About Fast Enterprises

• GenTax product
• Combination of consulting and tech essentially
• be open to relocation every 2-5 years
• some international options

• Start early
  • budget your time
  • broaden your search
    • every company out there probably needs people in software
    • don’t only look at software specific companies
    • be adaptable
  • browse the career fair guide to see what companies you would like to take to
    • there is usually a career fair guide
    • research beforehand to decide where you want to go and map it out
  • probably don’t want to go to every single booth if they don’t have what they are looking for
  • start to think as a professional, update your voicemail, social media, etc
    • don’t post something you wouldn’t want your grandma to see
    • be professional in your emails
      • use complete sentences
      • correct capitalization
  • even as a freshman it is good to go to the career fair and make connections even if you don’t have a resume yet
  • keep track of the companies you talk to and positions apply to
    • could use an excel document or a notebook
    • print out the job description of what you apply for
• Networking
  • utilize all opportunities
    • don’t be afraid to talk to people
  • friends, relatives, neighbors
    • don’t just ask for a job
    • show interest in the company: I’m really interested in what you do, it would be great if you would tell me more about it!
  • broadcast yourself
    • connect on LinkedIn too
  • even if you aren’t sure that you will want a position, it’s good for practice
  • getting started is the hardest part
• Research
  • watch for areas in high demand
  • utilize company websites
    • find out as much info as you can before meeting with them
    • make sure the company is also a good fit for you
    • look at reviews too – glassdoor
  • search all medias
    • facebook, instagram, twitter
• Be proactive
  • contact employers
    • fine line with this
    • don’t overwhelm them
  • check back
    • good to reconnect if see new things with the company
    • explain that still interested
      • don’t do this TOO often though
    • explain what have been working on recently
    • be respectful of these employees time
      • never burn bridges
  • continue to build your network
• Different companies will have different opinions, so take everything with a grain of salt
  • Sample outline
    • contact information
      • be sure it is up to date and you can be reached
    • objective statement
      • only use if have a reason for it
      • not just I’m a senior looking for a full-time software development position
  • Education
    • Where you go
    • When you graduate
    • Major/Minor
    • Include GPA if over 3.0
  • Work Experience
    • it’s okay if it doesn’t relate specifically to the job
    • handling customers, working in a team, can help
  • Accomplishments/skills
    • want to know the tech skills that you have
    • okay to include even if a beginner
      • show proficiency
  • Optional Topics if have extra space
    • honors/publications
    • hobbies/interests
    • professional memberships
    • extracurricular activities
  • Tailor the resume to the job you want
    • headings, titles, etc.
    • organize specifically for the employer
  • Make it stand out
    • re-arrange sections to accentuate your skills
    • eye catching at first glance
    • not too much going on though
  • Sell yourself
    • quantify your accomplishments
    • sell the benefits of your skills
  • Analyze the job descriptions
    • identify key words
    • identify and solve the employer’s needs
  • Prioritize Content
    • Organize statements by importance
    • utilize lists and be brief, but accurate
  • Create an Image
    • your resume directly reflects you
    • don’t be afraid to personalize
      • read your audience though
  • Don’t need to put relevant courses on resume
    • could include a special team project though
  • Don’t need to include the References available upon request
  • Probably should list tangible related skills
    • not necessarily list flexible, prompt, etc
  • Resume should be one page – with a new hire
• Cover letters
  • sort of company by company
  • maybe use to get them to read your resume essentially
  • definitely is not a negative thing
  • don’t make it too wordy
  • don’t just repeat everything from resume, should add to the resume in some way
• Career Fair Day
  • Dress
    • one chance to make a first impression
  • dress for the job you want
  • Approaching the booth
    • hand shake
    • confidence
      • eye contact
    • have an introduction
      • have an elevator pitch
  • Leaving the booth
    • ask for contact information
    • keep yourself organized
      • write a note maybe as you walk away so you remember
    • know next steps
      • ask what the next thing to do to apply is
• Interview
  • Plan Ahead
    • research the company
    • have your facts ready
    • arrive early and look your best
  • Be positive
    • project energy and enthusiasm
    • utilize eye contact
    • be sincere and truthful
  • Adapt
    • be sensitive to the style of the interviewer
    • relate to the interviewer and the company
      • people like to talk about themselves, maybe ask some questions if you find something in common
    • integrate answers that pertain to the company
      • be able to tell them what you know about the company
      • what sort of other research have you done on the company – want you to be serious about the company
  • Ask Questions
    • show interest in the company
    • use these to focus your responses
    • make sure the company is right for you
•  Post Interview
  • Gather information
    • inquire about the timeline
    • collect contact info
    • always know the next steps before leaving
  • Send a thank you
    • a quick letter or email
    • show professionalism
    • another way to stand out
      • shows you prioritize
      • extra interest
• Start their search in September if graduating in May
• Look in the summer if graduating in December
• FAST has about a 4-6 week turnaround