How to work a Career Fair for Boston University Students? Any college or student can review these slides and learn tips for successfully navigating a career fair.

1. How To Work A Career Fair Natascha F. Saunders , MBA, MS Certified Youth Career Coach Boston University School of Management Feld Career Center

2. Before the Fair!!! Research who will be attending the event Identify what are your goals for this event Prepare your 30 second pitch!! Pages 18 & 19 of the BU SMG Career Guide

3. 30 Second Pitch (Write & Practice) Your Name Background (academic & professional) Your skills (that relate to company & position) What are you looking for (Career objectives) Example: Hello, My name is Don Juan! I am a junior at Boston University School of Management. My work experience has been in the (retail industry/customer service) or with X and X . I am very much interested in an audit internship at________ because I would like to use my client service and problem solving skills in the field of Accounting .

4. What do you Wear??

5. Professional Dress What employers are saying…. 58% of employers said that they are less likely to hire someone with a visible body tattoo or piercing -USA TODAY Career Network 55% of another person’s perception of you is based on how you look -Image Dynamics

6. Unprofessional Dress Wrinkled clothes See through or body revealing clothes Clothes that are to tight or to big Excessive jewelry (distracting) Heavy scented cologne or perfume Visible body piercings/Jewelry Tattoos(cover them) Non-Conservative color suit Inappropriate shoes Styles that are trendy Skirt Lengths/Hair Pant Legs, Men no WHITE Socks Tie

7. During the Career Fair The buddy systems is only OK when entering the fair Maintain your “professional self” Do not get discourage if they do not take your resume First Impression(hand shake, suit, resume, clear voice, presence) Compliment/Small Talk (very brief)

8. Professional Dress Corporate conservative (black, grey, navy blue, brown) Coordinate your outfit Conservative two-piece suit Well-groomed hairstyle/facial Clean, trimmed fingernails Cleaned, polished shoes Appropriate hosiery Business Appropriate tie Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore Dean of SMG Lou Lataif

9. During the Career Fair …cont You look the part Ask intelligent questions Deliver your 30 second pitch Demonstrate knowledge of the company and position Ask for a business card & write notes Write follow-up note after fair (email, note card) to prompt memory of interaction Include a point that distinguishes you from everyone else Personal – Both from Indiana Referral – Steps you / recruiter will take to bring it together Create a memory Shaking hands (Sanitizer, Sneezing)

10. After the Career Fair Compile a list of contacts (spreadsheet, wearing, interesting fact i.e. BU Alum) from the fair and construct personalized thank you notes

11. Quick Points to Remember Do’s Don’t’s Bring multiple copies of resume Positive attitude and SMILE (pearl white teeth and great breath) Show that your have done your homework Listen and follow through with instructions and advice Do not force your resume onto people Remove coats and bags No texting , web surfing, drinking, chewing gum, while speaking with company reps International students: Do not start the interaction with do you sponsor

12. Good Luck!! Career Fair Friday, October 2nd 10:30am – 1:30pm ,SMG Atrium Please RSVP on MiTrac Many companies confirmed (listed on back of How to work a Career Fair Handout) Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression! Career Fair Tips Career TV http://www.livevideo.com/video/5CE61C6F25634F87A74747CD6ED6EF12/career-fair-tips-from-career-t.aspx