2009-2010 Career Fairs

How Do I Prepare for the Career Fair?
Dress for Success

  • The serious job seeker should wear a business suit.  Take time to learn what is recommended (males; females) in order to make the best possible impression.  You do not have to spend a fortune to find a quality suit that fits well. Consider bargain racks and consignment shops.
  • Wear minimal or no jewelry. You want to call attention to your qualifications, not your accessories.
  • Do not wear cologne or perfume.  Even subtle scents can be too much in close quarters.
  • Place your nametag on right where recruiters can see your name while shaking your hand.

 

Inappropriate Attire

  • Wrinkled, dirty or ill-fitting clothing (too tight or too loose)
  • Revealing clothes (plunging necklines, exposed midriffs, and skirts above the knee when sitting)
  • Flip-flops, tennis shoes, or sandals
  • Visible tattoos or piercings
  • Jeans or any denim clothing

 

Prepare to Impress

  • Check the list of participants and identify organizations of interest to you.  Research the Web sites of these employers.   Be open to talking with a variety of employers if you think you might fit in their organization.
  • Have your resume critiqued. Using quality resume paper, print enough copies for the employers you know you want to meet and a few extras for the employers you may decided to speak with that day.
  • Make brief “keyword” notes about what you want to discuss with each employers.  You can have these written in the padfolio you bring (padfolios help keep copies of your resume neat).
  • Practice giving a brief statement of what you’re looking for in a job or career.  You want this to sound conversational and not stiff.
  • Practice your professional handshake!  This is part of the immediate impression you make.

 

What can I expect?

  • Employers will expect you to know something about their organization.
  • Do not expect employers to ask for your resume.  Focus on having a good conversation and offer your resume before leaving their table.
  • Speak clearly and maintain eye contact.  It may be noisy around some tables.
  • Employers may not have business cards to distribute.  Try to remember the name of the recruiter with whom you speak.  This is important for follow up.
  • There may be several students waiting to speak to one recruiter.  Decide if you have time to wait patiently or if you need to move to another on your list and return to that table later.
  • Many employers will have freebies on their tables.  Do not grab one; wait until one is offered.
  • Don’t monopolize the recruiter’s time.  Once you share your main points and have a brief conversation, thank the recruiter for his/her time, offer your resume, shake hands again and smile!

 

How do I follow up with employers I meet?

  • If a recruiter does not offer information about their interviewing process, then ask! 
  • Send a personalized thank-you note to each recruiter with whom you spoke.   Try to include something specific you discussed during your conversation.
  • If the employer plans to participate in on-campus recruiting, be sure to upload your resume into CrimsonCareers by the organization’s resume deadline.