MARKETING YOURSELF AT A CAREER FAIR

APPEARANCEWear a suit – or, at least

professional khakis, shirt/tie, jacket, and dress shoes

Think conservative and tasteful – black, grey, or other dark colors – nothing flashy!

APPEARANCEJewelry, Accessories: Nothing that dangles, clanks, or draws

attention to itself

Makeup: Subtle, professional; not flashy!

Body art: Cover the tats – lose the face metal (yes, even piercings). Ear rings okay if not too flashy.

Hygiene: Shower and put on antiperspirant prior to attending; Eliminate

body odor!Trim nails, hair combed/cut, clean-shaven/facial hair trimmed

APPEARANCEClick on the below YouTube video for

quick tips on how to dress for the job fair

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NvHY-drEBY

RESUMESPurchase resume paper – off-white color - don’t print resume on regular copy paper!

Print at least 20 copies (but maybe more!). Print them at least one day in advance

RESEARCHReview career fair web site – especially Employer Roster

Determine if fair is good match

Locate companies / organizations of interest - make a list and prioritize them on a scale of 3

RESEARCHResearch each organization and opportunity of interest. At a minimum, become familiar with the following:

Mission and ServicesPrimary client / customer / patient/etc.Primary objectives/qualifications of

positions they are recruiting for

RESEARCHWrite/type notes on each organization – on paper, on file/flash cards, etc.

Arrange notes/cards in priority order

PREPARE ELEVATOR SPEECH / ETC.

20 second to one minute introduction/summary about yourself

Will serve as an “icebreaker” or answer some broad questions that might be asked such as “Tell me about yourself?”

PREPARE ELEVATOR SPEECH / ETC.Elevator Speech Content: Greeting, with your name Your college, major, class year Your objective/reason you approached the

table Interest in using a skill; or, a previous

experience that will come in handy An indication that you already know

something about the organization/position End it with an insiteful question for them

AT THE FAIR Timely Arrival:

Arrive within the first half of the fair’s advertised time frame

Registration Table:Typically, there is a registration area which includes a map or list of organizations. Don’t forget to stop by!

AT THE FAIR Put away the cell phone prior to

entering exhibit area: No calls, or texting – save it for the lobby area!

Scope out the scene: Walk around the exhibit hall once before approaching tables – locate the organizations you’ve prepared for

AT THE FAIRStart your approach! Start with one

of the #2’s (interested) from your list – go to the #3’s (very interested) once you’re warmed up!

Firm handshake, smile, eye contact

AT THE TABLE (S)Resume: If they don’t ask for your

resume, offer to give it to them

However….

** Don’t be offended if they don’t take the resume; they might also tell you to apply online, in addition to (or instead of ) taking the resume

AT THE TABLE (S)Networking Card:

Offer them your networking card; be sure your LinkedIn url is on it, along with accurate contact information!

FOLLOW UP: THANK YOUWithin two business days after

fair:

Write thank you notes to all recruiters you visited - You will have their contact information because you asked for it!

FOLLOW UP: THANK YOUWithin two business days after

fair:

Three to five sentences Make it customized Recall something specific

about the conversation

FOLLOW UP: THANK YOUWithin two business days after fair:

3/31/16

Dear Mr. Hill: I enjoyed meeting you and learning more about W.B. Mason

at the Worcester Workforce Career Fair on Tuesday, 3/29. The Sales Associate position sounds like one where I can make a strong contribution with my proven communication and follow up skills. I was especially impressed by the two week training program you told me about. I will follow up with an official application soon. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,Maya Angelou

FOLLOW UP: APPLY!Within two business days of fair Make a timeline for yourself of

opportunities, deadlines, application procedures for each opportunity of interest

Start applying within one week for those that indicated immediate applications available

FOLLOW UP: APPLY!COVER LETTERS

Write cover letters for each position you apply for, in addition to your resume

Within the first paragraph in your letter, include a reminder that you met at the fair; or, referral with recruiter’s name

FOLLOW UP: APPLY!COVER LETTERS: SAMPLE FIRST PARAGRAPH Dear Ms. Moore:

I am writing to apply for the Marketing Assistant position at Umass Medical School. We met at the Colleges of Worcester Consortium Career Fair on March 29th, and discussed the position at length. My experience in sales, and initiative to take leadership position at Becker College, make me a perfect candidate for this position.

FOLLOW UP: PHONE CALLS Contact the recruiter 1.5 to two

weeks after submitting your application

Indicate that you submitted a resume on XYZ date, and are calling to ask when they expect to make interview decisions, or if there is anything else you can do for your candidacy

FOLLOW UP: PHONE CALLS Voice mail: Most likely,

you will leave a voice mail to accomplish this. It is highly likely you won’t get a call back. Don’t necessarily take this to mean bad news.

SolutionsByRachelle.wordpress.comBy day, Rachelle, working mother of two,

serves as an education advocate and career advisor for MassEdCO. By night, Rachelle provided career consulting and works to promote green energy. When Rachelle is not writing her blog, advising her students, or coaching her clients, she enjoys camping and going to the theater with her two children.