How to Make the Most of the Career Forum

Before the Career Forum

Research the companies participating in the Forum. Review corporate profiles and employment information in the Guide. Students registered with the Business Career Center can review corporate profiles and employment information online in a searchable Forum employer database within BuckyNet (log in to your account at www.bus.wisc.edu/career and click on the Quick Link to the Fair).
Prepare a one-minute “commercial” to: introduce yourself, demonstrate that you know something about the company, express why you’re interested in working for them and how your skills relate to what you know about that company’s needs.
Be prepared with questions to ask employers. Practice out loud!
Know the general types of positions in which you have an interest and where you want to go with your career.
Have a resume that’s digestible in one minute’s reading by busy employers. Bring enough copies!
Be organized! Prepare a list of employers you want to visit during the Fair.

During the Career Forum

Business Casual attire is suggested. You don’t have to wear a suit, but do look professional.
Make eye contact when introducing yourself to employers. Shake hands firmly and pay close attention to what the representative is saying.
Ask questions about the company and current employment opportunities.
Be enthusiastic! Smile and project interest in the company.
Ask representatives for their business cards.
Ask how you should best follow up, and who the contact person is.
Make notes as you leave each company you’re interested in. You want to be prepared if you have further contact with a company representative.

After the Career Forum

You may want to send a letter and another copy of your resume to employer representatives of particular interest to you. In your note, you can briefly describe an additional strength of yours that you didn’t get to mention at the Forum and restate your interest in interviewing with them.
Be prepared to interview with organizations of interest after the Forum. Several organizations will conduct interviews at the Business Career Center the day after the Forum (Tuesday, September 19, but most of the participating organizations interview at the Business Career Center later in the fall semester.
Reminder: To participate in the Business Career Center’s On-Campus Interviewing Program, you must be registered! If you haven’t already registered, stop by 3290 Grainger Hall.