Navigating a Career Fair

Career Fair Success . . .

Recruiters' Concerns: Students haven't searched our website and don't know about our company; Students can't tell me what they want to do for my company; your students don't know our products and services.

Preparation

Research those companies or agencies that are recruiting at the Career Fair, read their Websites, and network with people who may know about their work culture.

Check your wardrobe

Remember the rule of “one step above the workplace.” Always dress professionally when interviewing or meeting with potential employers, and a good guideline is that you should dress a step above what is worn in the workplace.

Women: Conservative dark dress or suit, simple gold jewelry or pearls, no dangling earrings, hair at shoulder length or pulled away from the face, 1-2 inch pumps, light on make-up and fragrances, nails manicured, leather binder for resumes, notes, cards, no smoking or chewing gum, and no keys, heavy purses or cases.

Men: Dark suit, light dress shirt and tie or khakis and dark sport jacket, watch, ring and no earrings, light on cologne, hair and nails neatly groomed, shoes clean and shined, leather binder for resumes, notes, and cards.

Arrival at the Fair

As you arrive, look for registration tables, career fair guides listing employer profiles, and flyers of employer booth layout.

Take a few moments to visit a restroom or break area. You may want to sit and relax while you review the list of employers and the positions they have to offer.

Walk to the main entrance; survey the area to get a feel for the energy and attitude of those in attendance. Next, take a few moments to walk by each employer booth, identify their individual locations, and perhaps take a few moments to gather some of their promotional materials.

Watch for those employers that may be surrounded by crowds of job-seekers, identify the area of the room where the top employers are located, and the employers that you want to approach first. Perhaps you may want to talk to a few employers just to practice your job-seekers introduction.

As you approach an employer, remember to extend your hand with a firm handshake, make eye contact, introduce yourself, tell the employer your major or area of interest and tell the recruiter EXACTLY what type of job your are seeking. Remember to smile, show enthusiasm, and sell yourself.

Be prepared for an on-the-spot interview. Most career fairs reserve interview time the day of The Fair so that recruiters can do a sit-down interview with candidates. This is likely to be a screening interview so that the recruiter can pass your credentials along to his supervisor for employment recommendation.

After you have talked to the recruiter, ask what to expect in the near future, i.e., who will see your resume, when to expect an interview, and should you make follow-up calls. Look for resume drops in case the recruiter is not available for discussion.

Collect business cards of each person you meet and follow up that evening or the next day with a “Thank You” in the form of an email, letter, or handwritten note. Also attach your resume once again so the recruiter will remember you.

Approximately one week after The Fair, call or email the recruiter once again to determine when and if you will be called for an interview. Remember, recruiters are on the road for several days at a time before returning to their offices. It may take a few days to get back to you regarding a possible interview.

Some Career Fair Don'ts