1. Making the most of the career fair

2. Overview Career Fair Information Why Attend? What to Expect
Build a Brand for Yourself
Strategy
Paper Trail
First Impressions
Follow Up

3. Career Fairs: Why Attend?

4. Career Fairs: what to expect
Employer Reps
Information on available positions
Line for some employers
Lots of noise!

5. Career Fairs: Preparation
What do you want to obtain?
Review list of participating employers
Preliminary Research
Develop a list of questions
Create career fair navigation plan
Dress to Impress
Create and perfect elevator speech

6. Career Fair strategy: elevator speech
How… Do you want to serve? (Job Function)
What… Is the position title you’re seeking?
Who… Do you want to work for / serve?
Where…Do you want to be? (Organization or physical location)
Why… Does this interest you?

7. Career Fair Strategy: Paper Trail
Get Your Resume Ready (Cover Letters too)
Resume Review at the Career Center
Create employer – targeted resumes
Carry 5 – 10 general resumes
Use professional portfolio/padfolio – black

8. Career Fair Strategy: First Impressions
Morning of Career Fair
Shower, shave, brush hair, look dapper / dashing
No strong perfume or cologne
Eat Breakfast
Print Resumes / Cover Letters
Review List of Employers
Practice Elevator Speech
Upon Arrival (Arrive Early if Possible)
Pick up event material, locate employers
Scan the room – walk through
Approach targeted employers
Be yourself
Smile!

9. First Impressions Approach Each Employer With Confidence Avoid:
Smiles, hand shakes, eye contact
30 Second Elevator Speech
Ask Questions
Leave Resume(s)
Focus on what you can bring to the company
Take notes after conversation
Talk to all employers
Avoid:
Saying “I’ll take anything” or “I don’t know”
Asking about salary

10. Career Fair Strategy: Follow Up
During the Career Fair
Keep track of who you met with and what you talked about
Get contact information when possible
Ex: Business Cards
After the Fair
Within 24 – 48 hours, send recruiter an
Remind them that you met them at the UW Bothell Career Fair
Express interest in their opportunities and mention next steps (I am submitting my application through your career portal; I look forward to speaking with you further, etc.)
Thank them for their time!

11. Questions?
Conclusion…