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2009 Fall Career Fair
Wednesday, October 7th 10:00AM - 2:00PM
ATTENTION EMPLOYERS
ATTENTION STUDENTS
Click here for more information
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2009 Fall Teacher Career Fair
Friday, November 13th 9:00AM - 12:00PM
ATTENTION EMPLOYERS
ATTENTION STUDENTS
Click here for more information
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON CAREER FAIRS?
WHO CAN ATTEND THE CAREER FAIR?
Murray State University’s Career Services Office sponsors Career Fairs specifically for Murray State University students and alumni. Career Services encourages all students, regardless of classification (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student), to take advantage of the opportunities to attend the many Career Fairs available while attending the University.
Career Services opportunities are also extended to all alumni of Murray State University, so when you graduate and need our services, please do not hesitate to give us a call, “We are still here for you!”
Prior to entering the Career Fair, students/alumni are required to register/sign-in. At the registration table, students/alumni are provided color coded name tags, which distinguishes classification status.
WHY SHOULD I ATTEND THE CAREER FAIR – ISN’T IT FOR SENIORS?
Career Fairs are a vital component to help people achieve their professional goals. Career Fairs can provide valuable opportunities to explore different careers and seek employment, whether a full-time position or internship.
There are many reasons to attend a Career Fair:
- A Career Fair brings together representatives from a wide array of companies in many industries, all in one location.
- Explore different career options and possible future areas of employment.
- Find out “what it takes” to land the job at various companies – what education, background, skills, and/or coursework is needed to succeed in a field or at a particular company.
- Take advantage of the opportunity to gain valuable interview experience.
- Recruiters enjoy speaking with students about their careers/industry, and are generally glad to provide job search advice.
- Find out about available job openings and submit resumes in person.
- Have the opportunity to begin to develop a network of business contacts.
- Discover new career options in your major field of study that perhaps you had not considered – or did not know about!
- For students who are not quite ready to start their careers or internships, Career Fairs can provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about different industries. Recruiters are always happy to speak informally with interested students.
WHAT CAN I DO TO GET READY FOR THE CAREER FAIR?
- Research the companies scheduled to attend. Review the list of registered organizations at least a week before the Career Fair. Go through and pick out the companies you’re most interested in. You can learn more about them by visiting their website and searching for articles about them in business publications. Specifically, look for the company’s mission statement, a list of open positions, and recent news articles.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask. It’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask a recruiter when you’re actually fact-to-face. The best way to avoid this is to prepare a list of questions in advance. You’ll likely come up with several questions during the research process, but some common questions include:
1. How do students get started in your field and/or at your company?
2. What majors would best prepare me for a job in this field?
3. How does your recruiting/selection process work?
4. What do you like about working for this company?
5. What kinds of additional training or coursework would help me to get ahead in this field?
- Make sure your resume is ready. Prepare a general resume that’s appropriate for the full range of positions you’re interested in. Give a broad overview of your experience and skills. Do not wait until the last minute - resumes take time to prepare and refine. MSU’s Career Services provides our students with resume brochures which include specific instructions, samples, and a list of dos and don’ts to assist in preparing a resume that will truly stand out. Call us or stop by our offices to find out more about resumes, references and cover letters.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO THE CAREER FAIR?
DRESS FOR SUCCESS – FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER! Increase you confidence and gain attention of potential employers by dressing in appropriate and professional attire!
- Women – Skirt suit (knee length, at least) and blouse or pants suit and blouse; closed toed dress shoes; no more than seven (7) pieces of jewelry (only 1 piece of jewelry per each ear, wrist, hand and neck).
- Men – Suit and tie: long sleeved dress shirt (preferably white), tie, dress pants, jacket; dress shoes.
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, wear jeans, shorts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants or sneakers to a Career Fair! The Fashion Police may escort you out!!! Remember, it is about image control, when you attend the Career Fair, you not only represent yourself, but you represent Murray State University, as well as the Career Services Office. We want you to be successful in every way – look the part, bad first impressions are hard to overcome!
…Employers stress that they return year after year to recruit at Murray State University because “the students here take it seriously and it shows!”
Additional considerations: Make sure that tattoos and body piercing are covered and remove any facial piercing. Hair should be neatly styled away from the face, beards/mustaches trimmed, and makeup kept to a minimal.
I’M NERVOUS ABOUT ATTENDING. HOW CAN I MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION AT THE CAREER FAIR?
Ask a Career Services Staff member to assist you in meeting/interacting with the first few employers. Once you see how easy it is you will be able to continue on your own.
Make sure you bring the following:
- Several copies of your resume, printed on high quality paper. NEVER USE PLAIN PAPER OR STAPLE YOUR RESUME!
- A professional looking portfolio to hold your resume, pen and paper, any supporting documentation you have, and a slot for the recruiter’s business cards you collect throughout the day.
- An appointment book, in case you have the chance to set up an interview.
- A list of companies that interest you most. You may want to add notes from your research.
- Breath-mints to help counteract dry mouth (and bad breath!).
When greeting recruiters:
- Make sure to do so with a firm handshake, a smile, and make eye contact.
- Be personable; keep the conversation light and comfortable.
- Be prepared to present a brief statement about your skills, talents, and abilities, career goals, and why you’re interested in the company.
- Ask thoughtful questions specific to the company or industry.
- Don’t forget to leave a copy of your resume and to get a business card from the recruiter so you can follow up with him or her later.
- Be sure to thank the recruiter for his or her time, and for considering your resume. Most important, let them know that you enjoyed speaking with them, and that you will be in touch.
FOLLOW-UP AFTER THE CAREER FAIR:
I spoke to a lot of company representatives, and I think I made a pretty good impression! Is it okay to give them a call/email after the Career Fair?
Yes! Follow up demonstrates to recruiters how professional and conscientious you are, so it’s perfectly okay to send a polite note, email or make a brief phone call after the event is over.
*The preferred method is to send a handwritten thank you note or letter using the contact information on the business card you retrieved at the fair. However, if timing is an issue it is acceptable to send a professional email message. Just remember, if you choose to use email, you should treat the follow up email as a formal letter…– use appropriate language, grammar, and punctuation throughout, and be sure to proofread for spelling errors before hitting “send.”
No matter how you choose to contact the recruiter, be sure to thank him or her for taking the time to talk to you about job opportunities within their company. Also be sure to reiterate your interest in working for the company and offer to meet with the recruiter to further discuss your qualifications.
CAREER FAIR DOS & DON’TS
DO dress professionally – Career Fairs require the same attention to apparel as interviews.
DO greet the recruiter with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact.
DO prepare a one-minute “personal commercial.” Design a brief statement that introduces yourself, states your knowledge of and interest in the company, and relates your background to the position or organization.
DO prepare informed questions to ask before the Fair.
DO stand alone and be independent. Try not to constantly move in a “pack” with your friends.
DO keep an open mind. Approach lesser known companies, too – you might discover a lot of potential.
DO have a sense of humor and be personable.
DO bring a portfolio to hold your resumes, appointment book, business cards, and etc. Keep it organized throughout the Fair.
DO ask about the best way to find out about upcoming opportunities with the company.
DO “close the deal.” Don’t be afraid to take the initiative and ask what the next step is.
DO ask for a business card so that you can follow up after the Fair.
DON’T be afraid of the recruiters. They’re here to meet you!
DON’T pretend that you’re interested in a company if you’re not.
DON’T schedule an appointment if you don’t intend to keep it.
DON’T overstate you’re abilities. Present yourself and your abilities in a convincing, but honest manner.
DON’T monopolize the recruiter’s time. Make a good impression, gather some information, and then move on to give the next student a chance to do the same.
DON’T ask questions about salary.
DON’T complain about past jobs, bosses, classes, or professors!
DON’T insult the recruiter. Cultivate him or her as a contact in your network.
DON’T just toss your resume on the table. Take the time to market yourself.
DON’T jump or insinuate yourself into a conversation a recruiter is having with another student. Wait your turn.
SUGGESTED EMPLOYER QUESTIONS:
The following are suggested topics and questions to discuss with recruiters at the Career Fairs. The recruiters are here to provide you with information, so feel free to ask them information concerning their company
- Currently, what are your fields of greatest need and do you anticipate these needs changing over the next few years?
- What kinds of activities can I do while in school to make myself more competitive in the job market?
- Do you hire college students for co-ops, internships or summer employment? How do I apply for these positions?
- What kind of career opportunities are available for individuals with my degree and skills?
- What qualities are you looking for in new hires?
- What type of opportunities do you currently have available?
- What are your future hiring plans?
- What type of training do you offer new hires?
- What geographic locations do you hire for?
- What are your policies concerning transferring and relocation?
- Identify typical career paths based on past records. What is the realistic time frame for advancement?
- Are your starting salaries competitive with the industry and area? What is the current range?
- What makes your organization different from competitors?
- Describe the work environments at your organization.
- What characteristics do you see in successful people at your organization?
- What is the best way to apply for a position with your organization?
If you take the time to do the suggested company research you will naturally develop questions which will be directed to a specific company and/or position. Preparing ahead of time will assist you when visiting with company representatives.
click on the links below to view lists of past participants
Click Here for Departmental Listings
http://campus.murraystate.edu/services/careerservices/resumesprep.html
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