|
|
|
Information about
professional opportunities and career options is provided at career and
job fairs by employers who attend these events to meet students and recruit
employees. How you participate in a career fair depends upon your current
career needs and goals. As a student or alumnus attending a career fair,
you may be actively job seeking, gathering career information or developing
your network of career contacts. Ask specific questions and be prepared
to answer those of employers.
What to Learn From Employers
- Employment trends.
- Skills necessary
for different careers/jobs.
- Current/future
positions.
- Salary, benefits,
training, and other information about the company.
- Whom to contact
for follow-up discussions
What Employers May Want
to Learn About You
- Specific career/job
objectives.
- Individual strengths
and weaknesses.
- Contributions you
will make to the organization.
Make the Most of Your
Career Fair Experience
- Study the advance
list of employers and highlight those you are most interested in.
- Bring plenty of
copies of your resume.
- Have some questions
prepared in advance--about the organization, career options, advice
for career preparation, internships, etc.
- Don’t be shy
about approaching company representatives. They want to talk to
you. Introduce yourself in a confident, positive manner; smile,
project enthusiasm and offer a firm handshake.
- Take a notebook
and keep track of information you want to remember. Collect business
cards and company literature.
- If you are or will
be seeking employment or internship opportunities over the next year,
be sure to have high quality copies of your resume ready to give to
any representatives who may be interested in you.
- Speak to as many
employers as possible. First, try to visit with those you have
targeted. Then talk to others as time permits. Remember,
you are there to learn.
- Prepare a brief
“one-minute commercial” about yourself, your qualifications
and career goals. This is a good way to introduce yourself and
get the conversation started. Be sure to practice beforehand!
- Be prepared to
answer questions about yourself. Even though it is rare for actual
interviews to be conducted during these events, you want to put your
best foot forward and make an impression that will be remembered.
- Be aware of time
demands of employers. Do not monopolize their time. Ask specific questions
and offer to follow-up after the fair.
|
