DIVERSITY CAREER FAIRS
Career Preparation
Benefits To Looking Professional
Part of staying competitive is portraying an image that co-workers and clients respect.
Always dress for the job you want, not the one you have.
You need to dress professionally for every job fair or interview even if the company has a casual dress policy.
Purpose Of A Career Fair
Career Fairs are not interviews. They are a networking opportunity for you to secure an interview.
Career Education - attending job fairs can assist you in developing a career path and learning more about the industry in which you plan to work.
Before The Career Fair
Bring a minimum of 25-30 copies of your resume to give to recruiters.
Use a briefcase or portfolio to carry your resumes in.
Develop a resume that can be read in less than 1 minute. Preferably one page.
Dress appropriately! Wear comfortable shoes. Dress as you would for an interview.
Obtain a list beforehand of companies that will be attending and conduct research on them. Check out their webpages!
Be prepared to describe the job opportunities you're looking for and the skills/experiences that you have to offer.
At The Career Fair
Arrive on time.
Identify 3-5 companies that interest you and make a secondary list of employers.
When meeting a recruiter, be direct. Introduce yourself with a smile and a firm handshake.
Your goal is to get an interview. Let them know that you're interested.
If they don't ask for it, leave your resume with the employer before leaving the booth.
Always get a business card from the employer.
Don't forget to network with the other participants.
Handling Dialogue
You will have a very limited time with employers and will need to make a good impression and gain valuable information quickly. Carefully prepared questions can help you to learn about the company and discuss your skills.
Example - "What skills and characteristics are you looking for in a staff accountant?"
Once the employer answers the question, follow up by using that information to sell yourself.
"As you can see from my experience, I have..."
Have a list of 3-4 questions that you can ask every employer.
After The Career Fair
Follow up with a thank-you letter.
If the recruiter has indicated that they would like to interview you, ask them when you should expect to hear from them. If you don't hear from them by the time they specified, you should contact the recruiter.
Other Tips
Depending on the size of the event, allow at least 1-2 hours for circulating through the room.
Be flexible! If the next company on your list has a long line, go to another one and come back later.
It is rare for someone to be offered a job on the spot. Understand that the employer will follow up with you if he/she is interested. It's very important that you follow up with the employer.
Part of staying competitive is portraying an image that co-workers and clients respect. Always dress for the job you want, not the one you have. You need to dress professionally for every job fair or interview even if the company has a casual dress policy.Purpose Of A Career Fair
Career Fairs are not interviews. They are a networking opportunity for you to secure an interview. Career Education - attending job fairs can assist you in developing a career path and learning more about the industry in which you plan to work.Before The Career Fair
Bring a minimum of 25-30 copies of your resume to give to recruiters. Use a briefcase or portfolio to carry your resumes in. Develop a resume that can be read in less than 1 minute. Preferably one page. Dress appropriately! Wear comfortable shoes. Dress as you would for an interview. Obtain a list beforehand of companies that will be attending and conduct research on them. Check out their webpages! Be prepared to describe the job opportunities you're looking for and the skills/experiences that you have to offer.At The Career Fair
Arrive on time. Identify 3-5 companies that interest you and make a secondary list of employers. When meeting a recruiter, be direct. Introduce yourself with a smile and a firm handshake. Your goal is to get an interview. Let them know that you're interested. If they don't ask for it, leave your resume with the employer before leaving the booth. Always get a business card from the employer. Don't forget to network with the other participants.Handling Dialogue
You will have a very limited time with employers and will need to make a good impression and gain valuable information quickly. Carefully prepared questions can help you to learn about the company and discuss your skills. Example - "What skills and characteristics are you looking for in a staff accountant?"Once the employer answers the question, follow up by using that information to sell yourself."As you can see from my experience, I have..." Have a list of 3-4 questions that you can ask every employer.After The Career Fair
Follow up with a thank-you letter. If the recruiter has indicated that they would like to interview you, ask them when you should expect to hear from them. If you don't hear from them by the time they specified, you should contact the recruiter.Other Tips
Depending on the size of the event, allow at least 1-2 hours for circulating through the room. Be flexible! If the next company on your list has a long line, go to another one and come back later. It is rare for someone to be offered a job on the spot. Understand that the employer will follow up with you if he/she is interested. It's very important that you follow up with the employer.