Career Fairs: Tips to Stand Out and Get the Job

Initially, career fairs can be intimidating. It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of long lines and stacks of resumes. However, attending a career fair is a great way to put a face to your job application and give prospective employers a chance to truly see the positive addition you could bring to their business. During this college career season, consider keeping these recommendations in mind so you make a great first impression at your school’s next career fair:

Come Prepared

Though this tip may seem basic, preparedness will lessen your nerves and make a better impression on your interviewers. Dress professionally, update your resume, and bring enough copies of it to distribute to employers. Be sure to also research each company you plan on talking to beforehand. Showing employers that you’ve done your homework and have questions and talking points aside from the basics will help separate you from those whose questions could have been answered by a brief visit to the company website.

Visit Companies You Are Least Interested In First

Especially if you are attending your first job fair, spend the first part of your visit approaching companies that may not necessarily be your top choices. Your first visits allow the opportunity to get the jitters out and warm up your conversational skills so that, by the time you reach your top choice company, you will be relaxed and able to answer even the toughest questions like a pro.

Give an Assertive, Enthusiastic Introduction

Since career fairs allow for so little time with an employer, first impressions are crucial. Give a firm handshake, make eye contact, maintain enthusiasm, and be prepared to sell yourself to the company.

Rehearse What You Will Say

Prepare a thirty-second speech about yourself that gives employers a basic overview of who you are and what you would bring to their organization. You should be conscious of your career objectives and how they fit in with the position you desire at each company. Be sure to also practice answering basic questions that might arise beforehand, so that your answers will be smooth and thorough for employers at the career fair.

Don’t Forget Thank Yous

End the conversation by asking for contact information from your recruiter. When you get home, send a quick email thanking the contact for their time. If the company is on LinkedIn, take a moment to add them as a connection so you continue to be a top-of-the-mind candidate.

If you can’t make it to a career fair, check out our website for some amazing internship opportunities!

By, Michelle V

Sources: http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/hired-before-graduation/2012/01/17/3-tips-for-students-to-ace-job-fairs,

https://www.mint.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/How-to-Ace-a-Job-Interview.png,

http://olincareers.wustl.edu/SiteCollectionDocuments/PDFs/WCC/Meet%20the%20Firms%20Best%20Practice.pdf