Career Services will be holding two info sessions that will go over what you need to bring and teach you how to appropriately prepare for the Career Fair. Topics that will be discussed include what to do, what to bring, what to say and how to present yourself to recruiters.

Congratulations!

You have taken the first step to make the most of your Career Fair experience at the UWRF Career Fair. Preparation is the key to your success.

Never been to a Career Fair before? We offer insight into everything from what to wear, to what to say and ask, to what you should do to follow up.

What is the Career Fair?

An event where representatives from organizations—mostly companies and graduate schools—come to UWRF to network with students and answer questions about their organization and opportunities they may have available. Many students attain a job or internship as a result of attending the fair.

Who Should Attend the Career Fair?

• Freshmen can use the Career Fair to explore different career paths or find a part-time job
• Sophomores can develop networking skills earlier and find internships
• Juniors can learn of internship opportunities; and if hired for an internship, get work experience while still in college
• Seniors, Graduate Students, and Alumni can get leads on career opportunities

Browsers are welcome as well. You may learn something that might be of interest to you!

What will the Career Fair do for You?

At the Career Fair, you will be able to:

• Get information from employers and graduate schools
• Network with professionals directly in your field of interest
• Find information to assist you in choosing a career path or industry in which to work
• Target a specific organization that may interest you
• Learn about career opportunities, internships, or summer positions from a diverse group of employers
• Learn about the recruiting process
• Develop business etiquette and professional attitude
• If graduating, find assistance making the transition from college to profession

Research Yourself

Know what you want! Have an idea of the industry and position you are seeking. Also, know the responsibilities that come along with the position. Finally be prepared to tell the recruiter why you have chosen to follow that career path.

Research the Companies

Obtain a list of attending organizations so you can research the companies and prioritize who you want to visit first. Some things they you may want to look into while researching would be: Do the company's values match up with your own; What positions and/or internships do they have to offer; Are there opportunities for advancement. Find a list of employers attending the Career Fair HERE.

Update your Resume

Your resume is an opportunity to present yourself to the recruiters. You should create a resume that you are proud of and that is attractive and error-free. A resume with typos is the easiest way to be overlooked. If you need assistance with your resume, visit a Peer Advisor at the Career Services office.

Your 60-Second Commercial

You only have a few minutes to introduce yourself to the recruiters. In this time, you will want to attract the company’s interest by telling them what your career goals are, and why you are a good fit for their organization. Prepare the introduction with which you will greet recruiters; keep it positive.

-State your name
-Your major
-Ask about the opportunities available that you are looking for such as an internship, job, or research.
-Ask how you can apply for the position

Hello, my name is Erin Murphy, and I am a junior majoring in Biology. I am wondering if you have any internship opportunities available with BioCompany and if you do, how would I apply for the position?

Practice your Answers

Practice the responses you will give to the basic questions you will be asked. Think of this as a job interview...if you do not prepare an answer to basic questions the recruiters are asking, you will not look prepared.

When you are speaking with a recruiter you may be asked to discuss the type of position you are looking for, your major/education, potential career interests, strengths and skills, work experience, special training, and qualifications. Be prepared to talk about everything that you have written in your resume.

Develop Questions for the Recruiter

Use the knowledge you have from researching the attending companies. Be prepared to ask thoughtful and appropriate questions. Listed below are sample questions you may want to consider asking the recruiters.

• What skills do you find most marketable?
• Do you have internship/summer job opportunities for someone in my major?
• I am interested in working for your company, but there are no openings in my major right now. Who should I contact about future openings?
• Can you suggest anything I can do to improve my chances of employment with your company?

What to Wear

The Career Fair is most likely the first impression you will have with the company. You may not have the opportunity to make a second impression. The recruiters understand that as a student you may not have a suit but you should still dress as professional as possible. Remember that other students are looking to make a great first impression too, make this your opportunity to stand out!

Be Memorable

• Dress professional, recruiters remember those who are dressed for success
• Introduce yourself, use a firm handshake and smile
• Use your 60-second commercial, let the recruiter know what you are looking for
• Actively listen to what the recruiter is saying-maintain eye contact
• Communicate your interest with your knowledge of the organization
• Get business cards and literature with info on the company and what they have to offer
• Discuss how and when to follow-up
• Ask if you can call them with questions
• Offer your resume or professional portfolio
• If the employer interests you, ask what the next steps are
• Thank them for their time—be gracious

Remember, the recruiters see you as a potential future representative of their company. You should display confidence and enthusiasm when you talk with them. Be able to think and speak under pressure. The more you are prepared in what you are going to say and how you answer their questions, the more they will remember you.

While at the Fair

• Network while you wait—talk with other fair goers to see who they have talked to and what types of opportunities they have heard about
• Be prepared to discuss anything
• Walk the Career Fair by yourself, not in a group
• Be patient and polite at all times—before and during the fair. You don’t know if the person next to you is the company representative you will want to impress later
• Approach employers, but do not interrupt conversations in progress
• Observe others while they are talking with recruiters, take note of what they say and how they hold themselves, this may help you when its your turn to speak with a recruiter
• Remember, the Career Fair is your chance to shine, take advantage of the opportunities at your fingertips

After Talking with a Recruiter

Make notes regarding the conversation - what positions they are hiring for, what they have to offer employees, how to follow-up. Take time to regroup before heading to the next recruiter. If you need to, jot down notes afterwards while the conversation is still fresh in your mind.

Take note of things you can do differently between each recruiter you talk to and make changes in your approach if needed. How well did you communicate? Did your questions get answered? Did you accomplish what you set out to do? What could have been done differently to reach your goals?

After the Fair

Send out a thank you letter to the recruiters that you spoke with at the fair within two or three days of the fair. This will reinforce the interest you have in the company.

By sending a follow-up letter you can restate your interest and qualifications by telling them why you are interested in the company and why you would be a good asset and fit. Along with your letter, you may also send your resume and cover letter. Make sure to call about 10 business days after sending your information to ensure that it was received.

If you decide to send an electronic resume at this time, make sure your full name is in the filename of the resume, otherwise it may get lost among the other resumes the company receives. Also, you may send your cover letter at this time with your resume.