Career & Job Fair Tips for Success

Make the Most of Your Day Prepare several copies of your resume for the fair. Research organizations ahead of time - do your homework. Explore career opportunities and relevancy to particular majors. Practice your “30 second commercial.” Create a list of appropriate questions to ask employers. Be prepared for a hectic environment. Do not be intimidated by noise or crowds.

Who Stands Out in a Crowd? Candidates who… can exhibit their communication skills and can articulate their career goals have an advantage. possess a resume that is grammatically correct and is free of spelling errors show they are serious about employment opportunities.   have researched the organization, have intelligent questions to ask and have thought about the way they might fit into the organization. dress professionally show they are respectful of the job search process as well as the recruiter’s time.

Prior to the Fair Develop your resume. Make sure that you have an ample supply to give to ALL employers that you are interested in speaking with. (see our Resume Tutorial) Decide on appropriate attire for the Job Fair. (see What to Wear)

Who Will be There Review the list of confirmed employers. Determine which organizations are seeking your major and skill sets. Keep in mind that many employers are interested in ALL majors. Consider those employers as well. Visit the employer’s website (when possible) to get a greater sense of what it does, its culture and history, present performance and new developments/initiatives. Determine the likelihood of the employer’s organization being "a good fit" for you.

Who to Talk to Develop a priority system to determine which employers you are interested in speaking with. The priority system below may be helpful to you: MUST SEE’S! I will not leave the job fair unless I have spoken to them, received a business card or contact information and left a copy of my resume. WOULD LIKE TO SEE’S. If I have spoken with all of my "A" list companies, I would really like to speak with these companies because they are strong contenders on my list of future employer options. WILL SEE IF I HAVE TIME. These companies looks interesting to me. I’d like to learn more about them. If I have time, I’ll stop by. Your priority system should not be shared with employers. All employers with whom you speak should feel you are interested in hearing about their companies and their employment opportunities.

What to Say Develop your "30 second commercial." This commercial should introduce YOU to the employer and give him/her an understanding of who you are, what skills you have to offer (both technical and interpersonal) and why you are suitable for employment with his/her organization. Example:  Hello, Mr. Smith. I am Mary Hemmer, a senior at Towson University graduating in May of 2007, majoring in Telecommunications. As my resume indicates, I have completed two internships with Telecom Corporation and Com-Tele Corporation while maintaining a 3.5 grade point average. I was also president of the Telecommunications Association and an active member of the National Leadership Council. I’ve visited your company’s website and have reviewed your company’s profile and am very interested in job opportunities with you—particularly entry- level openings working on your Millennium Project. I’d love to hear your assessment of my skills and work experience and where you feel I would be a good fit within your company.

What to Wear Your professional image is very important in your career search. A polished, confident appearance helps introduce you as focused and qualified. Next are suggestions to make a strong first impression. It is often a good idea to choose more conservative styles. Remember in most cases, less is more!

Men Women Neutral colored tailored suits Sports jacket and well– pressed trousers Neatly pressed, long sleeved white dress shirt Conservative ties with subtle patterns that compliment the suit Dark socks Polished, dark colored, dress shoes Neatly groomed hair, moustache and/or sideburns Minimal jewelry Light, crisp cologne Classic pant or skirt business suits Sophisticated, updated blouses in complimentary colors - no low necklines Tailored dresses Hemlines should be conservative (knee length) Polished, closed-toe pumps with low to moderate heels Conservative hosiery Jewelry should be minimal and conservative Hair should be neatly styled or pulled back if shoulder length or longer Light makeup and neutral nail polish. If you choose to use a color, be conservative and always match nail polish with lipstick Light, crisp perfume

What NOT to Wear Polo shirts Jeans or Khakis Sundresses Mini Skirts Sweat suits, leggings or exercise wear Dangling, jingling or clanking jewelry T-shirts Sneakers Flip-flops (you already know this, right?)

The Day of the Fair Register for the Fair. Be sure to include your resume in the Fair resume database so that each employer who attends the fair has access to it. BEFORE you begin to speak with employers, allow 15–20 minutes to: review the floor plan determine your plan of action review and organize materials in our portfolio/briefcase. compose yourself so that you can present the BEST YOU possible!!

At the Fair Try to speak with all employers that are interested in your major. If lines are long, re-strategize and come back when lines are shorter OR leave a resume with a note on the back stating that you will make every effort to stop by again. Keep in mind that the job fair is an opportunity for employers to meet and assess candidates for employment. Little or no job offers are extended at the job fair. If employers are impressed with your education, work experience and skills, they may be in touch with you within a few weeks to speak with you further or to arrange an interview. If you are not contacted by an employer within this time frame and the employer has suggested you follow-up with him/her, PLEASE DO SO. Although some employers may not have immediate job opportunities for individuals with your skill set(s), DON’T GET DISCOURAGED! Many employers scan your resume into their resume database systems and refer to it for future employment opportunities.

When Speaking with Employers Be professional and courteous at all times. Avoid distracting mannerisms (flipping hair, rolling eyes, distasteful facial expressions, etc.) Posture and attitude are observed by employers. Be assertive (not aggressive) with employers. Greet each employer with a firm handshake and good eye contact. Show energy and enthusiasm! Remember: first impressions are lasting ones! Introduce yourself and share with the employer your 30 second commercial. Be engaging and answer questions truthfully and as concisely as possible. Point out highlights on your resume (when appropriate) as the employer reviews it. Promote yourself! Ask questions to show your interest in the employer’s company. Let your personality shine through!

Close the Conversation Close the conversation by asking: What are next steps in the recruitment process? Is there any additional information that you can provide to assist in the employer’s assessment of you? Would it be appropriate to follow-up with the employer in two weeks? May I have a business card so that I may follow-up? Thank the employer for his/her time. Tell him/her that you look forward to speaking with him/her soon!

After the Fair Be sure you have a business card or contact information from each employer that you spoke with at the fair. Take a few moments after speaking with employers to jot down notes about your conversation. Follow-up with a cover letter or email that shows employers you are serious, professional and enthusiastic about the position. Mention the name of the fair where you met. Reiterate your strengths and interest in the company. Refer to the notes you took about your conversation. Ask for an interview. Thank the employer for their time.