career resource manual - UC Davis / Internship and Career Center
career resource manual - UC Davis / Internship and Career Center
career resource manual - UC Davis / Internship and Career Center
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How to Prepare for the FairThe friendly <strong>and</strong> informal format of a <strong>career</strong> fair makes iteasy to ask questions, explore internship <strong>and</strong> <strong>career</strong> options,develop a network of professional contacts, identify job openings<strong>and</strong> even l<strong>and</strong> an interview…in a short amount of time! Hereare some tips to help you make the most of your time at a fair.What to expect at the fair...A typical <strong>career</strong> fair at <strong>UC</strong> <strong>Davis</strong> attracts 1,500-2,500students <strong>and</strong> alumni <strong>and</strong> up to 130-170 employers. Allowyourself adequate time. Fairs are typically less crowded in themorning hours <strong>and</strong> busiest during the lunch hour. Just have afew minutes? Don’t let a limited amount of time keep youfrom attending the fair.Market yourself...A <strong>career</strong> fair is not the place to be passive or shy. Be readywith a one-minute commercial of the skills <strong>and</strong> talents that setyou apart from others who are competing for the same jobsee page 11. Rehearsing your “pitch” will help you feel <strong>and</strong>appear more confident, organized, <strong>and</strong> focused. For assistancein preparing a persuasive, upbeat <strong>and</strong> convincing “commercial,”visit the <strong>Internship</strong> & <strong>Career</strong> <strong>Center</strong> for help.Research companies...See ICC’s website icc.ucdavis.edu, click on <strong>Internship</strong>& <strong>Career</strong> Fairs for the list of companies, company descriptions<strong>and</strong> possible links to company websites <strong>and</strong> jobs. Update yourknowledge of current events by watching news <strong>and</strong> businessreports on TV or reading online.Prioritize employers...Use our website to review employers coming to the Fair.Identify your priority companies to meet. Know which 4-6companies are your top choices; that is your “A” list. Also havea “B” list of companies of slightly lesser interest. When youenter the Fair, use a company on your “B” list as your firstcontact to work out your “jitters”. Once you feel confident inyour introduction, work your way through your “A” list. If timepermits, go to the “B” list companies.Bring copies of your resume...Be sure to have your resume reviewed by an ICC studentor staff advisor before distributing it. See pages 18-31 forexample resumes.First impressions last...Greet recruiters with confidence, enthusiasm <strong>and</strong> a firmh<strong>and</strong>shake. Smile, make eye contact <strong>and</strong> don’t forget to expressinterest in their companies <strong>and</strong> internship, summer or <strong>career</strong>opportunities. Remember to ask for a business card for followupwith that company or ask what is the best way to follow up.State your purpose...When job hunting, state the type of position you are seeking.Dress in business casual or professional attire. Get completeinformation on how to apply <strong>and</strong>/or contact information.After the fair...It is critical to contact those companies in which you aremost interested. Be sure to mention in your email or phone callhow you made contact at the Fair. Attach an updated, tailoredcopy of your resume to the email. See sample letter onpage 40.<strong>Career</strong> fair etiquette <strong>and</strong> attire...Always wear “business casual” or “business formal” to the<strong>career</strong> fair.Be polite <strong>and</strong> courteous to everyone. Don’t interrupt theemployer representatives or other <strong>career</strong> fair attendees. If you’reunable to speak to the representative immediately,consider visiting another employer <strong>and</strong> then returning. Don’tdrop off your resume without speaking to the representative.Personal interaction could be key to your success. And finally,feel free to take the “give-aways,” but only if you’ve talked withthe representative—to “grab <strong>and</strong> go” is a no-no! If a companyrepresentative is busy, move on <strong>and</strong> return later.<strong>Internship</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>career</strong> fairs serve as recruiting toolsfor many employers <strong>and</strong> are popular events for savvystudents. Following are the fairs you can look forward tothis academic year. Visit our website for dates, times <strong>and</strong>participating employers.Study <strong>and</strong> Intern Abroad Fair - All Majors(Fall Quarter)Fall <strong>Internship</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Career</strong> Fair - All Majors(Fall Quarter)Community Service Fair - All Majors(Fall Quarter)Engineering <strong>and</strong> Physical Sciences <strong>Internship</strong> <strong>and</strong><strong>Career</strong> Fair(Winter Quarter)Winter <strong>Internship</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Career</strong> Fair - All Majors(Winter Quarter)Spring <strong>Internship</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Career</strong> Fair - All Majors(Spring Quarter)The <strong>Internship</strong>/Job SearchAttend an ICC “Prepare for the Fair” workshop or webshop.Learn how to prepare, what to wear, what to ask <strong>and</strong> how to follow up. Visiticc.ucdavis.edu.icc.ucdavis.edu 13
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