Career Success Guide

Job Searching - Career Conference

ATTEND CAREER CONFERENCE

How to Prepare Create/Revise your Resume

During Be An Active Participant

Maximize your experience—don’t just browse. Interact professionally with the recruiters and representatives to learn and connect. You may not have time to speak with every employer, so make a list of the ones that most interest you and visit those booths first. Look and Listen What questions are others asking? What answers are they receiving? There is nothing wrong with subtle eavesdropping. You might even pick up valuable information in addition to witnessing some real-life career search “do’s and don’ts.” Don’t Interrupt If someone else is monopolizing an employer’s time, try to make eye contact with the employer/recruiter to let them know you are interested in speaking with them. If all else fails, move to the next booth and make a note to come back later. Take Notes Write down any important information you receive from employers. Ask for cards from anyone who helped you so that you can spell their names correctly when you follow up. Interviews During the Conference To sign up for employer interviews, you will need to visit the recruiters at their company booth during the conference and you may be offered a time slot. When granted an interview, you will be given a yellow card that includes the employer’s name, date, time, and location of your interview. Please review the Ethical Expectations on page 67 prior to accepting any interviews. The 30-Second Introduction See examples in the “Networking” section of this guide! PRO TIP: Make sure to express enthusiasm when you greet employers. A handshake is customary in western professional culture, but you may respectfully decline. • What are the job responsibilities for the position? • What are the biggest challenges for this position?

Don’t know were to start? Visit the Career Services website or make an appointment with a Career Coach to get resume writing assistance. Already have a resume? Schedule an appointment to get it reviewed at the Career Services office. Bring printed copies of your resume to hand out to employers at Career Conference. Be aware that some employers do not accept hard copy resumes as an application. Research Employers Research employers that are attending to make the strongest impression. You can see who’s attending on Handshake. Tips for researching companies: Visit employers’ websites for information on job openings and qualifications, specific recruitment or professional programs for students, as well as history, size, location and products/services. Login to Handshake to view the event details and company contacts/ positions. Plan Out Your Week Identify the Day for Your Career Interest You are encouraged to attend all days of the conference. In Handshake, view an employer’s profile to see all days that they may be attending Career Conference. Consider your skills and the various industries you could work in. Professional Attire You will make a better impression dressed professionally than you will dressed in your casual clothing. Scan the QR code for examples! Prepare for Interviews Employers use Career Conference to pre-screen applicants for interviews to be conducted later (either on campus or at the employer’s site). See the “Interviewing” section of this guide for more information on interviewing. • How does your organization train its new employees? • What is a typical career path for individuals in this position? • What are the skills and attributes you value most in your employees? • Are there specific courses or other requirements you look for in prospective employees? • What do you enjoy most about working for the organization? Questions to Ask at the Career Conference

• Can you suggest anything I can do to improve my chance of employment? • May I contact you with further questions? • I am a ___ major. What job opportunities would I qualify for? • Do you know someone in your organization that works in the ____ department? Would it be possible for me to set up an informational interview with that person?

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