Student Keys to Success
Big Sky Career Fair

To improve your chances for success at a career fair, we encourage you to spend some time studying the following "Keys" and consider them as you plan your strategy. If you implement the following "Keys" you will appear more focused, prepared and professional in the eyes of potential employers and should enhance your chances for success. GOOD LUCK!

Before Attending the Fair:

• Clarify your interests and goals. Use Career Services! Stop in and visit with a professional career counselor. The Office of Career Services is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please make an appointment or take advantage of walk-in hours. Please call 243-2022 for more information.

• Study in advance the list of employers attending the fair and research the companies that you are particularly interested in visiting. There is a link on the main student menu of "Companies Attending This Year's Fair", visit our Career Resource Library and use the Internet for information on companies and career fields. It is imperative that you have some knowledge about their policies, philosophies, products, services, location, and similar information.

• Prepare a "focused" resume that will be relevant to the particular employers that you plan to talk to at the fair. (Bring extra copies!)

• Prepare a "generic" resume, without a focused objective that can be used for other employers. (Bring extra copies!)

• Prepare a three minute "commercial" about yourself that will briefly, but enthusiastically, show employers your strengths, skills, experience and interests.

• Prepare questions to ask the employers you will be talking to:
  • What opportunities exist for personal growth?
  • What are your company's strengths? Weaknesses?
  • What are the challenging aspects of the position?
  • What qualities are you looking for in new hires?
  • Describe the work environment.
  • What do you enjoy most about working for your company?
  • What characteristics does a successful person have at your company?

• Prepare answers to the questions employers will be asking you:
  • Tell me about yourself. (This is your "three-minute commercial")
  • What is your greatest strength? Weakness?
  • Would you be a successful "team member"?
  • How do you deal with conflict?
  • How do you deal with authority?
  • Where do you want to be in five years? Ten years?
  • What job-related skills have you developed?

At the Fair:

• Dress professionally! Suits are preferable, or business casual attire. For men: khakis/dress pants & collar shirt/sweater. For women: dress/skirt/slacks & blouse/sweater. First impressions are important and employers are more likely to remember the students who present themselves in a professional manner.

• Career Fairs are a valuable opportunity to obtain information about unfamiliar employers. Be sure to request company literature/business card and information about any positions they have available now or in the near future. Bring a pen/pencil and paper available to take notes.

• Broaden your focus, be open to new ideas and talk to many different types of employers. Your chances of success go up with each contact you make.

• Bring extra copies of your resume to leave with employers. Estimate the amount you will need based upon the list of "Companies Attending This Year's Fair"

• Greet employers with a firm handshake and maintain good eye contact. Remember: First Impressions Count!

• Indicate any knowledge you have of the organization that you've gained through your research.

• Do not monopolize the employer's time. Ask specific questions and offer to follow up after the fair, as appropriate.

• Enthusiastically communicate your related interests, skills, strengths and experience.

• Ask questions, but do not ask about salary and benefits until you are being seriously considered as an applicant.

After the Fair:

• Write a letter to employers you are interested in, thanking them for their time and information. Include another resume and any other information you may have promised to send (a completed application, writing sample, recommendations, transcripts, etc.).

• Check with the office of Career Services to see if the employer will be interviewing on campus. If they are, register with our office to interview with the employer.

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