Career Event Preparation
The Career Management Center hosts a variety of career events throughout the academic year with the goal of providing opportunities for students to connect with employers, learn about opportunities, and practice valuable skills that will serve BizRams now and throughout their career.
Employers attend events to identify new talent, meet candidates, and increase the visibility of their company. When interacting with employers you can learn about job and internship openings, learn about possible career paths, and company values and goals.
While the experience may seem overwhelming, remember that company representatives are there to specifically learn about you. Preparing for every career event you attend is important and will help you stand out from others.
Career Fairs are designed to connect students with a wide range of companies, providing them to opportunity to explore career options, learn about job and internship opportunities, and build valuable connections. Taking some time to plan ahead can create a more meaningful, successful experience. Follow the tips below to make the most of your time!
Career Event Check List
- Register early! Search upcoming events and click to register as required.
- Registration is sometimes not required – but you will get employer updates and reminders once you are registered.
- Add to your calendar. Ask for time off early from job/student org/professor, if needed, to attend your registered sessions.
- Identify employers attending. From the Handshake event, click “show all employers.” Find detailed information including company description, position titles and employment type they are recruiting (full-time, part-time, internship, etc.), school years desired, and sessions the company will have available. (Check back often in Handshake – new employers may be added right up to the event date.)
- Make a list of companies to visit and research! Know their key products and services, recent successes/challenges, financial situation, cultural information including their company affinity groups, leadership representation, values, and future growth plans.
TIP: Create an event cheat sheet that includes key company information and a space for you to take notes. Here’s a sample!
- Prepare your resume. Check out the CMC resume samples for ideas and review your resume with a career counselor.
TIP: Keep an eye out for the CMC recruiter resume revisions event prior to the career fair. It is a great way to connect with employers and get a few more tips!
- Print your resume and bring enough copies to share with recruiters at the in-person event.
- Upload your resume to Handshake and make it public so employers you visit can access.
- Check Handshake to identify positions that companies you’ll be meeting with are hiring for. If positions aren’t posted in Handshake, try looking on a company’s website for a glimpse of their roles.
- Develop questions for each company to show that you have an interest and help you get to know them better.
- Practice a 4-step introduction: (1) Who You Are (i.e. name, area of study, year); (2) Your Interests (i.e. job, internship, type of role, etc.); (3) The Highlights (i.e. key info to know about you – experience, skills, knowledge, etc.); (4) A Question (i.e. ask them something to get the conversation going). Researching the company you’ll be meeting could be helpful to form your introduction talking points.
HINT: Refer to our Professional Introduction resources for tips and tricks!
- Have a space to take notes. A padfolio works great and gives you room for any handouts and business cards. Jot down contact information, answers to questions, instructions for follow-up. (Didn’t bring your padfolio? Jot down notes on the back of business cards!)
- Prepare to Dress for Success. Plan your professional attire to show confidence and make a great first impression.
- TIP: Need assistance purchasing professional clothing for events? Check out the CMC Professional Development Fund.
- Familiarize yourself with the room. Locate the employers you want to meet and make a plan.
- Practice with a company before heading to your top choice to get the nerves out!
- Take notes on next steps, impressions, and contacts at each company between visits.
- Get contact information of recruiters to follow up! This is important for your follow-up and continued networking. (Hint: Ask if it’s acceptable to follow-up later with questions.)
- Have copies of your resume handy to offer to recruiters.
- Smile and be yourself!
- Send a thank you note within 24 hours of the event – a handwritten note is a nice touch; an email is more timely. Check out the CMC Guide to Sending a Thank You Note.
- Use LinkedIn to identify recruiters you spoke with and send them a personalized invitation to connect. Find posts they make for added opportunities to engage (Like, Comment, or Share).
- Brush up on interview skills. Schedule a Mock Interview with the CMC for added practice.
- Follow up with tasks that recruiters asked you to do, such as: apply for a position on your career center system, apply on the company website, send them additional information, etc.
- Mark your calendar to follow-up with the employers to see where they are in their hiring process.
TIP: Follow the employers’ timeline. If they suggest one week for a decision, then follow-up in a week. If they don’t provide a timeline, a 1-2 week wait is sufficient before you follow up with them.)
