How to Make the Job Fair Work for You

Before the Job Fair

What is a Job Fair?

A job fair is a popular recruiting method used by employers. It can take place in many venues, such as college campuses and convention centers. Some even take place in cyberspace. They can be focused on a specific area of interest or a variety of industries, types of applicants or positions. Typically, they involve employers hosting tables or booths where they will:

•  Provide information and literature about the organization and employment opportunities.

•  Collect applicant's resumes (About 50% of employers will not collect resumes and will refer applicants to their web sites where the resumes may be uploaded)

•  Answer applicants' questions.

•  Provide applicants with important follow-up contact information.

•  Hand out applications and, if time allows, possibly conduct brief employment interviews.

Why attend a Job Fair?

Job Fairs are excellent places to find employment because:

•  Employers are there searching for candidates to interview and hire.

•  You can network, gain knowledge about companies and positions you are interested in.

•  You get the opportunity to practice your presentation skills.

•  Employers attending will be recruiting for full-time, part-time, temporary or summer positions as well as internships or co-op employment.

What to expect at a Job Fair?

Each job fair can vary but you can typically expect the following:

•  Large crowds of applicants and long lines.

•  Receiving a Job Fair Guide listing the employers attending the event as well as the positions they are recruiting for. The guide may include a floor plan or employers may lay out the booths/tables in alphabetical order.

•  Meeting with each recruiter for 1- 2 minutes. Employers may spend more time as the situation allows, but most attempt to do quick assessments of applicants to determine those they wish to follow-up with after the event.

•  On the spot interviews for applicants.

•  Being asked to apply on the company web site.

•  Employers that are recruiting for current openings or for future anticipated openings.

•  There may be one or several representatives from the company. Representatives will mainly be from Human Resources, but will also come from line positions within the organization.

How to prepare for a Job Fair?

•  Have a great resume, since it markets your background and qualifications. It is the 1 st step to getting an interview therefore it should look and sound professional. Make your resume concise and to the point (1 page long). Prepare a different resume if you have different career objectives. Bring at least 30 copies printed on resume paper (found at any office supply store) and have it reviewed by a Magner Center counselor before you start handing it out.

•  Dress for Success - Always wear a business suit, it is often required for admission to job fairs. First impressions will affect whether you are given an interview. How you are dressed and groomed will indicate to the employer how much you care about yourself and the job and your level of professionalism.

•  Research the employers prior to the fair - Get a list of the employers that will be attending. Identify the employers that are of interest to you and spend more time researching those of greatest interest. Have a basic understanding of what the organization does and if there is a fit between your skills and interests and the employer's needs.

•  Practice introducing yourself - Practice walking up to employers and greeting them with a firm handshake. Prepare and rehearse a 1 to 2 minute introduction which includes your name, career interests and education. Market your skills and experience that are most relevant to the employer's needs. Focus on what you could offer the company. For example:

"My name is Jane Smith. I am a senior majoring in Psychology and I am interested in human resources consulting. I want to utilize the experience that I gained in my past internship as a human resources Assistant."

•  Stay organized - Bring your briefcase, an expandable folder, or a canvas bag to keep materials organized. If possible, try not to bring a book bag since you want to convey a professional appearance to the employers that you will be meeting with.

At the Job Fair

•  Arrive early but be prepared to stay long enough to meet all employers that interest you.

•  Prioritize your time by first seeing your "top" employers and if time permits, explore opportunities with other companies.

•  Gather information on the companies prior to talking with a recruiter.

•  If there is a long line at a table, come back later to ensure you do not waste time waiting.

•  Be pleasant, polite, confident, and professional.

•  Give a firm handshake, hand them your resume and introduce yourself.

•  Ask appropriate questions of the recruiter (do not ask about salary, benefits, how much hours you will work etc). Jot down notes only after you have left the employer's booth.

•  If a recruiter does not have positions that interest you, ask who else you could contact.

•  Thank them for their time; ask for their business card and the best way to follow-up with them.

•  Network with your fellow job seekers by sharing information about job leads, companies, and their recruiting strategies and styles.

After the Job Fair

•  Follow-up: Mail a thank you letter to each representative with whom you spoke. This will help to remind them of you and affirm your interests in working for the organization.

•  Self-assessment : Reflect on your methodology, your execution, and your results. What might you have done more effectively? How might you change your approach for your next Job Fair?

Important Tips to Remember

Where to Get help?

The Magner Center for Career Development and Internships, located at 1303 James Hall, can help you prepare for the job fair. Practice interviewing, get career advice or have your resume and cover letter reviewed by a counselor. Attend one of several workshops including How to Make a Job Fair Work for You, Dress for Success, Resume Writing, and Interview Skills.