Target Your Top Companies
If possible, get a list of the companies or organizations that will be attending the Career Fair and plan your strategy for which you would like to visit. Take time to research the five organizations in which you are most interested.
Prepare a Resume
A well-written, error free resume is a must ! Make sure you have multiple copies of both your and list of references on hand.
Create a List of Questions
Create a list of questions that you would like to ask the employers.
Prepare to Answer Questions
Remember, employers will also be asking you questions! You will be expected to think on your feet, so be prepared to answer their questions.
Learn to Sell Yourself
Create a 60-second commercial & practice, practice, practice.
Your commercial should include:
- Introduction—Introduce your self, offer a firm handshake and a resume.
- Objective—Tell the employer why you are there and what sort of employment you seek.
- Brief summary of your education, experience, strengths, etc.
- Reiterate your interest and thank the employer.
Arrive Early
In many cases arriving early means avoiding long lines. Also you may find that some employers will leave before the Career Fair has ended and you do not want to miss an opportunity of speaking with a company or organizations that you would like to see.
Make a Good First impression
Be sure you are wearing professional business attire. (refer to: Interviewing tips section)
Be Confident
It is important that you understand that employers view candidates as possible future employees of their organization. Therefore, you need to display enthusiasm, confidence, sincerity and the ability to communicate clearly with good posture, and make consistent and direct eye contact.
Chart Your Course
Survey the room to determine where employers are located and in what order you plan to visit them. If possible, avoid standing in long lines. If there is a long line to speak with a representative, keep moving and return later.
Introduce Yourself
When it is your turn to meet the employer, take a deep breath, smile, shake hands firmly and begin your “60 second” commercial. Be sure to make direct eye contact with the employer throughout your conversation. Also, watch your tempo and tone when speaking to the employer. A common nervous habit is to speak too quickly and/or too loudly or softly.
Ask Meaningful Questions
- It is a good idea to ask one or two meaningful questions without monopolizing the employer's time.
- At this point, it is generally not a good idea to ask about salary.
- If you are currently an undergraduate, be sure to ask about internship, co-op, summer employment and scholarship opportunities.
Prepare to Follow-Up
At the end your conversation, be sure to:
- Thank the employer for his/her time.
- Leave a copy of your resume.
- Ask the employer for a business card, company literature and protocol for follow-up.
- If the employer says they do not have a position in your field, ask for the address of the Personnel Office can contact them and send your resume. Nearly all employers hire all majors. The person you are talking to may not be aware of all the opportunities offered by their company.
As soon as you walk away from the employer, jot down a few notes about your conversation. You may want to bring up a few memorable points that were discussed during your visit to include in your follow-up letter.
Give Yourself the Competitive Edge
Do not make the mistake of thinking that as soon as you have spoken to the last employer and left the facility that you are finished. Follow-up is essential to making the most of your Career Fair experience!
Send Thank you Letters
Be sure to send thank-you letters to employers that you meet within one week. Most candidates do not make the effort to send thank-you letters; why not give yourself the competitive edge!
Be Persistent
Observe the follow-up procedures suggested by the employer. Once you have complied with these procedures, if a reasonable amount of time has passed and you have not heard from the employer, it is okay to send a letter to the employer inquiring about the status of your application.
Make Use of AUCC Career Planning eRecruiting
On eRecruting you will find jobs postings for on-campus recruiting as well as other positions posted for outside recruitment.
CAREER FAIR CHECKLIST
- Portfolio/ Briefcase
- Pen and Notebook
- At least a dozen resumes
- Copies of transcript
- Copies of list of references
- Appropriate clothing including comfortable, professional shoes
- Breath mint—no gum
- A Positive Attitude!
