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Show Perform a One-Minute Miracle at Career Fair Bv Kevin Gray Reprinted from JobWeb (www.jobweb.com. You step into the hubbub of the career fair, take a deep breath, and make your way toward a representative from the top-ranked company on your personal list. This is the company you want to work for, and the woman you are approaching is the first gatekeeper. You make eye contact. Smile. Say "hi." Your practiced firm handshake follows. And then ... you're on. Even though no one yells "Lights, camera, action!" this might be as close to an audition as you will ever come. What can you say and do during the next 60 seconds to make this recruiter want to explore the possibility of hiring you? Several career services counselors recommend drafting an introduction as a brief "commercial" that allows you to sell yourself. Mark Reed, career counselor at California State University, Hayward, suggests developing an "elevator speech," a personal presentation just long enough to say to someone in an elevator before they reach their floor. (After all, you never know when or where an opportunity will arise to pitch yourself.) Follow the Formula College career counselors and employers alike suggest following a formula for your introduction. According to them, students should provide the following information during their introduction: * Name * Class (senior, junior, sophomore) * Major * Opportunities that you are seeking * Relevant experience (work, internship, volunteer work) * Highlights of skills and strengths * Knowledge of the company Tailor your introduction to each employer based on good research and knowledge of each company-this will generally impress recruiters. Ted Bouras, director of the Grainger Center for Supply Chain Management at the University of WisconsinMadison Business School, says you should articulate how you'll fit with the company based upon your research. Do your research before the career fair. A list of employers attend ing is usually available prior to the event through the career services office. Most companies .have web r sites that ' provide mfor ~ mation about their products and services. Other resources such as annual reports, press releases, and newspaper coverage are also very helpful and can usually be found on the Internet or in the library with a little digging. Ask an Engaging Question Tracey Cross-Baker, associate director of career services and leadership education at St. Lawrence University, suggests that you end your introduction by asking a focused question that will engage the employer in conversation. Robert Jankouskas, human resources analyst for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, said he often remembers students by the questions * When asked what type of position you are seeking, saying you would be willing to do anything at the company. Many career services counselors recommend practicing your introduction. "Winging it" is not a very wise plan of action, especially when a potential job is at stake. You'll project confidence and charisma during your introduction if you are comfortable with what you are saying. Remember, the words that you say are just part of your presentation package to potential employers. Your overall manner and confidence are also critical components to the successful introduction. Of course, your confidence and personality should be obvious, but not in an they ask exaggerated or cocky during career fairs. Cross-Baker suggests way...just a professional one. asking: "Could you tell me more about the new Incorporate positive (product) you are devel- nonverbal communicaoping?" or "Could you tions, such as eye contell me more about your tact, facial expressions, financial management body language, posture, training program?" etc. A mirror, a friend, Several things career and/or a career services staff member are all services counselors good practice partners. and employers say Ask for constructive you should avoid doing criticism and try it include: again. Take the adage * Asking what the com"practice doesn't make pany does; perfect; perfect practice * Asking if the company makes perfect" to heart. has any jobs; and A Few Words About Career Fair Etiquette Don't interrupt the employer reps or your fellow job-seekers. If someone else is monopolizing the employer's time, try to make eye contact with the rep to let him or her know that you're interested in speaking. You may be doing a favor by giving the recruiter an out. If all else fails, move to the next exhibit and plan to come back later. If you have a real interest in an employer, find out the procedures required to secure an interview. At some career fairs, initial screening interviews may be done on the spot. Other times, the career fair is used to pre-screen applicants for interviews to be conducted later (either on campus or at the employer's site). Sincerity always wins. Don't lay it on too thick, but don't be too blase" either. Virtually all employers are looking for candidates with good communication skills. Don't just drop your resume on employers' display tables. Try to get it into a person's hands and at least say a few words. If the scene is too busy and you can't get a word in edgewise, jot a note on your resume to the effect of, "You were so busy that we didn't get a chance to meet. I'm very interested in talking to you." Look around the display for the recruiter's business card (or at the very least, write down his or her name and get some literature with the company's address) and send a follow-up note and another copy of your resume. If you know ahead of time that one of your "dream companies" is a career fair participant, do some prior research (at minimum, visit their Website and, if available, view their company videotape). A little advance preparation goes a long way and can make you stand out among the masses of other attendees. |