Career Fair Workshop

1. Career Fair Preparation!

2. Before The Career Fair…
COMPANIES so you can…
speak intelligently
show initiative
show interest &
enthusiasm!

3. Doing Company Research is Easy!

4. Who do you know?
• Can be someone who is currently or previously there.
• Have they hired a Centriq Grad before?
o Keyword search co name and “Centriq” on LinkedIn.
Prepare questions
**Bonus** Find a connection
• Do you have previous interest or experience in their industry or
with similar products/services?
to Disover
What you like about the company
• Products, services, reputation, culture,
commitment to philanthropy, etc.

5. Be at your best
with a full of
night of rest!

7. .
Before The Career Fair…

8. RESUMES
&
PORTFOLIO
Come Prepared! NOTE - Staple resumes
with more than one page!

9. Prepare
Your
Elevator
Pitch!
Before The Career Fair…

10. What’s Your First Impression?

11. The most important thing about
a first impression is realizing
you will make one!
First Impressions

12. Opinions are first formed based
on perceptions about:
 Your appearance.
 Your manner of speech.
 Your general behavior.
 Your perceived level of expertise.
What Makes An Impression?

14. Passion And Enthusiasm!!

15. Communication
Communication goes two-ways
Some points to remember:
 Listen carefully to what the employer says.
 Identify things that are important to them.
 Have examples of your transferrable skills in your “tool
belt” so you can give examples of the skills/characteristics
that employer is looking for.
 Watch their body language.
o If there is a line of people waiting the interviewer may
look anxious.
o If it’s late in the career fair they may be getting tired.

16.  Eye contact (portrays integrity)
 Smile and maintain a pleasant expression throughout.
 Nod (says “I’m listening”, “I understand”, “I care”)
 Maintain an upright stance (conveys authority and action)
Appear friendly &
cooperative by
displaying the following:

17.  Defensive: Hand clenching, arms crossed, lack of eye contact, face
rubbing, leaning away.
 Looking around nervously and not making eye contact.
 Anxious: Frequent blinking, licking lips, clearing throat, fidgeting,
covering mouth.
Negative Body Language

18. Adjust To The Interviewer!
Interviewers have different personalities,
different needs, and different expectations.
This means YOU have the challenge of being versatile enough
to talk to each a bit differently.

19. At The Career Fair…
REVIEW your NOTES and prepare you approach.
RELAX…Job fairs
tend to be more casual
than formal interviews,
so you can relax and
be more friendly.
SCOPE THE ROOM
to identify where each company
is located.
DECIDE who you want to approach first.

20.  EXPRESS INTEREST
 OFFER YOUR RESUME
 THANK THE REPRESENTATIVE
 ASK FOR A BUSINESS CARD.
 MAKE SOME NOTES!
At The Career Fair…

21. Things To Remember…
About A Job Fair Situation
 Some employers are looking to hire right now!
 Some are looking for anticipated openings.
 They could refer you to another department manager.
 Looking for a “Rock Star” - Culture Fit.
BE THAT PERSON THAT STANDS OUT!

22. Recruiters/Staffing Agencies
The Recruiter told me
they only look for
people with more
experience…

23. Career Fair
Career Fairs are a great way to:
 Develop contacts in your field
 Learn about new companies, industries, etc.
 Learn about how employees in IT impact the company.
 Practice your professionalism, communication and
behavior.
 Perfect your elevator speech.
 Learn about different company application processes
and tips to making your application stand out from
other applicants.

24. YOU…after the career fair!

25. EARN $500.00!!!
Do you have a friend, colleague, or family
member who would like to join you in a
successful career in IT?
 Refer someone who enrolls and we will pay
you $500.00!
 Let Russ (or the front desk) know who you are
referring so we can be sure you get credit!