Job Fair Tips
Many organizations participate in job fairs because they are an economical way to meet many potential employees in a short amount of time. Remember these tips about attending a job fair.
- Find out as much as you can about the job fair before the day of the event to determine if it is worth your while to attend. Ask the following questions:
- What employers will be there and what type of positions do they have available?
- Is there a registration fee to attend the fair?
- What is the format for the day? (scheduled interviews, open fair, etc.)
- Do you have to be pre-registered to attend?
- What time does the event begin and end?
- Is it an open or closed job fair?
Open - anyone can attend
Closed - only students of schools sponsoring the event are invited to attend - Pick up a copy of the CDC's Job Search and Interview Handbook and schedule a mock interview to be as prepared as possible to market yourself during a job fair.
- Rehearse a 1-2 minute introduction of yourself that you can say when you greet each employer. Include your major, experience and career goals.
- Bring plenty of copies of your resume on professional resume paper. A cover letter is not necessary when attending a job fair.
- Dress professionally.
- Wear comfortable (but professional) shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking and standing.
- When you arrive at the fair, take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the layout and plan a strategy.
- Greet each employer with a smile and a firm handshake.
- Bring food with you that can be left in the car. Many job fairs are held in places where food may not be available.
- Keep your energy and enthusiasm up the entire day. The last employer you meet may have the job you most want.
- Ask for a business card and if not available, get the name of the person you spoke with from each organization.
- Make notes after talking with each employer. You will collect a lot of information and need to keep it all organized.
- Follow up after the job fair with each employer you are still interested in by sending a cover letter and resume.