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McCombs Career Services > UCC
How to Prepare for Career Expo
Before the Expo
1. Develop a Strong
Resume: Highlight your skills and
accomplishments. The document should be error-free, up-to-date, concise and graphically
pleasing. Try to get your resume printed with a laser printer, as it looks a lot more professional and won't smudge. Don’t forget to make several copies, since most employers will want a
copy of your resume. For help with resumes, BBA Career Advisors and Peer
Career Advisors are available to help in CBA 2.116, the BBA Career Services Office.
They are usually available for extended
hours the week before expo.
2. Study the Organizations Attending the
Fair:
Identify and research prospective
employers. Nothing impresses an employer less than a student asking, “So
what do you guys do?” Instead, be one of the few students who knows something
about each of the companies. The more informed you are the more likely you will
be positively remembered. Develop a list of company
specific questions to ask recruiters at companies you are interested in.
3. Develop a 30-Second
Commercial:
“Tell me a little about yourself.” You’re likely to get that invitation from
many of the employers at the fair. So spend a little time beforehand figuring
out your response. Think of your reply as a 30-second, self- promotional
commercial you’ll deliver to each employer who asks.
4. Choose Proper Attire:
Make sure your suit is clean and ready to go BEFORE expo. If you don't already
own a suit, go out and get one! You will need it for interviewing too! For more
information about attire at the expo, check out Expo Dress Attire
When You Arrive at
the Expo
- Check in tables will
provide name badges with your major. Name badges should always be on your
right side.
- There will be a room
for students to store their bags and personal items
- Maps of the booth floor plan
and company lists will be provided
During the Expo
1. Introduce Yourself
and Shake Hands: In many ways, a career is a test of your social skills. While
employers are almost always friendly and outgoing, they’ll expect the same of
you. Present a smile, a strong handshake, and a positive attitude. First
impressions are important. Approach an employer, smile, and offer your hand when
you introduce yourself. Four keys to making a good impression include:
- A short introduction using a
natural, but forceful voice (especially if you are typically a quiet person;
but please, no shouting)
- Strong eye contact
- Firm handshake (not limp, damp, or bone-crushing)
- Gentle smile
2. Ask Intelligent Questions: Never underestimate the power of asking insightful questions,
especially ones that show that you have done some research.
3. Focus on What You Can Offer: You’ll
be a refreshing change to most company representatives if you tell them what you
can do for them and their organizations instead of asking what they can do for
you.
4. Jot down notes about conversations you had with
company representatives: After you talk to multiple
companies, you may find it difficult to remember which ones really interested you and
which ones you should follow up on. If you wait too long, the conversations will
start running together in your head, and you’ll forget what you said to whom.
The back of a business card is usually a convenient place to jot down
information after you have talked to someone.
5. Don't be afraid of going up
to companies you do not recognize: If a
recruiter is standing by himself or
herself, take a chance and go start a
conversation. Many students have gotten
internships from companies they did not
recognize at Expo, you never know what
great opportunities may await you. This
is also a good way to practice your
30-second speech.
6. Carry you brochures/freebies in a bag:
Many companies give out small bags during expo,
take one for your brochures/ giveaways.
You will look silly trying to carry
around a pile of brochures and freebies.
After the Expo
1.
Follow up with recruiters: Email recruiters you had really good conversations
with to thank them for coming to expo
and to further express your interest in
their company. A small thank you goes a
long way. However, please do not email
every recruiter you talked to, they
hate spam as much as you do.
2. Follow Up on
Promises: If, for example, a company
representative expressed interest in looking at your Web site, make sure to
email the URL like you said you would.
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