Career Fair Success

Engineering Career Services

Co-ops  Internships  Careers
Rachel Ligman, Program Manager ECIP
career.eng.ohio-state.edu
Agenda

• Preparation—how to & how much

• Managing first impressions
– Visual impression
– Verbal impression
• Organization strategies
• After the fair
• Q&A
Expectations … yours and theirs

• You won’t get hired “from” a career fair – but if you

make a positive first impression, it can be the first
step in the hiring process.
• In a tough economy, employers’ expectations increase
because they know they can only hire a small number.
• Employers look for a degree and focus match.
• Employers want to see students who are positive,
interested, and prepared.
 Preparation
• Start with yourself
– Plan your pitch
– Review your resume: ready for questions?
– What employers look for
– Common pitfalls to avoid
• Do your homework
– Review the program:
• Highlight likely employers
• More than 20? Set priorities
• Visit the website of all Top Priority employers
• Appearance counts!
Prepare for common questions
• Why did you choose engineering? OSU?
• What’s your GPA? [if not on your resume]
• Think about the kinds of jobs that could be right
for you
• There is more than just design engineering:
• Test Engineer, Quality Control Engineer, Product
Engineer, Project Engineer, Marketing Engineer,
Technical Sales Engineer, etc.
• Co-ops: know your available work terms!
Your pitch – a “30-second intro”
• Introduce yourself
– Firm handshake
– Name/Major/grad date
– Looking for …
• (co-op—available qtrs; intern, or career
opportunity)
– Statement of interest in the company, industry,
products, &/or career opportunities
• Hand them your resume
• Ask at least one question
– Are you scheduling interviews for tomorrow or later
in the quarter?
– What's the best way for me to apply for…?
– What do you look for in a candidate?
Sample Pitches
• Hello! My name is Scarlett Anne Gray. I’m an electrical
engineer graduating in June. I’m looking for a career in the
semiconductor industry, so I was very happy to see ABC
Company at the fair. As you can see from my resume
[hands it to employer], I’ve had research experience and
coursework that’s relevant to your company. Will you be
interviewing tomorrow or later this quarter?

• Hi, my name is Pat Buckeye. I’m a mechanical

engineering junior with a 3.24 GPA. I’m really interested in
co-op and internship opportunities in the automotive
industry, so I was happy to see that your company is here
today. Can you tell me a little bit more about the
opportunities you have for MEs?
Create a personal connection
• Ask a question (“Can you tell me a little about
opportunities for ____ engineers at [employer name] ?”)
– Listen to their responses
– Express interest.
• Ask for a business card
• Write down notes afterwards
– Who did you talk to ?
– What did you talk about ?
– Upcoming interviews on campus?
– How is this company a match for my skills &
interests?
A few words from a recruiter …
When the recruiter asks you to submit a resume online:
  Instead of walking away from the booth thinking "why did I even bother to
show up?" students should have questions ready.

Remember, your name and face will be disconnected from any resume that
you submit online.    There is a wealth of other information to be gleaned from
the recruiters that will help you write a successful application letter &
targeted resume.

The GPA issue: If your GPA is not on your resume, expect to be asked, "what
is your GPA?” Be prepared to confidently handle that question or “do you
believe your GPA is an accurate representation of your ability?” Your
reaction to that question will reveal a lot about your character.

Mike Mrozowski
Branch Chief, Recruitment and Development
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
 Company Info You Need
• Know this about the company:
– What products or services do they provide?
– See the brief profile in the program.
– If time permits, check website (“about us” “who we are”
“company profile”) How do they describe themselves?
• Check out what they want in employees
– Don’t waste your time with companies that don’t hire your
major
– Online application needed?
The Career Fair Day
• Dress appropriately
– Business casual business professional
• Arrive in AM if possible
– Less crowded, employers not yet tired
• Arrive prepared
– Enough resumes, portfolio, pen, phone turned off
– Know WHO you want to see, WHY, and WHERE
they’re located
Looking business-like doesn’t always
require a suit
When the Employer Says…
• “Yes, we’re interviewing tomorrow.”
– Ask for an interview.
– Write time AND place on back cover of program
booklet. (2nd day interviews in several locations!)
• “You need to register with Engineering Career Services
to interview later…”
– Come to the ECS booth or 199 Hitchcock to get
started
– Make sure your account is active & you know how to
use it!
• “Go to our website to apply online.”
– This is an invitation, not a rejection! They want you
in their candidate database.
How to Follow Up
If you are still interested in the company
• Ask what the next steps are
• Use your ECS account to find out when they are doing
their interviews
• Complete their on-line application if they ask you to do
so.

• If they are not interviewing on campus, send an email

follow-up.
• See cover letter info in ECS Student Handbook.
• Include a copy of your resume
Resources
• http://career.eng.ohio-state.edu – see Student Resources
section

• Job Choices Magazine

• Engineering Career Services Student Handbook
– Available for free through ECS
 QUESTIONS?
Ligman.2@osu.edu

Enjoy the career fair – and

good luck!