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JOB FAIRS: HOW TO MAKE THEM WORK FOR YOU

Learn Who’s Attending Ahead of time:

• Many fairs are geared specifically to certain fields, is it your field of interest?
• Find out the companies attending, check websites /newspaper listings.
• Narrow the list of companies you are most interested in.
• Gather information about the employers located on their websites, at Career Center, public library, resume etc.

Be Prepared:

• Prepare a succinct summary of your qualifications.
• Rehearse your qualifications, demonstrate your ability to articulate your skills and your preparedness.
• Prepare questions to ask employer representatives, minimum of 2.
• Bring extra, updated resumes without objectives.
• Bring paper, pen /pencil, paper clips, etc. with you.
• Carry items in a folio/file with extra resumes, note paper, allowing room for materials collected: business cards, brochures, etc.

Dress Appropriately:

• Dress professionally, yet more conservatively, in clean pressed clothes.
• Regardless how the representative is dressed, you want him/her to know you are a professional job seeker.
• Avoid extra coats/jackets and briefcase, eliminates extra bulk.

Expect to be Evaluated:

• Remember, 1st impressions count, even if you are only gathering
  i nformation.
• Your initial contact may be the company’s 1st screening.

Strategize:

• Check in at the registration table, obtaining a list of attendee and their location.
  -Acclimate yourself to the layout of the fair.
• Know the amount of time you’ll spend at the fair and pace yourself.
• If you’re planning several hours, you may wish to bring a snack/energy bar, to maintain your energy.
• Avoid eating, drinking or carrying food when visiting employers’ tables.
• Practice conversing with other companies before targeting your favorite ones.
• After leaving an employer, take time to jot down notes if they interest you.
• Use the fair as your own screening device. It’s your opportunity to make contact with dozens of employers , learn more about them and decide if follow-up is worthwhile.

At the Employer’s Table:

• Wait patiently, avoid approaching the table if someone else is conversing, respecting their privacy.
• When approaching the representative, establish eye contact, smile, shake hands firmly and introduce yourself.
• Tell them why you’re interested in their organization, hand them your resume.
• Be prepared to state your qualifications in 30 seconds or less.
• Look for job postings, current or anticipated. Ask, if you don’t see any available.
• Collect business card, application and information if you’re interested.

After the Fair:

• Write further notes while information is still fresh in your mind: key names and important facts concerning the companies you ‘re interested in following up.
• Send thank you notes. They demonstrate professionalism and your continued interest, especially if you were given a brief interview.
• Copy applications prior to filling them out, in case you make a mistake, or use an erasable pen.
• Fill out applications , prioritizing them and turning them in on a timely manner—one to two weeks.
• Include a note with the application stating the representative you talked to and which fair you attended.

Websites with additional information:

• quintcareers.com
• collegegrad.com

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