October 5, 2009
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Purdue Memorial Union Ballrooms & East/West Lounge Exhibit Area
(Students must register upon their arrive at the South Door of the South Ballroom & find the appropriate table.)

Welcome Students - mark your calendars and plan to attend!

To view the list of currently registered companies click here.
(Link will be activated in August 2010)

The College of Agriculture hosts a career fair every fall semester. Over 100 companies attend, providing recruiters with the opportunity to educate students about their organizations, advertise positions and/or interview students for permanent or internships.

The Career Fair is not just for graduating students, it is for freshmen, 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 6th!

Making the Most Out of a Career Fair

EMPLOYER PANEL DISCUSSION
Our Employer Panel Discussion (link will be activated in late August 2010) is the night before the Career Fair and will include several organizations offering valuable tips and information about attending the Career Fair including resume format, interviewing follow-up correspondence, networking, protocol and more. Plan to attend the Employer Panel Discussion (link will be activated in late August 2010) on October 4, 2009 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in Pfendler Hall 241(Deans Auditorium).

RESUME BLITZ
Present your resume – bring copies of your resume detailing your education, experience, skills and campus/community activities concisely. Employers recommend visiting with a CCO staff member at their office in Stewart Center, room 194 or attending the Resume Blitz (link will be activated in late August 2010) in Lilly Hall lobby on October 4th between 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. to have your resume critiqued.

CLARIFY YOUR GOALS!   What do you want from the Career Fair?

• To network with professionals?
• To learn more about specific employers?
• To research the demand for someone in your field?
• To make contact with a particular organization?
• Do you want to line up an on-campus interview?
• Do you want to land an internship or full-time job?

RESEARCH

• Wiki
• Check the list of attending employers (link will be activated in August 2010) and target companies of your interest. Research organizations ahead of time.
• Review an organization's information on their website (A link to the organization's website is provided in the above attending employer list.)
• Create a list and prioritize the organizations you are most interested in and visit their booths 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/community activities concisely. Employers recommend visiting with a CCO staff member at their office or attending the Resume Blitz (link will be activated in August 2010) 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)

• Business Etiquette (A link will be provided - updates are currently being made.)
• 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 are 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 of references or a copy of your transcript.
• Collect business cards and ask who the contact person is.
• Make notes about what you talked about with each representative; use this information in follow-up letters.
• Send thank-you letters to employers within one week after your visit or interview.

CHECK LIST OF THINGS TO BRING!

• Portfolio or large capacity folder to carry your resumes, pens, notepads, etc.
• 30-40+ 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. Contact them for details on how they can help.
• Prepare or order a professional name badge.  Suggested vendor:  Awards Unlimited - 765-447-9413.

Questions may be directed to Linda Austin at laa@purdue.edu.