Job Fair Prep! NMU Career Services Melissa Sprouse Assistant Director

Transcription

1 Job Fair Prep! NMU Career Services Melissa Sprouse Assistant Director

2 What is a Job Fair? Jobseekers: NOT an opportunity to walk out with a job/internship (typically) Establish contacts with employers Employers: Publicize their organization Meet with many potential candidates in a short period of time. Gather information Explore opportunities

3 Why go? Network meet with and talk to potential employers Information gather info about industries, career fields, organizations, areas Find employers who are of interest to you Info about companies hiring processes do they have rolling deadlines? Typical recruitment timelines? Get a better sense of your overall career options Gain Confidence increase your self-confidence in interacting professionally with employers

4 How am I going to stand out?

5 Preparation is Key Documents Research Elevator pitch Dress Online presence What to bring What to do

6 [Local Address City, ST] [Phone] [Professional/School ] OBJECTIVE [Concise statement telling why you are submitting your resume. See attached notes.] EDUCATION Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan Master of [Major] [Concentration, GPA] Bachelor of [Major] [Concentration, if you have one] [Minor, if you have one] [Achievements/accomplishments] Expected in [Month Year] [Month Year] Target it to your career goals Resume Include objective use a broader objective towards a career path/industry, rather than specific company. Proofread! Print copies on resume-quality paper (in the CS office!) EXPERIENCE [Job Title] [Start Month Year End Month Year or Present] [Company/Employer Name], [City, State] [Short description of job duties. Can include a bulleted list:] [Noted responsibilities, skills, achievements] [List in order of importance] [Highlight your skills/responsibilities based on information from your desired job] SKILLS AND ABILITIES [Job Title] [Start Month Year End Month Year] [Company/Employer Name], [City, State] [Short description of job duties. Can include a bulleted list:] [Noted responsibilities, skills, achievements] [List in order of importance] [Highlight your skills/responsibilities based on information from your desired job] [Certifications] [Language Fluencies] [Workplace skills] [Computer/technical skills, software proficiencies, etc.] VOLUNTEER [Volunteer Job Title] [Start Month Year End Month Year or Present] EXPERIENCE [Organization Name], [City, State] [Short description of organization, if necessary. Describe volunteer duties and responsibilities. Use a bulleted list if desired:] [Noted responsibilities, skills, achievements] [List in order of importance] [Highlight your skills/responsibilities based on information from your desired job] PERSONAL REFERENCES [Information about extracurricular involvements of interest; availability; etc] References are available upon request.

7 Business Card It s optional, but a nice touch. Include Northern Michigan University Your full name Major and minor Contact info (professional please!) LinkedIn Address GPA (3.0 or above only!) QR Code

8 Research Employers Find out who s attending use Cat Career Tracks Pick out the ones of most interest to you Find out more info What info is missing? Career Fair Success video:

9 Elevator Pitch This is important! Practice, practice. Elevator Pitch Video:

10 Remember Be prepared to continue your commercial by answering the recruiter s questions. Don t answer What kind of job are you looking for? with Uhhhh or I don t know or It doesn t matter

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12 What to Wear Business professional if possible. Business casual in a pinch.

13 Image courtesy of Florida International University Career Services office

14 Check yourself.. What kind of presence do you have online? Google search Facebook settings Twitter posts LinkedIn? Start to take charge of what s out there.

15 Are employers REALLY going to look? YES!

16 Pre-event Connecting Before the job fair, look up the employers social media accounts Twitter Facebook Pinterest Instagram YouTube

17 LinkedIn Great place to get started in professionally social networking. Profiles are free Connect with employers you meet at the job fair Helpful resource to walk you through LinkedIn

18 What to take: Portfolio Copies of your resume Business cards Note pad and pen Don t take Backpack, skateboard Cell phone Kids Pets

19 During the Job Fair Arrive early Get your nametag and handout Check the table map Be patient and polite Scan employer handouts first Listen to other conversations Be confident practice that handshake! Elevator pitch Conversation ask questions Application procedure? Business card Note about company Note about freebies. Student evaluation

20 Starting the Conversation

21 Questions to consider What career opportunities do you typically have available? What s the employment outlook for your field right now? (Is it growing quickly or does it seem stable?) What type of training is available? What do you look for in a successful candidate? What key skills or experiences are highly desirable? Do you have any tips for success in this field?

22 More questions to consider What are common career paths within your organization? What is your organization culture like? What suggestions do you have for a student in their year of school? How can I make myself better prepared for a position like the one you have open? Are there courses I could take to better prepare myself for this industry? How do you enjoy working for this organization? I read about XYZ project on your website is your department involved in that work?

23 Do not ask What s the salary like? What are your benefits? What does your company do? Or anything that can be answered by a quick trip to the company website.

24 After it s over Follow up! Written or is fine Yet more research Keep options open

25 Questions? Career Services C.B. Hedgcock * * careers@nmu.edu