1. HOW TO WORK A CAREER FAIR
First Ave. Career Fair 3/2/2012
2. TODAY’S AGENDA:
Preparing to get the most from the career fair
Before, During, and After
What to expect when you’re there
How to follow up after the event
Questions you have
3. BEFORE THE FAIR
Plan
Identify 5 -10 companies you want to speak with
Research
The companies you are interested in and others
attending
Rehearse
Your introduction by yourself, to your friends, and to
strangers if possible
4. BEFORE CONTINUED . . .
Get a list of employers from event organizers
Research employers using:
Their websites: About Us, History, Mission
Portland Business Journal
Google
Begin to develop your intro speech, know who you
are and what you’re looking for.
5. WHAT TO BRING
A simple portfolio
Plenty of “A Game”
resumes
No backpacks
6. WHAT TO WEAR
Employers evaluate you on
appearance; show that you
are a professional
Appropriate professional
attire
Match your dress to event
If you don’t have a suit –
Get one but . . .
Nice pants and a dress shirt
or blouse with dress shoes
will work at a minimum.
8. INTRODUCTIONS ARE IMPORTANT
Get good at:
Making eye contact
Smiling
Offering a firm
handshake
Saying your name
Introductions are
critical and now it’s
your turn.
9.
10. DURING THE FAIR
Begin to work your plan
Warm up with employers you weren’t planning on
talking with
When you’re ready, take a deep breath and
approach your top choices
Talk with the employers about your interests and
ask questions
11. QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERS
What are the traits and skills of people who are the
most successful in the “role I’m interested in”?
Why did you come to work here? What keeps you
here?
What things has your company accomplished of
which you are especially proud?
What is your hiring time line for this internship / job?
12. QUESTIONS TO NEVER ASK EMPLOYERS
What does your company do?
What can your company do for me?
How many hours a day do you work?
Any question about salary, vacation time, or
benefits.
Any personal question.
Wanna get some coffee, sometime?
13. BEFORE LEAVING AN EMPLOYER
Get the recruiter's
business card at the
close of your meeting
Ask how and when you
should follow up.
Get more company
information
Thank recruiter for
his/her time
14. BEFORE MOVING ON
Make notes about the recruiter, employer, and
job
These notes will be important later when you write
your follow-up letters after the job fair
Reflect
on how the interaction went, what you
learned, what you wish you would have said
Mentally rehearse it for the next interaction and move
to the next employer on your list
15. AFTER THE FAIR
FOLLOW UP!
Organize all the material you received
WRITE THANK YOU LETTERS !!!! – Recruiters are
expecting them!
Send within 24 Hours
Your letter should again demonstrate how you would be a "good
fit"
You know what they're looking for
If you talked to more than one person at one booth, send each
recruiter you talked to a separate thank you
Can you send Thank-You e-mails?
E-mails are best used if the hiring time line is quick and you need
immediate response
It is recommended that you send hard copy follow up as well