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CAREER FAIR TIPS
BEFORE THE CAREER FAIR ...
Understand the PURPOSE --
Students and Graduates: to find out about suitable positions with potential employers; to obtain company and industry information; and to distribute resumes.
Employers: to identify potential candidates for known or anticipated positions; to distribute information to students interested in their company; to answer questions; and to collect resumes.
After understanding the purpose then:
Conduct preliminary research on the employers you are most interested in.
Make sure you are prepared to answer questions regarding your education, work experience, skills, and abilities.
Prepare questions in advance (do not ask about salary/benefits) and a verbal 30-second summary of who you are and what you have to offer an employer.
Arrange for child care.
Develop a strong resume and bring several copies for distribution.
DURING THE CAREER FAIR ...
Make a good first impression:
Make eye contact immediately when introducing yourself.
Give a firm handshake to get you off to a good start.
Remember the representative's name (you can refer to his or her name tag).
Smile, be polite, and show enthusiasm.
Proper business attire is important (you will need this wardrobe for interviews).
Body language can speak louder than words:
Do not fidget, play with your hair, or tap your pen.
Do not rock from side to side.
Do not look around when talking or being spoken to.
Stand up straight.
Do not chew gum, smoke, eat, or have refreshments in your hand.
Communication is critical:
Listen carefully to what the representative has to say.
Use proper grammar and avoid using filler words such as "un," "uh," or "like."
Speak clearly and concisely, and make sure that you can be heard above all of the noise!
Don't let yourself be distracted when talking to an employer.
Offer a resume.
Ask for a business card and/or company literature.
It is okay to take notes, so be sure to bring paper and pen.
Explore all your options:
Speak with employers that you may not have considered before.
Take the initiative and engage in meaningful conversations with representatives.
Manage your time well so that you are able to see all of the employers you are interested in.
Remember that you may have to wait in line for some employers.
It is never a waste of time to talk to an employer who does not have an opening right now -- hiring is cyclical.
They are there because they know that they will be interviewing candidates in the near future.
This contact with the employer can make all the difference.
AFTER THE CAREER FAIR ...
Mail a thank you letter to the representatives you spoke to (this is why asking for a business card is crucial).
If you filled out an application, call to make sure your application is complete.
Follow up with the company to inquire about the status of your resume.