A career fair is a great place to meet with a lot of employers in a little time. You get to present yourself in the best light possible and hit a large number of prospects all at once. If you have the opportunity to go to a career fair, take it. But before you go, keep these success strategies in mind:
1. Prepare, prepare, prepare.
You cannot prepare too much for a career fair. Get your resume in top shape; have a couple people proofread it for you for things like grammar, spelling, and overall impression. Print out at least 15-20 copies on professional paper and carry them in a binder or folder that will keep them neat. Also get to know the companies that will be at the fair. You can visit their websites for basic information. Companies will expect you to know about what they do and why they do it. Then prepare a brief introduction of yourself. This shouldn't be over a minute long, should include your name, career status, and what type of job you are looking for. Also mention why you chose that particular company.
2. Dress for Success
Wear professional business attire. This includes a dark suit, professional blouse or shirt, dark comfortable shoes, and conservative accessories.
3. Have a Gameplan
Get a floor plan of the event and map out the companies you want to target. Do this alone rather than in a group. When you meet with potential employers, shake hands, make eye contact, and listen carefully. Always respect other people's time and space. Don't crowd in on a conversation ahead of you. Ask plenty of questions and be sure you get a business card from every person you meet. Take a moment afterwards to jot down notes.
4. Follow Up
Write a thank you note to each employer you met, stating your interest in their company and the position. You can follow this up with a phone call or email after a few weeks if you wish, but don't be pesky.
1. Prepare, prepare, prepare.
You cannot prepare too much for a career fair. Get your resume in top shape; have a couple people proofread it for you for things like grammar, spelling, and overall impression. Print out at least 15-20 copies on professional paper and carry them in a binder or folder that will keep them neat. Also get to know the companies that will be at the fair. You can visit their websites for basic information. Companies will expect you to know about what they do and why they do it. Then prepare a brief introduction of yourself. This shouldn't be over a minute long, should include your name, career status, and what type of job you are looking for. Also mention why you chose that particular company.
2. Dress for Success
Wear professional business attire. This includes a dark suit, professional blouse or shirt, dark comfortable shoes, and conservative accessories.
3. Have a Gameplan
Get a floor plan of the event and map out the companies you want to target. Do this alone rather than in a group. When you meet with potential employers, shake hands, make eye contact, and listen carefully. Always respect other people's time and space. Don't crowd in on a conversation ahead of you. Ask plenty of questions and be sure you get a business card from every person you meet. Take a moment afterwards to jot down notes.
4. Follow Up
Write a thank you note to each employer you met, stating your interest in their company and the position. You can follow this up with a phone call or email after a few weeks if you wish, but don't be pesky.
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