Getting the Most Out of A Career Expo

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Getting the Most Out of A Career Expo

• Presented by NSU
• Career Services

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What we will cover

• How you can benefit from attending
• What employers expect
• Strategies for approaching Expo
• Dos and Donts

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Why Should You Attend Expo?

• You can practice networking
• Gather information about whos hiring and what
  positions employers are looking to fill
• Gain contacts with companies youre interested in
  working/interning for
• Make a positive impression with an employer that
  leads to an interview
• GET A JOB!!

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What Employers Expect from Students Attending
Career Expo

• Appropriate Attire
• 56 expect business casual
• 32 expect professional attire
• Consider the industries you seek employment from
  when making this decision, and when in doubt its
  better to be over-dressed.

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What Employers Expect from Students Attending
Career Expo

• An up-to-date, proofread, resume printed on
  resume paper
• Bring 15-30 copies with you depending on how many
  tables you intend to visit.
• Only companies who conduct formal interviews
  expect a scannable resume, references, and/or a
  portfolio.
• 28 of companies surveyed expected a cover letter.

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What Employers Expect from Students Attending
Career Expo

• Knowledge about the company!!!
• While 97 of companies plan to provide general
  company information and job opening data,
  recruiters do not want to start from scratch.
  So, bring some understanding of what the company
  does to Expo.
• A list of attending companies can be found at
  www.nova.edu/career

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Career Expo Myths

• Most companies make job offers at career expos.
• Few companies, only 13 of those surveyed,
  formally interview students at career expos and
  make subsequent job offers.
• Dont be discouraged. This is your opportunity
  to secure an interview.

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Career Expo Myths

• I should ask about the salary and benefits
  available with the job openings.
• Less than half of the companies surveyed were
  willing to even discuss salary information.
  Unless youre being formally interviewed, it
  probably isnt the time to ask.

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Follow up Employers Expect from Interested
Students

• 58 Expect a cover letter
• 55 Expect a phone call
• 48 Expect a completed job application
• Some employers prefer that you complete the job
  application there. Just in case, you may want to
  bring relevant information not included on the
  resume (i.e. addresses and telephone s of
  previous employers, references, dates and contact
  information from schools attended).

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What Students Can Expect From Employers

• What positions are available
• Information about where their career goals fit
  within the company, if they do.
• If desired by the employer, an invitation to
  interview
• - 50 within 2 weeks of Expo
• - 31 within 2-4 weeks of Expo
• - 13 within 4-6 weeks of Expo

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Strategies for Approaching a Career Expo

• Before the Expo, research the companies who will
  attend.
• Determine which companies interest you.
• Focus your attention on preparing for them,
  rather than superficially visiting all booths.
• Prepare a relevant and engaging question for
  recruiters from your selected companies.

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Strategies for Approaching a Career Expo

• Plan ahead Update your resume and have someone
  proofread it for errors.
• Consider preparing cover letters for companies
  youre highly interested in working for and have
  references handy in case theyre asked for.
• Have a clean, ironed, appropriate outfit ready
  business casual is a minimum.
• Get a good nights rest. You will be on your
  feet for a while and need to stay energized!

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Strategies for Approaching a Career Expo

• Prepare Your Commercial.
• You only have a short amount of time to speak
  with recruiters, so you need to be prepared to
  make an impact, quickly.
• In about 30 seconds, tell recruiters who you are,
  what youve accomplished and what youre looking
  for.
• Tailor your commercial to specific companies by
  keeping your examples relevant.
• Practice your commercial until you can sell it.

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At the Expo

• Obtain a list of companies present and a floor
  plan if available.
• Practice your commercial with a company you
  have less desire to work for to get comfortable
  in the setting.
• Plan to approach your 5-6 strongest interests
  before traveling from booth to booth.
• Try to speak with the hiring manger or senior
  member of the team if possible.

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At The Expo Contd

• Approach recruiters with a nice smile and a firm
  handshake.
• Try to get a name and business card from each
  person you talk to for follow-up later.
• Ask what the next step is after speaking with the
  recruiter and giving out your resume.
• Before moving on to the next booth, take notes of
  who you spoke with, what jobs were available, and
  what follow-up is expected (i.e. cover letter,
  online job application).

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At The Expo Contd

• After visiting your main interests, visit other
  booths that are hiring for similar positions.
• Re-visit the recruiters you feel you made a good
  connection with if you have time and if they
  arent bombarded with other job-seekers.

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After the Career Expo

• Follow up Send a letter and additional resume
  copy to HR, the hiring manager, or the recruiter,
  restating your interest in the company after
  speaking with the recruiter.
• Call them after about a week inquiring about the
  status of the position and what information you
  could provide them to ease the hiring process
  (i.e. references).

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Dos and Donts

• Do
• Bring numerous copies of your proofread resume.
• Prepare an intro to sell yourself.
• Bring a positive attitude, smiles, energy, and
  a firm handshake First impressions can go a
  long way.
• Research the companies in attendance.
• Carry only what you need in a small briefcase
  or portfolio.
• Do treat all recruiters with respect remember
  they may be friends with other recruiters there.
• Wear your name tag on the same side you shake
  hands with.

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Dos and Donts

• Donts
• Dont come unprepared or load up on freebies.
• Dont dress inappropriately (lounge-wear).
• Dont wear perfume or cologne.
• Dont move booth to booth with a group of
  friends you need to stand out.
• Dont come during the last ½ hour of the event
  some employers may need to leave early.
• Dont avoid the GPA question give an honest
  estimate because it may not matter.
• Dont let the size of the event frustrate you
  keep a positive attitude and remain focused on
  what you came to accomplish.
• Enjoy Yourself Employers will notice your great
  attitude!!

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Thank You and Good Luck

• Career Services
• [phone]
• www.nova.edu/career
• More information available at www.naceweb.com