II. Understand the details •
2.3 Career Fair Navigation 1.0
Before you arrive for your job shadowing experience, confirm the details. Miscommunication before you start job shadowing can reflect poorly on you. • Ask where you’ll job shadow, what time you should arrive, where you should meet the person you’ll be shadowing, and what you should wear - apparel depends on workplace expectations. III. Do your homework • You’ll be much better prepared to job shadow if you’re informed about the company and the person you’re shadowing, so visit the organization’s website and LinkedIn profile of your contact(s). • Write down questions you would like to ask the person. This creates a good impression and will help you learn more throughout the experience. IV. Define your career path • Prepare to speak about your career goals, past experiences, and professional interests. • Your host is likely to be interested in what brought you to the company and where you hope to take your career. Reflect on this before you arrive, it will ensure you give an articulate answer that creates a positive impression. • Update and bring a copy of your professional resume. V. Take notes throughout the day • Hopefully you’ll learn a lot during your job shadowing. Taking notes during job shadowing is a good way to retain this information. • Remember to bring along a notepad and pen to write down your observations and insights and jot down questions that may arise. VI. Professionalism matters • Focus on making good impressions: shaking hands, maintaining eye contact, addressing with formal titles. Be attentive, enthusiastic, and participate appropriately throughout the job shadowing experience. • During your time, you might love your job shadowing or realize this career path isn’t for you. Regardless of your realizations, be sure to maintain a respectful, positive demeanor. VII. Follow-up • Job shadowing often is done as a favor by established professionals. You should write a thank you email or note to the employee for providing you the opportunity to learn from them, even if you decide this career field isn’t the right fit for you. • If you are interested in this career field, stay in touch with the person you shadowed – they can serve as an invaluable network connection as you begin to search for jobs and internships.
Career Fairs are for Everyone Explore : Research career fields on possible majors/minors; explore career paths. Investigate : Obtain a summer job or internship; practice interviewing skills; explore graduate schools. Graduate : Secure a full-time job; obtain information on a specific employer, position, or organization. Why attend a Career Fair? • Practice networking with professionals so you are prepared when the big interview arrives. • Learn about companies and organizations you may have an interest in for future employment and connect with their recruiters. • Submit your resume to companies who are looking to fill internships and full-time positions. Before the Fair • Download the Handshake app so you can research the companies who are attending. • Create a prioritized list of those employers you would like to speak with. • Prepare questions to ask recruiters. • Review your resume and think about the qualities and skills you possess – upload a copy of your resume to Handshake and have printed copies for an in-person fair. • Dress professionally. During the Fair • Stay focused on the employers you plan to meet and be sure to allow time to meet with them, but visit your lower priority employers first so you can become more comfortable. • Introduce yourself and make eye contact to make a positive first impression. • Ask each recruiter for their contact information; offer a resume to employers you are interested in. • Ask about next steps if you are interested in applying for positions. • Take notes when you finish talking with each employer.
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