navigating a career fair
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
Successfully Navigating a Career Fair
Frank Alaniz, Missouri Workforce Regional Liaison SLATEMCC
Copies of Workshop Info
Information on our Workshops can be found at:
www.slideshare.net/SLATEMCC-Vets
#1 Mistake
• Bad Breath
– Careful not to drink Coffee
– Don’t Smoke
– Watch what you eat
• It’s best to always use a strong mints before the entering the fair
Navigating a Career Fair
• Career Fairs are not about Jobs they are about
• These events are not about YOU and JOBS! They are about networking with companies that you would like to work for – The Job Referral was just a Bonus to the event and means
that you did everything right to warrant that referral….
Business Cards
• Bring Business Cards
– Professionally designed business card is a must
– Resumes are your second choice
• Ask the recruiter which they prefer
Portfolio
• Clean Tablet with a list of questions
– Take good notes for follow-up
– Remove the page when you’ve completed the interview with each recruiter
– Have your resumes in a separate folder inside your portfolio
30 Second Sale Pitch
• Re-develop your 3 minute elevator pitch to less 30 second pitch
– Remember the three “E’s”
• Experience, Expertise and Excellence – You'll need to be able to quickly, clearly, and
concisely explain your background and how you might fit in
– Don’t memorize this sales pitch as each company is unique so you want to highlight different skills for each company
What to do When you First Arrive
• Smiling is required
– Start with the gatekeepers and others in queue waiting to enter the event
– A recent study indicated that smiling faces were easier to remember
• Obtain a floor plan of the event
• Locate your targeted employers
Relax
• Walk the room first if needed to relax and get the feel of how the recruiters are working their stations
• Questions not to ask
– Are you hiring
– Salaries
– What kind of jobs do you have
Listen
• Listen to what questions are being ask of the recruiter by other candidates
– Try not to ask the same question others have asked
– If you did not hear the answer then indicate so and rephrase the question
• Listen to what the recruiters are asking the other candidates; these same questions may be asked of you
Meeting the Recruiter
• The amount of time you will have with the recruiter can vary from mere seconds to minutes.
• Take notes if possible and offer your business card or resume.
– When finished networking with the recruiter take a minute or two before moving to the next booth to recap your conversation
Meeting the Recruiter
• Don’t be offended if the recruiter tells you that they don’t need your resume and to apply on line for positions
• If you have time ask if there are any suggested tips for completing their ATS process
Before you Leave
• Ask, "What is the next step?"
• Request the recruiter's business card for future correspondence
• In closing, shake hands and thank them for their time
• Move away and finalize your notes
Follow-Up!
• Thank you note!
– 2-3 days after the event send a thank you note (email) to the recruiter thanking them for their time and recap your conversation (Why your notes are so important)
– Attached a PDF version of your resume
Pet Peeves
• Too much cologne or perfume
• Weak or sloppy handshake
• Walking from booth to booth picking up swag
– Even worse walking up to a recruiter with a bag full of stuff and then fumbling for resume/business card stuck in the bag of nickel toys and pens from all other vendors
Pet Peeves
• Not dressed professionally
• Not prepared for the event
• No research completed for targeted companies
• No follow-up
My Personal #1 Pet Peeve
• Leaving the event complaining that there were “NO JOBS” and all the recruiters told you to go online and apply for their positions!
– With the follow up statement of …“I could have stayed home and done that!”
Jobs and Career Fairs
• Remember these events are not all about YOU and JOBS! This is about networking with companies that you would like to work for!
Links SLATE Missouri Career Centers
www.stlworks.com www.slideshare.com/slatemcc www.facebook.com/slatemcc
Missouri Web Portal www.Jobs.Mo.Gov
www.showmeheroes.mo.gov Military Job Portals
www.H2H.jobs www.ESGR.mil/Missouri
Questions?
Special thanks and appreciation to Cheryl Wilkinson, Missouri ESGR Area 3 Chair for her hard work and
dedication to this project.
SLATEMCC @SLATE_MCC SLATEMCC