17吃瓜

Prepare for a Career Fair

Before The Career Fair

Don’t “walk” into a career fair with zero preparation. These are the things you’ll want to do ahead of time to set yourself up for success.

• Review Your Resume

  • You want to bring an updated copy of your resume to the fair to give to employers. Be sure it has accurate info and if you need help, reach out to the to have them take a look!

• Research Participating Organizations

  • Take some time to review the organizations attending the career fair. You’ll want to get an idea of some of the companies you’d like to meet with. You also don’t want to walk in unprepared, learn about the companies and think of questions you’ll want to ask.

• Practice Your Pitch

  • How will you introduce yourself? Why are you interested in the company? What types of positions are you seeking? How is your previous work experience relevant? What do you plan on asking the representatives at the career fair?

At The Career Fair

Once you arrive, how can you stand out from the crowd at a career fair? Here are a few pieces of key advice.

• Wear A Professional Outfit

  • You can expect to interact with employers at a career fair face to face. Make the most out of this opportunity to make a connection by looking professional and presentable.

• Be Ready To Put Yourself Out There

  • At a career fair, it’s all the more important to exert yourself to make connections. Be confident and bring a positive attitude!

• Use Clear, Professional Business Communication

  • To make a great first impression, you’ll want to demonstrate articulate communication. Your professional communication needs to be on its A-game.
  • You’ll want to present yourself as a confident and competent job seeker. One way that employers pick up on this is through your body language.
  • Hold eye contact with the employers you're interacting with. Shake their hand after your interaction.

• Ask For The Next Steps And Contact Information

  • When talking to recruiters at the career fair, don’t hesitate to be forward and offer to send a copy of your resume (or leave them with a printed copy). You can also ask about the next steps in the process whether that means getting in touch with human resources, filling out a job application or sitting down for a formal interview.
  • Before parting ways with a recruiter, be sure to take down their contact information.
  • Create a list of questions you would like to ask. Avoid asking, "What does your company do?" This indicates you have not taken the time to learn about their company.
  • Some sample questions include:
  • Can you tell me more about the position and type of person you are seeking?
  • What is unique about your organization?
  • What are the skills and attributes you value most in your employees?
  • Do you have advice for someone wanting to enter the field?
  • What type of educational background do you look for in your employees?
  • What do you enjoy most about working for the company?
  • May I contact you with further questions?

• Develop And Rehearse Your "Elevator Pitch"

  • This is a 30- to 60-second introduction including your name, job of interest, why you want to work for the company and why you are qualified.
  • Elevator Speech: Job Search: I worksheet

What to Bring:

• Pen and paper for notes
• Prepared questions
• Resume to upload
• Great attitude!

Lisa Baldyga, Employment Readiness Specialist can help you with your resume, practice your elevator pitch, or answer any questions at (231) 995-2139 or lbaldyga@nmc.edu, or .