This document provides information and tips for students to prepare for an upcoming Industry/Career Expo. It discusses researching companies attending, developing resumes, dressing professionally, preparing an elevator speech, and following up after the event. Students are encouraged to practice their introductions and interviewing skills. The document also announces related preparation workshops being offered by the career services office in the weeks leading up to the Expo.

1. Preparing for the
Industry/Career Expo
Expo 201

2. Expo 201 Topics
Expo 101 Recap:
1. Research companies attending the event – Career Fair+ app, company
websites, EagleHire
2. Develop a list of companies you want to speak with
3. Prepare your resume for each company of interest
4. Plan what you will wear for the Expo
5. Updated LinkedIn profiles
Expo 201:
1. Introductions
 Professional Impression
 Prepare Elevator Speech
 Approach
2. Interviewing Basics
3. Follow-Up after the Expo

3. Introductions:
Professional Dress
Professional attire is expected for attendance at the Industry/Career Expo
 Suits
 Gentlemen: button down shirts and ties
 Ladies: conservative or appropriate blouses
 Colors for shirts should be muted like white, off-white or light blue
 Shoes should be polished and professional
The minimum professional dress is business casual. Flight and ROTC uniforms are appropriate Expo
dress. Religious and cultural attire will be accepted.
Tips:
Good Personal Hygiene:
 Shower, wear deodorant, don’t smoke before you attend and while dressed up, brush your teeth,
use breath mints, minimal use of fragrances/cologne, brush hair
Accessories:
 Should enhance, not detract from the attire
 Understated & Conservative is best
Employer’s view:
 Who wears a watch? Why is this important?
 Be aware of distractions

4. Introductions:
Professional Impression
Make a professional impression by
 Projecting confidence
1. Body language
 Good posture, head up/shoulders back, smile
2. Limit Defensive Body Language – Crossing arms, frowning, slumping,
slouching, shuffling
3. Good eye contact
4. Firm handshake
5. Dressing professionally

5. Professional Nametag
 Find form through ERNIE > Departments >Daytona Beach >Print Shop >
 Print Reqs & Work orders> Select PDF Engraving & Signage form
 Tips for completing the online form:
- Cost center, Building Number, Room Number – N/A
- Select Name Badge
- Special Instructions: Name
 $5.00 a nametag
 Must take to Duplicating in Building 508, Print Shop
 Pick-up by October 2nd

6. Approaching the Employers:
Introductions & Interacting
Things to do …
 Listen to conversations going on
ahead of you – don’t repeat the
same questions
 Write down the representative’s
name to whom you are speaking
(ahead of time if you are waiting in
line)
 Firm Handshake
 Ask good questions using your
research
 Ask for business cards, and/or if
you link to them on LinkedIn
Things NOT to do …
 Don’t ask “What does your
company do?”!
 Don’t monopolize the employer’s
time

7. Handshake
• Put your hand out as you introduce yourself
• “Plane technique”
- Web-to-web, squeeze
• Palm-to-palm contact – “I’m not hiding anything and I’m safe”
• Make eye contact – shows confidence
• Apply pressure
• Sweaty palms ….
• Handshake flub – recover!
• See Going Places blog article

8. Introductions:
The Elevator Speech
 A quick introduction you could share with someone you meet in an
“elevator” to sell your capabilities
- Similar to the “Tell me about yourself” question/cover letter
 A 20- 30 second advertisement about who you are, what you’re
looking for, and how you can add value to the organization project.
 skills, qualifications, and characteristics you will bring to the company
 Write it out, practice it OUT LOUD, share it with people you trust for
feedback
 You don’t have to share the entire speech, or share it with every
recruiter you speak to, but be prepared in case you have the
opportunity

9. Know your audience
• Research your audience and
customize your pitch
Know yourself
• What are your key strengths
(SCOT/SWOT)?
• What adjectives come to mind to
describe yourself?
• What is it you are trying to “sell” or
want recruiters to know about
you?
• Why are you interested in the
company or industry the person
represents?
Outline
• Who am I? What have I done, do
I offer?
• What are the main contributions I
can make?
• What is your USP (Unique Selling
Proposition)? What makes you
different from the competition
• Application story/accomplishment
• Action
Finalize
• Write it out so that it flows
• Practice it OUT LOUD
• Be Flexible
Your Elevator Speech

10. Example Layout
 Provide your name
 Say where you work, or what you do now (student in …)
 Describe what you do with enthusiasm
 Offer a memorable example of contributions you have made
 Explain why you’re interested in the listener
 Tell what you can offer
 Describe the benefits of working with you
 Create an opportunity for follow up (business card, email, meeting) and thank
the listener for his or her time.

11. Elevator Speech
Basic Script
Student: “Hello, my name is John Student.”
Recruiter: “Hi John, I am Connie Smith”
Student: “It is nice to meet you Ms. Smith. [Pause}
I was very happy to see that company name was attending the Career
Expo this year. I have been following company name for a long time. I
am a junior in the _______ program at Embry-Riddle. I plan to graduate
in May 2018. As an ____ student, I am interested in the work that
company name is doing on the ______ project. I have recently been
working on a similar project in my ___ class.
I went to the company website and saw that you have an internship
program. Could you tell me more about this program?”

12. The top areas that stood out with employers and made impressions were the
following:
 Knowledge about the company and a few specific facts
 Know what they wanted to do for a specific company, or at least had an idea
 Ability to carry on a conversation with the recruiter
 Have a good introduction
 Know their strengths and interests
 True passion for their career interest
 Good attitude and shows confidence
 Prepared – research, resume, note pad to take notes
 Well groomed and dressed appropriately for the event, a good handshake,
make eye contact and smile
 The student has strong academics
Making a Good Impression:
Employer Poll Responses

13. Interviewing
Things to Consider:
 Most interviewers have made a decision as to whether or not to ask
you back, within the first 15 minutes of the interview
 Good attitude, communication skills and professionalism are key
considerations
 Practice basic interviewing techniques & questions ahead of time
 Make a checklist of things to remember: speak clearly, don’t
mumble, answer questions asked, emphasize key words, good
facial expressions, be enthusiastic and smile

14. Interviewing: Styles
Behavioral – Past experience determines future performance
Case Study – analysis of case study; more common for MBA and
consulting careers; looking for thought process
Performance/Situational – Given scenario and asked how to handle
Presentation – Candidate has to present on a topic provided by
company
Technical – Technical or job specific skill questions
Expo – expect a mixture of the a few of the of above styles, including
behavioral, technical and past experience

15. Interviewing: Formats
• Interviews can be conducted using various formats
– Telephone, In-person, Video
– Panel, One-on-One, Group, Serial
* Review CSO website for more information
http://careerservices.erau.edu/resources/interviewing/

16. Basic Interview Questions
 Tell me about yourself.
 What is your greatest strength/weakness?
 What are your career goals?
 Why did you choose ___ degree? What do you want to do with the
degree?
 Tell me about a time when ……
 Tell me about a challenging situation/problem….
 Tell me about a time when you disagreed with a
supervisor/classmate/co-worker .
 Why should we hire you?

17. • What are you looking for
with a career at XYZ
company?
• Walk me through your
resume…
• Why did you visit our booth
at this event?
• What brought you to
ERAU?
• Where do you want to be
geographically?
• What are your favorite
classes?
• What are your personal
interests?
• What particular position are
you interested in with XYZ
company?
• Who is your favorite professor
and why?
• Why should we pick you?
Industry/Career Expo:
Possible Questions from Employers

18. Tips:
• Be prepared to ask a few
questions at the end of your
interview
• Keep them company
centered, and don’t discuss
things like salary and
benefits
• Prepare the questions
ahead of time and write
them down
Common questions:
• Interviewers experience with the
company
• Opportunities for growth
• Career path
• Future growth plans
• What is the next step?
• Check out the blog article
Questions for the Employer
ALWAYS ask the interviewer questions!

19. Follow-Up
• Send Thank-You letters/emails to employers you spoke to
or interviewed with at the Expo with 24 hours
– Mention something specific about your conversation
– Reiterate your interest in the company/position
– Include a “Call to Action” in your closing
• Ask to link with them on LinkedIn

20. Career Fair+
20Overview

21. Expo 201 Action Items
1. Select your professional attire for the Expo
2. Review the companies you plan to approach
3. Visit the Pop-Up Career Services for a resume critique on
Friday, 11am-1:00pm or upload your resume to EagleHire
for review by 10/2
4. Practice your elevator speech and introducing yourself
5. Apply online ahead of time for certain companies (Rolls-
Royce & Gulfstream)

22. Fall 2016 Career Services
Expo Preparation Events
SEPTEMBER
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
1. 2. POP-Up
Career Services
11:00am-1:00pm
Student Center,
West Steps
5. LABOR
DAY
NO SCHOOL
6. 7. Expo 101
5:30pm-6:30pm
COB 127
8. 9. POP-Up
Career Services
11:00am-1:00pm
Student Center,
West Steps
12. 13. Expo 101
12:45pm-1:45pm
COB 114
14. Expo 201
5:30pm-6:30pm
COB 127
15. Ace the
Interview
5:30pm-6:30pm
COB 114
16. POP-Up
Career Services
11:00am-1:00pm
Student Center,
West Steps
19. 20. Expo 201
12:45pm-1:45pm
COB 114
Co-op/Intern
Info Session
5:30pm-6:30pm
IC 104
21. Speed
Interviewing
4:00pm-6:00pm
Flight Deck
*Must have
attended Ace the
Interview on 9/15
22. Expo 101
5:30pm-6:30pm
Student Village,
Fountain Room
23. POP-Up
Career Services
11:00am-1:00pm
Student Center,
West Steps
26. Portfolio
Workshop
5:30pm-6:30pm
COB 124
27. 28. 29. Expo 201
5:30pm-6:30pm
Student Village,
Fountain Room
30. POP-Up
Career Services
11:00am-1:00pm
Student Center,
West Steps
INDUSTRY/CAREER EXPO
Thursday, October 6
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
ICI Center
Expo 101: Preparation, Research
& Resumes
Expo 201: Introducing Yourself,
Interviewing & Follow-up
POP-Up Career Services: Quick
questions and resume reviews
only!
Fast Pass Pick-up for Expo:
Mon. 9/26-Wed. 10/5 from
8:00am-5:00pm
*Rooms are subject to change
October Presentations
LinkedIn Workshop
Thursday, October 13
5:30pm-6:30pm ● COB 124
Salary Negotiation
Tuesday, October 25
5:30pm-6:30pm ● COB 114

24. Industry/Career Expo
Fast Pass
Fast Pass Pick-up for Expo:
Mon. 9/26 - Wed.10/5
8:00am-5:00pm
Career Services Office
Room 250, Student Center

25. Stay Connected to Career
Services
Connect, follow, join and like Career Services via all our
communication methods…
Career Services Website
EagleHire
ERAU Connection
ERNIE/My Team Site
Facebook
Going Places Career Blog
LinkedIn
Twitter
Instagram