Find Your Dream Job

at the Purdue Agriculture Career Fair!

October 7, 2008

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Purdue Memorial Union Ballrooms & East Main Lounge

(Enter at the South Door of the South Ballroom)

The College of Agriculture hosts an annual career fair every fall semester. Over 100 companies attend, providing recruiters the opportunity to educate students about their organization, advertise positions and/or interview students for full-time employment or internships.

The Career Fair is not just for graduating students, it is for freshman, sophomores and juniors who are exploring career paths or internship opportunities. The Career Fair is a great way to explore careers, pick-up company information, and network with future employers and ask questions. The only person that is going to get you a job or an internship is you! So attend the Career Fair on October 7th!

Making the Most Out of a Career Fair

EMPLOYER PANEL DISCUSSION:

Attend the Employer Panel Discussion on October 6, 2008 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in Pfendler Hall 241 (Deans Auditorium).

CLARIFY YOUR GOALS!

What do YOU want from the Career Fair? This might be an opportunity to:

•  Are you at the fair to network with professionals?

•  Learn more about specific employers.

•  Research the demand for someone in your field.

•  Make contact with a particular organization.

•  Do you want to line up an on-campus interview?

•  Do you want to land an internship or permanent job?

RESEARCH:

Check the list of attending employers and target companies of your interest. NOTE: This is the 2007 list of employers. We will begin updating this list after registration opens in July.

•  Research organizations before the day of the fair.

•  Review organization information on their website (website is linked on the

above list if provided by the organization.)

•  Create a list and prioritize the organizations you are most interested in and

visit their booth first.

•  Prepare questions to ask that will help you obtain the information you need, in addition to showing your knowledge of the field and interest in the industry.

PREPARATION:

Prepare your commercial (learn to sell yourself in a short amount of time)

•  Decide how you will introduce yourself in one minute

•  Greet the recruiter with a firm handshake stating your name, major, graduation date and why you are attending the Career Fair.

•  Present your resume – bring copies of your resume detailing your education, experience, skills and campus/communities activities concisely. Employers recommend visiting with a CCO staff member at their office or attending the Resume Blitz to have your resume critiqued.

•  Be prepared to briefly describe your background and what you are looking for.

•  Be prepared to relate your education/experience/skills to the employer's needs.

•  Rehearse your commercial with a friend or advisor.

Dress for Success (make a positive impression)

•  Think conservative

•  Wear few/minimal accessories and perfume/cologne

•  For women: a suit-skirt with blazer; a conservative business dress or pant suit

•  For men: a suit or a button down shirt with tie, sport coat, nice slacks, shined shoes

Last Minute Tips

•  Show up early! Some employers pack up and leave the fair early.

•  Allow yourself a minimum of 2-hours to attend the fair and speak with recruiters. Lines may be long to speak with some recruiters, so be prepared to wait.

•  If you don't have 2-hours, any time is better than none.

THE MAIN EVENT!

Act Professionally and Courteously

•  Be confident, enthusiastic, and polite (remember courtesy and professionalism is expected and appreciated).

•  Ask questions as needed. Base the questions on your research of the organization.

•  Listen and pay attention to what the recruiter is saying. This information may benefit you greatly if you receive an interview – ask good questions.

•  Do not monopolize an employer's time, know when to move on if there is a line of students waiting.

•  Cover letters are not necessary when you give out your resume in person but be prepared to give a list references or a copy of your transcript.

•  Collect business cards and ask who the contact person is.

•  Make notes about what you talked to each representative about; use this information in follow-up letters

•  Send thank-you letters to employers afterward.

CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING!

•  Portfolio or large capacity folder to carry your resumes, pens, notepads, etc….

•  50-60+ copies of your resume on professional resume paper (preferably white or ivory)

•  A notepad and pen for taking notes after meeting with each recruiter.

•  Business Cards – It may be helpful to print business cards to present to employers. PMU Boiler CopyMaker can print business cards.

Suggestions and comments may be directed to:  laa@purdue.edu