Before Actuarial Evening:

• Know what type of career fair it is:  Actuarial Evening is designed for students interested in the possibility of an actuarial career.
• Obtain and review the booklet of participating companies from a DASS member.  Think about which companies you want to be sure to visit with.
• Have a final draft of your resume prepared and copied on quality bond paper.  Be sure to bring enough copies to distribute to employers.
• Plan to wear business casual attire and carry a portfolio in which you can collect the various information pieces and carry the copies of your resume.
• Plan what you are going to say--
  • Prepare an introduction stating your name and major.
  • Convey 2 qualities about yourself you could bring to the position and why you are interested in the organization.
  • Ask knowledgeable questions about the organization/position.
  • Ask questions about prospects in your field.
  • Reiterate your interest and leave a resume.

Actuarial Evening Check List:

• Portfolio and pen
• At least a dozen copies of resume that has been laser printed on quality paper
• Appropriate clothing including comfortable, professional shoes

During Actuarial Evening

• Sign in at the Registration Table, get a name tag and pick up a program listing the exhibitors and their locations in Parents Hall.
• Sign up for the door prizes that will be given away.
• Be prepared: Bring plenty of laser copied resumes.
• Have an action plan, do not just go from one table to the next.
• Allow as much time as possible at Actuarial Evening.  Feel free to retreat occasionally to take notes, regroup, look at the program for additional companies that may appear interesting.
• Collect literature, business cards, and any other items for follow up, further research or for your resources files

It is very important to be at Actuarial Evening so that when companies return in the spring for interviews they will already know who you are.

Actuarial Evening Do’s and Don’ts

 

Do

Dress:

a.  Professional Dress (suit, tie, clean, shave, etc.)

 

Research:

a.  Have an idea of what companies you want to talk to

            b.  Know a little about those companies (industry, locations, etc.)

            c.  Have knowledgeable questions prepared

 

Bring:

a.       Resumes

b.      Business cards

c.       Paper/pen (take notes!)

d.      Portfolio

 

Take Action!

a.       Have an action plan (top few companies)

b.      Practice with companies you’re less interested in first

c.       Treat recruiters with respect

d.      Be professional, but be yourself

e.       Keep an open mind

f.       Know what you’re going to say:

i.        Name and major

ii.      What you can bring to the position and why you’re interested in their company    

iii.    Have questions ready

iv.    Reiterate your interest and leave a resume

g.      Keys to good first impression: a firm handshake, a smile, eye contact and a confident voice.

 

 

Don’t

a.  Walk in a circle from table to table around the room

b.  Go to a table just because they have a cool give-away

c.  Go around in groups

d.  Step into a conversation  

            e.  Just drop your resume on the recruiter’s table and walk off