1. IN S ID ER TIP S F O R S U C CESS AT C AREER F AIR
September 2009
By Matthew Dobson
On Wednesday, September 23rd, Millett Hall will erupt in a frenzy of networkingand job searching.
Hundreds of students with their resumes completed, their hair combedand their suits free of lint will
work their way to the annual extravaganzaknown as Career Fair. In the calm before the stormI sat
down with the Farmer School'sown Sharon Attaway, to learn a little bit more about Career Fair
and then sought input from actualrecruitersabout how to make a good impression.
"Finding a job is not impossible, but it requires patience, persistence and energy," explains Ms. Attaway, the
school's director of professional development.
In the wake of an economic recession, there seems to be a cloud of worry covering business students. It's
hoped that Career Fair will do a lot to fix that, though, since 164 employers will be coming to Miami to
recruit interns, find employees and network with students. And those aren't the only companies keep ing
Miami on their radar, either. Any student who attends a training session at the Career Services office in Hoyt
Hall will have access to utilize the CareerLink, the Career Services web site, to its full extent, which will
connect them with a whole host of other employers who won't be at Career Fair.
Because Career Fair is such an important event for business students, they often fear it. But it is important
that students learn how to seize this opportunity and make the most of it. To help with that, here are some
important things to remember when preparing for Career Fair, compliments of Ms. Attaway:
 Put a sharp focus on your resume by targeting it to needs of the position you are seeking.
 Be sure to give your resume impact by including action verbs and accomplishment statements.
 Proofread your resume and then have others review...one typo can jeopardize your chances.
 Remember to include your GPA on your resume.
 Take advantage of both informal and formal opportunities to meet with recruiters. Many recruite rs are
hosting information sessions as well as events prior to Career Fair.
 Be genuine and sincere in all of your interactions!
 Be certain to do your research...both on the company that you are applying to and yourself! Recruiters
are interested in seeing how well you translate your experiences (work, campus involvement, leadership
and service) to their needs.
 Lastly, for Career Fair, create a "Top Ten" list of the companies you are interested in. Start with the
bottom of your list so that you are able to work out your nerves as you present your "elevator speech" to
recruiters.
And from the perspective of the recruiter, here are some important tips to remember:
 "Preparation is the key to making a good first impression."
 "Be prepared to talk about leadership roles that you have had at Miami. Miami students have very similar
profiles and it's always good to differentiate yourself from everyone else."
 "Students should know why they are interested in these companies. Is it that they want to work for a
large company? Do they want to work in a certain industry?"
 "And most importantly, 'close the deal,' i.e. ask for a follow-up interview, or at the very least, ask what
the next steps are in the hiring process, and how you can be a part of it."
 "Be yourself, just a well-prepared self."
 "Take a look at yourself and be prepared to talk about your experiences. The more prepared you are to
talk about you and how you will fit into positions that the company has to offer the better impression you
will give."

2.  "Be prepared to ask questions and not just answer questions."
 "We recommend that students start attending the Career Fair at an early age, even if it's just to walk
around and see what it's like."
What are companies looking for in students at Miami University?
1. Good Technical Skills - Experience is good; however, your technical skills do not have to be
work related. Find ways to get experience in your student organizations or current job.
2. Problem Solving Skills and Quick Learning - How quick are you on your feet? If given a
problem, will you take the normal path to solve the problem or are you able to think "outside the
box"?
3. Communication Skills and Self Confidence - Being able to communication, face to face and via
e-mail, is becoming a lost art. Students should show us at all times that they would be able to
meet with the highest ranking member of our firm/company as well as our clients.
4. People who can Build Effective Relationships - Most of the business world relies on being able
to develop and maintain relationships. Students should demonstrate commitment and the ability
to make connections with others.
5. Global Minded Students - Companies are going global and students need to keep up with these
changes. We look for students who develop a global mindset through student groups, working
abroad, studying abroad, long vacations abroad, being English language coaches, etc. Students
who can demonstrate their ability to work in a global work place will set themselves apart from
others.
6. Community Minded Students - Corporate Responsibility is very important to companies.
Commitment to communities helps make companies more dynamic and successful as
organizations.
7. Leaders and Team Players - The business world is fast paced and companies are looking for
people who can become leaders at early age but who can still take direction and work well in a
team.
8. Academic Achievement - Companies do expect to see academic achievement but as evident by
the qualities above, it is not the only thing we look for. Companies may have GPA limitations,
however, don't let that stop you from telling your story. Try reaching out to companies that you
are interested in before the career fair to share you background. Consider brining your DARS
report with you to the Career Fair or e-mailing to them ahead of time.
In a matter of weeks, scores of recruiters will flood Miami's campus, and now you know what it
takes to be prepared for them. These precious few days left are the best time to tune up your
resume and make it tell a story, research the companies you are interested in, make sure you are
ready to ask and answer questions, and most importantly, relax. Just one final tip:
Don't forget, Career Fair is Wednesday, September 23rd from 3 - 7 P.M. in Millett Hall.