1. Career Fair Prep Seminar A Strategic Plan for the Career Fair

2. Career Services Partners

3. Career Services Partners

5. Gift certificates from local merchants

8. Learn more about numerous and diverse industries and corporations – the world of work.

9. Learn what kinds of work, products, and services people with your major do, make and offer

10. Persuade potential employers you are the person they should hire

13. Employers reluctant to commit to new hires, rent space and build inventory

14. Exports fell off sharply in June

15. Imports soared

17. Companies have a lot of money in reserves

18. Consumers are getting their budgets in orderWhen businesses feel secure about the economy, the upswing could be swift In a matter of months, the fear and uncertainty will fade and stronger growth will reemerge Information taken from “The Kiplinger Letter” , Vol. 87, No. 34, Aug 20, 2010 Overall : Yes, the employers are hiring, but strategically.

19. A Successful Approach Develop a strategy Fine tune your resume Practice your interview skills Dress appropriately Understand employers’ expectations Use available resources

20. What to bring to the job fair? Copies of resumes Transcripts Professional notepad/pen and notes Firm handshake Your calendar Research on the companies Confident and enthusiastic attitude A polished, professional appearance

21. Dress for Success Dressing Tips For Men Suit: Dark blue, brown or gray Shirt: White, light blue Tie: Contrasting (with some red) Shoes: Black or Brown Belt: Matches shoes and socks (socks match slacks) Hair: Trimmed or pulled back Avoid: Earrings Hats Heavy cologne

22. Dress for Success Dressing Tips For Women Skirt/Slacks: Dark blue, brown, gray Blouse: Light colored, not floral Shoes: Conservative Hair: Pulled away from face Avoid: Tight or revealing clothing Shoes with straps, high heels, light colored Excessive jewelry, perfume and make up

23. A Solid Resume Your “ticket” to an interview A resource for filling out applications Evidence of what you have done A conversation starter Different for the college grad vs. someone with years of experience

28. Research the Employers Employer’s Website Hoover’s Online Dun & Bradstreet (dnb.com) Fortune’s 500 Biggest Companies Bus. Week’s & Forbes’ 100 Best Small Companies Google National, local, and trade specific publications USAJobs.org

29. The Infomercial

30. Skills and Experiences in Demand Co-op/Internship Experience Consolidation of skills Project Management Team Building Communication Skills (oral & written) International Technical, Liberal Arts and Business Flexibility – slide from one job to another Problem Solving/Analytical Skills Confidence

32. Does the job-seeker possess the enthusiasm and work ethic that the employer expects?

34. First impressions are important! Introduce yourself using some of these topics:Name Degree, major, and minor Grade point average Work, co-op and internship experience Leadership Projects Knowledge of company!

36. Listen carefully

37. Body language: eye contact, gestures, posture

38. Chemistry, make a connection: Remember, it’s a conversation

39. Employers are much more interested in your “why’s” and your “how’s” than your “what’s”

40. Concise answers, explain answers, provide examples to complete the “picture”

42. Performance At the end of the interview: - Thank them for their time/information - Ask for a business card - Send a thank you note within 24-48 hrs.

43. Infomercial Demonstration

44. Your Turn to Practice Use what you learned tonight, the handout resources, and the paper/pencils on the tables behind you to compose your infomercial. Raise your hand if you have questions! Volunteers located around the perimeter of the room if you’d like to try your infomercial out right now. Time to Practice