Navigating a Job Fair & Networking Event

1. Navigating a Job Fair & Networking Event

2. Class Administration A&FRC Marketing Breaks Smoking Areas Cell phones SIP

3. Your Expectations • What would you like to learn today? • What do you know about these events

4. Transition According to recent data collected from military veterans*, 5 of the most important elements of the military-to-civilian transition process are: Networking  - 68%  Being patient - 66%   Start preparing early - 65%   Have a transition plan - 59%   Translate military skills - 59% * information collected on-line from 2015-2016 by Military-Transition.org with data indicating the percentage of veterans that claimed this element to be “extremely important” in the transition process. 

5. Rule #1 - This is not about finding a JOB!! The events are not about YOU and JOBS!! They are about networking with companies that you would like to work for A Job Referral would be icing on the cake to the event and means that you did everything right to warrant that referral…. • Purpose: to make you appear to be the ideal candidate…use this as a marketingtool!

6. WHAT IS A NETWORKING/CAREER FAIR? Provides an opportunity for participants and employers to interact. An event where the basic purpose is to share information and network. An opportunity to offer resume and gather business cards.

7. WHY DO EMPLOYERS ATTEND? To advertise their organization and increase visibility. To identify potential job prospects. To express gratitude to military members, spouses, and veterans. To provide career information about their organization.

8. WHY DO PARTICIPANTS ATTEND? To learn more about career opportunities To network with employers and make contacts with organizations To collect employer information

9. 5 MYTHS ABOUT JOB FAIRS NETWORKING EVENTS

10. MYTH # 1 – JUST SHOW UP!! • Research the companies that will be in attendance • Use Companies Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter • Gather facts about the culture, company values, job opportunities, news, and events • Understand the companies products and services • Search for jobs that might provide you interest

11. MYTH # 2 – JEANS & T-SHIRT? • You should dress appropriately - informal wear is not acceptable • Know the industry and dress accordingly • This is a professional introduction between you and potential employers • Your chance to make a good, lasting impression so make it a positive one • The Career Fair is part of the job search process, and should be treated as such

12. MYTH # 3 – ONLY JOB SEEKERS SHOULD ATTEND • Your interaction with company representatives should be highly professional even if they do not have current openings • If they are impressed with you, representatives might refer you to another division or keep you in mind for future openings • “Don’t burn bridges” - being courteous and responsive to all employers will most likely pay dividends down the road

13. MYTH # 4 – ONLY JOB SEEKERS SHOULD ATTEND • Reality • Rarely are interviews are held at the Fair so it is unlikely that you will receive a job offer • A Career Fair is an opportunity to establish introductions and interest in the company • A typical company hiring process consists of: • A one-on-one preliminary screening interview – in person or on the telephone • At least one on-site interview at the organization

14. MYTH # 5 – MAYBE A JOB WILL BE OFFERED • Reality • Rarely are interviews are held at the Fair so it is unlikely that you will receive a job offer • A Career Fair is an opportunity to establish introductions and interest in the company • A typical company hiring process consists of: • A one-on-one preliminary screening interview – in person or on the telephone • At least one on-site interview at the organization

15. PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR • Research organizations that you have targeted • Visit the A&FRC website to see which organizations are attending the fair • Research organization literature to gather information (visit the organization website) or LinkedIn, hoovers.com and glassdoor.com • Investigate issues, trends, and the outlook of professions/industries that are of interest

16. PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR • Prepare a list of questions to ask employers • Creative and challenging questions will make a lasting impression on those you meet • Demonstrate knowledge of your chosen career field • Salary • It is not advisable to bring up this topic during an introductory meeting with an employer • If the employer raises the salary question, you need to be prepared to discuss this issue (visit salary.com to assist in your research)

17. PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR • Resume • Visit the A&FRC or schedule an individual appointment • Make sure it is clear, concise, one-page and error-free. Bring multiple copies • If you have resumes reflecting different objectives, be sure to give the right resume to employer • Business Cards • Name, Job Title, Phone Number, and email address • Address to LinkedIn Profile, Personal Websites, QR code • Tag Line or Skill Sets • Consider a Headshot • Keep it clean & simple with plenty of white space

18. DURING THE FAIR • Presentation skills: Be aware of your verbal communication • Speak clearly and concisely • Provide brief, targeted answers to questions • Be honest • Provide complete and articulate responses • Show interest, energy, enthusiasm • Demonstrate that you prepared for the fair by having intelligent responses

19. DURING THE FAIR • Presentation skills: Non-verbal communication • Dress professionally - “look the part” • Have good eye contact • Offer a firm handshake • Demonstrate poise and composure • Avoid distracting mannerisms

20. DURING THE FAIR • Interpersonal skills • Employers will be measuring your ability to interact professionally. • Knowledge of yourself, the organization, and the industry. • Your preparation will manifest itself in a confident, self-assured presentation.

21. DURING THE FAIR • Navigating • Do a walk around before getting started • Step out and research companies • Avoid going the assembly line approach • Avoid the “goodies” • Start conversations with other job seekers

22. DURING THE FAIR • Take notes after visiting a positive opportunity. • What you liked about the company • The job vacancies • How to improve your presentation • Relevant information for the follow-up email

23. AFTER THE CAREER FAIR • How to follow up with employers after the Career Fair • Ask what is the best way to follow up. Each employer has different procedures. • Get a business card from representatives that you talk to at the Fair in order to facilitate your contact follow-up. Connect with them on LinkedIn. • A brief email reminding the recruiter that you met them at the Fair and you are very interested in the organization.

24. AFTER THE CAREER FAIR • How to follow-up with employers (continued) • Have pen and paper ready for any information that the employer may give you; don’t make the employer wait for you • Ask the organization representative when you should begin to follow-up with the organization (this is different than the thank-you note)

25. Final Statements Questions?