HSG TALENTS Conference 2014: Conference Guide

Smart and clever to the HSG TALENTS Conference
There are many companies and potential employers at a career fair.
Even if you do not have a specific professional goal in mind, it pays to
visit career fairs or other recruiting events. You will have the opportunity
to socialise and find important contacts for future internships, a topic
of a thesis or a career entry. Furthermore, you will have the chance to
receive a first impression of different companies and to make a good
impression yourself.
Define your goals
You should be clear about what goals you want to achieve at the career fair. Do
you want to collect information about potential employers? Or do you want to
apply for a job with a specific company? In order to market yourself optimally,
we recommend you prepare a short one-minute presentation about yourself.
Get information about your favourites
Do some research on the list of participating companies and make a hit
list of up to 10 companies you want to contact. Then you should carry out
intensive research into your favourites. Sources can include the company’s
website, online job databases or private contacts.
In our view, it is essential that you prepare properly and can ask
purposeful questions. Write down different questions for each potential
employer. Examples could be: In which areas is an internship possible?
What will I learn and what is expected from me? What is the time
frame? What qualifications is your company interested in? How does the
company support the development of its employees? In the case of entry
positions, are there certain predefined career paths? Are stays abroad
possible? Does the company offer trainee programmes? What should
I consider when applying for a job?
How do I stay in contact?
Try to maintain the business contacts you have established and expand
on them. Express your interest in the company, make reference to meeting
them at the career fair and thank them via e-mail for the interesting
conversation. Once you apply for a job, use the information that you
received during your conversation at the career fair. Send your documents
directly to your contact or to the HR department and refer to the
conversation at the fair stand.
Invitation for an interview
Appreciate that being invited to an interview is a success. You do not
have to be a superhero, but make the most of this opportunity to present
your skills and personality face-to-face. Know what you want, what you can
offer and where you want to go in the future.
Where can I go for professional career counselling?
Targeted and professional preparation is an important part of actively
shaping your life; and the earlier you start with planning your career, the
earlier you will achieve happiness and success at work. The counselling
team at the Career Services Center (CSC-HSG) is happy to support you. We
offer professional career counselling and have close contacts to companies so
that we know what their requirements are. Make use of this service!
Career Services Center
Career Management
Guisanstrasse 3
CH-9010 St.Gallen
Tel.: +41 71 224 29 23
csc@unisg.ch
www.csc.unisg.ch
AREER EVENTS
Make a plan
In order to avoid stress and time pressure, set up a personal time schedule for
your company visits, workshops, presentations and other activities.
Update your application documents
Update your CV and print out several copies so that you can hand it out
to companies if requested.
Dress appropriately
When contacting company representatives, you want to leave a good
impression. A smart and professional appearance is the basis for this. We
recommend business attire to give you the best chance of success when
you visit the career fair.
The conversation at the stand
Be interested and interesting and try to find out quickly whether you really
do find the company attractive. If you realise that the company does not
appeal to you, keep the conversation short. In any case, be respectful of the
fact that the participants’ time is limited, and ask for a business card at the
end of the conversation so that you can use your new contacts when you
want to apply for a job.
Body language
Be aware of your body language. Paul Watzlawick was spot on when he said
that you cannot not communicate. Observe how you sit and stand, and how
you use your hands and legs. Be authentic and show a sincere interest in
your counterpart.
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CAREER EVENTS