BEFORE YOU GO: Preparing for the Career Fair
Research the employers
Review the list of participating employers in advance.
Identify
and prioritize companies and organizations which interest you. Be sure
to also consider other companies who might be interested in your qualifications.
Research
companies by reviewing company brochures at the Career Services Center,
company websites and other relevant information.
Prepare a resume
Present
your education, experience, skills, activities, and goals clearly and
concisely.
Make
certain your resume is professional in appearance and contains no errors.
Bring
25-35 resumes to the Career Fair.
Cover
letters are not necessary when you are giving your resumes out in person.
Plan your presentation
Be
prepared to make a 2-3 minute presentation of your specific qualifications.
Include information about your major, graduation date, academic
accomplishments, coop/internships, leadership experience, and/or
related work experience and skills. Relate your background to what you
know about the employer's needs.
Anticipate
questions the employer might ask. Think about potential answers that
show knowledge of the industry and how your interests and background
relate.
Develop
a list of questions to ask each of your targeted
employers.
Dress to make a positive first impression
Dress
as if you are going to an interview--suit and tie for men and a skirted
suit for women. Conservative colors such as navy, navy pinstripe, gray
and black suits are recommended. If you do not own a suit it is not
necessary to purchase one for this day.
Be
neat and well groomed since you may be making a first impression with
a potential interviewer.
WHAT TO DO AT THE CAREER FAIR
Plan your strategy
Review
the Career Fair directory and target employers who interest you.
Pick
up the Career Fair map at the door to locate your targeted list of employers.
Allow
enough time. If you plan to see numerous companies, one hour may not
be sufficient.
Talk
to as many employers as you can. Undoubtedly, you will learn much about
the employment market, networking, and job search strategies. Remember
to take detailed notes so you can remember everything!
Communicate like a professional
Appear
confident and enthusiastic! Demonstrate good nonverbal skills by maintaining
good eye contact and a firm handshake
Ask
questions that show your knowledge of and interest in the industry/organization.
Show
your interest in applying your academic background to opportunities
employers may have. Don't apologize for lack of experience.
Answer
questions clearly and concisely.
Have
your resume available.
Avoid
initial questions regarding salary and benefits.
Ask
recruiters for their business cards so you can get the correct spelling
and titles of the recruiters you speak with regarding job opportunities.
Make notes on the business cards to help you remember the nature of
the contact, follow up required, etc.
If
the representative isn't seeking someone with your skills, ask for a
contact name of an individual in the organization who might be looking
for someone with your background so you can mail them your resume.
Before
you leave the booth, ask how you can best follow up or how soon you
can expect to hear from the company.
FOLLOW-UP
If
a recruiter asks you to follow up by sending a list of references, scheduling
an appointment, submitting transcripts, etc., make sure you do so promptly.
Send
a thank you letter to each employer with whom you speak. It is important
to contact the employers by letter within 1-2 weeks following the Fair.
Your letter should thank the employer for the information received at
the Career Fair, review your qualifications, and ask for an interview.