How to Make a Career Fair Work for You I. Prepare
II. Communicate
III. Follow up
The better prepared you are, the more confident you’ll be.
Tell an employer about yourself and your interest in their organization during the career fair. Demonstrate confidence, interest and enthusiasm.
It’s not over when you walk out of the doors of the job fair. Effective, timely, and appropriate follow-up is a must.
Before the career fair: * Know the employers that are attending. * Research the employers you want to speak with prior to the fair. You should know: - Company History - Company Stability - Company Strengths - Company Job Description - Competitors * Create your game plan: Decide who to talk to in advance so you don’t wander aimlessly at the fair. * Clarify your goals: Why are you going to the fair? What do you want to get out of it? Prepare a list of questions to ask each representative. Be open to exploring a variety of employers. * Know your 30-second commercial (see next page). * Prepare for the questions they may ask: Why are you interested in our company? What skills and experiences do you possess that would be a good fit with our organization? * Make many copies of your clear, concise, and professional resume on resume paper. * Professional attire – business suit with professional blouse, closed-toe shoes with hosiery, conservative nail polish (if any), conservative jewelry.
During the career fair: * Communicate your 30 second commercial (see below): 1. Introduce Yourself (name, year, major, courses taken). 2. Convincingly, affirm your interest in the employer (opportunities you’re seeking). 3. Connect your experiences to the organization’s needs (skills, strengths, relevant previous experience). 4. Discuss the knowledge you have of the company in relation to the value you add. 5. Ask appropriate questions. * Present your clear, concise, and professional resume on resume paper. Use a professional portfolio to easily reach your resume for the representative. * Demonstrate your interpersonal skills: 1. Verbal and Nonverbal communication (smile, eye-contact, active listening, firm handshake, posture, proper and appropriate choice of words). 2. Be professional, yet enthusiastic (in dress, in choice of words, in attitude/mentality). * Ask for the representative’s business card/contact information. * Discuss timeline and appropriate follow-up with representative. * Take a few minutes after you leave each table to jot down notes/details about the organization, position, and follow up.
After the career fair: * Send thank you notes to each representative, reminding the employer of where you met and reiterating your interest in the organization and the skills and experiences you can contribute. * Complete proper follow-up as discussed with the representative. * Reflect upon your career options: 1. Utilize the contacts you’ve made. 2. Evaluate your interests, values, skills, and personality and how they relate to the needs of each employer to determine which one(s) may be a good fit for you.
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