After the Career Fair — Joyce’s Career Tip of the Week

Career-Fair

For the past few weeks, I’ve been writing about preparing for the Career Fair. This is the week it’s happening! It is extremely important to know that recruiting season will not end when the events are over. Now is the time to talk about what to do after the Career Fair.

If a recruiter has given you any special directions, be sure to follow them. This can include applying online at the company website or attending a company information session.

Some companies are doing information sessions the evenings of career fair and later this semester. Check Handshake for the times and locations.

If you should be called to interview later this week, be sure to note the location. Interview rooms have been reserved in several locations across campus. You want to be sure to show up on time and in the right place.

If an employer gave you a business card and asked you to follow up, this is a big deal! This is a sign that the recruiter is genuinely interested in you. Make the most of this connection!

Send follow-up and thank you emails. Conversations with recruiters might have given you new ideas for improving your résumé. Send the new version with a note referring your previous conversation to help him or her remember you. Thank you emails after interviews should be sent before the next day.

Continue your job search by applying for interviews through Handshake. Not all the employers who hire Fulton Schools students attend career fairs. Pay attention to application deadline dates and take advantage of all opportunities.

Practice your interviewing skills. You can schedule an appointment for interview practice with a peer career coach or professional staff member using Handshake.

Learn how to expand your job search beyond campus recruiting. Are you hoping to work for a company that did not come to recruit on campus? Do you want to target your job search in a specific geographic area? Would you like to have more information about job opportunities and career options before you make decisions? Peer Career Coaches have been trained on job search resources and strategies.

Peer career coaches have office hours in several areas across the Tempe campus and are located in the Academic Center Building (CNTR) Suite 110 at the Polytechnic campus. Telephone and Skype appointments are also available. Appointments are scheduled through Handshake. If you are unsure how to make an appointment, you can call our office at 480-965-2966. The Fulton Schools Career Center is here to help you!

 

Joyce Donahue is a Career Coach in the Engineering Career Center. She is a Nationally Certified Career Counselor and holds Master Career Counselor membership status in the National Career Development Association.