ge presentation series career fair and resume/interview preparation
TRANSCRIPT
GE PresentationSeries
Career Fair andResume/InterviewPreparation
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
AgendaBefore the Career Fair
Resume Preparation
At the Career Fair
Other Considerations
Appropriate Attire
Career Fair Don’ts
Showstoppers
Interview Preparation
Open Q & A Period
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
One Week Before the Career Fair
Research Your Top Ten Companies• Companies want to know why you are interested in them• Know the specific job openings that interest you
Prepare to Interview On-Site• Be ready to discuss every job and activity on your resume• Master behavioral-based interviewing• Do mock interviews in your campus career center• Practice the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Contact Corporate Reps Beforehand• Call or e-mail reps you have met on campus• Request an interview or a brief meeting
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
Purpose of Resume
Your Resume Has Only One Purpose: To Get You An Interview
• The appearance/structure of your resume counts• Resumes are used to determine suitability for a position Proofreading is a must! - Spelling and grammar errors can cost you an interview• Resumes get interviews, people get jobs!
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
Basic Resume StructureResume Worksheet
OBJECTIVE STATEMENT or CAREER OBJECTIVE:
EDUCATION: (list degree[s] earned or in progress, date, college/university, major, GPA)
*Relevant Coursework:
EXPERIENCE: (list work, internships, and volunteer experiences)
*Title/Organization:
*Duties/Skills Developed:
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: (list campus and/or community clubs, memberships, activities)
*Title/Organization:
*Duties/Skills Developed:
Additional Training:
HONORS & AWARDS: (include scholarships, Dean's List, athletic awards)
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
Resume Writing
• Determine format• No fancy paper or graphics. Keep font simple and easy to read• Use action verbs; check verb tense• Don’t load resume with skills and/or experience that you do not have• Review grammar and spell check• Ask for feedback on content and flow• Ensure that your resume is aligned with the job you are seeking
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
At the Career Fair
The Interview Starts as Soon as You Approach the Booth• Employers screen GPA, appearance, confidence and communication• A pass/fail decision on the screen is made in less than 5 minutes• Candidates that pass the screen will be asked 2 or 3 detailed questions to see if they can survive a full interview
Maximize Your 5 Minutes• Be brief – use the STAR technique to answer questions• If you are not offered an interview, ask for one• Exploit your affiliation with social or professional organizations
Hit Your Top Ten Companies First• There will be a limited number of interview slots left• Recruiters are human...they lose focus as the day progresses
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
Other Considerations
• Appropriate dress is essential • A good, firm handshake is still important • Be sure to have your 5-minute elevator pitch ready!• Make sure your GPA is on your resume• Be sure to put cell/pagers on vibrate• Follow the instructions provided by the recruiter you met at the career fair immediately (e.g., to apply online and thru career center)• Send thank you e-mails and voicemails within 24 hrs (if you receive the recruiter’s business card)
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
Elevator Speeches
Use an Elevator Speech to Approach Company Reps at Career Fairs
• Name and classification• Field of interest/desired position• Something special about yourself (talents, experience, etc.)
The goal is to stand out from the crowd, so be memorable
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
Dress for Success - Female
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
Stay away from low cut shirts. Wear
a blouse instead.
Spring is coming.
No sandals or cropped pants.
Ladies Beware!
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
Good Bad
Women’s Shoes
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
Dress for Success - Male
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
Wear a tie!
No khaki pants or casual slacks. Always wear a jacket.
Men Beware!
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
Good Bad
Men’s Shoes
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
Career Fair – Don’ts
Don’t...• Mislead about citizenship/visa status• Be late to anything• Say "I'll take anything" or "I don't know" when asked about interests• Say you are willing to relocate if you are not willing to relocate• Cruise the booths with a group of friends or go from table to table grabbing free stuff• Ask about salary• Fail to show up at anything you committed to
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
Career Fair – Showstoppers
• Dishonesty• Unwillingness to relocate• Getting too comfortable during screen and/or interview• Low GPA
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
Pre-Interview: The Phone Calls• Remember every contact is an interview• Use proper phone etiquette; be courteous• Answer your personal phone in a business
voice always• Ensure you are in a quiet location for
phone screens• Be prepared; stay on your game at all
times• Get all necessary details; keep pen and
paper by the phone• Let others who share the phone know you
may get a call
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
Three C’s For Your CareerContent• You must show that you
really have what is on yourresume
Clarity• Company/school wants to
understand your goals/values
Character• You need to show where you
exceed the qualifications• Exude confidence and
commitment
GE Presentation Series“Career Fair and Resume/Interview Preparation”
February 3, 2008
Questions?
REMINDER:Spring 2008 Career FairThursday February 7, 2008
10:30am – 3:30pmGoldstein Auditorium
Schine Student Center