printer friendly How to prepare for a Job Fair?
· Have a great resume, since it markets your background and qualifications. It is the 1st 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 impact 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 attending 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 that 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 them 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
|
ü Be well prepared and come with an agenda ü Dress for success by wearing a business suit ü Maintain a positive attitude and be confident ü Bring plenty of copies of your resume printed on resume paper ü Have a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Remember it’s your 1st impression. ü Be organized ü Pick up company literature ü Ask for a business card so you can follow up ü Allow yourself sufficient time to meet with all the employers of interest to you. |
x Don’t expect to be offered a job at the fair x Don’t be afraid of the recruiters– approach them with confidence. x Don’t just drop your resume and walk away, take time to market yourself x Don’t interrupt, patiently wait your turn x Don’t lie about your abilities and skills x Don’t cruise the booths with your friends x Don’t monopolize the employer x Don’t ask about salary and benefits x Don’t complain about jobs, bosses, or classes x Avoid negative words, like “can’t” or “won’t” |
Where to Get help?
The Magner Center for Career Development and Internships, located at 1303 James, 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, or the One Shot workshop that covers Resume Writing, Interviewing and Job Search Skills.
Brooklyn College Fall 2011 Job/Internship Fair Employer list