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Preparing for a successful career fair takes a little bit of time, just like getting ready for an interview, studying for a test, or writing a paper. The following information is
designed to guide you through
the preparation process so that you are ready
with the Essentials for success.
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The next sections guide you through the process to ensure that you have the Essentials covered.
Make sure to also visit the Showcase
Essentials page that provides details on each
item and the schedule of sessions to help you succeed.
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 Why you should attend Career Showcase |
Speak with a number of company representatives in-person
during a few short hours
Get much impact for your time rather just communicating
via email or submitting a resume
Connect with organizations to learn more about specific
careers, pass on your resume, and even arrange interviews
Develop a job search network
by collecting contact information about other departments
and divisions within the organization
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| During the weeks before Career Showcase |
Gator CareerLink
It is an employer-student database that helps connect
students & employers
Sign-up for interviews -- very important after Career
Showcase
Find out who what companies will interview on-campus
and if they hold information sessions
Create a account where you can post your current resume
and cover letter
Check for information sessions with any companies you
are interested in
This will enable you to set up interviews with employers
Get more information
and sign-up now if you do not have an account
Review the list of companies attending Career Showcase
Decide which ones interest you.
Make your own "top ten" list -- keep this list.
Research the companies
Allows you to have an informed conversation with potential
employers at Career Showcase
Find out...
What is the company?s mission?
What is the work culture of the company?
What skills are needed?
What products and services are offered by the company?
What opportunities for advancement exist within the
company?
What you can offer the company and what you can learn?
Where is their main office, would you like to work there?
Where are other branches (if any) you would like to
work for?
What are some projects the company is presently working
on?
Where do you fit in?
What can you offer them and what can you learn?
Who are the contacts from the company attending the
fair?
Prioritize the companies on your list after researching
companies
Which interest you the most?
Which match your goals?
Which seem to fit what you want?
Which will allow you to grow?
Contact your "favorite" companies
Express your interest in them and the opportunities
they have
Tell them you look forward to meeting with them at the
career fair
Your Resume
Write your resume so it is tailored to each company
you want to visit
Have your resume critiqued
CRC
Career Advisor or Ambassador
Monday - Friday every week in the CRC
Feedback for fine tuning a resume or information so
you can write your first resume
Showcase Essentials, Resume Workshop
Get advise, tips, and suggestions, or get the basics
for writing your first resume
View
schedule
Extreme Resume Makeover ? for everyone, but especially great for
those updating and fine tuning a resume
View
schedule
Employer Resume Critiques - have an employer review
your resume
View
schedule
Dress Professionally
Check your current wardrobe to see if you have the
basics for professional dress
Conservative attire is best; a business suit is preferred
-- better to overdress than underdress
Women should wear a business suit
Men should wear a suit and tie, and polished leather
shoes
Some industries are less formal, but research your industry
and employers first
First impressions make a difference -- make it a positive
impression and dress professionally
Ask yourself: "Would I wear this when I go out?"
If you would, then do not wear it to Career Showcase
Attend the Showcase Essentials "Preparing for Career
Showcase" session
See and hear about what you should wear to Career Showcase,
an interview, and much more
Find out what to buy, not to buy, and what will help
you look professional
View
schedule
One-Minute
Interview
Prepare what you will say to employers at the event
Not really One-Minutes long
Provides a great introduction to who you are, your skills,
and what you know about their company
Content includes:
Your name
Your major
Year you are graduating
Position(s) that you are seeking
Relevant experiences (work, internships, volunteer activities
etc.)
Highlights of your skills and strengths
Knowledge of the company
End your introduction by asking an engaging question
which will continue your conversation
Attend Showcase Essentials One-Minute Interview workshop
Get details on developing your One-Minute interview
Hear examples of One-Minute interviews
Practice developing and delivering your One-Minute interview
View
schedule
Plan your schedule for attending Career Showcase
Plan your timing so you can see all of the companies
on your list.
Arrive early so you have more time and employers have
more energy ? they get tired during the long, busy days.
Day 2 is often less busy so take note if companies on
your list are attending Day 2
Speak with employers longer on Day 2
Speak with an employer you only saw briefly on Day 1
Find new companies that did not attend Day 1
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| During the days before Career Showcase |
Resume
Finalize your resume
Make copies to hand out. How many copies?
Bring two copies for each company on your priority list
One for each of the other companies you may visit
A few extras to be safe
Your wardrobe and appearance
Finalize what you are going to wear
Have a simple, well kept hair style
Make sure your clothes are clean, well fitted, pressed
and stain free
Attend the Showcase Essentials "Preparing for Career
Showcase" session (view
schedule)
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| On the days you attend Career Showcase |
Bring all the right things
Wear a professional attire
Have a simple, well kept hair style
Do not chew gum or have candy in your mouth
Limited jewelry and make-up should be worn
Little or no perfume/cologne should be worn
Carry a portfolio or professional shoulder bag; leave
the book bag or backpack at home
Resume copies
List of the companies that you want to visit
Pen and paper for making notes for yourself
Coming from across campus or classes?
Student locker rooms are available in the O'Connell
Center
Bring a padlock so you can stash items before meeting
with employers
Bring your clothes with you and change or add a jacket
before you meet with employers
Gator1 card – this will be scanned as you enter
Name tag – professional looking is the best
Arrive early
Less waiting in line to speak with employers.
More time in case it takes longer than you anticipate.
Employers are fresher and have more energy – that’s
good for you!
Get your bearing once you enter
the O'Connell Center
Get a map of the arena and companies that are attending
so you can map out your route.
Observe others and listen to what they say and how they
interact with company representatives (the good and
the bad).
Talk to employers
Don't go to your top choices first; warm-up with some
others that interest you to settle your nerves
Take the initiative to introduce yourself to the representative
first
Be confident, smile and shake their hand
Use your One-Minute interview
to introduce yourself
Keep eye contact during the conversation
Listen attentively
End your introduction by asking an engaging question
You want to continue the discussion a little longer
Something that shows you are interested in the company
and that you did your homework
Do not ask a question about something you know or they
already told you
For example, “Could you tell me more about the
new product you are developing?”
Avoid...
Asking what the company does – you should know
this already
Asking if the company has any jobs – you can find
out online in many of the employer profiles
Saying that you would be willing to do anything at the
company
Give them an idea of your interests and strengths
Tell them what positions at their company interest you
most
Get a business card before you leave so you can follow
up with companies after Career Showcase
Pick up information about the companies, such as brochures,
CD’s, position descriptions, etc.
Do not take freebies (pens, paper, balls, etc.) without
being invited, asking, or seeing that everyone takes
something from that company
After talking to an employer
Take a few minutes to write down important details so
you remember them later
Most important to note...
Name of the person you saw
Details they gave you
Things you need to do
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| After Career Showcase |
Submit your resume to companies through Gator CareerLink
that requested this at the event
Follow up and keep in touch with the companies and representatives
that interested you the most through emails and phone
calls.
Send a thank you note to all representatives you met
with.
Check Gator CareerLink daily to see new postings and
follow up on the listings to which you submitted your
resume to see if you were selected for an interview.
Keep notes to evaluate continued opportunities, impressions,
highlights and correspondence that you have with a company.
If you didn't get offered an interview right after the
event, stay focused -- the career fair is only one part
of your job search
Continue your job/intern/co-op search after Career Showcase
using your personal network, resources in the CRC, and
everywhere else you can think of
If you want additional advice, assistance, or information
for your job search process...
See a Career
Advisor in the CRC. We also provide to prepare
you for your real interviews.
Continue to sharpen your skills
Do a mock
interview
Continue to update your resume
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