Are you "Career" ready?

SPRING CAREER FAIR is next week!
March 19th, 1-4pm, Minges Coliseum

Written by Lee Brown, Director, College of Business Career Center

Attending a career fair for many can be a daunting task.  You’re told to make multiple copies of your resume, dress professionally and go. So, how do you make the most of your career fair experience? It really comes down to 3 simple steps: have a plan, network and effectively follow up.

PLAN
Like any other successful outcomes, it all starts with proper planning. Do some research of the companies that will be attending the career fair. Then, put together a list of the companies you want to meet with.  Map it out and really have a game plan.  The goal is to have some quality conversations, not just say hello and give them your resume. Part of your planning should include research so you can differentiate yourself from the competition. Knowing about what a company does can go a long way in building rapport. As most people ask the, “What do you do?” question, you are unique when you can walk up to an employer and tell them you are aware of what their business does.  If you have the information on who will be attending from the company, research them. It shows two things on your part: one, that you’re serious, and two, you are willing to go above and beyond but what most people are willing to do. In today’s digital age of social media and particularly, LinkedIn, that information is readily available.

NETWORK
Next, you should allocate time to meet with as many companies as you can. If you are like most college students, and people for that matter, you’re probably familiar with the big brand companies, however don’t overlook a really great startup or fast growing company that might be perfect for you. There are amazing opportunities at some of these lesser-known brands, as well. Remember, they wouldn’t be at the career fair if they weren’t growing and looking for great talent. Speak to the representatives of these companies and find out what they do specifically. Get their business cards. Be curious and explore the information you find about these firms and their product and services.  This can help you narrow down some of your choices and help you decide what you might be interested in doing once you graduate.

FOLLOW UP
Finally, you need to make sure you effectively follow up. For those companies you’re keen on, send a quick email thanking them for meeting with you and express your interest in the next steps of their process. A week later, follow up with a phone call and re-iterate your interest in the firm and/or opportunity. Remember getting those business cards?  Send an email to all the people you met with, even if you’re unsure about the firm or company. Ask them to please forward your information on to anyone they feel may have an interest in your background. Remember, just because that person may not have the ideal role for you at their organization doesn’t mean they don’t have a network of contacts that can be beneficial to you. By making a good impression, and effectively following up, you will already be ahead of your fellow students. Lack of effective follow up is one of the biggest ways to pass on potential opportunities.

Remember, successful people don’t just focus on doing great things, they make a concentrated effort to do the small things really great, and with consistency. It’s the little things that matter. Keep doing them well and often, and the results will speak for themselves. Make the career fairs work for you. Remember, they are there to find you, so make the how and why as easy for them as possible.

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