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[Students - Information - How to Prepare]
What to Bring
You need to be prepared before coming to the career fair. Professionals from companies will be there to find out how you can contribute to their company, thus you do not want to arrive empty-handed. You should bring several items with you:
| - | About 30 copies of your revised and updated resume, perhaps in a folder. Attend the Resume Workshop to finalize and edit your resume so that it is well written, looks clear and highlights your strengths.
| | - | Some questions for the recruiter, which you should have memorized and be ready to be unleashed at the appropriate time. You do not want to be reading from your notes when you are given the chance to really engage with a company representative.
| | - | A professional-looking folder of some form to collect business cards and information
| | - | Bring your knowledge of the companies you want to target. This means you should do some research of the company before you attend the career fair. Demonstrate your research by asking questions pertaining to that particular company. It's these small details that make you stand out in the crowd of people at the fair. |
First and Lasting Impressions
First impressions are very important. Attending the career fair is often referred to as a short interview. Therefore, you need to be prepared for an interview which entails appropriate attire, a friendly and an informative greeting, and a firm handshake.
| - | At the very least you should wear business casual clothing. Business casual includes a nice collared, buttoned shirt and slacks or below knee-length skirt. Darker colored clothing is preferred. Keep your appearance simple and clean.
| | - | When you get the chance to approach the company representative, extend your hand for a firm handshake. Firm handshakes show that you are confident.
| | - | When you approach the company recruiter, have a friendly and positive attitude. Smile and show your interest in their company, which will be easy to do if you did your research. Also, be confident, but not overly confident
| | - | Strike up a conversation using the material you found from your research of their company. Try and make that good lasting impression that will push them to give you an interview for that internship or job
| | - | At the end of your conversation ask for a business card or some way to contact that person such as an email address or phone number. Don't forget to thank the individual for his/her time! |
Follow-up
Be courteous and thank the recruiter for their time following the career fair. It's another way for you to get your name out to the company.
Using the business card or email given to you, email the person with whom you spoke with thanking them for their time and perhaps emphasizing more of your company research and personal strengths.
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