How To: Make the Most Out of Your Next Career Fair

By Chase Pattison on January 3, 2011

By Mary Katherine Furnier
University of Tennessee

Every year thousands of students embark on their first experience of the rat race. They decide to attend the career fair. Some of you are scared out of your minds, and there of course are others who don’t see what everyone is freaking out about. The truth is, there are less jobs than there are those in need of a job.

To label it as competitive may be the understatement of the century. There are people with secondary master degrees working for minimum wage. That said, it is always important to remember all the steps to take to maximize your chances of success when meeting potential employers. Keep in mind, you are not living in your parents generation. You most likely wont get a job and do it for the rest of your life.

1)   Read ahead to know what companies will be attending, and research each company with which you plan to speak. By doing this you are not requiring them to spend time answering questions to answers they would prefer you already know, and using valuable time that could be spend answering more in-depth questions. Its polite at such events to not expect a recruiter to spend too much time on each person, so that everyone who attends has a chance to speak to the representatives of the companies they want as well.

2)   Asking how much you will be making after two years = tacky! Do not make salary a topic of conversation unless the subject is invited. Employers are in search of passionate employees who have a genuine interest in the field. Monetary compensation is a secondary concern to research beforehand. Reserve this curiosity concern for google!

3)   Always follow up, and write thank you cards to the representatives you spoke with. Make sure to reiterate the fine lines of the points you individually discussed to show your interest.

4)   Recruiters glance at a resume for an average of ten seconds., so be prepared to answer any questions they have from it without being put on the spot. Have plenty of copies (20 is recommended) If there is more than one recruiter one company it’s nice to have one for each person you speak with.

5)   DRESS APPROPRIATELY!  In a perfect world people are not judged solely on their appearance but unfortunately what you wear is as much a statement as anything else, particularly as far as first impressions are concerned. According to Journal of Psychology 93% of how you are judged is based on nonverbal data such as body language and appearance. Be clean and tasteful. Have hair tidy, no short skirts, heels above 3 inches, plunging v-necks, or stifling perfumes. Guys: Be clean shaven with hair well maintained, shirts pressed. Thankfully you have the time to prepare what you the image you want to project of yourself, so take advantages and dress to impress, and always consider the messages you are sending.

6)   ALWAYS get the recruiter’s business card. It shows interest, and ensures that you will have correct contact information for the future. (Hint: You will be contacting them afterwards to tell them enjoyed meeting them)

7)   Avoid the myth that you should avoid talking to too many companies. Recruiters expect you to maximize the resources of the fair, and use it as an opportunity to find out what’s out there. If you are legitimately interested visit everyone you can!

8)   Many career fairs are now utilizing the option to pre-register. Find out if this is an option, and if so do it! Many employers use this to pre screen for employees they like, review your resume before they meet you, and know more about you if they are interested.

9)   If applicable to your desired profession make sure to have an updated portfolio. This will include your current resume, references, and some examples of your work in the related field.

10)        Just like you are researching them, don’t forget to be prepared for some research and evaluation on their end.  Have all social networking info tasteful.  Leave the spring break keg stands, or your 21st birthday party for your friends eyes only.  To avoid this adjust your privacy settings and leave out the unprofessional contact information. No Sexyvol89s or Bongchamps! Remember everything you display is a reflection of the image you are projecting. Leave out what you don’t want to be evaluated on.


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