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How to work a Career / Job Fair!
How should I prepare for a Career / Job Fair?
- Review the list of employers attending
- Research the companies online or in the Career Services' Library
- Select 12-15 companies as your high-priority contacts
- Review your resume - is it up-to-date; have it reviewed by a Career Services staff member
- Formulate your personal "advertisement" - remember, you will have only a short period of time to present yourself and your skills
- Who you are
- What are your relevant accomplishments, experiences, or skills
- Give some reasons why you are interested in their company
- What type of position you are seeking
- Prepare questions about the organization and hiring process to ask the recruiter. Make sure you have professional attire and a portfolio to make notes as well as to hold resumes
Why should I prepare for a Career/Job Fair?
- This is an opportunity for you to obtain employment - you should take it as seriously as the recruiters do
- By learning about the basics of an organization prior to the fair, you can take advantage of the fair to further your understanding of the organization - it also demonstrates a seriousness and commitment to your profession and the organization
- You can never be sure what may come out of these contacts, therefore the more professional you look and act, the better your chances are that the recruiter will obtain a positive impression and remember you
- Researching the organization allows you to make the most of the few minutes you have with the recruiter
During the Career/Job Fair you should -
- Come early and spend time - you will likely find more organizations of interest to you than you thought
- Assertively introduce yourself to the employer and present your resume
- Be interested and enthusiastic - make eye contact and be confident
- Don't ask "me-centered" questions about salaries, benefits, etc. Ask questions that demonstrate your interest in and knowledge of the company
- Answer questions briefly, clearly - be concise
- Take notes - after the fair everything will run together
- Ask the recruiter about the hiring/recruiting process - what will happen after the career fair, are there any actions you should take
- Make sure you get a business card from everyone with whom you speak, and write them a thank you letter after the fair
- Don't forget to thank the recruiters for their time
After the Career/Job Fair you should -
- Follow up with a thank-you letter ASAP
- In your letter - restate your interest and request a meeting
- You may want to include another copy of your resume - things do get lost, misplaced, or hidden under that stack of papers and brochures
- Keep in contact with the organization
What is a Career/Job Fair and what happens there?
- A career/job fair is a place for you to learn about different organizations and to let them get to know you
- The focus is on brief interactions with employers to help you and them gain information
- You can meet with employers to "interview" for a job
- You can research companies and organizations - to decide where you want to use your skills
- You can practice interview skills
- You can get feedback on your resume
- You can network with representatives from a wide variety of organizations
What can a Career/Job Fair do for me?
- Explore the occupations/positions companies hire candidates to fill
- Learn about the skills and training required for different careers
- Find out how work environments differ
- Hear what qualities and skills employers desire in their employees
- Get clued in to the hiring process
- Discover trends in employment, hiring, and industry focus
- Make contacts for the present and/or future
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