Prepare for the Fair

1
Prepare for the Fair

• Wednesday, September 16, 2009
• 230-500 PM, USF Sarasota
• 8350 N. Tamiami Tr,
• Rotunda C101
• Sarasota, FL 34243

2
Career Services

• Create a resume with Optimal Resume
• Free resume proof reading. Email Toni Ripo at
  tripo_at_sar.usf.edu.
• Bring several copies of your resume printed on
  quality resume paper.
• Bring a clean folder with paper and a pen to take
  notes.
• Bring a portfolio with samples of your work. It
  could be a research paper, spreadsheet,
  PowerPoint or projects you completed in class or
  supporting documents transcripts, references or
  a completed application from the companys
  website, if applicable. Make it easy for them to
  hire you.

3
Research the companies.

• Find out whos attending the Fair, log on to
  www.sarasota.usf.edu/careercenter
• Choose Career Networking Fair
• Learn something about the companies
• Mission, goals, values
• Who are they? What do they do?
• Locations
• Career opportunities

4
Prepare a Professional Image

• Dress professionally
• View business attire videos. Log on to
  www.sarasota.usf.edu/careercenter
• Scroll down on the right to Career Library
  Resources
• Leave your book bag in the car and separate from
  your friends.

5
When you arrive to a career fair -

• You will receive a program floor plan. Take
  time to review it
• Ask if anyone has canceled.
• Fill out a name tag.
• Warm up by trying out your pitch on the greeters.
  
• Target the employers that offer the jobs you
  really want.

6
Introductions

• Smile, introduce yourself give a firm
  handshake.
• Express interest in their organization and be
  ENTHUSIASTIC!
• Script name, degree, anticipated graduation,
• My past experience includes ___
• While working at XYZ I developed ___
• In researching your organization, I most admire
  ____
• I believe my ltstate skillsgt qualify me for a
  position that you advertised.
• Ask for their business card and take a moment to
  look at it so you can thank them by name.

7
Questions you can ask

• My degree is ____. Do you have any job openings
  that can use my degree?
• What does XYZ value in their employees?
• Why do the employees enjoy working for XYZ?
• Do you offer internships or training programs?
• Can you tell me about your hiring process?
• How should I follow-up with you?

8
Follow-up after the Fair

• Send a thank you note to the recruiters you meet
  at the Fair.
• Restate your interest in their organization.
• Invite them to call you to further discuss your
  qualifications.
• Thank them for their time at the career fair.