The event is not a job store. Career Fairs are networking opportunities to become more acquainted with companies you may be interested in working for someday. Do not come to the fair with the attitude that you should receive a job only because you attended. A job search takes a great deal of work. There are often times jobs available from the employers attending the fair.
Bring lots of copies of your resume to give to employers. Many employers take resumes on spot. Some do not, however.
Do not be surprised if you are asked to submit your resume via the Internet. Many companies centralize their recruiting process by only accepting resumes via one means. The best way to get results from these types of companies is to utilize the knowledge of the representative - ask them what their company is looking for in an employee, ask them what they like about their job if they are in the same field as you, ask them what you should do to get noticed in the submitting process.
Do your homework - know the companies in which you are interested. Before the fair, you can browse the online list of employers attending the career event and link to their websites. If you spend a little time getting some background on an organization, then you can ask very focused and specific questions. This impresses representatives because it shows a genuine interest in them.
Dress appropriately. First impressions are important. While campus attire will get you in the door for fairs, you will probably be most comfortable if you at least dress in "business casual." Florida students tend to be too casual. Remember, while Florida businesses in general have a more relaxed atmosphere, often employers' recruiters are from a different area of the country. Dress up and show recruiters how serious you are about your future with their company!
Allow yourself adequate time. Come as early as possible. You may need to return between classes. Typically, fairs are less crowded in early hours and are busiest during the lunch hour and at the end. Fairs close promptly at publicized ending times to accommodate employers' travel arrangements.
Some employers even leave early. It is best to arrive in the beginning when everyone is energized and ready to go!
Get your bearings. When you arrive, take a few minutes to review the map and directory for the fair. You may feel more comfortable if you quickly locate and walk by the employers in whom you're most interested. This will confirm their location and alert you to any crowds or lines of other students waiting.
Visit many employers. While you will want to focus on the employers in which you are really interested, you may find that by networking with other employers at the fair, you open other opportunites.
Go it alone! Traveling in groups and with friends is not professional. Go solo and show employers that you want to give them full attention while they are visiting.
Prioritize the employers you're most interested in. If your schedule allows, you may find it easiest to start with the employers in which you're the least interested. That way, you will be the most confident when you approach the employers you're especially excited about. Remember - popular employers may have long lines.
Introduce yourself. Wear a smile, make direct eye-contact, and extend your hand. Say "hello" and give a firm handshake. Have your resume ready to give to the employer.
Be prepared to sell yourself in three sentences or less. Prepare your pitch ahead of time and be prepared to give it quickly. Some recruiters see hundreds of students in the few hours they are here. Make your pitch memorable by emphasizing what skills you have that would benefit their company.
Jot down notes to keep track of your interactions with each company. Be sure to take names of other managers names that are offered to you as an information source. Recruiters may not know your answer but often times they know someone who does or who can find out.
Ask the representative for his/her card, and then promptly send a thank-you note. Having the business card of the representative you have just spoken with serves three purposes. First, you have a direct contact with the organization, including the proper spelling of the representative's name, direct telephone line, etc. Second, a brief thank-you note acknowledges the help they gave you and the time they took to visit campus. Third, sending thank-you notes is a good professional habit.
Be courteous! In addition to representing yourself, you also represent your department and the University. All of the organizations at the fair are there because of their interest in hiring Florida Tech students. Some representatives are alumni. Demonstrate sensitivity to other students waiting to speak with employers by keeping your questions brief and offering to continue your conversation at a later time. Enjoy the fair and your interaction with the employers. Let your positive attitude show!
