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Produced by Virginia Cox, Ph.D., West Virginia University Edited by Julie Levitt

Getting the MOST from Job Fairs!

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“A sense of purpose generates action and movement in the direction of dreams and goals. Set your sights on what you want in your career and then make it happen. Now, what are you waiting for?”

~~Joan C. Borgatti

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What is a Job Fair?

A job fair (or career fair) is typically a one-day event sponsored by schools and employers. The purpose is to provide opportunities for employers to meet with job seekers to explore job matches.

These fairs are offered in campus or community facilities.

Online job fairs are also available.

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Job Fairs: Big Benefits for YOU!

Explore opportunities for internships, co-ops, and jobs

Practice interview and job search communication skills

Distribute resumes to many prospective employers

Meet many recruiters from different organizations in one, convenient setting

Receive company information and business cards of contacts

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What to Expect Students/job seekers register

(find main table—you’ll be given a packet of information)

Recruiters are typically located at numbered tables; students/job seekers walk around to talk with recruiters

Recruiters differ in style. Some are talkative; others are quiet and businesslike; they vary in age—you will most likely encounter all!

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Before the Job Fair Target yourself to the job.

Identify how your skills, experiences, qualifications, and interests match jobs

Prioritize the list of employers that interest you. A list is typically available before hand.

Know why you want to work for an employer so you can explain it clearly. (Research employers beforehand.)

Possibly volunteer to help with the job fair (contact your Career Services Center) it is a good networking opportunity.

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Preparing for Job Fair

1. Prepare your resume.2. Prepare your self-commercial (30 to 60

seconds). Include your name, major, class status, how your skills would benefit the employer, your experience and other pertinent information.

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Preparing (Continued)

3. Practice presenting your commercial with friends and acquaintances.– Walk with confidence– Speak confidently, clearly, and slowly.– Develop a firm (but not gripping) handshake.– Be aware of facial expressions: smile, be

friendly and show interest.

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Preparing (Continued)

4. Take a portfolio, extra copies of your resume, and a list of references

5. Research companies on the Internet or in your Career Center

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Dress for Success

Men: dark suits/sports coat and nice slacks, polished shoes, dark socks, groomed hair, clean shave, clean hands, appropriate tie

Women: neutral or dark suit (knee length skirt), proper stockings, polished shoes, well groomed, not too much perfume, makeup or overdone hair

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Special Tips

Practice excellent oral hygiene

Remove all face jewelry, (one pair of earrings per ear), and keep all jewelry to a minimum–one ring per hand

Cover-up tattoos

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When You Arrive

1. Take your time: arrive early!

2. Check in, then target the areas on your floor plan to see who is there and where they are located.

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At the Job Fair

1. Manage time well.

2. Meet first with recruiters who are not at the top of your target for employment (practice with them before approaching your top targets).

3. Watch time, and save enough for your top targets.

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At the Job Fair (Continued)

4. Introduce yourself professionally.

5. Find out what opportunities exist for someone with your credentials and skills.

6. Ask what entry-level positions exist.

7. Smile! Be polite, and use good manners.

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Focus! Sell yourself through an

enthusiastic, energetic presentation.

Demonstrate confidence and competence through attire, posture, body language, and preparation.

Listen carefully.

Distribute your resume.

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Ask Questions of Recruiters

Well-prepared questions make a good impression:

Please tell me about your organization (if you haven’t researched it).

What majors and experiences are of most interest to you?

Can you please tell me about career opportunities, including internships, summer jobs, and full-time positions?

Do you provide any specialized training?

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Pick Up Cards & Literature

1. Always ask for business cards of recruiters representing your target employers.

2. After talking with them, write notes you want to remember on the back of the cards.

3. Collect all literature from your target employers to enhance your knowledge.

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Take Notes!

Take a notepad, and record important follow up, such as to:

• Send additional information to a recruiter or other contact• Calendar follow up meetings • Make follow-up phone calls• Other

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After the Job Fair: Thank-You Notes

1. Send thank-you notes to those you meet with; use their business cards for correct spellings, titles, etc.

2. Your thank you can be by e-mail, or snail mail and can be hand written (if clear) or word processed.

3. Send the thank you within 24-48 hours after the job fair.

4. Refer to the location and date of the job fair.

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How to Follow Up

If a recruiter asks you to follow up, do so, immediately, and send all documents you were asked to provide.

Mention your discussions at the job fair, your qualifications, and your interest in the organization.

If you have additional information for the employer, be sure to mention it in the follow up communication.

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Learn From the Experience

1. Did you have a positive or negative experience?

2. What can you learn from negative experiences?

3. Did the preliminary research on employers help you?

4. Were you asked difficult questions for which you were not prepared? If so, write them down, and prepare more thoroughly for the next fair.

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Learn From the Experience (Continued)

5. Were you able to articulate your plans or your career goals clearly?

6. Were your documents prepared well?7. Were you dressed professionally? 8. How was your self-presentation (i.e.,

commercial) received?9. Have you followed up on all prospects?10. What would you change for future career and

job fairs?

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What Else Can You Do?

1. Attend career and job fairs at other locations

2. Use keywords to search for online job fairs, such as:– Nonprofit job and career fairs– Online job fair– Job and career fairs, (name your

career interest)3. Bookmark web sites that are most

useful for your career targets

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“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my own ship.” ~L.M. Alcott

In conclusion—a thought for you: