For alternative formats or accommodations related to a disability, please contact The Career Development Center at 541.737.4085 or [email protected]. CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER PREPARING FOR A VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR It is an opportunity for employers and job seekers to meet and discuss employment opportunities on a virtual, interactive platform. When you log in, the virtual environment set will look like a real-world career fair with map of the fictional booths (think Sims). Similar to online discussion posts. After you log in, you choose to “enter” rooms within the virtual fair. Each room houses a different employer. When you enter the room, the employer receives notification and they will greet you via the chat function. Once the chat begins, you will introduce yourself and ask questions about open positions, details about the organization, and your qualifications. Before the fair, you will have uploaded your resume for employers to view. Although all communication within the fair is text based, employers may ask to speak with you over a videocall at some point. Therefore, you should be prepared for face to face interactions. WHAT IS A VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR LIKE?
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For alternative formats or accommodations related to a disability, please contact The Career Development Center at 541.737.4085 or [email protected].
CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER
PREPARING FOR AVIRTUAL CAREERFAIR
It is an opportunity for employers and job seekers to meet and discuss employment opportunities on a virtual, interactive platform. When you log in, the virtual environment set will look like a real-world career fair with map of the fictional booths (think Sims).
Similar to online discussion posts. After you log in, you choose to “enter” rooms within the virtual fair. Each room houses a different employer. When you enter the room, the employer receives notification and they will greet you via the chat function.
Once the chat begins, you will introduce yourself and ask questions about open positions, details about the organization, and your qualifications.
Before the fair, you will have uploaded your resume for employers to view.
Although all communication within the fair is text based, employers may ask to speak with you over a videocall at some point. Therefore, you should be prepared for face to face interactions.
WHAT IS A VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR LIKE?
For alternative formats or accommodations related to a disability, please contact The Career Development Center at 541.737.4085 or [email protected].
CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER
PREPARING FOR AVIRTUAL CAREERFAIR
1. Register ahead of time so that you know whichemployers will be participating and to receive yourevent login information.Register on Handshake:https://tinyurl.com/y9lkw8md
2. Prepare your resume! It will be uploaded tothe fair site for employers to review and needs tomake a great first impression.Use Vmock to review your resume virtually:https://tinyurl.com/y7zfx795
3. Research companies attending the career fairso you will know about the positions that you areinterested in and have well-developed questions toask the company’s recruiter.View employers on Handshake:https://tinyurl.com/yd476nog
4. Practice your elevator pitch. How will you introduce yourself? Why are you interested in the company or position? How does your major and previous experience align with the positions you are seeking?Use StandOut to practice:https://tinyurl.com/ybd4t6vv
5. Check your technology. Make sure your device is capable of supporting the virtual career fair. Having a device with camera capabilities is great, but not essential. Practice before the day to avoid last minute surprises and be sure to down-load necessary software as soon as you receive career fair directions from OSU.
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE FOR THE VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR?
Put yourself out there. Be prepared to engage in a conversation with an employer about your skills and the company’s positions, mission, vision, values, products/services, and/or hiring steps.
Ask for next steps and get contact information. Before signing out of your chat, be sure to take down the employer’s contact information (if you don’t already have access to it) and ask how you can stay in touch (LinkedIn?). Clarify the next steps in the process-talking to HR, filling out an applica-tion, scheduling a follow-up interview, etc.
Use clear, professional business communication. Since your interactions will be done through writing in the chat platform, you need to demon-strate articulate written communication. Grammar, spelling, and concise messages will shape their impression of you.
Send a thank you email within 24-hours. Reach out to those you connected with at the fair and thank them for their time. If you are interested in working for that company, be sure to refresh their memory and remind them why you are a good candidate, why you are interested in the company/job, and the skills/experience you bring to the table. This is a great opportunity to send them your resume, work samples, link to your portfolio and/or LinkedIn profile.
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR A SEPERATE VIDEO CALL WITH AN EMPLOYER?
For alternative formats or accommodations related to a disability, please contact The Career Development Center at 541.737.4085 or [email protected].
CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER
PREPARING FOR AVIRTUAL CAREERFAIR
Professional attire. Be prepared for an employer to ask to speak with you face to face. Check to see if attire looks fine on camera first.
Distraction-free environment. Plan where you’ll be attending the fair from. A quiet location is ideal with an appropriate background for possible camera meeting.
Strong body language. If you are asked to chat face to face, be conscious of your body language and eye contact. Speak clearly with minimal hand gestures.
Practice with StandOut: https://tinyurl.com/ybd4t6vv
