BUS 220 Career Planning Strategies
Smith Career Center Information Guide
Tips
A comprehensive career resource site designed specifically for Bradley University students & alumni! Complete your profile and keep the information up-to-date (such as your campus address, e-mail, GPA, student status, and skills) so that employers can conduct accurate searches as they seek candidates [Profile tab]. Upload your resume to apply to jobs or internships and to publish in resume books. You can view sample resumes [Documents tab]. Publish your resume to resume books to make your resume viewable to employers and for the SCC to refer to employers for relevant positions. [documents tab]. Apply to positions and sign up for on-campus interviews the entire application and recruiting process can often be done from your desktop! You can even check the status of your online applications [Profile tab]. View upcoming events such as information sessions, workshops and career fairs through the SCC calendar. Search by date or the event type that interests you [Calendars tab]. Search for full-time and part-time jobs, internships, and co-op positions posted by the SCC as well as by employer partners in the Experience Network. You will have access to thousands of fresh and relevant opportunities. Try the one-click searches! [Jobs & Internships tab]. Locate employer information such as a company description, contact information, opportunities available, and a direct link [Employers tab]. Be prepared for your interview by performing research and utilizing our career education content for tops and best practices [Career Research tab]. See attached handout for complete step-by-step instructions
Access your personalized BRADLEY eRecruiting account via MyBU. Log into your MyBU account using your BUnetID and password. Click on the BRADLEY eRecruiting link on the MyInfo page. New students will be prompted to creat an account upon first log-in. If any information provided in a registrant’s BRADLEY eRecruiting account, resume, or other application materials/activities is found to be inaccurate, disciplinary action through the Smith Career Center and/or the University’s judicial system may be taken. Examples of misrepresentation, as they apply to the Smith Career Center, would include falsifying information provided during an interview at a career fair, in a written resume or cover letter, and in Bradley eRecruiting profiles, resume books, and uploaded resumes. 8/6/2012
Smith Career Center bradley.edu/scc • (309) 677-2510 • Fax (309) 677-2611 • Burgess Hall, first floor
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BRADLEY eRecruiting™ Student Quick Start Guide If you haven't found the answer to your question(s) through our Quick Start Guide, please feel free to contact your Career Center Administrator on campus or download the more detailed documentation in the Help Section of your BRADLEY eRecruiting site. Update Your Profile
Log into your BRADLEY eRecruiting account Select View/Edit Profile Data under the Profile tab on the navigation bar Select the desired view: Personal Info, Academic Info, Career Preferences, Continued Academics or Administration Click the Edit link at the top of the section you wish to edit Update your profile information Click Save
Upload Your Documents
Log into your BRADLEY eRecruiting account Select Upload a Document under the Documents tab on the navigation bar Choose the document type on the Upload a Document page and click Next Click Browse to select your document Choose the correct document and click Open Click Upload
Publishing a Resume to a Resume Book
Log into your BRADLEY eRecruiting account Select Publish a Resume under the Documents tab on the navigation bar View the Resume Books in the Additional Resume Books section Choose your Resume from the Publish Resume dropdown on the coordinating Resume Book entry Click Save
Searching for Jobs, Internships, and Co-ops
Log into your BRADLEY eRecruiting account Select Job/Internship Search under the Jobs & Internships tab on the navigation bar Use the Basic Search to search by Keywords, Job Function and/or Location, or select one of the other searches in the More Searches section After selecting your job search criteria, click Search Use the yellow toolbar to further Refine your search results Click on the Job Titles to view the details of the jobs For other quick, easy job searches, use the 1-Click Searches on the Job Search page
Searching for Employers
Log into your BRADLEY eRecruiting account Select Employers Search under the Employers tab on the navigation bar Search alphabetically by selecting the first letter of the employer name Search for a specific employer by typing the name of employer in the Employer Name field Search for an employer by industry by selecting one industry or multiple industries in the Industry field Click Search Click on the Employer name to view the employer profile
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BRADLEY eRecruiting™ Student Quick Start Guide Creating and Using Search Agents
Log into your BRADLEY eRecruiting account Select Job/Internship Search under the Jobs & Internships tab on the navigation bar Use the Basic Search to search by Keyword, Job Function and/or Location, or use one of the other searches in the More Searches section. After selecting your job search criteria, click Search Under More Search Options in the top left hand corner, select to Save Your Search Name the search in the Saved Search Name field Choose whether to receive email notifications of job matches Select the job source from the Show Me Jobs… section Click Save
Applying for a Job
Log into your BRADLEY eRecruiting account Search for Jobs (See Searching for Jobs section on previous page) Select a Job Title from Search Results page to open the Job Details Locate How to Apply section at the bottom of the Job Details page Click Apply Select a Resume, Cover Letter or Other Document that meets the requirements Click Submit
Signing up for an Interview
Log into your BRADLEY eRecruiting account Select Your Active Applications under the Applications tab on the navigation bar The status of your active applications is displayed in the Employer Decision column Once an employer has Accepted your application and the interview sign-up date has arrived, you may sign up for an interview slot Click on Details… On the Application Details page, under Employer Decision, click on Sign up for Interview On the Interview Sign Up Page, find the schedule date you would like to sign up for and select the Time radio button associated with the time slot you desire Click Save and your slot will be reserved
Creating a Favorite Jobs Folder
Log into your BRADLEY eRecruiting account Search for Jobs (see Searching for Jobs section on previous page) The Search Results page displays all relevant positions Select the checkbox to the left of the jobs you would like to save to a folder Locate the Save Jobs As Favorites drop down box in the lower left hand corner of the results page Choose Create A New Folder from the drop down box or select an existing folder Click Go Enter a name for the new Folder Click Save
Searching for a Career Center or Employer Event
Log into your BRADLEY eRecruiting account To browse all events, select Career Center Calendar under the Calendar tab on the navigation bar To find events on a specific day, use the Monthly Overview and click on the desired numeric day link To search for a specific event by event type or employer name, select Calendar Search under the Calendar tab on the navigation bar Search using the By Event Type drop down box to search for a specific type of event Search by Employer Name to search for events hosted by a specific employer From any calendar search results, click on the Event Name for more event details
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Smith Career Center Information Guide
Year-by-Year Plan
New Bradley University students have a BRADLEY eRecruiting account via the Smith Career Center upon entering the university. BRADELY eRecruiting allows registered users to locate campus, part-time, internship/co-op, and full-time job opportunities, submit resumes for the Web Resume Book, and participate in campus interviews. Accounts are restricted to currently enrolled students and alumni. Log in to your BRADLEY eRecruiting account using MyBU.
Freshmen: Attend the Part-Time Employment Expo. Visit the Smith Career Center (SCC) on the first floor of Burgess Hall (weekdays, 8:00am to 5:00pm). Log in to your BRADLEY eRecruiting account using MyBU. Meet with your Career Advisor to begin identifying your career goals. Check out the SCC website at: bradley.edu/scc. Attend career seminars, workshops and career fairs to explore career options. Begin writing a resume, use SCC online resources to help design and write high-impact resumes, use the Overnight Review Service as an additional resource, and publish your resume to your BRADLEY eRecruiting account. Investigate “What Can I Do With This Major/Degree?” on the SCC website in the Student section. Obtain career-related work experience for the summer. Sophomores and Juniors: Visit the Pardieck Memorial Career Library for resources. Items can be checked out. Participate in campus activities to gain leadership experience. Attend Cooperative Education and Internship info sessions, apply for jobs and register for Co-op/Intern courses. Attend SCC workshops to gain career information and job search tips. Frequently review eRecruiting listings for part-time, internship and summer jobs. Enroll in EHC 301 - Planning Employment Strategies (BUS 220 for FCBA students). Investigate Internet job search resources. Make career networking contacts with Bradley alumni, parents, faculty and friends using BUconnect, the Alumni Online Community or LinkedIn. Assemble a professional interviewing wardrobe. Use online resources available on the SCC website. Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair to learn about post graduation opportunities. Continue gaining career-related work experience. Seniors: Attend Bradley University job fairs and the graduate school fair on campus. Maintain regular contact with your Career Advisor; finalize plans for your individualized job search. Attend all possible SCC job search workshops and special events. Utilize the Overnight Review Service to polish your resume and cover letters/correspondence. Attend additional off-campus job fairs near your desired city. Complete your final career-related work experience. Obtain leadership roles within activities/organizations on and off campus. Sign-up for all appropriate campus interviews. Review eRecruiting listings daily. Apply for all positions of interest. Update your account information. Use online job search resources; familiarize yourself with the SCC website and list of links. 8/6/2012
Smith Career Center bradley.edu/scc • (309) 677-2510 • Fax (309) 677-2611 • Burgess Hall, first floor
Job/Internship Search Checklist The job search can feel overwhelming, so it is helpful to break it into manageable steps. The good news is you do not have to do every step in order. For example, you can start working on your resume before you identify what you want to do. Just start checking off as many of these activities as you can, and you’ll find yourself on the way to a great opportunity. You can receive assistance for every one of these steps through the SCC. Call (309) 677-2510 to make an appointment with your Career Advisor. And you do not have to do it all during business hours – start by checking our website bradley.edu/scc for lots of links and helpful information. Step 1: Know yourself. I have made a list of possible job titles/fields of interest. I can name two or three careers/jobs I plan to pursue. Step 2: Know where you want to work. I have researched organizations or companies that might hire someone with my skills, interests, and background. I have researched potential career fields: typical entry-level jobs, typical salaries, best geographic location for jobs, etc. I have identified the top three geographic areas where I’d like to live and work. I have identified 10 potential employers for the type of work I’m seeking. Step 3: Get ready for the search. I have logged in to MyBU to access my BRADLEY eRecruiting account. I have had my resume(s) and cover letter(s) reviewed by a professional in the field or a staff member at SCC, or use SCC online resources for help. I have prepared a portfolio, work samples or a website to highlight my experience, skills, and talent. I have developed my “30-second speech” for short encounters with employers. I have analyzed my education and developed my “story” for employers. I have identified three individuals who will serve as references. I have developed my interview skills. I have prepared for interviews by practicing my responses to typical questions, using SCC online resources and/or doing a mock interview. I have professional interview attire that is appropriate for the field in which I plan to work. I have a professional-sounding voice mail message in case an employer calls. I have a neutral/professional e-mail address to give to employers. I have looked into or enrolled in EHC 301- Career Planning Strategies (BUS 220 for students in the Foster College of Business Administration) Step 4: Start searching. I have uploaded and published my resume(s) to eRecruiting. I regularly check the eRecruiting website for career opportunities. I have researched the additional websites available on the SCC website and online resources available for jobs/internships at home and abroad. I read the career center newsletter for appropriate job-search resources for my field(s) of interest. I have attended the annual job fairs. I have a system for keeping track of my contacts, interviews, and other job-search activities. I follow up on every interesting job lead immediately. I have developed a list of potential networking contacts and keep in touch with them. I keep a copy of my resume next to my phone in case I receive a call from an employer. I follow-up each cover letter with a phone call or email to the employer requesting a job interview. I send thank you letters or emails to every person who interviews me. Adapted with permission from Liberal Arts Career Services/UT Austin.
Top 10 Career Strategies for Freshmen and Sophomores You control your career destiny! Just going to class and picking up your diploma after four years doesn't cut it. You need to become active on and off campus. Becoming marketable to employers or graduate schools is a four-year job. Here are the top 10 things you can do during college to make yourself marketable at job-search time. In fact, if you do all 10 of these, you'll be unstoppable: 1. Keep your grades up—Employers and graduate schools want candidates with good grades. That will probably never change. Doing well academically not only proves that you have a good knowledge base, but indicates a strong work ethic—a trait that employers value. 2. Identify your interests, skills, values, and personal characteristics—The first step to clarifying your career goals is to go through a process of self-assessment. Visit your career center and take advantage of the self-assessment instruments it has to offer. 3. Actively explore career options—You owe it to yourself to find a career that enriches your life, not one that brings you down. Actively exploring careers means talking with professionals in occupations of interest and observing professionals on the job. Your career center probably has alumni and other volunteers who are willing to talk to you about their careers. Also, attend any career expos, career fairs, and career speaker panels that are offered. 4. Become active in extracurricular activities and clubs—Active involvement in activities and clubs on campus is highly valued by employers and graduate schools. Joining a club is fine, but becoming active within that club is what matters most. Become a leader, hold an office, or coordinate an event. You will develop your skills in leadership and teamwork—skills that recruiters covet! 5. Get involved in community service—It's important that you begin to understand and appreciate the importance of giving back to your community, and that you live in a larger community than your college or hometown. Typically, students look at community service as a chore. After they've served, however, it's usually one of the most rewarding experiences they've had! Recruiters love to see that you've volunteered to help in your community. 6. Develop your computer skills—Take advantage of the computer courses and workshops your college offers. You can also learn a lot by just experimenting with different software packages on your own. Finally, you should learn how to develop your own web page or web-based portfolio. There are many web-design software tools that make it real easy to develop your own web page! Contact your college's information technology office to see how to get started. 7. Develop your writing skills—Over and over, company and graduate school recruiters complain about the lack of writing skills among college graduates. Don't avoid classes that are writing intensive. Work at developing your writing skills. If there is a writing center on campus, have them take a look at your papers from time to time. Remember, the first impression you give to recruiters is typically your cover letter or personal statement. 8. Complete at least one internship in your chosen career field—More and more, internships are the springboards to employment and getting into graduate programs. Many recruiters say that when they need to fill entry-level jobs, they will only hire previous interns. In addition to making yourself more marketable, internships also are a great way to explore careers and determine whether or not certain careers are for you. When you work for a company as an intern for three to four months, you get a really good feel for whether the field (and company) is one in which you want to work day in and day out!
9. Gain an appreciation of diversity through study abroad, foreign languages, and courses—We are now, more than ever, working within a global work force. For you to be successful at work and in your life, you must stretch yourself, and learn about people and cultures different than yours. Take advantage of the wonderful studyabroad opportunities and the courses relating to diversity. This is your time to travel! Most people find it harder to take time to travel as they begin their careers and start families. 10. Use your career center all four years—Your college career center can help you throughout your entire college career. Here is just a sampling of what your career center can help you do: Choose your major and career direction, Explore career options, Obtain an internship, Write a resume and cover letter, Develop your interviewing skills, Identify your skills, interests, and values, Develop a job-search or graduate school plan, Connect you with prospective employers (career fairs, on-campus recruiting, and more), and Connect you with alumni mentors. Remember, you control your career destiny. Don't wait until your senior year to start realizing your goals. Your career train is on the move. Jump on board now so you can reach your destination!
By Bob Orndorff. Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Climb to Your Career in Four Years Where will you be in four years? Will you be ready to join the work force? Maybe you have your future planned: You know what you want to be after graduation and you have an idea of how to get there. Or, maybe you aren't even sure what you want to major in—never mind know what kind of career you want to have after college. No matter if you’re decided or unsure—if you're planning to graduate in four years and find your place in the work force, take steps now to reach your goals. It's never too early (or too late) to start. But—the earlier you start, the easier it will be to prepare! First, develop the habit of stopping by the career services office on a regular basis. Check in a few times during your freshman year, more often during your sophomore year, frequently during your junior year, and weekly during your senior year. Here's a timeline to guide your progress: Every fall Make an appointment to talk with a career services counselor. Check your career center's website for a calendar of dates and times of career development and jobsearch workshops and seminars, career and job fairs, and company information sessions. Update your resume and have it critiqued and proofread. Join professional associations and become an active member to build a network of colleagues in your field. Find a student version of your professional association and take leadership roles. Subscribe to and read professional journals in your chosen field. Freshman year - Asking questions, exploring your options (up to 30 hours)
Schedule an appointment at the career services center to familiarize yourself with the services and resources available. Take interest and career inventory tests at the career services office. Start a career information file or notebook that will include records of your career development and job-search activities for the next four years. Identify at least four skills employers want and plan how you will acquire these skills before graduation. Visit your career center for information on the skills. Scan the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which is filled with information on hundreds of occupations. Check out career-search books in the career center library. Familiarize yourself with your university's career center home page—a good source of tips and articles to help with your job search. Take a resume writing class and explore other career planning workshops. Write your first resume. Attend on-campus career and job fairs to gather information on potential careers and employers. Explore your interests, abilities, and skills through required academics. Talk to faculty, alumni, advisers, and career counselors about possible majors and careers. Join university organizations that will offer you leadership roles in the future. Collect information on cooperative education programs, internships, and summer jobs available through the career services office. Consider volunteer positions to help build your resume.
Sophomore year - Researching options/testing paths (up to 60 hours)
Schedule an appointment with a career services counselor to bring yourself up-to-date on what's needed in your career file. Update your resume (with your summer activities) and have it critiqued in the career services office. Begin a cooperative education program or consider internship, summer, and school-break job opportunities that relate to your interests. Read at least one book on career planning recommended by career services staff. Explore at least three career options available to you through your major. Take a cover-letter writing workshop. Review your progress in learning four (or more) skills employers look for in new hires. Research various occupations in the Occupational Outlook Handbook and materials in the career center library. Attend on-campus career and job fairs and employer information sessions relating to your interests. Identify organizations and associations in your interest areas for shadowing opportunities and informational interviews. Join at least one professional or honorary organization related to your major to make contact with people in the professional world. Work toward one leadership position in a university club or activity. Begin to collect recommendations from previous and current employers. Put together an interview outfit.
Junior year - Making decisions/plotting directions (up to 100 hours)
Schedule an appointment with a career services counselor to have your updated resume critiqued. Narrow your career interests. Review your participation in a co-op program or explore internship opportunities with a career services professional. Participate in interviewing, cover-letter writing, and other job-search workshops. Practice your skills at mock interviews. Review your progress in learning four (or more) skills employers look for in new hires. Attend on-campus career and job fairs and employer information sessions that relate to your interests. Take leadership positions in clubs and organizations. Consider graduate school and get information on graduate entrance examinations. Ask former employers and professors to serve as references or to write recommendations to future employers. Complete at least five informational interviews in careers you want to explore. Shadow several professionals in your field. Research potential employers in the career library and talk to recent graduates in your major about the job market and potential employers. Start your professional wardrobe.
Senior year - Searching, interviewing, accepting, success!
Update your resume and visit the career services office to have it critiqued. Get your copy of the career center's calendar and register for on-campus interviews. Also schedule offcampus interviews. Develop an employer prospect list with contact names and addresses from organizations you are interested in pursuing. Gather information on realistic salary expectations. Your career services office will be able to help. Attend local association meetings to meet potential employers. Draft a cover letter that can be adapted for a variety of employers and have it critiqued. Participate in interviewing workshops and practice interviews. Read two or more professional or trade publications from your major and career field on a regular basis. If you are planning to go to graduate school, take graduate school entrance exams and complete applications. Follow up on all applications and keep a record of the status of each. Go on second interviews. Evaluate job offers and accept one. Report all job offers and your acceptance to the career services office.
Good luck in your career!
Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Calendar of Workshops and Events
January/February Visit the Smith Career Center website and click on “calendar” for additional information for the Spring semester. Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
January 27
January 28
January 29
January 30
January 31
Job Fair Prep Noon - 1:00 p.m. Burgess Hall, rm. 124
Resumes: Getting Started 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Burgess Hall, rm. 124
Resumes: Getting Started 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Burgess Hall, rm. 124
Job Fair Prep 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Cullom-Davis Library, Wyckoff Room
How to Talk With Employers 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Burgess Hall, rm. 124
February 3
February 4
February 5
February 6
February 7
How to Talk With Employers 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Burgess Hall, rm. 124
Resume ER 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Cullom-Davis Library
Interns Tell All
Job Fair Prep 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Burgess Hall, rm. 124
Feedback Friday: Resume Critique Day
Interview Tips 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Cullom-Davis Library, Packard Room
Job Fair Prep 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cullom-Davis Library, Wyckoff Room
Student-to-student information exchange 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Michel Student Center, Ballroom *Coordinated by the Career Peer Advisors
Coping with Pre-Professional Pressures 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Bradley Hall, rm. 225 *Coordinated by the Pre-Health Advising Center, Pre-Law Center, and SCC
February 10
February 11
Resume ER 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cullom-Davis Library
How to Talk With Employers 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Burgess Hall, rm. 124 Interview Tips 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Cullom-Davis Library, Packard Room Job Fair Prep 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cullom-Davis Library, Wyckoff Room
Interview Tips 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Cullom-Davis Library, Packard Room
Noon - 4:00 p.m. Michel Student Center, Ballroom *Sponsored by AAA Chicago
Resume ER 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Cullom-Davis Library
February 12 Behind the Scenes: See the Job Fair setup the night before, have your questions answered, and get the inside scoop! 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. (drop in anytime) Renaissance Coliseum
February 13
February 14
Spring Job & Internship Fair 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Renaissance Coliseum * View the current list of attending employers
Work That Matters 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Westlake Hall, rm. 116 * Presented by the U.S. Peace Corps, other organizations
February 17
February 18
February 19
February 20
Job Fair Follow Up: What’s Next? 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Burgess Hall, rm. 124
Career Peer Advisor Information Session 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cullom-Davis Library, Wyckoff Room
Intro to SCC Resources 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Burgess Hall, rm. 124
Intro to SCC Resources 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Burgess Hall, rm. 124
February 24
February 25
February 26
February 27
Getting Started with LinkedIn: First Steps 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Burgess Hall, rm. 124
Getting Started with LinkedIn: First Steps 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Burgess Hall, rm. 124
Engineering Virtual Networking Event Noon - 1:00 p.m. *More info to come!
Career Peer Advisor Information Session 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cullom-Davis Library, Wyckoff Room
Campus Interviews Begin Visit your eRecruiting account to view upcoming Interview Schedules
February 21
February 28
Smith Career Center careers@bradley.edu ● bradley.edu/scc ● (309) 6772510 ● Burgess Hall, first floor
Calendar of Workshops and Events
January/February Visit the Smith Career Center website and click on “calendar” for additional information for the Spring semester.
Additional events and workshops will be added throughout the semester
Smith Career Center careers@bradley.edu ● bradley.edu/scc ● (309) 6772510 ● Burgess Hall, first floor
Spring Job & Internship Fair February 13, 2014 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Renaissance Coliseum Employers as of January 22, 2014. For an updated list, visit bradley.edu/scc. AAA Chicago Acme Industries Advanced CAD/CAM Service Advanced Media Partners Advanced Technology Services (ATS) AFLAC ** AFN, LLC ** Allendale Association Ameren Corporation American Buildings Company ** American Red Cross - Blood Services Auto-Owners Insurance Company Belcan Corporation Berglund Construction Company Bimba Manufacturing Company Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC bswift ** C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. California State Board of Equalization CAMtek, Inc Carus Corporation Caterpillar Inc. CEFCU Chestnut Health Systems Children's Home Association of Illinois Cintas Corporation CIT Group, Inc CNH (Case New Holland) ConAgra Foods, Inc. ** Congressman Aaron Schock's Office Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Inc.** Crystal Equation Cumulus Media, Inc. Echo Global Logistics ** Embassy Suites Enterprise Rent-A-Car Fast Enterprises, LLC ** Fastenal Company F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen, Inc. Float Mobile Learning Gallagher Asphalt Corporation Gardner Denver, Inc. General Kinematics Gentex Corporation
Gentex Corporation Girl Scouts of Central Illinois Gordon, Stockman & Waugh
Pearl Companies Pekin Insurance Peoria Housing Authority
GROWMARK Inc.
Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette
H.T. Associates, Inc.
Permasteelisa North America **
Harmon, Inc. **
Power Construction Co., LLC
Haskell (Seiberling) **
Produce Pro Software
High Voltage Software
Provisur Technologies, Inc./Formax, Inc.
HON Company (The) and Allsteel **
Rite-Hite Corporation
Hy-Vee, Inc. IL Dept of Corrections & IL Dept of Juvenile Justice Illinois Agricultural Auditing Association Illinois Army National Guard Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Independent Mechanical Industries, Inc. InDepth Engineering Solutions ISACorp JMP Integrated Media KJWW Engineering Consultants Korte Company (The) K-Plus Engineering Kraft Foods Land O'Frost ** LCN Closers Lend Lease, Inc. Marquette Group MATCOR Metal Fabrication, Inc. Maui Jim, Inc. McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
RLI Corporation Robert Bosch Tool Corporation Sherwin-Williams Company Silver Oaks Communications Six Flags Great America Social Security Administration (SSA) SPEC Engineering ** Springfield Electric Supply Company ** State Farm Insurance Stephen Ministries Structural Group Sustainable Modular Management ** Target Stores ** The ESCO Group The GSI Group, Inc. The Raymond Corporation (Division of Toyota) The Washington Center Trek Freight Services, LLC TTX Company
Memorial Health System
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers University of Illinois Springfield, -Graduate Intern Programs
MetLife **
Vactor Mfg. Inc.
Midwestern Securities Trading Co. LLC
Verizon Wireless **
Missouri State Highway Patrol
Von Maur
MSDSonline
W.D. Boyce Council, Boy Scouts of America
MTH Industries
WCIC 91.5
MultiAd
WEEK-TV (Granite Broadcasting)
Nooter Construction **
WestPoint Financial Group
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
WMBD/WYZZ TV - Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.
Omega & Associates, Inc.
Worldwide Express
Mediacom Communications Corporation
Omron Automation and Safety Panduit Corporation PCM, Inc. **
** Employers offering After Job Fair Interviews Job Fair Sponsors are in Bold
Smith Career Center Information Guide
Job Fair Tips
Job Fairs provide a terrific opportunity to learn and network with many potential employers about a wide variety of career options. There are several job fairs conducted on the Bradley campus each year where students and alumni can gain information about internships, cooperative education, part-time and full-time positions. The SCC website has current information about each of the job fairs, including links to many participating employers.
Suggested Preparation 1. Prepare resume and select appropriate interview attire. 2. Review List of Participating Employers and identify employers of interest. 3. Visit web sites of your selected employers to review product/services, locations, and employment information. 4. Log-in to BRADLEY eRecruiting to view job descriptions and potential interview schedules for selected employers. 5. Prepare a "30-second" introduction of yourself.
Day of the Event 1. Bring your list of selected employers, a folder or portfolio with pen/paper, and multiple copies of your resumes. 2. Plan to spend at least 60 minutes talking with your selected employers. 3. Ask each employer about appropriate application follow-up. Ask for a business card, as appropriate. 4. Make notes about follow-up steps. Complete online applications and other follow-up activities within a few days of the event.
Sample Questions to Ask
What key skills are you looking for in your candidates? What is the application process for this position? When do you hope to have these positions filled? When will you be selecting candidates to invite to an interview? If I am lucky enough to get an interview, do you have any suggestions on how I should prepare? Once I submit an application, is it OK to follow up with you? What date should I target? How did you get started with the employer? Any suggestions/advice on additional experience I should gather before making application?
Additional information available on the SCC website includes list of participating employers, job fair table locations, job fair hand-out for students, and frequently asked questions. 8/8/2012
Smith Career Center bradley.edu/scc • (309) 677-2510 • Fax (309) 677-2611 • Burgess Hall, first floor
Job Fair Do’s Research employers prior to attending a job fair. Through the SCC website you may access job fair lists, links to the employers’ websites, and eRecruiting job listings and employer information. Dress professionally and be neat and clean in appearance. First impressions count! Greet the recruiter with a firm handshake and establish eye contact. Prepare a “30-second commercial.” Create a script that introduces yourself and briefly relates your background and experience to the position in which you are interested. Deliver this message as part of your conversation with the recruiter, NOT as a monologue. Be personable and smile! Develop informed questions. Consider starting with “How would you describe an ideal candidate?” or “What are the key skills that help a person succeed in this type of job?” Be independent. Avoid approaching employers with groups of your friends. Have an open mind. Determine the top three to five employers of interest to you, but talk with others in order to discover new information. Carry multiple copies of your resume in a folder. Also bring an appointment book for scheduling an interview or a follow-up phone call. Inquire about obtaining further information about the organization. Ask about other potential contacts or leads you might pursue. “Close the deal!“ Take the initiative and ask what your next step is. Take a business card so that you can follow up with an email or a thank-you letter.
Job Fair Don’ts Don’t be afraid of the recruiter. Approach him or her with confidence and enthusiasm. They attend job fairs to meet qualified candidates. You may even meet recruiters who are Bradley alumni! Don’t jump into a conversation the recruiter is having with another student. Be patient and use the time to read over company information. Don’t just toss your resume on the table. Take time to learn about their organization and available opportunities. Market yourself and determine if there is some mutual interest. Don’t assume the recruiter is not interested if they ask you to submit your resume online. Many organizations cannot consider you as an applicant unless you complete an online application. Don’t overstate your abilities. You could end up pursuing a job you are not equipped to do. Do present yourself and your abilities convincingly. Don’t ask questions about salary, benefits & perks, or vacation time. Your main focus should be on the prospective job itself. Don’t complain about former jobs, bosses or classes. Don’t use negatives such as “can’t” or “won’t.” Your goal is to leave a positive impression about your attitude and experience. Don’t monopolize the recruiter’s time. Sell yourself, make a good impression but give the next student a chance to do the same. Don’t pretend you are interested in a position when you are not. Don’t schedule an interview if you do not intend to keep it. You may be preventing a student who is really interested from obtaining an interview. Don’t assume the recruiter can’t be of help even though there are no current openings. Situations change and he/she may be a good contact in the future.