How To Work A Job Fair
Sponsored by MCB Advising Program
Biotechnology Career Services Office
And
School of Chemical Sciences - Career
Counseling and Placement Services
Biotechnology Center Career Services
Introductions
Tina Knox & Jennifer Brandyberry
MCB Advising Program (MAP)
advising@mcb.illinois.edu
Check out our Web site:
http://mcb.illinois.edu/undergrad/advising/
Biotechnology Center Career Services
Introductions
Kathleen Brinkmann
Director
Roy J. Carver
Biotechnology Center
Career Services
brinkman@illinois.edu
Biotechnology Center Career Services
Introductions
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Biotechnology Center Career Services,
103 Observatory,
333-1378
URL: www.biotec.illinois.edu/career
Biotechnology Center Career Services
Introductions
Patricia Simpson
Director
School of Chemical Sciences
Career Counseling & Placement Services
plblum@illinois.edu
Biotechnology Center Career Services
Job Fair Preparation
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Before the Job Fair
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During the Job Fair
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After the Job Fair
Biotechnology Center Career Services
Preparation before the Fair
Clarify your goals and what you
want out of the Fair
 Research the employer
 Prepare questions you want the
recruiter to answer
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Biotechnology Center Career Services
Preparation continued
Prepare a resume and have others
proof read it.
 Practice answers to common
questions
 Print multiple resumes on quality
paper
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Biotechnology Center Career Services
Preparation
Prepare a 1-minute infomercial of yourself
Name, class year, interest ( F.T intern, etc),
your major/career interest, why you have
come to THIS company
Know 3 reasons why you are the right fit
for this job
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Biotechnology Center Career Services
Preparation
Informercial ingredients
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Name, degree and minors
Targeted summary of work experience
Outline of skills developed
Effective “name dropping” of companies or
names
Activities demonstrating leadership, teamwork,
and service
Warm, confident tone delivered in clear voice
Open and welcoming body language
Specific interest in the company demonstrated
by research
From Ron Johnson and Joe Schall article, 2004
Biotechnology Center Career Services
Preparation
In your answers, recruiters look for:
 Confidence
 Motivation
 Personality
 Decision-making skills
 Communication Skills
Biotechnology Center Career Services
Preparation Tip
Have a folder for your resumes and
a notepad for note taking. No
backpacks!
 Dress professionally- business or
business casual is acceptable
( No t-shirts, jeans or sneakers)
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Biotechnology Center Career Services
Factoid:
Companies use Job Fairs
To prescreen applicants for later
interviews
 To promote their opportunities and
brand
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Biotechnology Center Career Services
Top Skills & Qualities of the
Perfect Job Candidate
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Communication Skills (written and verbal)
Computer/Technical
Leadership
Teamwork skills
Interpersonal Skills
Motivation/Initiative
Strong Work Ethic
Flexibility/adaptability
Problem-solving/common sense
Source: Dr. Gardener, Recruiting Trends, 2006-2007
Biotechnology Center Career Services
During the Job Fair
Biotechnology Center Career Services
Factoid
50-55% of people get their jobs
through networking
 About 33% from unsolicited
resumes
 12-18% from answering want ads
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Biotechnology Center Career Services
During the Job Fair
Have a good firm handshake and
eye contact-be aware of your body
language
 Demonstrate confidence, interest
and enthusiasm
 Answer questions clearly and
concisely (S.T.A.R)
 Take notes
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Biotechnology Center Career Services
During the Fair
Don’t ask about salary
 Don’t ask the recruiter personal
questions
 If asked about your GPA-don’t skirt
the issue-just tell them
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Biotechnology Center Career Services
During the Fair
Focus on the companies you are
truly interested in.
 Ask what is the next step in the
process
 Get their business card
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Biotechnology Center Career Services
During the Fair
Sample Questions they may ask:
 What is your background?
 Why did you choose Illinois/your
major?
 What is important to you in your
first career opportunity?
 What do you know about our
company?
Biotechnology Center Career Services
During the Fair
Question you can ask them
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Why do you like working for this company?
What are your day-to day duties?
What types of positions are you recruiting for?
What types of projects are currently driving your
company?
In what areas do you see the most growth for
your company?
Are there specific types of backgrounds that
you’re recruiting for?
From Ron Johnson and Joe Schall article, 2004
Biotechnology Center Career Services
After the Fair
If possible, send thank you note and
reconfirm interest in the position
and company
 Follow up, if possible, with a phone
call after about a week, if you have
not heard from them.
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Biotechnology Center Career Services
Finals Thoughts
Prepare
 Communicate
 Follow-up
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Biotechnology Center Career Services
Research-Oriented Information
and Job Fair
Thursday,
October 22, 2009
Illini Union
Rooms B & C
9am to noon & 1pm
to 3:30pm
Business attire
required
Biotechnology Center Career Services
Companies attending
Abbott, Aerotek Scientific, Archer Daniels
Midland, AgReliant Genetics, Cincinnati
Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cook
Pharmica, Nanosphere, Inc., Novozymes
North America, Oak Ridge National
Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Purdue
University, Roquette America, Thermo
Fisher Scientific, University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas,
Ventana Medical Systems, Inc, Wolfram
Biotechnology Center Career Services
Questions?
Biotechnology Center Career Services