1

JOB FAIR SUCCESS WORKSHOP

2

AGENDA

Ice Breaker Activity & Reality Check

Job Search Tips for a Tough Economy

Using Social Media Tools

Working A Job Fair—One-Minute Commercial

What Employers Value/Seek in Candidates

Resumes—Quick Tips!

What’s Next?

3

ICE BREAKER

Take a minute to write down your biggest job fair concern.

Consider: how might you alleviate your concern? Feel more in control of the situation?

4

MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT THE ECONOMY

Myth: Employers aren’t hiring right now, in fact, I’ve read that they are laying off employees.

Fact: Although employers are currently conducting layoffs, they are still recruiting for new college grads. Many employers need to keep their pipeline open for new ideas and for people that can be developed into future managers and leaders of their organizations.

Myth: All industries are being damaged by the recession.

Fact: Although the recession is challenging, there are recession-resistant industries like Government, Healthcare, Not For Profit, Insurance, and Green Tech Sector.

5

MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT THE ECONOMY

Myth: There is nothing I can do right now to increase my chances of finding a position.

6

MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT THE ECONOMY

Fact: There are many things that you can do right now to increase your chances of finding a position!

• Being proactive and starting early (like those of you who are attending the upcoming Job Fair) is very helpful.

• Put your best foot forward by doing your research on employers before you speak with them.

• Utilize career center services such as our Finding a Job in a Tough Economy workshop and Branding Yourself For Success – Job Search 2.0as well as our other online tools.

• Attend networking events whenever possible, either through Employer Information sessions, student organizations or professional development organizations. And be certain to take advantage of the next generation of networking – social networking and social media

7

Online Networking and Building Your Brand

Running Footer - Title or Subtitle

A recent poll of human resource professionals conducted by HRMarketer.com found that LinkedIn is used by 93 percent of companies, followed by Facebook at 70 percent.

What does this mean for your job search?!

8

• Like Facebook but for professional networking

• Set up your profile and begin to connect with peers, alumni and other professionals

• Join industry groups to hear different conversations and learn about what is happening in your industry

• Connect with different people in your field for informational interviews

• Conduct research about an organization prior to an interview

Running Footer - Title or Subtitle

9

Facebook

• Make certain your profile is professional

• Check your privacy settings and tagged photos

• Research employers through fan pages, and groups

• Connect with current employees to get “insider knowledge”

• Showcase your skills – blogs, links to your website or virtual CV

Running Footer - Title or Subtitle

© ecompaths.nejm.org

© mynaym.com

10

Do Research on Industries and Careers

• Set up News Alerts: Google, Yahoo Type in key words such as “green careers” or “marketing jobs”

• Conduct blog/microblog searches:blogsearch.google.comtechonorati.comalltop.comsearch.twitter.comwww.twellow.com

**For more information on social media tools see our online calendar for upcoming “Job Search 2.0, Branding Yourself for Success” workshops

Running Footer - Title or Subtitle

11

REALITY CHECK

Job Fair statistics show that up to 49% of all candidates who prepare in advance can receive an invitation for an interview at the fair, and 65% of those candidates receive job offers

University of Minnesota Crookston, 2006

Put your concerns to rest by taking the time to prepare yourself before a job fair!

12

HOW TO SHINE AT THE JOB FAIR

BEFORE THE FAIR:

Do your homework: Register with SpartaJobs, research organizations of interest and prepare one-minute commercials.Prepare targeted resumes. Access on-line publication for complete information.

Organize your materials: Current Tower Card/Career Center membership card, plenty of targeted resumes, calendar, professional case to hold your materials.Plan to dress professionally.

13

APPROPRIATE DRESS FOR A JOB FAIR

Men•Conservative two-piece dark business suit•Long sleeved collared shirt•Conservative tie•Clean polished shoes & dark colored socks

Or if you do not have a suit•Dress or khaki-type pants•Long sleeved collared shirt•Conservative tie•Sport jacket•Clean polished shoes & dark colored socks

© www.hrhgroup.net

© artofmanliness.com

14

Women•Suit that fits appropriately•If it is a skirt suit, the skirt should be knee length or slightly longer.•Blouse or collared shirt.•Polished, low-heel shoes•Simple jewelry and make-up

Or if you do not have a suit•Coordinated jacket or cardigan •Knee-length skirt or tailored slacks•Polished, low-heel shoes•Simple jewelry and make-up

APPROPRIATE DRESS FOR A JOB FAIR

© www.outsourcerecruitment.com

© www.workchic.com

15

JOB FAIR ETTIQUETE “DO’S”

DOKeep your perfume and cologne to a minimum

Avoid strong smelling foods prior to speaking with employers

Pack breath mints (not gum!)

Turn your cell phone off

Leave your backpack at home (try using a professional folder to hold your resumes).

16

REGISTER WITH SPARTASYSTEM

Be sure to: 1. REGISTER & UPDATE

your profile2. POST your targeted

resumes.3. CHECK your email for

alerts when the job fair publication is available.

4. APPLY to on campus interview positions.

17

SJSU JOB FAIR ELIGIBILITY

DON’T FORGET TO BRING:

SJSU students with Current Tower CardSJSU alumni & Open University students with current Career CenterMembership Card

*Check event calendar for details

18

YOUR ONE MINUTE COMMERCIAL

Your name, degree and relevant minors.

A targeted summary of work experience/class projects.

Activities demonstrating leadership, teamwork/service.

Specific interest in the organization and how your skills relate to their needs.

A warm, confident tone delivered in a clear voice.

Open and welcome body language

19

YOUR ONE MINUTE COMMERCIAL

Your one-minute commercial is your introduction to the employer and allows you to highlight relevant skills or experiences that the employer is seeking based on your research. Practice your soundbytes enough so that you are comfortable and your one-minute commercial will sound conversational and not rehearsed. Tip: practice in front of a mirror and be aware of your facial expressions and body languageLet you commercial answer questions like: Tell me about yourself; Tell me about why you are interested in our organization; Why should we hire you?

20

EXAMPLE COMMERCIAL

Introduction“Hi, I’m Judy Smith and I am interested in an entry-level Human Resources position. I will be completing my BS/Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources in May.

Expression of Interest“I read in the job fair publication that Global, Inc. has an HR position available and I’m very interested in learning more about it.

Background“I recently completed a Human Resources internship at the XYZ Corp and really enjoyed the experience. During my internship, I helped organize signups for a new benefits package, coordinated a company picnic for 400 employees and their families, and gave tours of the office to new employees.”

21

COMMERCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This an example that introduces the student to the employer, highlights her course of study, graduation date and identifies a specific position of interest based on her research. She also outlines internship experience that relates to the open position.

**REMINDER: it is okay if you haven’t done an internship yet! Instead, highlight other relevant experiences – Leadership/Student Clubs– Volunteer Work– Teamwork– Projects– Courses

Attitude goes a long way…be sure to stay positive both in content and body language.

22

ONE MINUTE COMMERCIAL STEPS

Take a moment to put together your own one minute commercial. Write down the following:

Your nameYour majorThe type of position you are seekingYour work experienceYour class projectsHow your background and future goals meet the organization’s needs

Now put it all together!

23

TIME TO PRACTICE

Remember. . .Be clear, concise, and personable.Make the match between your strengths and the position.

Exercise: (this is just a start – practice-practice-practice!)Select either a job you are seeking or a job that you have had in the past

for this exercise.

Do a quick outline of your one minute commercial using the steps on the previous slide.

If you can, get together with a friend, trade resumes and take turns practicing your one-minute commercial.

Target your resume and commercial!

24

SKILLS EMPLOYERS VALUE

Top 10 Qualities Employers Seek1. Communication skills* (verbal & written)

2. Strong work ethic

3. Teamwork skills* (works well with others)

4. Motivation/Initiative

5. Analytical skills

6. Computer skills

7. Flexibility/adaptability

8. Interpersonal skills*

9. Problem solving skills

10. Technical skills

Source: NACE Job Outlook 2009

* = Skills employers reported lacking in new hires.

25

RESUME TIPS

Your resume will create a first impression for the employer. Therefore it must:

Have a clear focus (targeted objective)Have a crisp, clean layout (easy to read, and 1pg.)Outline relevant information (fits job requirements)Reflect your unique talents

*Need some help with your resume? Check out:8 minute resume workshop on the Career Center website (Launch)Attend our resume 101 workshops (see calendar)Get your final draft resume critiqued (see calendar)

** Remember to bring multiple copies of your resume, you never know who you will end up talking to at the job fair.

26

ONLINE APPLICATIONS ONLY?!

Some employers may review your resume, but ask you to apply on-line because they may have internal recruiting restrictions that require all candidates to apply on-line.

On-line applications enable employers to electronically and systematically keep track of all applicants as required by their Affirmative Action program.

Continue with your one minute commercial and conversation. Let them know you will follow through by applying on-line. Also, ask who might be a good person to follow-up with regarding your application status.

27

AFTER THE FAIR

Make notes about the organizations and employers while still fresh in your mind.

Follow-up with thank you letters to recruiters who were helpful and organizations with whom you would like to pursue a relationship.

Set up a system to keep track of follow-up activities.

28

PLAN C – WHAT TO DO WHEN THINGS DON’T GO AS PLANNED

Consider Your OptionsCompanies, Industries, Geographic Areas

Be Flexible!Temporary Work, Volunteer Work, Building Your Resume

Ethically Navigating Job OffersBefore you accept an offer, make certain you are prepared to commit

**For more information, see our workshop schedule for “Finding a Job in a Tough Economy”

29

NEXT STEPS

• Be prepared! Login on the Career Center’s website and find the online job fair publication and do your research on the employers you want to meet at the job fair!

• Have your cover letter and resume documents critiqued **View our Events Calendar at www.careercenter.sjsu.edu & click “Events Calendar” for complete details about services, events, and programs

• Practice your one-minute commercial!

• Attend future career fairs, employer networking events, information sessions, and employer tables to meet face-to-face!

• Continue to build your network! Join a professional association, go to networking events, conferences etc.

• Be patient with yourself and stay focused!