How to Prepare for a Career Fair

1. How to Prepare for a Career Fair

2. Spring Career Fair • April 11, 2006, 3:30 – 5:30 PM • Lobby and 10th floor event room • REGISTER • Submit resume to eRecruiting resume book.

3. BEFORE THE FAIR • Research the companies • Prepare your resume • Make sure you have proper attire • Prepare and practice your pitch

4. Researching Companies • Research each company you plan to speak with. • http://www.stuart.iit.edu/careers/students/careerfair.html • Prepare questions to ask each company representative. • Prioritize the companies in which you are interested.

5. Researching Companies See handout: Company Research Guide Company Name:Morningstar, Inc. Company URL:http://www.morningstar.com/ Mission statement or general description of the company and its products and services: Morningstar, Inc. is a leading provider of independent investment research in the United States and in major international markets. Our mission is to create great products that help investors reach their financial goals. We offer an extensive line of Internet, software, and print-based products for individual investors, financial advisors, and institutional clients. (from their website)

6. Prepare your Resume • Print several copies of your resume. • Make sure the resume is general if you plan to hand it out to various employers. • Resume should be printed on resume-quality paper.

7. Attire • First impressions count! • Dress as you would for an interview (see the attire guidelines in the Interviewing Guide) • Wear something comfortable,but professional and conservative: • Suits (blue, gray, brown) for men and women. • No flashy jewelry • Nothing too revealing or tight • Clothes should be clean and pressed • Visit http://amdt.wsu.edu/research/dti/ for further info

8. Yes No

9. Yes No

10. Prepare your “Elevator Pitch” • What is an “elevator pitch?” • An easy to understand and concisely delivered summary designed to promote you to potential employers. • Should be about 30-60 seconds in length. • Should answer the question, “Why should a recruiter be interested in you.” • Uses action verbs (achieved, developed, administered, etc…) • Summarizes who you are, why you are interested in the organization, and what you can do for them (key strengths, knowledge/education, prior accomplishments)

11. Introductions • The first part of your pitch should be an introduction: • Make eye contact • Offer a firm handshake • Introduce yourself “Hi, my name is ….” • Begin your “pitch”

12. Sample Elevator Pitch Hi. My name is Kate Veraldi. I will be receiving my MS in Finance this May from Stuart where I have gained a strong foundation in quantitative and analytical skills. I have been working for the past two years in the areas of accounting and auditing. This past summer I worked for the New York office of Ernst & Young in an Auditor Internship. I'm currently seeking an auditor position in the Chicago area and would like the opportunity to speak with you further about what kinds of skills and experience your firm is looking for in its auditors.

13. Sample Elevator Pitch Hi, my name is Joe Smith. I have just received my MS in Marketing Communications here at Stuart. My work experience is in public relations and customer relationship management. During my career, I have worked in government, small business and a global ad agency. I am extremely interested in the consulting field and am exploring how I might use my education and skills in a consulting firm. Could I talk to you sometime about your experience working for firm x?

14. Practice the Pitch • Make sure you practice giving your pitch. Practice with friends or try tape-recording yourself. • If English is not your native language, practice speaking slowly and clearly. • Make sure your pitch doesn’t sound memorized or as if you are reading from a cue card.

15. DURING THE FAIR • Greeting employers. • Speaking with employers/visiting booths.

16. Speaking with Employers • Don’t interrupt other job-seekers - wait in line for your turn. • While waiting in line, use this time to read the company’s brochures or go over your pitch in your head • Don’t monopolize the representative’s time. • 3-5 minutes, but follow employer’s lead • Don’t ask any questions about salary, benefits, visa sponsorship or work hours.

17. Speaking with Employers, cont. • Ask some educated questions about the company that you have prepared in advance. • Ask for a business card or contact information.

18. During the Fair: Additional Guidelines • DO turn OFF cell phones and pagers. • DO remember to conduct yourself professionally at all times. • DO NOT visit employers in groups – go it alone.

19. AFTER THE FAIR • Take notes • Send thank you letters • Follow up with employers

20. Take Notes on your Meetings • Right after the fair, sit down and take notes on the fair: • With whom you met • What you discussed • Opportunities that were mentioned • Any other important information

21. Send Thank You Letters • Take the time to write tailored letters to employers: • Thank them for attending the fair and taking the time to speak with you. • Reiterate your interest in the company/position. • Refer to anything specific you and the recruiter discussed that might help the recruiter remember who you are. • Include your resume.

22. Follow-up • Approximately three weeks following the fair, follow up with an email or phone call. • Send one letter and make one follow-up call if you have not heard back, but do not risk becoming an annoyance.

23. Questions and Practice.