Career Fairs: Making the Connection Count

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Career Fairs Making the Connection Count!
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Why Attend the Career Fair?

• Network and market yourself
• Learn about career and internship opportunities
• Get an interview
• Gather additional career information
• Target companies that meet your needs
• Prepare for on-campus recruiting

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Details of Upcoming Fair

• SPRING 2009 CAREER EXPO
• Tuesday, January 27, 2009
• 1000 a.m. 300 p.m.
• UCF Arena
• Visit our web site to check out participating
  employers www.career.ucf.edu

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Pre Fair StrategiesPreparation Activities and
Events

• Know what type of position you are seeking
• Write a professional resume
• Learn how to promote your related education,
  skills, and experiences
• Create your professional introduction via the
  1-minute infomercial

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1-Minute Infomercial

• Prepare a 1-minute script about yourself
• EXAMPLE Hello, my name is Jane Seymore.
  I am a senior majoring in Advertising/ Public
  Relations. Last summer I did an internship in
  the Advertising division of FritoLay. I am
  interested in broadening my experience and I read
  that your company is embarking on a new
  advertising campaign for the next quarter.

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Pre Fair StrategiesWomens Business Attire

• Clothing
• Suit with knee-length skirt and tailored blouse
• Pantsuits are more acceptable now, but save them
  for after you obtain the job
• Wear stockings and closed toed shoes
• Acceptable suit colors blue, black and brown
• Nothing sleeveless

• Grooming
• Keep accessories and makeup simple
• Briefcase or purse, not both
• Keep perfume and lotions to a minimum
• Wear hair away from face
• ExecStyle for Women

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Pre Fair StrategiesMens Business Attire

• Clothing
• Two-piece suit
• Solid colors vs. prints or patterns
• Tie pattern should be simple
• Wear polished shoes with dark socks long enough
  so no skin shows when you are seated
• Shirt should be light colored
• Acceptable suit colors blue, black and brown

• Grooming
• Hair clean and cut
• Face should be shaved
• All piercings removed
• Carry a briefcase or portfolio
• Keep cologne and aftershave to a minimum
• ExecStyle for Men

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During the FairShowtime Dos

• Arrive early.
• Bring a portfolio with extra resumes as well as a
  pen and a notepad.
• Check in at the Career Services table to pick-up
  a map and a name tag.
• Take a few minutes to locate your target
  companies on the map remember to visit the
  target companies first.
• Collect a business card from interesting
  employers.
• Practice and review your 1-minute infomercial
  prior to approaching company representatives.
• Be sure to close by reiterating your interest in
  the position and your strengths.
• Be polite and show enthusiasm.
• Turn off cell phones.

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During the FairWHAT QUESTIONS you DO and DONT
want to ask

• DO ASK
• What do you look for in new candidates?
• What training programs does your company offer?
• What geographical area are you hiring for?
• What are career paths in your organization?
• What does your company value in its employees?
• Are you the appropriate person to contact for the
  position? If not,
• What is the application process for the
  position(s)?

• DONT ASK
• What does your company do?
• How soon do I get a vacation?
• Would I have to work evenings
• or weekends?
• How soon could I receive a
• raise or promotion?

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During the FairShowtime Donts

• Dont bring friends.
• Dont arrive late (i.e. Dont come the last 30
  minutes of the eventsome companies leave early.)
• Dont ask inappropriate questions (i.e. What
  does your company do? or How much can I make?
  DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFOREHAND.).
• Dont immediately collect giveaways.

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Post Fair Strategies

• Make notes on the business cards.
• Write thank-you notes.
• Follow-up with phone calls.
• Apply through KnightLink, if required.