Preparing for a career fair may seem intimidating or difficult, especially if it is your first one. Since we are in the midst of college career fairs for internship, co-op and full time recruitment, here are some tips to help you prepare.
1.  Make sure your resume is up-to-date.
If you haven't seen my post on Resume Tips I recommend checking it out. It is a compilation of all of the information learned in the many workshops, resume review sessions, and advice from employers that I have received.
2. Bring hard copies of your resume to leave behind.
Have a folder/portfolio filled with resumes to leave with the people you talk to. This is how they will see all of your qualifications, skills, etc. that you may not get around to talking about and have your contact information to get in touch if they are interested in interviewing your or offering you a position. Some recruiters also like to jot down notes about you on your resume that will help them remember you.
3. Dress to impress!
The first thing recruiters see when you walk up to them is what you are wearing and how you look. Make sure to dress in professional, business attire clothing. There are a bunch of resources out there that give advice on what professional looks to go with.
4. Have a list of companies in mind that you want to talk to.
Whether it be a written list, a list in your mind, or a list in an app on your phone it is always good to have a group of companies you know you want to talk to.
5. Research the companies on your list.
You may have researched companies to know to put them on your list, or maybe you made a list of all companies that you meet the qualifications for. Nevertheless, it is important to check out company websites, see their values and mission statements, and use it to come up with some questions to ask them. Some career fairs offer brief description of attending companies but it is important to look beyond that.
6. Have a list of questions to ask recruiters prepared.
It is important to have some questions that you can ask the recruiters when you approach them. It is important to avoid letting them do all of the talking. Asking questions makes you seem more interested and they value the preparedness. As mentioned previously, you can come up with great questions by checking out a company's website.
7. Be early… early is the new on time.
Lines can start to pile up as the day goes on, so if you can, go earlier in the day.
8. Master your elevator pitch.
The first few sentences you say to a recruiter can make or break their interest in wanting to talk to you. Briefly highlight the important stuff like your name, year in school, major, etc. and one or two notable accomplishments/achievements or groups you are involved with. Do not memorize a paragraph you wrote about yourself word-for-word, when you present your pitch it should be natural and seemed rehearsed, just not too rehearsed.
9. If the recruiter is giving out any pamphlets or business card with their contact information grab one.
You can use the information to connect with them on LinkedIn, send them a thank you note for speaking with them etc. This will also serve useful if you get an interview or offer to have some information about the company on hand.
10. BE CONFIDENT!!!
Potentially one of the most important tips, make sure you are confident in your presentation of yourself. However, do not be egotistical or over do the bragging about yourself. Make yourself look like you know what you are doing, you are prepared, and that you are a notable candidate for the position you are interested in.
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