Career Fairs

Career Fairs are a great way to meet and learn from multiple employers as well as develop your network of career contacts. It is also an excellent opportunity to find out valuable information about various industries, corporations, and different job positions.

Employers participate in career fairs to meet students and recruit employees. They will provide you with general information about career options, as well as specific information about current openings within their company.

What you need to do:

1. Review the list of employers before attending a career fair. Determine which ones interest you the most and go there first. It is also a good idea to determine where employers are located beforehand and then visit them in the order that best fits with your goals.


2. Research the employers you are most interested in prior to the career fair. This provides you with an opportunity to show an employer that you are truly interested.


3. Dress professionally. If you want employers to take you seriously, you have to show them that you are serious about getting a great job.


4. Keep your options open - meaning, don't rule out a company just because they don't seem to be in your particular field. While you may not have considered working for an airline, many airlines recruit and hire professionals in different fields such as management and public relations.


5. Be prepared with plenty of copies of your résumé and a folder or portfolio to hold all of your materials. This not only shows professionalism, but it also gives you confidence. You're prepared and you know it.


6. Have a pen/pencil and paper available to take notes.


7. Introduce yourself with a firm handshake. Be prepared to briefly tell each employer the type of position and career path you wish to follow.


8. Ask specific questions about the organization and career opportunities, but don't spend too much time with any one employer.


9. Be prepared to answer some basic interview questions.


10. Ask for employers' business cards for follow-up discussions and correspondence.

What you need to ask at the Career Fair:

• • Current/future openings with the company.
• • Employment and/or hiring trends in the field or industry.
• • Skills necessary for different careers/jobs in which you are interested.
• • Who to contact for follow-up discussions after the career fair.

After the job fair, follow up with thank you notes to the employers you spoke to, as well as those with whom you want to pursue employment opportunities. Remember all of those business cards you collected? Make good use of them. It's one more opportunity to get your name in front of a hiring manager.

Career fairs can be very beneficial experiences, especially if you attend one PREPARED - and that includes the right materials and a great attitude.

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