What to Expect
-About potential careers at that company
-See some of the work they do
-Learn about the necessary skills for jobs
Where should you go to learn about a company prior to visiting?
-Visit the company's website
-Find them on LinkedIn
-Ask teachers and friends if they know anything about the company
-Google the company for news or updates about the company
What are two things someone should NOT do on a site visit?
-Arrive late.
-Wear strong cologne or perfume.
-Wear revealing clothing.
-Wear headphones.
-Take photos without asking.
-Not engage with the employer/discussion.
When should you follow up with an employer? What is the best way to contact them?
Sending a follow-up email is the typical etiquette. However, it is also helpful to connect with the employer on LinkedIn (write a message with it!). Handwritten can be done if you have good handwriting.
What can you bring to a site visit?
-A notebook and pen.
-Your resume if appropriate. Ask your teacher.
-Make your own business cards to bring!
-Phones can be brought, but they should be turned off or silent.
-Questions!
What are three things you can usually learn about a company prior to visiting?
-The services or products the company provides. Most companies have an "About Us" webpage.
-The company's general industry (healthcare, tech, etc.). Possibly some of their clients or types of clients.
-Types of careers/jobs offered.
What should you wear to a site visit?
This depends on the type of company and any requirements they have at their facility. For example, a manufacturing company may require closed toe shoes. Generally, it is best to wear business casual - a button up shirt, khakis, dress pants, skirt or dress, etc. Wear shoes that are nice, but easy to walk in. Most companies will not require students to wear a business suit for a site visit.
Why should you follow up with an employer after a site visit?
-It is always good to say thank you!
-To help build a relationship with a person/company.
-There may be future opportunities at the company or with someone in their network.
-You might be able to help them! Relationships work both ways.
A company may use words or acronyms as they discuss their work. What should you do?
Ask them what it means! The employer knows you are there to learn, and questions are welcomed.
Why is having an elevator pitch important to have for a site visit? Should you tailor it for each company?
Oftentimes, a company will ask the students to introduce themselves. Always be ready! Also, if an employer knows about your interests/goals, they can provide more information in those areas (if applicable).
Tailoring your elevator pitch can help you better connect with an employer - event if it is just a small adjustment. For example, you can note that you are interested in web development, and you can note that you are excited to visit the company to learn about their approach to designing sites.
You are going on multiple site visits, and each company is REALLY different. One is a manufacturer and the other is a healthcare facility. How might the professionalism standards vary in each place?
-Apparel requirements.
-Company culture - what is valued and accepted.
What should you do if you forget to ask for the employer's contact information?
-Look at the company's website to see if the person's information is listed.
-Ask the event organizer for the person's email.
-Message the person on LinkedIn.
The company may discuss opportunities that you are really interested in, but cannot pursue due to age restrictions. However, you still want to learn more and get experience. What is something you can do to learn more about them?
Ask about job shadowing opportunities! Most companies will let students job shadow - whether in middle or high school. It is a great step towards exploring a career and building a relationship with an employer.
You can also ask what extra-curricular activities might support skill development for those types of careers.
Why should you start preparing for a site visit at least a week in advance?
-You can get help with the process and will not be as stressed.
-Can find a professional outfit. Ask your family or a teacher for help if you cannot access clothing.
-Time to practice your elevator pitch, research, and write questions.
You were told to "dress professionally", but the employer is dressed in jeans and a hoodie. You question why you were asked to dress up! Why did the school tell you to dress up if it didn't matter?
Every company has its own dress codes and cultures. Some employees may not follow the apparel requirements or they may have certain safety restrictions. It is always better to "dress up" instead of "dress down".
You learned about an internship at the company, and you want to apply. They start taking applicants in a few months. What should you do?
-In your thank you after the visit, note that you are interested in the internship. Attach your resume (after it has been reviewed).
-Put a reminder in your phone to apply in a few months. Prepare what you can in the meantime.
-In a few months, apply for the internship. Send an email to your contact to let them know.
-Ask your contact if you can include their name in a cover letter.
You may not want to work for the company you are visiting or even within the industry. What should you do in order to still benefit from the visit?
-Ask the employer for general advice.
-Make note of the company culture. Is there something that you do like about how employees interact or the company's values?
-A visit might only highlight one career or area of the business. Ask about other departments. For example, you may be learning about IT, but you are interested in HR. Ask them about their HR dept.
Why is it important to write questions for the employer before the visit? How do you remember these questions?
-It will help you learn more during the visit, and you can get information that will help you towards learning about your interests or obtaining your goals.
-It will help you engage with the employer and generate discussion.
You can write the questions down in a notebook and bring it with you.
You are totally bored during a site visit. The employer is showing a PowerPoint presentation that seems to take forever. What should you do?
-Look for any information that might be helpful for you in the future - whether it is general advice or industry background.
-Ask questions to break up the slides. You never know what you might learn!
How do you keep in touch with contacts after a visit although you may not pursue an opportunity with the company?
LinkedIn is a great way to keep in touch and keep track of your connections. Comment on their posts, congratulate them for achievements, etc.
If you are too young for LinkedIn, use a Google spreadsheet to document their name and contact information. You can reach out to them periodically if you want advice, etc. This way, you can build a stronger connection.