Career Fair Tips 

Preparation

Preparation is one of the most important things concerning career fairs. Recruiters will see hundreds of students during the course of the day, and if you are not prepared and do not meet the minimum expectations, you will be discounted immediately!

• Make sure your resume is professional top-notch.
  • Proofread it, and have at least 2 or 3 other people do the same.
  • Visit the USF Career Center to receive a professional resume review.
  • Print several copies (at least 15-20) on professional paper (linen, parchment, etc.)
  • It is best to use conservative colors when choosing your paper, such as ivory or grey.
  • If possible, carry your resumes in a portfolio or professional binder.
  • More Resume Tips
• Research the companies that will be attending the fair.
  • Companies consider this the bare minimum, and will know if you have not done so.
  • Visit the website for the Career Fair you are attending to find a list of companies.
  • Select 10-20 organizations you would like to target at the fair.
  • Useful Internet sites for researching companies.
• Prepare a brief, 30-second introduction of yourself to give to employers. Include:
  • Your name
  • Your career status (ie. graduation date)
  • What type(s) of position(s) you are seeking (internship or full-time)
  • What field you would like to be employed in (marketing, finance, consulting, etc.)
  • Why you chose their company. This is where your research comes in.

  Tips for developing your introduction.

What to Wear

It is always appropriate to wear professional business attire to a Career Fair, regardless of the culture of the company you may be targeting. Career Fairs are designed as a professional networking tool, and you should always present your best and most professional image.

• Dark suit - black, grey or navy blue are most appropriate
• Tailored blouse or shirt - conservative, neutral color
• Dark, dressy, comfortable shoes - some students do not realize how much walking they will do, and employers will notice if you are uncomfortable
• Women: If you are wearing a skirt, make sure it is a conservative length
• Keep jewelry simple
• Be sure hair and nails are clean and well-groomed

Visit the Dress to Impress site for more information and samples of what to wear.

During the Fair

• If possible, do not bring a backpack to the Career Fair. It takes away from your professional image.
• Obtain a floor plan, if possible, so you can map out the companies you would like to target
• Network alone, not in groups.
• Respect the privacy of other students who are speaking with recruiters. Do not interrupt unless you are invited to do so by the recruiter.
• Make eye contact and listen attentively.
• Branch out. For example, if you are looking for a job in Finance, don't just submit your resume to financial firms. Companies may have internal finance departments that they are hiring for. Don't limit yourself to the companies that most often employ students in your major.
• Be confident, and shake hands firmly.
• Ask questions about the company to maximize your time spent at the Career Fair. Don't just use it as a time to hand out as many resumes as possible. Take the time to do your own screening of companies.
• Gather business cards from everyone you speak with so that you can follow up with a thank you letter after the fair (see below). In addition, ask the recruiters in attendance for the name of the hiring manager in the department you are interested in.
• Take a few moments to jot down notes about the recruiters and companies you spoke with to help you remember later.
• Before leaving the fair, revisit your top companies to make a lasting impression.

  More Career Fair success strategies.

After the Fair

Following up with recruiters after the fair is something that is often overlooked, and yet seen as polite and courteous to most employers.

• Write a thank you letter to each employer with whom you spoke at the fair. Letters should be sent no more than 24 hours after the fair.
  • Confirm your interest and enthusiasm for the company.
  • Highlight your skills and assets that you feel would most benefit the company.
  • Inquire about the next step in the selection process.
  • Include your contact information.
• Follow up within a few weeks by calling or e-mailing the recruiter to see if you can meet with them again.
• Samples of follow-up letters.
  

Employer Expectations of Students at Career Fairs

The following are the results from a survey of employers done by the National Association of Colleges and Employers in 2000.

• According to employers, the following are the biggest things to avoid during a Career Fair (in order of importance):
  • Lacking focus and not knowing what type of position to look for. Admitting "I'll take anything" or answering "I don't know" when asked about interests.
  • Not dressing neatly or professionally
  • Not bringing resumes
  • Lacking knowledge of a company and/or confusing the company for someone else.
  • Lacking enthusiasm or interest in the company or job opportunities.
  • Asking about salary.
  • Not asking any questions, asking inappropriate questions, and having a poor or unprofessional attitude.
• Other student mistakes sited by employers include:
  • Grabbing free stuff
  • Not making eye contact
  • Lacking communication skills
  • Not being willing to relocate
  • Not bringing anything to write on
  • Giving a weak handshake
  • Not taking the time to fill out the job application when asked.
• Top 3 things employers typically discuss at Career Fairs:
  • Company benefits
  • Information on current job openings
  • General company information