Most college students and young professionals attend job fairs, either on campus, at professional conferences, at community and city-wide events. Unfortunately many leave the fair having missed great opportunities because they weren't properly prepared. I have seen students and talented professionals leave career fairs with multiple hot opportunities, while at the same fair their equals leave complaining of lack of "real opportunities" at the fair. As the saying goes "one man's garbage is another man's gold."
1. Do your pre-fair homework. Before you even step foot in the place, review all employers attending (often listed in online registration services or pre-fair advertisements) and plan a schedule on employers you would like to visit and specific opportunities of interest. Also note in some cases if available key contact names and titles of positions or programs you are interested in. Savvy employers pick up quickly who has done research prior to the fair, get a professional edge, be one of those people that stand out in the crowd.
2. Tailor your resume for career fair. This resume should be tailored to the employers and opportunities your researched prior to the fair (leave the generic versions home!). If you really want to take it to the next level prepare a cover letter with a specific contact and position listed (as listed pre-fair by the employer). ***Remember some employers are not able to accept resumes, don't take it personal, but remember to leave a card (note on back your strategic intent-position etc.), and immediately follow-up and apply online.
3. Prepare your "One Minute Power Presentation." This would be your initial 1 minute introduction of yourself, your academic background, most marketable experiences and skills, specific job or internship interest. Be concise, confident, and professional. You should prepare your presentation prior to the fair, but don't sound stiff and rehearsed. Through in a little specialized research on particular employers if you can (i.e. latest reports, current media issues etc.) By the way a big part of this presentation is dress, never come to a career fair in "professional casual" attire. Be dressed like the sharpest executive on wall street.
4. Get there early. Unfortunately some people always seem to wait until noon to attend career fairs, and guess what they will be joined by hundreds of other candidates, in some cases thousands, many long lines, and greeted by rushed employers. Get there early, you'll have shorter lines, a better opportunity to talk with employers, you will also reach employers when they have more energy and time to give you more quality attention. When you arrive early you may be able to avoid long registration lines as well.
5. Follow-up. Never leave without individual contact information of recruiters, especially of employers that really impressed you. Follow-up with emails, and yes, written letters are a popular novelty if you send it to a recruiter with a nice card. Find out the next time the employer will be in town, or on campus. Make sure you schedule time to make a follow-up connection with the employer in near future.
Make it happen for yourself, you deserve it!
Any other recommendations readers?
kwells@howard.edu
No comments:
Post a Comment