Career Fair Tips

A career fair provides opportunities for students and alumni

• to make initial job contacts
• to explore career interests
• to gather employer information

A career fair provides opportunities for employers…

• to increase awareness of their companies/organization/school district
• to disperse career information
• to identify potential employees

What is the Actual Fair Like?

• Each employer is assigned a table where informational displays and promotional materials are set up
• One or more employer representatives are present to answer questions and provide information about career opportunities
• Some employers collect resumes at the fair and ask you to fill out an employment application, some provide business cards, along with company information, and ask that resumes be mailed at a later date, some conduct screening interviews, and some may interview and hire on the spot

How do I Prepare for the Fair?

• See the Who Am I? section of this website to identify the skills and strengths you have to offer the employers
• Attend a career development workshop or meet with a career counselor to develop a well-written resume
• Complete your resume and have it critiqued by a career counselor
• Seek tips from a career counselor on interviewing skills or schedule a mock interview with a counselor
• Familiarize yourself with participating organizations and research those of interest to you through the career fairs link on our home page
• Be prepared to provide your resume, references, copies of transcripts, and a professional portfolio (if applicable)
• Prepare a list of questions you want to ask employers:

Suggestions:

What personal qualities do you look for when recruiting a new graduate?
What opportunities exist for someone with my major?
What technical skills are required to work for your organization?
Are internships available in your organization?
I have another year until I graduate.
What opportunities are available and how do I apply for them?
Who should I follow up with in your organization?

Factoid: According to a survey of employers at a career fair at the University of South Carolina, lacking focus/a clear career objective accounts for the most common mistake students make at job fairs. If you aren’t focused on a specific career, approach recruiters by telling them what your major is and what types of positions you’re interested in, rather than asking, "What are you hiring for?"

What do I do at the Career Fair?

• Dress professionally, as if you were going to a formal interview
• Take the initiative to approach representatives, rather than waiting for them to approach you
• Have an open mind – for example, if you have a major in CIS or liberal arts, there are many different kinds of employers that may be interested in you
• Offer a firm handshake (women, too!), introduce yourself even if you’re wearing a name tag, use good eye contact, and SMILE Speak clearly, show enthusiasm, and genuine interest
• Be honest and positive
• Don’t monopolize any one recruiter’s time – they are there to meet all participants
• Asking about salary is considered a mistake by most employers – this subject should not be brought up until you are offered the position
• Collect the organization’s information on display
• Thank the representatives for their time and information and ask for a business card
• Ask how and when to contact the employer to follow up on interview/employment opportunities

What do I do after the Fair?

• Take the initiative on following-up – don’t sit back and wait for employers to call you
• Send thank you notes to all representatives who interviewed you at the fair to remind them of your interest and qualifications, as well as to pursue your request for a second interview
• Meet with a career counselor to learn about additional job search methods to increase the likelihood of obtaining the kind of position you want