If you're attending a careers fair, there are some things you can do to ensure your success. These tips will help you stand out at any information session, booth, or employer-student chat. Make a good first impression by dressing appropriately and avoiding crowds.
Dress professionally
If you are attending a careers fair, it is important to dress professionally. For men, this means wearing a suit (or sport coat) with a formal shirt. For women, a nice blouse or sweater will be appropriate. Both items must be cleaned and pressed. A very small amount is fine.
Before attending the careers fair, you should take some time to research the company. Find out what their workplace attire is like and learn about their company. You may also receive a few giveaways and flyers from the organization, so make sure to have a place to place them. Because you will be interviewing many people, it is important to look professional.
Prepare a 30-second pitch
A careers fair allows you to meet with recruiters from companies looking for employees. Prepare your elevator pitch ahead of time, and bring along your resume. A list of questions that you would like to ask the recruiter is also possible. This will help you feel more confident and help you prepare for any questions they might have.
An elevator pitch should contain two to three key points that highlight your professional skills, experience, and goals. It should be specific to the role and company it is being used for.
Be courteous
A careers fair can be overwhelming. Make sure you are polite and friendly when approaching employers. It also helps to prepare for the day by researching the company you are interviewing with. You will be able to create a more engaging resume by doing research and leave a lasting impression on potential employers. It's okay to be polite to other people and to keep eye contact. You can wave your hand or nod your head if you are unable to shake hands with someone.
If you are interviewing with an employer, be prepared for a short introduction before the interview. Always have your resume or CV ready and prepared to talk about your interests, academic experience, and extracurricular skills. You should be polite with the employer after the interview. Ask questions and keep them brief.
Avoid crowds
Although career fairs can be stressful, there are ways you can avoid them. Avoid crowds at the fair. It is important to wear lightweight and comfortable clothing. Don't wear a heavy coat and don't forget to bring comfortable shoes for walking. Keep hydrated by bringing water. Second, remember to bring snacks and small beverages with you. These snacks can give you energy and can also help you avoid becoming dehydrated or hungry.
Next, it's important to choose your device wisely. It's best to use a laptop or desktop instead of a propped-up tablet. If you're attending a virtual career fair, wear headphones to protect your hearing. Do not forget to make eye contact and smile at recruiters. They'll remember you when a job opening comes up.
Introduce yourself
It's important that you introduce yourself at a career fair. This is your first opportunity to make a positive impression. Be prepared with your elevator pitch and other academic and extracurricular accomplishments, as well as career interests. After you have introduced yourself, be sure to thank them for their time.
You should bring multiple copies of your resume as well as a portfolio containing your best work. Dress professionally but casually. Avoid looking down at your phone and sipping coffee while you walk. Introduce yourself to recruiters by mentioning your previous work experience and emphasize why they should hire you.