Career Fair Manual

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Raisbeck Career Services Center 1320 Gerdin Business Building (515) 294-2542 Ames, IA 50011 buscs@iastate.edu http://www.bus.iastate.edu/careers

Light Up Your Future!

9/26/2012 12-6 pm Hilton Coliseum

table of contents 4

Researching Companies

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Resumes: Your Marketing Tool

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Sample Resume

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Professional Dress

As a freshman, there are a lot of things on your mind-clubs, classes, and your social life. Your career is probably the furthest thing from your mind. College may be the best four years of your life, but it’s also the fastest. Before you know it, you will be tossing the graduation cap and heading out to the real world. That begs the question: Will you be ready?

Introducing the Career Fair. This semi-annual fair is your chance to interact with hundreds of companies looking for students like you for jobs, internships and co-ops. We know this can be intimidating. What do you say? What do you wear? All these questions can be overwhelming to tackle. This how-to guide includes everything about the Career Fair from researching companies to what to put on your resume, so you can feel prepared.

We hope you take the time to flip through these pages for useful information that will help you conquer your first Career Fair.

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Men: What to Wear

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Women: What to Wear

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Elevator Speech

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Last Tips

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The Follow Up

GOOD LUCK!

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What I Wish I Knew

Acknowledgments: A special thank you to Chad Knight, Alexander Noonan, Elizabeth Polsdofer, and Brandon Scheuring who inspired this publication.

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Researching Companies Why research companies before you meet recruiters?

When you are trying to impress a company at the

Career Fair, it is imperative that you do the prep work.

Researching the companies that you plan to visit is an easy way to make yourself look professional and prepared. Knowing details about the companies you are pursuing will help you stand out from the other applicants and allow the conversation between you and the recruiter to move along much smoother. Putting in this extra effort helps convince the recruiter that you will be able to do the same in the work place.

Lucky for you Iowa State has a centralized system, ISU CMS, in which companies post job/internship opportunities. All students automatically have an ISU CMS account. Once you log in you can create a personalized list of companies specifically recruiting your major and the type of position in which you are looking (internship or full-time). This will allow you to plan and research the companies you would like to talk with at the Career Fair.

How do I research companies?

ISU CMS = Iowa State University Career Management Services How to Log into ISU CMS: • Go to Business Career Services homepage: www.business.iastate.edu/careers • Click on ISU CMS in the upper right hand corner of the homepage • Enter your email address and password

Tip: Take notes about each company you wish to visit so that you can refer to them on the day of the Career Fair.

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For a list of organizations attending the Career Fair: Log into your ISU CMS account Click on the quick link for Career Fair participants Use the advanced search to find companies of interest to you (Make sure you select your major and type of work) Click on the company name to see the company overview and other pertinent information

For more detailed information regarding a specific company, use the link provided to visit the company’s website.

What should I know about a company I want to talk with at the Career Fair?

Basic background information...

• What does the company do?

• What are their major accomplishments?

Current projects...

• What are they trying to accomplish?

• What specific projects interest you?

What you would like to do in the company...

• Where do you see yourself within the company?

• What about the company makes you want to work for them?

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When you have some background knowledge about the company, you engage the recruiter.

You will be able to ask meaningful and specific questions the recruiter can answer and show that you are interested in what the recruiter has to say. Asking questions about the company by using the knowledge that you already have, will keep the conversation interesting for both you and the recruiter. There is nothing worse than an awkward silence during the conversation because you don’t know what you’re talking about. Prevent this by doing your homework!

Final Thoughts

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These are all topics that will likely come up in a conversation with a recruiter at the Career Fair. If you are able to prove that you have done your homework on the company, it shows that you are serious about your interest in them. If it is your first time to the Career Fair or you’re not looking for an internship or job right now, you can still benefit from researching the company backgrounds. Doing so will make you stand out in the recruiter’s mind and help them remember you at future career fairs.

The goal of doing this research prior to the Career Fair is to make yourself appear professional, prepared, and serious. Talking to recruiters is all about how you carry yourself. You want to come across as confident and knowledgeable.

Doing a little homework about the companies you visit will help your confidence and set you apart from the rest of the pack.

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Let ’s Talk

RESUMES

Your Marketing Piece

Your resume will help you accomplish many things throughout your career and job search. A well-designed resume can give you a real advantage in the job or internship market. In order to create a great resume you need to first consider how it will be used. At the Career Fair, recruiters may use your resume to learn about you and remember who you are. Afterwards, your resume can help the company decide if you are someone they are interested in interviewing. Recruiters keep resumes on file for future reference.

What do I do?

The recruiter won’t accept my resume.

Many times recruiters do not accept resumes as part of their company policy.

If this happens ask how you can submit your resume via their website. It will also be beneficial to ask how you can make your resume standout, now that you will be relying solely on your resume to catch the recruiter’s eye.

Make sure you get the recruiter’s business card so you can follow up with them or have them direct you to the person to follow up once you post your resume to the website.

What can you do?

After meeting with hundreds of students at the Career Fair, some company representatives will sort through resumes they collected to find candidates that will suit the needs of their company.

For this reason you must make sure your resume contains all of your skills and experiences that are relevant to the positions offered by the company. Each internship, co-op, and full-time job has a unique set of requirements, and the companies will be checking to see if you meet these requirements. At the Career Fair, you won’t want different versions of your resume.

Who are you?

You need to make a strong impression on the recruiter, and part of that is ensuring that your name is not forgotten. Yes, you will be wearing a nametag with that same information, but the recruiters will be able to take copies of your resume so that your name will not be forgotten once you leave.

What do you want?

The main purpose of the resume at the Career Fair is to share your objective statement with the recruiter. This statement is one or two sentences explaining what you are seeking. After reading your objective statement, the recruiter will have an idea of how you’d like to fit into their company.

Tip: Have your Career Coordinator review your resume before the Career Fair.

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You need a resume.

How do you make one?

What do you even put on your resume?

CONTACT EDUCATION EXPERIENCE OTHER

Name Address Phone Number Professional E-mail Address

Name of School Degree and Major Graduation Date GPA Name of Company Job Title City, State Dates Accomplishments Leadership Involvement Skills/Training Awards/Honors Volunteer Work

Keep it to one page Do not use personal pronouns such as: “me”, “my”, “I” Fill the space Use bulleted lists Personalize it DO NOT lie **See a sample resume on the next page**

Resume Quick Tips

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JANE A. CYCLONE jclone@iastate.edu

CURRENT ADDRESS 2410 Chamberlain Street Ames, IA 50014 515.292.0000

PERMANENT ADDRESS 419 Center Road Topeka, KS 65001 705.555.0000

OBJECTIVE

To obtain a career position in marketing with special interest in market research and international business.

EDUCATION

Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa Bachelor of Science, May 2013 Majors: Marketing & International Business GPA 3.12/4.00 University of Swansea, Swansea, Wales Study Abroad, Spring 2012

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Ames, Iowa Ames Market Research Group Spring 2012-Summer 2012 Marketing Intern • Contacted over 200 prospective clients for sales and focus group meetings • Assembled and sent customer survey to over 1000 clients • Compiled survey results and produced final report • Utilized survey results to develop new sales promotions which were fully implemented Ames, Iowa Iowa State University, Alpha Alpha Alpha Fraternity Spring 2011-Summer 2011 Membership Chairperson • Marketed fraternity to over 300 incoming students • Achieved 20 percent growth in new member class • Coordinated special events including recruitment program which hosted over 50 potential members • Prepared recruitment fliers and brochures for distribution during recruitment week

OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE

Topeka Country Club Club House Attendant • Provided excellent customer service daily • Performed light grounds and maintenance services • Maintained perfect attendance and punctuality

COMPUTER SKILLS

Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Adobe Photoshop

LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES

American Marketing Association, Fall 2011-present Career Fair Ambassador, Fall 2011 Residence Hall Council, Fall 2010 Intramurals, Spring 2010-present 8 Dean’s List, Fall 2011

Topeka, Kansas Summers 2009-2010

Dress Professionally.

Dressing for success is absolutely essential in professional interaction. Your relationship with employers starts the moment you meet.

Dressing inappropriately can do more harm than you think. You can’t get back a first impression. If you really want to impress, you need to look the part.

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For Men Business professional or business casual?

Do I wear a tie?

Wait, how do I tie a tie?

Start with the Suit.

If the Career Fair had a dress code, a suit would be it!

To look your best we suggest investing in a suit that meets these guidelines: • Make sure your suit is a solid dark color such as black or grey. If you can’t find a solid color, a small pinstripe detail will work. The fit of the suit is just as important as the look of suit. If your suit is too small or too big people will notice.

• Wear a nice, button down shirt in a neutral color such as white. No bright colors.

• Complete your ensemble with a tie. This is where you can bring in a pop of color. Make sure it’s still professional (no cartoon ties please).

Let’s Talk Shoes.

Your shoes need to coordinate. Not just the left foot matching the right foot, but make sure that your shoes match the rest of your ensemble. Stick with a safe color, such as black or brown. At the very least, make sure your shoes and belt match. One more thing: no white athletic socks!

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What if I don’t have a business suit?

Don’t give up on attending the Career Fair just because you haven’t built your professional wardrobe. Khaki pants are a suitable business casual option for guys. Wear a nice button down shirt with a tie to really look professional. Career Services can help with some cost effective ideas..

Just ask!

Do not wear any of the following...

• • • • • • •

Sweatpants Jeans T-shirts Sweatshirts Tennis Shoes Hats Earrings

Breakdown of Professional Attire for men Your tie should add to your appearance.

A tie is an item where you might want to invest a little more.

Invest in a professional looking suit. The jacket and pants color should match. Black, brown or gray are recommended colors for a suit.

Carry a professional padfolio instead of a backpack.

Minimize your accessories.

Take out earrings, get a hair cut and clean your finger nails.

Also minimize facial hair and cologne.

Choose a conservative, long-sleeved shirt. A solid white or simple striped shirt works best.

A dark leather, one-inch belt is your best option.

Select tall socks that are dark with minimal pattern.

Questions? Call or stop by Business Career Services 1320 Gerdin Business Building 515-294-2542

A plain-toe, tie shoe is the best investment and safest choice.

A leather sole is preferable.

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It’s the eternal question: what do you wear?

Sometimes this is even harder to answer for professional events than for weekend parties.

Here are some tips to make sure you don’t miss a beat.

THINK CONSERVATIVE Put away the sundress and no one gets hurt!

Sundresses are extremely tempting to wear. But when you wear sundresses people will focus on the dress and not view you as a professional.

The sit down skirt test.

The sit down skirt test is the only way to guarantee you are wearing the appropriate length skirt. Sit down.

The skirt should fall below your knees. Does yours?

(This means minis are out - sorry).

Show off your skills not your silhouette.

If your outfit really shows off your figure, then you need to go looser. But don’t hide your figure either.

By finding a happy medium of clothing you can show your employers that not only are you smart, but you know how to dress appropriately.

Shoes Closed toed shoes are a must- again think conservative. Choose a sturdy color like black or brown. Flats are your best option, but if you just can’t give up your heels, choose a pair no higher than one inch. Only wear shoes in which you’re comfortable walking. Practice walking in them before the Career Fair.

Time for a “make-under.”

Make-up should be worn conservatively. This includes foundation, eye liner, mascara and blush.

Choose something closer to what you’d wear every day.

Avoid red accents.

Nails, lips, or whatever comes in fire engine red is not a great choice at all. Try to be conservative with your lip color by choosing something neutral and not over the top. Nail polish should be worn clear or with a similar neutral color.

Lay off the bling.

Keep your jewelry simple. Conservative ring, small necklace, small earrings, and that’s it. Too much or too large of accessories can look really gaudy. Absolutely need to accessorize? Try pearls-they’re always classy.

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Breakdown of Professional Attire for women Neat hairstyle away from face.

Choose a conservative shirt. Avoid low cut or tight fitting shirts. Solid white or light colors work best.

Minimize accessories. Limit the jewelry and perfume. Make-up should also be limited.

Invest in a professional looking suit. This includes a jacket and pants or skirt.

(Skirt length should be just below the knees.)

Carry a professional padfolio instead of a backpack or purse.

If wearing a skirt, choose neutral hosiery. If wearing pants, select tall socks that are dark with minimal pattern.

Questions? Call or stop by ..

Business Career Services 1320 Gerdin Business Building 515-294-2542

The jacket and pants/skirt color should match. Black, brown or gray are recommended colors for a suit.

Match your shoes to your suit.

A low-medium heel works best.

Avoid shoes with an open toe.

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ELEVATOR

SPEECH

An elevator speech is... your marketing tool and an important part of networking. It is used to state who you are and what you are looking for at the Career Fair. It should be possible to deliver it in the time span of an elevator ride from one floor to the next.

You’ve done your research and preparation.

Now it is time to go talk to recruiters!

The ability to engage an employer at the Career Fair leaves a lasting impression.

During the Career Fair, elevator speeches occur between a recruiter and yourself.

To be effective, you need to portray yourself seriously and ask sensible questions.

What to Say To start an effective conversation with the recruiter, it’s best to walk up and give them a firm handshake. Smile and say 14

“Hello, my name is_________ and I am a freshman at Iowa State University, majoring in __________.”

Continue to tell them WHY you want to talk to them. This approach will initiate the handshake right away, instead of waiting for the recruiter to make the move. This will also inform the recruiter of your class standing rather than making it a surprise later in the conversation (or relying on your nametag). If you follow this approach, recruiters will see you as straight forward and experienced (even if you’re not).

When you’re speaking with the recruiter, it’s important to keep a time limit on the conversation.

Keep in mind that there are other students at the Career Fair waiting to talk to the same recruiter, so you shouldn’t loiter around just one. Keeping the conversation to 3-5 minutes at max is a good rule of thumb. In this time span, you can get the information you want and need, as well as leave room for some casual offtopic conversation to take place.

The Farewell When it comes time to leave the recruiter, don’t just jump to goodbye. If

you are carrying a resume ask the recruiter if they are accepting resumes.

This will be the perfect time to offer them your resume. If not, don’t worry just politely ask if they have contact information. This will help you follow up with the recruiter after the Career Fair.

End your conversation with the recruiter by thanking them.

Compliment this with a firm handshake. Don’t forget to make eye contact and smile.

“Asking about internships and co-ops shows the recruiter that you’ve got goals, which helps them connect with you as a person.”

What are you seeking?

Even though most freshmen aren’t looking seriously for jobs, there are internships and opportunities for now or the near future.

Internships can be part-time or full-time and generally last for one semester or summer.

Internships provide you

with a taste of a company’s atmosphere, which can help with securing a full-time position in the future.

Co-ops generally last for longer periods of time in which the student would work full-time for a semester.

Don’t just ask questions, ask the RIGHT questions Right Questions • • • • •

What skills does your company value the most?

Which areas have current (or future) openings?

What are the opportunities your company offers?

How can I submit a resume to you?

What is the best way to apply with your company?

• • • •

Wrong Questions What does your company do?

What is the starting salary?

Is lunch provided?

Can I work from home?

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A Few Last Tips Get your hair out of your face.

Potential employers want to see your face. Hair should be neat and well groomed.

Smell like...nothing.

Known for your trademark scent?

Leave it at home during this professional event.

Shine your shoes!

Make sure your shoes are well polished and are attractive.

Men, tuck in your shirt and wear a belt.

Have you noticed that pretty much every professional dress code includes a belt? That’s because it looks professional and gives a crisp appearance.

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Don’t forget the nails.

Remember, you are going to be shaking a lot of hands and recruiters are very perceptive. Make sure your nails are well groomed and attractive.

Piercings?

Try to replace big, showy piercings with something less distracting.

If you can, take it out for a little while. If it can’t come out, cover it with a flesh colored band-aid.

Wear a conservative watch.

Stay away from sport watches that you might wear in the water or while running.

Breath Check.

Take a moment to check your breath. Bad breath? Try a mint instead of gum- nothing is more distracting than someone chewing gum while talking.

Hats are a big hit-if you are going to the Royal Wedding.

No baseball hats, dressy hats, sun hats, beanies, or ski caps.

Cover up the tattoos Tattoos can be a turn off for most employers and you will almost always be asked to cover it up during work anyway.

Double-check your outfit.

Look in a mirror. Make sure there are no frays, stray strings, or missing buttons. Yes, people actually notice those things.

Take a deep breath and smile.

The Follow Up If you made a good connection with a recruiter, a company representative or someone you talked with at the Career Fair, you will definitely want to stay in contact with them in the future.

How to follow up

• Ask for their business card and inquire as to how you should best follow up with him or her about future opportunities or to set up a time to talk more.

The best thing to do after the Career Fair is visit your Career Coordinator to discuss your experience and determine how you will follow up with the recruiters.

It is important to follow up so that you make an impression on the recruiter and they will remember you at future Career Fairs. Many recruiters return each year, so once you begin to establish a professional relationship, talking with the recruiters will become easier.

Why is it important to follow up with a recruiter?

For starters following up will leave the recruiter with a good impression of you. They will see that you are committed to maintaining your professional relationship with the company and will show your dedication. Most importantly it will set you apart from your fellow classmates, as many students forget to follow up.

• Send a thank you email following the Career Fair expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to meet and discuss their company.

• Take any steps recommended by the recruiter- send them your resume, references, etc. via email or apply online.

Whatever you do- DON’T • Forget to follow up with someone.

Always send a thank you note or email.

Tip: Need help writing your follow-up email? Check out the Letter Writing Guide on the Business Career Services webpage for a template.

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“Utilize the career services’ staff; they have a wealth of knowledge and will give you an advantage in landing the career you want.”

- Ben, Management “I wish I would have known how valuable your network can be when searching for internships and jobs. Start networking now by joining a career-related student organization, requesting informational interviews, and attending the Career Week events and the Career Fairs.”

- Christine, Marketing

“What I wish I knew”

Career advice from ISU College of Business alumni 18

“Focus on starting to build relationships with companies, but also practice presenting yourself and being able to have a productive, memorable conversation with someone you don’t know.”

- Sadie, Finance & Accounting

“Opportunities will come and go; my advice is to be proactive and eager through networking, career fairs, and mock interviews to show to companies who YOU are. Be open to new things and your career will truly be a journey.”

- Darrin, Marketing

“If you need help searching for a career that interests you, get it! There are so many people that are here to help -- but you need to make the effort to reach out to them.”

- Jamison, Marketing & Supply Chain Managment

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