Dress professionally! There is no such thing as “business casual” at a career fair. Dress as if you are going to a formal interview. In fact, some recruiters will actually hold impromptu interviews at the career fair, so be prepared! Take time BEFORE the career fair to research your targeted companies. At the very least, read the enclosed list of companies attending to learn about participating companies and organizations BEFORE you approach recruiters. Do your research! Nothing bothers a recruiter more than a student who approaches them at the table and says, “So, tell me about your company….” Tell the recruiter your name, your class year, and whether you’re interested in a fulltime, co-op, or internship position. You may then reveal your career interest, major(s) and, finally, why you are interested in their company. Collect business cards from the recruiters you have met. Use these cards to write followup letters to those in which you are most interested. Don’t be surprised, if the recruiter does not have business cards. Ask for their email address and communicate that you would like to follow up at a later date. Take a few minutes immediately after you leave each table to write detailed notes about the contact(s) you made. Include the names and titles of people who may not have had business cards. Collect company marketing collateral (i.e., brochures, CD’s flyers, etc.). This information can help you in your more in-depth research prior to a formal interview. Be self-confident! A career fair gives you the opportunity to practice your interview skills in a less formidable environment than a formal interview.
Take advantage of Career Fairs and Company informations sessions For more information about career fairs and companies conducting information sessions on campus, you must register for a Wildcat CareerLink account. You can register by visiting the website www.uky.edu/careercenter or by contacting the office at (859) 2572746. On occasion, student registered with Wildcat CareerLink will receive emails bout activities such as, companies conducting sessions and other recruiting activities (i.e. career fairs, workshops, seminars, etc.). The employer information sessions will generally be conducted in the Stuckert Career Center or a classroom on campus. Don’t visit the booths with friends or family. This is not a sign of professionalism. Interact with the recruiters on your own in order to make your own positive impression! Don’t carry a backpack, large purse, or other paraphernalia with you. Carry your resume in a professional-looking portfolio or small briefcase. This will keep your resume neat and handy, and gives you a place to hold recruiters’ business cards. We have partnered with a student group to offer a coat check service for a small fee of $1 to store your items. Don’t arrive during the last hour of the fair, because some employers will have to travel from out of the area and they may need to leave early. If you come late, you may miss the opportunity to meet with recruiters from the companies in which you are interested. Don’t dress casually!
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