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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