Your Ultimate Career Fair Prep Guide
Ted Rogers School of Management
Table of Contents
Part A. Job Fair 101
 Workshop Dates
 Why Attend?
i. Employers
ii. Students
iii. Planning & Business Etiquette: Before, During and After the Fair
Part B. Recommended Hygiene & Business Attire
 Females
 Males
Part C. Job Fair Networking
 Your Job Fair Networking Strategy
 Sample Follow Up Letter
 Preparing Your Elevator Pitch
Part D. Job Fair Resumes
 Resume Checklist
 Targeted Resume Sample for Bar Busperson Job Posting-Student with Work
Experience
 Targeted Resume Sample for Bar Busperson Job Posting-Student without Work
Experience
 Action Verb Worksheet
 Accomplishment Statements: S.T.A.R. Model Worksheet
Part E. Job Fair Cover Letters
 Cover Letter Checklist
 Targeted Cover Letter Sample for Bar Busperson Job Posting
Part F. Job Fair Interviews
 Types of Interviews
 Interview Checklist
 S.T.A.R. Method to Answering Behavioural Based Questions
 Common Interview Questions
 Your Worksheet: S.T.A.R. Method to Answering Behavioural Based Questions
 Questions to Ask the Interviewer
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Part A: Workshop Dates
Date
Time
Room Workshop
Tuesday January 22
11:15am1:00pm
3-119
Resume Writing for Business Students – Taryn De
Part One
Ruyter
Wednesday January 23
11:15am –
12:30pm
3-119
Networking for Business Students
Anica Vasic
Tuesday January 29
11:15am –
1:00pm
3-129
Effective Resumes for Business
Students – Part One
Taryn De
Ruyter
Wednesday January 30
11:15am12:30pm
3-129
Setting Personal Career Goals
Sina Truong
Wednesday January 30
5:15pm –
6:30pm
3-129
Business Etiquette
Alethia Davis
Thursday January 31
11:15am –
12:30pm
3-129
Conducting Information Interviews
Dan Kennedy
Thursday January 31
5:15pm6:30pm
3-129
Setting Personal Career Goals
Sina Truong
3
Host
Job Fair 101
Why Do Employers Attend?
As student recruiting becomes more necessary to develop ongoing talent in an aging
workforce, employers tend to utilize career fairs for more than one purpose:
 In order to increase their brand awareness on-campus
 To meet (and potentially conduct on-site interviews) with qualified students in-person
 To showcase current and upcoming opportunities to become involved with their
company
Why Should I Attend?
Irrespective of your year of study and employment status, attending a job fair may be
helpful to your career development on a number of levels. From the student perspective,
attending a job fair can:

Help you to explore a variety of industries and occupations that you may like to pursue
in the future and learn more about how you can use your existing education, skills and
abilities
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Give you a better sense of workplace cultures best suited to your personality and
preferences
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Connect you with employer recruiters in-person, where you can showcase your
interpersonal and communicative abilities

Provide you with the opportunity to expand your existing professional network

Assist you with finding out more about the kinds of qualifications, skills and experiences
that are valued by particular employers and industry members
4
Job Fair 101
Planning & Business Etiquette:
Read this Package! Included within, you will find effective job fair tips and strategies.
Before the Fair
Register for Workshops. Visit http://www.ryerson.ca/businesscareers/ to sign-up for
Careers & Employer Partnerships’ preparatory workshops on resumes, cover letters,
interviewing, networking and business etiquette.
Set Your Goals. Spend some time thinking about what you would like to gain from the
job fair, as this can help you to plan your strategy during the event. For instance, are you
looking to secure a summer internship? Once you have determined your goal(s), it is
helpful to develop a plan of action, including clear steps you will need to take to reach
your desired outcome(s).
Research & Know The Attendees. Take the time to explore the list of attending
employers and target the companies you are most interested in connecting with before
the fair. To conduct research, it is recommended that you visit employer websites online
or speak with contacts that can provide you with inside company information.
Enhance Your Resume. Build a self-marketing document that highlights your education,
strengths and achievements. Ensure that all content is up to date and targeted to a
given industry, profession or organization. If you are interested in more than one
industry, it is suggested that you develop more than one targeted resume. For the fair,
print a number of resume copies and keep them safe in a folder. See the Resume
section of this handbook for more details (pg.13).
Think About Business Cards. Your use of business cards at a job fair can make it easier
for employers to manage high volumes of student applications and illustrate your
preparedness. Having your own business card can also help facilitate the process of
asking for a contact’s card. To gain more information and resources about developing a
set of business cards, please see your Career Consultant.
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Prepare Your Elevator Pitch. Develop what you would like to share about yourself and
how you can contribute to the company or industry. Think about key experiences and
achievements where you demonstrated your abilities. Ideally, an effective elevator pitch
is approximately 30-60 seconds (see pg. 12).
Anticipate Possible Interview Questions. Mentioned earlier, it is possible that you will
be interviewed on the spot at the job fair. For your reference, common interview
questions and an effective S.T.A.R. method to answering behavioural questions have
been included in later sections (see pg. 22-28).
Plan Your Own Questions. Prepare thoughtful, researched questions for key employers
of interest in advance. For instance, consider what you have been learning on-campus
and how this relates to their businesses. Avoid relying on inquiries that can be
determined from the company website or promotional documents. For more
information, see pg. 28.
Hygiene & Attire: You may not get a second chance to make a first impression. Plan
your outfit, get a good night’s sleep and do your best to appear clean and neat. See the
attached information on Recommended Business Attire for appropriate hygiene and
attire (pg.8 & 9).
During the Fair
Arrive On-Time! Students who arrive to job fairs later in the afternoon typically report
that they did not have enough time to connect with companies of interest.
Act Professionally. Put your best foot forward with a smile and firm handshake during
introductions. Use eye contact, positive language and active listening to respect industry
contacts during your conversations. For more tips, please refer to the Networking
handbook section (pg.10)
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The More, the Better. Talk to as many industry contacts as possible, including
companies you had not previously thought about. It is also a helpful idea to track the
companies you have engaged with to ensure that your follow up activities are most
impactful.
Be Brief. It is suggested that you allocate approximately 5-7 minutes to each employer
table. The most effective approach is to allow enough time to visit each employer table
of interest.
Ask Permission Before Submitting Your Resume. While employers who attend job fairs
are certainly interested in students, it is advised that you demonstrate your
professionalism and politeness by first asking permission before submitting a hard copy
of your resume.
Ask for Business Cards. Asking for business cards is a proactive way to obtain contacts
you have connected with who you wish to follow up with at a later date. To help your
own memory, it can be useful to write notes on the back of a contact’s card concerning
the items you just discussed. If you have your own business cards, you may use them to
help facilitate the process of obtaining a contact’s card at the end of your discussion.
Remember to follow up after the event with a thank you email!
After the Fair
Self-Evaluate. Attending a job fair can facilitate important personal learning regarding
your career development. What went well? How was your elevator pitch received?
What might you do differently next time?
Follow Up! Remember to send thank you letters or emails to key industry members who
you have spoken to during the job fair. Re-emphasize the value you can contribute to
the given company or industry and if requested, you can send your updated, targeted
resume. Typically, an effective thank you letter is approximately 1-2 paragraphs (see
pg.11).
Keep in Touch. Maintain your relationship with key employers you have connected with.
Sending reminders and follow up emails is encouraged to illustrate your interest in
prospective opportunities.
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Part B: Recommended Hygiene & Business Attire
Dressing properly for job fairs and interviews requires preparation, just as answering questions
properly requires preparation.
Females:
Hair: Clean and neat is the preferred look. Depending on the industry and work
environment, natural hair colours are also recommended.
Makeup: If you choose to wear makeup, it is a safe choice to avoid bright colors and keep it
natural looking. Nails should be neatly manicured, and depending on the industry and work
environment, nail polish (if worn) should have no chips.
Perfume: It is recommended that you do not wear perfume, as some individuals are overly
sensitive to some scents. However, deodorant/antiperspirant is recommended.
Clothing: Pants (if worn) should be formal in nature and paired with a matching suit jacket.
Shirts with collars or blouses are recommended. If you opt to wear a skirt, make sure the
skirt is no more than 3 inches above the knee with no deep slits and wear a slip (if needed).
Conservative colours such as navy, black or dark grey are safe bets, and make sure your
outfit is dry cleaned and pressed for a finished, crisp look.
Hosiery: Another safe bet is hosiery that is a light, natural colour with no extreme patterns
or styles.
Shoes: A closed-toe pump with heel two inches or less is recommended. Ensure that the
shoe is of a dark color that matches your outfit. Take care to ensure that the heel is not
worn down or scuffed and that they are clean and shined (if needed).
Jewelry: Less is more. If you decide to wear jewelry, wear understated items. Avoid overly
large pieces, which may distract the interviewer.
Overcoat: A full-length coat of good quality and appearance is suggested. Avoid flashy
materials such as fur or bright colors.
Briefcase: A simple and understated briefcase could be used if needed; however, a
“Padfolio” (heavy duty professional folder) including your resumes/business cards, pens,
note pad and additional printed research is preferred. Do not carry a cellphone or large keys
in your hand.
DO NOT WEAR: Leggings, hats, low cut tops, sheer tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps,
branded shirts, midriffs, miniskirts or suit jackets with short skirts, wrinkled or poorly fitting
clothes that have undergarments showing or sport backpacks, low-rise pants, extreme heels,
sandals, flip-flops or boots.
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Making the effort to dress professionally shows a level of respect that is expected by most businesses
today.
Males:
Hair: Hairstyles should be neat. Facial hair such as beards, mustaches, and sideburns should be
short and appropriate for the industry, or shaved completely.
Colognes: It is recommended that you do not wear cologne at all. If you choose to wear a scent,
avoid overuse. Of course, deodorant/antiperspirant is recommended.
Suit Pants & Jackets: Conservative, well-fitted dress pants and suit jackets are suggested. Wear a
conservative color such as navy, black, or dark gray. It is a safe bet to stick to a solid or subtle
pattern such as pinstripe. If you do not have a suit, a sports coat is recommended provided that it
adheres to the guidelines discussed above. Lastly, your outfit should be dry cleaned and pressed
for a finished, crisp look.
Shirts: Light colored, tailored button down dress shirts with collars are suggested. Long sleeves
are preferred. Ensure that your shirt is clean and freshly pressed
Ties: Depending on the industry, matching silk-like ties with stripes or small, conservative
patterns tend to be encouraged. No string ties, ever!
Handkerchiefs: If you choose to wear a handkerchief, ensure it is clean, white and made of linen
or cotton. It is a safe bet to avoid elaborate handkerchief displays from your pocket.
Suspenders: Only wear suspenders with pants designed for suspenders. Do not wear clip-ons.
Socks: It is recommended that you wear socks that match the colour of your pants.
Belts: Your belt colour should match your shoe colour. Refrain from using large or conspicuous
buckles.
Jewelry: A wristwatch and one ring per hand is the maximum you should wear. Remove earrings
before interviews and avoid large jewellery items, may distract the interviewer.
Overcoat: A full-length coat of good quality and appearance is suggested. Avoid flashy materials
such as fur or bright colors.
Briefcase: A simple, understated briefcase could be used if needed; however, a “Padfolio” (heavy
duty professional folder) including your resumes/business cards, pens, note pad and additional
printed research is preferred. Do not carry a cellphone or large keys in hand.
DO NOT WEAR: Hats, white colored socks, short sleeves, branded shirts, undershirts as shirts,
bandanas, wrinkled or poorly fitting clothes, hoodies, jeans, ragged trouser cuffs, missing buttons,
cuffs that do not reach top of shoe, boots, tennis shoes, flip-flops or backpacks.
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Part C: Your Job Fair Networking Strategy
Approach, Build Rapport, Convert, Follow Up
Approach

Ensure that you arrive on time for the event; if there is food at the event, try to avoid approaching
anyone while you are eating
 Keep cellphones off or on silent and do not check your phone during the event
 Speak with everyone at the job fair: students, recruiters, employers-you never know who may possess
valuable career related information
 Take the initiative to walk up and say hello, people are here to talk to you; however, avoid
approaching people in large groups; see if you can find a way to join in on someone’s conversation as
opposed to cutting in
 On your approach, do so with confidence and excitement. Stand with a strong posture, have a firm
handshake and an inviting smile
 Approach with a greeting (“Good Morning/Good Afternoon”), start the conversation with a friendly
introduction; introduce yourself, welcome the contact to the Ted Rogers School of Management, use
your 30-60 second elevator pitch
 Be prepared for your conversations; have questions ready that are relevant to who you are speaking
with
Build Rapport
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Networking is a two-way relationship! Be polite to every individual you encounter
Build rapport through learning about the individual; requires attentive listening
Be prepared to speak about who you are and your experiences: at school, outside of school, postschool direction…etc.
Current events are a great way to get a conversation going, so be sure to conduct industry research
prior to events
Be genuine and sincere; people connect better when they feel someone is being honest
When you talk to an industry member, try to talk about information you feel is relevant to the other
individual
Learn as much as you can about the industry member(s) and make notes right after about your
additional observations, questions, and thoughts; these notes will come in use for your future
interactions with the contact
If you are in a group setting, make sure to keep conversation professional
Avoid monopolizing the time of industry contacts
Attenuate to social cues (i.e., employer looking over their shoulder, student line-up to speak with
contact, etc.) so you do not stay too long in conversation
Be aware that employers are at the fair to connect with a number of students
Keep your conversation and questions brief; you can continue the discussion during your follow-up
activities
Thank each and every contact who you speak with
Approach, Build Rapport, Convert, Follow Up
Convert
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Avoid talking business first; convert once you have established rapport
Let the industry member know that you are interested in continuing your conversation
with them at a later time
Ask politely for a business card
 Use different pockets for your own cards and industry member cards
Ask permission before submitting a resume to an employer/ask if they are accepting resumes
If you would like to take promotional materials with you, first request to do so
Establish the best way to follow up (i.e., email, phone, mail)
 Also focus on when to follow-up
Don’t get ‘cornered’-if you feel uncomfortable in a conversation find a polite way to
excuse yourself
Follow Up
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Respect each employer’s guidelines concerning follow up
Wait at least 12 hours to contact employers and other industry members you have met at
the job fair
Follow up only during standard work hours (i.e., between 9:00am-5:00pm)
Waiting more than 24 hours to follow up is too long
Start with a personalized Thank You to the industry member for speaking with you at the
fair; show your appreciation for having the chance to hear more about their profession
Mention the terms that have been established during your prior conversation with the contact
Remind the employer of your key qualifications and why you might be a good fit for a current
or prospective opportunity with their company
Include additional information you may have forgotten during your discussion with the contact
Sample Follow Up Letter
“Dear Ms. Smith,
This email is to thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday at the Hospitality &
Tourism Management Career Fair. As you are an active Ted Rogers School of Management alumni
member, your stories about working abroad in the food and beverage industry were quite inspiring
to me. Based on our discussion about how my background and training in Food and Beverage
services closely parallel your organizational needs for a Bar Busperson with the Four Seasons in
Toronto, I wanted to inform you that I have, in fact, applied to the upcoming role online and I would
welcome the opportunity to learn more about your hotel operation. I look forward to speaking with
your team further about my possible contributions and please feel free to connect with me by email
or telephone at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Pam Chang”
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Preparing Your Elevator Pitch
Elevator pitches are derived from the idea that you can deliver a brief personal commercial
within the confines of a 30 to 60 second elevator ride with someone important. Prior to
attending a job fair, it is essential to develop your pitch in order to concisely communicate your
qualifications, skills and abilities. For more helpful resources, check out the Harvard Business
School Elevator Pitch Builder (http://www.alumni.hbs.edu/careers/pitch).
Step 1
Use your creativity to select a series of the items below that can make up your
personalized pitch.
1. Greeting. Highlight your first and last name.
2. Professional, Campus and Volunteer Experience. Briefly outline your accumulated
experience in a targeted manner.
3. Strengths & Talents. Illustrate what you are skilled in doing.
4. Accomplishments. Showcase particular things you have attained to support your
strengths and talents.
5. Professional Style. Describe how others may characterize you as a professional and
how you tend to perform at work.
6. Job Search Strategy. Highlight why you are at the job fair and where you are
looking to go with your career development.
Step 2
Draft your pitch on paper. Practice, obtain feedback and modify your pitch.
Sample
“Greeting Good morning/afternoon, my name is ______________________. It’s nice to
meet you. Professional, Campus and Volunteer Experience. I’m currently a student in
my __________ year in the ____________ program with the Ted Rogers School of
Management. On campus, I am actively involved in ___________________________
and work part-time at _______________________. Based on a past summer internship,
I do have experience with _______________________, Strengths & Talents where my
strengths and talents are in _________________________________. Accomplishments
For instance, I have been recognized for _________________________ and Professional
Style my peers would describe me as ___________________________.
Job Search Strategy Right now, I am at the job fair to
________________________.........”
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Part D: Job Fair Resumes
Resume Checklist
Presentation & Content:
 Is your name at the top of the page and bolded? Are your address, phone number and e-mail
included and easy to read?
 Is your phone number (including area code) and e-mail information current? Is your e-mail address
simple and professional? Have you updated your answering machine to ensure your voicemail
message is appropriate? Tip: For optimal self-branding, use your Ryerson email.
 If you have a 2-page resume, does your name and page number appear at the top of the second
page? If not, it is recommended that you add this information.
 Have you had a Career Consultant review your resume?
Formatting:
 Is your resume an appropriate length (1 or 2 full pages)? Is white space used well to make the
resume layout appealing?
 Is the font simple, easy to read and consistent throughout? Is a standard font (recognized by most
printers) used? Fonts such as Times New Roman, Helvetica or Arial are common.
 Is your resume free from spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors?
 Do your headers and name stand out? Tip: Make sure bolding, italics, underlining or CAPS are not
being overused, as it is hard for employers to read.
 Are your margins even (left, right, top and bottom)?
 For current positions, are verb tenses in the present tense? For previous positions, are verb tenses
in the past tense?
 Are dates, titles and employers discernible at a glance? Tip: Generally, dates are right justified for
easy scanning.
 Consistent formatting is used throughout your resume (i.e. brackets are used for telephone area
codes and line spacing).
Style:
 Your resume is eye-catching, both in printed and in digital form.
 The format chosen emphasizes career-related experience and presents your individual skills in the
best possible way. Tip: Reverse Chronological resume formats are preferred by employers.
 Acronyms or abbreviations are spelled out with first use. Tip: Avoid company specific jargon.
 No graphics, clip art or photos are used (unless relevant to the prospective position).
 References are not included in your resume, but are kept separate for when they are requested or
when you attend an interview.
Profile:
 Does your profile statement clearly state what you are seeking and what you will bring to the
position? Tip: If you answered “No”, consider rewriting.
 Is your statement between 3 and 5 lines and related to what employers are looking for?
 Have you avoided pronouns like “I”, “me” or the use of third person? Is a formal writing style used?
13
Summary of Qualifications:
 Did you brainstorm the details of your skills, experiences and abilities?
 Have you matched your Summary of Qualifications section to the job posting?
 Did you compare your Summary of Qualifications section to your listed work experience? Does this
summary accurately showcase what you have done as well as your competencies?
 Have you used accomplishment statements (S.T.A.R. Model) to describe your skills?
 Have you indicated your written and spoken proficiency for languages?
 Have you reviewed and critiqued your summary on an ongoing basis. Is it targeted?
Education:
 Is education the first main section on your resume? (For alumni, does education follow work
experience?)
 Have you listed your university degree? Optional: Areas of specialization, thesis topic or selected
relevant courses. Tip: For undergraduate students, add your expected year of graduation.
 Have you removed your high school information after your undergraduate studies? Note: You may
keep your high school information if it enables you to highlight unique and relevant skills, abilities or
experience (i.e. French Immersion).
Professional Experience:
 Is your work listed in reverse chronological order? Have you included position title, company name,
dates of employment, and location in the same format throughout your resume?
 Have you used accomplishment statements (S.T.A.R. Model) to describe your transferable skills?
 Do your bullets start with action verbs and focus on achievements and skills, not job duties? Have
you quantified your actions where possible by including numbers and percentages?
Achievements & Awards:
 Have you listed any recent scholarships, honours or awards? Include any related business
competitions, course work, relevant projects, or study abroad? Recommended: only state your GPA
if you are on the Dean’s list. Tip: If you have more than 3 awards, consider a separate “Awards”
section.
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Student Groups, Associations & Activities:
If you do not have anything for this section, did you consider volunteering to close gaps in your
resume?
Have you formatted long-term commitments in the same format as work experience?
Have you used accomplishment statements (S.T.A.R. Model) to describe your transferable skills?
Have you quantified your actions where possible by including numbers and percentages?
Have you been specific about team commitments including how often played, and your role?
Have you included relevant student club activities?
Have you used “community” as a generic term for religious or political groups to create a risk-free
resume?
Have you included specifics about interests to prompt recruiter questions?
Saving, Sending & Printing
 Did you save your resume as a PDF file?
 Is the title of your resume file in the format, “Last Name, First Name”?
 Did you print your resume on single sided, white paper? Staple documents with more than 1 page.
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Sample Job Posting
Review this part-time role and the following 2 resumes and cover letter to learn more
about targeting your self-marketing documents.
Bar Busperson, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
Contact
Company Name:
Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
Email:
[email protected]
Contact Type:
Employer
Job Details
Job Description:
The Bar Busperson is an essential member of the Food & Beverage team dedicated to
providing exceptional quality and service to our guests. He/she assists the Bar Server and
Bartender in providing an enjoyable expertly served beverage experience conforming to
standards of excellence for quality, professionalism and friendliness. The position clears
bar and resets them neatly, rapidly and completely according to specification.
Job Requirements:
We are looking for an individual who poses an affinity for service! This position requires
an applicant with general food and beverage knowledge. He/she must have good
personal presentation and interpersonal skills. The position requires the ability to lift up
to 40lbs and applicants must have a flexible part-time schedule with the ability to work
all shifts, weekends and holidays. The ideal candidate will have an outgoing personality
and a can-do approach to any task! Smart Serve certification is a must.
Management Position? No
Entry-Level Position?
No
Work Permit Needed?
Applicants who do not already have legal permission to work in Canada will not be
considered.
Job Available:
Immediately
Industry Categories :
Hotel/Resort
Apply Online
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SAMPLE-Resume for Bar Busperson Position (Student With Professional Work Experience)
Pam Chang
5353 Dundas Street West, Suite 105 | Etobicoke, ON M9W 6H8 | 647.583.6839 | [email protected]
PROFILE
Bilingual, service- focused Bachelor of Commerce student possessing more than 1 year of
combined education and experience within restaurant settings, the Hospitality & Tourism
Management Program and campus activities. Dedicated to ensuring optimal service quality in
food and beverage and lodging operations.
HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
 1 year of combined education, training and experience with hospitality and tourism management
functions in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA); committed to ongoing learning and professional
service development in food and beverage and lodging operations
 Successfully completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Degree in Hospitality & Tourism
Management from the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University
 Bilingual: Fluent in oral and written English and French; clear communicator who demonstrates a
can-do approach, interpersonal capabilities and thrives in sociable, interactive work
environments
 Currently possess Smart Serve and Food Handling certifications; strong proficiency with
hospitality Squirrel Point of Sale Systems
 Physically capable with the ability to lift more than 50lbs; flexible to work days, evenings and
weekends on short notice
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.)
Sept. 2012-Present
Hospitality & Tourism Management
Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University
Toronto, ON
Key Courses:
 Foodservice
 Communication in Hospitality and Tourism Management
 Service
 Lodging Organization and Operations
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (O.S.S.D)
Sept. 2008-June 2012
Agincourt Collegiate Institute
Toronto, ON
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Busser
Dec. 2011-Present
ViVetha Bistro
Toronto, ON
 Successfully manage bussing duties for more than 40 tables in a 4 hour period during
peak brunch, lunch and dinner times
 Set and clear guest plates, cutlery, napkins and beverage glasses and replenish plates
and utensils as needed in a timely manner; proven knowledge of fine dining placement
of utensils and plates
 Respond to all guest inquiries, concerns and requests with professionalism, active
listening and a positive can-do attitude; attained 90% guest satisfaction rates on
anonymous customer service surveys administered to guests following their meals
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SAMPLE-Resume for Bar Busperson Position (Student Without Professional Work Experience)
Pam Chang
5353 Dundas Street West, Suite 105 | Etobicoke, ON M9W 6H8 | 647.583.6839 | [email protected]
PROFILE
Bilingual, service- focused Bachelor of Commerce student possessing more than 1 year of
combined education and training within the Hospitality & Tourism Management Program and
campus activities. Dedicated to ensuring optimal service quality in food and beverage and
lodging operations.
HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
 1 year of combined education and training with hospitality and tourism management
functions in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA); committed to ongoing learning and professional
service development in food and beverage and lodging operations
 Successfully completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Degree in Hospitality & Tourism
Management from the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University
 Bilingual: Fluent in oral and written English and French; clear communicator who
demonstrates a can-do approach, interpersonal capabilities and thrives in sociable,
interactive work environments
 Currently possess Smart Serve and Food Handling certifications; strong proficiency with
hospitality Squirrel Point of Sale Systems
 Physically capable with the ability to lift more than 50lbs; flexible to work days, evenings and
weekends on short notice
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.)
Sept. 2012-Present
Hospitality & Tourism Management
Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University
Toronto, ON
Key Courses:
 Foodservice
 Service and Professionalism


Communication in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Lodging Organization and Operations
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (O.S.S.D)
Agincourt Collegiate Institute
Toronto, ON
Sept. 2008-June 2012
STUDENT GROUPS & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Year Rep, Hospitality & Tourism Management Student Association
Dec. 2011-Present
Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University
 Collaborate and engage with faculty, staff and students in the Hospitality & Tourism
Management Program by way of campus events and marketing activities
 Present and communicate information about campus student associations to more than
150 students in Business 100 classrooms on a monthly basis
 Outreach to employer contacts in the hospitality and tourism management industry to
become involved on campus; connect with more and 10 new employers by telephone in
a 1 week period
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Action Verb Worksheet
It is recommended that you utilize a series of action verbs on your resumes and cover letters.
Note: Action verbs should be in past tense for previous roles, and present tense for current
duties!
Management
administered, analysed, applied, approved
assigned, attained, chaired, conducted
consolidated, contracted, coordinated
delegated, determined, developed, directed
enlisted, evaluated, executed, formalized
formed, founded, hired, implemented
improved, increased, initiated, inspired, led
managed…..
Achievement
Accomplished, expanded, improved, pioneered,
reduced (losses), resolved, restored, spearheaded,
transformed, lectured, mediated, overhauled…
Research
clarified, collected, compiled, critiqued, diagnosed,
discovered, documented….
Communication
convinced, corresponded, demonstrated,
developed, directed, dissuaded, addressed,
arbitrated, arranged, adhered, authored, briefed,
collaborated, consulted, contacted…
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Technical
assembled, assessed, build, calculated, computed,
constructed, designed, detected, devised,
disassembled, engineered, fabricated, installed,
maintained, operated, remodeled, repaired,
solved…
Financial
administered, allocated, analyzed, appraised,
audited, balanced, calculated, computed,
developed, forecasted, managed, marketed,
planned….
Helping
assessed, assisted, clarified, coached, counselled,
demonstrated, diagnosed, educated, expedited,
facilitated, familiarized, guided…
Creative
conceptualized, created, customized, designed,
developed, directed, established, fashioned,
founded, illustrated, initiated, instituted,
integrated, introduced, invented, originated,
planned, revitalized, shaped…
Accomplishment Statements: S.T.A.R. MODEL WORKSHEET
Use the worksheet to develop your S.T.A.R. stories and build your accomplishment
statements on your resume and cover letter.
Sample:
COMPETENCY:
(i.e., Leadership,
Initiative,
Communication …)
SITUATION
-Class Project due in
less than 2 weeks..
- no formal grading
guidelines provided
by Professor…
TASK
-team would benefit
from more clarity
with respect to
marking criteria
-would be helpful to
contact Professor
further…
ACTION
- took initiative to
contact Professor on
behalf of team…
RESULT
- achieved 95% on
assignment…
-accurately
communicated
project information
with team and
adopted leadership
role to allocate tasks
to members
S.T.A.R. Accomplishment Statement:
Initiated effective in-person communication with Professor of Food & Beverage course to determine
specific evaluative components of final Restaurant Service assignment; led negotiation and
communication activities concerning team task allocation for more than 10 peer students and
achieved 95% on project outcome.
Try it out!
COMPETENCY:
SITUATION
Your S.T.A.R. Accomplishment Statement:
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TASK
ACTION
RESULT
Part E: Job Fair Cover Letters
Cover Letter Checklist
Presentation and Content:
 Did you target your cover letter to a specific opportunity/employer/company?
 Have you indicated your contact information and how the employer can get in touch with you beyond
9:00am-5:00pm time frames?
 Are other contacts using the same phone line, or is your voicemail prepared to receive calls from
prospective employers after you have sent your self-branding documents?
 Are the cover letter components readable, organized and professional looking?
 Did you sign your cover letter with your name?






Quality and Style of Writing:
Did you check your spelling, grammar and sentence structures correctly?
Have you illustrated the purpose of your cover letter to the employer/company?
Does your first paragraph make the employer want to find out more about you?
Did you effectively use significant action verbs?
Have you ensured that your cover letter uses objective language and refrains from subjective sentiments
such as “I feel…,” and gets to the point of what you would like to discuss?
Did you refrain from using cliché phrases and disclosing extensive, unrelated personal details?
Character and Appeal of Writing:
 Is your cover letter engaging? Does it address the employer/company point of view?
 Have you effectively demonstrated that you are a good fit for the upcoming role or organization?
Enriching Content:
 Did you quantify and qualify your cover letter statements and added value based information about your
past experiences, education and competencies? Have you used these qualifications to your advantage?
 Have you effectively illustrated your understanding of the employer/company you are targeting?
 Does your cover letter showcase in-depth thought and provide original insight that is not predominantly
based on your resume?






Mistakes:
Did you address your cover letter to a specific contact? Is your information accurate?
Provided that you don’t know the contact information-is your salutation free of gender assumptions?
Does your cover letter respond to the qualifications the employer/company is looking for?
Did you highlight the experiences, skills and qualities that you can bring to the employer as opposed to
the things you would like them to bring you?
Does your resume end with an action orientation such as an interview request and a statement that you
will follow-up?
Have you ensured that your cover letter refrains from sounding overly needy or coming across as
desperate (i.e. “I am willing to do anything….)
Saving, Sending & Printing
 Did you save your cover letter as a PDF file?
 Is the title of your cover letter file in the format, “Last Name, First Name”?
 Did you print your resume on single sided, white paper? Staple documents with more than one page.
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SAMPLE-Cover Letter for Bar Busperson Position-(Student Without Professional Work Experience)
Pam Chang
5353 Dundas Street West, Suite 105 | Etobicoke, ON M9W 6H8 | 647.583.6839 | [email protected]
February 7, 2013
Dear Ms. Jenkins:
It is with enthusiasm that I am applying for the position of Bar Busperson position with the Four
Seasons in Toronto as advertised during the Hospitality & Tourism Career Fair at the Ted Rogers
School of Management. Speaking with your Recruiter, Ms. Smith about the role, it was
recommended that I apply to this opportunity by way of your company website since my Food and
Beverage background closely parallels your needs and I am looking for an opportunity to learn
more about your hotel operation.
Based on the Four Seasons goal to provide exceptional quality and service to their guests, I possess:
 More than 1 year of combined education and training with hospitality and tourism
management functions in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
 Sociability, a can-do attitude and a passion for interactive environments developed as a
Year Rep role with the Hospitality & Tourism Management Student Association (HTMSA)
where I successfully presented campus event information to more than 150 students at
one time
 Academic success in key courses such as Foodservice and Service & Professionalism as
part of the Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Hospitality in Tourism Management
Combined with the aforementioned qualities that I can contribute to the Four Seasons, I possess a
strong sense of commitment to succeed as a Bar Busperson. Further strengths that I can contribute
to the Four Seasons can be explored in my attached resume and I would appreciate the
opportunity to meet with you. Please feel free to contact me by email or telephone at your earliest
convenience and I plan to follow-up with you by telephone on February 14, 2013 at 11:00am.
Sincerely,
Pam Chang
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Part F: Job Fair Interviews
Types of Interviews
TELEPHONE &
SCREENING
STRUCTURED
UNSTRUCTURED
These interviews are typically the first screening method encountered by candidates and such a format tends
to be utilized to refine large pools of applicants. If you apply for an upcoming role, it is best to assume that you
may be contacted by way of telephone and make necessary preparations.
This interview format occurs when an interviewer tends to ask each candidate a variety of pre-planned
questions in an organized format.
Here, interviewers adopt a more casual approach, where the focus is on conversing with candidates. Questions
asked may not appear to be in a pre-planned fashion and interviews may take place out of office
environments.
In this interview format, there is one interviewer who will assess selected candidates.
ONE-ON-ONE
PANEL AND BOARD
ON-SITE
GROUP
LUNCH
These interviews are sometimes the final round in the candidate selection process. Such interviews may be
conducted away from head offices, in actual working locations.
This format can be used by companies who are interested in evaluating how candidates interact with others
and may include activities and exercises to determine how candidates behave in work settings.
Such interviews tend to occur during later interview stages and may be used to further determine the
professional behaviour and organizational fit of candidates. If candidates are offered alcohol, it is
recommended to decline.
TESTING
In a number of organizations, such as those in hospitality industries, applicants might be required to complete
personality, temperament and/or skills based testing to further assess the extent to which they align with the
company culture.
STRESS
These interviews are conducted to facilitate stressful situations and candidate responses may be monitored.
CASE
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Panel interviews involve 2 or more interviewers who may take turns asking questions. In educational and
government environments, panel interviews are the most common.
Commonly, candidates are presented with given business questions, situations and challenges to work on
individually or collectively. Such a format is most often used in areas relating to management consulting and
finance.
Interview Checklist




Day of Interview
Did you bathe or shower prior to the interview and groom thoroughly?
Have you had a healthy breakfast?
Did you dress appropriately and to review your outfit prior to leaving the house?
Have you allowed enough traveling time? Tip: Consider adding an extra half an hour to allow
for any possible delays particularly with public transport.
15-30 Minutes Before the Interview
 Do you plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early?
 Find a restroom and review your appearance in the mirror to ensure that you look presentable
and professional.
 Wait patiently for the interviewer and do your best not to fidget.
 Turn off or silence your mobile phone and alternate technological devices you may have.






During the Interview
When introduced to the interviewer, repeat his/her name to confirm pronunciation and assist
with your memory.
Smile and shake hands firmly. Only sit when you are offered a seat.
During the interview, sit up and focus on the interviewer. Make eye contact and respond
calmly, clearly and honestly to their questions.
Demonstrate your enthusiasm, respect and positive mood; avoid expressing doubtful opinions,
and refrain from arguing with your interviewer.
Take the time to formulate your answers; pausing is a sign of thought and concern for your
response.
If you are required to complete a form, make sure that you write cleanly, think twice about
what to write and fill all necessary blanks.
Immediately after interview
 Stand and shake hands firmly with the interviewer, thank them for their time and mention at
least one item that you enjoyed discussing.
 Ask for a business card and emphasize your interest in the job, but avoid appearing desperate
or overly forward.
 Find a quiet place and write down notes of the interview (i.e., the names of interviewers, main
topics, key questions) while they are still fresh in your mind.
Day after interview
 Send a thank you letter / note to the interviewers(s) briefly highlighting the items you
discussed, reiterating your interest in the position and how your qualifications are a good fit
for the upcoming opportunity.
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S.T.A.R. Method to Answering Behavioural Based Questions
S-Situation: Explain the situation. Give a specific example and avoid over generalizations. Your
goal is to give the interviewer enough detail for them to visualize your story.
T-Task: Fully describe the task that you were given or took the initiative to do.
A- Action: Describe the specific action(s) you took and be sure to keep the focus on you. Refrain
from explaining what you “should have” or “could have” done. Keep your story to items that
actually happened.
R-Result: Describe the outcome of your actions and do not be shy about taking credit for your
behaviour. After all, the interview is about you. Explain what was accomplished as well as what
you learned.
When answering a behavioural question with your S.T.A.R answer, be sure to consider the
following six points:
1. Listen to the question carefully. Commonly, behavioural interview questions tend be
longwinded and may sometimes sound vague. Pay full attention to the interviewer and the
questions so that you can pick up on all the details.
2. Ensure you understand the question. You may paraphrase the question and ask the
interviewer if you understand it correctly. If necessary, ask the interviewer to repeat the
question.
3. Organize your answer. Allow yourself 5-8 seconds to collect your thoughts and structure
your answer. It is okay to take this time and interviewers may appreciate this break — they
could use this time to drink some water or review their notes.
4. State your answer. Attempt to conclude your answer in about 3 minutes maximum. Three
minutes is long enough to relate a story comprehensively and short enough to hold the
interviewer’s attention.
5. Do not digress from your plan. By sticking to your planned details and structure, you can
provide a consistent and well-reasoned answer. However, allow some room for flexibility.
Be concise and do not ramble on.
6. Answer follow-up questions. In response to your 3-minute answer, the interviewer may
pose follow-up questions. These questions can be confirming questions that require simple
‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers or clarifying questions that require more in-depth answers.
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Common Interview Questions
Behavioural-based questions tend to have common themes. Below are some sample questions
organized by skill set groupings.
General

Tell me about yourself.

Walk me through your past experiences and educational background.

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

What are your strengths and how can they support you in this role?

What is your major weakness and what are you doing about it?
Communication


Describe a time that you were successful primarily because of your ability to communicate orally.
Tell me about a sensitive or volatile situation that required very careful communication.
Ongoing Improvement

Describe a time when you made a mistake in a working environment. What did you learn?

Tell me about a suggestion you made to improve the processes or operations in your position or
within your team.
Detail Orientation

Give me an example of a time where your attention to detail helped you avoid making a mistake.
Decision Making

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Tell me about one of the most difficult decisions you made in the last year. What made it so
difficult? What process did you use to make the decision?
Goal Setting

Give me an example of an important goal you set and how you accomplished it.
Cooperation


Describe a time where, had you not been able to get another person’s or group’s co-operation, you
probably would not have been successful.
Tell me about a time that you co-operated with someone when you really would rather have not cooperated.
Creativity/Innovation


Describe a time when you came up with a creative solution/idea/project/report to a work problem
you had been dealing with for some time.
Tell me about a time you were especially creative in solving a lingering problem.
Customer Service

Give me an example of something you have done to either develop or strengthen customer
relationships.
Problem Solving

Tell me about a time when you experienced a challenge with a coworker, classmate or peer. What
happened and what was the outcome?
Initiative

Tell me about a time when you pushed yourself to do more than was necessary.
Flexibility/Adaptability

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Tell me about a time when you had to stop working on one assignment and start working on
another one. What did you do? How did that work out?
Your Worksheet: S.T.A.R. Method to Answering Behavioural Based
Questions
Sample:
Interviewer:
“Tell me about a time when you experienced a challenge with a coworker, classmate or peer. What
happened and what was the outcome? “
Interviewee:
“I do recall one time this fall, in a Revenue Management class I was taking, where I experienced a
challenge with a classmate who was not following through with her project responsibilities for our Final
Presentation on Food & Beverage Revenues, worth 50% of our mark. To successfully complete this project,
I felt that I needed to take the initiative to address this issue with her 2 weeks before the due
date…(Situation/Task)
…Ensuring that I was sensitive to the needs of my classmate and did not jump to conclusions, I did ask her
if I could speak with her over a casual coffee two weeks prior to the assignment due date. By asking her
first if she was having any issues with the project during our coffee meeting, my classmate disclosed to me
that she was, in fact, having difficulty manipulating an Excel revenue spreadsheet columns and was too
nervous to ask the Professor or myself for help close to the presentation deadline… (Situation/Task)
With a new understanding my peer’s situation, I offered to help her with the Excel project components,
which I was quite familiar with, and in return, she offered to edit my PowerPoint presentation. I coached
her through the Excel process, and as our working relationship and communication improved, so did our
productivity. On our presentation date, we were professional, prepared and engaging, which did not go
unnoticed by the class, who cumulatively gave us an A grade. The Professor was also quite impressed and
asked if he could use our presentation as a sample for upcoming classes next semester.” (Action/Result)
Using the below worksheet, take some time to think about an example you might like to use:
Your S.T.A.R. Answer
Situation
Task
Action
Result
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Questions to Ask the Interviewer
During interviews and alternate interactions with employers, it is strongly recommended that you
prepare at least 3-5 questions prepared to ask immediately following their questions. Typically, you will
be asked if you have questions to share and planning such inquiries serves to highlight your interest as
a candidate.
Some Recommended Questions:

During the interview. We spoke about __________________ and I would be quite
interested to hear more on the topic of ________________________(area related to
company operations).

What is your team hoping that a successful candidate will attain in this position within a
year? Tip: Relate the interviewer’s response back to your prior successful experiences as
discussed earlier in the interview.
What is the organizational culture like in this company? Tip: If the culture aligns with
your workplace values, share this with the interviewer!
In your opinion, what kinds of skills or qualities tend to make for successful employees
in this position? Tip: After you obtain an answer, attempt to relate it back to your skills
and abilities, as discussed earlier in the interview.






In your view, could you please name the most difficult or challenging aspects that a
successful candidate may encounter in this role?
What might a typical work day/week/month look like for an individual in this role?
I would like to find out more about how this position became vacant in your
organization.
When does your team you expect to make a decision? When can I expect to hear from a
representative?
* Always ask for a business card, if they have not yet been exchanged.
Do Not Ask:



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Questions that deal with salary, benefits, vacation, or job security, as they suggest you
are primarily self-interested and are less focused on company needs.
Questions that refer to negative or inappropriate topics or company information. Tip:
Keep the interview items discussed positive!
Questions that you are not sure the interviewer can answer (i.e., vague inquiries, overly
technical questions), as they will have considerably less impact.
The Centre for Careers & Employer Partnerships would like to thank our Strategic
Partners for all of their support:
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