Career Conference 2008

• To network with employers to discuss career plans/clarify career goals.
• To explore employment opportunities for co-op/internships, summer jobs and full time openings for Seniors.
• To demonstrate professional attitude & business etiquette.

Know which employers will be there?

• You can find a list of employers attending the conference on the front page of this Career Conference website

Identify employers looking for your major

• Log in to Stout CareerLink on the left side of this page and then select the “Career Events” tab.
• Find the 3 “Career Conference 2008” days from the list of events and then select “Search Employers” on the far right side of the screen.  Here you will be able to search for employers by major and by those offering co-op/internships or full time positions.
• To search based on your major, click on the add/remove button under the "Majors:" box. Select "All Majors", then select the college your major is in, select your major and then click "continue".
• Click on "search" and a list will appear with all of the employers who met your criteria and will be attending the career conference on that day.
• Again, this year there are no designated days for individual majors so be sure to search all 3 days!

If you do not have a Stout CareerLink account:

• Go to the Stout CareerLink log in site on the left side of this page
• Click on "Students" and the select "CURRENT STUDENT "first time users" click here to request access to Stout CareerLink!”
• Fill out the short profile and upload your resume when prompted

Research the employers

For thoses employers that you will be targeting try to find out the following from the information provided in Stout CareerLink or the employers website.

• Expectations of the position
• Product/services/markets
• Principal sites of the employer
• Company size
• Company History

Introduce yourself:

• Create a one-minute "commercial" as a way to sell yourself to an employer. View the "Elevator Pitch" video to get some ideas.
• Express enthusiasm and interest.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the company.
• Relate how the skills and qualities you have demonstrated or developed through your education, work, and extracurricular activities, fit with the employer’s needs.

Ask questions relating to your goal

• If you are interested in finding out about a particular career field, ask generalized questions about working within the industry.
• If you are seeking a co-op opportunity or a professional position upon graduation with a specific employer, focus your questions on the application and interview process, and ask for specific information about that employer. See "Sample Questions at a Career Conference" on the front page of this Career Conference website.

• 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!"
• The appropriate attire for the Career Conference is professional see Guidelines for Successful Interview Dress. You'll make a better impression if you appear more like a professional, less like a student. Think of it as a dress rehearsal for your real interviews!
• 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.

Stop, Look and listen

Tip #1: 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).

Tip #2: Keep your eyes and ears open: What are others asking? What answers are they receiving? There is nothing wrong with subtle eavesdropping. You might even pick up valuable information, in addition to witnessing some real-life career search "do’s and don'ts."

Tip #3: 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.

Tip # 4: 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.

Tip # 5: 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).

Follow up with possible employers

Compose and send follow-up or "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. Your may want to include a copy of your resume.

Evaluate yourself

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