"Right Now" Career Fair Coaching

Still need that last minute piece of advice? On the day of the Career Fair, February 19th, quick tips and advice will be available in the Career Fair Participant Hospitality Room, inside the PAC restaurant from 11:00 to 3:00 pm. You can even have one final chance to perfect your self introduction or your elevator pitch.

I am at the Career Fair. . . Now What?

By this time you have gone through the process of research, preparation, and production that is comparable to the amount of work that goes into any major classroom or office presentation. Just like a real presentation, you also need to follow through here.

Introduce Yourself. Let the employer know who you are. Present yourself as confident and enthusiastic about meeting them. They want to hire someone who wants to work for them so show it with your body language. They also are hiring you and not your skills so remember to show that you are not a machine. Be friendly, be courteous, and remember to smile.

Keep Their Interest. Anybody with enough people skills can talk to anybody, but if you want to set yourself apart from everyone else, then show that you have gone the extra mile. You have spent all of that time researching the companies so now you might as well apply that information. Ask intelligent questions that show you have researched their company because they will be much more likely to remember you if you do.

Follow Through. The last thing you do will be to make sure you can keep in touch. Employers will always have a means in which you can contact them later, and most of them will have a business card that you can ask for. The business card makes following up, especially with a thank you letter, very easy.

If you follow these three general ideas for all of the employers, you will be much more likely to be remembered which in turns makes you more likely to get an interview with them. Just be sure to watch your time. If you spend too much time with one person, you may not get to see everyone you wanted to. Also, feel free to take notes between employers on information you gathered or what was discussed since it makes excellent reference material later.

For more information on how to work a career fair, please contact the UIS Career Development Center with your questions. You can email us at careerservices@uis.edu, call us at 206-6508, or come in and visit us at SAB 50.

"Last Chance" Career Fair Ready Resume Critique

With the Career Fair just around the corner, here is the last chance for serious revision on your resume. The entire day, Friday, Feburary 13th from 9 am to 4 pm, has been set aside just for working on your resumes. Hope to see you there.

Just in Time Career Fair Prep Workshop

The in-depth guide on how to prepare for a Career Fair, how to work the floor when you are there, and tips for following up with the employers afterwards.

Wednesday, February 11th 4:30-6:30 pm at SAB 50.

Preparing for the Career Fair

With the Career Fair around the corner (February 19 11:00-3:00) it time that we should all start preparing! It is really important to prepare for the Career Fair in advance so you do not get overwhelmed. Here is a brief list of things that should ideally be completed before the Career Fair.

1. Research
2. Create a Target List
3. Action Plan
4. Ask and Answer Questions
5. 30 Second Elevator Pitch
6. Resumes
7. Portfolio
8. Punctuality
9. Dress for Success
   

Research

It is very important to research the event, employers, expected participants, and requirements to participate. At our Career Fair we have a dress code, be sure you prepare a business professional outfit ahead of time.

Create a Target List

Our website, www.uis.edu/careerservices, is constantly updated with a list of participants. Take a look at the list on a regular basis so you are aware of who will be attending. Then create a target list of the employers you wish to visit the most. It’s a good idea to look deeper into their company (website) to get a better understanding of who and what they are looking for. Rank each of these employers and make sure you visit everyone on your list while at the Career Fair. It is wise to visit an employer towards the bottom of the list first to get your nerves out and practice. When you feel comfortable go see the top employers on your list.

Action Plan

Create and action plan with goals of the Career Fair. It has been proven that when you write out goals you are more likely to achieve them. So go ahead, write out who you want to meet with and the outcome of each.

Ask and Answer Questions

Be prepared to ask the employers questions about their company and openings they may have. However, it is also necessary to expect questions back. Practice responses to questions that may likely arise.

30 Second Elevator Pitch

Practice and perfect your 30 second elevator pitch that you have created. For more information on what to include in your 30 second elevator pitch and more about it, view our 30 Second Elevator Pitch Blog!

Resumes

It is recommended that you bring 10-25 well developed resumes to the Career Fair. To get an idea and help with resumes visit the Resume 101 series on the Blog. It is best that these resumes you bring have been critiqued. The CDC can critique your resume during walk-in hours (Tuesday-Friday 11:00-1:00) or you can set up a 30 minute appointment at a time more convenient for you. Visit our office at SAB 50, or call us at 206-6508

Portfolio

Bringing a portfolio containing resumes, pens, paper, networking cards, transcripts, and references is the best way to be sure you are prepared. Carrying around a portfolio also looks more professional than a purse or a backpack and allows you to grab what you need quicker and easier.

Punctuality

Arriving early to the Career Fair is one of the best decisions you can make. Not only does it look good that you are prompt and ready to go but the employers are more likely to remember the people they first meet and those that they last meet. However, it is unknown when an employer may choose to leave. They often stay to the end but at times get tired or have other business to attend to. So arrive early and make sure you get to see everyone!

Dress for Success

Dress attire is one of the most important pieces to a Career Fair. Showing up in a hoodie, jeans, flip flops or gym shoes does not give an employer a good representation of you and your abilities. You want to look more professional and business like than a college student. The Career Fair also has a dress code and only allows those dressed in business professional or business casual clothing in. For more ideas and tips on what to wear view the Dress for Success Blog.

Need help?

Stop by the Career Development Center. Walk-in hours are 11:00-1:00pm Tuesday-Friday. If this window doesn’t work for you simply call 206-6508 and set up a 30 minute appointment! We are located at SAB 50 or call 206-6508

Career Fair Prep Expo: Making the Most of Career Fairs

Confused about Career Fairs? Not sure how to prepare for one, how to act at one, or how to follow up after one? Want a job?

Come to any of the three Career Fair Prep Expos. Bring your resume for quick critiques.

Thursday, February 5th 11:00-1:00 pm
Thursday, February 5th 4:30-6:00 pm
Friday, February 6th 11:00-1:00 pm

All three Expos will be in the lower concourse of the PAC (across from the Food Emporium).

Dress for Success: Career Fair Chapter

Think jeans are okay? Worried about your outfit? Not sure what to wear?
You know you should be getting your outfit together well before the event but you just can’t seem to find the “perfect” outfit!

Dressing right for the Career Fair is a very important aspect of preparation. The Career Fair does have a dress code of Business Casual or Business Professional wear. Participants that are wearing jeans, sweatshirts, flip flops, gym shoes, etc. will not be let in until they have changed. This is exactly why you need to get your outfit picked out ahead of time! Don’t wait until the night before, you never know when your pants might not fit the way you want them to, or your shirt has lost a button. Shoes are always a difficult challenge as well. So prepare ahead of time and focus your attention on the other preparations for Career Fair!

· Need help thinking of outfit ideas?
· Not sure what is considered Business Professional or Business Casual?
· Want to know if your outfit is acceptable?

Visit out website at http://www.uis.edu/careerservices/launch/dress.html!

· The break down of business professional and business casual attire
· What not to wear items for both men and women
· Other tips and a list of links and resources for even more information

So go ahead take a look, I guarantee you will be glad you did!

Remember: Make your first impression GREAT, it may be the only one you get!


If you need any additional help stop by the office (SAB 50) and ask, or call us at 206-6508
Remember to check the events calendar for dates and times of the Career Fair Prep Sessions!

Questions/Comments??Blog us! Post a comment and a Career Outreach Specialist will get back to you ASAP!