Reasons to Attend a Career Fair

Regardless of your major, year in college, or future goals, there are numerous benefits to attending a Career Fair. Some of the more common reasons are highlighted below.

• Increase your chances of receiving an interview with an employer.
• Expand your network of contacts.
• Investigate positions, occupations and/or career fields you could pursue with your specific major and background.
• Learn more about employers and their available positions.
• Receive sound job search advice from seasoned company recruiters.

What to Expect at a Career Fair

Having realistic expectations of a Career Fair is important in succeeding in your career search. The following list can be helpful to identity any misconception of a Career Fair.
Employers expect students to be prepared (I.e. be professionally dressed, ask thoughtful questions, have a polished resume).

• Employers expect to interact with students seeking employment as well as those simply researching careers and employers.
• Most recruiters are not authorized to hire candidates on day of the fair. With this in mind, your goal should be to land an interview—not a job offer.
• Employers' goals are to be exposed to as many job candidates as possible; therefore, you will have a relatively short amount of time to sell your self and make a positive impact on the employer.

Attending a Career Fair for the first time can be a little overwhelming. However, if you have taken time to prepare for the fair, you will get as much out of the Career Fair event as you put into it.

Making the Most of Your Career Fair Experience

Simply attending a Career Fair id not enough; you need to make your participation at the fair count. The following are what you need to do to prepare for a Career Fair.