SHPE - Conference 2008 - (Page 16)

CAREERS & EMPLOYMENT A Continuing Series ❚ By Fran Correa Making the Most of the Career Fair Convey Energy and Confidence in Every Detail Interview Fashion Blunders According to Anna Soo Wildermuth, an image consultant and past president of the Association of Image Consultants International, “Clothes should be a part of who you are and should not be noticed.” She cites 10 fashion faux pas to avoid when dressing for a career fair or interview. • Avoid wild nail polish. Both men and women should make sure that their nails are groomed and neat. Extremely long or uncut nails are unprofessional. • Don’t wear more than two rings per hand or one earring per ear. No face jewelry or ankle bracelets allowed. • Open-toe, backless or mule shoes are definite no-no’s. Old, worn out or out-of-date shoes should be thrown out or kept for other occasions. • Wear stockings, even in humid summer weather. They can be a neutral color or a fashion color to match your shoes. • Don’t wear suits with lapels that are too wide (three inches or more) or too narrow (one inch or less). A good tailor can alter lapels. The style for men’s jackets is full body and looser rather than fitted or tight. • Hemlines should not be more than three inches above the knee. Don’t wear capri pants or leggings to an interview. • Leather jackets or blazers for men or women are not good for interviewing purposes. They look like outerwear. • For men, a tie is preferred over a turtleneck, at least in the first go-round. At the very least, wear a collared shirt. • Purses should be conservative and inconspicuous. • Briefcases, purses and shoes should all be conservative in color and in good condition. A s you enter Career Expo at the SHPE Conference, or any job fair for that matter, you are overwhelmed with the energy and excitement. In your hand are several copies of your résumé and in your heart is an air of confidence – an absolute necessity when competing with thousands of job seekers, including some of your friends who are eagerly lining up at company booths. You take deep breaths to steady your nerves, remembering that you already have a strategy for success. Your approach to the career fair makes a huge difference in whether or not you achieve satisfactory results. Before arriving at the career fair, make sure to research the companies that will be attending and check out the job openings for your top companies of interest. Upon arriving at the conference, ask for a career fair map and plan your route so that you focus your time and energy on your top prospects. This will also prevent wandering aimlessly from booth to booth. Remember that your goal is to make a strong impression through your enthusiasm about engineering and the company, but also listen to what the representative says. He or she is the gatekeeper who you must impress in order to move to the next step - the hiring manager or senior member of the team. Stay upbeat and energized, as each booth is a fresh opportunity to dazzle. Let the interviewer know what you can offer the company. Be prepared with a short statement (less than two minutes) about yourself and your background. Try to hook the interviewer’s interest with something unique about yourself. Your goal is to get a second interview to discuss how you are the right person for the available position. If you are successful, the interviewer will introduce you to the hiring managers and/or human resource representatives. Get a business card from those with whom you talk. In a week or so, use their names as a reference when following up. Inquire about the position and the hiring status. Also send a thank you letter and another hard copy of your résumé to human resources and the hiring manager. Mention that you talked with them, or a 16 company representative, at the SHPE Career Expo. Tell them how excited you are about the position. Let them know you are the solution to their problem – you can make a difference and add value. The Informal Interview This type of interview can happen after workshops, social gatherings and hospitality suites without you even knowing it. It is important that you develop, practice and perfect your elevator pitch (see SHPE magazine, Fall 2008, page 44). In these settings, everyone seeks to network with as many people as possible, which gives you about two minutes with each person. In order to make a lasting impression, you must articulate the most critical points about yourself. SHPE ❘ Conference 2008

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SHPE - Conference 2008 President’s Letter From the Vice President News of Particular Interest to Society Members Calendar Making the Most of the Career Fair Grupos de Afinidad Phoenix Rising Advancing Hispanic Excellence in Technology, Engineering, Math and Science (AHETEMS) 2008 SHPE Conference Program Guide Welcome Letters Highlights Conference Schedule STAR Awards Company of the Year Chapter of the Year Awards Speakers Entertainment Hospitality Suites Advisor Program Professional Program Quick Guide Business Proposal Competition Professional Workshop Descriptions Technical Paper and Poster Competitions AHETEMS Design Competition Extreme Engineering Challenge National Academic Olympiad AHETEMS Teacher Program AHETEMS Pre-College Symposia Corporate Tours AHETEMS Graduate Program AHETEMS Distinguished Lecture Series AHETEMS Deans’ Summit Undergraduate Workshops Quick Guide Undergraduate Workshops Descriptions MUST Scholars Symposium Career Fair Exhibitors Sponsors Hotel and Convention Center Maps Regional Roundup Inner Circle Employer Profiles Advertisers Index

SHPE - Conference 2008

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