1. HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF
YOUR CAREER FAIR
EXPERIENCE

2. Table of Contents
 Before the Job Fair
 The Companies
 The Questions
 30-second Introduction (general)
 At the Job Fair
 Dress for Success
 What to Bring
 Do’s and Don’ts
 Communication
 30-second Introduction (detailed)
 After the Job Fair
 Stay Organized and Connected
 Questions?

3. BEFORE THE JOB FAIR

4. The Companies
 Find out which companies will be at the fair
 Check the calendar on BU CareerLink
 Choose the ones you most want to target
 Research
 Positions they are recruiting
 Company’s organizations
 Fields and industries company is involved in

5. The Questions
 Prepare questions to ask recruiters
 More than basic research on the company
 Demonstrate your interest in and knowledge of the
company
 Sample topics
 Opportunities for advancement within the company
 Skills necessary for specific job/internships
 Procedures for applying to current and future job
openings

6. 30-second Introduction
 Prepare a 30-second story
 Quick overview of your qualification and skills
 Mention your name, school, degree, and
concentration
 Determine the role of the contact with whom
you are speaking
 Relevant to your career interests
 Not relevant to your career interests

7. AT THE JOB FAIR

8. Dress for Success
 Dress professionally
 Business formal, interview attire
 See Dress for Success for more details

9. What to Bring
 Bring plenty of copies of your resumé
 Use high-quality paper
 Bring a portfolio with a notepad to:
 Carry your resumés
 Jot down notes
 Store any company information you pick up

10. Do’s and Don’ts
 Don’t
 Just drop your resumé
 Learn more about what the company is looking for
 If you are not interested in their offer, ask about other job or
internship positions that may be available
 Monopolize a recruiter’s time
 You can learn a lot by hearing other people’s questions and the
recruiter’s responses
 Do
 Ask each recruiter about the best way to follow up
 Get business cards so you can do so
 Write any important notes on the back of his/her business
card after meeting with each recruiter

11. Communication
 Be direct, visible, assertive, and ready to
summarize your skills in a noisy environment
 Avoid using filter words such as “um”, “like”, “you know”
 Listen carefully to what the recruiter has to say
before responding
 Keep in mind, although the atmosphere may be
casual, recruiters will already be evaluating you
 Show confidence in your voice and body
language

12. 30-second Introduction
 If the recruiter is the right contact given your
interests:
 Give a brief 30-second synopsis of your background
and credentials, including:
 Career-related experience you have had
 Unique skills they require you have
 Why you would be a good fit for the position and company
 Your knowledge of the company needs and corporate culture
 Practice your introduction so your story flows
smoothly
 Should not sound memorized

13. 30-second Introduction
 If the recruiter is not the right contact given
your career interests:
 Briefly explain what opportunities you are seeking
 Ask who else within the company you should contact
 Confirm best way to reach that individual
 Ask about the company in general with relevant
questions
 Get a business card from the representative in case you
can’t reach the referred person
 Mention that you met this representative when you speak to the
appropriate recruiter

14. AFTER THE JOB FAIR

15. Stay Organized and Connected
 Write thank-you letters to all employers with
whom you spoke
 Especially those you most want to pursue
 Enter all information into your contact
spreadsheet or database
 Develop a networking system to keep track of names
and titles, contact dates, important comments, and
planned actions

16. Questions?
 To find out more information and resources:
 Continue browsing the Virtual Career Center
 Visit the Feld Career Center and consult with one of
our counselors!
 Our office is located on the first floor, left of the stairs in the far
left corner.
 Email us at: careers@bu.edu
 Office Hours
 Monday - Friday: 9AM - 5PM