Making the most of the career fair Career

Making the most of the career fair Career Services – UW 1 -160 – Student Success Center (425) 352 -3706 | career@uw. edu | www. uwb. edu/careers

Overview • Career Fair Information • Why Attend? • What to Expect • Build a Brand for Yourself Strategy o Paper Trail o First Impressions o Follow Up o 2

Career Fairs: Why Attend? 3

Career Fairs: what to expect • Employer Reps • Information on available positions • Line for some employers • Lots of noise! 4

Career Fairs: Preparation • Preparation o o o o What do you want to obtain? Review list of participating employers Preliminary Research Develop a list of questions Create career fair navigation plan Dress to Impress Create and perfect elevator speech 5

Career Fair strategy: elevator speech • How… Do you want to serve? (Job Function) • What… Is the position title you’re seeking? • Who… Do you want to work for / serve? • Where…Do you want to be? (Organization or physical • location) Why… Does this interest you? 6

Career Fair Strategy: Paper Trail • Get Your Resume Ready (Cover Letters too) Resume Review at the Career Center o Create employer – targeted resumes o Carry 5 – 10 general resumes o Use professional portfolio/padfolio – black o 7

Career Fair Strategy: First Impressions • Morning of Career Fair o Shower, shave, brush hair, look dapper / dashing o No strong perfume or cologne Eat Breakfast o Print Resumes / Cover Letters o Review List of Employers o Practice Elevator Speech o • Upon Arrival (Arrive Early if Possible) o o o Pick up event material, locate employers Scan the room – walk through Approach targeted employers Be yourself Smile! 8

First Impressions • Approach Employer With Confidence o o o o Smiles, hand shakes, eye contact 30 Second Elevator Speech Ask Questions Leave Resume(s) Focus on what you can bring to the company Take notes after conversation Talk to all employers • Avoid: Saying “I’ll take anything” or “I don’t know” o Asking about salary o 9

Career Fair Strategy: Follow Up • During the Career Fair Keep track of who you met with and what you talked about o Get contact information when possible o o Ex: Business Cards • After the Fair Within 24 – 48 hours, send recruiter an email o Remind them that you met them at the UW Bothell Career Fair o Express interest in their opportunities and mention next steps (I am submitting my application through your career portal; I look forward to speaking with you further, etc. ) o Thank them for their time! o 10

Questions? Conclusion… (425) 352 -3706 | career@uw. edu | www. uwb. edu/careers