLOW UP: THANK YOUWithin two business days after fair:
3/31/16
Dear Mr. Hill: I enjoyed meeting you and learning more about W.B. Mason
at the Worcester Workforce Career Fair on Tuesday, 3/29. The Sales Associate position sounds like one where I can make a strong contribution with my proven communication and follow up skills. I was especially impressed by the two week training program you told me about. I will follow up with an official application soon. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,Maya Angelou
FOLLOW UP: APPLY!Within two business days of fair Make a timeline for yourself of
opportunities, deadlines, application procedures for each opportunity of interest
Start applying within one week for those that indicated immediate applications available
FOLLOW UP: APPLY!COVER LETTERS
Write cover letters for each position you apply for, in addition to your resume
Within the first paragraph in your letter, include a reminder that you met at the fair; or, referral with recruiter’s name
FOLLOW UP: APPLY!COVER LETTERS: SAMPLE FIRST PARAGRAPH Dear Ms. Moore:
I am writing to apply for the Marketing Assistant position at Umass Medical School. We met at the Colleges of Worcester Consortium Career Fair on March 29th, and discussed the position at length. My experience in sales, and initiative to take leadership position at Becker College, make me a perfect candidate for this position.
FOLLOW UP: PHONE CALLS Contact the recruiter 1.5 to two
weeks after submitting your application
Indicate that you submitted a resume on XYZ date, and are calling to ask when they expect to make interview decisions, or if there is anything else you can do for your candidacy
FOLLOW UP: PHONE CALLS Voice mail: Most likely,
you will leave a voice mail to accomplish this. It is highly likely you won’t get a call back. Don’t necessarily take this to mean bad news.
SolutionsByRachelle.wordpress.comBy day, Rachelle, working mother of two,
serves as an education advocate and career advisor for MassEdCO. By night, Rachelle provided career consulting and works to promote green energy. When Rachelle is not writing her blog, advising her students, or coaching her clients, she enjoys camping and going to the theater with her two children.