Tips for Working a Job Fair
Know Why You Are Attending the Fair
- To establish contacts
- To explore career fields
- To gather employer information
Know Why Employers Go to Job Fairs
- To provide career information to interested parties
- To make contacts with prospective new employees
- To increase awareness of their organization
- To fill existing job vacancies
What to Do Prior to the Job Fair
- Obtain a list of participating organizations
- Choose the employers that you are most interested in
- Research the selected employers
- Clarify your own career goals so that you can effectively communicate them to an employer
What to Take with You to the Fair
- A pen, preferably blue or black ink, and paper for notes
- Multiple copies of your resumé
- Multiple copies of your list of references
- A nice portfolio or brief case make it easier to organize these materials
Present Yourself as a Professional
- Dress in a conservative, professional manner
- When introducing yourself to recruiters, offer a firm handshake and have good eye contact
- State your name, major, and career interests confidently
- Offer the recruiter a copy of your resumé
- Ask about career opportunities in your area of interest
- Tell the employer what you have to offer
- When appropriate, display your knowledge of the organization and ask relevant questions
- Be enthusiastic, interested and confident at all times
- Avoid discussing salary and benefits, and focus on what you can do for the organization
- Take brief notes after each meeting, including important information you have gathered about the organization
- Get a business card
- Take a copy of any employer literature
- Neatly organize literature, notes, etc., so that you look professional and organized throughout the job fair.
Follow Up after the Fair
- Send a brief thank you note, especially if you are interested in the organization. Reiterate your interest in the organization and the position, and enclose another copy of your resumé.