Information for Students
What to Expect
The purpose of a Career Expo is to learn about jobs and internships available, talk with employers representing different organizations, and network. Here are some other things to expect:
Employer set-up:
Employer set-up:
- When you check-in at the Expo, you will receive a map of how organizations are arranged. Before beginning, find where organizations are that you want to meet with and make a plan of action of whom you will visit first, second, and so on.
- Some organizations bring several recruiters. Focus on one recruiter and be sensitive of their time if it seems like they are wrapping up the conversation.
- Depending on an employer’s distance to travel home, they may leave a little earlier than the official end of the Expo.
- With that in mind, arrive to the Fair as soon as you can.
- Stop by our LinkedIn photo booth while you're at the Expo to have a professional profile image taken while you're dressed your best!
- Don't have a LinkedIn account? Now's the time to learn more and create one.
Preparation
Resume:
- Recruiters will see a lot of students, and your resume is a paper representation of you and your experiences that recruiters will review at the end of the day to determine who to follow-up with.
- You’ll want to have copies of your resume at the Expo; bring 10 to 20 copies at least.
- You’ll want to practice a brief introduction prior to the Expo.
- You will only have a few minutes with a recruiter, so you want to prepare a succinct statement to introduce and sell your professional self. Include where you are now (your name, your academic programs, your year), where you have been (prior experiences that qualify you), and where you are going (the type of experience/position you are looking for).
- As the conversation with the employer progresses, you can also mention what excites you about working in this field in the future, how your interests and skills align with what they might be seeking, or what you’re passionate about. Think about what might set you apart.
- There’s nothing that makes you look less interested in an organization than not having any questions for them, so do your homework!
- It’s okay if you have some questions that you ask all employers, and other questions that are for specific employers.
- This is not an appropriate time to ask questions about salary, but it’s a great time to ask questions about organization culture, training, and the selection process and timeline.
- Create your own questions, but here are some examples:
- What kinds of skills and experience do you look for in the employees you hire?
- Are graduate degrees important to advance within your organization?
- Does your organization hire on a continual basis or during specific times of the year?
- How many years does a typical entry-level employee stay with your organization?
- Are there opportunities for ongoing training and professional development?
- What made you choose to work for this organization?
- Bring questions that you’ve compiled to the Expo. Glance at the questions you want to ask before you arrive at the employer’s booth so that you can maintain eye contact throughout your conversation.
- Wear a suit if you have one, but if not don’t let that keep you from attending the Expo.
- You want to dress professionally and respectfully, which includes ironing your clothes.
- It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
- If you have sweaty palms, bring a tissue to help keep your hands dry between handshakes.
- You can drop-off your coat, backpacks, or other items you don’t want to carry around.
- Wear comfortable dress shoes, because you’ll be standing awhile.
- Read more professional attire tips for men and women.
- You’ll want to have a padfolio, binder, or folder to keep your resume and prepared list of questions organized. You can also store materials you receive from employers here.
- Resumes (10-20 at least)
- List of organizations, notes, and questions
- Pen
- Tissues
- Breath mints; not gum
Talking with Employers
Introduce Yourself:
- Offer a handshake, and maintain eye contact as you provide your introduction.
- Your Thirty-Second Commercial
Your Name:
Your Major:
Career Interests:
Work Experience:
Activities:
Type of Career Information or Job You Are Seeking- Introduce Yourself: “Hi, my name is ______________. I’m a (senior, freshman, etc.) at Delaware Technical Community College majoring in ______________. I’m interested in learning about what type of opportunities might be available at your organization.”
- Be prepared to continue your commercial by answering the recruiter’s questions. Example of question: “What type of job are you seeking?” The answer should NOT be “Anything” or “It doesn’t matter.”
- Tailor your commercial to each employer you approach. You will know how to tailor it because you will have researched the company and know how your background and future goals fit each employer of interest.
- The employer will expect that you ask questions, and they will ask you questions.
- You want to demonstrate confidence, enthusiasm, and interest for the organization. Don’t say anything negative about previous employers or experiences in college.
- Always introduce yourself before offering your resume.
- An employer who attended one of our Expo's commented, “Students were walking around sticking out their resumes.” This shouldn't be the first thing you do, and should at earliest come after you’ve introduced yourself and listened to the recruiter about their organization and opportunities.
- Often an employer will ask you if you have your resume.
- For a business card or contact information.
- The best way to follow-up with them.
- A time frame of their hiring process.
- Send thank you emails to recruiters that you spoke with if you are still interested in their opportunities. This can easily set you apart from other candidates!
- Log onto ietclub.weebly.com to access a list of employers that are hiring.
Weather
If the college is closed or the opening of the college is delayed until 11am or later, the Expo will be rescheduled. If the college opens by 10am, the Expo will run as scheduled. In the event that the college closes during the day the event will be immediately canceled. For Delaware Tech cancellation information go to https://www.dtcc.edu/.
Questions?
Prior to the Expo, you can contact any of your instructors or meet with a career counselor to prepare for the Career Expo. And check out our calendar for upcoming workshops to help you prepare.