DO’S
- Dress Professionally. Job fairs require the same attention to attire as an interview. Wear comfortable, but professional, shoes.
- Greet the person with a firm handshake and establish eye contact.
- Prepare a “30-second commercial.” Create a script that introduces yourself, states your knowledge of and interest in the organization, and relates your background to the position(s) in which you are interested. Demonstrate that you have some career focus.
- Develop informed questions. Consider starting with “What are the key skills that help a person to succeed in this type of job?” or “How would you describe an ideal candidate?”
- Be independent. Try not to move in groups with your friends. Learn how to shine at these events on your own.
- Have an open mind. Determine your top 3 to 5 employers in advance of the fair, but talk with others in order to discover their potential for helping you begin your career.
- Bring multiple copies of your resume. Keep your materials and notes organized in a portfolio, attaché case, or briefcase.
- Inquire about obtaining further information about the company. Ask about other potential contacts or leads you might pursue.
- “Close the deal!” Take the initiative and ask what your next step is. Ask the recruiter for his or her business card so you can follow up with e-mail or a thank-you letter.
- Remember that first impressions go a long way. If the recruiter gets the impression that you are a qualified candidate, that first impression can be enough to get you an initial interview.
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DON’Ts
- Don’t be afraid of the recruiter. Approach him or her with confidence. They attend job fairs in order to meet qualified candidates. Many of them have not been out of school more than a few years; you will likely meet some College of Business Alumni!
- Don’t just leave your resume on the table and walk off. Chat first. Take time to learn about their organization and available opportunities. Market yourself and determine if there is some mutual interest.
- Don’t jump into a conversation that the recruiter is having with another student; be polite and patient; use the time to read over company information.
- Don’t overstate your abilities. You could end up pursuing a job that you are not equipped to do. Do present yourself and your abilities convincingly.
- Don’t monopolize the recruiter’s time. Sell yourself, make a good impression and give the next student the opportunity to do the same.
- Don’t ask too many questions about salary, benefits and perks, or vacation days. This gives the recruiter the wrong impression.
- Don’t pretend that you are interested when you are not. If you find out the position or organization does not interest you, thank the recruiter and move on. You may be preventing a student who is really interested from obtaining an interview.
- Don’t complain about former jobs, bosses, or classes! You want to leave a positive impression about you and your work attitudes.
- Avoid negative words like “can’t” or “won’t.”
- Don’t assume that the recruiter can’t be of help even though there are no current openings.
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