Career Fair Preparation!

Before The Career Fair…

COMPANIES so you can…

speak intelligently

show initiative

show interest &

enthusiasm!

Doing Company Research is Easy!

Who do you know?• Can be someone who is currently or previously there.

• Have they hired a Centriq Grad before? o Keyword search co name and “Centriq” on LinkedIn.

Prepare questions

**Bonus** Find a connection• Do you have previous interest or experience in their industry or

with similar products/services?

to Disover

What you like about the company• Products, services, reputation, culture,

commitment to philanthropy, etc.

Be at your best

with a full of night of rest!

.

Before The Career Fair…

RESUMES

&

PORTFOLIO

Come Prepared! NOTE - Staple resumes

with more than one page!

Prepare

Your

Elevator

Pitch!

Before The Career Fair…

What’s Your First Impression?

The most important thing about a first impression is realizing

you will make one!

First Impressions

Opinions are first formed based on perceptions about:

Your appearance. Your manner of speech. Your general behavior. Your perceived level of expertise.

What Makes An Impression?

Passion And Enthusiasm!!

Communication

Communication goes two-ways

Some points to remember:

Listen carefully to what the employer says.

Identify things that are important to them.

Have examples of your transferrable skills in your “tool belt” so you can give examples of the skills/characteristics that employer is looking for.

Watch their body language.

o If there is a line of people waiting the interviewer may look anxious.

o If it’s late in the career fair they may be getting tired.

Eye contact (portrays integrity)

Smile and maintain a pleasant expression throughout. Nod (says “I’m listening”, “I understand”, “I care”)

Maintain an upright stance (conveys authority and action)

Appear friendly & cooperative by displaying the following:

Defensive: Hand clenching, arms crossed, lack of eye contact, face rubbing, leaning away.

Looking around nervously and not making eye contact. Anxious: Frequent blinking, licking lips, clearing throat, fidgeting,

covering mouth.

Negative Body Language

Adjust To The Interviewer!Interviewers have different personalities,

different needs, and different expectations.

This means YOU have the challenge of being versatile enough to talk to each a bit differently.

At The Career Fair…

REVIEW your NOTES and prepare you approach.

RELAX…Job fairs

tend to be more casual

than formal interviews,

so you can relax and

be more friendly.

SCOPE THE ROOMto identify where each company

is located.

DECIDE who you want to approach first.

EXPRESS INTEREST

OFFER YOUR RESUME

THANK THE REPRESENTATIVE

ASK FOR A BUSINESS CARD.

MAKE SOME NOTES!

At The Career Fair…

Things To Remember…

About A Job Fair Situation

Some employers are looking to hire right now!

Some are looking for anticipated openings.

They could refer you to another department manager.

Looking for a “Rock Star” - Culture Fit.

BE THAT PERSON THAT STANDS OUT!

Recruiters/Staffing Agencies

The Recruiter told me

they only look for

people with more

experience…

Career Fair

Career Fairs are a great way to:

Develop contacts in your field

Learn about new companies, industries, etc.

Learn about how employees in IT impact the company.

Practice your professionalism, communication and

behavior.

Perfect your elevator speech.

Learn about different company application processes

and tips to making your application stand out from

other applicants.

YOU…after the career fair!

EARN $500.00!!!Do you have a friend, colleague, or family

member who would like to join you in a successful career in IT?

Refer someone who enrolls and we will pay you $500.00!

Let Russ (or the front desk) know who you are referring so we can be sure you get credit!