University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

• To find Co-ops and full time professional positions.
• To learn about employers and work expectations.
• To learn about occupations and careers related to their major.

The Career Conference is for everyone from freshman to alumni.

• Create or update your Stout CareerLink profile and resume. If you do not have a Stout CareerLink account, learn how to create one by going to the"Stout CareerLink Tutorials" page.
  
  
• Identify the day highlighting your major by selecting "Day for your major" under the Fall or Spring conference. 
  
  
• Then click on "How to identify employers looking for your major." on that day.
  
  
• Research the employers you would like to meet.
  • Be ready for the question "What do you know about our organization"?
  • Review employer profile and website for information on openings and the qualifications they are looking for.
  • At a minimum you should know something about the employer's history, size, location and products/services.
    
    
• Sign up for on-campus interviews.
  • Several employers attending the Career Conference will allow you to sign up for an interview before the conference. Get a "head start" and sign up for an interview now! To learn how to sign up for an interview click here.

• Create a 30 second "elevator pitch". Click here to learn what an elevator pitch is and how to create one. Click here to see a video on the topic.
  
  
• If you are seeking a Co-op or full-time professional position focus your questions on the expectations of the position and the application process.
  
  
• If you are interested in career exploration ask general questions about occupations, industries and academic preparation.
  
  
• See "Sample questions for the Career Conference".

• You should dress as if you were attending an interview. See Dressing for the Interview. You'll make a better impression if you appear more like a professional, less like a student.
  
  
• If you can help it, don't bring your backpack; it's cumbersome for you, gets in the way of others, and shouts "student!" instead of "candidate!"
  
  
• Remember to bring copies of your resume, a writing pad, and pen or pencil. Keep track of the recruiters with whom you speak so you can send follow-up notes to the ones who interest you.

• Be an active participant in order to maximize your career fair experience, not just a browser. If all you do is stroll around, take company literature and load up on freebies, you really haven't accomplished anything (unless you're a collector of key chains, mouse pads and pocket flashlights).
  
  
• Keep your eyes and ears open. What are others asking? What answers are they receiving? There is nothing wrong with subtle eavesdropping. You might pick up valuable information, in addition to witnessing some real-life career search "do's and don'ts."
  
  
• Don't interrupt the employer reps or your fellow job seekers. If someone else is monopolizing the employer's time, try to make eye contact with the rep to let him or her know that you're interested in speaking to them. The recruiter may even appreciate your giving them "an out", e.g.: "Excuse me, but I see someone else has a question." If all else fails, move to the next booth and make a note to come back later.
  
  
• Don't just drop your resume on employer display tables. Try to get it into the recruiter's hand and at least say a few words. If they are too busy, put a note on your resume to the effect of, "You were so busy that we didn't get a chance to meet. I'm very interested in talking to you." Look around the display for the recruiter's business card (or at the very least write down his or her name and get some literature with the company's address) and send a follow-up note and another copy of your resume.
  
  
• If you discover a real interest, find out the procedure to secure an interview. Show enthusiasm! While some initial screening interviews may be done on the spot, most often, the Career Conference is used to pre-screen applicants for interviews to be conducted later (either on campus or at the employer's site).

• Compose and send "thank you" letters immediately (within 2 days if possible). 
  
  
• Refer to date and location of conference, mention any unusual or specific points discussed so the employer will remember you. 
  
  
• Any important information should be restated. 
  
  
• Reiterate your qualifications and include any information you neglected to mention. 
  
  
• Proofread your letter and let someone else look it over. 
  
  
• You may want to include a copy of your resume.

• How well did you communicate?
• Did you need to do more research?
• How well did you answer questions?
• Did you accomplish what you wanted to?
• If not, why not?
• What could you have done differently to improve your results?