How to Ace a Job FairWithout coming off like a used car salesman!

Jennifer Fisher Graduate Retention Program Manager

Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce

Walk away with an understanding of good and bad networking skills

Be prepared before you walk through the door!

What not to wear

Now what? How to handle following up even if you’re not interested

So where do we begin?

So why is this important?

Know who’s going to be at the job fair!

Are they hiring?

What industry are they in?

What do you have to offer them?

Create your introductionHi my name is __________________________

I’m a student at ____________________, studying __________________. I’m currently in my ____________ year.

What do you do for _____________? How long have you been there? Do you like what you do? Are you currently doing any hiring or do you

anticipate any in the near future?

Have your resume up to date.

If you are interested in a position, research it and

create a resume specific to it.

Print on nice paper (not plain white copy paper).

Make more than you think you’ll need.

Carry them in a nice padfolio.

START WITH THE BASICS

ABC’s of Image

Appearance

Wardrobeclothing

accessories

Groominghairskin

nails makeup

fragrancebreath

(don’t chew gum)

ABC’s of ImageBehavior

EtiquettePhone/emailMannersIntroductionsHandshakes

CivilityRespectful behaviorConsideration of others

AttitudePositive attitudeSelf-confidence Self-esteem

ABC’s of ImageCommunication

VerbalSpeaking skills (avoid “Like” and “Um”)

GrammarVocabulary

Presentation skills

NonverbalPosture

GesturesEye contact

Facial expressionsListening skills

WrittenLanguageGrammar

Professionalism

Be a rock star in a business suit!

First Impressions

How long does it take to make an impression?

Within thirty seconds people judge: economic level

educational levelsocial position

level of sophisticationability to success

By four minutes most have made decisions about: trustworthiness

compassionreliability

IntelligenceCapability

HumilityFriendliness

confidence

Be a SUPER candidate

Not this guy!

It all starts with a great smile and a firm handshake!

Ask questions.

Listen.

Be interested.

Answer questions.

Don’t take all their time.

Thank them.

How (NOT) to Work a Room

• Try to avoid coming off as aggressive

• Avoid getting into specifics about the salary and benefits you want

• You’ll want to leave an impression, just make sure it’s a good one!

• Don’t get distracted

Follow Up After the Event

• Thank you letters and notes• “It was a pleasure speaking with you at the IPFW Career Fair

yesterday. I enjoyed learning more about your company and the many opportunities available there. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you again to discuss my qualifications for your open positions. Thank you again for your time.”

• “It was a pleasure speaking with you at the IPFW Career Fair yesterday. I enjoyed learning more about your company and the many opportunities available there. Although I am not seeking an internship/job at this time, I would be very interested in re-connecting with you next fall to discuss positions available within your organization. I feel that I possess the skills and attitude to be a positive addition to your staff. Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me.”

Practice makes perfect!!!

You can’t win the lottery, if you don’t buy a ticket!

Questions

Jennifer Fisher, Program Managerjfisher@fwchamber.org

Graduate Retention Program

Twitter: JenfisherfwBlog: www.generationalsoup.com

www.indianaintern.net

Thank You!!!