Career Expo Success Strategies

Navigate the Career Expo by following this outline of simple strategies to help you succeed in getting the job you want!

Also check out the Career Management Services site for resources and webinars

• Network with members from conference host and sponsors
  • NSHMBA members are listed in MY NSHMBA
• Register for Conference early
• Attend a Career Management Program near you
  • Provide resume critique, mock interviews, and career expo strategies
• Review/Revise your Resume
• Post your resume on the NSHMBA Career Center
  • Post it early in order to have the recruiters review and possibly schedule an interview
• Practice Job Interview
• Research employers
  • Listed on the conference website
  • Many post positions on NSHMBA Career Center
  • Determine which ones are highest priorities
  • Map a strategy to make sure you meet with the employers on top of your list
  • Prepare questions for them (don’t ask salary questions at this time)
• Prepare your sales pitch
  • A short description of yourself (you usually only have 30-90 seconds to sell yourself as a potential job candidate to the recruiters)

• Resume & Cover Letter
  • Bring enough for everyone you meet, plus a few more just in case
  • Flash drive with resume on it and any other materials you may need to access
• Business Cards
• Professional Clothes & Comfortable shoes
• Folder, portfolio, brief or tote to keep your documents organized and neat
• Notepad or PDA to take notes between meetings/interviews
• Contact information for any recruiters that you already have a meeting with

• Arrive Early – allows time for check-in and orient yourself with the conference center
  • Suggest arriving on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning to access the Career Management Center, other events such as Professional Development sessions, and network
• Visit the Career Management Center
  • Provide resume critique, mock interviews, career expo strategies, and career coaching
• Review the Career Expo Floor Map
  • Mark the companies on your priority list
• Make sure you get some rest and eat a good breakfast to give you energy for the day

• Be Confident
• Always be Professional
  • Everyone there can be a valuable member of your Network
  • Recruiters are paying attention (even during evening events/parties)
• Network
  • Connect with NSMBA members, other job seekers, speakers, Hispanic associations
  • They can share tips and strategies
• Observe recruiters and other job seekers – could help give you info for your introduction
• Take notes
  • Take notes after meeting someone to help you remember them when you follow-up after the event
  • Write them on back of their business card or in your notebook/PDA
  • Also note popular questions from the day (could help you prepare for other interviews)
• Make personal connections
  • Stay relaxed, smile, make eye contact, offer a firm handshake
  • Speak slowly & loud enough for them to hear
  • Before you leave – request a business card and the next step to follow-up
  • Revisit at end of career expo to make that lasting impression
• Be flexible – if a booth has a long line, go to the next one on your list to be efficient
• Don’t be there to Shop
  • Many exhibitors have toys, try to take what is offered and keep in mind you’ll be carrying it all day

• Thursday
  • Professional Development Day (provides multiple development sessions)
  • Career Management Center (resume critique, mock interviews, career coaching)
  • Corporate Networking Reception
  • Opening Party
• Friday
  • Career Management Center (resume critique, mock interviews, career coaching)
  • Networking Event
  • Private Corporate Events
• Saturday
  • Brillante Gala
• Don’t forget to Network!

• Thank you notes
  • Send immediately after program
  • Send them to those you met and reconfirm interest in position and company
• Additional company letters
  • Send letter to the company’s Hispanic Network, EEO/AA Manager, and/or VP of Diversity
  • Attach a copy of your résumé and thank you note to recruiter
• Phone call follow-up
  • Within a week, follow-up with well-rehearsed phone call (unless instructed otherwise)