Surviving a Job Fair

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• Surviving a Job Fair

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Brought to you by
Student Professional Development
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Why would I want to go to a Job Fair?
At a job fair you can

• Get to know employers
• Learn more about their
  needs
• Set up job interviews

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• Secure internships
  Co-op jobs
• Clarify career goals
• Make appointments
  to job shadow
• Learn about career
  options.

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How do I prepare?

• Click on the Events link at www.ecu.edu/e3careers.
  
• List and rank the companies that interest you.
• Research their websites/jobs.

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• Send an introductory email letting
  them know that you are attending
  the fair and will stop by the booth
  to talk about their opportunities.
• Write/rewrite your resume to fit the positions.

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• Develop a Power Greeting a 30 second commercial
  to introduce yourself. It should cover
• Your education and credentials.
• Your paid or unpaid experience in the field
  (unless you dont have any).
• Your relevant strengths what you do best.
• What you could do to help them meet their needs
  (value added).

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• Develop 4 or 5 open-ended questions that probe
  into their needs, problems and challenges.
• Decide what you should wear dress
  conservatively based on what others wear who work
  in that organization.
• Make copies of your resume to hand to employers.

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Probing Questions

• What positions are you trying to fill?
• What are you looking for in the individuals you
  hope to hire?
• What has caused these positions to come available?

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• What needs, problems and challenges will be
  addressed by the individuals you hire?
• What problems will be solved by taking on
  additional personnel?
• What goals have you set for the next five years?

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On Job Fair Day

• Print your name and major on a name tag.
• Obtain a map to employer locations.
• Prioritize employers and map your route.
• Give your Power Greeting to make a strong first
  impression.

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When you talk with recruiters

• Ask your prepared probing questions.
• Ask about employment or internship opportunities.
• Ask to be placed on their interview schedule
  (if they have one).
• Obtain a copy of their business card.

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TIPS - Body Language

• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Smile pleasantly and frequently.
• Shake hands firmly.

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• Maintain good eye contact.
• Do not be egotistical, arrogant or pushy.
• If you catch a recruiters eye - make contact.
• Someone is always watching.

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TIPS Successful Behaviors

• Be considerate of others.
• Network alone. Avoid group networking.
• Be purposeful. Make each employer feel like you
  came here just to meet with them.
• Do not act like you are shopping.

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A Few More Tips for the Job Seeker

• Ask for their advice and assistance.
• Ask to be remembered when opportunities come
  available.
• If they dont have an opening in your area, ask
  for a referral to someone who might.

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After the fair

• Send a Thank You note to each employer who
  interviewed you for a position.
• Call each employer to ask about the next step in
  the hiring process.
• Once you are employed, complete the Took a Job
  form on our website to help us track placement
  success.

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Life is not the way its supposed to be. Its
the way it is. The way you deal with it is
what makes the difference.- Virginia Satir