Career Fair Success

Shannon Janovitz

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Career Fair Success

Prepare for a career fair

This lesson prepares students for attending a career fair by helping them research companies, create elevator pitches, and develop networking strategies. Students will practice their interactions in a simulated career fair setting. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential skills for effective communication and professional interaction, which are crucial for their future career endeavors.

Audience

10th to 12th Grade Students

Time

1 hour 30 mins

Approach

Prepare for a career fair

Materials

Company Research Worksheet, Elevator Pitch Guide, Networking Strategies Discussion, Pens, and Notebooks

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Briefly introduce the purpose of the lesson: preparing for a career fair.
Discuss the importance of career fairs in networking and job searching.
Outline the activities for the session.

Step 2

Company Research

20 mins

Distribute the 'Company Research Worksheet'.
Instruct students to select 2-3 companies they are interested in.
Guide them to research these companies using online resources.
Encourage students to note down key information such as company values, recent news, and job openings.

Step 3

Elevator Pitch Creation

20 mins

Provide the 'Elevator Pitch Guide'.
Explain the concept of an elevator pitch and its importance.
Have students draft a 30-second pitch introducing themselves and their interests.
Allow students to practice their pitches in pairs, providing feedback to each other.

Step 4

Networking Strategies Discussion

20 mins

Use the 'Networking Strategies Discussion' guide.
Facilitate a discussion on effective networking strategies at career fairs.
Discuss topics such as making a good first impression, asking insightful questions, and following up after the fair.

Step 5

Simulated Career Fair

15 mins

Set up a simulated career fair environment in the classroom.
Have students rotate roles between being a company representative and a job seeker.
Encourage students to use their research and elevator pitches in these interactions.

Step 6

Closure

5 mins

Recap the key points learned during the lesson.
Encourage students to reflect on their experiences and share any insights.
Remind students to prepare any additional materials they might need for the actual career fair.

Worksheet

Company Research Worksheet

This worksheet helps students gather and organize information about companies they are interested in before attending a career fair.

List the companies you are interested in and provide a brief description of each.

Consider the industry, size, and location of the company.

What are the key values and mission of each company?

Identify any recent news or developments related to these companies.

What job openings or opportunities are available at these companies?

Reading

Elevator Pitch Guide

This guide provides students with tips and a structure for creating an effective elevator pitch to use at career fairs.

Crafting Your Elevator Pitch

Introduction: Start with your name and a brief background.
Interest: Mention your field of interest or what you are passionate about.
Value: Highlight what you can offer or your unique skills.
Goal: State what you are looking for (e.g., internship, job opportunity).

Tips:

Keep it concise (around 30 seconds).
Be clear and confident.
Practice to ensure smooth delivery.

Discussion

Networking Strategies Discussion

This discussion guide helps students explore effective networking strategies to use during a career fair.

What are some ways to make a good first impression at a career fair?

Discuss the importance of body language, attire, and a firm handshake.

How can you ask insightful questions to company representatives?

Encourage students to research the company beforehand and prepare specific questions.

What are effective follow-up strategies after meeting a company representative?

Talk about sending thank-you emails and connecting on professional networks like LinkedIn.