HOW TO WORK A JOB FAIR
 

"How to Work a Job Fair" power point.  Click here for pp.

-Click here for Job Fair Tips and here.

Endicott's 8 Job Fair Tips:

1.  Select 10 employers you are interested in from this link.  Write those employers down and write down beside them why you are interested in them. Know where they are located in the room.

2.  Research your top employers-What do they do? Who are their customers? What recent press coverage can you find that touches on issues they face or trends in their industries? What types of positions are they seeking to fill, and how do you fit in?

3.  Write a One-Minute Job Fair Commercial.  I want you to memorize your commercial.  Your commercial should consist of:
►Introduce yourself by telling your name,. grade level and major
►Some information you know about their organization-show that you have done research
►Explain how interested you are in their organization and what skills you have to offer
►Tell them a little bit about what you know related to their positions
►Ask for their feedback

My Commercial:
"Hi I am Charlie Endicott and I am a senior psychology major here at Salisbury University.  I did an extensive amount of research on your organization and I am really excited about the possibility of a career with xxxxxx.  I noticed in my research that you have career opportunities for outdoor counselors and that is a career area I have always been interested in.  Through my academic studies and research I have a very solid understanding of the importance of outdoor therapy and the role it plays in young people making a full recovery.  Could you please tell me more about this opportunity and also what would be the best way for me to apply for such an outstanding position?"
Additional Questions:
1.  Could you look at my resume and give me some comments?
2.  How did you become interested in a career with??
3.  Are there training programs available for new employees?
4.  How can I make myself the most qualified for your position openings?
5.  What do you like the most about working for XXXX?
6.  What are some of the most desirable skills you are looking for?
7.  Do you think I would qualify for the position openings at this time?
8.  Are there opportunities for advancement within your organization?
9.  What do you thing is the most important thing for a new hire to do within your company?
10. What are the most important skills you are looking for?

More job fair questions - Click here for possible questions to ask the employer.

4.  Have a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Let employers know how serious you are. Greet the employer with a firm handshake, and maintain eye contact throughout your conversation. Showing interest and good manners is important, regardless of the type of job you are looking for. Every employer appreciates someone who is dedicated, conscientious, and attentive.  Get their business card.

5.  Talk about what you can do for them. How do your skills and experience help them address a business need? Insofar as you are able to, know what's important to them, and tell about a prior experience or accomplishment that relates to that.

6.  Put your best foot forward. First impressions count. Wear your best business attire.

7.  Bring an ample supply of resumes and business cards. Make sure your resume is perfect - no typos or other bloopers

8.  Follow up within 24 hours. "This is critical. Bear in mind that these recruiters will have met many students that day, so you need to help them remember you.  Click here for a link to the Thank You Letter.

-Role play approaching a Recruiter at the job fair.  One person will be the student and one or two will be the recruiters.  Each person must have his/her commercial ready and 10 questions.  You will have 15 minutes to get ready for this. 

What NOT to do at a Job Fair:

(-- Tim Gorman is a group vice president for Spherion, a leading provider of recruiting and staffing services. He oversees the operations of 28 staffing offices in Central Florida.)
1) Never attend without a resume

2) Please don’t hand out a resume with errors/misspellings

3) If you’re not dressed for the part, don’t go. Remember, this is an interview

4) Approaching employers/booths when it is overcrowded – you’ll never stand out – wait until they are less busy

5) Don’t drop off and run – avoid the urge to simply hand out as many resumes as you can – that isn’t the goal. Make sure you take the time to talk to the employers, ask questions and appear genuinely interested and not just another company on the receiving end of your resume rampage.

How to dress or not to dress for a job fair

1.  What should you wear?
2.  What should you NOT wear?
-click here and here.

 

2009-10 Job/Internship Fairs

Fall General Job & Internship Fair
(You can now view the fair details by clicking on the above link)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
12:00-4:00. Wicomico Room, GUC.

Spring General Job Fair
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
12:00-4:00. Wicomico Room, GUC.

Summer Job Fair
(Job Fair information available soon)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
2:00-6:00. Wicomico Room, GUC.

Health Professions Job Fair (Partner's Symposium)
(Job Fair information available soon)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
10:00-3:00. Wicomico Room, GUC.

Education Job Fair-in conjunction with UMES
(Job Fair information available soon)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
10:00-2:00. Throughout the University Center.