OTC’s Career Services will host an outdoor job fair on Wednesday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Student Plaza at the OTC Springfield Campus. Masks will be required — get all the details here.
As a job-seeker, you’ll want to make an all-out effort to meet with every employer who has the potential to hire you. You can start preparing with these tips from College Central Network.
Prior to the Event
Think about your strengths, your goals, and where you want to go within the company. Prepare a “one-minute commercial” detailing your background and aspirations.
Get your résumé up to speed! If you need assistance, schedule an appointment with OTC Career Services.
Understand how your skills (or the ones that you want to develop) relate to the organizations and available employment opportunities.
Thoroughly research your core companies to gain background information that supports your conversations with company representatives.
Prepare your own event kit with résumés (enough for all of employers you want to talk with, plus a few extras). Include other items that support your interests and abilities such as references, written work or a portfolio.
Day of the Event
Dress the same as you would for a job interview. You will want to present the best image possible — jeans, sweatshirts and backpacks won’t cut it. You will only have a few minutes to make a positive first impression as a job candidate.
Turn off your cell phone and other electronic devices. Ringers, alerts and phone conversations are distracting and disrespectful. Let the employers know that they are your main focus.
Arrive early and map out your strategy. Who will you talk with first? Lines will be longer for some employers than they will be for others. Plan accordingly and don’t waste valuable time by standing in line.
Keep an open mind and don’t miss out on opportunities due to lack of information or effort. You may want to tour the event and make contact with all the participating organizations to learn more about them and what they have to offer, but visit your core companies first.
Introduce yourself to company representatives in a positive and confident manner; offer a firm handshake. Include your name, degree program, and the year you are graduating.
Present your résumé and be ready to discuss your background, qualifications and career goals. Ask what you should do to apply for a position with them.
Think of questions that you have regarding your area(s) of interest. Take notes on the answers you receive. Some questions might be:
- What are common career paths within your organization?
- What is the training program for new hires?
- What do you look for in a candidate?
- What advice do you have for applicants?
Make sure you obtain the representatives names, titles, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers so you can follow up with them. Collect literature and business cards whenever possible and ask the representatives when you can expect to hear back.
Be sure to take notes after each table. Write down your thoughts about the company, the recruiter, your chances, follow-up strategies, to-do list, etc. Keep this information organized.
After the Event
You should make it a point to follow up with a letter expressing your interest in the company and in what they have to offer. You may want to include an updated résumé, a link to an electronic portfolio, or provide better answers to specific questions asked during the event. Thank you/follow up letters should be received by the employer within two to five days after an event.
