Preparing for the Industry/Career Expo

Expo 201

Expo 201 Topics

Expo 101 Recap:1. Research companies attending the event – Career Fair+ app, company

websites, EagleHire2. Develop a list of companies you want to speak with3. Prepare your resume for each company of interest4. Plan what you will wear for the Expo5. Updated LinkedIn profiles

Expo 201:6. Introductions

Professional Impression Prepare Elevator Speech Approach

7. Interviewing Basics8. Follow-Up after the Expo

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

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

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

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

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

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

Know your audience• Research your audience and

customize your pitchKnow 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• ActionFinalize • Write it out so that it flows• Practice it OUT LOUD• Be Flexible

Your Elevator Speech

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.

Elevator SpeechBasic 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?”

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

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

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

Interviewing: Formats

• Interviews can be conducted using various formats– Telephone, In-person, Video – Panel, One-on-One, Group, Serial

* Review CSO website for more informationhttp://careerservices.erau.edu/resources/interviewing/

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?

• 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

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!

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

Career Fair+

20Overview

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)

Fall 2016 Career Services Expo Preparation Events

SEPTEMBERMonday 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 1015:30pm-6:30pmCOB 127

8. 9. POP-Up Career Services

11:00am-1:00pm

Student Center, West Steps

12. 13. Expo 10112:45pm-1:45pm

COB 114

14. Expo 2015:30pm-6:30pmCOB 127

15. Ace the Interview

5:30pm-6:30pmCOB 114

16. POP-Up Career Services

11:00am-1:00pm

Student Center, West Steps

19. 20. Expo 20112:45pm-1:45pmCOB 114

Co-op/Intern Info Session

5:30pm-6:30pmIC 104

21. Speed Interviewing

4:00pm-6:00pm

Flight Deck*Must have

attended Ace the Interview on 9/15

22. Expo 1015:30pm-6:30pmStudent 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 2015:30pm-6:30pmStudent Village,

Fountain Room

30. POP-Up Career Services

11:00am-1:00pm

Student Center, West Steps

INDUSTRY/CAREER EXPO

Thursday, October 69:00 am – 4:00 pm

ICI Center

Expo 101: Preparation, Research & ResumesExpo 201: Introducing Yourself, Interviewing & Follow-upPOP-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 changeOctober Presentations

LinkedIn WorkshopThursday, October 13

5:30pm-6:30pm ● COB 124

Salary NegotiationTuesday, October 25

5:30pm-6:30pm ● COB 114

Industry/Career Expo Fast Pass

Fast Pass Pick-up for Expo: Mon. 9/26 - Wed.10/5

8:00am-5:00pm

Career Services OfficeRoom 250, Student Center

Stay Connected to Career Services

Connect, follow, join and like Career Services via all our communication methods…

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