Career Fair Tips
Reasons to Attend Career Fairs
Companies participate in fairs to identify prospective candidates for internship, co-op and full-time career positions. Career Fairs provide students an opportunity to . . .
- Learn about career opportunities and research prospective employers
- Identify and/or create employment opportunities (intern/co-op, full-time positions)
- Hone job-hunting skills
- Network and meet hiring managers
- Land a job
9 ways to Attract Attention at Career Fairs
Learn the best ways to stand out at a Career Fair. Printable (PDF) copy of information.
1. Know your Job Interests and your Qualifications
- Be able to express your qualifications including strengths, academic preparation, related experiences, and skills (i.e.: communication, technical, leadership).
- Prepare a 30 second commercial that highlights what you can do, not what the prospective employer can do for you.
2. Have a Well Written Resume
- Attend a CES Resume Building Workshops and/or Resume Critique Session.
- Schedule an appointment with your career advisor for a resume critique.
- Bring 50 copies of your resume (on resume paper) to the fair.
- Consider having your own business card that includes your degree, date of graduation, contact information, and university name.
3. Research Companies in Advance
Your research on firms will show Recruiters you are hard-working, eager, dedicated and goal-oriented. You can also better manage your time by prioritizing those you visit at the fair.
- Review the list of participating employers at the fair.
- Review websites of companies you plan to visit.
- Go to Hale Library for annual reports, CD ROMS and directories.
- Ask Faculty about the firms and alumni working there
4. Allow Enough Time and Plan Ahead
- Study the floor plan available in the student booklet you'll recieve when you check-in.
- Arrive early and plan to stay at least two hours, longer if possible.
- Plan your time and try to avoid long lines.
5. Appearance Counts
- Demonstrate confidence: make eye contact, give a firm hand shake, smile!
- Dress professionally, but comfortably enough to move easily throughout the fair.
- Visit the Student Registration booth to obtain a name tag.
6. Ask Questions and Listen
- Find out what you can do to be considered, get more information, and arrange an interview or secure an on-site visit.
- Reveal information in a give and take fashion (PDF). Identify employers' needs and then match your skills to those needs.
7. Record Information in your Notebook/Portfolio
- Make notes after each stop at the fair on the information you gain, especially their follow-up and interview plans.
- Pick up business cards and firm literature.
8. Follow-up with a Letter
- Recruiters like to know that you are interested. Write a follow-up note as soon as possible expressing interest and further research findings.
- If you missed a company, drop a note to express interest. Include your resume.
9. Prepare for Follow-up Interviews
- Companies participate in fairs to identify prospective candidates for intern, co-op and career positions. They usually follow-up on their leads.
- You can prepare for interviews by reviewing the CES Interview Guide, watching videos on interviewing, attending an interview workshop, participating in Mock Interviews with employers who visit campus, or scheduling a mock interview with your career advisor.