Before the Fair
- Know what your goal is for attending the fair and design your entire effort around that aim.
- Research companies, agencies, or organizations that will be attending the career fair.
- Take steps towards making a good impression
- Think about your strong points, your goals, the company and where you want to go within the company. Prepare a "one minute commercial" about yourself.
- Prepare your own job fair kit complete with resumes (enough for all employers you want to talk with) and other items which support your interests and abilities such as references, written works or a portfolio.
- Develop a list of questions to ask employers based on your research of their organization.
- Know what skills are needed for specific careers.
- Know how to relate your past work, academic and out-of-class experiences to the career field.
- Know how to express what you are looking for and what you want.
- Dress professionally. You want to present the best image possible. Old jeans, sweats and tank tops won't cut it. You will only have a few minutes to make an impression as a job candidate. Positive first impressions are critical.
- Smile, make eye contact, and shake hands firmly and confidently. Introduce yourself with your full name, major and graduation date.
- Do not bring drinks, food or chew gum.
- Listen to what the recruiter has to say.
- Don't ramble. Provide a concise, well-prepared overall view of what you have to offer.
- Network while in line, talk to other students about recruiters they have spoken to already.
- Carry a pen and notepad to take notes that can help you recall conversations with recruiters.
- Ask for the recruiter's business card for future follow up.
- Be patient, some organizations may be "long-term" leads.
- Follow up with company representatives.
- Mail a thank-you note as soon as possible to each organization you targeted for further interest to reinforce your good image and to "strike while the iron is still hot!"
