It’s hard to make a good impression when you look stressed out.
This type of event can really stress some students out, but not worry; here is a list of tips and advice to really make the most of your school’s job fair!
Some things to do and remember before a job fair:
- Look over the list of participating companies and their open positions; make a list of the ones you are most interested in.
- Prepare your resume for the companies and jobs that interest you.
- Visit their websites and be able to say something positive about their latest press release or signature product.
- If you’ll be interviewing at the fair, work on your interviewing skills by visiting with a Career Services professional and/or participating in mock interviews.
- Develop a list of questions for the employers that interest you.
- Wear proper job fair attire, usually a business suit.
Some things to do and remember while you are at a job fair:
- If there is a map of the event available, look over it to find out where the businesses that you are interested in are located and create a game plan.
- If you are pressed for time, approach your priority companies first to ensure that you will have a chance to speak to them. However, if an organization has a long line of candidates, visit other key organizations and return later. If this is your first fair and you are nervous, you might start with some of your lower priority companies to become comfortable with the process. Move onto your higher priority companies as you gain more confidence.
- Be assertive. Approach employers, extend your hand, and introduce yourself. Be prepared to carry the conversation and ask questions.
- Provide employers with a copy of your resume and describe how you would be a good fit for the position and the organization.
- Collect company information for further research.
- Ask the recruiter for their business card so you can follow-up later with a thank-you note.
- Thank recruiters for their time.
And finally, after the job fair:
- Write thank you notes to the recruiters that were of the most interest to you.
- Follow-up on leads by calling the recruiter if you haven’t heard from them within two weeks.
