V I R T U A L C A R E E R C E N T E R

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1 V I R T U A L C A R E E R C E N T E R N O V E M B E R I S S U E N O. 1 2 In this issue: Virtual Job Fairs How to Work a Virtual Job Fair Questions to Ask at Career and Job Fairs How to Ace Your Video Job Interview Find us on

2 Virtual Job Fairs In a virtual career fair, companies and job seekers connect in a virtual environment. These virtual platforms have become increasingly popular. But how is a virtual career fair different than an online job platform? A virtual career fair is an online event in which employers and job seekers use chat rooms, webcasts, webinars and/or to exchange information about job opportunities. Virtual job fairs have a limited duration. Depending on the employers participating, the opportunities are endless. Employers may be looking for employees in different locations or offering virtual opportunities. How To Work a Virtual Job Fair Step One - Do your homework Don't just attend a virtual job fair because you are available. Do you homework, check job board websites and LinkedIn for job fairs featuring companies in your industry with open positions you are qualified for in the area in which you want to live. Step Two - Get your house in order Make sure you are in a clean and quiet environment. Many recruiters may want to video chat with you, and the last thing you want is for them to see your empty pizza boxes on your table. Put away antyhing that looks unprofessional. Be ready for anything. Source:

3 Step Three - Dress for the occasion Wear your most professional outfit. While virtual job fairs may seem less formal and more relaxed than traditional job fairs on in-person interviews, they are not. Companies make significant investments in virtual job fairs - registration and set-up costs, personnel time and technology. They take these events seriously and they are looking for job seekers who do the same. Dress professionally and show them you are serious. Step Four - Have your paperwork ready Double check your battery to make sure it's fully charged, and make sure you will have a good internet connection. Step Six - Stay classy Don't forget to stay professional and address recruiters as "Ms." and "Mr." Be polite. Make sure you to have your resume ready. Try to tailor your resume to the company you are interested in. Proof your resume, and submit it to the Career Center for review. Step Five - Check your connection There is nothing worse than being in the middle of instant messaging or a video chat conversation, and having your connection cut out. Step Seven - Take notes Before you log on to the virtual job fair, take notes on the companies you are interested in. What jobs do they list as available? What are their major accomplishments? Use your notes to develop questions to ask the recruiters. Be prepared. Source:

4 Step Eight - Follow-up Send thank you notes to everyone who takes the time to talk to you. It will impress them and keep your name and resume at the top of their mind. Questions to Ask at Career and Job Fairs Strategies Comeback Questions: What kind of skills and experience do you look for in the employees you hire? What are the characteristics of your most successful employees? Which courses or experiences do you suggest to be a successful candidate? Strategic Planning Questions: Key Company Information Questions: What is your organization's culture like? For how many years does the typical employee stay with the company? Are there opportunities for ongoing training through your organization? Do you expect employees to relocate? How much travel is involved? What kind of entry-level positions (or internships) exist within your organization? Does your company hire on a continual basis or at certain time frames? Source:

5 How to Ace Your Video Job Interview Here are a few tips to consider before you connect virtually with a potential employer: 1. Check your equipment You will need a dependable internet connection, a webcam and a microphone. Make sure everything is working. 2. Experiment with the interview platform For live video interviews, you may need to download the application software and set up an account. If it's a pre-recorded interview, you will be sent instructions ahead of time. 3. Set up your computer properly Adjust your computer so the camera lens on your screen is leveled with your face. You might have to use a few books or adjust your chair height to achieve that. 4. Pay attention to lighting You will want your face to be front-lit. If your room has a window, face it, or put a lamp on the desk in front of you. Do not sit with the window behind you. 5. Do a background check Look at what will appear behind you on the screen. Remove any piles or personal items that may be distracting to a potential employer. 6. Do a dry run Practice with a friend on the platform you will be using. With Skype, you can record it to review. Source:

6 7. Dress for an in-person interview Solid colors are the best. Dress as if you were attending an in-person interview. 8. Have a cheat sheet Post - it notes on your screen can remind you of talking points to ensure you highlight your experience, and why you are a good fit for the job. You can also list a few questions to ask the employer. Always have your resume handy to use as a reference when speaking. 9. Always look at the camera lens and smile Do not gaze down at yourself on the screen, look at the person interviewing you. Smiling provides a big boost for your video presence and will give the interview energy. 10. Raise technical issues If something goes wrong, inform the employer of the situation. Contact the recruiter to explain and reschedule, if necessary. 11. Watch your body language Take a deep breath and relax. No lip chewing, squinting eyes or over-blinking. Keep your shoulders back and your hands quiet. 12. Say thanks End your interview by saying "Thank you for your time." Smile, and continue eyeing the camera until the recording or interview ends. Source: Connect with us to receive the most updated opportunities!

7 Upcoming Events NOVEMBER Fort Wayne Campus November 1 - Etiquette Lunch (registration required) November 2 - Speed Interviews November 8 - Resume Reviews November 14 - LinkedIn Reviews November 15 - Criminal Justice Career Fair November 16 - Etiquette Dinner November 16 - Professional Dress Day Munster Campus November 14 & 15 - Mobile Career Center on your campus Virtual Events November - LinkedIn Review Month November 2 - Hire Heroes USA Veterans Day November 9 - Veterans Virtual Career Fair November 14 - Meeting Street Schools Teacher Virtual Career Fair November 15 - Bender Virtual Career Fair (for people with disabilities) *You will receive more information about each event closer to the event date. You can also direct any questions to Mariana Glover at mxglover@indianatech.edu

8 Our Staff Amy Trosper Office Assistant Mariana Glover Makendra Jeanty Lauren Johns Eileen Lee Pam Walters Boley Cindy Verduce Director