Research all the participants – do not discount a potential employer based on hearsay. After you’ve done the research, rank the employers in order of your interest. Do not contact employers in advance.
BEFORE THE FAIR
Prepare your 30-second introduction. When you approach each recruiter, you’ll need to be prepared to quickly summarize who you are, why you’re interested in that organization, and what you can do for them. If English is not your native language, practice speaking slowly and clearly. Memorize your resume. Be prepared to discuss everything you listed on it. Have quick examples of your experiences/successes ready. Block out a sufficient amount of time to attend the fair. Be prepared to stay for several hours. Dress just like you would for a job interview. Wear a suit – anything less is not appropriate for a fair. Borrow a suit from our SuitYourself program if you like. Wear an undershirt. Do not wear cologne. Make sure your hair, fingernails, breath, and shave are perfect. Carry breath mints. Pay particular attention to quality/appearance/detail of your shoes – studies have shown that many people make initial judgments based on shoes. If you do not dress properly, employers will not take you seriously. Take plenty of resumes on quality white paper. Carry a portfolio binder to keep your resumes looking neat and to better gather handouts.
Don’t be a wallflower, and just as importantly, do not hang out in groups. This is not a team activity. As with any networking event, you will only get out of the fair what you put into it. Go to every table.
AT THE FAIR
Choose the organization you find 52