How to get an internship
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'''Be professional''', but allow your personality to shine. Remember that the employers have been talking to students constantly, so show respect for their time and try not to immediately bombard them when it is your turn. Make direct eye contact. Showing your enthusiasm is also very important. The employers form their impressions of you during these first few seconds. | '''Be professional''', but allow your personality to shine. Remember that the employers have been talking to students constantly, so show respect for their time and try not to immediately bombard them when it is your turn. Make direct eye contact. Showing your enthusiasm is also very important. The employers form their impressions of you during these first few seconds. | ||
| - | '''Be assertive'' and offer a firm handshake as you approach the person. Make | + | '''Be assertive''' and offer a firm handshake as you approach the person. Make |
The conversation is a two-way street. If you ar speaking with one of the employers you have researched, weave in your knowledge of the company, and ask questions so they can elaborate. | The conversation is a two-way street. If you ar speaking with one of the employers you have researched, weave in your knowledge of the company, and ask questions so they can elaborate. | ||
Revision as of 02:21, 7 February 2007
Contents |
Making the best out of Career Fairs
This section is primarily for students and how they can make use of on-campus career fairs conducted at their university.
Develop a strategy/prioritize
Review the list of attending employers and rank the ones you would like to speak with in order of importance.
Research employers
Employers that pique your interest should be researched. You want to be able to answer the question "Why do you want to work for my organization?" The only way you can answer that honestly is if you know something about the employer. For starters, you should visit their website. Things to look for include company history, press release, rankings, mission/values statements, and general information. You can also look for more objective information through other sources such as Vault.com and the Business Information Center (check if it is available at your library).
Copies of the resume and additional items
Bring one resume for each company of interest and an additional five or so resumes just in case. You may also bring copies of transcripts and letters of recommendation. These may or may not be offered to the employer, but you will certainly look prepared if the opportunity presents itself!
What to wear
You should always dress to impress! The minimal dress for most career fairs is business casual.
Prepare yourself mentally
When you arrive at the venue of the fair, walk through and scope out the locations of your targeted employers. Try to pick up any literature and listen to the employers if they are talking to a student. Try not to be overwhelmed with the number of people in attendance or by the anxious energy in the air. Think of the career fair as an information-gathering mini-mall, not as a mass interview event. To lessen your stress, go with someone.
Waiting in line
Eavesdrop politely to the questions and answers being exchanged ahead of you. Make sure that during your turn, you don't repeat the same questions or responses. When it is your turn, relax and try not to feel rushed because people are waiting.
Presenting Yourself
Be professional, but allow your personality to shine. Remember that the employers have been talking to students constantly, so show respect for their time and try not to immediately bombard them when it is your turn. Make direct eye contact. Showing your enthusiasm is also very important. The employers form their impressions of you during these first few seconds.
Be assertive and offer a firm handshake as you approach the person. Make
The conversation is a two-way street. If you ar speaking with one of the employers you have researched, weave in your knowledge of the company, and ask questions so they can elaborate.
Finally, in this situation, less is definitely more. This is not an interview. Being enthusiastic, articulate, to the point, and organized in your request for follow-up correspondence will be your best self-promotional tactic.
What to say (in two minute or less)
- Introduce yourself and share your major and/or career goal. If your career goal is unusual, prepare a quick description to avoid a long-winded explanation.
- Tell them why you are interested in their organization. (Or) Ask them to tell you more about the organization.
- Ask what opportunities are available (internship, co-op, full-time).
- Provide them with some brief highlights of your accomplishments that relate. Provide them with enough specific details to be memorable, but don't overwhelm them with a list of everything you have ever done.
- Offer your resume to give them a better idea of your background.
- Ask how they prefer you follow up with them, and get a business card.
Business Cards
After speaking with employers, jot down on the back of their cards something unique about them or what they said and a reminder of any follow-up plans you might have discussed. Keep these in your wallet, planner, or other secure place so that you don't worry about losing them.
Sample General Questions
- What skills do you feel people need to be successful in this field?
- How would you describe your typical day?
- Based on my major and experience, what types of opportunities might your organization have for someone with my background?
- What type of training does your company have?
- What makes your organization different from its competitors?
