Career Showcase:

Essentials FOR A SUCCESFUL EXPERIENCE

Before Showcase: Do your research

o CRC website/Gator Career Link

o Look up companies that are attending – do research on those you are interested in.
 Review their mission statement, recent company news and annual report
 Make brief notes to study before you approach each company
o Prepare different resumes for different companies/different types of positions you are
interested in
o Practice your one-minute commercial
o Think of specific questions to ask companies (about the company, their market,
challenges/expectations for interns)

At Showcase

o Spend some time walking around the floor to get comfortable

o Don’t start with your #1 choice, warm up with a few different companies first
o Review the details about each company that you brought with you – know the position, title
and location
o Don’t take freebies before you talk to the representative
o First impressions are important! Smile, firm handshake, introduce yourself
 One minute commercial
 Maintain eye contact
 Ask appropriate questions (Not about salary)
 Tell them why you are a good match for the company/position
o Close the conversation with confidence, a smile and another firm handshake
 Re-affirm your interest in the position/company
 Thank them
 Ask for business card if you don’t already have one
Do’s:
Be assertive without being rude
Be sensitive to others waiting behind you
Maximize your time at the career fair
Observe other attendees/employers for clues

Don’ts:
Don't ask about salary and benefits
Don't monopolize someone's time
Don't exhibit a lack of direction and focus

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 Career Showcase Essentials worksheet:

I. Gator Career Link:

Please check off that you have completed the following steps:
Registered with Gator Career Link
 Uploaded my resume to GCL

II. Your One Minute Commercial:

150 words or less, your introduction to the employer
o Introduce yourself, demonstrate knowledge of the company, express enthusiasm and
interest, and relate your background to the company’s need, and end with a question.
Should include: your name, major and when you’ll graduate
How your work experience/leadership roles relate to the position the employer has available
Why you are interested in the company/position (include information you have researched
about the company)
Practice, practice, practice
Prepare your commercial:
o 3 things you’ve accomplished
1.

2.

3.

o 2 skills related to your career goal

1.

2.

o 3 personal qualities you possess

1.

2.

3.

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 o Write out your script

o Practice reading it out loud in front of friends, ask for feedback

Get it down to ~1 minute!!!!

III. Company Research:

3 Companies at Showcase you would like to speak with about internships:
1.
2.
3.

Know the Employer (Fill out for at least one company you wish to speak to, it’s recommended you do this for all
company’s you are strongly interested in)

1. How long has the organization been in operation?

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Where is the organization located? Are there other locations?

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Is it a public or private organization? ________________________________________________________

4. Has the organization been in the news lately? For what reason(s)?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

5. What are the services/products/programs this organization provides?

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

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6. Who are its competitors?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

7. How is it doing relative to its competitors?

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

8. What are the organization’s short-term goals? Long-term goals?

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

9. What else is the organization known for (e.g., community involvement, supportive of families, relaxed
atmosphere, etc.)?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

10. What challenges/difficulties does this organization face? How can I help solve them?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

IV. Questions:

Please list 3 questions you plan to ask companies you are interested in:
1.

2.

3.

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